Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Fillemon Wise Immanuel, stressed that sustained continental financing, effective tripartite partnerships and enhanced coordination are essential to turning African Union (AU) strategies into enforceable realities, particularly those that uphold social protection as a right rather than a discretionary measure.
“Social protection is not merely a safety net; it is a strategic investment in human capital, inclusive economic growth, resilience and social justice,” Immanuel said.
He made these remarks at the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment (STC-SDLE-G), where he spoke on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Immanuel described the gathering, which was attended by several other ministers of labour and social development from AU member states, as a powerful show of African solidarity.
According to the AU, the ministers agreed to accelerate the roll-out of comprehensive social protection systems that reach workers in the informal economy, rural communities, migrant workers and other vulnerable groups. The AU confirmed that the ministers also endorsed a package of measures to expand social protection, create decent employment and strengthen the rights of migrant workers across the continent.
On labour migration, the ministers endorsed the African Union Toolkit for the Collection and Utilisation of Quality Administrative Data for Labour Migration Statistics, stressing the need for better data to support evidence-based policymaking. The Union revealed that they also endorsed the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers to strengthen safeguards and promote safe, orderly and regular labour mobility within Africa.
“Ministers further endorsed the Model Law on Child Online Safety and the Common African Position on Ending Violence Against Children in Africa. These frameworks aim to help member states harmonise legal and policy approaches and provide stronger safeguards for children,” the AU added.
Joel Odigie, General Secretary of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC–Africa), expressed concern that inequality, unemployment and underemployment continue to increase.
“Inflation is eroding wages and household incomes. The ranks of the working poor continue to grow, while unemployment, underemployment and inequality deepen poverty and insecurity. African workers stand ready to work with governments, employers and other stakeholders through genuine tripartite social dialogue,” Odigie said.
The STC underlined the need for stronger regional cooperation, improved implementation of previous AU decisions, and the introduction of better monitoring, regular reporting and greater accountability so that commitments translate into action on the ground. The ministers reaffirmed the value of the African Union’s tripartite approach, involving governments, employers’ organisations and workers’ organisations, as essential for balanced labour and employment policies.
“The STC outcomes focus on building resilience against poverty, economic shocks and climate risks while advancing social justice. Employment creation was reaffirmed as central to Africa’s development agenda, with calls for policies that generate decent jobs, strengthen labour market resilience, support youth employment and reinforce labour market institutions,” the AU added.
Photo: Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations.
