For healthy working conditions
People spend a large part of their lives working. The conditions in which they work therefore have a significant impact on their health. The right to health cannot exist without the right to healthy working conditions.
Figures from the International Labour Organisation show that at least 1.9 million people die each year as a result of workplace accidents or occupational diseases. In addition, 360 million non-fatal accidents occur each year. Privatisation, expansion and takeovers of large companies, as well as health crises, are putting increasing pressure on working conditions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and mining, amongst others. Women, the LGBTQ+ community and workers in the informal economy are the hardest hit.
Our objectives
That is why Viva Salud has been campaigning since 2022 for healthy working conditions for everyone : from healthcare workers with inadequate protective equipment in the Philippines, to Palestinian farmers forced to work with dangerous pesticides, and Congolese miners exploited by large companies. Belgium and the European Union are often involved. We want other organisations and networks to incorporate the right to health into their campaign for decent work. Together, we are mobilising social movements and the general public, influencing policy and driving change.
Our partnerships
In partnership with organisations in Palestine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Philippines, as well as with various national, regional and international working groups, we advocate for the right to healthy and safe working conditions worldwide.
In particular, we are campaigning for strict regulations on the export of banned pesticides outside the European Union and for a due diligence law that obliges Belgian and European companies to respect human rights throughout the production chain and to provide compensation for any violations. We are joining forces with other organisations such as 11.11.11, CNCD-11.11.11, Fian, SOS Faim, Goldenrod, WSM and FOS.
See our related campaigns:
Pesticides: banned here, exported there. Deadly everywhere.
Deadly pesticides that are banned in Europe are exported to low-income countries, where they are damaging farmers’ health and the environment. Ironically, these very same pesticides end up on our plates via the food we import.
