Decent Work for a Just Transition Job creation

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Workers in a cotton field in Senegal

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) 473 million people around the world are unemployed. Moreover, two billion people are doing informal work, which means they have a job that offers no protection under labour law, nor any social protection in the event of illness or work accidents.

In rural areas, in particular, informal labour is widespread. Women and youth are disproportionately affected by unemployment, underemployment and poor working conditions. 160 million children are affected by child labour (particularly in agriculture) and 28 million people are doing forced labour.

Strategy paper: The BMZ Agenda for decent work worldwide

File type PDF | Date of status 10/2023 | File size 720 KB, Pages 16 Pages | Accessibility Accessible

Download File type pdf Date of status 10/2023 File size 720 KB Pages 16 Accessibility Accessible

The aim of German development cooperation is not just to create jobs, it is to create good and decent jobs. Those working in the informal sector in particular are frequently forced to work in dangerous conditions that constitute a health hazard. The essential legal framework is not in place and workers have few opportunities to claim and enforce their rights. Often their income is not sufficient to enable them and their families to live a life in dignity.

In line with the International Labour Organization’s concept of decent work, the German government, in addition to promoting employment, endeavours to enhance social protection, ensure that the ILO International Labour Standards (External link) are respected, and improve the dialogue between employers and the workforce.

In the second half of 2023, the BMZ published its Agenda for Decent Work Worldwide which guides the BMZ’s funding decisions and is a political commitment to promoting decent working conditions.