ILO Governing Body, 350^th session

4 – 14 March 2024

Developments in the full implementation by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of the agreed plan of action to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry in respect of Conventions Nos 26, 87 and 144

11th March 2024

EU statement

Chair,

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

The candidate countries North Macedonia*, Ukraine, Albania*, Montenegro*, Bosnia and Herzegovina* and the Republic of Moldova, the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Switzerland, align themselves with this statement.

1. The EU and its Member States are committed to the respect, protection, and fulfilment of human rights, including labour rights. We promote universal ratification and effective implementation of fundamental ILO Conventions and support the ILO in developing and promoting international labour standards and supervising their application.
2. We thank the Director-General for the report on the Developments in the full implementation by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of the agreed plan of action to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry in respect of Conventions Nos 26, 87 and 144. We also thank the Director-General for his personal engagement in fostering social dialogue at national level and ensuring the arrival of the ILO special advisor, Mr Christian Ramos, to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Tripartite consultations are essential to ensure the implementation of the international labour standards that have been ratified by Venezuela, including fundamental conventions.
3. We appreciate the ILO special advisor role in supporting the implementation of the plan of action and in the preparation of the fourth in-person session of the Social Dialogue Forum which took place as agreed in February 2024. We welcome this effort and encourage Venezuela to institutionalise this body as a key tripartite mechanism relevant for the effective implementation of Convention No. 144.
4. We take note of the agreed measures aiming at expanding and strengthening social dialogue within the country and the updated plan of action relating to Conventions Nos 26, 87 and 144, in conformity with the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.  
5. We acknowledge the establishment of the minimum wage advisory group, the submission of the first advisory group report and the decision regarding the dates of the upcoming sectoral meetings.
6. Nevertheless, we remain highly concerned about the labour rights situation in Venezuela, particularly as related to Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise. In December 2023, six trade unionists were released on conditional bail in the framework of the negotiation processes between the authorities and other actors. However, these released union leaders and their families report that they are suffering harassment and intimidation from the authorities, including the threat of imminent detention. We are also deeply concerned about the fact that many other trade unionists have been detained for issues related to their trade union activities and remain in prison. We condemn the continued threats faced by trade unions and employers’ organizations in the country. Once again, we reiterate the necessity to guarantee their independence, autonomy, and protection.
7. The independence of the judiciary is crucial. We call for action on pending allegations of violations of civil liberties and trade union rights, right to fair trial, fair reparation of damages and the reinstatement of those who have been found to be innocent. Once again, we strongly urge Venezuela to work with the Office, accept the conclusions and fully implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.
8. We continue to provide our full support to the Director General in his important work through the ILO’s independent supervisory system and relevant technical assistance to ensure the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations and full compliance with ratified international labour standards. We also commend the role played by the ILO special advisor in promoting social dialogue. We trust that the cooperation with the newly appointed Labour Minister will be constructive. The EU and its Member States will remain closely seized of this matter and will engage with the ILO and its constituents as we move forward.
   
    
9. Chair, given the above we can support the decision point as proposed.

Thank you, Chair.

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