Fiji will ratify the 2008 ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization because Government strongly supports fair globalisation standards.
Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Filipe Bole made these statements while addressing the 99th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva this week.
“We are implementing recovery plans that support decent work, help preserve employment, and prioritize job growth.
“In addition, we will continue to provide income, social protection, and training support for the unemployed and those most at risk of unemployment.
“We agree that the current challenges do not provide an excuse to disregard or weaken internationally recognized labour standards,” he said.
The Minister also spearheaded the Pacific region’s campaign for bigger nations to assist smaller nations in recovering from natural disasters and the global economic crisis, in order to lessen the impact on the island economies.
“Fiji and other small island states, appeal to international financial institutions to facilitate our recovery efforts without imposing unnecessary Conditions.
“This is cognizant of the fact that the global financial and economic crisis was unfairly imposed on us, in addition to the recent cyclones, Tsunami’s and floods,” he said.
He also acknowledged the efforts of international donors that have responded positively during these trying times.
“The Fiji Government wishes to specially thank the European Union, the Peoples Republic of China, Australia and New Zealand for their financial and technical assistance to Fiji to facilitate our recovery efforts.