Ratification and proper implementation of C190 and Recommendation 206 is urgently needed to address the epidemic of violence and harassment in the world of work, and particularly the prevalence of gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH).
Gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work
There has been a dramatic rise in violence and harassment including GBVH against workers deemed “essential” during the Covid-19 pandemic including health and care workers, food retail workers and transport workers. Migrant women workers have experienced increased exploitation, violence and harassment including gender-based violence and harassment as they were forced to stay in the homes where they work because of the pandemic or be trapped in unsafe conditions unable to travel home.
Domestic violence
C190 and R206 also set out clear steps that governments and the social partners can take to mitigate the impacts of domestic violence, including when home is the place of the work. As suggested in the article 18 of the Recommendation 206, such measures could be:
(a) leave for victims of domestic violence;
(b) flexible work arrangements and protection for victims of domestic violence;
(c) temporary protection against dismissal for victims of domestic violence […]
(d) the inclusion of domestic violence in workplace risk assessments
(e) a referral system to public mitigation measures for domestic violence, where they exist; and
(f) awareness-raising about the effects of domestic violence.
Adopted in June 2019, Convention 190 (C190) made history as the first international treaty to recognize the fundamental right to a world of work free from violence and harassment, and in particular the right to be free from gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH). That right is under renewed threat from the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has never been more urgent to adopt comprehensive measures that address how GBVH in the world of work has impacted the rights of women and other marginalized workers. This includes addressing the role of governments in ensuring safe, respectful working environments for all workers and taking action to mitigate the impact of domestic violence in the world of work.
Join us and call on your government to #RatifyC190 – for the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.
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