Empowering Africa: Championing human rights at work, uniting for change and transforming futures

KIGALI (ILO News) - The African Regional Academy on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 18 to 22 November 2024, brought together over 45 countries from across the African continent. The event exhibited Africa’s collective commitment to advancing social justice and human rights in the world of work. 

This five-day event was an opportunity for policymakers, workers’ and employers’ organizations, and experts to come together, exchange ideas, and gain the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing labour issues through an integrated approach to fundamental principles and rights at work.

As participants gathered from countries across Africa, there was a shared understanding of the significance of FPRW. 

“More than 45 African countries came here to learn, exchange, and show a united continent eager to advance social justice for all.” Nicolas Torres, Programme Manager from the ITCILO

This was not just a meeting of minds, but a powerful demonstration of Africa’s determination to uphold workers' rights across diverse sectors.

The importance of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work was highlighted by many, particularly due to Africa’s rapidly growing and youthful population. 

“This is a young continent where many people are entering the labour market, and we must not forget basic rights at the workplace,” said Jean-Marie Kagabo, Sr Spec, Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, ILO. 

FPRW, which include freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, non-discrimination, the right to a safe working environment, and the abolition of child labour and forced labour are fundamental human rights that ensure fair and decent working conditions for all workers, especially in Africa where informal work is widespread and often unprotected.

The challenges of implementing these principles in Africa are vast, but participants emphasized the urgent need to tackle them. One of the main hurdles is the informal sector, which accounts for a significant portion of employment in many African countries. Without formal protections, workers in these sectors remain vulnerable to exploitation. A key concern raised during the Academy was the lack of freedom of association for many workers. As one participant put it, “If workers do not have the right to freely associate and organize, they are vulnerable.”

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The absence of fundamental rights at work can have dire consequences, including the perpetuation of child labor. “When workers are denied their rights, it results in child labour,” explained another participant. Children are often pushed into the workforce to fill the gaps left by adults who are not protected by labour laws, thus perpetuating the cycle of exploitation. The Academy emphasized that the right to safety at work, the ability to join unions, and the right to collective bargaining are non-negotiable components of decent work that must be upheld to prevent such abuses.

The Academy also underscored the crucial role that social dialogue plays in advancing the agenda of FPRW. Workers, employers, and governments all have a critical role to play. By engaging in open and meaningful discussions, these stakeholders can collaborate to improve working conditions, increase access to social protection, and ensure that fundamental rights are respected. It is vital to “advance an integrated approach within the power of these stakeholders and always take into consideration the local context.” Said Nicolas Torres.

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The value of the Academy extended beyond the sessions and workshops. The networking opportunities it provided were critical, allowing participants to reconnect and share ideas even after they return home. “This Academy is important because of the networking,” one participant shared. “Once we are back home, we can connect again, ask questions, and share the ideas we have gained. It’s a powerful way to continue learning from each other.” The ability to form lasting connections with peers from across the continent creates an ongoing platform for collaboration and support in advancing workers' rights.

The commitment to social justice was evident in the discussions, and there was a clear recognition of the need for continued collaboration across sectors to address Africa’s unique labour challenges. As one participant aptly put it, “It’s always important to collaborate and learn from each other, because together we can build a better future for workers in Africa.”

As the Academy concluded, participants left Kigali with the objective of working together with other stakeholders in their countries to integrate all FPRW towards improving the rights of all workers.