HE Under-Secretary for Labor Affairs of Human Resources and Social Development Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Abu Tanain led the Kingdom’s delegation to the 17th Regional Meeting for Asia and the Pacific of the International Labor Organization, which kicked off today in Singapore.
It is planned that the participants of the meeting will discuss the report of the Director-General “Renewed Social Justice for People-Centered Recovery”, as well as open and closed sessions, which will discuss various issues related to social protection.
Dr. Abuthnain delivered a speech on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at the plenary session of the meeting, in which he touched on the efforts of the GCC countries to ensure the realization of labor rights, occupational safety and health, and the restriction of any exploitation or practices associated with forced labor or human trafficking.
He added: “The GCC countries set a good example during the Covid-19 crisis as they made every effort to protect all workers without exclusion or discrimination, facilitated their return to their countries, and provided vaccinations and medical care free of charge. .”
His Excellency emphasized that the GCC countries are currently developing, strengthening and expanding social protection systems, especially in light of the changing working hours and the impact of the pandemic, in partnership with the International Labor Organization, represented by the Regional Office for the Arab States, explaining the importance of the organization’s regional review meeting and exchange of experience and knowledge among the countries of the region.
It is noteworthy that the regional meeting of the organization is held every four years, and the number of countries participating in this meeting has reached 47 countries that are members of the Asia-Pacific region of the International Labor Organization. It should also be noted that the International Labor Organization was founded in 1919 and aims to ensure decent work for all by promoting social dialogue, social protection and job creation in accordance with international labor standards. The organization also provides technical support to more than 100 countries to achieve these goals.
