The ILO in Iran

Today, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran deposited with the International Labour Office the instrument of ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). This brings to 61 the total number of ratifications received so far representing over 80 per cent of the world gross tonnage of ships. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the first West Asian country to ratify this landmark Convention. Its merchant fleet totals 3,272,193 gross tons.

In depositing the instrument of ratification of the MLC, 2006, the Iranian Minster of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, HE Dr Ali Rabiei, stated: “In view of the importance given to the Maritime Labour Convention as one of the key international instruments concerning merchant shipping governed by the uniform legal regime and laying out seafarers’ right to decent work conditions, the Islamic Republic of Iran hereby expresses resolve to officially deposit its instrument of ratification and accession to the above convention.”

In receiving the instrument of ratification, Mr Guy Ryder, Secretary-General of the International Labour Conference stated: “In 2006, when the Convention was adopted, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran had committed itself to ratify the Convention and to ensure that its provisions are implemented. Today, the ratification of the Convention is testimony to this commitment. We are pleased that technical assistance of the Office, including the National Tripartite Seminar on the MLC, 2006, which took place in 2012 had contributed to this effort.”

The MLC, 2006 entered into force on 20 August 2013 for the first 30 member states that had registered their ratification by 20 August 2012. The Convention will enter into force for the Republic of the Islamic Republic of Iran on 11 June 2015, that is, one year after its ratification. For more background information, please visit the dedicated MLC website.