Colombia ratifies Convention No. 156 on Workers with Family Responsibilities, 1981

Ratification ceremony of Convention No. 156, 6 December 2024: Mr. Gustavo Gallón Giraldo, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations in Geneva and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO.

GENEVA (ILO News) - On 6 December 2024, Colombia deposited the instrument of ratification of the Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156), with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Convention No. 156 is a pivotal instrument for advancing equality of opportunity and treatment in employment, particularly by recognizing the challenges posed by family responsibilities. Its significance lies in the obligation for ratifying states to ensure that workers with family responsibilities are not subject to discrimination in accessing employment, training, or career progression. Convention No. 156 reinforces the principles of equality and non-discrimination established in Conventions No. 100 and No. 111, creating a cohesive framework for advancing gender equality in the workplace. By adopting this convention, a country commits to implementing policies that promote the sharing of family duties, fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace. This is particularly important for enhancing work-life balance, allowing more individuals, especially women, to engage fully in the labour market without having to compromise their family responsibilities.

During the ceremony held at the ILO headquarters in Geneva, the Ambassador of Colombia Gustavo Gallón Giraldo expressed:

"This Convention is of particular importance for all individuals, but especially for women, who in our societies have taken on, generation after generation, the care of their children and family members requiring special attention and care, such as older persons or those who, due to health reasons, need permanent care and unwavering support. Discrimination often targets these individuals, and their effort and dedication to those in need of care are not adequately recognized. Moreover, their return to employment is challenging, as there are generally no programs to facilitate, for instance, the updating of their skills to meet the demands of rapidly evolving technologies in the world of work. The ratification of Convention No. 156 is another step toward ensuring workers' rights and strengthening public policies on protection and care".

Upon receiving the instrument of ratification for Convention No. 156, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo stated:

"Colombia's ratification of the Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention (No. 156) marks a significant step toward achieving gender equality and social justice. This demonstrates the country's commitment to promoting a labour market that values work-life balance and protects individuals with caregiving responsibilities from discrimination. Through this milestone, Colombia is advancing social and economic equity, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. The ILO will continue to support the country in its pursuit of decent work".

To date, Colombia has ratified 62 Conventions, of which 49 are in force. For additional details, please refer to NORMLEX.

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