Intervention By Ambassador C. Chipaziwa In The International Labour Conference (96 th Session) Pleliminary Discussion Of The Discussion Of The Presentation Of The Report Of The Committe On The Application Of Standards: Geneva, 15 JUNE 2007. Mr. President,
My delegation should like to commend you for your sterling stewardship of this Conference which is now nearing its successful conclusion. I should now proceed to make a contribution to the exchanges on the report of the work of the Committee on the Application of Standards.
It is common cause that the Zimbabwe Government determined not to appear before the said Committee this year, on what would have been the 6 th consecutive time. Our position not to appear was reached after a thorough examination of the processes which lead up to the listing of a member state. We have faith in a system which in part resembles an auction at which the powerful bid on which of their charges should be chastised for whatever transgression they see fit. Genuine violators of worker rights go free because they belong to the “favoured” column. We do not seek to curry favour with any of these self-appointed paragons of labour practices. Our position not to appear will be reviewed as soon as the working methods of the Committee have been completely overhauled and democratised. Accordingly, my Government supports fully the Non-Aligned Movement Ministers of Labour's declaration calling for the revision of the Working Methods of this Committee.
Mr. President,
During our consecutive appearance since 2002, we have submitted that the International Labour Conference cannot and should not be the forum to deliberate on the political system of any member, let alone ourselves. We abhor this growing tendency to politicise the work of the International Labour Office. This office should not become the court of first instance for all and sundry labour disputes. Yet this is now the course of action of first choice for too many labour centres. We therefore stand on principle when we openly declare our position not to become a party to this vague tendency which can only drag our cherished Office into disrepute.
Mr. President,
Decolonisation was a body-blow to the egos of former colonisers. It is they who now team up to seek to reverse decisions of sovereign members of this august body on other than those of labour, at forums such as the International Labour Conference. This is the only interpretation to be drawn from the unprincipled perennial listing of Zimbabwe. Those policies, such as that on the restoration of land to its indigenous majority, are irreversible for they pertain to our sovereignty and our hallowed birthright – our precious land and the stupendous riches beneath it. Zimbabwe is at total peace with her neighbours and any challenges she faces will be resolved in consultations at the African regional and continental levels.
Mr. President,
I wish to reiterate the highest esteem in which my Government holds the International Labour Office. We join those members who seek to augment the Office's reputation and add to its competences in resolving those labour matters which are within its remit. We will also continue to engage the Office on all legitimate labour matters and those technical aspects included in the Report of the Committee of Experts. Likewise, genuine and willing trade union centres in Zimbabwe will find a ready interlocutor in their legitimate Government so that together we can address the socio-economic challenges which are within the purview of the Tripartite Negotiating Forum.
I thank you. |
