Prime Minister Roble’s Message on International Labour Day

Today, on International Labour Day, I salute the determination and hard work of the working masses who play a big role in Somalia’s national development. Today represents the sanctity and dignity of Somali workers and at the same time, it is an acknowledgment of the significance of workers for economic development of the country.

Today is also a day that we as a nation must emphasizes the core principles of social justice and respect for rights of our people.

The Federal Government of Somalia, under my leadership, is strongly committed to improve the working and living conditions of Somali workers and to provide the necessary protection for all working families.

Certainly, my government appreciates the importance of Somali workers as a most important asset in keeping our country economically, socially and politically stable. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to our essential workers, who particularly took up their charge, ensuring that the rest of Somalia remained safe, healthy and productive in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Somalia has become the second country in Africa to ratify international labour standards seeking to end violence and harassment in the world of work. It is with great pleasure that I join the workers in Somalia and the rest of the world to celebrate International Labour Day. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all the workers and employers in our country for their contribution towards the growth of our economy and rebuilding of our nation”

It is only right and fitting that we meaningfully implement ILO conventions and principles in this country including the negations, conclusion and enforcement of collective agreements to protect jobs and improve the working conditions of all workers.

We do this because the workers’ role is pivotal for economic development of this country and my government is committed to ensure that benefits of economic progress translate into prosperity of all sections of the Somali people including workers.

As a nation, let us all look towards the future, with limitless faith in our destiny, cooperatively, in a mutually beneficial relationship, which eventually will create a stronger and prosperous Somalia.

I wish all our workers a safe, peaceful and enjoyable International Labour Day!