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The Committee notes the Government's report prepared in May 1996 and the information it contains in reply to the previous direct request. It notes the Government's statement that, in the present context of a crisis and stringent structural adjustment measures, it is encountering serious difficulties in implementing the requisite policy, programmes and projects to give effect to the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would provide information which is as detailed as possible, particularly on the following points.

1. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes the persistent difficulties encountered in collecting and analysing statistical data on employment. Noting that the Government recognizes the need for reliable and complete data, including on employment in the rural and informal sectors and (as indicated in the report form adopted by the Governing Body) that such data constitute an essential basis for decisions concerning the employment policy measures contemplated by the Convention, it asks the Government to describe any new measures taken to this end and to provide available statistics.

2. The Committee notes with interest that a new committee has been set up under the Ministry of Labour and Employment to monitor national employment policy, and that it was to prepare the basic elements for a national employment policy in 1996. The Committee has also been informed that a seminar on this subject was held in February 1996 with support from the International Labour Office, and that the Office has assisted the new committee in carrying out studies. The Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain new information showing that an employment policy in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention is indeed being formulated, in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It trusts that the Government will continue to request assistance in this matter from the ILO office at Dakar whenever it deems appropriate.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied on the job-creation programmes under way or envisaged. It asks the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the implementation of the various programmes, including any available evaluation of their effectiveness. The Committee also notes the emphasis given to promoting employment in the informal sector including facilitating access to credit and improving management capacity in the sector. It would be grateful if the Government would provide details of the national strategy and action plan referred to in its report.

4. The Committee notes with interest the Government's efforts to involve representatives of all those concerned in measures taken concerning employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information in this respect, taking into account in particular the terms of Article 3 of the Convention.