Sierra Leone's Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), initiated a three-day capacity-building workshop in Freetown. Running from July 6 to 8, the workshop aims to enhance Sierra Leone’s labour governance. This significant initiative focuses on the proposed ratification of six priority ILO conventions and the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The workshop, launched by the Ministry in partnership with the ILO, seeks to strengthen the nation's legal and institutional framework for labour protection. Participants are engaging in in-depth discussions to understand the implications and benefits of adopting these international labour standards. The ultimate goal is to reinforce the protection of workers' rights and improve working conditions across various sectors in Sierra Leone.
Workshop Focuses on Six Conventions
The workshop is concentrating on six priority conventions from the International Labour Organization (ILO). These include Convention No. 170 on Chemicals, Convention No. 174 on the Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents, and Convention No. 184 on Safety and Health in Agriculture, all of which address critical aspects of occupational safety and health. The discussions also cover Convention No. 183 on Maternity Protection, focusing intently on the rights and well-being of working mothers, ensuring they receive adequate support and protection in the workplace. These conventions are vital for establishing strong safety protocols and protecting vulnerable workers.
Another key area of focus for the participants is Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, which aims to protect employees from such issues in their professional environments, fostering a respectful and safe workplace culture. Additionally, the workshop is examining Convention No. 192 on Biological Hazards in the Working Environment, designed to mitigate risks posed by biological agents in workplaces, a particularly relevant concern in various industries. Beyond the ILO instruments, participants are also reviewing the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, showing the full approach to labour rights being considered by Sierra Leone. This broad scope ensures that the proposed ratifications cover a wide array of challenges faced by workers, from physical safety to dignity and fair treatment. The six conventions under consideration collectively address occupational safety and health, maternity protection, workplace violence and harassment, chemical safety, biological hazards, and the protection of migrant workers, demonstrating a holistic commitment to labour welfare.
Strengthening Labour Governance Framework
Ratifying these instruments is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s labour legislation, improve workplace conditions, and increase productivity, according to officials. This move also aims to reinforce the country’s commitment to promoting decent work for its citizens, aligning national laws with international best practices. These ratifications are anticipated to have a broad positive impact, enhancing the overall quality of work life for the nation’s workforce. Sierra Leone became a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1961, marking its commitment to global labour standards. Since then, the nation has ratified a total of 45 ILO conventions, demonstrating a sustained engagement with the organization's principles. These ratified conventions include all ten fundamental conventions, which cover core labour rights such as freedom of association and the elimination of forced labour, child labour, and discrimination. The country has also ratified two governance conventions and 33 technical conventions, addressing a wide range of specific labour issues. Of the 45 conventions, 32 remain in force within Sierra Leone’s legal framework, actively shaping its labour policies. Four ILO conventions previously ratified by Sierra Leone have been denounced, while nine others have been abrogated over time, reflecting an ongoing process of review and adaptation of its international obligations.
Voices on Labour Reform
Many of the proposed standards for ratification have already been incorporated into Sierra Leone’s existing labour legislation. Marx Conteh, Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, noted this integration, stating, "Many of the proposed standards have already been incorporated into Sierra Leone’s labour legislation." Conteh also urged the government to accelerate legislative processes, noting the importance of timely action to fully realize the benefits of these international instruments. "We call on the Government to expedite the passage of the remaining labour bills before Parliament in order to complete the country’s ongoing labour law reform programme," he added, emphasizing the need for legislative efficiency. The completion of this reform programme is seen as key for modernizing Sierra Leone's labour laws and ensuring they are in line with contemporary global standards. Following the current workshop, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), is scheduled to convene the Decent Work Country Programme Committee meeting from July 9 to 11, 2026. This subsequent meeting shows the continuous effort and long-term commitment to advancing decent work principles and ensuring effective labour governance in Sierra Leone.