Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes the Government’s report.

1. The Committee also notes the comments of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) of 10 August 2006 on the application of the Convention. The Committee notes that the ICFTU refers to the ongoing civil war, the state of chaos and violence in the country and the difficulties in exercising rights of association, organization and collective bargaining, and that it indicates that even though collective agreements have been concluded, their application is arbitrary due to the current instability. The ICFTU also cites anti-union dismissals of the Secretary-General and another three members of the National Union of Employees of SODEFOR (SYNACOS).

2. The Committee expresses its concern in respect of the alleged acts and, in particular, the political situation in the country, which undoubtedly has a negative impact on trade union rights and compliance with collective agreements. The Committee also recalls that Article 1 of the Convention guarantees workers adequate protection against acts of anti-union discrimination, including the dismissal of trade union leaders and members.

3. The Committee asks the Government to take measures to guarantee compliance with the collective agreements that were freely concluded, and to investigate, without delay, the alleged acts of anti-union discrimination and provide the Committee with information in this respect.