Nepal ratifies two key ILO instruments on forced labour and workplace inspection

Nepal has ratified two key International Labour Organisation (ILO) instruments, marking a significant step toward eradicating forced labour and enhancing workplace safety. The Federal Parliament adopted the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, and the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947, with formal ratification occurring on August 7 at the ILO headquarters in Geneva.

Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment Ramjee Yadav stated that the ratification reaffirms Nepal's dedication to promoting decent work and safeguarding workers' rights. "The ratification of these two ILO instruments reaffirms Nepal’s commitment to promoting decent work, safeguarding workers’ rights, and strengthening protections against forced labour," Yadav said. He added that this would bolster the existing labour system and improve efforts to prevent exploitation and ensure effective labour rights protection.

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The ratification of these two ILO instruments reaffirms Nepal’s commitment to promoting decent work, safeguarding workers’ rights, and strengthening protections against forced labour. It will further strengthen our existing labour system and enhance our efforts to prevent exploitation, improve labour inspection, and ensure that labour rights are effectively protected and upheld.

The Labour Inspection Convention, 1947, aims to strengthen Nepal's labour inspection system, ensuring safe, healthy, and decent working conditions. This convention is crucial for enforcing labour laws, promoting compliance, and protecting workers' rights across all economic sectors. It will enhance the enforcement of laws related to wages, working hours, occupational safety, child labour, and other fundamental protections.

Furthermore, the Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention will bolster Nepal's efforts to prevent and eliminate forced labour. It supports stronger measures to identify, release, protect, and rehabilitate victims, including migrant workers and vulnerable populations. The convention also ensures access to justice and remedies, such as compensation and legal assistance, and addresses human trafficking for forced labour.

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This is a proud and significant moment for Nepal.