Statement by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, Ambassador Carlos Foradori

Juy 19, 2016

 

Thank you very much,

I would first like to thank you all for participating in this event, as initiatives like these are essential to combat forced labor, one of the most adverse consequences of the development of our modern economy. The incorporation of value chains profoundly transformed the modes of organization of global production, which allowed for an unprecedented expansion of the world economy and international trade. However, the new global production chains also deepened the inequalities and injustices of many national labor markets and gave to new forms of labor exploitation, such as child labor and human trafficking.

Forced labor is a complex problem that must be addressed from several approaches and requires a coordinated strategy from multiple actors at different levels. That is why the exchange of experiences, good practices and dialogue among governments, experts, workers and employers is an essential step towards achieving the universal goal of decent work for all.

Concerted action against forced labor, in all its forms, is part of the strategic agenda of Argentina, and is under consideration at the national, regional and international levels, starting with what our country considers its worst forms: human trafficking and child labor. This commitment by Argentina translates into repeatedly held positions in all forums that consider supply chains and into concrete policies at different levels.

At the national level, Argentina has a Child Labor and Human Trafficking Inspection law, in compliance with the Labor Inspection Convention and the Labor Inspection (Agriculture) Convention of the International Labor Organization. Also, in accordance with its federal system, our national government actively coordinates with the provinces, through the Federal Council on Labor, on labor inspection measures. Furthermore, and bearing in mind the importance of prevention in the field of human trafficking and child exploitation, the Argentine security forces are trained regularly for the detection of such offenses, with particular emphasis on border areas.

At the regional level, Argentina has promoted, in the framework of MERCOSUR, several initiatives for the prevention and eradication of child labor, such as the establishment of multi-sectorial bureaus at the municipal level in border areas, for the diagnosis, intervention and restitution of rights to children who are found in situations of child labor, engaging the whole community in its eradication. Also at the regional level, Argentina is working on the development of an information guide for MERCOSUR migrant workers, to warn them about the risks of falling into criminal circuits of human trafficking. Also, a proposal for a regional plan is being developed.

At the international level, Argentina has made a strong commitment to combating forced labor, by adopting and incorporating into its domestic law the ILO Protocol on Forced Labor. Also, during the second half of 2017, Argentina will host the fourth Global Conference on the Sustained Eradication of Child Labor, reaffirming the commitment made by my Government in 2013, during of the third Global Conference on Child Labor carried out in Brasilia, Federative Republic of Brazil. From a national perspective, hosting the conference strengthens our resolve and the need to intensify the fight against child labor, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the 2030 Agenda.

In this regard, Argentina's commitment to the 2030 Agenda reflects its firm intention to eradicate forced labor in all its forms and the transversal approach adopted to achieve it. Undoubtedly, it is not possible to achieve a sustainable and lasting economic development without ensuring decent work for all, promoting the observance of fundamental labor rights throughout the value chain. Thus, the elimination of forced labor is a necessary step on the way to "Zero Poverty", a key objective not only of the 2030 Agenda, but also of the Argentine government.

At the same time, as has been pointed out on several occasions by our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Susana Malcorra, although the primary responsibility for achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda 2030 lies with the States, the magnitude of the challenges posed requires the full commitment and action of all stakeholders, in the private sector and civil society. It is why I welcome once again this event, which promotes the interaction of all stakeholders. Only through a truly multisectorial exchange can we achieve a lasting commitment to the fundamental principles of decent work.

Before concluding, I wish to express again my appreciation in being part of this panel and I hope that initiatives like these are replicated around the world, in order to achieve a goal we all share: decent work and sustainable enterprises for a sustainable development that leaves no one behind.

Thank you very much