S. Shapkenov spoke at the International Labor Conference

Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan Serik Shapkenov made a video message at the plenary session of the 109th International Labor Conference.

«Kazakhstan confirms its commitment to the Declaration of the Centenary of the International Labour Organization (hereinafter - the ILO) on the future of the sphere of work and welcomes the report of the Director General «Labor in the time of COVID», which is particularly timely, relevant and necessary in order to take appropriate global response measures to preserve jobs, incomes of the population and revive economic growth.

During the pandemic, the Government of Kazakhstan has taken anti-crisis measures aimed at promoting employment, boosting entrepreneurship, digitalization and development of the agro-industrial complex.

In 2020, more than $15 billion was allocated for these measures.

During the pandemic, 4 million 600 thousand citizens received social payments for loss of income in the amount of more than 1 billion US dollars, as well as one-time social payments were made to sick medical workers and families of deceased medical workers in the total amount of 50 million US dollars.

More than 1 million citizens from socially vulnerable segments of the population received food and household kits worth 60 million US dollars.

A mechanism for applying for targeted social assistance through the E-government portal has been implemented.

Targeted social assistance was provided to 936 thousand people, 218 thousand children were provided with a guaranteed social package totaling 214 million US dollars.

Last year, the anti-crisis program «Employment Roadmap» was launched, within the framework of which 239 thousand jobs were created. 2 billion 400 million US dollars have been allocated for its implementation.

As a result of the measures taken, the unemployment rate was 4.9%, including women's – 5.3%, youth - 3.8%.

Employment measures this year will cover 1 million 200 thousand people.

Starting this year, it is planned to reformat the State Employment Program into a National project, which includes five areas - professional and territorial mobility, productive jobs, rural business and digitalization of employment.

Kazakhstan is implementing a National plan to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities until 2025, including the right to decent work.

Last year, an Atlas of Recommended Professions and Occupations for Persons with Disabilities was developed and a Social Services Portal was introduced, providing persons with disabilities with an independent choice of technical means and rehabilitation services.

In May 2020, the labor legislation was amended to increase the role of trade unions to ensure the protection of workers' labor rights.

This year, a new General Agreement between the Government, republican unions of trade unions and employers for 2021-2023 establishes the obligation of the parties to prevent illegal interference in each other's activities.

The issues of canceling the List of jobs where women's work is restricted and improving the legal regulation of remote work are being worked out.

Currently, work is underway to join the ILO Convention No. 175 «On Part-time Work».

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the Government of Kazakhstan will continue to work on improving social and labor policy, ensuring social justice and decent work in accordance with ILO standards,» Serik Shapkenov said in a video message.

Recall that the International Labour Conference is the highest decision-making body of the ILO. It is held annually, bringing together tripartite delegations from 187 ILO member States.