Pakistan this week ratified three International Labor Organization (ILO) instruments aimed at improving workers’ rights and protections, as well as helping empower evidence-based policy formulation to drive decent work.
Instruments of ratification for the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labor Convention, 1930; the Maritime Labor Convention, as amended (MLC, 2006); and the Labor Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) were submitted to ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo by Overseas Pakistanis Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain during the 353rd session of the ILO Governing Body in Geneva.
The Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labor Convention, 1930 supplements the Forced Labor Convention ratified by Pakistan in 1957, giving new impetus to the global fight against all forms of forced labor, including trafficking in persons and slavery-like practices. The ratification of the Protocol affirms Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating forced labor, aligning its efforts with human rights principles and the Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work.
The ratification of the MLC, 2006 is a major step toward aligning the country with international maritime standards and ensuring protection not only for national seafarers but also for all those entering the ports of Pakistan. The Convention establishes the rights of seafarers to fair and safe living and working conditions and ensures a level playing field for ship-owners. It covers areas like minimum age, employment agreements, hours of work, wages, paid leave, repatriation, on-board and onshore medical care and complaint procedures.
With the ratification of the Labor Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) Pakistan pledges to strengthen its labor data and information infrastructure by enhancing the analytical capabilities of national statistics offices in labor market indicators. This approach will empower evidence-based policy formulation and assist Pakistan achieve its goals and commitments towards creating decent jobs, reducing disparities and enabling vulnerable groups to access safe and inclusive workplaces.
“Pakistan is committed to eradicating forced labor, protecting the rights of seafarers and strengthening the quality of our labor market data,” said minister Hussain. “The decision to ratify the three labor standards was arrived at through rigorous consultations amongst the tripartite constituents. This decision underscores the tripartite constituents’ support for labor rights and their dedication to establish a fair and equitable work environment,” he added.
ILO Country Office for Pakistan Director Geir Tonstol highlighted the significance of the ratifications, describing them as “historic.” He noted this was Pakistan’s first ratification of an ILO international labor standard since the Minimum Age Convention was ratified in July 2006. “It exemplifies Pakistan’s renewed dedication to global labor standards and the protection of workers’ rights. The ILO stands ready to support Pakistan in translating these commitments into concrete actions that benefit both workers and employers,” he added.