On 29 October 2021, Italy deposited the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) , with the Director-General of the ILO, thereby becoming the ninth country in the world, and the second European country, to ratify Convention No. 190.

Mr Andrea Orlando, Minister of Labour and Social Policies of the Italian Republic, deposited the instrument of ratification with Mr Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General, in a ceremony held in Rome.

Convention No. 190 is a landmark instrument. It is the first international labour standard to address violence and harassment in the world of work. Together with Recommendation No. 206, it provides a common framework for action and a unique opportunity to shape a future of work based on dignity and respect.  The Convention affirms that everyone has the right to a world – and a workplace – free from violence and harassment. It provides the first internationally agreed definition of violence and harassment in the world of work, including of gender-based violence. The Convention defines violence and harassment as “a range of unacceptable behaviours and practices” that “aim at, result in, or are likely to result in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm”. This definition covers everyone who is working, including interns or apprentices, persons who exercise the duties or authority of an employer, the public and private sectors, the formal and informal economies, as well as urban and rural areas.

The Convention also requires ratifying Member States to adopt, in consultation with representative employers’ and workers’ organizations, an inclusive, integrated and gender-responsive approach to preventing and eliminating violence and harassment, through prevention, protection and enforcement measures and remedies, as well as guidance, training and awareness-raising. It also recognizes the different and complementary roles and functions of governments, employers and workers and their respective organizations, taking into account the varying nature and extent of their responsibilities. The Convention and Recommendation are tangible evidence of the enduring value and strength of social dialogue and tripartism, which will be essential in implementing them at national level...