Andre Kiekens, the SG of WSM talks about OHS in Nepal

Andre Kiekens, General Secretary of World Solidarity visited Nepal and the partners there. On the 28th of April, during the International Occupation Health and Safety Day, he made the following speech at meetings of NTUC and GEFONT.

It’s an honor for me to participate in this event regarding Occupational Safety and Health in Kathmandu. It is the first time that I have the opportunity to be in your nice country and this happening of your trade unions.
World Solidarity is the NGO of the Workers’ movement in Belgium and is proud to support the work of our Nepali friends on this important issue, through our partnership with these strong social movements.
That is also the reason why we give attention to this topic within the synergy programme of your organizations. Health and safety at work is really important everywhere in the world, which is why today, it is the International Day on Occupational Safety and Health. But in the context of Nepal, it is particularly needed, because there are a lot of challenges linked to this issue.
As you know, World Solidarity focuses on the issue of the “Right to Social Protection” and Social Protection has many dimensions. But a good social protection starts with good working conditions. Work is the base for a better life and cannot be the cause of diseases or illness. 

A few days ago we also remembered the catastrophe of Rana Plaza, which highlighted the working conditions of the garment sector in Bangladesh. This catastrophe shocked the world and raised awareness about the importance of safety and health as a real problem in the supply chain in Asia. Today, we can also refer to the same problems in working conditions in Qatar and the labour migrants.  In Europe, we are organizing campaigns to tackle these problems together with you.
I take this opportunity to congratulate your union for the very important role you are playing in the construction for a better, more equal, safe and democratic society in Nepal.
Trade unions have taken their responsibilities in the new constitution drafting, now, the draft labour law and the universal social security bill are on the agenda.
After that, implementation of these legislations will also be demanding and a tough and long process, which will require the involvement of all sectors and their companies. This is really an amazing structural route. We admire that the unions try to do this in unity. This synergy is making our voice so much stronger!
It is a good strategy for everywhere but it is even more important in a country where recently, political and social conflicts were so present.  You as actors of social dialogue and social protection are actors of peace. That’s also why WSM is ready to support your work with a new programme of collaboration for the next five years. This is not only about funding, but is also a commitment for exchanging ideas and capacity building based on shared values.
That’s also why a few months ago, we invited the leaders of the 3 ITUC affiliates (GEFONT, NTUC and ANTUF) to Brussels in November 2016 to share experiences. So our guests had the opportunity to share ideas and strategies and to learn from each other and the Belgian unions. As you can see, we are brothers in the same fight. And as your slogan, we should remember the victims together and fight for the living!
Solidarity greetings from the workers in Belgium and lots of courage and good luck with your important mission.
Namaste!