• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
  • E-Book
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
  • E-Book

    Work Place Bullying: The Unacknowledged Human Rights Crises

    By
    Prnigeria
    -
    September 24, 2023
    Simon-Bako-Lalong
    Simon-Bako-Lalong

    Work Place Bullying: The Unacknowledged Human Rights Crises

    By Damian Ugwu

    A few years ago, I walked into the main hall of my former office one morning to behold the most heart-wrenching sight I had seen in years. My female colleague, who was happily married and had three kids, was crying. I didn’t need her to explain what was going on. I knew the story. The management had decided to make the place very uncomfortable for her due to her rising public profile and outspokenness. They followed up with a series of subtle verbal aggression, intrusion, coercion, threats, offensive communication, and actions designed to embarrass and humiliate her.
    Despite her repeated complaints to a higher authority within the organization, nothing was done, and her case was treated as a mere office conflict. No investigation was ever carried out into her complaint of bullying, and no one was ever reprimanded for bullying her. She eventually suffered from depression and became suicidal before her husband pulled her out of the organization.

    This is the reality for thousands of Nigerian workers who face workplace bullying on a daily basis. Many of them, unable to get help from colleagues, management, trade unions, or even the government, slide into depression, mental breakdown, and other forms of mental health challenges.
    Workplace bullying is a form of harassment that involves repeated, unwanted, and aggressive behavior that is intended to intimidate, humiliate, or harm the victim. It can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical threats, social isolation, and sabotage.

    The United Nations Human Rights Council defines workplace bullying as “repeated, unwelcomed verbal or physical conduct intended to intimidate, humiliate, or undermine the victim. The International Labour Organization (ILO) on the other hand defines workplace bullying as “repeated unwanted, aggressive behavior, directed towards one or more individuals, that is intended to intimidate, humiliate, or undermine that person or group.” The ILO also states that workplace bullying is a form of harassment and a violation of human rights.
    Workplace bullying can have a devastating impact on the victim, both physically and mentally. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and making decisions. In some cases, workplace bullying can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    Read Also:

    • COAS Shakes Up Army Command, Redeploys Senior Officers Nationwide
    • Tinubu Decorates Service Chiefs, Charges them to Defeat Terrorism
    • Troops Eliminate Bandits, Rescue Hostages in Zamfara, Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno

    Workplace bullying is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for the victim. It can lead to physical and mental health problems, decreased productivity, and even suicide.
    Workplace bullying is real and widespread in Nigeria. Unfortunately, it is under-reported and highly unacknowledged as a human rights abuse.
    Workplace bullying can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender, race, or position. However, it is more likely to target people who are seen as different or vulnerable, such as new employees, women, and people with disabilities.
    The effects of workplace bullying can be far-reaching. Victims may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and sleep problems. They may also suffer from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. In some cases, bullying can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
    Workplace bullying can also have a negative impact on a person’s work performance. Victims may be less productive, make more mistakes, and be more likely to call in sick. They may also be reluctant to take on new challenges or responsibilities.
    In severe cases, workplace bullying can lead to suicide. A study by the US based Workplace Bullying Institute found that 1 in 10 victims of workplace bullying have attempted suicide.
    An Emerging Human Rights Issue In Nigeria
    Despite the widespread cases of workplace bullying in Nigeria, few people regard it as a human rights issue. This is in contrast to the situation in many parts of the world, especially Europe. The United Nations Human Rights Council has also recognized workplace bullying as a human rights violation. In a 2014 resolution, the Council called on governments to take steps to prevent and address workplace bullying. This follows the council’s recognition of the fact that workplace bullying is a human rights issue because it violates the right to work in a safe and healthy environment. It also violates the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
    Nigerian law, specifically The Nigeria Labour Act does not specifically mention workplace bullying. However, the Act, which sets out the general principles of employment law, including the employer’s duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace.

    Similarly, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guarantees the right to dignity of the human person and the right to freedom from discrimination.
    Other relevant laws such as the Employees’ Compensation Act, provide compensation for employees who suffer mental stress as a result of their employment while the Penal Code, criminalizes a number of acts that could be considered workplace bullying, such as assault, battery, and intimidation. In addition to these laws, employers may also be held liable for workplace bullying under common law principles of negligence or vicarious liability.

    However, these existing measures are not enough. Nigeria’s labour and human rights organizations need to do more. The current situation is that the anti-bullying and harassment policies in many organizations are mere ornamental documents for the sole purpose of fulfilling legal requirements. Bullies need to be made accountable for their actions.
    Luckily the federal government has taken the positive step in ratifying the International Labour Organization Convention 190 which aims to eradicate violence and harassment in workplaces. A major part of the convention deals with psychological violence, a bullying component. This is a great milestone but there’s a need to go a step further by domesticating the Convention.
    To address workplace bullying in Nigeria, a multifaceted approach is essential. First and foremost, the government can play a pivotal role by enacting comprehensive labor laws that explicitly define and prohibit workplace bullying. These laws should clearly outline the responsibilities of both employers and employees in preventing and addressing such issues. Additionally, establishing regulatory bodies or commissions to oversee workplace ethics and enforce anti-bullying regulations would be instrumental in holding organizations accountable.
    Moreover, workplace bullying prevention programs should become an integral part of corporate culture in Nigeria. Companies can take proactive steps by implementing policies and procedures that promote a safe and respectful work environment. This includes fostering open communication channels where employees can report incidents without fear of retaliation.
    Ultimately, a collective effort involving government intervention, corporate commitment, and individual awareness is crucial to effectively combat workplace bullying in Nigeria.
    Human rights groups can also play an important role by stepping up advocacy against workplace bullying. Luckily, a non-governmental organization, EDR Centre is already leading the fight against workplace bullying in Nigeria. They need all the support to combat this monster and perhaps address this emerging human rights crisis.

    VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
    PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
    EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
    HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
    ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
    • TAGS
    • ILO
    • PTSD
    • United Nations Human Rights Council
    Previous articleNDLEA destroys 16 hectares cannabis farm in Ekiti, intercepts drugs in Sokoto, Abuja, Others
    Next articleHome and abroad, Tinubu’s Nigeria is taking its Rightful Place, By Mohammed Idris
    Prnigeria
    Prnigeria

    RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

    Tinubu Decorates Service Chiefs, Charges them to Defeat Terrorism

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with newly appointed service chiefs

    Tinubu to Service Chiefs: End the 2009 Security Crisis Once and for All

    Abbas Takes Command, Declares Zero Tolerance for Maritime Crimes, Plans Fleet Overhaul

    Gen CG Musa, President Bola Tinubu, Maj Gen Emmanuel Emmanuel Undiandeye

    EXCLUSIVE: How DHQ Operatives Foiled Bloody Coup Plot Targeting Nigeria’s Top Leaders

    NAF Chief Alfa, Badeh and Aneke

    List of Nigeria’s Chiefs of Air Staff: NAF Leadership from 1963 to Present

    Nigerian Police Force

    Press Freedom: Police Authorities Vow to Strengthen Collaboration with Journalists

    Nigerian Naval Chiefs Idi Abbas, Ibrahim Saad and Patrick Koshoni

    List of Nigeria’s Naval Chiefs Since Independence to the Present Day

    Nigerian Army Chief TY Danjuma, Ibrahim Attahiru, Shuaib Waidi

    List of Nigeria’s Army Chiefs From Independence to the Present Day- By PRNigeria

    WSCIJ Urges Joint Effort to Safeguard Nigeria’s Democratic Space

    Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

    170 Foreigners Seek Application for Nigerian Citizenship

    The National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

    Anambra Guber Poll: We’ll Deal Decisively With Trouble Makers — Ribadu Warns

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    JUST IN: Tinubu Writes Senate, Seeks Confirmation of Newly Appointed Service Chiefs

    Recent Posts

    • COAS Shakes Up Army Command, Redeploys Senior Officers Nationwide
    • Tinubu Decorates Service Chiefs, Charges them to Defeat Terrorism
    • Troops Eliminate Bandits, Rescue Hostages in Zamfara, Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno
    • Military Neutralises Insurgents, Recover Logistics in Gwoza Ambush
    • Trump Orders Pentagon to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing
    • Home
    • About
    • Adverts
    • Contact
    © 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
    Latest News
    COAS Shakes Up Army Command, Redeploys Senior Officers NationwideTinubu Decorates Service Chiefs, Charges them to Defeat TerrorismTroops Eliminate Bandits, Rescue Hostages in Zamfara, Repel ISWAP Attack in BornoMilitary Neutralises Insurgents, Recover Logistics in Gwoza AmbushTrump Orders Pentagon to Resume Nuclear Weapons TestingTinubu to Service Chiefs: End the 2009 Security Crisis Once and for AllCourt Remands Lawyer, Four Others Over Cyber Stalking and Extortion of Senator Shehu BubaAVM Aneke Assumes Command as 23rd CAS, Vows to Strengthen Air Power, National SecurityNSCDC Deploys 10,250 Personnel for Anambra Guber Poll, Warns Against ViolenceAbbas Takes Command, Declares Zero Tolerance for Maritime Crimes, Plans Fleet OverhaulMaj. Gen. Shaibu Takes Over as 25th COAS, Vows to Uphold Legacy of Exemplary LeadershipArmy Captures High-Profile IPOB/ESN Suspects, Neutralizes Terrorists in Nationwide OperationsICPC Reiterates Commitment to Accountability, Justice Reform, Youth ReorientationKano Police Nab 2 Armed Robbers, Recover Vehicle Stolen from NAF Officer in AbujaIGP Appoints Pioneer Director for Medical Services Directorate
    X whatsapp