ILO & Japan sign agreement to boost social protection in Asia

ILO NEWS (Geneva) - An agreement aimed at bolstering the development of social safety nets in Asia has been signed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the Japanese Government.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will contribute US$1.4 million to the ILO/Japan Fund for Building Social Safety Nets in Asia and the Pacific, which aims to build up the capacity of Asian countries to develop social protection for their people. Japan is already a significant contributor to the ILO’s work in Asia Pacific, through the ILO/Japan Multi-bilateral Programme, which has funded the promotion of Decent Work in the region since 1974.

The Fund will contribute to projects and events that build the capacity, influence and effectiveness of research institutions, trade unions, employers’ organizations and NGOs in working to improve social protection. This may include statistical analysis and human resource development. Funding will also be available for activities related to disaster relief, such as employment services, vocational training and occupational safety and health.

”This funding initiative from the Japanese Government is important and timely,” said Ms Yamamoto, ILO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. “While Asian countries have recently seen rapid economic growth, poverty persists and inequalities are growing. Social protection can support the most vulnerable, smooth out economic swings and provide crucial help in the aftermath of natural disasters.”

The agreement was signed on Wednesday 15 June by Mr Juan Felipe Hunt Ortiz, Director of the Department of Partnerships and Development Cooperation and Mr Taro Muraki, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare, during the 100th International Labour Conference (ILC). The ILC, which is being held in Geneva from 1 to 17 June, is the annual meeting of the ILO, the UN specialized agency that deals with work and work-related issues, and brings together the ILO’s 183 member states. The meeting is attended by more than 3,000 delegates representing Governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations.

For further information please contact:

Sophy Fisher
ILO Regional Information Officer for Asia and the Pacific
Email [email protected]
Tel : 00 41 [0] 79 558 63 52