Nepal Advances Labor Protections, Tackles Workplace Abuse

A comprehensive legal gap analysis, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, has identified critical reforms needed to better align national laws and policies with two key international instruments: ILO Convention No. 189, which sets minimum standards for decent work for domestic workers and ILO Convention No. 190, which recognizes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.

While important legal provisions already exist, the review highlights key areas where laws, policies, institutional mechanisms can be strengthened to fully protect workers and meet international benchmarks. The findings provide a clear and practical recommendations for reform, outlining practical steps to improve legislation, strengthen enforcement, and expand protections to those currently left behind.

In his opening remarks, Numan Özcan, ILO Country Director for Nepal shared, "Progress toward ratification is important. It's real value will be seen in the difference these Conventions make in workers' lives. Everyone has the right to a world of work free from violence and harassment. Domestic workers sustain societies, yet their work remains too often invisible and undervalued. It is about shaping practical, inclusive reforms that strengthen labour rights and reflect realities on the ground."

These reforms have the potential to deliver real and lasting benefits:

• Safer and more respectful world of work for all: Stronger legal protections will help prevent and address violence and harassment at work, including gender-based violence, ensuring that every worker can perform their job with dignity safety and respect.
• Recognition and protection for domestic workers: Domestic workers, largely women in informal employment will gain rights to fair pay and decent working conditions, a safe and health working environment, freedom of association and access to justice.
• Improved access to justice and accountability: Strengthened legal frameworks will make it easier for workers to report abuse, seek remedies, and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Greater gender equality and social inclusion: Addressing structural gaps in protection will contribute to reducing discrimination and empowering women in the labour market.
• More productive and resilient workplaces: Safe and fair working environments are linked to higher productivity, better worker retention, and stronger economic performance.

These efforts are expected to support Nepal's broader development goals by promoting decent work, formalization, and inclusive economic growth. Strengthening protections for domestic workers and addressing violence and harassment are not only matters of rights, but essential for building a fair and sustainable labour market.

The ILO is providing technical support to the Government of Nepal, in collaboration with employers' and workers' organizations and civil society, to advance reforms and move toward ratification and implementation of the two Conventions.

The validation process brought stakeholders together to identify key gaps, build consensus, and align on priority reforms. Through these steps, Nepal reaffirms its commitment to ensuring dignity, safety, and protection for all workers across both formal and informal sectors.