By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The African Union has opened
the Experts’ Meeting of the 6th Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical
Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment (STC-SDLE-6), with
delegates focusing on strengthening social protection systems and advancing
inclusion across the continent.
Held under the theme, “Investing,
Strengthening and Expanding Social Protection Systems in Africa: Critical
Enablers for Inclusion, Resilience and Social Justice,” the meeting brings
together experts and stakeholders to discuss policies aimed at improving social
development outcomes across African countries.
Addressing participants,
outgoing Chair of the STC-SDLE-5 Bureau, Mr. Mahamat Nour Batrane, Director of
Labour and Social Dialogue at Chad’s Ministry of Public Service and Social
Dialogue, stressed the importance of effective monitoring and implementation of
decisions adopted by the committee.
He called for stronger
mechanisms to ensure that resolutions from the STC translate into practical
actions that contribute to Africa’s development rather than remaining
unimplemented.
The meeting is expected to
consider several key policy instruments for endorsement, including the African
Union Toolkit for the Collection and Utilisation of Quality Administrative Data
for Labour Migration Statistics in Africa.
Other documents on the
agenda include the Draft Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the
Rights of Migrant Workers, the Model Law on Child Online Safety and the Common
African Position on Ending Violence Against Children in Africa.
The STC-SDLE serves as a
platform for African governments and stakeholders to coordinate policies on
social protection, labour, employment and social development, with the aim of
promoting inclusive growth and improving the wellbeing of citizens across the
continent.
