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Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 4: Decent work

Framework for Environmental and Social Management guidance note

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 38 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Booklet

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3698en

Synopsis (short abstract) The Environmental and Social Standard 4 (ESS 4) focuses on promoting decent work in FAO-supported programmes and projects by addressing risks and impacts associated with labour conditions while advancing productive employment and applying international labour standards. It emphasizes protecting labour rights, ensuring safety and health, and promoting equal opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged groups such as women, youths, migrant workers, and persons with disabilities. ESS 4 provides guidance for integrating these principles throughout the FAO project cycle, outlining measures to prevent exploitation, address child and forced labour, support freedom of association, and uphold workplace grievance mechanisms.Grounded in international conventions like those of the International Labour Organization (ILO), ESS 4 applies to all types of employment relationships in FAO programmes, including direct, contracted, and primary supply workers. It promotes compliance with national and international labour standards, ensuring projects foster safe, equitable, and inclusive work environments. This guidance supports FAO's commitment to improving rural livelihoods by embedding decent work considerations into its agricultural development initiatives.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2025. Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 4: Decent work – Framework for Environmental and Social Management guidance note. Rome.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3698en

Language English

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