Pakistan ratifies 3 ILO conventions to strengthen worker's rights

March 14, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has ratified three International Labour Organization (ILO) instruments that will improve workers’ rights and protections as well as help empower evidence-based policy formulation to drive decent work.

Minister of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, handed over the instruments of ratification for the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930; the Maritime Labour Convention, as amended (MLC, 2006); and the Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160).

This took place during the 353rd session of the ILO Governing Body in Geneva, where the instruments were received by Gilbert F. Houngbo, the ILO Director-General.

The Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, supplements the Forced Labour Convention, which Pakistan ratified in 1957, according to the press release issued today.

It gives new impetus to the global fight against all forms of forced labour, including trafficking in persons and slavery-like practices.

The ratification of the Protocol affirms Pakistan's commitment to eradicating forced labour, aligning its efforts with human rights principles and Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work.

The ratification of the MLC, 2006, is a major step towards aligning the country with international maritime standards and ensuring protection not only for national seafarers but also for all those entering the ports of Pakistan.

The Convention establishes the rights of seafarers to fair and safe living and working conditions and ensures a level playing field for shipowners.

It covers areas like minimum age, employment agreements, hours of work, wages, paid leave, repatriation, on-board and onshore medical care, and complaint procedures.

With the ratification of the Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160), Pakistan pledges to strengthen its labour data and information infrastructure by enhancing the analytical capabilities of national statistics offices in labour market indicators.

This approach will empower evidence-based policy formulation and assist Pakistan in achieving its goals and commitments toward creating decent jobs, reducing disparities, and enabling vulnerable groups to access safe and inclusive workplaces.

Commenting on the three ratifications, Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain said, "Pakistan is committed to eradicating forced labour, protecting the rights of seafarers and strengthening the quality of our labour market data.

The decision to ratify the three labour standards was arrived at through rigorous consultations amongst the tripartite constituents.

This decision underscores the tripartite constituents' support for labour rights and their dedication to establishing a fair and equitable work environment."

Geir Tonstol, Director of ILO's Country Office for Pakistan, highlighted the significance of the ratifications, calling them “historic.”

He noted that this is Pakistan's first ratification of an ILO international labour standard since the Minimum Age Convention was ratified in July 2006, demonstrating the country’s renewed commitment to global labour standards and workers' rights. 4

He also stated that the ILO is prepared to support Pakistan in turning these commitments into concrete actions that benefit both workers and employers.

Copyright Mettis Link News