Sao Tome and Principe strengthens its commitment to the ILO with the ratification of three Conventions

© Violaine Martin / ILO

GENEVA (ILO News) – On Friday 7 June 2024, Mr Celsio Rodrigues da Vera Cruz Junqueira, Labour and Solidarity Minister of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, presented the instruments of ratification for the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102), the Termination of Employment Convention, 1982 (No. 158) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) to the ILO Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo. 

In depositing the instruments of ratification, Mr Junqueira stated: “Regarding Convention No. 102, and even as a medium-developed country, the Government recognizes the value of international treaties that provide social protection for all, and demonstrates its commitment to fighting social injustice by promoting equity and social opportunity for workers and their families. In relation to Convention No. 158, the Government is committed to combating labour discrimination, unfair unemployment and social injustice in the world of work. Therefore, it is the government's challenge to work and use international instruments to call for bipartite and tripartite dialogue whenever cases of unemployment occur, from the perspective of labour conciliation and progress. Lastly, for what relates to Convention No. 187, the creation of a framework for the protection of all workers is the Government's desire. Therefore, it is important to create a continuous system that guarantees the safety and social protection of workers during their working lives, in the event of an accident, and their families in the event of death at work”. 

Upon receiving the instrument of ratification, Mr Houngbo declared: “The timely ratification of Convention No. 102 coincides with the ILO Global Campaign to promote the ratification of this relevant instrument, and is remarkable that it has been achieved through the acceptance of 7 out of the 9 branches of social security. Regarding Convention No. 158, this ratification enables Sao Tome and Principe to take one step further in the promotion of employment, particularly employment security and rights at work. The country remains committed to achieving decent work and social justice, strengthening its legal corpus with this new key instrument. Finally, Convention No. 187 is the tenth fundamental Convention ratified by Sao Tome and Principe, and its ratification shows a strong engagement to ensure a safe and healthy working environment. The ILO looks forward to continuing to accompany Sao Tome et Principe in these efforts.”

Convention No. 102 is considered the cornerstone on which modern social security systems are based and shaped, encompassing the nine branches of social security. 

Convention No. 158 constitutes a carefully constructed balance between the interests of the employer and the interests of the worker, leading to social stability. 

Convention No. 187 calls for active steps towards achieving progressively a safe and healthy working environment.

These three Conventions will enter into force for Sao Tome and Principe on 7 June 2025, one year after their ratification.  To date, Sao Tome and Principe has ratified 25 Conventions, including all Fundamental Conventions. For further information, see NORMLEX.