Experts stress ILO C190 ratification to combat workplace violence

• C190, adopted by ILO in June 2019, is world’s first international treaty to recognise right of all individuals to a work environment free from violence and harassment
• Experts stress if ratified and implemented properly, convention will push policymakers to develop stronger legal frameworks to safeguard workers
• Highlights that in Sri Lanka provisions against workplace harassment under Penal Code remain weak due to poor enforcement and absence of clear accountability mechanisms

By Nuzla Rizkiya

The renewed calls from experts, urging the government to ratify and implement the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention No. 190 (C190) on violence and harassment in the workplace, have gained momentum, following the recent sexual assault of a female doctor at a leading government hospital.

C190, adopted by the ILO in June 2019, is the world’s first international treaty to recognise the right of all individuals to a work environment free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence. Experts argue that Sri Lanka’s failure to ratify the convention leaves a critical gap in legal protections, particularly for those in high-risk sectors such as healthcare.

“If ratified and implemented properly, this convention will push the policymakers to develop stronger legal frameworks to safeguard workers from violence and harassment,” Attorney-at-Law Shyamali Ranaraja said at the Accelerate Action Women Leadership Forum, organised by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC).

“It will create a legal obligation for both employers and the government to enforce accountability mechanisms, to ensure that any form of workplace violence is recognised and addressed,” she added.

Elaborating on this issue, Ranaraja explained that the convention strictly covers a broad spectrum of workplace violence, including physical, psychological or sexual forms of mistreatment such as bullying, intimidation, discrimination, psychological harm or coercion. She emphasised that the convention’s scope is not limited to a particular gender and extends protection to all workers, including job seekers, trainees, independent contractors and those in high-risk professions. Additionally, its provisions go beyond traditional workplace settings, extending to work-related spaces such as remote work, travel and online platforms.

The recent sexual assault of the female doctor has sparked widespread outrage and protests among professionals, demanding swift justice for the victim. The attack also served as a wake-up call for authorities to be more accountable and proactive in addressing workplace violence.

Addressing the forum, Ranaraja highlighted that the provisions against workplace harassment, under the Penal Code, remain weak, due to poor enforcement and the absence of clear accountability mechanisms. She pointed out that many victims hesitate to report workplace harassment, due to lengthy legal proceedings or the fear of further victimisation, especially in public sector institutions, where the management structure is often less supportive.

“Sri Lanka does have several pieces of legislation such as the Domestic Violence Act. But how many of you have even heard about it?” Ranaraja questioned.

Her concerns were echoed by the WCIC, which issued a strong condemnation of the recent sexual assault on the female doctor. The chamber called for the active enforcement of stricter laws, along with publicly announced actions and punishments, as crucial measures to deter such offenses.

Commenting on the incident, the association stressed the importance of ratifying ILO C190 as a vital framework to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work.

“This is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal and national concern that demands immediate attention and action,” the WCIC stated in a media release.

Beyond the legal and social implications, workplace violence and harassment also have economic consequences. A 2022 ILO report revealed that Sri Lanka loses six working days per employee annually, costing the economy at least US $ 1.7 million every year.

ILO Country Director Joni Simpson at a previous instance, noted that female participation in the local workforce has dropped to 31 percent, a figure she termed “worrisome”, given that women have higher education rates than men. 

“We should think about how to make workplaces more family-friendly. This is a talent pool that exists but is unfortunately underutilised,” Simpson said.