Reinforcing Commitment and Fostering Action for Migrant Workers' Rights
The Multi-regional Trade Union Dialogue and Cooperation meeting focused on evaluating the progress made since the signing of the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and planning for the implementation of the renewed MOU signed in June 2023.
8 December 2023
The Multi-regional Trade Union Dialogue and Cooperation under the theme "Reinforcing Commitment and Fostering Action for Migrant Workers' Rights" event took place on December 2nd and 3rd, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference brought together representatives from six regional trade union confederations, including ITUC-Africa, ITUC-AP, SARTUC, ASEAN-TUC, Arab TUC, and TUCA, along with an observer, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), as well as representatives from ILO Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV), Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, and Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP). The meeting focused on evaluating the progress made since the signing of the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and planning for the implementation of the renewed MOU signed in June 2023.
The first day featured regional-sub-regional reports on the results, good practices, and challenges faced during the 2018 MOU implementation. Representatives from each region presented their findings, emphasising a brief overview of achievements and challenges. The second day continued with reports on the activities undertaken by each party since June 2023 under the reviewed MOU. Breakout sessions and interactive workshops allowed in-depth discussions on the identified priority actions of ratification and implementation of International Labour Standards (ILS) and the empowerment of migrant workers.
The conference identified specific actions for the two prioritised areas: Ratification and implementation of ILS, including conventions such as C097 and C143, and Empowerment of migrant workers through advocacy for freedom of association rights and campaigns to recruit migrant workers into trade unions. Additionally, the event facilitated the presentation of identified labour migration corridors between origin and destination countries and proposed roadmaps for further collaboration.
The outcomes of the conference included a list of results, challenges, and a proposed common workplan for the prioritised actions. The collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening cross-regional cooperation, fostering trust, and exploring opportunities for improving the working and living conditions of migrant workers. The event concluded with the adoption of a common workplan, highlighting the commitment to advancing migrant workers' rights collectively.
Overall, the conference provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, reinforcing commitment, and fostering actionable plans to address challenges faced by migrant workers across regions. The renewed MOU and the outlined common workplan signify a continued dedication to promoting and protecting the rights of migrant workers through enhanced collaboration and coordinated efforts.
The first day featured regional-sub-regional reports on the results, good practices, and challenges faced during the 2018 MOU implementation. Representatives from each region presented their findings, emphasising a brief overview of achievements and challenges. The second day continued with reports on the activities undertaken by each party since June 2023 under the reviewed MOU. Breakout sessions and interactive workshops allowed in-depth discussions on the identified priority actions of ratification and implementation of International Labour Standards (ILS) and the empowerment of migrant workers.
The conference identified specific actions for the two prioritised areas: Ratification and implementation of ILS, including conventions such as C097 and C143, and Empowerment of migrant workers through advocacy for freedom of association rights and campaigns to recruit migrant workers into trade unions. Additionally, the event facilitated the presentation of identified labour migration corridors between origin and destination countries and proposed roadmaps for further collaboration.
The outcomes of the conference included a list of results, challenges, and a proposed common workplan for the prioritised actions. The collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening cross-regional cooperation, fostering trust, and exploring opportunities for improving the working and living conditions of migrant workers. The event concluded with the adoption of a common workplan, highlighting the commitment to advancing migrant workers' rights collectively.
Overall, the conference provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, reinforcing commitment, and fostering actionable plans to address challenges faced by migrant workers across regions. The renewed MOU and the outlined common workplan signify a continued dedication to promoting and protecting the rights of migrant workers through enhanced collaboration and coordinated efforts.