Russia is ready to ratify ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour

Russia is ready to ratify Convention of the International Labour Organisation No. 182 on banning and immediate measures for eradication of the worst forms of child labour. Russian Minister of Labour and Social Development Alexander Pochinok said this after his negotiations with ILO Director General Juan Somavia.

According to the Russian minister, the ratification of this convention became possible after ILO experts had conducted large-scale studies on this subject in Saint-Petersburg. The ILO has also issued "a good report about combating the worst forms of child labour." Alexander Pochinok said that in front of the ILO building in Geneva children had planted sunflowers which symbolise the countries which have ratified Convention No. 182. "I hope that very soon another sunflower, symbolising Russia, will join the plants," said he.

Alexander Pochinok rated highly his negotiations with Juan Somavia. He added that "the programme of our cooperation is very extensive." The ILO director general dwelt mainly on the questions connected with the creation of enterprises of small and medium business, measures to combat child labour, HIV/AIDS morbidity at working places, the influence of the globalisation processes on the fulfilment of joint projects of Russia and the ILO, and the tripartite social dialogue. Juan Somavia said that the ILO's principle is tripartism - dialogue between the government, employers' organisations and the working people's organisations.