Fundamental Conventions

Timor-Leste ratified the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No.100) and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) 1958 (No. 111)

News | 10 May 2016
On 10 May 2016, the Government of Timor-Leste, member of the ILO since 2003, ratified two fundamental ILO Conventions, namely the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No.100) and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) 1958, (No.111) which are among the most widely ratified ILO Conventions, respectively 171 and 172 out of 187 Member States.

Protection against discrimination is a fundamental human rights as it is essential for workers to freely choose their employment, develop their full potential and reap the benefits of their labour according to their merit. Around the world, millions of men and women are denied access to work and training, receive low wages, or are restricted to certain occupations simply because of their gender, the colour of their skin, ethnicity or beliefs, without their abilities and qualifications being taken into account. Thus, on average, female workers receive for equal work, a salary that can be 25 percent less than their male colleagues. Promoting equality in the workplace is also synonymous of significant economic benefits. Employers who practice equality have access to a larger and more diverse workforce. Workers who enjoy equality have greater access to training, often receive higher wages, and improve the overall quality of the workforce. The ILO standards on equality provide tools to eliminate discrimination in all aspects of the workplace and across society. They also form the basis from which are applied strategies for integration issues of equality between men and women in the field of labour. Promoting in this way an egalitarian society contributes to strengthening social cohesion, a more equitable distribution of wealth and greater adherence of the population to social and economic policies in place.

By receiving the two formal instruments of ratification, Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Office said:
"By ratifying Conventions Nos. 100 and 111, your Government confirmed its commitment to implement the fundamental principles and rights at work bringing to six the number of fundamental Conventions ratified by Timor Leste. These ratifications also bring us closer to the goal of universal ratification of Conventions on non-discrimination and equal treatment that has set the International Labour Organization. "

In depositing the official instruments of ratification, His Excellency, Mr. Marciano Octavio Garcia Da Silva, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the United Nations Office at Geneva, stated: "It is a great honour for me to deposit the instruments of ratification, as evidence of the commitment of the Government of Timor-Leste to meet its international obligations. The Government of Timor-Leste is strongly committed to make every effort to ensure equal treatment in employment and occupation, including in pay between men and women. Today is an important day for Timor-Leste because these ratifications demonstrate our commitment to guarantee to all workers the right to access work without any form of discrimination. "

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951, (No. 100) - [171 ratifications]
This fundamental Convention requires states that have ratified it to ensure the application to all workers of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. In the broad sense, "remuneration" includes salary or ordinary, basic or minimum wage and all other benefits paid directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, by the employer to the worker and arising out of the worker’s employment.

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No.111) - [172 ratifications]
This fundamental Convention defines discrimination as "any distinction, exclusion or preference based on race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national or social origin, which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation ". It calls on states that have ratified it to commit to declare and pursue a national policy designed to promote, by methods appropriate to national conditions and practice, equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and profession, to eliminate discrimination in this field. Its provisions cover matters such as discrimination in access to vocational training, to employment and to particular occupations, and conditions of employment.