PRESS RELEASE – Samoa ratifies the International Labour Organisation Conventions for the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health 2006, (No.187) and the Violence and Harassment 2019, (No.190)

Samoa has ratified two International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, namely, the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention 2006, (No.187), and the Violence and Harassment Convention 2019, (No.190).

Samoa’s original Instruments of Ratification, signed by the Prime Minister of Samoa, were presented by the Honourable Leota Laki Lamositele Sio, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, to the Director General (DG) of the ILO, Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo. The Honourable Leota and Mr Houngbo signed the ratification certificates at the depository ceremony that was held on Friday 31 May 2024 at the ILO Headquarter in Geneva. The ceremony precedes the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) that will convene on 3 – 14 June 2024.

The Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention 2006, referred to simply as Convention 187 (C187), will help strengthen Samoa’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) policy framework and develop a safe and healthy working environment. A national program will be developed through the Samoa National Tripartite Forum, aiming to create a safety and health culture in the workplace. The Violence and Harassment 2019 (C190), encourages employers to create a work environment that is free from violence and harassment, C190 is the first international treaty to recognize the right to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

Local consultations with relevant stakeholders from government, private sector and civil society had been undertaken including through the Samoa National Tripartite Forum. The collective objective is to provide decent work for all through fair working terms and conditions and a safer and healthier working environment. The implementation of the conventions will complement existing national efforts to combat domestic violence, strengthen national OSH implementation and signal Samoa’s international commitment to these fundamental principles to provide a decent workplace environment.

The delegation of Samoa attending the 112th ILC, led by the Honourable Leota Laki Lamositele, includes representatives of the Samoa National Tripartite Forum, Seve Saina Tomi Setu Fetalaiga of the Workers Association, Funefeai Oliver Vaai of the Employers Association, and Ms Cedrela Tamati, Principal Labour Inspector of MCIL; and Her Excellency, Toleafoa Nella Pepe Tavita Levy, Samoa’s Permanent Representative in Geneva.

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SOURCE – Ministry of Commerce Industry & Labour