Education International welcomes the recent ratifications by Canada and Ireland of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 (C190) on violence and harassment in the world of work.
Adopted in June 2019, this international norm has now been ratified by 25 countries around the globe. It establishes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment. It is the first international law to do so.
The Convention recognises 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 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.” It reminds member States that they have a responsibility to promote a “general environment of zero tolerance”.
With other global union confederations, Education International has been supporting the ratification of C190 and the ILO Recommendation 206, the first international labour standards to provide a common framework to prevent, remedy and eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work. It considers that these instruments represent a victory for the trade union and labour movement. Their adoption was the culmination of years of campaigning and lobbying by trade unions, and in particular women trade unionists, built on the narratives and experiences of discrimination and violence from women workers globally.
Urge your government to #RatifyC190
To realise a world of work free from violence and harassment, the wide ratification of C190 is a must!
Education International calls on member organisations and concerned activists to join the campaign for the ratification and application of C190 and lobby governments.
Campaign materials can be downloaded here.