CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of the new Labour Code of 1 February 1999 (which entered into force on 1 July 1999). The Committee notes that, according to section 16(1) of the new Code, no discrimination shall be permitted among employees on the basis of "citizenship, sex, race, nationality, language, place of residence, economic standing, social origin, age, family circumstances, religion, political views, affiliation with trade unions or other public associations, professional standing, beliefs, or other factors unrelated to professional qualifications, job performance or professional skills of the employees, nor shall it be permitted to establish privileges and benefits or directly limit rights on the basis of these factors". The Committee notes in particular that social origin and political opinion, which were formerly excluded under the 1993 Labour Code and which are grounds specified expressly in the Convention are now covered by section 16(1) of the new Labour Code.

The Committee is raising other points regarding the application of the Convention in a request directly addressed to the Government.