June 2019 marked an important moment for the work of the International Labor Organization (ILO) when at its annual International Conference the so-called Convention 190 (known as C190) was adopted, the first treaty recognizing the right of everyone to a world workplace free of violence and harassment, including in gender-related cases.
Although the Convention only entered into force on June 25, 2021 due to a difficult period, the ILO has in recent months intensified the dissemination of its content and called for the Convention to be ratified by more countries every day. from around the world and most importantly that it is not shelved or become a dead letter, but rather is another starting point for reflection and the implementation of concrete actions leading to a safer, healthier, free from violence or harassment of any kind contributing life .
As the ILO reports daily on its official Twitter account, various forms of multiple and interrelated discrimination, violence and harassment are among the main causes of inequalities in the world of work.
“We call on countries to ratify C190 to protect all people in the world of work and create an environment of respect and dignity,” reads another publication.
In their appeals, they believe that governments that ratify C190 should implement the necessary laws and policies to prevent and combat violence and harassment in the world of work, which represents a historic opportunity to shape a future of work that based on dignity and respect for all .
“The ultimate goal is for the Convention to be ratified and applied by national governments and legislators around the world,” they specify.
Likewise, it is strongly recommended to take into account situations that, for many, are insignificant but vital, such as safety on the way to work, for which measures should be taken, especially for those who have been walking the same route every day for years .
She also insists on differential treatment to protect women, as they are still the ones most at risk of discrimination, violence and harassment.
Congratulations on this agreement and the countries that have gradually signed and ratified it. For the ILO, it has been a priority axis of struggle since its last annual meeting a few weeks ago, along with the quest for greater social justice, the expansion of decent work, teleworking and its benefits – if used properly – and support for cooperatives and mypymes in the quest for the common good, economy and development, with greater social investment, popular participation and control.