ILO harps on decent jobs for youths

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said decent job opportunities for young people can make a major contribution to conflict prevention, reconstruction and recovery, and to building resilience in fragile situations. This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by ILO Director-General, Mr Guy Ryder, to commemorate 2017 International Youth Day. The DG said “Young […]

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said decent job opportunities for young people can make a major contribution to conflict prevention, reconstruction and recovery, and to building resilience in fragile situations.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by ILO Director-General, Mr Guy Ryder, to commemorate 2017 International Youth Day.

The DG said “Young people globally have spoken of their vision for a future with decent work” and “let’s make it happen.”

Ryder said about two billion people are living in countries affected by conflict and fragile situations and more than one third of them are youth aged 15 to 24.

He also said that young women and men in conflict countries are particularly at risk of foregoing school and training – where such opportunities are available – and dropping out of the labour market.

“Left without options for securing a livelihood, some, generally the most marginalized and disadvantaged, turn to armed conflict. So what is at stake here, is not only their present and future but also the resilience and ability of entire communities and societies to recover and to build a better future,” he added.

He noted that  when young women and men are listened to, supported and empowered, they become active agents of peace-building, actors for recovery and resilience.

He said that two months ago, the ILO’s International Labour Conference, adopted a new recommendation, No. 205 (2017) on Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience,  which  provides guidance on promoting decent work opportunities in response to crises arising from conflict and disasters.

He added that  the Recommendation pays special attention to the protection, education and training of children and young people in situations of conflict and is founded on the value of dialogue.