Colombia: House of Representatives approves ILO Convention 190 in final debate

In a unanimous decision, the House of Representatives of Colombia approved yesterday the bill ratifying Convention 190 of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which aims to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work.

Initially adopted in June 2019 during the 108th International Labour Conference in Geneva, the Convention establishes a global legal framework to prevent, address, and eradicate all forms of violence and harassment in the workplace.

“The awareness and advocacy work we’ve been doing for years alongside our affiliates, trade unions, and social organisations has borne fruit,” said Andrea García, Coordinator of UNI Americas Equal Oportunities.

“The ratification of Convention 190 by Colombia opens a path of hope for thousands of workers who suffer in silence today. It is a key instrument for building safe, inclusive, and violence-free workplaces,” she concluded.

To date, over 40 countries have ratified the Convention, and Colombia will join this list after the presidential signature is granted.

Subsequently, the government must submit the instrument to the ILO and develop a national roadmap for its implementation, in coordination with employers, unions, and civil society.