Kyrgyzstan Becomes First CIS Country to Ratify Convention Against Workplace Harassment
Kyrgyzstan Leads the Way in Ratifying Convention to Eliminate Violence and Harassment in the Workplace
On March 7, 2024, Bishkek was abuzz with news as Kyrgyzstan became the first CIS country to ratify the Convention of the International Labor Organization on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. The Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration, Jyldyz Polotova, made the announcement at an event discussing the implications of the ratification, which was signed into law by the President on February 28.
Polotova highlighted the prevalence of harassment in workplaces worldwide, citing statistics from the International Trade Union Confederation that show an average of 40-50 percent of workers face harassment. In the Kyrgyz Republic, a study conducted by the Association of Women Judges revealed that one in four women has experienced violence and harassment in higher education institutions and the workplace. Polotova emphasized the negative impact of such behavior, including depression, job loss, and other adverse consequences, noting the lack of effective mechanisms to protect women from harassment in the workplace.
As a result of the ratification, amendments to several laws are expected to be made in Kyrgyzstan. Polotova mentioned that the Labor Inspectorate will be given the authority to consider cases of violence and harassment, expanding its functions to address these issues more comprehensively.
With this groundbreaking move, Kyrgyzstan is taking a significant step towards creating a safer and more equitable work environment for all its citizens. The ratification of the Convention signals the country’s commitment to promoting gender equality and combating violence and harassment in the workplace.
