Minister of Cape Verde Chairs the Opening of the Country Program for Decent Work Steering Committee

The Minister of Family, Inclusion and Social Development of Cape Verde, Fernando Elísio Freire, presided today, July 11, at the opening of the first meeting of the Steering Committee of the Country Program for Decent Work (PPTD), for the period 2023- 2027. The event, held in collaboration with the ILO/Dakar Office, represents a significant milestone in the implementation of this crucial program for Cape Verde's socioeconomic development.

The Country Program for Decent Work, signed last December by the tripartite representatives of the International Labor Organization (ILO), establishes a Steering Committee responsible for coordinating, planning and monitoring policies aimed at promoting fair and safe working conditions. This committee is made up of representatives from workers' organizations, employers and various government departments involved in the materialization of the Decent Work Agenda.

During his intervention, the Minister highlighted Cape Verde's commitment to responding to the global challenges of promoting productive and quality jobs, respecting labor rights, equal opportunities and strengthening social protection. He emphasized that the Cape Verdean government's priority is to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce absolute poverty, in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Among the government's recent initiatives, Freire mentioned the extension of maternity leave to 90 days, aiming to better meet the needs of mothers and newborns, the introduction of paternity leave to promote gender equality in parental rights, and the modernization of the Labor Code to adapt it to the demands of the current job market.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the importance of the National Strategy for the Promotion of Decent Employment (ENPED) for 2022-2026 and the new Strategic Agreement for Social Concertation for 2024-2026, both aligned with the international commitments assumed by Cape Verde. He also highlighted the ongoing institutional reform for the creation of a Labor Authority, aiming to strengthen technical and human capacity in promoting fair and safe working conditions.

"The recent inclusion of Cape Verde as a pioneer country in the United Nations Global Accelerator for Employment and Social Protection for Just Transitions is a recognition of the progress achieved and an encouragement to continue working towards a more fair, equal and inclusive society" , stated the Minister.

The first meeting of the PPTD Steering Committee symbolizes the Cape Verdean government's firm commitment to promoting decent jobs and building a universal and sustainable social protection system, contributing to poverty reduction and the country's sustainable development. Cooperation between all social actors and partners is essential to achieve the objectives of the Decent Work Agenda and improve the well-being of Cape Verdean workers and their families.