ILO Governing Body, 356th session - EU Statement - Review of the implementation of the strategy to give effect to the resolution concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work
European Union Statement
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ILO Governing Body, 356th session
23 March – 2 April 2026
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Review of the implementation of the strategy to give effect to the resolution concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work
GB.356/INS/4
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Geneva, 1 April 2026
Chair,
I speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine and Republic of Moldova as well as the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.
The European Union and its Member States would like to commend the Office for the comprehensive final review of the six‑year strategy to give effect to the resolution concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.
The adoption of Convention No. 190 and Recommendation No. 206 with broad tripartite support signifies a milestone towards the creation of a safe and healthy working environment based on dignity and respect for all.”
Effective policymaking must be grounded in solid data. We welcome the advances made towards improving the measurement of violence and harassment in the world of work, including the development of a preliminary survey tool and the establishment of a tripartite Technical Working Group on Statistics. These efforts are crucial for ensuring internationally comparable data and for strengthening evidence‑based planning. We encourage continued investment in this critical area.
The report demonstrates the importance of targeted capacity‑building for governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations. We commend the development of practical tools and sector‑specific resources. We welcome the strong focus on groups at heightened risk as well as the demonstrated capacity to act across multiple and highly diverse sectors.
While recognising the significant progress made, we also acknowledge the persistent challenges identified: gaps in institutional capacity, limited data in certain regions, and the emerging risks linked to technological change and new forms of work. Addressing these challenges will require sustained commitment, adequate resources and continued prioritisation within the ILO’s reform efforts. We encourage all governments to continue collecting, strengthening and providing high-quality data, which is essential to better inform effective policies.
We support the forward‑looking approach set out in the report, including the emphasis on coherent implementation through OSH and discrimination frameworks, strengthened labour inspection, expanded access to justice, and effective remedies through grievance and referral mechanisms. We underline the essential role of social partners in identifying and flagging misconduct, supporting victims, and helping to ensure that cases are properly addressed. Their continued engagement remains a key driver of change. While initially conceived for a six-year period, the sustained interest from constituents and the demand for technical assistance confirms its continuing relevance.
We remain strongly committed to the global protection of victims of violence and harassment in the world of work through fostering safe, fair and harmonious working environments, protecting workers’ rights, sustaining productivity and supporting sustainable development.
Chair, we support the decision as sub-amended by the workers.
Thank you.
- ^ North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.