Nepal ratifies key ILO instruments on labor inspection and forced labor
The Government of Nepal has ratified two landmark International Labour Organization (ILO) instruments — the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (Protocol No. 29) and the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (Convention No. 81) — following their adoption by the Federal Parliament, according to a press release by the ILO. The instruments of ratification were formally deposited during a ceremony held at ILO Headquarters in Geneva on 7 August 2026. The ILO welcomed and commended Nepal on this step, which is aimed at strengthening labor inspection and reinforcing efforts to prevent and eliminate forced labor. Nepal’s move signals a renewed commitment to dignity, justice, and safe work for every worker. The ratifications represent a defining moment in the country’s labor rights journey.
H.E. Ambassador Ram Prasad Subedi, Permanent Representative of Nepal in Geneva, deposited the Instruments of Ratification with Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General, during the Geneva ceremony. The ILO recognized the leadership and collective efforts of Hon. Minister Ramjee Yadav of the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment (MoYLE), along with concerned ministries, parliamentarians, workers’ and employers’ organizations, and social partners. Their combined advocacy paved the way for the ratifications. The process reflects sustained tripartite engagement in Nepal. It also aligns the country with international labor standards.
By ratifying Convention No. 81, Nepal will strengthen its labor inspection system to better ensure safe, healthy, and decent working conditions for all workers. The Convention will improve enforcement of laws on wages, working time, occupational safety and health, child labor, and other fundamental labor protections. These protections will extend to factories, shops, construction sites, service workplaces, and other places of work. Effective labor inspection is essential for enforcing labor laws, promoting compliance, and protecting workers’ rights across all sectors. It also helps create a level playing field for responsible employers.
The ratification of Protocol No. 29 will strengthen Nepal’s efforts to prevent and eliminate forced labor, protect victims, and ensure access to justice and remedies, including compensation and legal assistance. It will also address trafficking in persons for forced labor and support stronger measures to identify, release, protect, and rehabilitate victims, including migrant workers and people in vulnerable situations. “This is a proud and significant moment for Nepal,” said Numan Özcan, ILO Country Director for Nepal. He added that the Government is sending a clear message that every worker matters. Their ratification, he said, will help turn the promise of decent work into a lived reality.
As Nepal prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and explores future trade opportunities, including possible access to the European Union’s GSP+ framework, strong labor standards and their effective implementation will be increasingly important. Eliminating forced labor contributes to poverty reduction, the formalization of employment, and Nepal’s vision of inclusive and sustainable prosperity founded on decent work. Hon. Minister Ramjee Yadav affirmed that the ratifications reaffirm Nepal’s commitment to promoting decent work and safeguarding workers’ rights. The ILO stands ready to continue working with the Government of Nepal, employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society, and development partners to support effective implementation. The step marks progress toward a future where every workplace upholds dignity, safety, and justice.