China: sexual harassment at work is included in the civil code

On 28 May 2020, following six long years of drafting and redrafting in what was its fifth attempt, China will commence operating under a brand new civil code, the first ‘civil code’ of the People's Republic of China since its establishment in 1949. Among the 1,260 articles that make up this compilation of civil laws and regulations, which will come into force on 01 January 2021, is Article 1,010 of Chapter 2 (Rights to Life, Body and Health) of Part II (Personal Rights). Article 1,010 characterizes civil liability related to sexual harassment and creates the obligation for employers to adopt measures to prevent, record complaints of, investigate, and deal with cases of sexual harassment in the workplace.