Working Out of Poverty: a Decent Work Approach to Development and Growth in AfricaMonrovia, Liberia | September 12th 2008This week, the first high-level forum in sub-Saharan Africa on better pay and working conditions for Africa's workers, took place in Monrovia, Liberia.
The Liberian President said the legacy of the country's 14-year civil crisis has left behind the overwhelming effects of not only unemployment but also vulnerable employment which subjects citizens to inhumane and often degrading work conditions. "We must work collectively to improve these conditions for both workers and their employers." the Liberian leader said, noting that the existing conditions were among the basis for the renegotiation of various concession agreements as government continues to support the growth and development of responsible Workers Unions and Employers Associations. The Monrovia High Level Forum covered a wide range of topics including the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for Fair Globalization, plus renewed efforts toward Decent Work in Africa to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Mary Robinson, who also addressed the conference, noted there was a real sense of urgency about the need to promote decent work opportunities not only in Liberia but other African countries. In her remarks, she emphasized that Decent Work is a "core human right" and said "we must acknowledge that there is no dignity in life without the opportunity for decent work." “There is no lasting peace without jobs”, emphasized Mr. Mpenga Kabundi, ILO Deputy-Regional Director for Africa by drawing the attention to “decent jobs for a just society and a sustainable route out of poverty”. The High Level Forum was preceded last week by an international conference in Oslo, Norway, on “Decent Work – a Key to Social Justice for a Fair Globalization”, designed to build coherence between trade and employment opportunities. Related Reading
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On 10 June 2008, the 97th Session of the International Labour Conference adopted, by acclamation, the 