The first Decent Work Country Programme for Somalia signed

Geneva (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization and its tripartite constituents, the Somalia Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA), the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU), and the Somali Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) signed on June 10, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement the first Decent Work Country Programme for Somalia.

The DWCP signing for Somalia was conducted at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva on the side-lines of the International Labour Conference (ILC 2023) with the presence of Bihi Iman Egeh, Minister of MoLSA representing Federal Government of Somalia, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon representing the ILO, Abdi Abshir Dorre and Omar Faruk Osman representing employers and workers respectively.



“I am happy that Somalia has reached this stage after all the negotiations, and I am certain the tripartite partners will continue this partnership in translating the document into practice which is essential to advance decent work and social justice in the country.” Said Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, ILO Deputy Director-General and Regional Director of ILO Africa during the signing.


Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Bihi Iman Egeh, for his part reiterated his gratitude for signing the DWCP. He said: “We are happy we reached this stage after all the consultations and discussions, and we will make sure the DWCP is institutionalized and implemented at a national level in Somalia.”

“This is a historic moment for Somalia and all workers of Somalia. It has been a long journey and I hope this will go in full operation sooner than later. Somali workers are yearning for more meaningful work”, said Omar Faruk Osman, General Secretary of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU).


“The signing of the decent work country programme is an important milestone for Somalia and its tripartite constituents. As employers, we are pleased to have supported this vital process so that decent work agenda can be implemented in the country” said Abdi Abshir Dorre, Managing Director, Somali Chamber of Commerce (SCCI).

The Parties affirm their commitment to collaborate in implementing the Decent Work Country Programme and agreed to prioritise:
• Promoting fair opportunities for decent jobs and skills development
• Promoting social protection for all and social care to families
• Strengthening institutions of work for effective labour administration
• Promoting social dialogue for protection of labour right