ILO Applauds Sierra Leone’s Effort to Meet International Labour Standards

Madam Vanessa Phala, the Regional Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia, has praised Sierra Leone for its advancements in aligning with international labor standards. This commendation came during a recent meeting with Mohamed Rahman Swarray, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, where Phala expressed her admiration for Sierra Leone's unwavering commitment to international labor norms.

Phala acknowledged Sierra Leone's substantial progress in adhering to international labor practices, stating, "We commend Sierra Leone for its remarkable strides in upholding International Labour Standards, a cornerstone of ILO's interventions."

She also highlighted the ILO's support to Sierra Leone, which has been channeled through various collaborative programs with the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security. These programs have been effectively implemented through a tripartite approach, involving the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce.

Furthermore, Phala outlined both completed and ongoing projects in Sierra Leone, underscoring the significance of the Decent Work Country Program (DWCP) as a vital mechanism through which the ILO extends crucial assistance to its partner nations. She concluded by expressing their eagerness to further strengthen their partnership with Sierra Leone.

In response, Minister Swarray expressed his appreciation for Director Phala's visit and commended her efforts in reinstating Sierra Leone's voting rights within the ILO. He emphasized the importance of the ongoing labor law review process, which has already led to the enactment of three out of six new labor laws. Minister Swarray highlighted that many existing laws were outdated and no longer suitable for the modern workforce. He also stressed Director Phala's role as a key partner in achieving the President's agenda of creating 500,000 jobs for Sierra Leoneans, expressing their eager anticipation of a continued and productive partnership with her.