E/CN.4/2004/76 page 5 representatives of multilateral organizations. The Special Rapporteur was able to take stock of the bodies which coordinate migration in each of these countries, existing legislation, and human rights problems and achievements. The Central American consultations focused on preventing illicit trafficking in persons and migrants. 7. From 9 to 13 November 2003, the Special Rapporteur travelled to New York to present her report to the Third Committee of the General Assembly and hold consultations with Member States, the International Organization for Migration (OIM), the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and non-governmental organizations. From 17 to 22 November 2003, the Special Rapporteur took part in the Fifth World Congress for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees. During the Congress, she spoke about the current migration situation around the world, stressing the challenges for the protection of the human rights of migrants as organized crime becomes global and transnational. From 23 to 25 November 2003, the Special Rapporteur attended the Lisbon Forum on “Migrations and Human Rights: North-South Dialogue”, organized by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe. There she laid stress on the current situation of the sub-Saharan population in the countries of Europe and North Africa. II. THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF MIGRANT DOMESTIC WORKERS 8. On 6 June 2003, the Special Rapporteur requested information on the situation of migrants employed as domestic workers (hereinafter migrant domestic workers, the term including persons of both sexes) by means of a questionnaire distributed to all permanent missions to the United Nations in Geneva, NGOs, United Nations and other pertinent agencies and programmes, and international experts in this area of work. 9. The questionnaire comprised 10 questions addressed both to migrants’ countries of origin and to receiving countries. The questions were grouped in three main areas: registration of migrant domestic workers, both nationals and those working abroad as immigrants; legislation concerning domestic work; and legislative, administrative and political measures for the protection of these workers. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank all Governments, organizations, experts and private individuals who sent written replies to the questionnaire.1 10. The following paragraphs discuss the situation of migrant domestic workers in the context of State legislation and practices and in the light of international human rights standards, with a view to recommendations for more efficient protection of their rights. The discussion is based on information given in replies to the questionnaire, information received from various sources, and practices personally observed by the Special Rapporteur. A. Definition and scope 11. The Special Rapporteur considers it crucial to be clear that domestic work has become an activity necessary to the development process. Many men and women employed as domestic workers in a decent and healthy environment where their rights are respected feel satisfied with the work they do. The Special Rapporteur warns against viewing domestic service as a source of abuse; it is lawful employment which should bring with it appropriate legal protection. In compliance with her mandate, she has focused in this report on describing the innumerable