Romania ratifies the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)

© Violaine Martin / ILO

GENEVA (ILO News) – On 11 June 2024, Romania deposited the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), with the Director-General of the ILO, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo.

At the ratification ceremony held at the ILO headquarters, Ms Simona Bucura-Oprescu, the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Romania, stated: “The implementation of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) and its accompanying Recommendation (No. 206) should be the responsibility of all and must be seen as an important step forward in the development of an inclusive society for everyone, where learning and working environments are safe and health-friendly, free from discrimination, harassment, and violence. The protection, promotion, and observance of human rights, including gender equality and the elimination of any form of gender-based violence, stigma, and discrimination, as well as social dialogue on all levels, should be at the core of all policies, programme development, and implementation. Special emphasis should also be placed on providing high-quality jobs and reducing unemployment and poverty in order to address the needs of vulnerable people and groups. The Government of Romania will actively pursue dialogue and cooperation in order to ensure that the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment is fully respected, protected, and promoted. Romania is fully committed to effective implementation of the Convention and ongoing collaboration with the ILO and all parties concerned.”

In receiving the instruments of ratification, Mr. Gilbert Houngbo declared that: “Violence and harassment in the world of work is a universal and entrenched problem, and eliminating it requires determination, perseverance, and cooperation among the actors of the world of work. By endorsing Convention No. 190, Romania is reinforcing its pledge to foster a work environment devoid of violence and harassment, rooted in dignity, equality, and respect for everyone, ensuring inclusivity for all and leaving no one behind. Convention No.190 includes the first international definition of violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence, and applies to the public and private sectors, formal and informal economies, and urban and rural areas. It 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. Convention No.190 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."

Together with Recommendation No. 206, Convention No.190 establishes a framework for action, fostering a future of work grounded in dignity and respect. 

For additional information, please refer to NORMLEX.