Dear Citizens of Kyrgyzstan!
The Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan supports the global campaign “16 Days Against Violence” and declares its commitment to fighting any form of violence, especially in the workplace.
This year, we are voicing the key slogan:
“For Work – Without Violence!”
One of the key goals of the campaign for us is to create safe working conditions for all employees, especially for women, who often face the threat of violence and discrimination in the workplace. We are convinced that work without violence and discrimination is a fundamental right of every person, and we are actively working to ensure it.
Why is this important?
Violence and harassment in the workplace are among the most serious threats to employees, violating their rights, dignity, and well-being.
Women, young employees, and migrants are particularly vulnerable in this situation. Such acts of violence undermine the foundations of social justice, which is unacceptable in modern society.
In recent months, cases of psychological and physical violence against those who have dedicated their lives to serving society—teachers and healthcare workers—have alarmingly increased in Kyrgyzstan.
These incidents erode respect for those who safeguard our health every day and work for the future of our nation.
We are witnessing incidents in the country’s secondary schools that shock teachers and cause a great public outcry. Such immoral events eventually lead to teachers, who have devoted years of their lives to nurturing entire generations, leaving the profession.
Even more shocking incidents occur in the healthcare system. Many employees of polyclinics, hospitals, and emergency services, while performing their professional duties, are subjected to beatings, rough treatment, and psychological trauma by patients and their relatives.
In most cases, this results in hospitalizations or the employees leaving the noble profession they have dedicated to saving lives and helping others—often sacrificing their own health for the sake of others.
All these tragic cases raise the question for society: how long will those who protect and care for us—teachers, doctors, nurses—be forced to endure such treatment?!
Within the framework of the “16 Days Against Violence” campaign, the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan calls on:
Employers:
- Create a safe and respectful working environment.
- Develop and implement strict policies of zero tolerance for violence and harassment.
Employees:
- Do not remain silent about instances of violence. Reach out to trade union organizations for support.
- For all workers, the Federation has established a hotline, ☎ 1229, where you can call 24/7 and receive legal advice regarding labor rights and occupational safety.
- Support colleagues who are facing injustice.
Government Authorities:
- Strengthen oversight of labor rights and standards compliance.
Society:
- Foster a culture of respect and equality.
- Reject any manifestations of violence, both in the workplace and beyond.
What is the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan doing on its part?
Kyrgyzstan has taken an important step forward in the global fight against violence and harassment in the workplace by ratifying ILO Convention No. 190 on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
Within the framework of this convention, the Federation is conducting a series of initiatives with clear enforcement mechanisms, including expanding the powers of labor inspectors.
The Federation is also initiating the ratification of:
- ILO Convention No. 155 on Occupational Safety and Health
- ILO Convention No. 177 on Home Work
- ILO Convention No. 183 on Maternity Protection
- ILO Convention No. 187 on Promoting a Safe and Healthy Working Environment
In addition, the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan and the UN Women structure in the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a memorandum of understanding. This partnership opens new horizons for protecting workplace rights and ensuring equal opportunities for women in the labor sphere, as well as further developing the economic potential of women in Kyrgyzstan.
A Council on Women and Gender Policy has also been established within the Federation. This Council is not just a separate body; it is a vital instrument for protecting women’s interests and promoting gender equality in the workplace.
Thanks to the active work of the Women’s Council, trade unions can effectively:
- Respond to the specific needs of women
- Improve their working conditions
- Fight for fairness
On the basis of the Federation’s Training and Methodological Center, educational seminars are held on issues of gender equality and the prevention of violence.
Experienced trade union trainers explain:
- The forms and manifestations of violence in the workplace
- How to prevent violence and discrimination
This training is not just an educational exercise but an important step towards creating a more just and safe society.
The Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan calls on everyone to unite in the fight against violence in the workplace.
💪 Let our collective efforts contribute to building a society where every worker has the right to dignified work without fear or coercion.
🤝 Let us build a future together where there is no place for violence—neither at work nor in life!
Sincerely,
Muradil Dzhumadilde uulu
Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan