Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report. It thanks the Government for the explanation given which answers its previous direct request concerning Article 4 of the Convention. It also notes the attached statistical data on the participation of women in employment generally (1991-96) and in particular sectors of activity (1995).

1. Further to its previous direct request, the Committee notes the Government's statement that the additional grounds on which discrimination is prohibited in the national Constitution and other legislation (language, age, citizenship and disability) have not been specified in accordance with Article 1, paragraph 1(b), as coming within the scope of the Convention. The Government further states that neither the text of the Convention nor the report form clarifies the type of declaration that is expected and the ILO Handbook of Procedures relating to international Labour Conventions and Recommendations has not included Article 1, paragraph 1(b), in the list of declarations to accompany ratifications or to extend obligations under a Convention. As no specific mechanism is provided for concerning the means of extending the grounds of discrimination under the Convention, the Committee observes that the Government might consider notifying its intention in this regard by means of a statement to this effect in its next report or by addressing this question in a letter to the Office.

2. The Committee notes with interest the information on the promotion of equality provided in the Government's reports on the application of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), and the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142). Further to its previous comment, the Committee also notes that the term "nationality" in the Constitution and other legislation includes the concept of "national extraction". In future reports, please provide information on the programmes initiated to implement, in practice, the objectives of the national policy to promote equality of opportunity and treatment on all of the grounds of the Convention. Please also furnish copies of any relevant studies or surveys pertinent to the application of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes that in recent years, the women's movement has become more organized and stronger and that more than 30 women's organizations have been created, including the Women's Party. It also notes that, in the context of the follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995), a programme for women's advancement was elaborated, which is being implemented by a group set up by the Government. According to the report, the reinforcement of this Programme by the Government will accelerate improvements in the situation of women. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the programme for women's advancement, together with more detailed information on the body entrusted with its implementation. Please also provide specific information on the measures being recommended or taken in pursuance of the programme.

4. Referring to its previous direct request, the Committee asks the Government to furnish particulars on the jobs prohibited to women pursuant to section 64 of the Labour Protection Act, 1993.

5. Please furnish copies of the amendment of 16 January 1997 (Amendment No. VIII-75) to section 29(1) of the Employment Contracts Act, 1991 -- which extends the reasons for which an employment contract may be terminated at the initiative of the employer -- and provide information on the measures being taken to ensure that the application in practice of this new provision does not give rise to discrimination within the scope of the Convention.