Kyrgyzstan has become the first country in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. The Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration, Zhyldyz Polotova, announced this milestone at an event to familiarize stakeholders with the law ratified by the president on February 28.
According to the International Trade Union Confederation, on average, 40-50% of workers worldwide experience harassment. In Kyrgyzstan, a study by the Association of Women Judges revealed that one in four women has faced violence and harassment in higher education institutions and workplaces. This issue can lead to depression, job loss, and other negative consequences. Unfortunately, the country currently lacks effective mechanisms to protect women from harassment in the workplace.
The Deputy Minister mentioned that amendments to several laws are expected following the ratification of the convention. She emphasized the need to empower labor inspections to handle cases of violence and harassment and expand their functions for further measures.
