The International Labour Organisation (ILO) says the Violence
and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No.190) will enter into force on 25 June 2021
with Fiji coming after Uruguay to ratify the Convention. Uruguay ratified the
Convention on June 12.
ILO stated that Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan, Permanent
Representative of Fiji to the United Nations Office and Other International
Organizations in Geneva, deposited the ratification instrument with ILO
Director-General, Guy Ryder, in a virtual ceremony.
“This ratification is a testament of the Government’s
commitment to equality as is enshrined in the Fijian Constitution, and
ratification is also consistent with Fiji`s membership of the Human Rights
Council. Ratification of Convention 190 demonstrates Fiji’s willingness to lead
the way in committing to international standards and best practices,” said
Ambassador Khan.
“This Convention is timely and highly applicable to address
real challenges in the world of work today such as violence, harassment and intimidation.
We note in particular the inclusivity of the Convention. It purports to protect
and empower all those who are the subject of bullying and harassment at work,
including women. The Convention encompasses the intersectionality of the
sources of discrimination, thus encompassing the reality of the lives of many
workers,” she added.
Adopted by the International Labour Conference
in June 2019 , Convention No.
190 is a landmark instrument. It is the first international labour standard to
address violence and harassment in the world of work. Together with Recommendation No. 206 , it provides a common framework for action and a
unique opportunity to shape a future of work based on dignity and respect. The
Convention affirms that everyone has the right to a world of work free from
violence and harassment. It includes the first international definition of
violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence.
The Convention recognizes 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”.
“I am extremely pleased to receive this
instrument of ratification, which bears witness to the commitment of the
Government of Fiji to combating violence and harassment in all its forms in the
world of work. I note in addition that this ratification was unanimously
approved by the Fijian Parliament on 28 May 2020,” said ILO Director-General
Guy Ryder.
“This ratification marks an important step
towards the achievement of decent work, particularly in these unprecedented
times in which the world is struggling to overcome and recover from a global
pandemic. In times of crisis and economic insecurity, the risk of violence and
harassment escalates, as has been so evident during this devastating pandemic.
Violence and harassment is unacceptable at any time; it is clear that
Convention No. 190 has a crucial role to play, whether in times of prosperity
or during times of crisis. For a human-centred response and recovery, free from
violence and harassment in the world of work, Convention No. 190 provides a
clear and practical roadmap,” added Ryder.
Fiji has also ratified the Protocol of 2002 to the Occupational
Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (P. 155) becoming the 13th country worldwide to do so.
The Protocol recognizes the important role of
reliable statistical data in achieving progress on occupational safety and
health. In particular, it reinforces the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health
Convention, 1981 (No. 155) ratified
by Fiji in 2008 regarding recording and notification of occupational accidents
and diseases as well as the publication of national statistics. These two
instruments serve as a blueprint, along with the Promotional Framework for
Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) , for setting up and implementing comprehensive
national occupational safety and health systems, based on prevention and
continuous improvement.
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