By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The International Labour Organization (ILO) on Tuesday launched a new project that will help the Philippines eliminate forced labor and promote responsible business practices in the country.
The four-year initiative called Promoting Responsive Institutions and Mechanisms to Eliminate Forced Labour in the Philippines (PRIME PH) is co-funded by the Canadian government and will run until February 2030.
The ILO said the program will help address gaps in identifying and addressing forced labor cases while facilitating stronger cooperation among government, workers, employers, civil society and other partners.
The project will likewise enhance the country’s compliance with international labor standards while promoting decent work and responsible business conduct.
Manufacturing and agriculture are among the targeted sectors under the project, which export products to Canada.
“Through this partnership, we are investing in stronger institutions, meaningful social dialogue and collective action that uphold workers’ rights and protect the most vulnerable,” Khalid Hassan, director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines, said.
“We want to ensure that every person can work in freedom and dignity. This is the future that the ILO is committed to advancing together with governments, workers and employers.”
The Philippines has several policies in place aimed at addressing and combating forced labor.
It ratified the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105). Under Philippine law, human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor is also prohibited.
Despite these existing laws and policies, however, ILO said the Philippines continues to face challenges in identifying forced labor cases and preventing workers’ exploitation, among others.
Risks of forced labor in the Philippines, it said, are currently particularly relevant to tradable sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and mining.
“Forced labor is a serious violation of human rights that demands a targeted response, and Canada is committed to working with partners to prevent it and protect workers,” Canada’s Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli said.
“The PRIME PH project will advance efforts in Philippine tradable sectors to prevent forced labor and strengthen protections for workers. Through these types of partnerships, we can help build fairer workplaces while ensuring worker’s rights are respected.” (PNA)
