Celebrations! “Me-too convention” adopted by UN International Labour Conference
The new international labour standard to combat violence, harassment, at work has been adopted at the 108th UN International Labour Conference.
This new international labour standard “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’.” The Convention is available to read here.
Photo credit: © Crozet / Pouteau (both photos)
Sexual exploitation & abuse
As a feminist organisation, we are committed to providing a safe environment for all our employees. We work to ensure a safe workplace free from discrimination on any ground and harassment, including sexual harassment, for our staff and network partners. Striving towards a world free of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). #MeToo showed that sexual violence is a structural issue, and is very much alive due to the power dynamics shaped by society’s constructed gender roles, valuing men over women and non-binary persons. But it also showed that this is not tolerated anymore, that we need a paradigm shift.
We have a zero tolerance policy for any form of sexual harassment in the workplace. We treat all incidents seriously and promptly investigate all allegations of sexual abuse and harassment. Any person found to have sexually harassed another will face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from employment.
We promise that all complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and treated with respect and in confidence. We will not tolerate any negative treatment in the workplace of persons making such a complaint. We will always take measures to protect the aggrieved person, and in all steps of persecution of the alleged perpetrator ensure the consent of the reporting person. This includes external and formal reporting on extreme and criminal conducts such as rape and violence. We stand side by side with the reporting person and give guidance to relevant institutions whenever needed.