ILO Strengthens Colombian Judiciary’s Capacity to Apply International Labour Standards

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has delivered a comprehensive training programme to reinforce the integration of International Labour Standards (ILS) into judicial practice in Colombia. Conducted in Bucaramanga (11–15 August 2025) and Medellín (25–29 August 2025), the initiative formed part of the project “Institutional Strengthening to Promote Compliance with International Labour Standards in Colombia.”

Organized in collaboration with Colombia’s Labour Cassation Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice and the Rodrigo Lara Bonilla Judicial School, and funded by Canada’s Ministry of Labour of Employment and Social Development, the programme trained judicial officials specializing in labour law on how to apply ILS more effectively in their rulings.

Enhancing Judicial Capacity for Labour Rights

According to Katherine Álvarez, ILO National Project Coordinator and Focal Point for ILS in Colombia: “Our objective is to ensure that the judiciary has technical and procedural tools to apply International Labour Standards, with a practical approach that strengthens the quality of labour decisions, promotes respect for labour rights, and contributes to sustainable development.”

The training combined participatory methodologies with applied legal and procedural content to equip judges and court officials with the skills needed to uphold international obligations in their day-to-day decisions.

Modules and Thematic Focus

The five-day programme covered eight key modules, including:

• International labour obligations under trade agreements and the Canada–Colombia Labour Action Plan.

• Fundamental ILO Conventions and their incorporation into Colombian legislation.

• Jurisdiction of courts over labour rights disputes.

• Legal analysis of subcontracting and outsourcing.

• Updates on reforms to the Labour Procedure and Social Security Code.

• Occupational Safety and Health provisions, including ILO Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment.

• Practical procedural protocols for labour cases.

Strengthening Human Rights Through Labour Standards

Speakers emphasized the human rights dimension of ILS. Jair Corpus, President of the Labour Chamber of the Medellín High Court, stated: “It is essential to deepen knowledge of International Labour Standards, as all international instruments relating to labour rights contain human rights provisions. Their applicability must be ensured by higher courts, tribunals, and labour judges, given their importance for Colombia.”

Marialaura Fino, ILO Specialist in International Labour Standards, reiterated their foundational role: “International Labour Standards are the result of agreements between governments, employers, and workers from all ILO member States. They are essential tools for the administration of labour justice, and it is indispensable to strengthen their application at the national level.”

Creating Coherence and Legal Certainty

The programme fostered experience-sharing among judicial officials, allowing participants to analyze real case studies and identify effective strategies that can be replicated in other jurisdictions. This exchange aims to strengthen judicial coherence across the country, reduce procedural uncertainty, and build trust in labour dispute resolution.

By applying ILS consistently, Colombian courts can also support compliance with international trade commitments and bilateral labour agreements, providing legal certainty for both workers and employers.

Why This Matters for Colombia

As Colombia seeks to align its national legal framework with its international obligations, strengthening the judiciary’s capacity to apply ILS has become essential. A judiciary aligned with ILS:

• Enhances the protection of fundamental labour rights.

• Provides a predictable legal environment for businesses and workers.

• Reduces risks of non-compliance with international agreements.

• Contributes to sustainable development and social justice.

Ultimately, the application of ILS in Colombian courts ensures that international standards translate into real protection for workers, legal coherence for employers, and progress toward fair and just labour relations.