Sundaymail Editor
Theseus Shambare
The African Group, represented by Niger, delivered a scathing rebuke to the International Labour Organization (ILO) during its 353rd Governing Body meeting underway in Geneva, Switzerland, demanding an end to what they termed a “colonial relic” in the organisation’s governance structure.
The group’s primary focus was the long-delayed ratification of the 1986 amendment to the ILO Constitution, which seeks to democratise the composition of the Governing Body.
Speaking on behalf of Africa, Niger’s Minister of Employment Ms Abdoulaye Tondi Aissatou said the event is anchored on ending remnants of colonialism.
“Indeed, this notion of States of greatest industrial importance and the regime that accompanies it are unfair, unequal and stigmatizing; for Africa and Africans, it is a relic of colonialism that must disappear,” she said.
Africa condemned the “indecision” of eight industrially important states – Germany, Russia, France, the UK, China, Japan, the USA and Brazil – for blocking the amendment’s entry into force for 39 years.
“You will agree with us that, through this situation, trust itself risks being shattered in this Organisation, whose credo is social dialogue,” said Ms Tondi Aissatou.
Africa called for the immediate deletion of the constitutional provision relating to the category of States of greatest industrial importance.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo, speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), echoed the African Group’s sentiments.
“There is no viable option to democratise the ILO other than the coming into force of the 1986 instrument of amendment,” said Minister Moyo.
He dismissed proposed alternatives as “faulty at law” and lacking legal validity.
He said:
“At this juncture Chairperson, we seem to have reached an impasse because the Constitution is not serving the purpose of the majority of member states despite 127 member states ratifying the 1986 Instrument of Amendment.
“The question we ask today is, what more do member states have to do?”
The matter, Minister Moyo said, must be referred to the International Labour Conference for a comprehensive discussion and resolution.
In a separate intervention regarding the World Social Summit, Minister Moyo expressed Zimbabwe’s commitment to social justice.
“As we prepare for the World Social Summit, let us be mindful that the attainment of social justice and sustainable development requires an integrated approach, extensive consultations and investment in social dialogue structures and processes,” he said.
He also highlighted Zimbabwe’s national development strategy and its role as the current chair of SADC in advancing social progress.
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