China Ratifies Two ILO Conventions on Forced Labor Indicating Critical Step in Accountability

By officially depositing ratification documents of International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions 29 and 150 on August 10th, China must fulfill explicit obligations in the ratified instruments in the next few years, including implementing national laws, enforcing them, and submitting regular reporting on measures that have been taken to apply these obligations. Other ILO Member States can also file a complaint if the obligations are not respected. It is a significant step for China as countries stipulate sanctions and laws against the nation due to its forced labor allegation in the Xinjiang area.  

To answer concerns and questions about whether China will effectively implement and enforce laws that meet international standards and improve its labor condition, Martha Newton, Deputy Director-General for Policy at ILO, pointed out it is “a critical step in accountability” for China. ILO Conventions are international treaties and instruments, which legally bind its Member States that ratify them. The application of the conventions is examined by Committee of Experts on the ILO's Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR), which is an independent body composed of 20 eminent jurists at national and international levels. Besides publishing comments and reports, CEACR can also ask more technical questions or directly request further information from the governments concerned.  

Newton also mentioned that ILO's Supervisory Mechanism ensures that any ILO Member State can file a complaint with the organization if another Member State doesn’t follow through on their commitment, or if it is not satisfied that any other Member State is securing the effective observance of any Convention which both have ratified. 
 
Outlook: The Chinese government’s ratification of the two treaties includes curbing the use of all aspects of forced or compulsory labor, including as a means of racial, social, national or religious oppression. The ILO may support Member States, upon request, with professional expertise, and China will be afforded the option of solidifying its collaboration and commitment with the ILO.