Labour Standards

Somalia ratifies three fundamental ILO Conventions

Somalia ratifies the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)

News | 20 March 2014
On 20 March 2014, the Government of Somalia deposited with the International Labour Office the instruments of ratification of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). These instruments of ratification were deposited and registered alongside the signing of a Decent Work Programme for Somalia by the Government, the social partners and the ILO. These three ratifications bring the total number of ILO Conventions ratified by Somalia up to 19 Conventions.

In transmitting the instruments of ratification, the H.E. Dr Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia stated “I am pleased to deposit the instruments of ratification for these three Conventions. Decent work must be placed at the heart of peace and state building. My government is fully committed to institutionalising tripartite dialogue - otherwise we will not achieve social peace based on social justice. Workers of Somalia are the most severely affected by the crisis in the country. Our trade unions aspire to participate in the social and economic policy making processes. Their voices need to be heard in national social dialogue as they call for a fair environment where they enjoy equal opportunities. I request the ILO to provide maximum support to workers of Somalia so that they may play a leading role in the recovery of our nation based on full respect for human rights.”

In receiving the instruments of ratification of Convention Nos. 87, 98 and 182 by Somalia, the Director-General of the ILO, Mr Guy Ryder, stated “I am particularly pleased to welcome Somalia among the member States party to these fundamental Conventions. The ratifications of these Conventions, recognizing the importance of freedom of association and collective bargaining as well as the effective elimination of the worst forms child labour, represent a positive development in the country’s path towards the full respect of fundamental rights at work. It is also a testimony to the commitment of the Government and the social partners to strengthening the economic development of the country with a rights- based approach. The ratifications of these Conventions, followed by their effective implementation, will contribute to the building a social framework to ensure stability, prosperity and social justice in the country.”

More information on Convention Nos 87, 98 and 182 may be found at /normlex/