Workers on the streets, or street vendors, deserve the same rights as any other worker

In a significant stride towards ensuring the safety and dignity of street vendors worldwide, 49 countries have ratified the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Convention No. 190. This treaty, adopted in 2019, focuses on preventing violence and harassment at work.

Among the ratifying countries are South Africa and Nigeria. In response to the prevalent issues faced by street vendors in Lagos' Mile 12 market, a committee has been formed to combat gender-based violence and harassment. Meanwhile, in South Africa, women vendors have established childcare centres to address the unique challenges they face in balancing work and family responsibilities.

However, street vendors continue to face numerous risks, including harassment, intimidation, and violence from local authorities and law enforcement agents. In some cases, these agents threaten to arrest women street vendors if they do not comply with sexual demands, a disturbing reality that underscores the need for this convention.

Street vendors are an integral part of the urban fabric, supplying affordable goods and services. Yet, they often lack access to social security systems and labour protections. This lack of accountability for violence committed against street vendors, coupled with the constant threat of crackdowns due to their legal status, poses a significant challenge to their safety and livelihoods.

The ILO's Convention No. 190 aims to address these issues by requiring governments to adopt comprehensive national laws against harassment and violence in the world of work. The convention also ensures that workers in informal employment, including street vendors, are included under the treaty, thanks to the efforts of StreetNet International, a group of workers' organizations.

The ratification and implementation of this convention are crucial in affirming the rights of every worker to a world of work free from violence and harassment. The story is relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 (Economic growth), 10 (Inequality), 16 (Peace), and 17 (Partnerships), as it seeks to create a more inclusive and safe environment for street vendors, thereby contributing to sustainable urban development and reducing poverty and inequality.

This article was published with permission from Thomson Reuters Foundation, a charitable organization that covers humanitarian news, climate change, women's rights, and more. The story highlights the need for urban, social, and economic policies that incorporate the realities of street vendors, support their rights, and uphold their dignity.