Kuwait- ILC adopts convention to combat harassment, violence at work

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) GENEVA, June 21 (KUNA) -- The International Labour Conference (ILC) on Friday adopted a convention to fight harassment and violence during work, and issued a recommendation of guidelines on how to implement the deal.
In a statement, the International Labor Organsiation (ILO) said the convention was passed with 439 votes, while seven were against and 30 abstained.
The recommendation was passed with 397 votes in favour, 12 votes against and 44 abstentions, it added.
The convention recognizes that violence and harassment in the world of work "can constitute a human rights violation or abuse is a threat to equal opportunities, is unacceptable and incompatible with decent work", it noted.
It defines "violence and harassment" as behaviours, practices or threats "that aim at, result in, or are likely to result in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm", according to the statement.
The deal reminds member states that they have a responsibility to promote a "general environment of zero tolerance".
The new international labour standard aims to protect workers and employees, irrespective of their contractual status, and includes persons in training, interns and apprentices, workers whose employment has been terminated, volunteers, job seekers and job applicants.
It recognizes that "individuals exercising the authority, duties or responsibilities of an employer" can also be subjected to violence and harassment.
The deal covers violence and harassment occurring at workplace; places where a worker is paid, takes a rest or meal break, or uses sanitary, washing or changing facilities; during work-related trips, travel, training, events or social activities; work-related communications (including through information and communication technologies), in employer-provided accommodation; and when commuting to and from work. It also recognizes that violence and harassment may involve third parties.
For his part, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder welcomed the adoption. "The new standards recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment," he said, according to the statement.
"The next step is to put these protections into practice, so that we create a better, safer, decent, working environment for women and men. I am sure that, given the co-operation and solidarity we have seen on this issue, and the public demand for action, we will see speedy and widespread ratifications and action to implement," he added.
Meanwhile, Manuela Tomei, Director of the ILO's Workquality Department, said in a press release "without respect, there is no dignity at work, and, without dignity, there is no social justice.
According to the ILO, This is the first time that a convention and a recommendation on violence and harassment in the world of work have been adopted.
"We now have an agreed definition of violence and harassment. We know what needs to be done to prevent and address it, and by whom. We hope these new standards will lead us into the future of work we want to see," Tomei said.
The convention will enter into force 12 months after two member states have ratified it.
The recommendation, which is not legally binding, provides guidelines on how the convention could be applied.
This is the first new convention agreed by the ILC since 2011, when the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) was adopted. Conventions are legally binding international instruments, while recommendations provide advice and guidance.
The ILO, the UN's agency dealing with world of work issues, is marking its 100th year in 2019.
The Centenary ILC - the 108th meeting of the Conference - was attended by more than 5,700 delegates, representing governments, workers and employers from the ILO's 187 member States.
The conference is also expected to adopt a landmark ILO Centenary Declaration, focused on a human-centred approach to the future of work. (end)
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