GENEVA (ILO News) – On 6 July 2022, Mexico deposited the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) with the ILO. Mexico is the 19th ILO Member State to ratify Convention No. 190, and the 7th in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Convention No. 190 is the first international treaty to address violence and harassment in the world of work. Together with Recommendation No. 206, it provides a common framework for action, a unique opportunity to forge a future of work based on dignity and respect, and demonstrates the right of all people to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
These instruments will be key to realizing the goals set out in the ILO’s Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work adopted in 2019, which clearly commits to a world of work free from violence and harassment, as well as the goals set out in the Global Call to Action for a human-centred recovery from the COVID-19 crisis that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient.
Depositing the instrument of ratification at the ceremony in Geneva, Ms. Marta Delgado, Under-Secretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged that Mexico’s ratification of the Convention constitutes recognition that violence and harassment have a profound impact on the physical and mental integrity of individuals, deteriorate the work environment and productivity, and have serious consequences for the family and the community. She stressed that:
“Convention No. 190 is an unprecedented global framework that provides an intersectional and cross-cutting perspective and tools to reduce and eliminate the violence that affects so many workers.”
In addition, Ms. Delgado stated that, “Violence is a clear violation of human rights and cannot be tolerated or permitted under any circumstances. We recognize that violence and discrimination, including gender-based violence, are challenges in my own country and around the world. Our presence here today is a call to all for the elimination of such practices.”
Ms. Martha Elizabeth Newton, ILO Deputy Director-General for Policy, acting on behalf of the Director-General, recalled at the time of receiving the instruments of ratification that Convention No. 190, together with Recommendation No. 206, provide the first common framework for action to forge a future of work based on dignity and respect, and indicated that they offer protection for all in the world of work, and include, but are not limited to, the eradication of gender-based violence and harassment.
The unanimous approval by the Senate of the Republic of Mexico of the ratification of Convention No. 190 reflects the strong will of the Government to respect, promote and ensure the enjoyment of the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, as well as to promote decent work for all. It is hoped that the ratification of Convention No. 190 will boost and contribute to the extensive efforts the country is already making to eradicate violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence and harassment.