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Community Conversations for Health and Safety for Entertainment and Garment Workers in

Cambodia: Safer work for all

Richard Howard, ILO Regional Office Bangkok

LeeNah Hsu, ILO/AIDS, Geneva

Chun Bora, Executive Director, CBCA

Abstract no.A-641-0382-08354

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

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• The Cambodia Business Coalition on AIDS “CBCA” is the lead organization providing workplace training and management to Cambodia’s private sector in response to – HIV & AIDS, STIs – Sexual and reproductive health– Occupational safety and health (OSH) – Employee health and wellbeing– Gender

• CBCA is a member of Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS (APBCA)• CBCA is supported by:

– The Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS (APBCA), – The Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC);– The Cambodian Federation of Employers, Business Associations

(CAMFEBA);– Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC); and – UN System: ILO (AIDS & Gender), UNAIDS– CARE/LEVI

Cambodia Business Coalition on AIDS (CBCA)

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Background

• HIV prevalence rate in Cambodia is 0.7% (2012)• High level of women migrated from rural areas in

recent financial crisis• Around 37,000 workers in the entertainment

industry• ILO, APHEDA and WNU conducted research study

and identified the issues faced by Entertainment/ Sex Workers on Cambodia - addressing HIV vulnerabilities of indirect sex workers/entertainment workers: Situation analysis, strategies and entry points for HIV/AIDS workplace education

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

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Research Findings and Recommendations

Findings • Key safety, violations & harassment • Forced alcohol consumption to extreme limits• Poor working conditions, working time, leave time,

flexible to access health services

Key recommendations

- Advocate for labour policy to protect entertainment workers- Implement workplace level programs to improve safety and

health in venues- Raise awareness on labour rights and available services for

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: to improve safety and health in 12 entertainment establishments

- Objective #3 – increase awareness on gender equality, labour rights and availability for support services

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

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Key Activities on Policy and Programme

Policy:• Government (MoLVT) drafted the ministerial policy• Government involved all stakeholders to review the draft

policy

Programme:Cooperated with 12 Entertainment Establishments• Pilot the Community Conversation (CC) for Health and Safety using

a participatory approach • Train managers and workers on the labour law, human rights,

sexual harassment and gender-based violence • Refer workers to access to HIV and health services• Address the issues of workers at their workplaces through

CC/outreach work

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

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Results/Lessons Learned

• The participatory approach allowed both parties to define key safety and gender problems together;

• The topics from the training and outreach activities helped workers become aware of their labour rights and seek support and legal redress;

• Health service uptake improved in participating workplaces;

• OSH and overall working condition improved;

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

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Next Steps

• The new ministerial policy will be endorsed to facilitate improved working conditions for entertainment workers;

• The programme will be scale up to an addition 20 entertainment Establishments;

• A range of activities will be carried out to raise awareness on the new policy;

• The capacity of safety and health inspectors to monitor compliance to the policy will be developed

Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV