Haiti Signs ILO Agreement to Promote Decent Work, Social Dialogue and Labour Reform

Haiti has signed a landmark two-year cooperation programme with the International Labour Organization (ILO) aimed at strengthening labour governance, expanding employment opportunities, improving social protection, and revitalizing social dialogue during one of the country’s most difficult periods in recent history.

The agreement, signed on 14 May 2026, brings together the Government of Haiti, employers’ organizations, workers’ representatives, and the ILO in a unified effort to advance decent work and institutional resilience amid ongoing economic, political, and social challenges.

The programme establishes a shared roadmap for ILO technical cooperation in Haiti for 2026–2027 and marks the first country programme developed under the expanded mandate of the ILO Caribbean Office, which now oversees Haiti as part of its regional responsibilities.

Agreement Signed by Government, Employers, Workers and ILO

The signing ceremony took place at the ILO Caribbean Office in Port of Spain and reflected a tripartite approach involving government authorities, employer organizations, and trade unions.

The agreement was signed by:

• Marc Elie Nelson, Haiti’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labour

• Maulik Radia, President of the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH)

• Yvel Admettre, Secretary General of the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers

• Louis Fignole St Cyr, General Secretary of the Autonomous Central of Haitian Workers

• Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean

The Haitian delegation also participated in intensive working sessions with ILO officials to review programme priorities, refine implementation plans, and build consensus around key labour and social policy goals.

Officials confirmed that the agreement has received approval at the level of Haiti’s Prime Minister, giving the programme strong political backing and immediate implementation status.

Four Main Priorities Identified

The new ILO country programme for Haiti is structured around four major priorities developed through tripartite consultation between government, employers, and workers.

Revitalizing Social Dialogue

One of the central pillars of the agreement focuses on rebuilding and strengthening social dialogue mechanisms in Haiti.

This includes:

• Reactivating national tripartite institutions

• Strengthening labour relations

• Promoting fundamental principles and rights at work

• Improving cooperation between employers, workers, and government

Participants emphasized that social dialogue is essential for addressing labour disputes, building institutional trust, and creating sustainable solutions during periods of crisis.

Improving Labour Governance

The programme also aims to modernize and strengthen Haiti’s labour governance framework.

Key areas include:

• Labour administration reform

• Labour inspection systems

• Dispute resolution mechanisms

• Reform of Haiti’s Labour Code through tripartite consultation

Officials noted that stronger labour institutions are necessary to improve compliance with labour standards and ensure better protection for workers across both formal and informal sectors.

Expanding Employment and Livelihoods

Another major objective is the creation of more employment opportunities and stronger economic inclusion.

The programme will support:

• Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)

• Skills development programmes

• Youth employment initiatives

• Women’s economic participation

• Support for displaced persons

• Inclusion of informal economy workers

Given Haiti’s ongoing economic difficulties and widespread unemployment, expanding livelihoods is considered critical for long-term stability and resilience.

Strengthening Social Protection

The programme also seeks to improve social protection systems in Haiti, particularly for vulnerable and informal workers.

This includes reforms targeting:

• Social security institutions

• Expansion of social protection coverage

• Greater inclusion of workers in the informal economy

• Improved access to benefits and protections

The ILO noted that expanding social protection is vital for reducing vulnerability and supporting economic recovery.

Gender Equality and Youth Inclusion Integrated Across Programme

The agreement incorporates several cross-cutting priorities that will be integrated across all programme areas.

These include:

• Gender equality

• Youth inclusion

• Conflict sensitivity

• Climate and environmental considerations

• Sustainable employment development

Officials said mainstreaming these issues ensures that labour reforms and development initiatives are inclusive and responsive to Haiti’s broader social and environmental challenges.

Haitian Government Confirms Immediate Implementation

During the signing ceremony, Minister Marc Elie Nelson confirmed that the Haitian government had formally endorsed the programme and would begin implementation immediately.

“I would like to announce that the Government, through the Prime Minister, has approved the proposal submitted, thereby marking an important milestone in this preparatory process,” Nelson said.

He praised the collaborative nature of the discussions and emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing the next stages of implementation and reporting.

ILO Highlights Importance of Haitian Ownership

Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, welcomed the agreement and stressed that the programme is based on Haitian ownership and leadership.

“Haiti’s tripartite constituents have shown real leadership in defining what support they need and on what terms,” Musabayana said.

“Our role as the Caribbean Office is to turn these commitments into results that Haitian workers and enterprises can feel – more productive dialogue, stronger institutions, and more decent jobs.”

The ILO emphasized that long-term success depends on strong cooperation between national institutions and social partners.

Employers and Workers Call for Unity and Dialogue

Representatives from both employer organizations and trade unions described the agreement as an important step toward national cooperation during a time of crisis.

Maulik Radia, President of the Association of Industries of Haiti, highlighted the importance of collective action.

“Haiti, as everybody knows, is going through a major crisis,” Radia said. “And in a crisis, when we come together as a unity, it is very positive.”

Trade union leaders also described the agreement as historic.

“It is extraordinary and it is historic,” said Louis Fignole St Cyr, who emphasized the importance of social dialogue for strengthening the labour movement and tripartism in Haiti.

Yvel Admettre called for continued dialogue and cooperation.

“We must build a culture of dialogue,” he said. “With dialogue, we know we can find solutions even in the most difficult situations.”

New Phase in Haiti’s Relationship with the ILO

The agreement also marks a new chapter in cooperation between Haiti and the ILO following the country’s reassignment in January 2026 to the ILO Caribbean Office based in Port of Spain.

The reassignment aims to improve regional coordination, responsiveness, and collaboration across the Caribbean.

Haiti has been a member of the ILO since 1919 and has ratified 25 ILO conventions, including 8 of the organization’s 10 Fundamental Conventions.

The new programme seeks to translate these international commitments into concrete national outcomes over the next two years.

Regional Cooperation and Peer Exchanges

As part of the mission, the Haitian delegation also met with labour market institutions and social partners in Trinidad and Tobago.

The delegation exchanged experiences with:

• The Ministry of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development

• The National Trade Union Centre

• The Employers Consultative Association

The discussions focused on sharing good practices related to social dialogue, labour governance, and institutional cooperation.

Implementation and Oversight Mechanisms

Implementation of the programme is set to begin immediately.

The ILO Caribbean Office will provide technical support through its Decent Work Team and existing projects in Haiti, working alongside:

• United Nations agencies

• Bilateral donors

• National institutions

• Social partners

A tripartite steering committee will oversee implementation, while annual strategic reviews will monitor progress and assess results.

The programme is aligned with several international frameworks, including:

• The Punta Cana Declaration for democracy, peace, decent work and social dialogue (2025)

• ILO Recommendation No. 205 on Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience

• The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Haiti (2023–2028)

Officials hope the initiative will help strengthen institutions, improve labour conditions, and support Haiti’s broader recovery and resilience efforts during a period of ongoing uncertainty and crisis.