Flagrant Violations of Core Labour Standards in xxx

What country is being referred to?

Flagrant violations of core labour standards in xxx Brussels, 16 January 2008 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC released a new report today showing that all core labour standards, even if ratified, are violated massively and flagrantly in xxx. This report coincides with the country’s trade policy review at the WTO on 16 and 18 January and highlights important shortcomings in the application and enforcement of core labour standards in the country. The report shows that the rights enshrined in both conventions protecting trade union rights are not respected. The right of freedom of association is violated systematically and there is insufficient protection against anti-union discrimination. The right to strike cannot be exercised and workers in the country’s xxx export processing zones do not enjoy the right to form a trade union, bargain collectively or strike. Hazardous forms of child labour include street vending, xxx, deep sea fishing, leather manufacturing, brick making, xxx. The report denounces the fact while xxx has ratified both conventions combating forced labour, this practice, including by children, is widespread in the country. Bonded labour is a major issue despite legislation that should outlawed the practice. The report equally recalls that xxx is a source, transit and destination country for trafficked people and that currently, women and children are those most vulnerable to such practices.

Women suffer from discrimination in the workplace. While harassment is a serious problem, there is no law is in force to combat it yet. The report ends with a summary of recommendations and conclusions addressed to the government of xxx in an attempt to redress its non compliance with the ILO core labour standards. The ITUC report refers to Pakistan.