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7 March, 2023Recognizing the impact of violence and harassment on the mental health and well-being of workers, the trade unions of Kyrgyzstan have been calling on the government to ratify ILO Convention 190.
On 1 March, the government of Kyrgyzstan published the draft law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Ratification of Convention 190 of the International Labour Organization on the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work” for a public discussion to take place during March. This is a first step in the process of ratification.
The government notes that ratification of C190 will minimize and subsequently eliminate violence and harassment in labour relations.
Kyrgyz unions are highlighting the lack of observance by employers of women's rights and gender equality at work. Women in the country face all forms of discrimination, from unequal pay, lack of promotion and limited career opportunities. The psychological harassment faced by women is often ignored, as well as sexual harassment, verbal abuse and bullying.
"Women are often hesitant to speak up in a fear of retribution from their employers, which is detrimental to the mental health and well-being of women, leading to long-term emotional and psychological trauma,”
says Almash Zharkynbayeva, president of the Trade union of textile, light, paper and allied industries workers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
IndustriALL assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan says:
“We welcome the actions of the Kyrgyz unions and government and look forward to prompt ratification of the ILO Convention 190, its incorporation into national legislation and proper implementation”.