Monday, February 14 2005 18:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has urged for a rapid reconstruction of workplaces and infrastructure in tsunami-hit countries, including India, and proposed an eight-point recovery strategy for recreating livelihood opportunities.

"The December 26 Asian Tsunami disaster has left in its wake hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions of individuals who, in addition to suffering unimaginable personal loss, now find themselves stripped of their livelihoods and at risk of slipping deeply into poverty if their jobs and incomes are not restored," the ILO said today (Feb 14, 2005).

In its latest report on Global Employment Trends, the ILO sought urgent action to provide sufficient international aid as rapidly as possible for reconstruction of workplaces, equipment, infrastructure repair and workers' health in areas affected by the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Observing that the immediate effects of the disaster on labour markets have been enormous, the ILO has proposed a comprehensive response strategy aimed at rebuilding livelihoods, restoring local markets and enabling local economic actors.

To complete the gigantic task, the ILO has drawn up an eight-point recovery strategy which includes rapid assessment of the employment and labour market and identification of economic opportunites and promotion of Emergency Employment Services.

Employment-intensive reconstruction as a tool to re-launch local markets and rebuild infrastructure and supporting local economic revival through the promotion of local entrepreneurship are some other measures mooted by it.

The ILO also proposes to initiate training activities for the displaced population and migrants from the affected areas and mobilise resources including micro-finance instruments to foster economic recoverey.

Reviewing social safety nets and addressing the needs of the groups at greatest risk of becoming victims of trafficking and the worst forms of child labour are other steps planned by the ILO.

The report noted that despite robust economic growth, the global employment situation improved only slightly in 2004, with employment increasing and unemployment down marginally.