ILO exchanges views on implementation of international labour standards in Southeast Asia at the European Parliament
Addressing the European Parliament, the ILO shared some of the key developments on the application of international labour standards in ASEAN, and reflected on the challenges that remain for countries in the region.
BRUSSELS (ILO News) – Senior Adviser with the ILO Department on International Labour Standards, Tim De Meyer, addressed the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN to discuss the implementation of ILO Conventions in Southeast Asia. The Delegation aims to establish, channel and promote parliamentary dialogue with the national parliaments of the countries of the region and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.
De Meyer explained that the application of international labour standards in ASEAN remains work in progress. The diverse nature of countries in the region explains, in part, the comparatively low level of ratification of international labour standards. The ILO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific works closely with its partners in the region to address labour issues and promote social justice.
Institution building, policy support and local development play a critical role in ensuring such progress. Significant challenges remain, however, including increasing decent employment opportunities, providing adequate social protection and tackling vulnerability in the informal economy.
Some 46 ratifications would be needed to achieve universal ratification of ILO fundamental standards within ASEAN. These include realising freedom of association and collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; the effective abolition of child labour; the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation; and safe and healthy working environments. On the application side, various issues remain with all fundamental standards, most notably with respect for the civil liberties of labour rights defenders, including trade unionists.
De Meyer touched upon the potential of leveraging trade and investment for decent job creation and implementation of labour standards but stressed the need to consider the diverse baselines for the application of international labour standards in these countries.
He also highlighted the increasing political awareness of the role that international labour standards can play in securing the “sustained and sustainable economic growth” envisaged in the 2030 Development Agenda (SDG 8). The most recent important step forward is the 27th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting, which took place in October 2022.
De Meyer explained that the application of international labour standards in ASEAN remains work in progress. The diverse nature of countries in the region explains, in part, the comparatively low level of ratification of international labour standards. The ILO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific works closely with its partners in the region to address labour issues and promote social justice.
Institution building, policy support and local development play a critical role in ensuring such progress. Significant challenges remain, however, including increasing decent employment opportunities, providing adequate social protection and tackling vulnerability in the informal economy.
Some 46 ratifications would be needed to achieve universal ratification of ILO fundamental standards within ASEAN. These include realising freedom of association and collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; the effective abolition of child labour; the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation; and safe and healthy working environments. On the application side, various issues remain with all fundamental standards, most notably with respect for the civil liberties of labour rights defenders, including trade unionists.
De Meyer touched upon the potential of leveraging trade and investment for decent job creation and implementation of labour standards but stressed the need to consider the diverse baselines for the application of international labour standards in these countries.
He also highlighted the increasing political awareness of the role that international labour standards can play in securing the “sustained and sustainable economic growth” envisaged in the 2030 Development Agenda (SDG 8). The most recent important step forward is the 27th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting, which took place in October 2022.