The implementation of international labour standards is supervised by ILO supervisory bodies, whose nature is unique at the international level. The ILO supervisory system, comprising the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) and the ILO Conference Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS), regularly examines the application of standards in Member States and point out areas where they could be better applied (ILO 2019a). 47
Once a country has ratified Convention No. 190, it is required, according to Article 22 of the ILO Constitution, to report regularly on the measures it has taken for its implementation. When submitting its first report, the Member is asked to complete a detailed report form correspondingly adopted by the Governing Body (ILO 2021b). Every six years, governments have to provide reports detailing the steps they have taken in law and practice to apply the Convention, and provide replies to comments issued by the CEACR. Governments are required to submit copies of their reports to employers’ and workers’ organizations. These organizations may comment on the government reports, or send comments directly to the ILO on the application of Conventions, following Article 23 of the ILO Constitution (ILO 2019a).
Figure 6. How can ratification be promoted?
If a country has not ratified Convention No. 190 yet …
What canemployers’ and workers’ organizations do?
Put a written request to the Government to find out whether Convention No. 190 has been submitted to the competent authorities for possible ratification and whether the ratification is under consideration;
Require a tripartite consultation at the national or sectoral level;
Develop, join and/or support international and national campaigns, and mobilize members in support of Convention No. 190;
Contact the most representative organizations in the country and coordinate with them;
Raise awareness of Convention No. 190 and conduct assessments among members to understand the situation and challenges in relation to its effective implementation.
What can Parliamentarians do?
Put an oral or written question to the Government during Question Time to find out whether ratification is under consideration, and if not, to determine why Convention No. 190 has not yet been ratified;
Encourage a parliamentary debate on the question;
Work with the Ministry of Labour or any other relevant and competent ministries, social partners, media and civil society to mobilize public opinion in support of Convention No. 190
What can civil society organizations do?
Lobby government representatives and/or employers’ or workers’ organizations for the ratification of Convention No. 190;
Keep institutions accountable for national and global commitments made by governments concerning the ratification and implementation of Convention No. 190;
Develop, join and/or support international and national campaigns in support of the ratification and implementation of Convention No. 190;
Mobilize members and other civil society organizations to create a movement in support of Convention No. 190;
Make your voice heard offline and online, including by using the hashtag #RatifyC190.
What can individuals do?
Get in contact with social partners and ask about any ratification prospects;
Join international and national campaigns, and mobilize friends, your community and civil society in support of Convention No. 190;
Create a movement in support of Convention No. 190;
Be active and make your voice heard offline and online, including by using the hashtag #RatifyC190;
Become an agent of change wherever your work.
47 In addition, a number of complaints-based procedures exist; see ILO 2019a.