Qatar's labour reforms win praise

The vice-president of the 111th International Labour Conference, Corina Ajder, has praised the positive results of the legislative and regulatory reforms for the labour market and the protection of workers' rights in Qatar, noting the election of Qatar as President of the International Labour Conference.
In remarks to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines of the 111th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Ajder said that she had seen many positive reports indicating that Qatar has achieved positive results with regard to labour issues and the regulation of the labour market.
She added that continuing the path of labour market reforms and ensuring a suitable environment for all workers is important and necessary, as is the case everywhere.
Ajder said that Qatar is today chairing the International Labour Conference, represented by HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, and wished him success in this mission and the continuation of the important work, which also constitutes an opportunity for Qatar to continue efforts and implement its vision in the labour market.
Representatives of governments, employers and workers who are members of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) elected Qatar as president of the current session of the International Labour Conference for the first time since the establishment of the ILO in 1919, in an indication of the international recognition of the achievements by Qatar in the labour sector and the development of measures and initiatives for a safe and healthy work environment.
Ajder expressed her pleasure to be a part of the team headed by HE Dr al-Marri as president of the International Labour Conference, after being elected as his deputy.
She said that it is an opportunity for Qatar, as well as for Moldova, the country she represents, to continue efforts in improving the labour market and protecting the rights of workers.
Ajder referred to the expected outputs of the conference, and indicated that there is a lot of work at the global level, especially in terms of reducing inequality and promoting social justice, to ensure that poor and rich countries do their duty in this field, create a safe work environment, pay wages on time, and respect and appreciate the worker whoever he is.
She called on all countries to join forces to provide a safe work environment for all workers, noting that the workplace is where we spend long hours of our lives, therefore we have the right to obtain the appropriate environment to achieve our ambitions and be respected in it.
The current session of the conference is attended by more than 5,000 participants, including heads of state and government, relevant ministers of member states, representatives of employers and workers, and international, governmental and labour organisations.