Promoting Safer Workplaces in the Southern Mediterranean: A Transformative EU-ILO Partnership
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the European Union (EU), is advancing efforts to promote occupational safety and health (OSH) across the Southern Mediterranean. Building on the accomplishments of Phase 1 (2022-2023), the project enters Phase 2 (2024-2027) with a renewed commitment to improving workplace safety and supporting vulnerable workers in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and now Egypt.
The first phase of the project focused on strengthening labour inspectorates to address the unique safety challenges faced by workers, especially in the agricultural sector. As a result, strategic compliance plans tailored to the needs of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia were developed and piloted. In Morocco, specific emphasis was put on tackling informality and improving workplace safety.
This foundational work has set the stage for broader regional impact by embedding a culture of prevention and sustainable improvement in OSH practices.
Phase 2 will extend the project’s geographical and sectoral focus, including Egypt and the construction sector. Its primary goals are:
- Strengthening labour inspection systems to ensure compliance with OSH standards in agriculture and construction.
- Aligning national policies and legal frameworks with International Labour Standards to enhance working conditions.
- Fostering regional cooperation through knowledge exchange and best practice sharing.
This initiative, integrated into the Employment and Labour Roadmap of the Union for the Mediterranean 2022-2025, underscores its alignment with regional priorities. The project also contributes to the ILO’s Safety + Health for All Flagship Programme, which aims to create safe and healthy working conditions worldwide, with a focus on vulnerable workers.
Co-funded by the EU, the partnership is driving sustainable development and fostering safer, more inclusive workplaces in the region. By addressing OSH challenges and strengthening labour systems, the EU-ILO collaboration is paving the way for a better future for workers across the Southern Mediterranean.
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About the ILO
The International Labour Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to advancing social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
About the European Union
The EU is a political and economic union of 27 member states committed to regional cooperation and development initiatives worldwide.
Relevant projects
EU-ILO Partnership
Promoting Safe and Healthy Workplaces in the Southern Mediterranean – Phase II