A delegation from the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (AHIK) held meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, with Oliver Röpke, the newly appointed Director of the Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Emanuele Julien, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.
During the meetings, the Chairman of the Confederation, Sahib Mammadov, stated that the protection of labor rights is one of the priority directions of the social policy implemented under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and mentioned about the activities of trade unions in this regard.
The Chairman emphasized the mutually beneficial cooperation established between AHIK and the ILO, noting that this collaboration is practical and results-oriented. He highlighted that Azerbaijan has ratified 60 ILO conventions, including 10 fundamental conventions concerning workers’ rights.
It was noted that the ratification of ILO Convention No. 187 in February of this year on the “Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health at Work” in Azerbaijan is a clear example of the commitment to international labour standards in the country. It was emphasized that the fulfillment of the obligations under this Convention will significantly contribute to reducing workplace accidents and protecting human capital.
The meetings also addressed the implementation of the “Decent Work Country Program 2025–2029,” the expansion of cooperation with ILO ACTRAV, and provided detailed information on the reforms and innovations being carried out within the Azerbaijani Trade Union system.
ILO representatives expressed their satisfaction with the level of cooperation with AHIK, highlighting the importance of joint projects aimed at occupational safety, creating decent working conditions, educating union members, and improving their skills.
Furthermore, the social policy implemented in Azerbaijan, the mechanisms regulating labor relations, and the development of social partnership were highly appreciated, and the reforms in the trade union system were positively commended.
During the meetings, the prospects for cooperation also were discussed and views were exchanged.
