Launch of new course on the preparation of reports on ILO Convention No. 190

The International Labour Standards Department (NORMES) and the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), with the support of the ILO field Offices, launched the first edition of the course on reporting on the application of the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190).

The Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190) and Recommendation (No. 206), provide the first ever comprehensive framework to preventing and combating this pervasive phenomenon and for shaping a future of work based on dignity and respect for all. Convention No. 190 is the first international treaty to recognise the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment, and requires the adoption of an integrated, inclusive and gender-responsive approach to prevent and eliminate this phenomenon.

The training was conceived to meet the requests for technical assistance on preparing reports on this instrument, which is the fastest-ratified ILO Convention of the past decade. It was carried out online in English and Spanish and gathered participants from governments of 20 countries that have ratified Convention No. 190 and are, therefore, under the obligation to report in compliance with article 22 of the ILO Constitution. As reporting on Convention No. 190 is still at its initial stage, first reports submitted by governments should contain information that is complete and detailed on how this instrument is being applied in law and in practice. This information will provide the ILO supervisory bodies with a better view of the context in a specific country and will enable governments to receive comments that contribute to enhance the effective application of Convention No. 190.

After exploring the reporting system on ratified Conventions, participants dived into the scope of application and content of Convention No. 190 and Recommendation No. 206, and the elements that should be brought to the attention of the supervisory bodies on the measures taken to give effect to the Convention, following the detailed Report Form approved by the ILO Governing Body. Participants also had access to e-coaching sessions to address specific questions and get guidance for working on their individual assignments that it is hoped will help advance reporting on this Convention.

Representatives of the Governments of Argentina, Greece and Mauritius also joined a final webinar, in which they shared experiences on the ratification process and application of this Convention in their countries, as well as on the preparation of their first reports, highlighting good practices.

Participants praised the interactive design of the course, and expressed that they gained significant insights, both on the matters addressed by Convention No. 190 as well as on the preparation and submission of reports, including on issues already raised by the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations in its first comments on the application of this Convention.