Geneva
\nPakistan has ratified three International Labour Organisation (ILO) instruments that aim to improve workers\u2019 rights and protections, as well as \u201chelp empower evidence-based policy formulation to drive decent work\u201d, an ILO press release on Friday said.
\nThe ratification affirms Pakistan\u2019s commitment to eradicating forced labour, aligning its efforts with human rights standards and achieving the eighth UN Sustainable Development Goal on decent work.
\nMinister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain handed the instruments of ratification for the \u2018Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930\u2019, the amended \u2018Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006)\u2019 and the \u2018Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No 160)\u2019 to ILO Director-General, Gilbert F Houngbo during the annual session of the ILO Governing Body in Geneva on Thursday.
\nAccording to the press release, \u201cthe Protocol supplements the \u2018Forced Labour Convention\u2019, which Pakistan ratified in 1957, and gives new impetus to the global fight against all forms of forced labour, including trafficking in persons and slavery-like practices.\u201d
\nMeanwhile, the ratification of the MLC, 2006 was described as a major step towards ensuring Pakistan meets international maritime standards and \u201censuring protection not only for national seafarers but also for all those entering the ports of Pakistan\u201d.
\nThe statement added that the MLC also establishes and protects the rights of seafarers to fair and safe living and working conditions and ensures a level playing field for ship owners. It covers areas like minimum age, employment agreements, hours of work, wages, paid leave and onshore and offshore medical care, among others.
\nAdditionally, the press release stated that with the ratification of the \u2018Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No 160)\u2019, Pakistan pledged to enhance the analytical capabilities of national statistics offices, specifically in labour market indicators, to strengthen its labour data and information infrastructure.
\nThe ILO stated that this approach would empower evidence-based policy formulation and help Pakistan achieve its goals and commitments towards creating decent jobs, reducing disparities and enabling vulnerable groups to access safe and inclusive workplaces.
\nHussain was quoted as saying, \u201cPakistan is committed to eradicating forced labour, protecting the rights of seafarers and strengthening the quality of our labour market data. The decision to ratify the three labour standards was arrived at through rigorous consultations amongst the tripartite constituents.
\n\u201cThis decision underscores the tripartite constituents\u2019 support for labour rights and their dedication to establish a fair and equitable work environment.\u201d
\nAccording to the press release, Geir Tonstol, director of the ILO\u2019s country office for Pakistan, highlighted the significance of the ratifications, calling them \u201chistoric\u201d.
\n\u201cIt is noteworthy that this marks Pakistan\u2019s first ratification of an ILO international labour standard since the Minimum Age Convention was ratified in July 2006. It exemplifies Pakistan\u2019s renewed dedication to global labour standards and the protection of workers\u2019 rights.
\n\u201cThe ILO stands ready to support Pakistan in translating these commitments into concrete actions that benefit both workers and employers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Geneva Pakistan has ratified three International Labour Organisation (ILO) instruments that aim to improve workers\u2019 rights and protections, as well as \u201chelp empower evidence-based policy formulation to drive decent work\u201d, an ILO press release on Friday said. The ratification affirms Pakistan\u2019s commitment to eradicating forced labour, aligning its efforts with human rights standards and achieving […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":467296,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-467263","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n