BANGKOK, Thailand (ILO News) – ILO’s government, worker and employer constituents recently took part in a discussion involving stakeholders from around the Asia-Pacific region on how a safe and healthy working environment is key to the promotion of decent work and the protection of human rights.

Representatives from the Government of Philippines, Australian and Indonesian employers’ and workers’ organizations from Bangladesh, and civil society organizations in Thailand came together on 9 June 2023 to share their experiences and expertise on the fundamental principles and rights at work, and how occupational safety and health must be a part of these principles.

Held as part of the UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum in Bangkok from 6 to 9 June 2023, the panel highlighted respecting and protecting human rights in the world of work as a pressing concern in the global economy.

Panellists discussed how upholding basic human values at work is vital to the life and wellbeing of workers.  These values include the freedom of association and collective bargaining, elimination of forced labour through capacity enhancement of migrant workers, abolition of child labour and protection of young workers, and elimination of discrimination at work by addressing gender inequality and labour migration.

Yuka Ujita, ILO Senior Specialist on Occupational Safety and Health pointed out how the intersection of occupational safety and health with other fundamental principles and rights at work can address challenges in protecting workers’ rights in the workplace, including against violence and harassment at work.

“To do this, there is a need for better and more effective partnerships and social dialogue between governments, employers and workers to create a better culture of safety and compliance,” she said. “A holistic approach is needed.”

Panellists also pointed out how already vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by poor occupational safety and health standards and practices, including young workers, migrant and transitory workforces, and those who work in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, the gig economy and the informal economy, which is particularly important for Asia and the Pacific.

The UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum annually brings together stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss issues crucial to the world of work. The panel discussion A Safe and Healthy Workplace as a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work was organized by the ILO as part of the 2023 Forum. More information can be found here.