President Ramchandra Paudel met with Gilbert F. Hungbo, Director General of the International Labor Organization (ILO), today as a courtesy during the 112th International Labor Conference in Geneva.
President Paudel, who was in Geneva as the keynote speaker for the opening session of the Global Alliance for Social Justice high-level meeting, expressed gratitude for the invitation and praised the ILO's work on ensuring decent work, labor rights, social dialogue and social protection.
"Nepal's constitution is built on the principles of equality, non-discrimination and social justice," stated President Paudel, according to his press adviser Kiran Pokharel. "It embraces labor rights, wages, social security, trade unions and collective bargaining for all workers."
Highlighting the increasing number of migrant workers globally, Paudel stressed the need to ensure safe, orderly and dignified labor migration with minimum wages and social security protections. He voiced confidence that the ILO can play a vital role in upholding migrant worker rights and making labor destination countries accountable.
President Paudel informed that Nepal has set legal standards to improve productivity and living standards for workers. The country has initiated a labor inspection system to facilitate compliance with labor laws by both industries and workers.
"Nepal is committed to protecting children's rights, eliminating child labor, forced labor and combating child trafficking - a top priority," he stated. The president also mentioned Nepal's national action plan on business and human rights focusing on labor rights among other areas.
Furthermore, Paudel said Nepal is working towards ratifying three more ILO conventions and protocols, reaffirming the government's commitment to effectively implementing ILO labor standards through enhancing legislative and institutional frameworks.
Director General Hungbo thanked President Paudel for attending the ILO program and commended his political life dedicated to social justice causes. Hungbo briefed that the ILO is working towards decent job creation, social security and improving living standards globally.
The meeting allowed for an exchange on President Paudel's decades-long struggle for democracy in Nepal, including his 15 years in prison, which shaped his firm belief in social justice.
