Mauritania's Minister of Public Service and Labor, Meryem bent Bejjoul, has emphasized the importance of modernizing inspection methods and tools in the labor sector. According to her, the sector has given high priority to developing inspection methods and tools, strengthening human resources and procedures, and utilizing monitoring and information systems to improve efficiency and keep up with labor market transformations. This was stated during her speech at the opening of two workshops in Nouakchott.
The two workshops focused on updating the labor system and the performance of labor inspection, as well as preparing the national policy for occupational safety and health. The minister highlighted that these workshops represent a new milestone in the cooperation between the Ministry of Public Service and Labor and the International Labor Organization. This cooperation includes areas such as diagnosing the labor inspection system and preparing the national file for occupational safety and health.
Meryem bent Bejjoul expressed her gratitude to the International Labor Organization for its technical and financial support and accompaniment to the reform process. She noted that the current workshops are part of a comprehensive reform process, which aims to transition from the diagnosis phase to the implementation and reform phase. This process is in line with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani's policy of promoting social justice, protecting workers' rights, and improving their living conditions.
The minister stressed that her ministry has prioritized preparing a national policy for occupational safety and health, as a fundamental step towards establishing a culture of control and anticipating risks. She believes that protecting workers is an investment in human capital, production, and sustainable development. The policy aims to move away from reactive measures and towards proactive approaches to ensuring workers' safety and health.
The workshops brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from the International Labor Organization, and experts in the field of labor inspection and occupational safety and health. The participants discussed the current state of labor inspection in Mauritania and identified areas for improvement. They also explored ways to strengthen the capacity of labor inspectors and enhance their skills and knowledge.
The Mauritanian government's efforts to modernize the labor sector and improve working conditions are part of a broader strategy to promote economic growth and social development. The country has made significant progress in recent years in terms of economic growth and poverty reduction. However, challenges persist, particularly in the areas of employment and labor rights.
The implementation of the national policy for occupational safety and health is expected to have a positive impact on workers' lives and the overall economy. The policy will help to reduce the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses, improve working conditions, and promote a culture of safety and health in the workplace. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers' rights and promoting social justice.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government has prioritized modernizing inspection methods and tools in the labor sector to improve efficiency and keep up with labor market transformations.
- The government has prepared a national policy for occupational safety and health to establish a culture of control and anticipating risks.
- The policy aims to reduce the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses, improve working conditions, and promote a culture of safety and health in the workplace.
