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Discrimination based on national extraction. The Committee notes that in its report, the Government does not clarify whether the criterion of national extraction as a prohibited ground of discrimination is covered by section 9 of the Labour Code interpreted in conjunction with section 6 of that Code. The Committee asks the Government to provide information regarding whether national extraction is considered to be a prohibited ground for discrimination and to provide information on any complaints of discrimination based on that criterion.

Discrimination on the basis of race, colour, national extraction or social origin. The Committee notes the conclusions of the report on the mission to Paraguay of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 2009, which confirm that the Guaraní and other indigenous peoples in the Chaco region are victims of servitude and forced labour on the Mennonite colonies and estates in the region and refers the Government to its comments concerning the application of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169).

Discrimination on the basis of sex. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that inequalities and discrimination persist in the labour market and affect in particular poor women including indigenous women. It notes that, according to the Household Survey, 2008, open unemployment among women stands at 2.8 percentage points higher than that of men and that women are mainly concentrated in self-employment and domestic work, both of which are, according to the Government, precarious and disadvantageous. Furthermore, the Committee notes that, according to the statistics provided, illiteracy among women continues to be more pronounced than among men and their levels of education are also lower, particularly those of indigenous women.

The Committee notes that the Women’s Secretariat of the Office of the President of the Republic defines and coordinates gender policies with the public and private sectors. It also notes that the third National Plan for Equality of Opportunity between Women and Men, 2008–17, was drawn up in the context of the incorporation of the gender approach and the promotion of women into national policies, programmes and projects. The Committee notes that one of the objectives of the National Plan is to formulate, promote and support changes and/or adaptations to regulations to eliminate gender discrimination in employment and social security. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken under the National Plan for Equality of Opportunity between Women and Men, 2008–17, and their impact on the promotion of equality of opportunity between men and women in education, vocational training, employment and occupation. Furthermore, the Committee would like to receive information on any progress made in regulating the employment situation of the most vulnerable women workers, including women rural, indigenous and homeworkers and, in general, women working in the informal economy.

The Committee notes that the above National Plan recognizes that the gaps between men and women not only persist but in some cases are constantly becoming wider and that unemployment and underemployment are rising more rapidly among women than among men. The Committee notes that the information provided by the General Directorate of Statistics, Surveys and Censuses shows that women are on average paid 30 per cent less than men per hour worked, by occupational category and by branch of activity and refers the Government to its direct request concerning the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100).

Sexual harassment. The Committee notes that section 133 of the Penal Code defines and punishes sexual harassment and section 84 of the Labour Code includes sexual harassment as a justified reason for terminating an employment relationship. The Committee notes that the Penal Code includes only quid pro quo sexual harassment and that the creation of a hostile working environment is not included within the definition of sexual harassment. The Committee requests the Government to consider adopting specific legislation regulating sexual harassment at work which includes in the definition both quid pro quo and hostile working environment and which provides for a scope of liability which includes employers, supervisors and co-workers and, where possible, clients or other persons met in connection with the performance of work duties. It would also like to receive information on the educational and awareness-raising measures being implemented to prevent sexual harassment in the working environment given that sexual harassment undermines equality at work by affecting the integrity, dignity and well-being of workers.

Discrimination on the basis of HIV/AIDS. The Committee notes the draft law which is designed to ensure respect for persons living with HIV/AIDS and prevent discrimination against those persons. The Committee would like to continue receiving information on the progress made in promulgating this law and on the progress made in the development of the National Policy on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace on the basis of social dialogue.

Article 3(a) of the Convention. The Committee notes the establishment of special subcommittees within the National Tripartite Commission to Examine and Promote the Labour Participation of Women (CTIO). The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any other activities carried out by the CTIO to contribute to reducing discrimination against women in labour matters.

Inspection, monitoring and complaints. According to the information provided by the Government, inequalities and discrimination persist in the labour market of Paraguay and particularly affect poor women, including monolingual Guaraní. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the development of mechanisms for the lodging of complaints relating to the failure to comply with legislation which guarantees the right of women to equal access to economic resources, social security, property, land and credit, which is one of the objectives of the National Plan for Equality. Please also provide statistical information on the complaints lodged relating to discrimination and the failure to comply with the legislation protecting women workers, including those relating to sexual harassment at work.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Discrimination based on national extraction. The Committee notes that section 9 of the Labour Code enumerates the criteria for discrimination laid down in the Convention, with the exception of “national extraction”. It also notes that section 6 of the Labour Code provides that, in the event of a dispute, in the absence of applicable legal provisions or clauses of employment contracts, the dispute shall be resolved in accordance with, among other sources, the provisions of the Conventions of the International Labour Organization applicable in Paraguay, which could be interpreted as meaning that the above criterion for discrimination omitted from section 9 is covered in practice. The Committee requests the Government to confirm whether the criterion of national extraction is considered to be a prohibited ground for discrimination and to provide information on any complaints of discrimination based on that criterion.

2. Discrimination on the basis of sex. The Committee notes the “II National Plan for Equality of Opportunity between Women and Men, 2003-07”, attached to the Government’s report. It also notes that the Government indicates as follows: in 2001 women represented 38.7 per cent of the economically active population; the unemployment rate of women (17.9 per cent) is almost double that of men (9.5 per cent); there are marked differences between the income levels of men and women and there is a low percentage of women in decision-making positions in the public sector relative to men; in view of the increase in the number of women heads of households (25.3 per cent in 2001, rising to 27.6 per cent in 2003 in urban households), the precarious employment of women has resulted in these households being the most vulnerable to poverty. Illiteracy affects women more than men and, despite the fact that among women with more years of education the labour participation rate is above 80 per cent, this rising participation in the labour market does not ensure their well-being, as stereotypes, prejudices and forms of discrimination persist which are an obstacle to their development.

3. Article 2. The Committee notes that the National Plan referred to in the previous point is coordinated by the Women’s Secretariat of the Office of the President of the Republic, which has now built up a significant inter-institutional network for the mainstreaming of the gender perspective. In particular, it notes the initiative to compile statistics on employment and access to economic resources disaggregated by sex and to maintain an up to date databank on the comparative economic situation of women and men, as well as the indicators envisaged to monitor the achievement of the objectives established by the Plan. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results and impact in practice of the implementation of the National Plan referred to above, and to provide the statistical data obtained during the process relating to the application of the principle set out in the Convention. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures adopted or envisaged to prevent the horizontal and vertical segregation of women in employment and occupation, including providing access to greater education and skills opportunities to gain access to better paid jobs.

4. Article 3(a). From the information provided by the Government in its report on the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), the Committee notes the dissemination and awareness-raising activities undertaken by the National Tripartite Commission to Examine and Promote the Labour Participation of Women (CTIO). The Committee notes that copies of the evaluation and monitoring schedule for the CTIO Plan of Action for the years 2002-04 and the Plan of Action 2005-06 were not attached to the report. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information in its next report on any other activities carried out by the CTIO to contribute to reducing discrimination against women in labour matters.

5. Inspection, monitoring and complaints. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the measures of recourse available to victims of labour discrimination consist of complaints to the Labour Administration Authority and the ordinary courts, and that compliance with labour legislation is enforced by the Inspection and Monitoring Service. Moreover, from the information provided by the Government in its report on Convention No. 100, the Committee notes the existence of complaints procedures at the level of the Secretariat of Labour for discrimination and failure to comply with the labour legislation protecting women workers, and that a plan is being formulated to improve the current complaints system. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the complaints system referred to above, its application, results and supervision, as well as the envisaged plan to improve the system.

6. Sexual harassment. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the legislation and any other measures adopted in relation to sexual harassment, to which the Committee referred in its general observation of 2002.

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1. Discrimination based on national extraction. The Committee notes that section 9 of the Labour Code enumerates the criteria for discrimination laid down in the Convention, with the exception of “national extraction”. It also notes that section 6 of the Labour Code provides that, in the event of a dispute, in the absence of applicable legal provisions or clauses of employment contracts, the dispute shall be resolved in accordance with, among other sources, the provisions of the Conventions of the International Labour Organization applicable in Paraguay, which could be interpreted as meaning that the above criterion for discrimination omitted from section 9 is covered in practice. The Committee requests the Government to confirm whether the criterion of national extraction is considered to be a prohibited ground for discrimination and to provide information on any complaints of discrimination based on that criterion.

2. Discrimination on the basis of sex. The Committee notes the “II National Plan for Equality of Opportunity between Women and Men, 2003-07”, attached to the Government’s report. It also notes that the Government indicates as follows: in 2001 women represented 38.7 per cent of the economically active population; the unemployment rate of women (17.9 per cent) is almost double that of men (9.5 per cent); there are marked differences between the income levels of men and women and there is a low percentage of women in decision-making positions in the public sector relative to men; in view of the increase in the number of women heads of households (25.3 per cent in 2001, rising to 27.6 per cent in 2003 in urban households), the precarious employment of women has resulted in these households being the most vulnerable to poverty. Illiteracy affects women more than men and, despite the fact that among women with more years of education the labour participation rate is above 80 per cent, this rising participation in the labour market does not ensure their well-being, as stereotypes, prejudices and forms of discrimination persist which are an obstacle to their development.

3. Article 2. The Committee notes that the National Plan referred to in the previous point is coordinated by the Women’s Secretariat of the Office of the President of the Republic, which has now built up a significant inter-institutional network for the mainstreaming of the gender perspective. In particular, it notes the initiative to compile statistics on employment and access to economic resources disaggregated by sex and to maintain an up to date databank on the comparative economic situation of women and men, as well as the indicators envisaged to monitor the achievement of the objectives established by the Plan. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results and impact in practice of the implementation of the National Plan referred to above, and to provide the statistical data obtained during the process relating to the application of the principle set out in the Convention. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures adopted or envisaged to prevent the horizontal and vertical segregation of women in employment and occupation, including providing access to greater education and skills opportunities to gain access to better paid jobs.

4. Article 3(a). From the information provided by the Government in its report on the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), the Committee notes the dissemination and awareness-raising activities undertaken by the National Tripartite Commission to Examine and Promote the Labour Participation of Women (CTIO). The Committee notes that copies of the evaluation and monitoring schedule for the CTIO Plan of Action for the years 2002-04 and the Plan of Action 2005-06 were not attached to the report. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information in its next report on any other activities carried out by the CTIO to contribute to reducing discrimination against women in labour matters.

5. Inspection, monitoring and complaints. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the measures of recourse available to victims of labour discrimination consist of complaints to the Labour Administration Authority and the ordinary courts, and that compliance with labour legislation is enforced by the Inspection and Monitoring Service. Moreover, from the information provided by the Government in its report on Convention No. 100, the Committee notes the existence of complaints procedures at the level of the Secretariat of Labour for discrimination and failure to comply with the labour legislation protecting women workers, and that a plan is being formulated to improve the current complaints system. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the complaints system referred to above, its application, results and supervision, as well as the envisaged plan to improve the system.

6. Sexual harassment. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the legislation and any other measures adopted in relation to sexual harassment, to which the Committee referred in its general observation of 2002.

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Discrimination on the basis of political opinion. The Committee notes with satisfaction that section 145 of the Public Service Act No. 1626 of 2000 repeals Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970, which gave rise to discriminatory practices on the basis of political opinion and which the Committee had been requesting the Government to repeal explicitly for several years.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation, which read as follows:

Discrimination on the basis of political opinion. In its earlier observation, the Committee noted with interest that, according to the Government’s report, section 95 of the Bill on the Status of Civil Servants and Public Employees, which was before the National Parliament, would repeal Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970, which, by stating that "no public official may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the Constitution", could give rise to discriminatory practices based on political opinion. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that to date no Act in respect of public servants has been approved and that three Bills are before the National Parliament, of which one has the approval of the Drafting Committee. Recalling that it has been pointing out since 1985 that section 34 of the abovementioned Act is in contravention of Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, the Committee again urges the Government to take the measures necessary to repeal Act No. 200 and requests it to continue to provide information in this respect.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Discrimination on the basis of political opinion. In its earlier observation, the Committee noted with interest that, according to the Government’s report, section 95 of the Bill on the Status of Civil Servants and Public Employees, which was before the National Parliament, would repeal Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970, which, by stating that "no public official may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the Constitution", could give rise to discriminatory practices based on political opinion. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that to date no Act in respect of public servants has been approved and that three Bills are before the National Parliament, of which one has the approval of the Drafting Committee. Recalling that it has been pointing out since 1985 that the section 34 of the abovementioned Act is in contravention of Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, the Committee again urges the Government to take the measures necessary to repeal Act No. 200 and requests it to continue to provide information in this respect.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

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The Committee notes with regret once more that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Discrimination on the basis of political opinion. In its earlier observation, the Committee noted with interest that, according to the Government’s report, section 95 of the Bill on the Status of Civil Servants and Public Employees, which was before the National Parliament, would repeal Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970, which, by stating that "no public official may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the Constitution", could give rise to discriminatory practices based on political opinion. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that to date no Act in respect of public servants has been approved and that three Bills are before the National Parliament, of which one has the approval of the Drafting Committee. Recalling that it has been pointing out since 1985 that the section 34 of the abovementioned Act is in contravention of Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, the Committee again urges the Government to take the measures necessary to repeal Act No. 200 and requests it to continue to provide information in this respect.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Discrimination on the basis of political opinion. In its earlier observation, the Committee noted with interest that, according to the Government’s report, section 95 of the Bill on the Status of Civil Servants and Public Employees, which was before the National Parliament, would repeal Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970, which, by stating that "no public official may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the Constitution", could give rise to discriminatory practices based on political opinion. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that to date no Act in respect of public servants has been approved and that three Bills are before the National Parliament, of which one has the approval of the Drafting Committee. Recalling that it has been pointing out since 1985 that the section 34 of the abovementioned Act is in contravention of Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, the Committee again urges the Government to take the measures necessary to repeal Act No. 200 and requests it to continue to provide information in this respect.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

  Discrimination on the basis of political opinion. In its earlier observation, the Committee noted with interest that, according to the Government’s report, section 95 of the Bill on the Status of Civil Servants and Public Employees, which was before the National Parliament, would repeal Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970, which, by stating that "no public official may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the Constitution", could give rise to discriminatory practices based on political opinion. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that to date no Act in respect of public servants has been approved and that three Bills are before the National Parliament, of which one has the approval of the Drafting Committee. Recalling that it has been pointing out since 1985 that the section 34 of the abovementioned Act is in contravention of Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, the Committee again urges the Government to take the measures necessary to repeal Act No. 200 and requests it to continue to provide information in this respect.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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Discrimination on the basis of political opinion.  In its earlier observation, the Committee noted with interest that, according to the Government’s report, section 95 of the Bill on the Status of Civil Servants and Public Employees, which was before the National Parliament, would repeal Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970, which, by stating that "no public official may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the Constitution", could give rise to discriminatory practices based on political opinion. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that to date no Act in respect of public servants has been approved and that three Bills are before the National Parliament, of which one has the approval of the Drafting Committee. Recalling that it has been pointing out since 1985 that the section 34 of the abovementioned Act is in contravention of Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, the Committee again urges the Government to take the measures necessary to repeal Act No. 200 and requests it to continue to provide information in this respect.

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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its reports.

1. Discrimination on the ground of political opinion. The Committee notes with interest that, according to the Government's report, section 95 of the Bill on the Status of Civil Servants and Public Employees which is now before the National Parliament would repeal Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970 which states that no public official may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the Constitution which might permit discrimination on the basis of political opinion, contrary to Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the adoption of the Bill relating to civil servants.

2. The Committee had asked the Government to supply information on specific measures taken or contemplated to guarantee freedom of political opinion to all categories of workers in practice, and to protect them against discrimination in employment on the ground of political opinion. The Committee notes the Government's information on this subject according to which, under constitutional and legal provisions, efforts have been made to avoid discrimination in employment and occupation. It indicates that both in the public administration and in the judicial authorities there are many people occupying senior posts without belonging to the Government party. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the results of any labour inspections which have reported discrimination on the basis of any of the criteria of the Convention and legal decisions on the matter, if any.

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The Committee notes that, according to the Government, it is taking the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Convention and in accordance to the indications given by the Committee of Experts regarding the national policy aimed at promoting equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation as required under Article 2 of the Convention.

1. Discrimination on the ground of political opinion. The Committee notes from the Government's report that the provisions of the 1992 Constitution are supreme, prevail over any other legal texts, and (in article 88) ban any discrimination on, inter alia, political preferences. However, recalling that section 34 of the Public Employees' Statute (Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970) which states that no public official may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the national Constitution might permit discrimination on the basis of political opinion contrary to Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to repeal explicitly Act No. 200 in law as in practice, and to keep it informed of any steps taken in this regard. In this context, the Committee notes that Parliament is studying two bills, one relating to public officials and another for a new Penal Code. The Committee therefore asks the Government to provide information in the next report on the adoption of these bills, including clarification on whether the proposed new special public service law will amend the provision of the present one regarding political activity.

2. Noting the Government's reliance on legislative and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the ground of, inter alia, political opinion, in reply to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on specific measures taken or contemplated to guarantee effectively freedom of political opinion to all categories of workers in actual practice, and to protect them against discrimination in employment based on this ground.

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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government. The Committee also notes the tripartite consultations which were held in the context of the technical assistance provided by the ILO to the Government for the revision of the Labour Code, which was adopted in October 1993.

1. In previous comments, the Committee referred to section 34 of Act No. 200 of 17 July 1970 establishing the Public Employees' Statute, according to which no public employee may engage in activities contrary to the public order or to the democratic system established by the national Constitution, under penalty of serious disciplinary sanctions. The Committee notes the Government's statement that the emergence of a new democratic regime has made it possible to bring an end to decades of authoritarianism, dictatorship and denial of human rights, and that the new national Constitution of July 1992, in view of its supremacy over other legal texts, repealed Act No. 200 in practice. While noting that, for lack of time, the Congress has not been able to examine the legislative reforms needed for the democratic transition, the Committee recalls that section 34 above is contrary to the principles of the Convention, since it permits the authorities to practice discrimination in employment on the ground of political opinion (Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention). The Committee trusts that the Government will be able to report progress in this respect in its next report. It requests the Government to transmit copies of any legal text which affects the implementation of the Convention and, in particular, to report on the progress achieved in the amendment of the Penal Code, some provisions of which provide for sanctions on political grounds in the case of certain categories of workers.

2. The Committee also raised the question of the limitations established by Act No. 294 of 17 October 1955 respecting the defence of democracy, on the freedom of political opinion of persons working in the public sector or in enterprises which are assimilated to the public sector, which was specifically repealed on 4 September 1989 by Act No. 09/89. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate how, under these conditions, it fully guarantees in practice the freedom of opinion of all categories of workers and how it provides them with protection against any discrimination in employment based on this criterion.

3. Furthermore, the Committee draws the Government's attention to Article 2 of the Convention, in accordance with which the member State is bound to declare and pursue a national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment, with a view to eliminating any discrimination in respect thereof. The Committee requests the Government to refer to Chapter IV of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation concerning the implementation of the principles set out in the Convention. In particular, paragraphs 158 to 169 give precise indications on the formulation of this policy. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information in its next report on any progress achieved in this respect.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

1. In previous comments, the Committee has referred to section 34 of Act No. 200 establishing the Public Employees' Statute, according to which no public employee may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the national Constitution. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, concerning the practical application of section 34 of Act No. 200, to the effect that if public employees engage in activities contrary to public order they may be removed from their posts and barred from holding public office for a period of from two to five years (section 49.5 of Act No. 200). The Committee recalls that provisions restricting the political activities of public employees may have the effect of excluding from the scope of constitutional and legal protection against discrimination with regard to employment, persons who express or manifest certain opinions or political ideas which are contrary to the opinions of the established authorities. It is therefore important to ascertain whether, in practice, the above provisions lead to discrimination on the basis of political opinion for the categories of workers concerned. The Committee, in order to be able to ascertain the effect given to the Convention, hopes that the new Government will provide a copy of any sentences handed down or decisions made by virtue of sections 34 and 49.5 of Act No. 200, and will supply any further information that may enable it to ascertain the scope of the provision contained in section 34 of Act No. 200. 2. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain information on the above questions, in view of the repeal, in 1989, of Act No. 294 and the statement contained in the last report, to the effect that the national government fully guarantees freedom of opinion for all sectors of the population. 3. The Committee refers to its direct request of 1989 concerning a draft amendment to the Penal Code (members of certain organizations liable to dismissal and disqualification from public or municipal service on the police force). It requests the Government, in its next report, to indicate the present status of the above draft and to provide, if appropriate, the text of the provisions adopted.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

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1. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest from the Government's last report that Act No. 294 (Defence of Democracy Act) which prohibited the employment of members of the Communist Party or of the other organisations referred to in the Act, in public institutions, services maintained by the State or by municipal authorities, enterprises providing public services and private education establishments, has been repealed by Act No. 09/89 of 4 September 1989. The Committee asks the Government to supply a copy of Act No. 09/89 with its next report.

2. The Committee notes that the report contains no information in reply to the point raised in its previous observation, which is reproduced hereunder:

In previous comments, the Committee has referred to section 34 of Act No. 200 establishing the Public Employees' Statute, according to which no public employee may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the national Constitution.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, concerning the practical application of section 34 of Act No. 200, to the effect that if public employees engage in activities contrary to puboic order they may be removed from their posts and barred from holding public office for a period of from two to five years (section 49.5 of Act No. 200).

The Committee recalls that provisions restricting the political activities of public employees may have the effect of excluding from the scope of constitutional and legal protection against discrimination with regard to employment, persons who express or manifest certain opinions or political ideas which are contrary to the opinions of the established authorities. It is therefore important to ascertain whether, in practice, the above provisions lead to discrimination on the basis of political opinion for the categories of workers concerned.

The Committee, in order to be able to ascertain the effect given to the Convention, hopes that the new Government will provide a copy of any sentences handed down or decisions made by virtue of sections 34 and 49.5 of Act No. 200, and will supply any further information that may enable it to ascertain the scope of the provision contained in section 34 of Act No. 200.

The Committee hopes that the next report will contain information on the above questions, in view of the repeal of Act No. 294 and the statement contained in the last report, to the effect that the national government fully guarantees freedom of opinion for all sectors of the population.

3. The Committee refers to its direct request of 1989 concerning a draft amendment to the Penal Code. It requests the Government, in its next report, to indicate the present status of the above draft and to provide, if appropriate, the text of the provisions adopted.

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The Committee has become aware of a draft amendment to the Penal Code, which has been presented to Congress and which is to repeal Act No. 294 on which the Committee commented in its observation.

The Committee notes that section 153 of the draft amendment to the Penal Code refers to persons who group together as members or affiliates of an organisation which, in order to achieve its political ends, proposes the destruction, with or without the use of violence, of the republican, democratic and representative system of government established by the Constitution and the multi-party system. By virtue of the same provision, such persons receive the same treatment as those who join together to break the law and are liable, in addition to the penalties of imprisonment set forth in section 152, to dismissal and disqualification if they are employed or hold office in the public or municipal service or the police.

The Committee refers to the comments it has made in its observation concerning the protection afforded by the Convention to the expression of political opinion.

The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the present status of the draft amendment to the Penal Code and hopes that, as part of the revision, the necessary measures will be taken to ensure observance of the Convention.

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government concerning the confidential duties referred to in section 8 of Act No. 200.

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1. In previous comments, the Committee has referred to section 34 of Act No. 200 establishing the Public Employees' Statute, according to which no public employee may engage in activities contrary to public order or to the democratic system established by the national Constitution.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, concerning the practical application of section 34 of Act No. 200, to the effect that if public employees engage in activities contrary to public order they may be removed from their posts and barred from holding public office for a period of from two to five years (section 49.5 of Act No. 200).

The Committee recalls that provisions restricting the political activities of public employees may have the effect of excluding from the scope of constitutional and legal protection against discrimination with regard to employment, persons who express or manifest certain opinions or political ideas which are contrary to the opinions of the established authorities. It is therefore important to ascertain whether, in practice, the above provisions lead to discrimination on the basis of political opinion for the categories of workers concerned.

The Committee, in order to be able to ascertain the effect given to the Convention, hopes that the new Government will provide a copy of any sentences handed down or decisions made by virtue of sections 34 and 49.5 of Act No. 200, and will supply any further information that may enable it to ascertain the scope of the provision contained in section 34 of Act No. 200.

2. The Committee has also referred to sections 10, 11 and 14 of Act No. 294 (Defence of Democracy Act) under which:

No public institution or service maintained by the State or by municipal authorities, or enterprises providing public services, may employ public servants, employees or manual workers who are members, openly or secretly, of the Communist Party or of the other organisations referred to in this Act, or who have committed any of the offences set out in the Act. (section 10); The executive authority shall close any private teaching establishment that does not exclude from its managerial, teaching or administrative staff, persons who are members, openly or secretly, of the unlawful organisations referred to in this Act, or who have been sentenced for any of the offences punishable under the Act. (section 11); Public servants who are convicted of any such offences shall be dismissed, and in addition to their corresponding sentences, shall be totally disqualified for twice the length of their sentence. (section 14).

In its report, the Government states that it has taken due note of the comment made by the Committee of Experts concerning sections 10, 11 and 14 of the Defence of Democracy Act.

The Committee recalls that the Convention affords protection against any discrimination on grounds, inter alia, of political opinion. It also recalls the indications in paragraph 57 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation, to the effect that the protection of freedom of expression is aimed not merely at the individual's intellectual satisfaction at being able to speak his mind, but rather - and especially as regards the expression of political opinions - at giving him an opportunity to seek to influence decisions in the political, economic and social life of his society. For his political views to have an impact, the individual generally acts in conjunction with others. Political organisations and parties constitute a framework within which the members seek to secure wider acceptance of their opinions. To be meaningful, the protection of political opinions must therefore extend to their collective advocacy within such entities. Measures taken against a person by reference to the aims of an organisation or party to which he belongs imply that he must not associate himself with those aims and accordingly restrict his freedom to manifest his opinions.

The Committee wishes to recall also that, under Article 3(c) of the Convention, each Member for which this Convention is in force undertakes, by methods appropriate to national conditions and practice, to repeal any statutory provisions and modify any administrative practices which are inconsistent with the principles of equality set forth in the Convention.

The Committee firmly hopes that the new Government of Paraguay will take the necessary measures for the repeal of sections 10, 11 and 14 of Act No. 294 and that the Government will report on progress made in this respect.

The Committee is also addressing a request directly to the Government on this point.