Comment and analysis

2012

1. 

   Article

   Questions and answers on forced labour

   01 June 2012

   New figures published by the ILO estimate the total number of forced labourers across the world at nearly 21 million. This means that three out of every 1,000 people worldwide are in forced labour today. These new figures aim to inform better global policy responses to end the crime of modern forced labour.

2. 

   Article

   What are the challenges behind Russia’s plan to boost job creation?

   21 May 2012

   Russia recently announced an ambitious plan to create 25 million high productivity jobs by 2020. Olga Koulaeva, Employment Specialist at the ILO Moscow office, analyses Russian labour market challenges in an interview with ILO News.

3. 

   Article

   How to beat a crisis: Interview with Argentinean Vice President

   17 May 2012

   In 2001 Argentina defaulted on its debt and ended the parity of its currency with the US dollar. The South American country plunged deeper into crisis, but within months economic growth set in. We asked Argentine Vice President Mr Amado Boudou if Eurozone countries can learn from Argentina how to beat the crisis.

4. Article

   Three steps to curb youth unemployment

   15 May 2012

   The right mix of education and training, promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening employment services is key to tackling the current youth employment crisis in many parts of the world, said Executive Director of the ILO’s Employment Sector, Mr José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs.

5. 

   Article

   Arab youth aspiring to social justice and decent work

   15 May 2012

   In 2011, youth unemployment rates in the Arab region have reached a worrying average of more than 27.3 per cent. For young women, the average unemployment rate is even worse...

6. 

   Article

   Why have poverty rates decreased in a larger share of developing than developed countries?

   14 May 2012

   According to the ILO "World of Work Report 2012", poverty levels have gone down in the majority of developing countries over the past years, but not as much in developed economies.

7. 

   Article

   Can Europe still afford health and long-term care for its elderly?

   11 May 2012

   Ageing is a slow-burning fuse with a strong impact both on public expenditures and the social mood, as shown by this week’s strike in the UK over pensions. The situation is particularly serious in terms of health and long-term care. Even more alarming is the financial burden on households looking after the elderly. Interview with Ms. Xenia Scheil-Adlung, Health Policy Coordinator at the ILO.

8. 

   Article

   Why do fundamental labour standards matter?

   08 May 2012

   The ILO is seeking to achieve 100 per cent ratification of its eight Conventions covering fundamental labour standards by 2015. Tim de Meyer, ILO Senior Specialist on International Labour Standards and Labour Law, explains why these instruments are important for a fairer globalization and how they are linked to relieving poverty and improving lives.

9. 

   Article

   "Not an ordinary May 1st", says ILO chief

   01 May 2012

   Opinion piece delivered for May 1st, 2012 by ILO Director-General Juan Somavia.

10. Article

    Domestic workers – ‘family’ or employees?

    27 April 2012

    Almost a year ago, in June 2011, a milestone event took place that promised to improve the lives of millions of working people – mostly women - worldwide, including more than a quarter of a million in Hong Kong and potentially as many as 20 million in mainland China. By Amelita King-Dejardin Conditions of Work and Employment Branch, ILO