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Five Years of ILO Convention Against Violence and Harassment at Work 

Iedereen heeft recht op een veilige werkplek

A safe working environment is a fundamental right and crucial for productivity, innovation, and prosperity. However, violence and harassment, particularly gender-based, remain pervasive issues affecting many workers globally. Addressing these issues is essential for improving women's positions in the labour market.

According to research of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), over 23% of workers worldwide have experienced violence and harassment at work, including physical, psychological, or sexual forms. Young people, especially young women, are at higher risk, with only half of the victims reporting their experiences.

ILO Convention 190: A Landmark Achievement

 

On 21 June 2019, the ILO adopted Convention 190, marking a historic step towards combating workplace violence and harassment. This Convention is the first global standard dedicated to ensuring a safe working environment, representing a significant tool for governments, employers, and workers worldwide.Volgens onderzoek van de ILO heeft meer dan 23 procent van de werkenden wereldwijd te maken gehad met geweld en pesterijen op het werk, zowel fysiek, psychologisch als seksueel. Jongeren, en met name jonge vrouwen, lopen een verhoogd risico. Slechts de helft van de slachtoffers deelt hun ervaringen met anderen, vaak pas na meerdere incidenten.

Key Features of ILO Convention 190

 

  • Global Standard: The first of its kind to guarantee a violence-free working environment.
  • Minimum Standards: Sets baseline protections and guidelines.
  • Comprehensive Roadmap: Provides a framework for social dialogue between trade unions and employers.

Progress and Challenges: Five Years On

 

Despite increasing ratifications, only 44 countries have ratified Convention 190 so far. The European Union urges its Member States to adopt the Convention, with the Netherlands currently in the ratification process. Globally, trade unions are advocating for the careful and swift implementation of the Convention.

 

Understanding Ratification

 

Ratification is the formal acceptance of a Convention by a State, requiring extensive preparation and legal adjustments. CNV International collaborates with partner organizations to support this process and elevate workplace violence prevention on national agendas.

 

Active Role of Trade Unionsx

Trade unions worldwide play a vital role in reducing workplace violence, guided by ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206. They negotiate policies in collective agreements leading to significant improvements.

CNV International is active in 19 countries, with El Salvador, Peru, and South Africa already ratifying the Convention. Colombia is expected to follow soon, thanks to CNV International's support, including the establishment of a tripartite agreement.

CNV International's Support Initiatives

 

  • Safe Factories: In Indonesia, unions initiated Gender-based Violence Free Factories agreements.
     
  • Collective Agreements: Increasingly include provisions for workplace confidents.
     
  • Market Information: In Côte d'Ivoire, unions educate workers about the Convention and national laws, encouraging reporting.
     
  • Helplines: In Benin and Niger, unions have set up toll-free numbers for support, offering mediation, legal, and psychological assistance.

 

 

The road to worldwide implementation

Continued collaboration is essential for a safe working environment for all. 

Together, we must continue to work towards a safe working environment for all. Convention 190 provides an important basis, but the road to full implementation requires ongoing commitment and attention

Publication date 19 06 2024