Monrovia, Liberia-For the first time since becoming a founding member of the International Labor Organization (ILO), Liberia has failed to send an official government delegation to the ILO’s annual conference, raising concerns both locally and internationally about the nation’s commitment to labor advancement under the leadership of Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Minister of Labor.
The 113th Session of the International Labor Organization, held from June 2 to June 13, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, was marked by a glaring absence: Liberia’s Ministry of Labor.
The ILO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, brings together representatives from governments, employers, and workers across its 187 member states to set labor standards and promote decent working conditions.
While private sector representation was partially maintained by the attendance of Mr. T. Nelson Williams from the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, there was no official representation from the Ministry of Labor, an unprecedented lapse for the country.
The conference, which focused on new international standards for protecting workers against biological hazards, promoting decent work in the platform economy, and innovative strategies for transitioning from informal to formal economies, featured critical discussions and treaty formulations that Liberia now risks missing out on.
“This is more than just a missed meeting,” said one labor policy analyst based in Monrovia. “It casts a shadow on Liberia’s seriousness about labor rights and economic reforms. Minister Kruah’s failure to ensure participation suggests troubling priorities within the Ministry.”
Historically, Liberia has taken part in shaping international labor policies, and its absence this year not only calls into question the government’s international obligations, but also raises uncertainty about the nation’s alignment with new global labor standards adopted at the conference.
With no explanation issued by the Ministry of Labor regarding the absence, the silence has only deepened public and institutional frustration.
Experts warn that this could impact Liberia’s standing with international labor bodies and donor institutions that support workplace reforms and employment programs.
The ILO operates on a tripartite system, engaging governments, workers’ unions, and employer representatives.
Liberia’s absence on two of these three fronts has fueled speculation about administrative disorganization, lack of prioritization, or potential diplomatic missteps under Minister Kruah’s stewardship.
As the international community moves forward on critical issues affecting the global workforce, Liberia’s non-participation leaves the nation on uncertain footing, potentially sidelined from treaties, discussions, and decisions that will shape the future of labor globally.
In a country grappling with high unemployment and a vast informal sector, critics argue that Liberia can ill-afford to sit out conversations aimed at solutions. Stakeholders now call on the Ministry to provide a full account of the absence and to ensure this dereliction of duty does not become a pattern.
