Convention 102
Burundi steps up on convention No. 102
BUJUMBURA (ILO News) – Burundi is taking a further step towards strengthening its social protection system by holding a tripartite workshop, on 14 and 15 April 2026 in Bujumbura, dedicated to the International Labour Organisation’s Convention No. 102 concerning Social Security (Minimum Standards), 1952.
16 April 2026
Organised with technical and financial support from the ILO, this workshop is part of a process to fulfil the Burundian tripartite delegation's commitment to ratify Convention No. 102, expressed on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference in June 2025. The aim was to raise awareness among national stakeholders involved in the implementation of social protection regarding the content of Convention No. 102 and to build their capacity to better understand its provisions with a view to its possible ratification. The event brought together more than 35 participants from public and private institutions as well as United Nations agencies. These include representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Public Service and Social Security (MTFSS), the Permanent Executive Secretariat of the National Social Protection Commission, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security, the Confederation of Trade Unions of Burundi (COSYBU), the Burundi Employers’ Association (AEB), the Platform of Community Health Mutuals, the Private Sector Enterprises Mutual, the National Social Security Institute and United Nations agencies such as UNICEF.
Convention No. 102 is widely recognised as a global benchmark for the development of comprehensive, adequate and sustainable social protection systems. It sets minimum standards in nine branches of social security, whilst providing flexibility mechanisms that allow countries to gradually extend coverage in line with their national circumstances.
In her opening address, the Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Public Service and Social Security reaffirmed the Burundian government’s commitment to strengthening the national social protection system in line with international instruments and to prioritising social dialogue in order to promote inclusive reforms tailored to the needs of the Burundian people. Workshop participants took part in interactive presentations and contributed actively to the discussions. Group discussions and practical exercises enabled them to deepen their understanding of the Convention’s fundamental principles, minimum parameters and flexibility mechanisms. The discussions also highlighted the importance of aligning national legislation and practice with international standards as a means of strengthening governance, social dialogue and the promotion of decent work.
I would like to emphasise here that this workshop forms part of a significant political process: the process that is leading our country towards the effective implementation and ratification of this convention,
Burundi has already put in place several mechanisms designed to ensure effective coverage for its population, despite ongoing challenges related to their implementation. The ratification of Convention No. 102 would mark a decisive step towards a more just, more inclusive and more protective system for all workers.
The Burundian government’s intention to ratify Convention No. 102 represents a decisive step and an unequivocal commitment to strengthening its national system. However, further efforts will be required to improve coverage in order to ensure the effective application of the Convention.
At the conclusion of the workshop, representatives from COSYBU, AEB and MTFSS expressed the urgent need for technical assistance from the ILO to conduct an in-depth comparative analysis of national legislation and practices against the minimum requirements of Convention No. 102, in order to identify any discrepancies. The results of these analyses will help to identify the adjustments needed to the national system to comply with the Convention and thus promote its effective application. Discussions will continue through national tripartite mechanisms with a view to its ratification.
This initiative demonstrates the shared commitment of the government and the social partners to advancing social protection in Burundi and strengthening the foundations of a more inclusive and resilient system. The workshop was organised with the support of the ILO’s Phare programme to build the foundations of social protection, phase II.