Topic: Workplace Sexual Harassment
Country: Chile
Delegate Name: Sydney Levy
School: Roeper School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Chile position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Worldwide, 20% of women suffer from some form of sexual harassment. 70% of women worldwide have suffered from some form of spousal abuse or harassment. Although over 154 countries worldwide have laws addressing workplace sexual harassment, respect for and compliance with these laws is often weak. This is an issue that must be addressed and improved by domestic and international action. The Delegation of Chile wishes to work respectfully and cooperatively to resolve the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace. In the past year, the #metoo movement has become globally established in an attempt to diminish workplace and street sexual harassment all over the world. Although this is by no means a new issue, the Chief Executives Board in the UK have just recognized sexual harassment and gender inequality as problems. The UN Women’s Committee have an opportunity to create a protocol to address this sensitive topic. Many students and women in the workforce have come together to stand up against sexual harassment. Throughout Chile, the #metoo movement has become very prominent, calling out the inadequate representation of women in politics as well as the creation of sexual harassment protocols in the workplace. There are no laws that criminalize workplace sexual harassment in Chile, although it is a misdemeanor and a plausible cause for immediate dismissal from the place of employment. Punishment for workplace sexual harassment in Chile depends on the employer; however employers face fines and compensations for the victim of workplace sexual harassment. In Santiago in 2005, adopted a law against sexual harassment in the workplace, setting an example for the rest of Chile. A law has been adopted in Santiago as well as Buenos Aires (Argentina’s capital) that requires those who catcall women on the streets to be fined up to $385. As a country looking to develop, Chile is in support of this campaign fighting to end workplace sexual harassment. The 17 sustainable goals formed by the UN in 2015 is the world’s best way to create a better future for our people and planet by 2030. The 5th goal targets gender equality. This is relevant to the issue at hand because workplace sexual harassment is a pandemic across Chile. In addition to the 17 sustainable goals, the statement delivered at the 73rd session of the United National General Assembly by H.E. Sebastián Piñera Echeñique, President of the Republic of Chile, stated that “the real development of our counties can be measured by the way we treat our most vulnerable members: children, and women”. As a solution to the issue posed, the Delegation of Chile believes the UN should adopt guidelines strongly urging member nations to implement as national policies, specifically to condemn sexual harassment in the workplace. Another possible solution would be for the UN to purpose the formation of an organization that offers support and aid to women and girls suffering from workplace sexual harassment. Lastly, Chile believes that the UN should recommend a policy where offenders of sexual harassment in the workplace are rightfully prosecuted.
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