COPENHAGEN – International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Guy Ryder has met Prime Minister of Denmark, Helle Thorning-Schmidt to discuss the common challenge of combating youth unemployment in the EU and working conditions in developing countries, among other issues.

"Denmark fully supports the ILO. Respect for workers' rights is one of the core principles on which we have built the Danish social model. Our government pursues a proactive policy to combat social dumping in Denmark, and we work to promote decent working conditions in the countries we deal with," said Thorning-Schmidt after the meeting.

Respect for workers' rights is one of the core principles on which we have built the Danish social model." Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of Denmark

The Prime Minister announced a strengthened contribution by Denmark to the ILO's efforts to promote workers' rights in developing countries by DKK 25 million (4,6 US$ million). This includes an increased core contribution to the ILO of DKK 10 million and DKK 15 million to the ILO and International Finance Corporation Better Work programme.

The ILO has been working with the Bangladesh government, its social partners and initiatives such as the Accord following the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, which killed over 1,100 workers.

“The Rana Plaza tragedy in April 2013 shows the urgent need to improve working conditions. We need safe and sustainable growth, to create decent work, especially for the most vulnerable workers. We greatly appreciate the cooperation with Denmark to develop the policies needed to achieve that goal,” said Ryder, who also thanked the longstanding commitment of the Danish government and welcomed the additional funding to the ILO.

The ILO works with governments and representatives of employers 'and workers' organizations worldwide to improve employment and global working conditions and to protect basic human rights. These include the right to freedom of association and right to collective bargaining through international labour standards.

For more information please contact the ILO Department of Communication and Public Information on +41(0)22/799-7912 or newsroom@ilo.org.