GENEVA (ILO News) - We wish to express heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with all those affected by the devastating earthquake that has struck the people of Pakistan as well as Afghanistan and India.
ILO offices in the region and elsewhere have joined the coordinated response, working with national authorities and the United Nations and its specialized agencies to assist the relief effort and begin mobilizing for the reconstruction.
Reports of the widespread destruction show that the livelihoods of untold numbers of people have been destroyed. The ILO is participating in the needs assessment, reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, housing, and revitalization of local economic activities and employment and livelihood programmes. As humanitarian and reconstruction efforts proceed, we will work to ensure that these initiatives are integrated with employment-intensive strategies to create jobs and rebuild livelihoods.
The ILO stands ready to play its part in a global effort, along with the national authorities, to assist families and communities in rehabilitating the region, rebuilding lives, and restoring hope.