Today the historic centenary conference of the ILO adopted a new ILO Convention and Recommendation on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
Speaking at the Plenary Session today, David Joyce, said that "after two years of often very difficult discussions, thanks to the efforts of Employers, Governments and Worker colleagues at the conference, we now have the first global standard on the topic. The standard has agreed definitions and scope and includes:
- Recognition of the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender based violence and harassment;
- recognition that violence and harassment can constitute a human rights violation or abuse;
- the concept of leaving no groups of people behind;
- recognition of the effects of domestic violence and the need to mitigate its impacts in the world of work;
- and commitments to an inclusive, integrated and gender responsive approach for the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.
"It is a remarkable achievement and the result of years of campaigning by the trade union movement - particularly the women of the movement – who have been working long and hard to bring us to this historic day".
"I thank my fellow Irish employer and government representatives for their constructive involvement and look forward to working together back home towards early ratification and effective implementation in Ireland".
For further information contact:
Conor Kavanagh, ICTU Communications Office on 086 8116607
