Egypt's exclusion from ILO's observations list reflects commitment to workforce welfare: Minister

CAIRO – 19 May 2024: Minister of Labor Hassan Shehata has highlighted that Egypt's absence from the International Labor Organization's (ILO) observations list for 2024 signifies the country's dedication to providing enhanced care and protection for its workforce.

The exclusion from the list, which will be discussed during the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in June, demonstrates Egypt's commitment to global labor standards, he added.

The 112th annual ILC is scheduled to take place from June 3 to 14 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, with the participation of delegates from the ILO's 187 member states, including workers, employers, and government representatives.

During this period, the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) will convene to discuss the 2024 Report of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations.

The report addresses observations on the implementation of ratified Conventions by specific member states, covering topics such as freedom of association, forced labor, and child labor elimination.

CAS will examine a list of 40 cases compiled by social partners to possibly provide recommendations for governments to address the identified issues.

Countries on the preliminary list of cases submitted by social partners include Albania, Algeria, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eswatini, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.

The list also encompasses Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mauritania, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uganda.

National endeavors

Shehata's comments came during discussions with officials regarding a new labor draft law that will soon be presented for discussion in the House of Representatives.

The proposed legislation aims to enhance job security for workers and foster investments, as stated by the Ministry of Labor.

Over the past decade, Egypt has implemented a series of social protection policies for labor, including increases in the minimum salaries as well as wages within the emergency subsidy fund for workers.

The government has also made efforts to integrate individuals with disabilities into the labor market and safeguard the rights of informal workers through national initiatives.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Social Solidarity has established 17 centers dedicated to combating child labor and has conducted awareness programs for children and their families in this regard.