Impediments to Implementing ILO Standards in Developing States: A Papua New Guinea Perspective

Abstract

The primary object of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is to advocate for decent labour standards. These standards, however, are not fully realised in developing countries. This paper will give several instances of factors impeding the implementation of ILO standards from a Papua New Guinea perspective. The essential aim of the paper is to show that prudent governance of a local state creates the ideal platform for implementation of international labour law standards. Labour law is not transplanted but adapted to compatible national conditions which require modifications to a certain extent1. A cluster of effectively run local state institutions is not only a viable option but also a prudent bureaucratic framework for any development agenda. This paper will identify the eight factors that hinder prudent governance in Papua New Guinea that result in labour standards not being strictly observed. These eight factors are; The Inefficient Legislative Framework, Labour Surplus through the Government’s Free Education Policy, Illegal Immigration, the Dysfunction of the Trade Unions, and Mismanagement of the Economy, Cultural Encroachment on State Institutions, Abuse of Political power and Corruption. The paper has a proposal for overcoming these obstacles.