On October 5, 2026, the Mauritanian government initiated two consultative workshops in Nouakchott, aimed at developing the country's labor inspection system and promoting occupational safety and health. The workshops, organized by the Ministry of Public Service and Labor in collaboration with the International Labor Organization, focus on enhancing the effectiveness of labor inspection and establishing a national policy for occupational safety and health. The events bring together various stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving working conditions and protecting workers' rights.
The first workshop, running on October 5-6, focuses on "Strengthening the Mauritanian Labor Inspection System for Better Effectiveness," while the second workshop, taking place from October 7-9, addresses "Enhancing Occupational Safety and Health in Mauritania: Towards a National Policy for Occupational Safety and Health to Ensure Decent Work for All Workers in Mauritania." The workshops aim to develop the capacities and mechanisms of the labor inspection system, promote its effectiveness, and establish national frameworks and policies for improving occupational safety and health.
In her opening remarks, Mauritanian Minister of Public Service and Labor, Meryem Beijel Hamied, emphasized that the workshops represent a significant milestone in the cooperation between her ministry and the International Labor Organization. She highlighted the importance of labor inspection and occupational safety and health in achieving social justice, protecting workers' rights, and improving living conditions. The minister expressed her appreciation for the organization's technical and financial support, which has contributed to the development of the national file on occupational safety and health.
Minister Hamied stressed that her ministry attaches great importance to developing inspection methods and tools, enhancing the capacities of human resources, and unifying procedures. She also emphasized the need to prepare a national policy for occupational safety and health, which would help establish a culture of prevention and risk management. The minister called for the active participation of various stakeholders and the strengthening of partnerships between social partners, as reforming the labor system is a shared responsibility that requires concerted efforts and coordinated roles.
Halim Hamzawi, Director of the International Labor Office for the Arab Maghreb, highlighted the significance of the workshops in promoting labor inspection and occupational safety and health in Mauritania. He emphasized that achieving decent work and sustainable development is closely linked to social dialogue and the participation of various stakeholders. Hamzawi also stressed the pivotal role of labor inspection in applying legislation, providing advice, and monitoring shortcomings in protecting workers.
The workshops are attended by various officials, including Mauritanian Minister of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization, Ahmed Salem Bede, and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Public Service and Labor. The events aim to produce recommendations that are clear, realistic, and actionable, outlining priorities, responsibilities, and follow-up mechanisms. The outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of a more equitable and efficient labor system that protects workers, supports institutions, and promotes national economic stability.
The Mauritanian government's efforts to enhance labor inspection and occupational safety and health reflect its commitment to promoting decent work and social justice. The workshops provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in implementing effective labor inspection and occupational safety and health policies. By strengthening labor inspection and promoting occupational safety and health, Mauritania aims to improve working conditions, protect workers' rights, and contribute to sustainable development.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government launches two workshops to improve labor inspection and occupational safety, in cooperation with the International Labor Organization.
- The workshops focus on enhancing the effectiveness of labor inspection and establishing a national policy for occupational safety and health.
- The events aim to produce recommendations that are clear, realistic, and actionable, outlining priorities, responsibilities, and follow-up mechanisms.
