lawrence jeff johnson is director of the international labor organization office from the philippines. he joins us live from manila. is that a good start or is that how difficult it would be to make this treaty meaningful? >> [ no audio ] >> can you hear me? >> yes, i can. >> i was wondering if only countries ratified this treaty. is that a good start? or is that how many they will need to make the this treaty meaningful? >> it's only june of last year that we sthau treaty come in to force. like many treaties, the process takes time. i think it's a good sign that we have eight signed up to it. philippine, paraguay, we also have germany. i think it's off to a good start an shows the importance. >>> all have you steen get those countries who have not signed up and get their attention to signing up to this to change their mind? >> i don't hit the's a question of getting countrys to change their mind. are looking at this new convention and seeing the importance of it. they are looking at the relationship though international laws. there's 53 million people consider to be domestic workers.