pdf PLA ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Summary of 2021 Annual Report - Platform for Labour Action (PLA)

This memo summarizes the 2021 Annual Report of the Platform for Labour Action (PLA), a Ugandan NGO founded in 2000, focused on promoting and protecting the human rights of vulnerable and marginalized workers.

Key Highlights:

• Operating Environment: 2021 was marked by political tensions, human rights violations, internet shutdowns, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted PLA's operations. Despite these challenges, PLA continued its activities and secured four new projects.
• Organizational Overview:
  • PLA's vision is a society where economic rights and social justice are respected in the world of work.
  • Its mission is to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalized workers through community and individual empowerment.
  • Target populations include children in exploitative work, informal sector workers, women (domestic workers, etc.), and youth/low-income earners.
  • PLA operates in the Central, Eastern, and Northern regions of Uganda.
  • Program portfolios include Human Rights and Accountability, Social Protection, Research and Knowledge Management, and Institutional Development.
• 2021 Achievements:
  • Legal Support: 2,740 individuals accessed legal support services, with a significant portion being male youths. UGX 304,788,310 was recovered for 367 clients.
  • Awareness: 65,292 people were reached with awareness information, and approximately 2 million were reached indirectly through media. Workplace inspections were conducted, and PLA contributed to legal reforms, including the National Social Security Fund Amendment Bill 2021.
  • Capacity Building: 196 local council child protection committee members and 153 local, religious, youth, and cultural leaders were trained. Domestic workers were supported in developing a petition paper.
  • Social Protection: The "Eradication of Child Labour in Uganda" project was launched. 209 community champions were trained in entrepreneurship skills, and 3,220 community members were skilled in liquid soap making and baking. A national stakeholders meeting on labor migration was convened.
  • Institutional Strengthening: Four new projects were secured, and PLA's recommendations were adopted by the UN Human Rights Council. PLA continued to network and coordinate with other organizations.

• New Projects Secured:
  • "Strengthening National Network of Domestic Worker to Promote Decent Work for Domestic Workers in Uganda" (Global Alliance Against Trafficking of Women).
  • "Eradication of Child labour in Uganda" (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation).
  • "Promoting Ethical Recruitment and Safe Migration in Uganda" (International Organization for Migration).
  • "Livelihood and employment support services to Ugandan return migrants" (Food and Agriculture Organization).

• Services Delivered: Free legal aid, capacity building, sensitization and awareness creation, education for vulnerable children, safe and productive labor migration, advocacy, and social protection.

Key Takeaways:

• PLA demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of significant challenges in 2021.
• The organization made substantial contributions to legal support, awareness raising, and capacity building for vulnerable populations.
• PLA successfully secured new projects and influenced policy changes at national and international levels.
• The report highlights the importance of PLA's work in addressing labor rights and social justice issues in Uganda.

For more comprehensive information, please download the full report.