What is Singapore Declaration at The 17th APRM of ILO?

What do we mean by Singapore Declaration at The 17th APRM of ILO?

Singapore Declaration at the 17th APRM of ILO is a joint statement which urges governments and social partners to ensure labor protection for all through the promotion of freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.

Why ILO’s Singapore Declaration in news?

The 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has concluded with Singapore Declaration.

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Know about 17th APRM of the ILO

• The ILO is the United Nations specialized agency dealing with work-related issues.
• The 17th APRM was attended by 388 delegates – including 22 ministers and vice-ministers – representing governments and workers’ and employers’ organizations from 35 countries in Asia, the Pacific and Arab States region.
• The Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) brought together high level representatives of governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations from Asia, the Pacific and the Arab states.
• The 17th APRM came at an important juncture for the world of work as the region faces multiple challenges, including the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic compounded by the global food, energy and finance crises.

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What has been changed since the last APRM in Bali in 2016?

• Since the last APRM in Bali, Indonesia in 2016 the COVID-19 pandemic had unleashed an ‘unprecedented social and economic crisis on the regions’, costing millions of lives, devastating businesses and jobs.
• While there are signs of recovery, it remains uneven and additional crises such as climate-related natural disasters and steep rises in food and energy prices had compounded the impact on labour markets.
• In view of the challenges as well as emerging opportunities faced across Asia, the Pacific and Arab States, the statement highlights a series of priorities for action at national level.
• High amongst these is the need to ratify ILO fundamental conventions and further strengthen the capacities of government, employer and worker representatives to carry out effective social dialogue.
• The Statement urges governments and social partners to ensure labour protection for all through the promotion of freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.

Know about ILO

• The ILO, headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland, is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
• It was established in 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles.
• It is responsible for setting labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.
• It is the only tripartite U.N. agency which brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 member States.
• Key Reports Published by ILO are:
  • World Employment and Social Outlook
  • Global Wage Report

What was discussed at 17th APRM of ILO?

• From 6-9 December, the APRM is discussed issues affecting employment and the world of work in Asia, the Pacific and Arab States.
• The 17th APRM of ILO discussed action to enhance job-rich growth that is inclusive and transformative, as well as measures to strengthen regional cooperation and multilateralism on world of work issues.
• The conclusions made at 17th APRM of ILO will help shape the direction of national labour and employment policies as well as the ILO‘s work in both regions going forward.

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What is Singapore Declaration at The 17th APRM of ILO?

• Singapore Declaration at The 17th APRM of ILO sets ten-point priorities of national action for the member countries to deal with the issue of dwindling wages of workers, inflation and unemployment.
• The declaration said social dialogue is key to building trust, and resilient labour market institutions are essential to sustained recovery, inclusive and sustainable growth, and need to be strengthened in the regions.
• The Statement urges members to ensure labour protection for all through the promotion of freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
• It calls for action to:
  • To close gender gaps;
  • To consider the ratification and effective implementation of related international labour standards;
  • Accelerate the transition from the informal to formal economy; and
  • Strengthen governance frameworks to protect the rights of migrant workers.
• It also calls for a just transition that helps build environmentally sustainable economies and societies in the face of climate change.
• Revitalizing productivity growth and skills development is also stressed in order to provide more and better jobs with particular focus on digital transformation, digital divides and lifelong learning.
• The Singapore Declaration highlights the need to reinforce the foundations for social and employment protection and resilience. This includes:
  • expanding social protection to all workers,
  • strengthening labour inspections systems,
  • enhancing occupational safety and health (OSH),
  • addressing the rising costs of living with policies for adequate, fair, non-discriminatory wages,
  • eliminating all forms of forced and child labour.
• The Declaration furthermore confirms the commitment of governments and social partners across the regions to engage in consultations towards the development of a Global Social Justice Coalition.

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FAQs on Singapore Declaration at The 17th APRM of ILO

Q. What is Singapore Declaration at The 17th APRM of ILO?

Ans. Singapore Declaration at The 17th APRM of ILO sets ten-point priorities of national action for the member countries to deal with the issue of dwindling wages of workers, inflation and unemployment.

Q. Where is the HQ of ILO?

Ans. The ILO, headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland, is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles.

Q.  Where did the 17th APRM of ILO held?

Ans. From 6-9 December, the 17th APRM of ILO  was held at Singapore.

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