Are you aware of the ILO Convention190 to end Global Workplace Violence and Harassment?
In June 2019, at the Centenary Conference of the International Labour Organization, the Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190) and its accompanying Recommendation (No. 206) were adopted. The global community has made it clear that violence and harassment in the world of work will not be tolerated and must end.
Questions (190) Thursday, 23 September 2021 Mary Lou McDonald Question:190. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the stakeholder consultation of his Department on the International Labour Organisation Convention 190, Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work is due to commence. [45777/21]
Written answers (Question to Enterprise)
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment - Damien English Answer : The ratification of ILO Convention C190 is a matter of priority for Ireland and my Department officials continue to work towards being amongst the first ILO member States to ratify, with plans to progress the ratification this year. The issue of ratification by Ireland of International Labour Organisation Convention 190, Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, is being considered in the context of our standard approach to the ratification of international instruments. Ireland does not ratify international conventions until it has been determined that national law is in line with the provisions of the international instrument. Convention 190 is the first ever international instrument on the very important issues of eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. Ireland already has very strong protections in law to combat violence and harassment in the world of work and has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). My officials are engaging with relevant Departments and offices to establish the extent to which domestic legislative provisions already provide for the rights and entitlements enunciated in the Convention, as well as legislative amendments, if any, that may be required to enable ratification. Following this consideration, as part of the ratification process, my officials will undertake a stakeholder consultation with the social partners and other interested parties. It is anticipated that this will take place in the coming months. I can assure you of Ireland’s commitment to work towards being amongst the first ILO member States to ratify Convention 190.
III. CORE PRINCIPLES
Article 4
1. Each Member which ratifies this Convention shall respect, promote and realize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
2. Each Member shall adopt, in accordance with national law and circumstances and in consultation with representative employers’ and workers’ organizations, an inclusive, integrated and gender-responsive approach for the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work. Such an approach should take into account violence and harassment involving third parties, where applicable, and includes:
(a) prohibiting in law violence and harassment;
(b) ensuring that relevant policies address violence and harassment;
(c) adopting a comprehensive strategy in order to implement measures to prevent and combat violence and harassment;
(d) establishing or strengthening enforcement and monitoring mechanisms;
(e) ensuring access to remedies and support for victims;
(f) providing for sanctions;
(g) developing tools, guidance, education and training, and raising awareness, in accessible formats as appropriate; and
(h) ensuring effective means of inspection and investigation of cases of violence and harassment, including through labour inspectorates or other competent bodies.
