Philippines becomes first Asian country to ratify ILO convention

The Philippines ratifies convention to end workplace violence and harassment

Manila, Feb 23 (IANS) – The Philippines has made history by becoming the first Asian country to ratify a convention aimed at ending workplace violence and harassment, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The ILO announced on Friday that the Philippines deposited the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 (No. 190) with ILO Deputy Director-General Celeste Drake on Tuesday, making it the 38th country in the world and the first Asian country to ratify Convention No. 190.

Convention No. 190, as described by the ILO, is the first international labor standard to address violence and harassment in the world of work comprehensively.

Under the convention, members are mandated to adopt, in consultation with representative employers’ and workers’ organizations, inclusive, gender-responsive strategies for preventing and eradicating workplace violence and harassment.

The ratification of the convention by the Philippines is a significant step towards ensuring safe and respectful working environments for all individuals. It reflects the country’s commitment to promoting gender equality and eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace.

The ILO has applauded the Philippines for taking this proactive measure and hopes that it will inspire other countries in the region to follow suit in ratifying Convention No. 190, thereby contributing to the eradication of workplace violence and harassment on a global scale.