Mauritania's Minister of Public Function and Labor, Meryem Bent Bejjil, has highlighted the significance of upgrading labor inspection methods and tools to enhance efficiency and keep pace with labor market transformations. This statement was made during her address at the opening of two workshops in Nouakchott, focused on modernizing the labor system and performance of labor inspection, as well as preparing the national policy for occupational safety and health.
The two workshops represent a new milestone in the cooperation between the Public Function and Labor sector and the International Labor Organization (ILO). This cooperation encompasses various areas, including the diagnosis of the labor inspection system and the preparation of the national file for occupational safety and health. The minister expressed her gratitude to the ILO for its technical and financial support, which has enabled the country to transition from the diagnosis phase to the implementation and reform phase.
The minister emphasized that her department has prioritized the development of inspection methods and tools, as well as the enhancement of human resources and procedures. This is in line with the government's policy of promoting social justice, protecting workers' rights, and improving their living conditions, as outlined by President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. The current workshops are part of a comprehensive reform program aimed at modernizing the labor sector.
According to Minister Bent Bejjil, the development of a national policy for occupational safety and health is a crucial step towards establishing a culture of prevention and risk management. This approach is expected to replace the traditional reactive methods, focusing on post-incident treatment. The minister stressed that protecting workers is an investment in human capital, productivity, and sustainable development.
The workshops aim to bring together various stakeholders to discuss and agree on the key components of the national policy for occupational safety and health. This policy is expected to provide a framework for improving working conditions, reducing occupational hazards, and promoting a culture of safety and health in the workplace. The minister expressed her hope that the workshops would yield concrete recommendations for implementing the policy.
The Mauritanian government's efforts to enhance labor inspection and occupational safety are part of a broader strategy to promote social justice and protect workers' rights. The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the policy and ensuring that workers' rights are safeguarded. The outcome of the workshops is expected to contribute to the country's efforts to improve its labor sector and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government has prioritized the development of labor inspection methods and tools to enhance efficiency and adapt to labor market changes.
- The country has launched workshops to modernize its labor system and develop a national policy for occupational safety and health.
- The government aims to promote social justice, protect workers' rights, and improve their living conditions through these initiatives.
