The International Labour Organisation has commended Nepal’s ratification of two landmark ILO instruments aimed at strengthening labour rights, combating forced labour and improving workplace inspections.

The instruments—the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (Protocol No 29) and the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (Convention No 81)—were adopted by the Federal Parliament and formally deposited during a ceremony held at the ILO headquarters in Geneva on August 7.

By ratifying the two instruments, Nepal has taken an important step towards a future in which no one is subjected to forced labour, every worker enjoys effective protection under the law, and every workplace upholds dignity, safety and justice.

The ILO also recognised the leadership and collective efforts of Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment Ramjee Yadav, the relevant ministries, parliamentarians, workers’ and employers’ organisations, and other social partners in advancing the ratifications, the ILO said in a statement.

Yadav said the ratification reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to promoting decent work, safeguarding workers’ rights and strengthening protections against forced labour.

“The ratification of these two ILO instruments reaffirms Nepal’s commitment to promoting decent work, safeguarding workers’ rights, and strengthening protections against forced labour,” Yadav said. “It will further strengthen our existing labour system and enhance our efforts to prevent exploitation, improve labour inspection, and ensure that labour rights are effectively protected and upheld.”

By ratifying Convention No 81, Nepal will strengthen its labour inspection system to better ensure safe, healthy and decent working conditions for all workers. Effective labour inspection is essential for enforcing labour laws, promoting compliance and protecting workers’ rights across all sectors of the economy.

The convention will improve the enforcement of laws on wages, working time, occupational safety and health, child labour and other fundamental labour protections, helping ensure that workers’ rights are upheld not only in legislation but also in factories, shops, construction sites, service workplaces and other places of work.

The ratification of Protocol No 29 will strengthen Nepal’s efforts to prevent and eliminate forced labour, protect victims, ensure access to justice and remedies, including compensation and legal assistance, and address trafficking in persons for forced labour.

It will support stronger measures to identify, release, protect and rehabilitate victims, including migrant workers and people in vulnerable situations.

Ambassador Ram Prasad Subedi, Nepal’s permanent representative in Geneva, deposited the instruments of ratification with Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO director-general, during a ceremony at ILO headquarters in Geneva on August 7, 2026.

“This is a proud and significant moment for Nepal,” said Numan Özcan, ILO country director for Nepal. “By advancing these two instruments, the Government is sending a clear message that every worker matters. Their ratification will help turn the promise of decent work into a lived reality. I congratulate the Government of Nepal and all those who contributed to this important milestone through their leadership, commitment and collaboration.”

As Nepal prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country status and explores future trade opportunities, including possible access to the European Union’s GSP+ framework, strong labour standards and their effective implementation will become increasingly important to protect workers and support sustainable economic growth.

Effective labour inspection benefits workers, responsible employers and the national economy alike. Fair and consistent enforcement helps create a level playing field for businesses, reduce labour disputes, prevent workplace accidents and abuse, promote productivity, and strengthen confidence in the rule of law.

Likewise, eliminating forced labour contributes to poverty reduction, the formalisation of employment and Nepal’s vision of inclusive and sustainable prosperity founded on decent work.

The ILO said it stands ready to continue working with the government of Nepal, employers’ and workers’ organisations, civil society and development partners to support the effective implementation of these commitments.