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The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2004. It asks the Government to provide additional information on the following points.

1. Article 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes that research has been undertaken jointly by the National Disability Board and the Public Service Commission with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities. This research is intended as a basis for the establishment of a new national policy. The Committee notes that the Government undertakes to provide, as soon as possible, information on the measures adopted in the context of this national policy and, in the meantime, it invites the Government to provide a general description of the current national policy on the vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

2. Article 3. The Committee notes that business studies and practical courses are provided for disabled persons by the three national rehabilitation centres. It also notes that persons with disabilities can thereafter be integrated into the free labour market through organizations, the employment services of the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare or financial assistance from the Government for entrepreneurs with disabilities. The Government indicates that between 2002 and 2004 there were 20 participants in training courses who found suitable employment. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on this matter, with a description of the measures and services established to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, together with statistics on the number of participants benefiting from vocational training and the number placed in employment for the period covered by the report.

3. Article 4. The Committee notes that there have been no court decisions relating to the application of section 9(2) of the Disabled Persons Act. It would nevertheless be grateful if the Government would provide examples of cases in which use has been made of this provision, with an indication of the limits established for its application. The Committee also asks the Government to indicate any special positive measures taken aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers.

4. Article 7. The Committee notes that the National Employment Services Department offers employment services to all workers generally, including workers with disabilities, and it asks the Government to indicate any adaptations that have been necessary. The Committee also asks the Government to describe in detail the vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and employment services intended to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment.

5. Article 8. The Government indicates that no progress has been achieved in the application of this provision of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities.

6. Article 9. The Committee notes that, after qualifying in a particular vocational trade, instructors enrol for programmes of special education for persons with disabilities. It asks the Government to continue providing information on this subject, with an indication of the various training programmes provided, the courses offered, the number of years of studies necessary, the number of participants enrolled and those who achieved qualifications. The Government indicates that the Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre currently has ten instructors. Please provide similar information for each of the three national rehabilitation centres.