Brussels, 19 April: “ILO Decent Work response to the situation in North Africa and the Horn of Africa” - briefing

19 April, 13:30-14.30, at UNRIC, 155 rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155 Entrance block C2, 8th floor, with Jürgen Schwettmann, ILO Deputy Regional Director, ILO Regional Office for Africa and Rudi Delarue, Director, ILO Office for the European Union and the Benelux Countries.

According to ILO analysis, the events in North Africa were heavily triggered by the high incidence of youth unemployment, the lack of democratic governance and change, unchallenged by a civil society which is often weak and dispersed, and by social partners that were not fully independent from government, and the absence of social justice in the distribution of wealth and income. These root causes have to be addressed by both short-term measures and longer term reforms that can produce better outcomes in terms of jobs, social protection, addressing inequalities, rights and governance.

In addition to the ILO response in North Africa, Mr Schwettmann will also present the ILO regional strategy on “Employment for Peace, Stability and Development in the Horn of Africa”. Despite major challenges such as conflict and insecurity, food scarcity and poverty, high-level of unemployment and significant economic migration), the Horn of Africa is witnessing signs of hope.

The presentation will be in English. Questions and answers:  English, French or Dutch. Possibility of one-on-one interviews.
 
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19 April update: Read a summary of the briefing