Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

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:

1. In its previous observations, the Committee noted the Government's indication that no national policy had been declared to promote equality of treatment in respect of access to employment and occupation and as regards terms and conditions of employment and that consequently, it had not been possible to appraise the effect of such a policy. The Committee pointed out that application of the Convention requires the adoption of positive measures in pursuance of a national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity, and requested the Government to supply information on a number of points to be covered by such a policy which were considered in a more detailed request addressed directly to the Government. The Committee notes the Government's statement in its latest report that it intends to seek the views of the Tripartite Joint Consultative Committee, as soon as it is convened, as to ways in which the aims of this promotional Convention might be further pursued. In the absence of a reply concerning the various questions raised in the direct request, the Committee hopes that full information on these matters will soon be provided. 2. In its previous observations, the Committee noted that the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 12 of 1978) makes provisions for a one-party system of Government and does not prohibit discrimination on the basis of political opinion, as did the previous Constitution. The Committee further noted that articles 138(3) and 139(3) of the Constitution reserve certain high public offices to members of the recognised party, and asked the Government to supply information on any further provisions adopted which would establish a link between political opinion or affiliation and qualifications for employment. The Government states in its latest report that it is not aware of any such provisions. The Committee takes due note of this indication and asks the Government to supply full information on present conditions governing access to employment in the public sector, including copies of relevant laws and regulations.

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