Objectives - The binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to improve understanding and encourage dialogue on labour matters, promote sound labour policies and practices and the capacity and capabilities of the partners. A further key objective is to promote better understanding and observance of the principles of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights and its Follow-up (1998).

Key
undertakings

In support of these objectives, the SEP partners:
- affirm their commitment to the principles of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Work and its Follow-up (1998);
- agree to work to ensure their labour laws, policies and practices are in harmony with their international labour commitments;
- respect each country’s sovereign right to set, administer and enforce their own labour laws and regulations according to national priorities;
- recognise it is inappropriate to set or use their labour laws, regulations, policies and practices for trade protectionist purposes;
- recognise it is inappropriate to encourage trade or investment by weakening or reducing the protections afforded in domestic labour laws;
- agree to promote domestic public awareness of their labour laws and regulations.

How will the MOU work?

- Cooperative activities will play an important role in the operation of the MOU. Areas for cooperation may include labour laws and practices, compliance and enforcement systems, labour consultation, social security, health and safety and human capital development.

There are also mechanisms for resolving issues that may arise:
- each country will designate a national contact point for labour matters. The countries will meet within one year at senior officials level to discuss cooperation activities, review the implementation of the MOU and address any issues.
- if an issue arises the parties will seek to resolve it through dialogue, consultation and cooperation.
- a partner may request consultations. If consultations fail to resolve the matter, a partner may request a special meeting of the interested countries, which may include Ministers.

Public participation

- Each partner may invite their non-government sector or relevant organisations to take part in cooperative activities.
- Each partner may consult with its public and/or non-government sectors over the operation of the MOU.

ENDS

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