The International Labour Organization (ILO), a unique tripartite agency of the United Nations, recently presented its report – “Global Employment Trends for Youth 2022: Investing in transforming futures for young people”. This article discusses highlights from the report and specific findings related to India.
About International Labour Organization
Established by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, the ILO is the only UN agency that brings together members from the government, employers, and workers of its 187 member states, including India. It sets labour standards, conceives policies and chalks up programmes to promote decent work for all. The ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Worldwide Findings
A key finding from the report indicates a significant gender disparity in the employment-to-population ratio (EPR), with young women exhibiting a much lower EPR than men. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on youth employment has also been severe. The total global number of unemployed youths is projected to reach 73 million in 2022, slightly better than 2021 but still six million above the pre-pandemic level of 2019. There are also regional differences in recovery rates from unemployment, with high-income countries expected to recover faster than middle and low-income countries.
Positive Outcomes from Green and Blue Economies
The report also indicated that the green and blue economies could result in an additional 8.4 million jobs for young people by 2030. These sectors encompass areas such as clean and renewable energies, sustainable agriculture, recycling, and waste management. Additionally, achieving universal broadband coverage by 2030 could lead to an increase of 24 million new jobs worldwide.
India-Specific Findings
In India, the youth employment rate declined across 2021, and the situation was prominent among younger age groups (15-20 years). The country also faces a significant gender gap in employment, which is also contributing to the global average of employment losses. Furthermore, there has been a significant gap in access to online education due to school closures lasting 18 months. This has led to a severe learning regression among children. The report also found that teachers in low-fee private schools in India are paid significantly less than their counterparts in state schools.
Woes in Domestic Work
Domestic work in India is a highly informal sector, with wages at extremely low levels. Young women and girls working in this sector are particularly vulnerable to abuses, including verbal and physical abuse, and sexual exploitation.
Recommendations Made by the Report
The report advises that it is imperative to promote decent working conditions in sectors with investment, ensuring fundamental rights for all young workers. It further recommends providing young people with well-functioning labour markets with decent job opportunities as well as quality education and training opportunities to those yet to enter the labor market.
A Look at the ILO’s Convention 138 and 182
In 2017, India ratified the ILO’s Conventions 138 and 182 relating to child labor, prohibiting and eliminating the worst forms of child labour. The ratification aligns India’s stance with these conventions and its Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, and Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Central Rules, which provide a broad and a specific framework for the prevention, prohibition, rescue and rehabilitation of child and adolescent workers.
This provides a comprehensive view of the latest findings in global employment trends for youth and the specific implications for India, highlighting the steps forward suggested by the ILO, and illuminating the role of the institution in shaping labor practices worldwide.
