The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted new landmark standard to respond to contemporary crisis situations arising from conflicts and disasters across the world.

The ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder stated this in his remarks at the closing ceremony of the 106th International Labour Organisation Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

In a statement on Sunday, Ryder said the conference had adopted a new landmark standard; “the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendations, 2017 (No.25).”

He said this updates an earlier ILO Recommendation adopted in 1944 that provided responses to contemporary crisis situations arising from conflicts and disasters.

According to him, this widens the focus of the standard on reconstruction and recovery to include prevention and preparedness.

“The new standard provides a unique normative framework focusing on world of work related measures to prevent and respond to the devastating effects of conflicts and disasters on economies and societies," he said.

“It will also pay a special attention to vulnerable population groups, such as children, young people, women and displaced people.”

Ryder said the conference also adopted a resolution that called for strengthening of partnerships at the international level to promote the new standard.

The DG also said that the adoption of a new recommendation on Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience was significant on several levels "because it shows, unequivocally, that the ILO is ready and able to update its standards, making them robust and relevant.

“It is also significant because it is a vital answer for the millions of people, affected by crisis, disaster, or displacement from the world of work.

“Not only are we listening to them, we are acting for them and acting with them.”

Ryder, however, reminded delegates of the ILO’s responsibilities in respect of labour migration.

He urged members to embrace the value of social dialogue between governments and the social partners.

The 106th ILC, held from June 5 to June 16, had a record 6,000 accredited delegates from 187 ILO member-states.

They deliberated on world of work issues, including the promotion of peace and stability in countries emerging from conflict, strengthening labour migration governance and greening the economy, among others. (NAN)

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