Reelected Chief of UN International Labour Organisation works to ensure social justice
The reelected Director-General of United Nations International Labour Organisation (ILO) Juan Somavia has pledged to work to ensure social justice in his third term as Director-General. The Chilean ran unopposed to continue his stint as the 9th Director-General. He will formally begin his new five-year term in March 2009.
During his tenure, the ILO witnessed a huge increase in the number of ratifications in labour standards as well as its own adoption of a landmark Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization in June 2008 designed to strengthen the tripartite Organization's capacity to address the challenges of the 21st century and to promote its Decent Work Agenda to forge an effective response to globalization. He also is committed to eliminate child labour and forced labour, end discrimination in the workplace as well as to promote adherence to labour standards, employment growth and sustainable development.
"Yet the current crisis also reveals the strength and value of the ILO. On the eve of the ILO’s 90th year, we must continue to work for social justice and maintain and enhance social protection. We must ensure that enterprises can find the access to credit to avoid layoffs, maintain wages and find the resources that will permit them to recover. And we must pursue deeper social dialogue to help move toward long-term recovery and sustainable development," he said.
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