Activities of the Sectoral Policies Department

The Sectoral Policies Department carries out its work through the implementation of a variety of activities. To support the implementation of the sectoral Conventions and Recommendations, as well as to assist the improvement of working conditions at the sectoral level, a rich body of sectoral codes of practice, guidelines, manuals and toolkits have been developed, translated and widely disseminated.

Capacity building of constituents is carried out through specialized training and advisory services to governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations at sectoral level, with an emphasis on the most hazardous sectors (e.g. agriculture, construction, fishing and mining). Training programmes are implemented at regional and national levels based on materials specifically designed to address priority issues, such as prevention of HIV and AIDS, promotion of occupational safety and health, and enforcement of labour inspection in particular sectors.

The sectoral approach is highly effective, as it is at the sector level, that governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations are typically best placed to shape the world of work. It thus offers an opportunity for the tripartite constituents to foster the Decent Work Agenda, particularly within the framework of Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs). By examining decent work through a sectoral lens, issues of deep concern in specific economic areas are not overlooked in national programmes and can be used as stepping stones to address systemic shortcomings.