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Vietnam introduces first-ever code to combat sexual harassment at work

Vietnam introduces first-ever code to combat sexual harassment at work

Tuesday, May 26, 2015, 18:10 GMT+7

A code of conduct for the prevention of sexual harassment at workplaces was announced in Hanoi on Monday by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) Office in Vietnam. The code, which is the first of its kind in Vietnam, is necessary as the current Labor Code, which has four articles relating to sexual harassment, has failed to provide a clear definition of sexual harassment, said Ha Dinh Bon, head of the ministry's Legislation Department. Therefore, the new code will help close this legal loophole in addressing the issue, Bon said. According to the code, sexual harassment at workplaces includes both physical contact and verbal and non-verbal acts. Verbal sexual harassment can be committed in the form of words, expressions, comments, suggestions, and invitations that imply or are related to sex. Non-verbal sexual harassment is seen as using gestures, looks, glints, body movements, images, tools, text messages, email, and other means for sexual arousal purposes. The code provides employers, employees, trade unions, and authorities with guidance on what sexual harassment at work means, how it can be prevented, and what action should be taken when it happens, Bon said. The code also serves as a foundation for employers to prepare their policies or regulations that help promote healthy and secure working environments, he said. Under the code, the concept of “workplace” covers not only company offices, office rooms, plants, or factories, but also places where business-related activities can be conducted, Bon said. Such activities include seminars, training courses, business trips, parties and meals, contact on the phone, and others, he added. According to a report the MOLISA and ILO released in 2012, victims of sexual harassment in Vietnam were female workers aged between 18 and 30. However, many of them did not report such acts due to different reasons, including job loss fears, the report said. The MOLISA is planning to issue a decree next year to penalize people who sexually harass others at workplaces.

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