Associate Minister for the Ministry of Internal Affairs Te-Hani Brown is leading the Cook Islands delegation at the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, which began on June 3.

In a statement, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said Brown in her speech during the Asia-Pacific Group (ASPAG) Ministerial dialogue emphasised the Cook Islands’ commitment to fair labour practices, improved labour standards, and enhanced worker rights since 2015 through the International Labour Organization (ILO) programmes.

She also highlighted the completion of the Cook Islands’ second Decent Work Country Plan, supported by tripartite social partners who were part of the delegation to Geneva, reaffirming their dedication to the decent work agenda and social justice within the country.

“As a young female leader, the Associate Minister underlined the government’s focus on tackling youth unemployment, promoting gender equality in the workplace, and supporting persons with disabilities in the Cook Islands,” the statement said.

Associate Minister Brown, along with her delegation, met with

Chihoko Asada-Miyakawa, ILO assistant director-general and regional director for Asia and Pacific, to reinforce the strong support of the Cook Islands Government to its obligations as a member state.

The Associate Minister along with the full tripartite delegation also had the opportunity to meet with ILO director general Gilbert F. Houngbo to foster and strengthen the relationship between the Cook Islands Government and the ILO. “This meeting aimed at enhancing future collaboration as both parties strive to improve working conditions for workers in our respective countries,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

“We acknowledge the ongoing technical support and capacity development opportunities the ILO has provided to the Ministry of Internal Affairs over the past years.”

Brown is accompanied by the Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Anne Herman; the Director of Welfare Services, Grace Chynoweth; the Chief Labour Inspector for Labour Services, Elizabeth Hosking; the vice president of the Cook Islands Workers Association, Helen Maunga; and the vice-chairperson of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, Eve Hayden.