MoU between Lebanon and ILO to improve decent work

The International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Lebanese labor ministry signed on Sunday a memorandum of understanding to kick off the Decent Work Country Program. Signed jointly with the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers and the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), the MoU is considered a crucial step in the history of the country to consolidate efforts aimed at implementing the above program. The latter, to be noted, is based on the main ILO achievements with its partners over the past few years and on the current momentum seeking to restore employment issues and labor rights on the State’s agenda of priorities. Ahead of the signing ceremony, the ILO Regional Director of Arab States, Ruba Jaradat, said the ILO has worked hard with its partners in Lebanon to develop the Decent Work Program and has, through combined efforts, enforced a closer partnership with the local government, workers and employers. “This extends a better opportunity to endorse the development agenda in Lebanon and help the country respond to the refugee crisis,” Jaradat maintained. She disclosed that, based on regular meetings and consultations with the three partners, an understanding has been reached to liaise in the preparation and implementation of the Decent Work Program, which covers the following priority areas: 1) Enhancing coherence of related policies with emphasis on the management of labor and labor inspection systems, 2) Improving decent work conditions for all workers in Lebanon, 3) Promoting productive job prospects with emphasis on youth employment, 4) improving social security benefits and securing the minimum social protection, 5) enhancing the governance and regulation of migrant workforce. (Al Hayat, April 5, 2017)