NEWSLETTER No. 4/2003
Migration from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe
Since the early 1990s a new type of migration has been spreading in Europe, involving Africans
from south of the Sahara travelling to Spain and beyond. Some of the dramatic consequences have
been covered in the media, such as the rise in the number of people drowned off the coasts of Spain and Morocco.
This phenomenon, which is causing additional friction in the relations between Morocco and Spain which are
already fairly stormy, warranted closer investigation. For this reason, the ILO commissioned a report that
will be presented on 22 May in the press room of the UN Information Centre in Brussels (Rue Montoyer 14,
1040 Brussels) from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in the presence of Manolo Abella, head of the ILO's International
Migration Branch.
The report entitled "Sub-Saharan Irregular Migration through Morocco towards EU countries" shows that no
country in Africa or in Europe can solve the issue of clandestine migration by itself. In particular, it
argues in favour of a genuine Common Immigration Policy being implemented in the European Union, based on
more than just measures of police and administrative cooperation designed to control migratory flows.
The report 'sets the scene' for what looks set to become one of the most sensitive topics of discussion
between the European Union, the Maghreb countries and numerous sub-Saharan countries in Africa.
Click here
to access it on the Internet (in French only).
Non-discrimination
The Time for Equality at Work report is to be published by the ILO on 12 May. This report is the fourth
global report to be presented as follow-up to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at
Work (to find out more about this follow-up to the Declaration,
click here). In the world of work,
it lists the forms of discrimination which have been identified and condemned by national and
international authorities as well as policies and other measures recently adopted with the aim
of encouraging further efforts to fight discrimination. Many people still find themselves refused
a job or barred from certain professions, or being paid less than others, simply because they are
of a certain race, sex or religion, irrespective of their skills or the respective job requirements.
The central message of the report is that discrimination, in one form or another, is still very much
alive in the world of work, and that by combating it we can make a significant contribution towards
ridding the whole of society of the problem. We will send you a summary of this report in the form
of a press release shortly.
ILO in mourning
Pekka Aro, a senior official at the International Labour Office (ILO) passed away on 6 April in Beijing.
It is believed that the cause of his death was Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
He had left for Asia three weeks earlier to prepare for
the China Employment Forum. On 28 March, he suffered the symptoms of gastroenteritis and was
hospitalised on 2 April. Doctors later diagnosed an atypical form of pneumonia. He died four days later.
Mr Aro, a Finn, was married and the father of three children. As a recognised expert on employment,
he headed the department responsible for the InFocus Programme on Skills, Knowledge and Employability.
We pay tribute here to Pekka who was based at the Brussels Liaison Office from January 1997 to the end
of February 1998 as a specialist on Workers' Activities. Although the period he spent in Brussels was
short, Pekka was highly appreciated for his work, his knowledge, his easy, straightforward way of
dealing with people and his cheerfulness. Our deep condolences go to his wife, children and relatives.
The China Employment Forum organised by the Chinese government and the ILO, was due to be held in
Beijing from 7 to 9 April, but has now been put off to a later date.
The challenges facing public utilities
A tripartite meeting on the challenges to be met and opportunities to be grasped by public utilities
is to be held at ILO headquarters in Geneva from 19 to 23 May 2003. Its main aim will be to review the
latest situation in the sector, assess the need to build up the capacity for social dialogue and evaluate
the progress made with regard to the application of the conclusions and recommendations adopted at the
ILO tripartite meeting in 1999 on Managing the Privatisation and Restructuring of Public Utilities.
The report that will serve as the basis for preparing this meeting can be accessed by
clicking here.
New publications:
Amongst the ILO's latest publications, the following may be of particular interest to our readers:
Safety and Health in the Non-Ferrous Metal Industries
An ILO code of practice
2003, xiii+177 pp, ISBN 92-2-211640-2 (€16)
This new code of practice provides workers, employers and governments with practical safety
and health guidelines for non-ferrous metal production including aluminium, copper, nickel,
lead and zinc. It focuses on the general principles of prevention and protection, including
risk assessment and management, training, and workplace and health surveillance. To order it,
click here (also available in
French and
Spanish).
Guidelines on Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
ILO-OSH 2001
2002, ix+33pp, ISBN 92-2-211634-8 (€13)
These Guidelines call for coherent policies to protect workers from occupational hazards and risks
while improving productivity. They present practical approaches and tools to help in establishing,
implementing and improving occupational safety and health management systems. To order it,
click here (also available in
French and
Spanish).
Did you know?
The Internet site of the InFocus programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment is a mine
of detailed information on this sector, covering professional diseases, hazardous jobs, well-being at
work, labour inspections, international agreements, national legislation, and so on. This site can be
accessed by
clicking here.
Meetings scheduled for 2003
Click here for a list of
scheduled ILO meetings in 2003.