South Asia is home to almost one-fifth of the world’s total population, which makes it both the most populous and most densely populated geographical region in the world, with diverse systems of government and large segments of workers in the informal economy. Most countries in the South Asia subregion have responded to the changing global environment by reforming and liberalizing their economies. The subregion has experienced high growth averaging close to 6 per cent per year since the 1990s, though in varying degrees in the countries. However, despite progress made on certain social indicators in some countries, by and large, the challenge of translating economic gains into productive employment continues.
The ILO’s Subregional Office for South Asia, which has programming responsibilities for India and Iran, provides technical and advisory services to Member States in the subregion - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – on a wide range of issues in support of the work-programmes of the ILO Country Offices in the South Asia subregion. Additionally, it responds to ad-hoc technical requests from Bhutan, a non-ILO Member. These services support the efforts of the constituents and other stakeholders to promote decent work through ILO’s mandate and technical expertise.
The key areas of ILO’s work in the subregion with a focus on inclusive growth and the informal economy include employment policy, skills, enterprise development, occupational safety & health, elimination of child labour, prevention of bonded labour, gender equality, extending social security, protection of migrant workers, labour market governance, HIV/AIDS and strengthening tripartism & social dialogue.
