November 2024 International Cases
G20 Backs ILO’s Vision for Social Justice and Decent Work
​ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo commended the G20 leaders during the Rio de Janeiro summit for emphasizing social justice and decent work in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Houngbo announced the ILO's participation in the newly launched Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, which aims to finance and implement large-scale programs to reduce poverty worldwide. He highlighted universal social protection as essential but stressed the need for productive job opportunities to combat inequality and hunger effectively.
Egypt Advances Maritime Labour Standards under ILO Guidance
Following its ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC, 2006), Egypt hosted a roundtable in Cairo to align national maritime regulations with global standards. High-ranking officials and experts, including Egypt's Minister of Labour Mohamed Gebran and ILO representatives, discussed implementing the convention, set to take effect on June 7, 2025. This collaboration strengthens Egypt’s maritime workforce protections and ensures compliance with international labour benchmarks.
ILO Launches GALAB Project to End Child Labour in DRC Cobalt Mining
The ILO, with U.S. Department of Labor funding, has launched the GALAB Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to eliminate child labour in artisanal cobalt mining. Building on the earlier COTECCO Project, GALAB focuses on enhancing government capacity, stakeholder collaboration, and promoting ethical supply chains. The initiative targets the DRC’s cobalt sector, crucial for green technologies, aiming for a future free of child labour in mining.
Lebanon Introduces Cash Assistance for People with Disabilities Amid Crisis
Lebanon’s Ministry of Social Affairs allocated $5 million from the 2024 budget for emergency cash transfers to individuals with disabilities. Beneficiaries with valid Personal Disability Cards will receive $100 as part of a broader social protection strategy supported by international donors and UNICEF. This measure addresses the needs of vulnerable groups amid Lebanon’s displacement crisis and humanitarian challenges, reaffirming commitment to inclusive social protection policies.
ILO to Advocate Labour Rights at COP29 for a Just Green Transition
At COP29, the ILO will emphasize labour rights and decent work as pillars for a fair green transition. The agency will advocate for social dialogue, gender-responsive policies, and protections for affected workers and communities. Highlighting occupational safety, skills development, and inclusive policies, the ILO seeks to ensure that climate resilience efforts prioritize social justice while fostering quality jobs in the green economy.