This is a document which addresses present problems and anticipates future consequences of the epidemic and its impact on the world of work. Through the code, the ILO will increase its support for international and national commitments to protect the rights and dignity of workers and all people living with HIV/AIDS.
The code will be instrumental in helping to prevent the spread of the epidemic, mitigate its impact on workers and their families and provide social protection to help cope with the disease. It covers key principles, such as the recognition of HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue, non-discrimination in employment, gender equality, screening and confidentiality, social dialogue, prevention and care and support, as the basis for addressing the epidemic in the workplace.
This code is the product of collaboration between the ILO and its tripartite constituents, as well as cooperation with its international partners. It provides invaluable practical guidance to policy-makers, employersâ and workersâ organizations and other social partners for formulating and implementing appropriate workplace policy, prevention and care programmes, and for establishing strategies to address workers in the informal sector. This is an important ILO contribution to the global effort to fight HIV/AIDS.
The code will help to secure conditions of decent work in the face of a major humanitarian and development crisis. Already, valuable lessons have been learned in attempting to deal with this crisis. A few countries have achieved a degree of success in slowing down the spread of the infection and mitigating its effects on individuals and their communities. The best practices have included committed leadership, multi-sectoral approaches, partnership with civil society, including people living with HIV/AIDS, and education. These elements are reflected in the key principles of the code and its reliance on the mobilization of the social partners for effective implementation.