On 6 December 2023, the Government of Ukraine deposited with the Director-General of the ILO the instrument of ratification of the Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170).
Depositing the instrument of ratification, Ms. Yevheniia Filipenko, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva, stated: "The ratification by Ukraine of the Chemicals Convention is a testimony of the firm commitment of the Government of Ukraine to the protection of the right to safe and healthy environment for workers, employers and society as a whole. This is particularly relevant in the current difficult situation in the world of work in Ukraine stemming from Russia's ongoing armed aggression. Ukraine looks forward to continue working with the ILO to further strengthen Ukraine's labour policies in line with the International Labour Standards and the EU acquis."
On receiving the instrument of ratification, the Director-General of the ILO, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, welcomed the ratification, saying: "I am very pleased to welcome the deposit of the instrument of ratification of Convention No. 170 by Ukraine, which brings the total number of OSH Conventions that Ukraine has ratified to eleven. By ratifying this Convention, Ukraine confirms once again its strong commitment to the need to protect workers, the public and the environment from the possible adverse effects of hazardous chemicals. "
He pointed out that: "Millions of workers around the world lose their lives every year or suffer chronic illnesses due to chemicals in the workplace. Occupational safety and health has been at the heart of the ILO since its inception and was again confirmed as essential last year, when the ILO included of the right to a safe and healthy working environment among the fundamental principles and rights at work.
Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)
The use of chemicals at work can have significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. The Chemicals Convention (No. 170) and its Recommendation were adopted in 1990 and call on ILO member States to develop, implement and periodically review a coherent policy for the safe use of chemicals at work, with a focus on prevention. The Convention has a policy-based approach and recognises the roles of employers and workers in managing occupational safety and health issues.
