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ILO commends the Egyptian government declaration on freedom of association

The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Juan Somavia, welcomes the statement of the Minister of Manpower and Migration of Egypt, H.E Dr. Ahmed El Borai on trade union rights.

Press release | 12 March 2011

CAIRO (ILO News) -- The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Juan Somavia, welcomes the statement of the Minister of Manpower and Migration of Egypt, H.E Dr. Ahmed El Borai on trade union rights.

“The recognition of the rights of all trade unions to be registered and conduct freely their legitimate activities opens the door for a new era where the right to freedom of association will be fully respected in law and in practice", he said.

“The right of all workers and employers in Egypt to form and join organizations that are independent and genuinely representative is a major step in the revolutionary changes taking place in Egypt.”

“As you know, Egypt has been repeatedly in a list of countries discussed by the International Labour Conference in relation to the limitation of freedom of association. This announcement today is a fundamental change, an historical moment. It's a major step in the democratization process in which Egypt is involved.  I'm here to listen, to assist and commit the ILO to accompany the people, government, social partners in this new era of social justice."

For more information, please contact the ILO Department of Communication and Public Information at communication@ilo.org, +4122/799-7912 or Ms. Corinne Perthuis, perthuis@ilo.org, or ILO Cairo +20 19 99 16 991 +20 19 99 16 983