Philippines leads Asia in ratifying convention against workplace violence and harassment

The Philippines has become the first Asian nation to ratify the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Convention on Violence and Harassment, 2019 (No. 190), positioning itself as a regional leader in the fight against workplace abuse.

This groundbreaking move, acknowledged by the ILO on Friday, places the country at the forefront of a global effort to establish a work environment free from violence and harassment.

The ILO recognized the Philippines as the 38th member state worldwide to ratify Convention 190, which enshrines the fundamental right to a workplace devoid of violence and harassment.

The Convention is notable for setting a globally accepted definition of workplace violence and harassment, encompassing a broad spectrum of workers, from apprentices to individuals in positions of authority.

This comprehensive approach to worker protection extends beyond conventional workplace settings, embracing both the formal and informal sectors, and spanning urban and rural locales.

It mandates member states to formulate inclusive, gender-responsive policies and measures to prevent and eliminate workplace violence and harassment, engaging with employers’ and workers’ organizations for effective implementation.

At the ratification ceremony in Geneva, Labor and Employment Undersecretary Ernesto Bitonio highlighted the Convention’s wide-ranging impact.

“This convention transcends the traditional boundaries of physical spaces, territory and geography, of formal and informal work arrangements, of urban and rural communities, and of corporate halls and households.”

ILO Deputy Director-General Celeste Drake lauded the Philippines’ commitment as a significant stride toward eradicating violence and harassment in work settings.

“It is time to make workplaces free from violence and harassment a reality everywhere, promoting and realizing social justice for all,” she asserted.

The ratification of Convention 190 aligns with the Philippine government’s ongoing efforts to bolster labor rights and worker protections within the country. It also resonates with the ILO’s broader mandate to foster decent work conditions and enhance social justice globally.

The Philippines’ action sets a precedent for other Asian countries and underscores the necessity of international cooperation in safeguarding workers’ rights and dignity across all industries and sectors.