The Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed has reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering commitment to protecting workers’ rights.
Minister Dr Haidar delivered a statement at the 113th International Labour Organization (ILO) Conference, reaffirming the Maldives’ unwavering commitment to protecting workers’ rights, promoting social justice, and fostering an inclusive, sustainable labour market.
He emphasised that investing in people, strengthening institutions, and upholding the social contract remain central to the nation’s vision for decent work and shared prosperity.
In recent years, Maldives has taken significant steps towards achieving the goals of the ILO, adding that protection of workers’ rights and creation of adequate jobs are inseparable from economic development.
Noting the passage of the Workplace Safety and Health Protection Act, the Minister said the Act also reflected Maldives’ steadfast commitment to creating a safe, dignified and equal workplace. The government believes that the health of the workers is interlinked to the nation’s development, he added.
The Minister also noted that Maldives has joined the ILO's Global Coalition for Social Justice to work with countries to ensure workers' rights, adding that the government is also working with employers and workers on addressing various issues.
Ensuring that citizens who undergo government funded vocational and technical training serve the country is critical to national development, he added.
In his address, the Minister thanked the ILO for its efforts to establish social justice and a safe working environment while calling on all to work together to protect the rights of workers and create a safe, dignified and equal working environment.