Burundi signs Decent Work Country Programme 2020-2023

ILO was honoured to take part in the signing and launch of Burundi Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2020-2023 on 26 February 2021. The event was graced by; guest of honour Hon. Domine Banyankimbona, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Mr. Theodore Kamwenubusa, President, Employers Association of Burundi, (EAB), Mr. Celestin Nsavyimana Trade Union Confederation of Burundi (COSYBU) and other tripartite social partners.

The priority and outcomes expressed in the Decent Work Country Programme is the results of consultations and direct inputs of the government, employers’ and workers’ organisations. The tripartite relationship is of fundamental importance to the ongoing social and economic development of Burundi and to the achievement of our goal and objective in the Decent Work Country Programme.

Hon. Domine Banyankimbona thanked the ILO for its continued support in developing the Burundi’s DWCP highlighting the foreseen benefits of the programme for her country:

“The signing of the DWCP is clear progress for Burundi. This memorandum of understanding (MOU) brings us closer to the stage where every Burundian worker has access to better working conditions which honour their human dignity. I would like to express my gratitude to the ILO ILO Africa Regional Director, Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon and Country Director Mr Wellington Chibebe who have done their best to implement different activities and collaborating with our government.”

ILO Country Director Wellington Chibebe thanked the Government of the Republic of Burundi and ILO’s tripartite partners in bringing the momentous event to fruition stating:

“Allow me to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Burundi… EAB representing business and the COSYBU representing organised workers for the fruitful engagement during the development of the DWCP. My special appreciations goes to the numerous colleagues assigned to represent the various stakeholders in the drafting taskforce, which spearheaded the drafting of this document.”

The Decent Work Country Programme translates that mandate into the ILO’s contribution at the country-level in Burundi towards the achievement of the National Development Plan 2018-2027 (NDP) and Burundi United Nations Development Plan (UNDAF) 2019-2023.