ILO 349GB - Developments in the application of the resolution concerning the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine from the perspective of the mandate of the International Labour Organization - EU statement

ILO Governing Body, 349th session

7 November 2023

Developments in the application of the resolution concerning the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine from the perspective of the mandate of the International Labour Organization

GB.349/INS/15

EU statement

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries Albania*, the Republic of North Macedonia*, Montenegro* and Ukraine, the potential candidate country Georgia, the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

We align with the cross-regional statement made on behalf of 45 countries by Italy.

1. We thank the Office for the new report on developments relating to the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
2. We reiterate that this illegal, unprovoked and unjustified Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is a gross violation of international law, notably the UN Charter, and is entirely incompatible with the values and principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO). We recall our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian war of aggression. We strive for a just and sustainable peace, therefore we welcome all serious initiatives, such as the Peace Formula.
3. The EU and its Member States commend the continued and planned work of the ILO to support Ukraine, amidst the challenges posed by Russia’s war of aggression. This includes the preparation of employment projections for the next 10 years, promotion of labour market integration of women and persons in vulnerable situations, long-term solutions to ensure social protection including pension reform, as well as the continued support to Ukrainian social partners. Similarly, we commend the resolve of trade unions and employers’ organisations in Ukraine to remain operational and provide help to their members and the population at large. We applaud all Ukrainians who bravely continue their work in Ukraine: fighting against aggression, working for justice, working to keep the economy and the society running.    
4. We welcome the finalised return of ILO staff to Kyiv and the progress achieved towards the establishment of an ILO Country Office. We have confidence in their ability to enhance ILO's support to Ukraine during reconstruction and recovery.
5. We value the detailed information provided on the ILO’s cooperation with the Republic of Moldova and look forward to having similar reporting on other affected countries.
6. We are concerned about the severe impact of Russia's war on Ukraine's economy and labour market, leading to an estimated 2.4 million job losses and 29.1% GDP decline in 2022. The substantial increase in disability status by at least 130,000 persons in 2022, largely due to Russia's war of aggression, presents a significant additional challenge for labour market and social integration.
7. The EU and its Member States reiterate their strong condemnation of the deliberate destruction of the dam at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, which is a direct consequence of the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and which leads to a potential loss of at least 26,000 jobs, according to the ILO.
8. We are deeply concerned about the elevated risk of a nuclear accident resulting from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant's Russian occupation, including nearby fighting, and directional anti-personnel mines in its periphery. Labour rights violations, including forced labour, denial of leaving the temporarily occupied territory, unsustainable workload, unsafe conditions, and even instances of murder and imprisonment included in the previous report, are of grave concern.
9. Our concerns persist for seafarers stranded due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine risking their lives crossing the Black Sea. We appreciate ILO's efforts to address this situation with the International Maritime Organization, Ukraine's Government, and social partners. Russia's designation of the International Transport Workers' Federation as an undesirable organisation directly assaults freedom of association.
10. Furthermore, the EU and its Member States express concern about severe workers' rights violations in Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia in sectors like electricity, railways, and education, amounting to existential threats to workers and their families. We appreciate the ILO's collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on labour rights in Ukraine and encourage continued cooperation with the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission to investigate violations such as coerced employment contracts, extended working hours, unpaid overtime, and forced affiliation with Russian trade unions. Encouraging social partner awareness of reporting mechanisms for rights’ violations remains essential.
11. We closely monitor the Moscow sub-regional Office’s ability to provide technical cooperation and assistance to all countries in the sub-region. Given Russia’s ongoing violation of the ILO Constitution and its commitments as a member of the ILO, we question the appropriateness suitability and ongoing feasibility of the continued presence of the ILO sub-regional Office in Moscow. We note the decision of the ILO to allow the international staff to operate from Budapest, and that the majority of them have now chosen this option. We also note that the Office is leased directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, expiring at the end of 2023. We would like to seek information on the potential renewal and duration of the lease, as well as a broader cost/benefit analysis of the continued presence in Moscow, also taking into account the diminished occupancy rate in the Office.  
12. With this, the EU and its Member States can support the decision point and reject the amendments of the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Chair.

[*Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia and Montenegro continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.]