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

The Candidate Countries the Republic of North Macedonia*, Montenegro* and Albania*, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

We align ourselves with the IMEC statement.

We thank the Office for its great support in facilitating discussions to find an agreement on this important item.

As already indicated, the EU and its MS strongly support the proposal to recognise safe and healthy working conditions as a fundamental principle and right at work. The pandemic has, without doubt, brought this issue sharply into focus and we believe that it is an integral part of a human-centred recovery. Therefore, and in line with our commitments in the Centenary Declaration, we believe that it is of utmost urgency to place this item on the agenda of the 110th session of the ILC in 2022. We agree that the amendment to paragraph 2 of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, 1998, is the most efficient way to proceed and fully support the amended decision point (a).

We have listened carefully and heard the concerns expressed by some constituents. And while we do not see reason for concern ourselves, we find that the revised decision point presented by the Consultative Group strikes a good balance. It ensures that the Office will provide information on all the points of concern raised, ensuring a fully informed discussion at the 344th Governing Body.

We look forward to receiving the Office background paper and are committed to working constructively together with the tripartite constituents to reach consensus on this important issue.

We thank the Office for the extra briefing sessions, advice and information provided in this Session. 

Chair, with these points, the EU and its MS support the revised decision point on INS6, as proposed by the Consultative Group.

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