South Sudan Trade Unions Strengthen Action on Migrant Worker Rights

From 18 to 20 January 2026, 63 (15 Women) participants representing government institutions, trade unions, employers, migrant worker communities, civil society, academia and international partners convened in Juba for a national capacity-building workshop on organising migrant workers. Organised by the South Sudan Workers’ Trade Union Federation (SSWTUF) with support from the ILO under the UK FCDO-funded BRMM Programme, the workshop aimed to strengthen trade union leadership and embed migrant worker protection within national trade union structures. Opening the workshop, speakers from SSWTUF, government, employers, ITUC-Africa, and the ILO highlighted the importance of coordinated action to protect migrant workers and promote fair recruitment and decent work. The Ministry of Labour reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to protecting migrant workers and ensuring dignity in employment.

Migrant workers contribute significantly to our economy, and they must be protected under South Sudan’s laws and treated with dignity and respect.

Hon. James Hath Moi, Minister of Labour

Discussions built on existing union-to-union cooperation agreements between SSWTUF, the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU), and the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) in Uganda, supporting cross-border collaboration on migrant worker protection. Over three days, participants explored international labour standards, including ILO Conventions on migrant workers and freedom of association, and examined practical strategies for organising migrant workers despite challenges such as irregular status, language barriers, and limited awareness.

The workshop concluded with the development of a draft action plan to guide trade union engagement on migrant worker protection. Key priorities include strengthening outreach to migrant communities, enhancing training and capacity building, and expanding formal pathways for migrant workers’ union membership. The initiative reinforces the role of trade unions in advancing migrant worker rights through social dialogue, collective action, and strengthened regional cooperation.