C190 - Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)
Kyrgyz trade unions strengthen protection and representation of vulnerable workers by taking action against workplace violence
An International Labour Organization (ILO) workshop strengthened the capacity of trade unions to advance a world of work free from violence and harassment and support implementation of Convention No. 190 in Kyrgyzstan.
7 July 2026
BISHKEK (ILO News) – Leaders of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan (FTUK), its affiliates and members of the FTUK Council on Women Affairs and Gender Policy met in Bishkek on 6-7 July to explore practical approaches to implementing the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190). The two-day workshop, organized by the ILO Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV) in cooperation with the Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Branch (GEDI), was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration, the Institute of the Ombudsperson and employers’ organizations. It focused on promoting inclusive organizing, strengthening collective bargaining and enhancing social dialogue to ensure safe, equitable and respectful workplaces for all.
Through practical foresight and strategic planning exercises, participants analyzed emerging trends shaping the future of work and developed future-oriented trade union strategies and action plans that integrate the principles of equality, non-discrimination and the prevention of violence and harassment in the world of work.
“Trade unions have a vital role to play in ensuring that the principles of Convention No. 190 are translated into real improvements in the lives of workers. Through organizing, collective bargaining, social dialogue, workplace policies and awareness-raising, we can help build working environments free from violence and harassment,” said Muradil Jumadilde uulu, Chairperson, Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan.
Representatives of the Institute of the Ombudsperson highlighted the importance of coordinated action to prevent violence and harassment at work and shared findings from Kyrgyzstan's first survey on digital violence. “Violence and harassment in the world of work remain serious human rights concerns that require coordinated action from all institutions. The effective implementation of Convention No. 190 would provide an important framework for strengthening protection for all workers and fostering workplaces based on dignity, equality and respect,” said Aichurok Nazaralieva, Deputy Ombuds Chairperson.
Participants examined the international normative framework on violence and harassment in the world of work, with a focus on Convention No. 190 and related international labour standards, including Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111). Through group exercises, they identified national challenges and opportunities for trade unions and the Government to strengthen prevention and response measures in Kyrgyzstan.
Joining online, Gocha Aleksandria, Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities at the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, led discussions on how trade unions can adapt their organizing approaches to better reach underrepresented groups of workers, including domestic, care, informal and platform workers. Participants also explored how digital tools can strengthen membership, communication and efforts to build more inclusive, representative and resilient trade unions.
Discussions highlighted that trade unions must evolve alongside the changing world of work and that. by strengthening collective bargaining and giving a voice to underrepresented workers, they can play a decisive role in preventing violence and harassment.
Özge Berber-Agtaş, ILO Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination Specialist, highlighted the role of trade unions in preventing and addressing violence and harassment through social dialogue mechanisms and collective bargaining. Participants also explored country experiences in using collective agreements, sectoral initiatives and dialogue platforms to advance the implementation of Convention No. 190.
Discussions emphasized that through social dialogue and collective bargaining, trade unions can translate international labour standards into practical workplace policies and agreements that prevent violence and harassment, promote gender equality and protect the dignity of all workers.
Rafael Peels, ACTRAV Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities, introduced strategic foresight tools to help trade unions anticipate future challenges and strengthen long-term planning. Through practical group exercises and applying strategic foresight methodology, participants assessed the capacity of the FTUK and sectoral unions to contribute to the effective implementation of Convention No. 190 and strengthen the protection and representation of vulnerable workers. They also identified priorities for future trade union action in response to changes in the legal, social, economic and political environment.
Participants discussed how to operate in an environment of constant change, where new forms of work, technological developments and emerging risks require forward-looking approaches and strategic thinking as strategic foresight helps workers’ organizations move beyond reacting to immediate challenges and instead anticipate future scenarios, identify opportunities and prepare effective strategies to protect workers’ rights.
Building on the workshop discussions, participants identified priority actions for the FTUK and sectoral trade unions to advance implementation of Convention No. 190. These include strengthening advocacy, collective bargaining and organizing among underrepresented workers, promoting gender-responsive workplace policies, increasing the use of digital technologies for member engagement and reinforcing tripartite social dialogue.
“Trade unions are facing a rapidly changing world of work that requires innovative approaches and stronger capacities. The workshop demonstrates the commitment of trade unions in Kyrgyzstan to expand trade union protections and representation of the most vulnerable and underrepresented categories of workers including by advancing the effective implementation of Convention No. 190,” said Sergeyus Glovackas, ACTRAV Desk Officer for Europe and Central Asia.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment by the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan, government institutions and the ILO to continue working together to translate the principles of Convention No. 190 into practical action and ensure that all workers in Kyrgyzstan can exercise their right to a world of work free from violence and harassment.