Addis Ababa, March 2, 2023 (FBC) – Lessons should be drawn from the Adwa victory to defend the rights and dignity of citizens, said Muferihat Kamil, Ethiopia’s Minister of Labour and Skills.
Organized jointly by IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) and ILO (International Labour Organization), the Second Ministerial Meeting on Labour, Employment and Labour Migration is being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event has brought together Ministers of Labour and Employment of IGAD member states.
Speaking at the event, Muferihat Kamil emphasized that “One special lesson to be drawn from the Victory of Adwa is the spirit of resilience in the face of tremendous challenges to our citizens’ equality, dignity, and rights.”
“While we all struggle with the plight of our citizens on risky journeys to destination countries, with an increasing number of unemployed youth at home, I would like to remind us all that we should take the spirit of Adwa and put more effort to defend the rights and dignity of our citizens”, she added.
For his part, Alexio Musindo, ILO Country Director for the Horn of Africa, said; “The uniqueness of the ILO is its tripartite nature, giving voice to #workers and #employers.”
“The creation of decent jobs is also high in the agenda of the ILO. Hence, having a compressive regional framework is instrumental to ensure the protection of migrant workers and promote social justice”, he noted.
“Throughout history, the success and survival of humans has been largely dependent on mobility. As a result, the most prosperous nations and societies are built on migration, resulting in diversity, collaboration, and solidarity”, said Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary.
Recall that the three day IGAD-ILO experts meeting concluded yesterday in Addis Ababa. The experts forwarded a draft communiqué and strategic recommendations for the consideration of Labour and Employment Ministers of IGAD member states during today’s session, according to ILO Horn of Africa.
Based on the draft communiqué forwarded by experts, the Ministers of IGAD Member States highlighted the need for the endorsement of decisions suggested for implementation of the Djibouti Declaration. It is stated that the communiqué is fully endorsed.