Impact of the Workshop on Improving Working Conditions for Vulnerable Groups in Türkiye

Ankara (ILO News) - A workshop titled “Improving Working Conditions of Disadvantaged Groups from the Perspective of Business and Human Rights Regulations, Public and Private Sector Approaches and the Role of Trade Unions” was held in Ankara. This impactful event, organized under the “Supporting Resilience and Social Cohesion through Decent Livelihood Opportunities” brought together key stakeholders to discuss and address the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including refugees and crisis-affected host communities.

With globalization expanding supply chains and international commercial activities, the impact of businesses on human rights, especially worker rights, has gained critical importance. The workshop highlighted the increased risk of child labour, forced labour, and informal employment that globalization can perpetuate. To address these risks and challenges international frameworks, such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the ILO’s Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Right (UN Guiding Principles) were discussed. These frameworks, in conjunction with the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, provide essential guidance for protecting worker rights in the global economy, emphasizing the responsibility of businesses to respect and uphold these fundamental labour standards throughout their operations and supply chains.

The workshop was designed to delve into the potential impact of current and upcoming regulations, such as the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, on enhancing working conditions for vulnerable groups. The workshop also zeroed in on the vital roles and obligations of both public and private sectors, as well as the crucial role of trade unions in championing these global standards.Key Discussions and Panels

The workshop featured comprehensive sessions, including:

• ILO integrated approaches regarding responsible business and decent work presented by Fatma Gelir Ünal, Senior Project Coordinator, ILO.
• Ms. Aylin Çetin, Labour Expert from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, General Directorate of International Labour Force, made a presentation on the access of foreigners to the labour market and work permits, and both informed and answered questions on the subject.
• Current Developments in Business and Human Rights, presented by Dr. Çiğdem Çımrın, Senior Lawyer at the Business and Human Rights Association, who discussed the latest legal changes and their implications for Türkiye.
• Panel I focused on improving working conditions for crisis-affected refugees and host communities from the perspective of public sector and union approaches, moderated by Özgür Sertaç Azizoğlu, National Business Development Expert, ILO.
• Panel II explored responsible business conduct and inclusive work practices from the perspective of the private sector, with key insights from industry leaders and sustainability experts.

Outcomes

The workshop sought to enhance stakeholder awareness, develop shared concepts, and set short and long-term goals and strategies. One of the major expected outcomes is the creation of a detailed ILO Office for Türkiye’s report that would guide future thematic expert work and potential projects, ensuring that the discussions and findings have a lasting impact.

This workshop represents a crucial step towards fostering resilience and social cohesion by advocating for the rights and better working conditions of disadvantaged groups including refugees. It aligns with international efforts to uphold human rights in business, making a significant contribution to Türkiye’s commitment to social justice and inclusive economic growth.

This workshop is funded by United States Government.