Solomon Islands Deposits Two (2) ILO Accession Instruments in Geneva, Switzerland

The Solomon Islands has formally deposited two (2) instruments of accession to key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions during a ceremony with ILO Director-General H.E Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo at ILO Headquarter in Geneva, held on 8 January 2026.

H.E. Mr Moses Kouni Mosé, Ambassador of Solomon Islands to the European Union and High Commissioner to the UK and Northern Ireland, presented the instruments on behalf of the Government.

The ILO conventions ratified are;

• Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), and
• Work in Fishing Convention no.188, 2007 (C188).

Ambassador Mosé informed ILO DG that Solomon Islands accession to the two conventions is the last step of a 3-year strategy endorsed by Solomon Islands Government Cabinet to assess and accede to IMO and ILO conventions. The next phase of the strategy is to further develop Solomon Islands capacity to give full effect to all international maritime and labour instruments it is a party to by strengthening its maritime legal framework and enforce all domestic laws.

Ambassador Mosé highlighted that the Solomon Islands Government has adopted the Maritime Labour Mobility and Shipping Registry National Roadmap, a national policy framework designed to develop maritime education and expand sustainable employment opportunities for Solomon Islands youth.

He further reiterated that accession to both MLC 2006 and C188 is critical for the maritime sector and form essential part of Solomon Islands’ effort to comply to international labour standards.

In response Director-General Houngbo affirmed ILO’s commitment to assist Solomon Islands on its technical and capacity development needs to meet maritime labour standards under ILO instruments.

He further recommended the Solomon Islands Government to consider ratification of ILO Convention No. 185, the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, which will strengthen the institutional and regulatory foundations for participation of Solomon Islands seafarers in international shipping and fishing labour markets.

Ambassador Mosé thanked Director-General Houngbo for the continued support reaffirming the Solomon Islands Government commitment to give full effect to ILO conventions through close collaboration between the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) along with governmental agencies and ILO.

ENDS