Govt Blocks ILO Delegation Which Intended To Investigate Workers' Rights Abuses

The government has reportedly blocked a high-level International Labour Organisation delegation that intended to investigate abuse of workers’ rights.

In response to emailed questions by the Independent, the Ministry of Labour confirmed the development. The Ministry said:

At the end of the discussion, the officers of the committee who were presiding over the discussion requested the Government to consider accepting a mission to Zimbabwe to ascertain the progress it highlighted in the conversation.

In response the government indicated that there is no need for such a mission as it will update the committee through regular reports which are submitted to ILO supervisory bodies in terms of article 22 of the ILO constitution.

The UN agency had requested the government to accept the delegation after an ILO meeting held last month in Geneva found Zimbabwe guilty of workers’ rights abuses.

Speaking to the Independent this week, the president of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union, Peter Mutasa condemned the government’s decision. He further urged it to reconsider accepting the mission saying it would be to the advantage of the country. He added:

It’s not wise for government to snub UN agencies as this will not go well with our re-engagement drive.

This is not the first time Zimbabwe has been accused of violating workers’ rights. ZCTU previously informed the ILO of arrests of workers and their leaders, victimisation of workers’ representatives, the killing of protestors, damage to ZCTU property, and injury of staff members.

More: The Independent