FESTU and UN Launch Programme to Empower Somali Workers under Updated Labour Code

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU), supported by the United Nations, has launched a nationwide campaign to educate workers on their rights under Somalia’s newly adopted Labour Code, marking the first major reform in over five decades.

The initiative, rolled out between October and December 2025, targets workers across Mogadishu and Somalia’s Federal Member States. It aims to empower employees to understand, claim, and defend their rights, while promoting compliance with the Labour Code.

Developed through a decade-long social dialogue among the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and FESTU, with technical support from the International Labour Organization, the Labour Code aligns Somalia’s workplace laws with international labour standards and human rights obligations.

Speaking on the campaign, FESTU General Secretary Omar Faruk Osman said, “Labour rights are human rights. This law guarantees dignity at work, protection from exploitation, and freedom from harassment, but only if workers are aware and empowered to claim them.”

The campaign included workshops in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dhusamareb, and Beledweyne, with specialised sessions for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity. In total, 218 workers participated, including 98 women, 152 youth, and 53 persons with disabilities. Peer educators were also trained to continue awareness efforts nationwide.

FESTU complemented face-to-face training with over 3,200 printed educational materials in Somali dialects, as well as 12 radio and television spots. Digital outreach on Facebook and X reached over 2.3 million people, generating more than 206,000 engagements.

The programme emphasised protection against sexual and gender-based violence, non-discrimination, occupational safety, and access to complaints mechanisms. FESTU also engaged government officials to strengthen enforcement of these provisions.

“The campaign turns this law into a living instrument that safeguards workers’ rights in practice,” Osman said. “It is a historic step for Somalia, ensuring fair wages, safety, and equality in every workplace.”

The initiative supports Somalia’s preparations for the Universal Periodic Review and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals promoting decent work, economic growth, and reduced inequalities.