Trade unions at the forefront of peacebuilding and resilience efforts in South Sudan

Juba, South Sudan (ILO News) – The South Sudan Workers' Union Federation (SSWTUF), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), hosted a pivotal two-day workshop focused on strengthening the role of trade unions in consolidating peace and resilience in South Sudan, with a particular emphasis on supporting SSWTUF officials and migrant workers.

The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of SSWTUF to actively contribute to the implementation of ILO Recommendation No. 205 on employment and decent work for peace and resilience. Participants explored how trade unions can engage across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus to support conflict prevention, climate-related disaster management, and inclusive development.

Empowering trade unions for sustainable impact

Through interactive sessions and group discussions, participants gained in-depth knowledge of ILO Recommendation 205 and Convention 143, which address employment in crisis situations and the protection of migrant workers. The workshop facilitated a deeper understanding of the socio-political and environmental challenges facing South Sudan and identified strategic roles for trade unions in addressing these issues.

The workshop provided participants with valuable insights and key learnings, including:

• Strengthened knowledge of R205 and C143 among trade union leaders.
• Enhanced understanding of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.
• Development of union-owned policy tools to support peacebuilding efforts.
• A roadmap for future tripartite and bipartite negotiations to protect migrant workers and promote decent work.
• Shared good practices and lessons learned from SSWTUF and its affiliates, identifying both successes and challenges in promoting social cohesion and inclusive development.

High-level engagement and strategic planning

The workshop was officially opened by General James Hoth Mai, Minister of Labour of South Sudan, who commended the ILO’s continued support to South Sudan’s tripartite constituents. He emphasized the critical role of peace and security in attracting investment and fostering development, urging participants to actively contribute to the workshop’s objectives.

“South Sudan faces a complex mix of external and internal challenges—including social and economic impacts of the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan and climate change. This is all causing forced displacement and governance constraints,” said Federico Negro, Senior Specialist with the ILO Action Programme on Crisis Situations and Response. “Trade unions have a vital role to play in addressing these issues and contributing to peace and resilience across the country, participating in policy formulation and implementation, protecting and promoting workers’ rights and ensuring that labour standards are integrated in post-crisis recovery.”

Trade unions have a vital role to play in addressing these issues and contributing to peace and resilience across the country

Federico Negro, Senior Specialist with the ILO Action Programme on Crisis Situations and Response

A roadmap for action and renewed commitment

Participants developed an initial action plan for SSWTUF, outlining concrete steps to strengthen the federation’s role in peacebuilding, disaster response, and migrant worker protection. SSWTUF committed to refining and implementing this plan in the coming months. The plan outlined key priorities for trade unions in crisis response and recovery. These include: promoting decent work, contributing to evidence gathering and shaping employment recovery policies such as the National Employment Policy. Emphasis was placed on integrating international labour standards and rights at work, strengthening collaboration among social partners, and adopting a gender-sensitive approach that addresses how crises affect individuals differently. Recognizing that crises present opportunities for reform, trade union participation in the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus is essential to enhance their influence, capacity, and membership.

In his closing remarks, Bona Jeing Angong, President of SSWTUF, welcomed the ILO’s continued cooperation and emphasized the timeliness and importance of the financial support provided for this capacity-building initiative. He called on participants to remain committed to peace, development, and the welfare of workers—especially migrant workers—across South Sudan.

“I deeply appreciate the high-level commitment, active participation, and constructive engagement shown by all participants throughout the workshop,” added Federico Negro. “I encourage everyone to apply the insights and skills gained throughout – not only in your current work but also moving forward with the development of awareness campaigns and capacity building programmes. These will drive meaningful change and create a multiplier effect within your communities and institutions.”

This workshop marks a significant step forward in empowering trade unions to contribute meaningfully to peace, resilience and sustainable development in South Sudan.