On Tuesday, June 30, a high-level delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) began its first official mission to Haiti since the transfer of responsibility for the country to the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for the Caribbean and the ILO Caribbean Office, both based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The mission is led by Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, and includes Ingerlyn Caines-Francis, Senior Programming Officer. It marks an important moment in the ILO’s renewed engagement with Haiti’s tripartite partners (Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations) following months of meetings, consultations and joint work to define shared priorities.

It is worth recalling that the Haiti Country Programme was signed in Port of Spain on May 14, 2026 (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47521-towards-strengthening-cooperation-between-haiti-and-trinidad-and-tobago.html) by the Honorable Marc-Elie Nelson, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, on behalf of the Government of Haiti; Maulik Radia, President of the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH), for employers; Yvel Admettre, Secretary General of the Confederation of Workers in the Public and Private Sectors, and Louis Fignole St Cyr, Secretary General of the Autonomous Central of Haitian Workers, for workers; and Joni Musabayana.

The programme provides a two-year framework for ILO technical cooperation in Haiti, with agreed priorities on social dialogue and rights at work, strengthened labour institutions and governance, employment, livelihoods and economic recovery, and social protection and safer working conditions.

"This mission is about moving quickly from agreement to action," said Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean. "Haiti’s tripartite partners have worked with commitment and clarity to define shared priorities for decent work. Today’s discussions confirmed the importance of staying close to workers, employers and institutions on the ground as we support implementation of the country programme. The ILO Caribbean Office is committed to working with Haiti’s constituents through practical technical assistance, social dialogue and partnership."

The Director also explained that the mission is not only about project implementation. It is also essential for strengthening relationships and building trust among ILO constituents and partners in Haiti.

"It is important for us to be here, so that the ILO Caribbean Office can deepen its understanding of the realities facing constituents and give effect to our commitment to work with our Haitian partners in a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility," said Joni Musabayana.

During the first two days of the mission, the ILO delegation met with government representatives, business leaders, and trade union leaders in northern Haiti. These discussions provided an opportunity to listen directly to partners, discuss priorities related to decent work, and identify concrete ways to support cooperation and genuine social dialogue in workplaces and sectors critical to employment, livelihoods, and economic activity.

The mission also included site visits, which allowed the delegation to observe ongoing activities related to the industrial and employment sectors in Haiti and to examine how social dialogue can contribute to strengthening industrial relations, improving trust, and supporting more stable cooperation among workers, employers, and institutions.

The mission to Haiti will take place from June 30 to July 4th, 2026. It includes meetings with tripartite constituents and partners, as well as field visits to ILO-supported initiatives. For security reasons, the specific locations are not being disclosed.

HL/ HaitiLibre