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1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the brief information provided by the Government in its report received in August 2008. The Government indicates that the active population in 2008 numbered 3,664,062 persons, with a total employed active population of 1,734,705, and that the number of unemployed persons was estimated at 138,108. It adds that the implementation of projects in various sectors, such as infrastructure, electricity and housing, resulted in the creation of new jobs for 45,507 persons, of whom 15,590 are women and 29,917 men. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee once again expresses its interest in examining detailed information in the Government’s next report on the manner in which employment objectives are achieved, the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers, such as women, young persons and workers with disabilities. The Committee also encourages the Government to report on its programmes for the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises, taking into consideration the guidance provided by the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189).

2. Article 2. Collection and analysis of employment data. The Committee emphasizes the importance of the establishment of a system for the collection of labour market data so as to be able to decide on and keep under review the measures to be adopted for attaining the objectives of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress achieved in this field.

3. Labour market policies and training. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain information on labour market policies and training. The Committee reiterates its interest in examining information on training measures and their impact on the employment of the persons concerned, and it requests the Government to indicate in its next report the results of the measures adopted with a view to increasing the participation rate of women and young workers. The Committee also encourages the Government to ensure that the training provided is responsive to labour market demands taking into account the principles established by the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), and the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195), in relation to education, training and lifelong learning.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee recalls that, when adopting an active employment policy, it is essential to ensure that representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, and of workers in the rural sector and the informal economy, are associated with its formulation and implementation. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide detailed information in its next report on the consultations required by Article 3.