Samoa ratified two International Labour Organisation conventions last week making it 12 such conventions to be ratified.

Of the 12 conventions, only 10 are in force, according to the data provided by the ILO.

On 31 May 2024, Samoa deposited the instruments of ratification for the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) and the   Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) with the Director-General of the ILO,  Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo.

At the ratification ceremony held at the ILO headquarters, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour Leota Laki Lamositele stated: “This milestone is evidence of Samoa’s commitment and continuous efforts to align our labour system with ILO standards, to improve our efforts in ensuring our workers’ rights are well protected as well as our employers’ efforts to sustain the economic growth, so that no one is left behind.”

Mr Houngbo welcomed “these two important ratifications, which demonstrate Samoa’s ongoing commitment to social justice and the ILO normative system.  The ratification of Convention No. 187 is an engagement to ensure a safe and healthy working environment, the newest fundamental principle and right at work. Further, by ratifying Convention No. 190, Samoa is reaffirming its commitment to creating a world of work free from violence and harassment, based on dignity, equality and respect for all.  The ILO looks forward to continuing to accompany Samoa in this work."

The ILO has been supporting Samoa in strengthening its occupational safety and health system, and Convention No. 187 is the ninth fundamental Convention ratified by Samoa.   The Convention calls for active steps towards achieving progressively a safe and healthy working environment.

Further, Convention No. 190 affirms the fundamental right of individuals to a workplace free from violence and harassment. It is the first international labour standard to address violence and harassment in the world of work comprehensively. Together with Recommendation No. 206, it establishes a framework for action, fostering a future of work grounded in dignity and respect.