The International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Türkiye hosted a major workshop in Ankara on 23.08.2024 on the topic of "Labour Market Inclusion of Disadvantaged Groups." This workshop is the first of the Thematic Workshops to be organised within the scope of the "Supporting Resilience and Social Cohesion with Decent Livelihood Opportunities" Project. This event took place in the context of ongoing efforts in Türkiye to integrate refugees and other vulnerable populations into the workforce and was attended by workers' and employers' organizations, public institutions, civil society, and international bodies.
The workshop aimed at sensitizing key actors in the labour market to adhere to fundamental principles and rights at work. Much of the discussion focused on non-discrimination practices with a focus on disadvantaged groups, particularly concerning refugees, who face unique challenges in the Turkish labour market.
© Gamze Orhun / ILOIn his opening remarks, Salih Gökçe Görgeç, Governance and Compliance Officer at the ILO Office for Türkiye, said: "In Türkiye, work and social security is also constitutionally recognised right for everyone. This principle forms the basis of social justice. Discrimination affects not only the disadvantaged groups who are discriminated against but also the whole labour market. All disadvantaged groups, including refugees, who cannot access decent work opportunities and the livelihoods, are ending in the informal economy and poor working and living conditions. The informality also leads to a decrease in public incomes, deterioration in the actuarial balance of social security for the state, unfair competition in the labour market and a decrease in the value of labour force. For all these reasons, the issue should be discussed by all stakeholders and common steps should be taken to improve the issue by determining the most effective strategies."
© Gamze Orhun / ILOParticipants discussed the current state of disadvantaged groups in the labour market, with a special focus on refugees. The panels addressed issues these groups face, such as transitioning to formal employment and the complexities of job matching. Experts and academicians shared best practices from around the world, led to a enriched exchange of ideas on how to improve conditions for these vulnerable populations.
© Gamze Orhun / ILOThe workshop also included a series of discussions aimed at developing sustainable strategies to ensure non-discriminatory and inclusive labour practices. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial for informing future policies and projects aimed at the socio-economic integration of disadvantaged groups in Türkiye.
© Gamze Orhun / ILOTürkiye, as the country hosting the largest number of refugees in the world, reiterated its commitment to the ILO Discrimination Convention (1958) No.111 throughout the workshop. The event concluded with a strong message on the need for continued collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve equality in employment opportunities and to eradicate all forms of discrimination.
The ILO Office for Türkiye will prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the workshop's findings and recommendations. The report is expected to serve as a key resource for ongoing and future initiatives aimed at promoting labour market inclusion for all.
© Gamze Orhun / ILOThis workshop marked a significant step in the discussions around labour market inclusion in Türkiye. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, perspectives and focusing on actionable strategies, it paves the way for more inclusive and equitable employment practices, particularly for those most disadvantaged in the labour market.
This workshop is financed by the United States Government.
