Policies to End Discrimination Against LGBTIQ+ Workers in ILO’s Learning Guide
A recent International Labor Organization (ILO) learning guide called for ending discrimination against LGBTIQ+ workers and creating special policies for them.
ILO in its report highlights the discrimination faced by LGBTIQ+ workers and its economic cost.
The ILO has called for a national policy to end workplace harassment and exclusion by the community and a review of labor laws.
LGBTIQ+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer.
Key Conclusions of the Learning Guide
- Around the world, LGBTIQ+ individuals face workplace harassment, violence, discrimination and unequal treatment.
- As of 2021, only 29 countries have legally recognized marriage equality (gay marriage). And 34 countries have recognized homosexual symbiosis.
- As of 2020, 81 member states of the United Nations have provided protection against discrimination based on gender orientation in employment. However, LGBTIQ+ still face lack of social security, social exclusion etc.
Key suggestions:
- Measuring the Inclusion of MLGBTIQ+: This will measure the effectiveness of the measures and policies being implemented.
- The LGBTIO+ Inclusion Index is released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Bank.
- The index is based on the following five dimensions: – education, health, personal safety and violence, economic welfare, and political and civic participation.
Tripartite action needs to be taken at the following levels:
- The government can provide a legal, policy and social framework to ensure the non-discriminatory nature of work.
- Employers can ensure a safe and conducive workplace environment.
- Workers’ organizations can help workers in the LGBTIQ+ community organize. Also, can help them to exercise their right to freedom of association and to engage in collective bargaining.
Development of LGBTQIA+ rights in India-
- Naaz Foundation Vs National Capital Territory of Delhi case: The High Court held that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code violates the rights provided by Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
- National Legal Services Authority v Union of India Case: Supreme Court grants ‘Third Gender’ status to transgender community.
- Navtej Singh Jauhar Vs Union of India Case: The Supreme Court struck down Section 377 as unconstitutional.
- The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019: Provides for the protection and welfare of the rights of transgender persons.
Source – The Hindu
