Ms. Sumangul Tagoyzoda, Minister of Labour, Migration and Employment of Population of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Azizbek Sharipov, Chairman of the Union of Employers of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Sherkhon Salimzoda, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Tajikistan and the ILO representatives - Mr. Heinz Koller, ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia and Ms. Dimitrina Dimitrova, Director of ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team and Country Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia agreed to work jointly towards the objectives of decent work, economic growth and prosperity of the people of Tajikistan.
The DWCP for 2015-2017 is aimed at contributing to sustainable socio-economic development of the country, based on regulation of relations in line with international labour standards, promoting of productive employment, improvement of social protection and further consolidation of social dialogue.
The Programme provides for strengthening the role of trade unions and employers’ organizations in policy design and decision-making on labour issues and for enhancing of the institutional capacities of the Tripartite Commission for the Regulation of Social and Labour Relations in Tajikistan.
Despite some progress, informal employment is still prevailing in Tajikistan. There is a high level of informal employment both in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors of the total domestic employment. Thus, the Programme will focus on rising awareness among the tripartite constituents on the need to promote registered employment and policies on formalization of the economy.
Youth unemployment is an increasingly important challenge for Tajikistan. The Programme therefore foresees strengthening capacities of national policy makers to analyze the youth labour market as well as design and evaluate employment strategies and policies for youth employment, taking into account specific gender concerns of young women and men.
Among the other priorities of cooperation are strengthening labour market information systems, improving labour inspection and occupational safety and health national systems in line with international labour standards, enhancing the coverage of social protection and support in implementation of National Action Plan on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Sumangul Taghoyzoda, Minister of labour, migration and employment of population of the Republic of Tajikistan, said that the DWCP is developed based on the national priorities of the country and in the process of tripartite consultations with active involvement of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team and Country Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. At the end of her speech, the Minister congratulated the Social Partners and the ILO for signing the Programme and expressed willingness for its efficient implementation.
Mr. Heinz Koller stated that the Programme for 2015-2017 is the fourth programme of cooperation between the Government, employers and trade unions of Tajikistan and the ILO. This shows clearly the intention of the tripartite partners of the country to continue the fruitful cooperation with the ILO. He also expressed his hope that the DWCP will positively contribute to the implementation of the National Development Strategy and other implementing programmes in Tajikistan.
Ms. Dimitrina Dimitrova said that the the Programme aims to contribute to economic growth, promote sustainable enterprises and decent work for the people in Tajikistan.
The social partners - Mr. Azizbek Sharipov, on behalf of employers and Mr. Sherkhon Salimzoda, on behalf of trade unions - welcomed the new programme and expressed their commitment to cooperate with the ILO in promoting decent work in Tajikistan.