B etter Together, Eighty Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights

Academic Article: The 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly with the Theme "Better Together, Eighty Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights" in Relation to Workers' Rights Worldwide -- A Perspective of Global Labor Law
Author: Usman Arifin M, SH, MH

Introduction

The 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), carrying the theme "Better Together, Eighty Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights," presents a profound reflection on the trajectory of global policy over the past eight years since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). The theme calls upon the international community to strengthen solidarity in the pursuit of peace, development, and the protection of human rights.

In the academic context, this idea is not merely rhetorical but directly connected to workers' rights, which constitute an inseparable component of universal human rights. Workers' rights occupy a central position within the framework of global labor law, as workers are the driving force behind social, economic, and cultural development across the world.

Workers' Rights in the International Perspective

Workers' rights rest upon a strong international legal foundation. Historically, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948 affirms in Article 23 that everyone has the right to work, to just remuneration, and to favorable conditions of employment. Article 24 further guarantees the right to rest and reasonable paid leave.

These principles were reinforced by the core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO):

• Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association,
• Convention No. 98 on the Right to Collective Bargaining,
• Conventions No. 29 and 105 on the Abolition of Forced Labor,
• Conventions No. 138 and 182 on the Elimination of Child Labor.

Additionally, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), emphasizes that economic progress cannot be separated from respect for workers' dignity. Workers' rights are therefore not merely an economic instrument but an integral part of the human rights system oriented toward social justice.

The Relevance of the UNGA Theme to Workers' Rights

The theme "Better Together" reflects the urgency of cross-border cooperation in addressing global complexities. From the labor law perspective, this relevance may be understood through three key dimensions:

1. Peace and Stability. Armed conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises often directly affect workers, depriving them of employment, subjecting them to exploitative labor conditions, or forcing them into migration without legal protection. Safeguarding workers' rights is therefore integral to the pursuit of sustainable peace.
2. Development and Decent Work. Sustainable economic growth is inseparable from the guarantee of workers' rights. Fair wages, social security, occupational safety, and equal opportunities are prerequisites for inclusive growth. Absent these, development risks exacerbating social inequality.
3. Human Rights and Social Justice. In an era of globalization, migrant workers, women workers, and those in the informal sector are frequently subject to discrimination and marginalization. The 80th UNGA theme reminds us that global social justice must transcend national boundaries and encompass all categories of workers.

The Global Labor Law Perspective

From an academic standpoint, global labor law may be regarded as an effort to harmonize minimum standards of worker protection worldwide. This framework rests on three essential pillars:

1. Ratification and Implementation of ILO Conventions. Member States are expected not only to ratify core conventions but also to implement them consistently within their domestic legal systems. The greatest challenge often lies not in ratification but in weak enforcement mechanisms.
2. The Role of Multinational Corporations. In the age of globalization, global supply chains reveal disparities in labor protections across nations. Workers in developing countries are frequently subjected to exploitative conditions in order to meet the demands of major corporations in developed countries. Transnational corporate accountability is therefore a critical issue in global labor law.
3. International Monitoring Mechanisms. The supervisory role of the ILO and the UN Human Rights Council in monitoring compliance with international standards must be reinforced. These mechanisms serve as both moral and political instruments to compel States and corporations to respect workers' rights.

Contemporary Challenges

Despite notable progress, significant challenges persist in the protection of workers' rights. Exploitation, forced labor, child labor, and gender inequality in the workplace remain widespread. Migrant workers often find themselves in conditions devoid of legal protection, demanding urgent global attention.

Simultaneously, the digital revolution and automation pose new threats, such as the loss of traditional jobs, while the new skills required are not always accessible to all segments of the workforce.

Conclusion

The theme of the 80th UNGA reaffirms that global solidarity is key to addressing labor-related challenges worldwide. Workers' rights must be placed at the heart of efforts to achieve peace, sustainable development, and respect for human rights.

From the perspective of global labor law, this entails strengthening the implementation of international conventions, demanding accountability from multinational corporations, and expanding protection for vulnerable groups of workers.

With the spirit of "Better Together," the world is expected to ensure that workers everywhere enjoy decent, dignified, and legally protected employment. This approach is indispensable to realizing fair, inclusive, and sustainable global development.