Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Cambodia (Ratification: 1971)

Other comments on C122

Observation

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Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Coordination of social and economic policy with poverty reduction. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in August 2011 containing some replies to the points raised in the 2010 observation. In its report, the Government refers to the implementation of the Rectangular Strategy Plan, Phase II 2009–13. The Committee notes that the Government’s six priorities in setting up the aforementioned action plan are as follows: (1) employment creation; (2) improving working conditions; (3) enforcement of the rule of law in social security matters; (4) building and development of technical and vocational skills; (5) expansion and strengthening of gender mainstreaming in the labour market; and (6) strengthening cooperation between institutions, work efficiency and accountability. The Committee also notes that the Government has set up a policy on labour migration. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the results achieved and the difficulties encountered in attaining the employment policy objectives in the Rectangular Strategy Plan, Phase II 2009–13. In addition, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on how it intends to meet, in the context of its new labour migration policy, the employment needs of migrant Cambodian workers.

Employment trends. The Committee notes that data concerning labour market and employment trends is compiled by the Department of Labour Market Information operating under auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. Due to a lack of resources, reorientation of officials responsible for the data collection to other positions, the Government was unable to submit any new relevant information on employment trends. The Committee hopes that the Government will supply detailed statistical information in its next report on the nature and extent of the country’s labour market and employment trends. It also requests the Government to indicate the manner in which labour market data is collected and used to determine and review employment policy measures.

ILO technical assistance. The Government indicates that the “Better Factories Cambodia” programme has led to improved compliance by Cambodian export garment factories of national and international labour standards. This has contributed to Cambodia’s national social and economic growth as export garment factories continue to win-over and retain key international buyers who are weary of poor labour standards. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive the information on the implementation and results of the Better Factories programme in terms of employment generation.

Regional development and rural employment. The Committee notes that the Cambodia–Laos–Viet Nam Development Triangle Area (CLV–DTA) is a multilateral agreement that focuses on economic, political and social objectives in the subregion. Among the social objectives mentioned in the report, the Government refers to several labour related objectives, such as hunger eradication and poverty reduction. The Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on how the measures taken under the CLV–DTA have promoted the objective of full and productive employment. Please also indicate how the objectives of overcoming poverty, eradicating hunger, reducing social inequalities and ensuring sustainable development have been achieved. The Committee invites the Government to continue to include information on the measures taken to reduce regional disparities so as to attain a better balance in the labour market.

Youth employment. The Committee observes that its previous requests regarding information on the specific measures adopted by the Government aimed at generating employment opportunities for the youth was left unanswered in the Government’s report. The Committee reiterates its request and invites the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on the adoption of a youth policy action plan and the results achieved to promote productive employment of young persons.

Educational and training policies. The Committee observes that its previous requests that the Government continue providing information on the effects of educational and training measures adopted by the National Training Board was left unanswered in the Government’s report. The Committee reiterates its previous request and invites the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on the measures taken to improve qualification standards and coordinate education and training policies with employment opportunities.

Article 3. Participation of social partners. The Committee observes that its previous requests regarding information as to how the Government involves representatives of employers and workers in the formulation and implementation of employment policies was left unanswered in the Government’s report. The Committee reiterates its previous request and invites the Government to address this essential issue in its next report by demonstrating how representatives of employers and workers are consulted at the policy planning and implementation stages so that their experience and views are taken into account.