Articles

October 2008

As shipping increases, so does the need for more port State control

09 October 2008

In response to an oil spill that fouled the west coast of France in 1978, European ministers took decisive action to establish a regional system for inspections of foreign ships in 1982. Yet the growing numbers of ship detentions in many ports worldwide show the continuous need for a global system of regular port inspections. From 22-26 September, more than 300 government, ship owner and seafarer representatives met at the ILO to adopt new guidelines on port state control under the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006. In this special report, ILO Online shows how inspections work and why they are needed.
Working in a ‘man’s world’: women in the Fiji police force

08 October 2008

There are higher proportions of women in public services worldwide, and an increasing number of equal opportunities policies exist globally. Nevertheless the ILO Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111) adopted in 1958 remains as relevant today as it was in the late 1950s – in the Pacific region and elsewhere. An interview with Kasanita Seruvatu, former Director of Training in the Fijian Police and now Training Advisor to the Samoa Police, who was spearheading initiatives in the two countries to create a stronger ethnic and gender balance and empower women to take up challenging roles in the police force over the last 10 years.

September 2008

Women migrant workers: seizing opportunities, upholding rights

24 September 2008

Nearly half of the world’s migrants are women. Increasingly, migration provides them with opportunities to find better jobs. However, many still accept lower skilled jobs for higher pay and some may even become victims of exploitation and abuse. In partnership with the ILO, UN agencies and NGOs, the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women is holding the International Conference on Gender, Migration and Development in Manila on 25-26 September to focus on the issue. ILO migration specialist Gloria Moreno-Fontes Chammartin speaks about the link between migration, gender equality and development.
Questions and answers on Tripartite Expert Meetings on Flag State and Port State inspection guidelines under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

15 September 2008

More than 300 senior representatives of seafarers and shipowners, along with governments, are to meet in Geneva between 15 and 26 September to discuss guidelines on flag-state and port-state inspection on board of ships under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2006. Below are questions and answers on the importance of the meeting, and how it relates to the Maritime Convention.
Maritime Labour Convention: Setting sail for a decent future

10 September 2008

When the ILO adopted the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 in February 2006, Director-General Juan Somavia called it “making labour history” for the world’s more than 1.2 million seafarers. Two years on, the MLC has been ratified by three key flag states representing nearly 20 per cent of the world’s gross tonnage with many more ratifications and industry agreements already under way. A five-year ILO action plan designed to achieve entry into force by 2011 is moving forward this month with two key tripartite experts’ meetings to adopt guidelines for flag State inspections and port State control officers. The ILO reports from the “City of London”, where the MLC is already being put to the test.

August 2008

Cementing social peace, political stability and economic growth in Nepal

27 August 2008

Between 1996 and 2005 Nepal was ravaged by war and on the threshold of ‘failed state’ status. In 2006, the country finally succeeded to pull itself back from the brink. In April this year national elections were held but the major political parties have failed to form a new coalition Government and disputes over key political positions remain unresolved. Meanwhile the economy, which has been hit hard since the millennium, continues to slide. A comprehensive and balanced package of labour market reforms in Nepal, including a new approach to industrial relations, could help to reduce tension in the workplace and disturbances on the streets thus paving the way to higher investment and economic growth, says a new ILO study.
Breaking gender barriers: A young woman’s quest in a male-dominated profession

11 August 2008

One billion people will reach working age within the next decade – the best educated and best trained generation of young men and especially young women ever. But despite great efforts carried out by governments and social partners, the youth unemployment crisis is growing, and the gender barriers have yet to be overcome. Young people, particularly women in developing countries, need equal access to training and jobs. Then, as the story of Paula shows, all it often takes is determination.
9 August – International Day of the World’s Indigenous People 2008 – Organizing out of poverty: indigenous peoples in the Philippines

07 August 2008

There are more than 5,000 different indigenous peoples living in some 70 countries in the world. About 70 per cent of them are in Asia and the Pacific, mostly in rural areas. They often lack control over land and resources and face high levels of discrimination and poverty. ILO Online reports from the Philippines where indigenous peoples were able to organize themselves to have a stronger voice.
The Decent Work Agenda - Looking back, looking forward: A growing consensus

01 August 2008

Ten years ago, on 15 June 1999, Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen addressed the 87th Session of the International Labour Conference, commenting on ILO Director-General Juan Somavia’s ground-breaking report Decent work. This article presents some extracts from that speech,1 together with the views of other distinguished leaders and thinkers on the ILO concept of decent work.
A dynamic vision of prevention: The International Social Security Association (ISSA)

01 August 2008

Social security is everybody’s business. It affects our daily life by protecting us against work and life risks – health care needs, disability, old age and unemployment. ISSA Secretary General Hans-Horst Konkolewsky explains how social security and the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases go hand-in-hand.