Brussels, 22/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) concluded a strategic partnership on Monday 19 July. This will be used to intensify their joint efforts to reduce poverty and improve working conditions in developing countries (LDC). This closer collaboration aims to reinforce the social dimension of development co-operation. It forms part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and a "decent job for all".
Expressing his pleasure with the agreement, Poul Nielsen, European Commissioner for development co-operation and humanitarian aid, was keen to underline, in a press statement the choice of the ILO's partner, "Our efforts to fight poverty will be greatly enhanced by adding labour and employment dimension". He also added that "As a world leader in that field the ILO is uniquely placed to do just this.
Juan Somavia, ILO Director underlined the significance of this event, declaring that this agreement was a new stage full of promise that had been taken in the already fruitful collaboration of their institutions. The agreement takes up five chapters that have been defended for a long time by the ILO: promotion of normal working standards (the fight against child labour, unions' freedom of association etc), the promotion of a decent job - the agreement highlights Africa -, the promotion of social dialogue in LDCs, the social responsibility of companies and migration. As well as the political and financial policy (no detail was offered on this) on the five chapters, concrete results are being awaited in the definition of a regional strategy for African countries, the Caribbean and Pacific. this work will be carried out by one of the joint work groups included in the agreement.