Gabon signs its first Decent Work Country Programme for 2024-2027
In a landmark event, Gabon has signed its first Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) with the ILO during a signing ceremony attended by high-level representatives of the country's tripartite constituents.
22 May 2024
LIBREVILLE (ILO News) The agreement was signed today in Libreville by Gabon's Vice Prime-Minister, Alexandre Barro Chambrier and Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, ILO Assistant Director and Regional Director for Africa, in the presence of Adrien Nguema Mba, Minister of Labour and the Fight against Unemployment.
Etienne Lambert Boudzanga, President of the Confédération syndicale des travailleurs démocratiques (CSTD) signed as the representative of the country’s trade unions, while Jean-Pierre Tchoua, 1st Vice President of the Confédération Nationale du Patronat Gabonais (CNPG) signed on behalf of the country’s employers.
Savina Ammassari, UN Resident Coordinator in Gabon, also took part in the ceremony and signed on behalf of the United Nations system in the country, evidence of the importance that they give to Decent Work Country Programmes as a means to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.
The DWCP sets out a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting decent and productive work in Gabon, in alignment with the national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The programme was developed with the full participation of the national government, employers' and workers' organizations, and will be implemented with their active engagement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms Kayirangwa emphasized the significance of the agreement. "Decent Work is now recognized as a universal means of combating poverty. This recognition is materialized by the inclusion of Decent Work in the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. The major challenge now lies in the effective implementation of the DWCP. To this end, I urge the government, through the Minister of Labour and the Fight against Unemployment, to set up a tripartite committee to monitor the implementation of the DWCP. I also urge the development partners present here today to make their contribution to the building of decent work in the Gabonese Republic.”
She added that, “I would like to assure you of the full availability of the ILO and its experts and specialists, to support you in achieving the objectives of the Decent Work Agenda through this DWCP.”
Vice Prime-Minister, Minister of Planning and Forecasting, Alexandre Barro Chambrier highlighted the importance of this agreement for Gabon. "This framework enables us to measure progress in guaranteeing the right working conditions for workers, to ensure their dignity and that they receive fair remuneration for their efforts. There are also aspects of safety and health at work, social protection, and safeguarding labour rights, all within the framework of the international labour standards laid down by the ILO."
Both the worker and employer representatives expressed their strong support for the DWCP. They agreed that the effective implementation of the Agreement will contribute significantly to achieving the main objectives for promoting decent and productive work, as outlined during the National Dialogue in Gabon earlier this year.
In closing the session, Ms Kayirangwa added that, “I am convinced that Gabon's Decent Work Country Program, based on tripartism and social dialogue, will pave the way for more beneficial and inclusive growth for all, greater peace and equity, and respect for labour rights."
