21 May 2026
The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) warmly welcomes the historic Advisory Opinion delivered today, 21st May 2026, by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), confirming that the right to strike is protected under the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (ILO Convention No. 87).
This landmark ruling represents a major victory for workers, trade unions and social justice across the world. It reaffirms with legal certainty that the right to strike is inseparable from freedom of association and constitutes a fundamental pillar of democratic labour relations, collective bargaining and the protection of workers’ dignity, rights and interests.
FESTU congratulates the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its principled leadership and for safeguarding the integrity, credibility and authority of the international labour standards system. The Court’s opinion has reinforced the legitimacy of the ILO supervisory mechanisms and restored clarity on a matter that for years had been the subject of intense international debate and institutional disagreement. This is a defining moment in the history of the global trade union movement and a major achievement for multilateralism, social justice and international law.
FESTU also extends its profound congratulations to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the global trade union movement and all affiliated trade union organisations that stood firm in defending the right to strike as a universal and fundamental workers’ right. The solidarity, determination and principled advocacy demonstrated by trade unions worldwide contributed significantly to this historic outcome and to protecting the integrity of freedom of association globally.
Having actively lobbied and advocated for Somalia’s participation in these proceedings, FESTU commends the Federal Government of Somalia for taking a principled and courageous position before the International Court of Justice in defence of the right to strike. Somalia has now secured its rightful place among the nations that stood firmly on the side of justice, workers’ rights and international labour standards, because the right to strike is constitutionally guaranteed in Somalia and is clearly recognised under the country’s labour laws.
Somalia’s position before the Court also reflects its international obligations as a State Party to ILO Convention No. 87, which Somalia ratified in 2014 following sustained advocacy and lobbying efforts by FESTU. Since then, Somalia has progressively domesticated international labour standards into national laws and policies in line with its commitment to freedom of association, collective bargaining, social dialogue and democratic governance.
Commenting on the ICJ decision, FESTU General Secretary Omar Faruk Osman said:
“Today’s decision of the International Court of Justice is a victory for justice, democratic labour relations and the protection of fundamental workers’ rights across the world. The ruling has vindicated the longstanding position of the trade unions and has reaffirmed that the right to strike remains an essential pillar of freedom of association and social justice.”
“This historic Advisory Opinion provides important legal certainty that strengthens confidence among workers and reinforces the collective responsibility of all actors within the labour market to uphold fundamental rights, promote stability and advance constructive industrial relations.”
“This decision should unite all constituents of the ILO around the shared values of freedom of association, collective bargaining and meaningful social dialogue. Strong labour rights and stable industrial relations go hand in hand and are essential for peaceful, inclusive and democratic societies.”
“Somalia’s organized labour movement believes this historic ruling opens a new chapter for cooperation, mutual respect and understanding among workers, employers and governments. We must now move forward together in good faith to strengthen decent work, social partnership and equitable economic development for all.”
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