Global Ratification Campaign on C155 and C187

Before ratification, Member States may conduct a legal gap analysis to compare the Convention’s provisions with national laws, regulations, and practices*. This analysis can be carried out by the government, with or without ILO support**.

Beyond ratification, the gap analysis serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the extent national legislation and practice align with the Convention and guiding efforts toward its effective implementation.

*If the country already has a national OSH profile, this is a valuable input for the analysis.

**The ILO primarily assists national counterparts in assessing whether their OSH framework aligns with the minimum requirements set by Conventions Nos. 155 and/or 187.

Once the gap analysis is completed, its conclusions and recommendations are typically validated in a national tripartite forum, often with ILO participation and support where needed.

A key step towards the ratification of Conventions is effective tripartite consultation within the framework of the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144).

The tripartite forum can agree on a roadmap for ratification, identifying challenges, potential solutions, and a timeline for action. Both Convention No. 155 and Convention No. 187 contain flexible elements, and this tripartite discussion can be an important opportunity to assess how to best adapt the Conventions’ implementation to the national circumstances.

Ratification procedures are governed by national constitutional provisions related to international treaties. In many countries, the decision to ratify lies with the national legislature.

The ILO provides official copies of the Convention, which are often required for legislative proceedings. 

The instrument of ratification must: 

• clearly identify the Convention being ratified
• be an original document signed by an authorized representative of the State
• express the Government’s clear intent to be bound by the Convention.

The signed instrument of ratification is submitted to the ILO Director-General for registration. This can be done in person by a government representative or sent by mail or courier*. The ratification is officially registered on the date of deposit or receipt.

The ILO Director-General, as depositary, registers the ratification, notifies all ILO Member States, and communicates the ratification to the UN Secretary-General.

*While a hard copy of the instrument is required for ratification, an advanced electronic copy can be submitted to the Office of the ILO Legal Adviser [email protected]- to verify its contents.

The Convention enters into force for the country 12 months after the ILO registers the ratification.

After ratification, the country becomes subject to the ILO’s supervisory system, which is responsible for verifying if the Convention is being applied by the ratifying country in national law and practice.

A first report on the Convention’s application is due two years after ratification (one year after entry into force)*. First reports are prepared based on the report form and will be examined by the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application on Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR).

Subsequent reports are submitted every three years, as required for fundamental Conventions, unless otherwise requested by ILO supervisory bodies. Normally these are simplified reports, focusing on replying to the points raised by the Committee of Experts.

In case issues arise with respect to how Conventions are implemented in law or in practice, the ILO may provide constituents legal and technical assistance with a view to overcoming problems. Support is also available to assist countries in meeting their reporting obligations.

*Reports are due between 1 July and 1 September.

• Make OSH a national priority into national agendas and take steps to ratify the fundamental OSH Conventions​
• Consult with social partners to develop a roadmap for ratification and progressive implementation of the Conventions​

• Engage in national and sectoral OSH discussions and consultations​
• Advocate for ratification and raise awareness, including through petitions, campaigns, and public forums​

• Inquire about the status of the ratification process for conventions Nos. 155 and 187​
• Encourage parliamentary debates and collaborate with stakeholders to mobilize public opinion in favour of ratification​

• Raise awareness through media, social networks, and community events to highlight the importance of OSH and the benefits of ratification​
• Advocate for ratification by engaging with governments, employers, and workers' organizations​