ILO and NHRC sign MoU to promote labour rights

Kathmandu, Mar. 26

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in promoting and protecting fundamental labour rights in Nepal.

Labour rights are fundamental human rights, ensuring dignity, equality, and protection for all workers, the ILO said in a statement on Wednesday.

The agreement was signed by Numan Özcan, Country Director of the ILO Country Office for Nepal, and Murari Prasad Kharel, Secretary of the NHRC.

"It marks a crucial step towards ensuring decent work conditions and fostering social justice in Nepal," read the statement.

Recognising the intrinsic link between labour rights and human rights, the MoU aims to advance the objectives outlined in international labour conventions and recommendations. According to the ILO, the partnership will focus on promoting fair and inclusive employment practices, protecting migrant workers, and reinforcing national mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing labour standards.

Strengthening NHRC’s ability to monitor and investigate labour rights violations under national laws and ILO conventions and developing initiatives to support human rights defenders, and other stakeholders in advancing labour rights and gender equality are the priorities of the MoU, according to the statement. 

Likewise, implementing the fundamental labour rights in Nepal, safeguarding the rights of Nepali migrant workers and conducting studies on labour and migrant workers' rights and ensuring compliance with fundamental labour rights are the other priorities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Kharel reaffirmed NHRC’s commitment to strengthening labour rights as an essential component of human rights.

Likewise, Özcan said, "The MoU is a commitment to work together to protect the rights of workers and ensure that labour rights are treated as human rights. When people are denied fair wages, forced to work in unsafe conditions, or silenced, it is not just a labour issue but a human rights issue."

Chairperson of NHRC, Top Bahadur Magar, emphasised that the MoU aims to promote and implement fundamental labour rights. He pointed out that Article 34 of Nepal’s Constitution guarantees every worker the right to fair labour practices, dignity, fair treatment, and social security, reinforcing the shared commitment of NHRCN and the ILO in these areas.

The MoU, set to remain in effect for five years, signifies a strategic effort to foster sustained economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This collaboration underscores the shared vision of NHRC and the ILO in advancing labour rights, reducing inequality, and ensuring the well-being of workers, particularly those in vulnerable sectors such as migrant labour.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 March 2025.