Pakistan has ratified three instruments of the International Labor Organization (ILO) that aim to improve the rights and protections of workers, as well as “help train the formulation of evidence based on evidence to promote decent work,” said a Press statement from the ILO on Friday.
The ratification affirms Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate forced labor, aligning his efforts with human rights standards and reaching the eighth object of sustainable development of the UN on a decent work.
Pakistani Minister abroad and the development of Human Resources Chaudhry Salik Hussain delivered the ratification instruments for the ‘2014 Protocol to the Forced Labor Convention, 1930’, the modified maritime labor convention (MLC, 2006) ‘and the’ Convention of Labor Statistics of the Geneva work on Thursday.
According to the press release, “the protocol complements the” Convention of Forced Labor “, which Pakistan ratified in 1957, and gives a new impulse to the global struggle against all forms of forced labor, including the traffic of people and practices similar to slavery.”
Meanwhile, the ratification of the MLC, 2006, was described as an important step to ensure that Pakistan meets international maritime standards and “guarantee protection not only for the national sea people but also for all those who enter the ports of Pakistan.”
The statement added that the MLC also establishes and protects the rights of sea people to fair and safe living conditions and guarantees a leveling playing field for ship owners. It covers areas as minimum age, employment agreements, work hours, salaries, paid license and medical care on land and high seas, among others.
In addition, the press release stated that with the ratification of the ‘Labor Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160)’, Pakistan promised to improve the analytical capabilities of the National Statistics offices, specifically in indicators of the labor market, to strengthen their labor data and information infrastructure.
The ILO declared that this approach would enhance the formulation of evidence -based policies and help Pakistan achieve their objectives and commitments to create decent works, reduce disparities and allow vulnerable groups to access safe and inclusive workplaces.
Hussain was summoned by saying: “Pakistan is committed to eradicating forced labor, protecting the rights of sea people and strengthening the quality of our labor market data. The decision to ratify the three labor standards through rigorous consultations between the tripartite components was reached.
“This decision underlines the support of tripartites components to labor rights and their dedication to establish a fair and equitable work environment.”
According to the press release, Geir Tonstol, director of the ILO Field Office for Pakistan, highlighted the importance of ratifications, calling them “historical.”
“It is noteworthy that this marks the first Ratification of Pakistan of an International OIT work standard since the minimum age convention was ratified in July 2006. Exemplifies Pakistan’s renewed dedication to global work standards and the protection of workers’ rights.
“The ILO is ready to support Pakistan in the translation of these commitments into concrete actions that benefit both workers and employers,” he said.
