C190 - Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)
ILO expands support to the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for implementation of Convention No. 190
The ILO continues to support the Government of Kyrgyzstan in implementing ILO Convention No. 190 by launching the “Preventing and eradicating violence and harassment at work” capacity building programme for public officials.
26 March 2025
BISHKEK (ILO News) - A two-day training course held in Bishkek on 25-26 March 2025 has brought together 30 representatives from the Parliament and public institutions, workers’ and employers’ organizations, UN agencies as well as NGOs. Participants included officials from the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration; Ministry of Economy; Ministry of Internal Affairs; Ministry of Education and Science; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology and Technical Supervision, Ministry of Culture, Information, Sport and Youth Policy; Ministry of Digital Development; the Ombudsman Institute; the Kyrgyz Association of Women Judges.
The training aimed to:
- ensure that public officials are familiar with the concepts and definitions and better understand their role in ensuring a respectful and safe working environment free from discrimination, violence and harassment;
- equip public officials with the tools to promote workplaces that are free from violence and harassment, ensuring respect, dignity, and equal treatment for all workers and, including implementation of effective measures that prevent and respond to workplace violence and harassment;
- encourage public officials to become advocates for a culture of respect and safety within their organizations.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Labour, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all who are present today for engaging in the discussion of one of the most critical issues – the prevention and eradication of violence and harassment in the workplace. We are delighted that the series of training programmes kicks off with sessions for public officials, as the State's role is vital in ensuring a safe and secure working environment. We believe that you will act as catalysts for change within your ministries. We are grateful to the ILO for continued support provided to the Kyrgyz Government”, - said Kiyal Zhanuzakhova, Deputy Minister of Labour, Social Development and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“We are pleased that the business sector has joined this process. Strengthening technical knowledge is essential for businesses to create a conducive working environment free from violence and harassment. Equally important is sharing this knowledge with the youth - the new generation of entrepreneurs. The business sector is committed to collaborating with all partners in advancing these issues. By adopting effective policies, businesses can not only comply with international standards but also enhance employee satisfaction and productivity, contributing to a healthier work environment’, - said Ruslan Akmatbek, member of the JIA Business Association.
The training session, coordinated by Özge Berber-Agtaş, the ILO Gender Equality and Non-discrimination Specialist and supported by Amina Kurbanova and Darigul Kadyrkulova, was delivered in a highly interactive format by Helena Pérez Vázquez, international trainer-consultant of the ILO. This important session was part of ongoing efforts by the Government to raise awareness and build capacity among key stakeholders in the framework of the Actions Plan for the C190 implementation.
The meeting also served as a platform for dialogue on the proposed amendments to the Labour Code and the Law on Occupational Safety and Health in line with C190, as well as the ILO’s comments and recommendations for improving the draft to better align with the Convention.
“This extended collaboration reinforces the ILO’s continued commitment to supporting Kyrgyzstan in its efforts to create a safer and more equitable working environment for all workers. It also aligns with the ILO’s broader mission to promote decent work and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 8, which seeks to ensure inclusive, sustainable economic growth and decent work for all”, - said Bolotbek Orokov, ILO National Coordinator for Kyrgyzstan.
The training programme was organised with the financial support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).