Manila – Researches from the Institute for Labor Studies presented their research findings on the ratification of ILO Convention 190 which focused on a world of work free from violence and harassment. The presentation was made during the 2021 National Tripartite Feedback eForum towards the Ratification of ILO Convention C.190 via the Cisco Webex online meeting platform held last February 19.

The International Labour Organization Convention 190 and its accompanying Recommendation (No. 206) are the first international labor standards that recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) partnered with the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), and the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) for this event, which aims to orient social partners on the key principles of ILO C190, and engage them to support the ratification of the said convention.

The event was attended by representatives from trade unions, workers’ and employees’ organizations, migrant workers’ organizations, as well as workers in the informal sector and LGBTQIA++ organizations, civil society organizations, and government agencies are expected to attend the event.

Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III delivered the keynote address, expressing his full support for the ratification of ILO C.190 saying that the Department believes that the ILO Convention 190 “provides a critical opportunity for us to strengthen our existing legal and institutional mechanisms for addressing violence and harassment.”

Salient features and principles of ILO Convention No.190 and Recommendation No. 206 was presented by Mr. Jajoon Coue, International Labour Standards and Labour Law Specialist from the Decent Work Team of ILO Bangkok. ILAB Director Alice Visperas, BWSC Director Atty. Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla discussed the significance and process of ratifying ILO Conventions, feedback and status report on ILO C190.

The event was highlighted by the presentation of the ILS research titled, “Affirming the Right to Freedom from Violence and Harassment in the World of Work: A Gap Analysis of the ILO Convention 190.” The research introduction was delivered by ILS Executive Director Ahmma Charism Lobrin-Satumba and Workers Welfare Research Division Chief Maria Isabel D. Artajo. The research conduct was spearheaded by the ILS Gender and Development (GAD) Committee, led by ILS researchers Malorie Joy O. Mones, Joyce Anne S. Lumactud, Frances Camille G. Dumalaog and Arianne Ishreen C. Bucar.

The research is geared toward contributing to the development of policies and programs against violence and harassment with the aim of achieving the following objectives: 1) To document existing policies, programs, and other institutional mechanisms relevant to violence and harassment in the world of work; and 2) To analyze the extent to which these measures complement the requirements of the ILO Convention 190 and its accompanying policy implications upon its ratification.

Based on literature review and the online FGDs conducted, the researchers presented their key findings in the following focus areas: a) Protection and Prevention; b) Enforcement and Remedies; and c) Guidance and Training – which gave greater context to enforcement mechanisms to address violence and harassment given the existing specific laws and regulations, which have evolved over time.