‘HIV/Aids must not be a barrier to employment’ |19 April 2013

Miss Bresson addressing guests and delegates at the launch of the workshop yesterday

Principal secretary for labour and human resource development Veronique Bresson said this yesterday when launching a national tripartite workshop on International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the national policy on HIV/Aids in the workplace.

Miss Bresson said the workplace has a major role to play to limit the spread and effects of HIV/Aids.

“I urge employers to establish measures at workplace level to ensure the application of the principle of non-discrimination against those with HIV/Aids,” she said.
There is also a need for employers to ease access to relevant information and provide other forms of support, she added.

The official opening of the two-day workshop being held at the Seychelles Trading Company conference room was attended by the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development Idith Alexander, Minister for Education Macsuzy Mondon and ILO programme officer Nombana Razafinisoa.

Principal secretaries and other high government officials, heads and representatives of various key departments, agencies and non-governmental organisations were also present at the launch.
Miss Bresson said workers with HIV/Aids should be more responsible by ensuring that their involvement in the workplace does not pose risk of transmission to their colleagues. 
She reiterated the continuous commitment of the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development in promoting a right-based approach focusing on reducing stigma and discrimination at workplace level, in recognition of the equal rights and fair treatment of women and men.

The workshop under the theme ‘strengthening national capacity towards the ILO recommendation 200 on HIV/Aids for the development of the national policy of HIV/Aids in the workplace’ has been organised by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development and the ILO.

Contribution towards the carrying out of the Seychelles Decent Work Country programme signed between the ministry and the ILO in 2011 is being made through this workshop.
Those taking part in the workshop will be able to learn more on the ILO recommendation 200 which re-affirms the organisation’s commitment towards achieving social justice, and addressing discrimination and stigmatisation with regards to HIV/Aids.

On behalf of the ILO country director covering Seychelles, Miss Razafinisoa thanked the government, the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development, employers and workers for their support and contributions towards the workshop.

The workshop is ILO’s practical response to a request made by the Seychelles government for technical help in disseminating the recommendation 200 at country level and to carry out the Seychelles Decent Work Country programme, she added.

Miss Razafinisoa said the request for technical help underlines the importance the country attaches to promoting the quality of working life, productivity, competitiveness of businesses which is critical to ensuring sustainable jobs.

Those present at the opening ceremony were able to learn more on the national policy on HIV/Aids in the workplace through a presentation given by director for labour monitoring and compliance Keven Aglaé.

An overview of the current national situation of HIV/Aids, the legal environment assessment of HIV/Aids and drugs in the workplace in relation to HIV/Aids are among the subjects to be discussed during the two-day workshop.