By Chuks NZEH
The International Labour Organisation, ILO, and its partners, have called for a more inclusive approach to end violence and harassment in the workplace.
The representative of the ILO, Inviolata Chinyangarara, who spoke at a workshop organised by the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, Frederich Ebert Stiftung, FES, Solidarity Center, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC in Abuja, noted that C190 and Recommendation 206, goes beyond gender based violence, though it is a key component of the instrument.
She noted that the ILO has expanded the scope of the Instrument and it is now the first International Standards on violence and harassment in the workplace.
Accordingto her, it recognises the right of everyone to work free from violence and harassment, adding that it should be appreciated from a more inclusive and integrated approach that takes into consideration all workers, all genders, all sectors.
Also speaking at the event the Policy Advisor, ITUC Equality Department, ITUC, Irem Arf, noted that the ITUC has been creating awareness amongst its affiliates to ratify the C190 commended the NLC for its sustained campaign which led to Nigeria’s ratification of the C190 in 2022, insisting that after ratification educational and policy reform plans of affiliates should be align with the provisions of the Convention for effective implementation.
Also, speaking at the event Comrade Ralph Gabin of the Solidarity Center, said, “Nigerian law empowers the National Industrial Court of Nigeria to apply C190 directly when hearing cases:
This means that current worker rights under law should be understood by courts and policymakers in the context of the protections of C190.
However, laws and policies should be
strengthened and clarified to further the holistic implementation of C190
Current labour and employment laws contain some key rights and protections, but not in the comprehensive manner outlined in C190.” He noted.
