DECISION ON THE PLACE OF THE OAU LABOUR AND
SOCIAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION IN THE AFRICAN UNION
The Assembly
1. ACKNOWLEDGES the multifarious human, social and economic problems hindering sustainable development in the African continent;
2. RECOGNIZES that the Labour and Social Affairs Commission is one of the most dynamic and fruitful organs of the OAU;
3. RECOGNIZES ALSO the numerous achievements of the Commission in improving the social and economic conditions of the African peoples during its twenty-five years of existence;
4. COMMENDS the spirit of tripartism that exists in the Commission and the collaboration among Governments, Employers and Workers which is unique in the world, thus making the Labour and Social Affairs Commission a unique Regional Commission of this nature in the world;
5. AFFIRMS that with the promotion of tripartism as the bedrock of social dialogue and democracy, faster and sustainable development, social justice, peace, stability and good governance can be achieved;
6. FURTHER RECOGNIZES that in the context of globalisation and the attendant challenges which Africa should take up in the economic and social fields, in particular employment, it is imperative to maintain the Commission in its present tripartite form and to strengthen it with a view to enhancing its effectiveness;
7. REQUESTS that the social dimension be adequately addressed in the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) programme;
8. REQUESTS the Secretary General to take the necessary measures to determine the position of this Commission within the African Union and make recommendations in this regard to the Assembly.