Workplace harassment in Kazakhstan will be met with penalties
In Kazakhstan, a daring initiative is underway to implement consequences for sexual harassment within the professional realm. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has proposed a bill for public scrutiny, aiming to revise the Labor Code as reported by Liter.kz.
Currently, there's a concerning gap in the legal system when it comes to addressing sexual harassment issues in the workplace. Survey data reveals that staggering numbers, up to 30%, of employees have experienced such inappropriate behavior from their peers. Yet, there's a woeful lack of effective channels for reporting such incidents and seeking protection.
This bill intends to fill this void by defining sexual harassment within the Labor Code, outlining its characteristics, and establishing a procedure for filing complaints and protecting victims.
It is crucial to note that Kazakhstan hasn't yet ratified ILO Convention No. 190, an international commitment aimed at shielding workers from violence and harassment.
If this legislation comes into effect, employers will be obliged to establish internal mechanisms for handling complaints and ensuring the security of their employees from harassment. This move will bolster workers' guarantees of their rights and safety in the workplace.
The draft document is available on the Open NPA website for public input until May 15, and the final proposal is set to be submitted to the government by December 2025, and to the Majilis in January.
The bill represents a substantial endeavor to address workplace harassment in Kazakhstan, potentially transforming workplace conditions and safeguarding employees' rights.
Insights:
- The proposed legislation seeks to bridge the gap in legal regulation of sexual harassment issues in Kazakhstan's workplaces [1][2].
- Employers, upon the bill's adoption, will be legally bound to respond to harassment cases, establish a formal complaint process, and provide safeguards for affected employees [1].
- The public comment period for the draft ends on May 15, with the intent to submit the final proposal to the government by December 2025, and to the Majilis in January [1].
- Kazakhstan has not ratified ILO Convention No. 190, which addresses violence and harassment in the world of work, but the bill attempts to align with international standards [1].
- The bill's implementation will potentially improve workplace conditions, provide a safer environment, and challenge traditional cultural biases that limit women's opportunities [3].
- The effectiveness of these measures hinges on successful implementation, including training for employers and ensuring accessible and effective reporting mechanisms [4].
- The proposed legislation in Kazakhstan aims to address a legal gap concerning sexual harassment in the workplace, as outlined by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
- If passed, employers in Kazakhstan will be required to create internal mechanisms for handling harassment complaints and ensuring employee safety, as stipulated by the draft bill.
- The public is invited to comment on the proposal until May 15, with the intention of submitting the final version of the bill to the government by December 2025 and to the Majilis in January.
- Although Kazakhstan hasn't ratified ILO Convention No. 190, the bill follows international standards for protecting workers from violence and harassment.
- Successful implementation of the bill could potentially lead to improved workplace conditions, a safer environment for employees, and a challenge to traditional cultural biases that may restrict women's opportunities.
- The effectiveness of the bill's measures depends on successful implementation, including training for employers and ensuring accessible and effective reporting mechanisms for employees facing harassment.
