The conference in Bogota, Colombia, was organised by Directorate-General Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion of the European Commission (DG EMPL).

The conference took place in Bogota, Colombia, on 30-31 October and was organised as a follow up of commitments acquired at meetings of the EU-Andean countries Trade and Sustainable Development Board established under the Association Agreement between the EU and three Andean countries (Colombia, Peru and Ecuador).

The event took the shape of a tripartite conference and was attended by around 50 participants, mostly composed by representatives of the civil society of Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and the EU (Trade Unions and business representatives, mainly for MSMEs and some members also of the Trade Agreement Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs)). Representatives from governments of Colombia and Peru, as well as from the ILO participated to the event.

The aim of the event was to contribute to strengthening labour rights compliance and promoting decent working conditions in the three Andean countries, with a particular focus on:

• freedom of association
• fight against informality at work in rural areas
• elimination of child labour

It provided an opportunity to exchange best practices on labour issues, share ideas and inspire future action. The sessions were interactive and with very fruitful discussions.

The opening remarks were delivered by Mr Gilles Bertrand, EU Ambassador in Colombia, Mr Iván Jaramillo, Vice minister at the Ministry of Work of Colombia and Mr Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee.

The speakers highlighted that the EU and the Andean countries share common interests and a common agenda in the promotion of decent work. There has been positive progress on labour matters in the region but there is still work to be done. This requires measures and reforms in response to the Covid 19 crisis that are based on respect for fundamental principles and rights at work, promote decent work and practice decent working conditions without leaving anyone behind.

Four panels dealing with the impact of the EU-Andean countries Trade Agreement, freedom of association and collective bargaining, transition to formal economy and fight against child labour followed the opening remarks.

With regard to freedom of association, it was concluded that there is need to continue supporting tripartite dialogue and promoting respect for freedom of association and the fight against anti-union violence that sometimes persists in some Andean countries. The low level of unionisation was also highlighted as a problem in the region. There was also agreement on the need to foster a transition to the formal economy across the region.

According the ILO, one out of every two workers is informal in Latin America. And finally, with regard to child labour, all parties shared the need to work together to ensure that this practice is eradicated from the region and thus comply with Target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which prioritises the elimination of child labour in all its forms by 2025.

To close the event, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to continue organising meetings to promote dialogue and exchange of good practices on the issues discussed during the conference and work towards strengthening the capacities of the social partners and social dialogue in the three Andean countries.