Jointly funded by the European Commission and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Background

The principle of zero tolerance towards violence and harassment in the workplace is enshrined in the ILO Convention on Violence and Harassment, 2019 (No.190), and its accompanying Recommendation (No.206). These instruments concretize the right of every individual to a work environment free from violence and harassment, offering a comprehensive framework for elimination, prevention, and response.

To support Member States efforts to address violence and harassment in the world of work, the ILO, supported by the European Commission and ILO funds, is undertaking a significant research initiative. This project explores the role of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) framework in combating workplace violence and harassment. It delves into the synergy between legal policies and practical tools, assessing their impact on formulating effective strategies against this complex issue.

The project's core deliverables include a global report consolidating desk research, legal and policy analysis from selected countries, and detailed studies from seven countries. Furthermore, a high-profile conference is slated for January 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. This event aims to disseminate the research findings and foster discussion among government representatives, social partners, and other stakeholders on benefits, challenges and gaps of addressing and preventing violence and harassment through OSH frameworks. The conference will feature national OSH authorities, distinguished experts and members of academic, creating a platform for sharing insights and advancing legal and policy responses to workplace violence and harassment.

Objectives

The conference aims to:

• Present and discuss the report's findings and recommendations, emphasizing diverse approaches to mitigating workplace violence and harassment.
• Facilitate in-depth discussions on the report's insights into using OSH strategies for prevention and response.
• Provide an interactive forum for ILO constituents, experts, and academics to exchange knowledge and contemplate future directions in tackling workplace violence and harassment through OSH and other mechanisms.

Expectations

Post-conference, participants should:

• Gain enhanced understanding of developments, challenges, and opportunities in addressing workplace violence and harassment through OSH frameworks.
• Identify potential areas for future research and initiatives based on the conference discourse, focusing on OSH strategies to prevent workplace violence and harassment.

Proposed Participants

• The conference will welcome a diverse group of participants, including:
• National Policy Makers and OSH Authorities: To gain insights from the project, share experiences, and derive policy-making inputs.
• Social Partners: To engage in dialogue on the findings, particularly from national perspectives, and influence future research directions.
• ILO Staff and European Commission Representatives: To pinpoint further action and research needs.
• Academic and Expert Community: To share and gain insights, contributing to the knowledge pool on the effectiveness and relevance of legal frameworks.

Organizational Arrangements

The conference will adopt hybrid modalities, accommodating both physical and virtual participation. English, French, and Spanish will be the working languages, with provision for simultaneous interpretation. Documentation: Annotated agendas, logistical notes, and relevant background materials, including the report and executive summaries, will be electronically shared with confirmed participants.