ITUC calls to safeguard democracy, justice and workers’ rights

Kathmandu: The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)-Asia Pacific has urged the Government of Nepal to safeguard democracy, justice and workers’ rights.

Issuing a press statement today, the Secretary General of the ITUC-Asia Pacific, Shoya Yoshida, stated that the organization stands in full solidarity with ITUC–Nepal Affiliated Council (ITUC-NAC), which has taken a principled stance in defence of democracy, justice, and workers’ rights after the 8 September Gen Z protests.

The ITUC has underscored the call for democratic renewal and systemic reforms that place workers’ rights, decent jobs, and social protection at the centre of Nepal’s recovery. ‘With Nepal now facing political and constitutional uncertainty, lasting stability requires democratic renewal and systemic reforms that deliver for the working people. The struggle now is to build a Nepal where democracy protects workers, guarantees justice, and creates opportunities for all,’ Shoya Yoshida said. ITUC-Asia Pacific has also expressed its solidarity with thousands of workers who lost their jobs and livelihoods resulting from the violent attacks on various establishments and infrastructures.

‘In this critical moment, the interim government must put the workers’ agenda in its priorities. Decent work, social protection, and respect for trade union rights are not optional. They are the foundation of recovery and stability. Protecting jobs and ensuring security for workers and their families is essential if Nepal is to rebuild trust in democracy and governance,’ Shoya added.

Likewise, the ITUC-Asia Pacific has called to uphold constitutional rights, comply with international labour and human rights standards, protect jobs and livelihoods, and guarantee accountability.

‘Meeting these obligations requires concrete measures to eradicate systemic corruption, incorporate workers’ and youth voices in decision-making, safeguard trade union and human rights, and establish an impartial investigation into the loss of life and the violence that unfolded,’ read the statement.

RSS