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Improving working conditions for entertainment and sex workers in Cambodia

Richard Howard, ILO Regional Office Bangkok LeeNah Hsu, ILO/AIDS, Geneva Chun Bora, Executive Director, CBCAChuong Por, ILO Cambodia

Abstract no.A-641-0382-08354

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

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Study on working conditions

Findings • Violence and sexual harassment

• Forced alcohol consumption to extreme limits

• Poor working conditions - working time, leave time, flexibility to access health services

• Lack of legal support

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

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Objectives of the Project

ILO developed a program, and collaborate with CBCA to address OSH challenges:

- Objective 1: to develop a Ministerial policy on working conditions in the entertainment sector

- Objective 2: create model workplaces in the entertainment sector – policy and programs

- Objective 3: improve access to health and legal service

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Key Activities on Policy and Programme

Policy:• Policy on working condition and entertainment

workers

• Programme:model programs in 12 companies• Train managers and workers labour rights and gender

equality• Refer workers to access to health and legal services

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Results/Lessons Learned

• The participatory approach allowed managers and workers to define key safety and gender problems together;

• Increased awareness of labour rights and seek support and legal redress;

• Health service uptake improved in participating workplaces;

• OSH and overall working conditions improved;

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

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Next Steps

• Policy to be endorsed this week;• Scale up;• The capacity of safety and health

inspectors to monitor compliance to the policy will be developed

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV