The 110th Session of the International Labour Conference Plenary Meeting

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Statement by     

H.E. Mr. Hojatollah Abdolmaleki

Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare

Islamic Republic of Iran

The 110th Session of the International Labour Conference

Plenary Meeting

June 07, 2022

Mr. Chairman;

Excellencies;

Distinguished Delegates;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Since we met each other in the last ILC, the world and the world of work went through dramatic and rapid changes. Today, the world is more unilateral and more unlivable and the world of work is even more uncertain, unequal and unfair since two years ago. I believe that in the shadow of Covid-19 pandemic, we lived the world of tomorrow and experienced the world of work of the coming decades beforehand. Based on what has happened to the world over the past couple of years, today we know that technological developments are not beneficial to all countries on an equal basis and the digital divide is a reality. Today, we know that unilateralism is not just a claim, but a serious risk far greater than what we even think of; unrelenting even when it comes to protecting people’s health and wellbeing through vaccination.

We learned that our global achievements in social justice and equality are fragile and unsustainable, and not only building forward better is more difficult, but building back better also is at risk.

Distinguished Colleagues;

I believe that these realities provided us with valuable insights concerning International Labour Organization to fulfill its mission in the future world of work. The first point is the priority to restructure ILO’s historical mandate on social justice arround an annual and global report on inequalities in the world of work as a basis for collaboration of international agencies. The second  making bodies in favour a more equal, democratic and fair participation of the member states. A truthful representation in terms of regional groupings secures genuine tripartism and effectiveness of the ILO to deal with the challenges facing the future world of work.   

Excellencies; 

Over the past two years, the Islamic Republic of Iran had to face the severe economic impacts caused by Covid-19 pandemic on its business environment and labour market; at the same time, it had to counter the toughest packages of unilateral coercive US-led sanctions. However, by relying on God Almighty, the collaboration of social partners and the principle of tripartism, it has made every effort to safeguard the opportunities for workers to enjoy decent life and decent work. In the same line, I am honored to inform you that the final ratification stage of Convention 155 and 1986 amendments of the ILO Constitution by the Islamic Republic of Iran is in progress and will be communicated over the coming months. 

Ladies and Gentlemen; 

According to the report of the Director General, the situation of workers and employers in the occupied territories is worrying and needs serious attention. I would like to thank the measures taken by the International Labour Organization and call for more serious action to ensure maintaining adequate living and access to decent work in these areas.

In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the ILO Director General, Mr. Guy Ryder, for the sincere efforts during his term of office and undertaking such an important responsibility; and express my hope that in the new chapter of the ILO operation under the leadership of Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, the Organization is even more agile, more democratic and more effective.

Thank You.