Individual Case (CAS) - Discussion: 2014, Publication: 103rd ILC session (2014)



A Government representative recalled that Mauritania had been an ILO Member since 1961 and had ratified some 40 international labour Conventions, including the fundamental Conventions and a number of priority Conventions, including Convention No. 122 in 1971. In response to the observations made by the General Confederation of Workers of Mauritania (CGTM) in September 2013 concerning the lack of consultations with trade unions, he indicated that the claims made by the trade unions to the Labour Department on 1 May 2014 had been communicated to the Council of Ministers and that the commencement of negotiations was imminent. Given the absence of a national employment policy as referred to by the CGTM, the Government was stepping up its policy to further reduce poverty and to promote employment by means of important sectoral programmes, which had already had a positive impact on reducing unemployment to 10.1 per cent, down from 31 per cent in 2008, according to the employment survey that had just been conducted by the National Statistics Office with ILO technical support. From the viewpoint of strategic guidelines, the Ministry of Employment, Vocational Training, Information Technologies and Communication (MEFTC) intended henceforth to play a more active role with a view to organizing, monitoring and helping other actors involved in employment promotion in order to avoid a duplication of efforts. Focal points appointed in each ministry would be entrusted, in close cooperation with the Employment Directorate, with providing input to the database administered by this Directorate in order to establish a global and integrated information system on employment and vocational training. A short-, medium- and long-term action plan had been prepared by the MEFTC and adopted by the Council of Ministers. It envisaged the following actions and measures: the updating and adoption of the national employment promotion strategy and its operational implementation plan; the establishment of a National Council of Employment, Technical and Vocational Training to guide policies and ensure their implementation; the establishment of a coordinating mechanism with the various departments to integrate the “employment dimension” in sectoral strategies and action plans, paying particular attention to sectors that were potentially job-generating (construction and public works, stockbreeding, agriculture, fishing, mining, tourism, etc.); the launching of the national information system that would make it possible to initiate, follow up and evaluate employment and vocational training policies and their implementation; the introduction of an agreement establishing a partnership framework between the MEFTC and the employers; and the setting up of a mechanism for dialogue, the sharing of experiences, and participation of the social partners in the design and validation of strategies and action plans. The Government was also including small and micro-enterprises (SMEs) in a strategy in which they played a priority role in developing of self-employment, to structuring informal production units and providing an appropriate framework for clients of microfinance. In order to promote SMEs, the Government had taken the following measures: the setting up of a service entrusted with promoting SMEs within the MEFTC; the agreed updating of the national promotion strategy of SMEs for the 2014–18 period and its endorsement by all the public, private, technical and financial partners concerned; the reorganization of the institutional framework of the National Programme for Insertion and Support to the SMEs, with the inclusion in the steering committee of representatives of the State, those of the private sector (the employers and the Chamber of Commerce); and the registration of priority activities for setting up 1,000 SMEs.

With regard to the promotion of labour-intensive employment, a package of measures had been taken to incorporate an “employment objective” in all development programmes, to implement a number of specific programmes for integrating unemployed persons with qualifications into the agricultural, construction, fishing and environmental sectors, and to introduce a public service to improve assistance for jobseekers. Measures had also been taken to transform the project to promote stone-cutting into a sustainable public enterprise, and to give priority to labour-intensive methods in the construction of roads and buildings, and the installation of water and electricity networks. In order to introduce a high-quality system of technical and vocational training (FTP), training and professional development centres had been rehabilitated and their equipment upgraded. In addition, 54 teachers and 50 temporary trainers had been recruited, 34 study programmes had been established, and training courses had been diversified, especially by introducing short-term training programmes leading to certificates which had already benefited 1,500 young people. Two new multi-skill training schools had been established and grants had been disbursed, of which 70 were for training abroad. Although these measures had doubled the capacity (5,200 trainees in 2013, compared with 2,280 in 2008, excluding short-term skills training courses) and had improved, to a lesser extent, the quality of the service, they had not adequately met employment market and social demands. The main objective was to achieve by 2020 an upgrading of the FTP both from the qualitative and quantitative standpoint in order to achieve an appropriate capacity (15,000 places in training leading to diplomas and 35,000 places in short-term training programmes). The objectives would be revised in the light of the labour market survey and an in-depth appraisal of needs and potential of growth sectors. While waiting for the strategy to be updated, a short- and medium-term action plan had been proposed to deal with constraints linked to implementation, human resources, infrastructure, equipment, training programmes, financing and public-private partnerships. The Government was currently in discussions with the International Labour Office with a view to benefiting from strengthened technical assistance to establish an employment policy that would respond to the country’s objectives.

The Worker members recalled that Convention No. 122 expressed the will of member States to achieve full, productive and freely chosen employment and required ratifying States to formally adopt a specific employment policy. The approach set out by the Government representative did not give full effect to the Convention. In its observation, the Committee of Experts referred to the comments of the CGTM which regretted the absence of a national employment policy and of consultations with the social partners. The CGTM also deplored the removal of employment and placement offices and the freeze on recruitment in the public service (except to replace retirees). Although Mauritania was a poor country, it had a mining sector, agricultural resources and a significant fishing zone. According to the country’s trade unions, the greatest resources were exploited by multinational enterprises, and the economic benefits were not equally distributed among the population, which did not make it possible to create quality jobs. In that context, the Government could draw on the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration).

The Employer members recalled that the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization identified Convention No. 122 among the standards that were the most significant from the viewpoint of governance. In light of the wording of the requirements contained in Article 1 of the Convention, they considered that, while this promotional instrument required ratifying member States to adopt an employment policy, it did not specify the concrete contents of such a policy. This was appropriate, since the objective of full employment required broad and complex policy achievements in terms of economic policy (an adequate economic, political, social and legal environment, low inflation, low interest rates, guaranteed human rights, the enforcement of contracts and the security of property rights, etc.) and in terms of employment growth (employment-friendly social protection systems, a well-functioning labour market, etc.), which were factors that mostly lay outside the sphere of competence of the ILO. Moreover, the policy mix and the appropriate type of employment policy depended on national conditions. Therefore, in the view of the Employer members, the role of the Committee of Experts and the present Committee was to examine compliance with the provisions of Convention No. 122, that is to verify that there was an express intention on the part of the State to ensure full and productive employment, that there were measures and institutions in place to seek to realize that intention, and that the social partners were being consulted on those policies and measures that fell within their sphere of influence. The Committee of Experts was not competent to judge the validity, efficiency or justification of the policies adopted and measures taken, nor to propose the policies to be adopted or the measures to be taken. In the context of the observations of the CGTM on the absence of any employment policy, and on multinational companies exploiting the mining, fishing and agricultural resources of the country without adopting policies to promote employment, the Committee of Experts had made reference to its 2010 General Survey on the employment instruments and had requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to reinforce the institutions necessary for the achievement of full employment. However, the relevant General Survey was much broader than the scope of Convention No. 122, as it also covered the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), and the related Recommendations. The Employer members believed that the current case should maintain its focus on Convention No. 122. They were also surprised to see a specific reference by the Committee of Experts to the MNE Declaration. While fully supporting the promotion of the MNE Declaration and its follow-up, the Employer members considered that these matters fell within the remit of the Governing Body. The Committee should therefore confine itself to examining the application of Convention No. 122, as it was not within the mandate of the Committee of Experts nor of the present Committee to discuss the MNE Declaration. They therefore requested the Committee to respect its own mandate, as well as the mandates of other ILO constitutional bodies. Reiterating that Convention No. 122 required governments to pursue an employment policy, consult the social partners and provide appropriate mechanisms for its review, the Employer members duly noted the concrete and exhaustive information provided by the Government representative. Should the information be confirmed, they considered that the action taken by the Government satisfied its obligations under the Convention. The Committee should therefore invite the Government to submit the above information in writing, substantiating it with concrete facts and figures.

The Worker member of Mauritania emphasized that Convention No. 122 underlined the need for dialogue on employment policy. With regard to the issue of multinational enterprises, which had a strong link with employment, he deplored the fact that those enterprises, with disregard for the laws of the country, enforced 12-hour working days in mines. Moreover, the country only received 4 per cent of the profits of the multinationals, whereas redistribution averaged 37 per cent at the global level. Although there could not be full employment without growth, there could well be growth that did not benefit employment. Action was required to redistribute the benefits of growth. With its vast territory, small population, rich mineral deposits and long coastline, Mauritania had significant potential. However, the Government’s policies on mining and fishing were catastrophic for the country. Fishing licences granted to, among others, the European Union, the Russian Federation and China had led to the plundering of resources. Of the thousands of new jobs in the industrial fishing sector, only 2,000 had been created in the country. Moreover, the agricultural potential was not being exploited, and stockbreeding continued to be marginalized. In 1994, a National Employment Strategy based on consensus had been developed, with ILO technical assistance and in consultation with workers’ and employers’ organizations and civil society organizations. In 1995, many had protested at the imbalance between employment policy and training policy. Despite being approved in 1996, the employment policy had been put aside. In 2004, during the revision of the Labour Code, the state authorities had abolished employment offices without consulting the National Labour Council, thereby causing the loss of statistics on jobseekers. There was no consensus on the 10 per cent unemployment rate to which the Government had referred and it did not correspond to the economic data. National growth was driven by the mining sector, which generated 75 per cent of the balance of payments, but only provided 3 per cent of employment in the country. Following the terrible drought in 2012, agro-pastoral activities had dwindled significantly. A genuine employment policy required the participation of all the actors concerned, with clear objectives. It should be subject to consultation during its formulation, execution and evaluation. In that respect, technical assistance from the ILO would be welcome.

The Worker member of France recalled that Mauritania was classified as a low-income country in terms of GDP. Although poverty affected all of the population, it was more pronounced in rural areas, and particularly among women, who worked predominantly in the informal economy, and who therefore had little security and protection. The employment situation continued to be of concern: levels of unemployment were high, informal employment was predominant, the social protection system was weak, high population growth, low prospects of economic growth, the weak link between growth and employment, and the lack of any employment strategy. According to the five-year employment programme (2010–14), the situation derived from a profound change in the structure of the economy and the labour market dating from the 1990s, reflected particularly in the decline of the primary sector, the limited development of the secondary sector, that was dominated by large industrial units that depended on export demand, and the expansion of the tertiary sector, which mainly benefited foreign workers. Gaining access to information on job vacancies was also very difficult, while recruitment in the public service had dropped significantly because of a deliberate attempt to reduce employment and restore public finances by means of programmes backed by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. She called on the Government to establish an integrated system of labour statistics, by date and region, which could provide an objective basis for public decent work policies. The implementation of these policies would serve to promote social dialogue. A concerted and consensual national employment strategy, deriving its legitimacy from social dialogue, was urgently needed to defend the country against the blackmail practiced by multinational enterprises by imposing an unacceptable system of overtime that undermined the labour market and exhausted the workers. Training should also be a priority, so that those who were most vulnerable in terms of unemployment, especially women and young people, could acquire the skills they needed to find employment.

The Government representative stated that the Government was committed to consultation and social dialogue and that, in line with the requests made by the Employer and Worker members, the information that he had provided in his opening statement would be sent in writing to the ILO and included in the report on the application of the Convention. Regarding the situation of employment in the country, it should be recalled first of all that the 10 per cent unemployment rate disputed by the Worker members had been established by a recent study carried out by the National Statistics Office, in collaboration with the ILO Office in Dakar. Moreover, to create jobs, investment was necessary and, to attract investment, the rights of foreign investors, as well as those of workers, had to be guaranteed. Foreign workers and national workers were treated in the same way. Foreign workers possessed qualifications that were not found among the national workforce but, in the context of the policy of the “Mauritanization” of employment, they were obliged to train Mauritanian workers for the posts that they occupied. In 1994, an employment strategy had indeed been adopted, but it had been based on an inadequate training strategy. The decision had therefore been taken to separate training and employment. Training policy now focused on vocational training with a view to meeting the needs of the labour market. Regarding recruitment to the public service, more than 8,000 jobs had been created since 2008.

The Employer members said that Convention No. 122 dealt with development issues. The Convention stated that members “shall declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment”. For that to be achieved, certain conditions first had to be in place, such as the necessary legal framework, infrastructure and a training framework that corresponded to the needs of the labour market. They looked forward to receiving concrete information from the Government in order to evaluate the progress that had been achieved, bearing in mind that there was always room for improvement. The Employer members were ready and willing to discuss with the Worker members any problems that might arise, but that discussion should take place in the appropriate forum. A discussion of multinational enterprises in Mauritania belonged in the Governing Body in the context of the MNE Declaration and its follow-up. The current discussion was not, and should not be turned into a legal discussion on the application of the Convention.

The Worker members thanked the Government representative for the information provided on the employment measures which had been adopted, noting that it would be included in the report to be examined by the Committee of Experts. Returning to the statement made by the Employer members, the Worker members emphasized that it was clear that there was no confusion between the role and competencies of the Governing Body and those of the present Committee. In referring to the MNE Declaration, the Worker members were not seeking to take the place of the Governing Body. For them, the present Committee had two functions: to analyse and to supply information, inter alia, information from trade unions. That was the context in which the reference to the MNE Declaration had been made. Regarding multinational enterprises in the mining, agriculture and fishing sectors in Mauritania, the issue was the redistribution of profits to the population, particularly in terms of job creation. It should be noted that the issue had been mentioned by the Government representative himself. The Worker members supported the Government’s request for technical assistance and emphasized the importance of government decisions being converted into specific actions in order to develop a genuine employment policy that was based on dialogue and had an impact on people’s day-to-day lives.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

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. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee notes the document entitled “National Employment Strategy and Plan of Action 2008–12” sent by the Government in October 2008. The Government indicates that the objectives pursued by the National Employment Strategy are geared to those which were laid down by the Strategic Framework for Poverty Reduction 2006–10 (CSLP 2), namely reducing the unemployment rate to less than 25 per cent and increasing the rate of persons completing technical or vocational training to 55 per cent in 2010. According to UNDP and World Bank estimates, 46.7 per cent of the population are still affected by poverty, and this is below established targets, namely to reduce the proportion of the population living beneath the poverty threshold to 27 per cent by 2010 and 17 per cent by 2015. The National Employment Strategy has enabled the main gaps in employment policy to be identified, namely a very high unemployment rate, a national economy dominated by the informal sector and a mismatch between training and the needs of the national labour market. Issues and structures related to employment will now be grouped together within the Ministry of Employment, Integration and Vocational Training (MEIFP), which will have the role of directing, coordinating and following up on employment policy. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the importance of supplying detailed replies in order to examine the implementation of the Convention. It requests the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the results achieved under the National Employment Strategy in terms of the creation of lasting jobs, reduction of underemployment and poverty reduction. In particular, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the steps taken to improve the vocational and technical training available for young persons and women, to promote small and micro-enterprises, and to create productive and lasting employment in conditions which are socially satisfactory for workers in the informal economy.

2. Employment promotion and labour-intensive services. In its National Employment Strategy, the Government reiterates that its economic choices have been industrial and commercial projects and labour-intensive services. The labour-intensive approach aimed at integrating persons with few or no skills in working life has been tried out in numerous programmes, such as the stone masonry programme, the urban development programme and the integrated national programme to support small and micro-enterprises. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the number of jobs created by the labour-intensive programmes and their impact on the creation of productive employment.

3. Compilation and use of employment data. The Committee notes that the sixth component of the employment strategy underlines the need to establish a national information system on the employment market and a mechanism for technical and vocational training. This system will cover three main areas: (a) creation and operation of the network of producers and users of employment and training data, with the joint involvement of the Ministry of Employment, the National Statistics Office, sectoral departments and the private sector; (b) monitoring of employment and the technical and vocational training mechanism; and (c) focusing on studies and analysis to improve the system and share information. Moreover, the Directorate of Studies, Programming and Statistics is responsible for statistics and the establishment of the information system on employment and technical and vocational training. The Directorate of Employment plans, coordinates and analyses developments in the job market. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the progress made in the compilation of data on employment, stating the employment policy measures adopted further to the establishment of a new national information system on employment.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy formulation and implementation. The Committee notes that, in the context of the National Employment Strategy, two institutional mechanisms will be established: an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Employment and a Higher Council for Employment, Training and Labour (CSEFT), chaired by the Ministry of Employment, and that within these two bodies the social partners will be represented. The Committee requests the Government to supply additional information in its next report on the operation of these two bodies, and also on the participation of the social partners in the implementation of the National Employment Strategy. It also requests the Government to indicate the steps taken or contemplated to involve representatives of persons living in rural areas and those operating in the informal economy in the consultations provided for by the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee notes the document entitled “National Employment Strategy and Plan of Action 2008–12” sent by the Government in October 2008. The Government indicates that the objectives pursued by the National Employment Strategy are geared to those which were laid down by the Strategic Framework for Poverty Reduction 2006–10 (CSLP 2), namely reducing the unemployment rate to less than 25 per cent and increasing the rate of persons completing technical or vocational training to 55 per cent in 2010. According to UNDP and World Bank estimates, 46.7 per cent of the population are still affected by poverty, and this is below established targets, namely to reduce the proportion of the population living beneath the poverty threshold to 27 per cent by 2010 and 17 per cent by 2015. The National Employment Strategy has enabled the main gaps in employment policy to be identified, namely a very high unemployment rate, a national economy dominated by the informal sector and a mismatch between training and the needs of the national labour market. Issues and structures related to employment will now be grouped together within the Ministry of Employment, Integration and Vocational Training (MEIFP), which will have the role of directing, coordinating and following up on employment policy. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the importance of supplying detailed replies in order to examine the implementation of the Convention. It requests the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the results achieved under the National Employment Strategy in terms of the creation of lasting jobs, reduction of underemployment and poverty reduction. In particular, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the steps taken to improve the vocational and technical training available for young persons and women, to promote small and micro-enterprises, and to create productive and lasting employment in conditions which are socially satisfactory for workers in the informal economy.

2. Employment promotion and labour-intensive services. In its National Employment Strategy, the Government reiterates that its economic choices have been industrial and commercial projects and labour-intensive services. The labour-intensive approach aimed at integrating persons with few or no skills in working life has been tried out in numerous programmes, such as the stone masonry programme, the urban development programme and the integrated national programme to support small and micro-enterprises. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the number of jobs created by the labour-intensive programmes and their impact on the creation of productive employment.

3. Compilation and use of employment data. The Committee notes that the sixth component of the employment strategy underlines the need to establish a national information system on the employment market and a mechanism for technical and vocational training. This system will cover three main areas: (a) creation and operation of the network of producers and users of employment and training data, with the joint involvement of the Ministry of Employment, the National Statistics Office, sectoral departments and the private sector; (b) monitoring of employment and the technical and vocational training mechanism; and (c) focusing on studies and analysis to improve the system and share information. Moreover, the Directorate of Studies, Programming and Statistics is responsible for statistics and the establishment of the information system on employment and technical and vocational training. The Directorate of Employment plans, coordinates and analyses developments in the job market. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the progress made in the compilation of data on employment, stating the employment policy measures adopted further to the establishment of a new national information system on employment.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy formulation and implementation. The Committee notes that, in the context of the National Employment Strategy, two institutional mechanisms will be established: an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Employment and a Higher Council for Employment, Training and Labour (CSEFT), chaired by the Ministry of Employment, and that within these two bodies the social partners will be represented. The Committee requests the Government to supply additional information in its next report on the operation of these two bodies, and also on the participation of the social partners in the implementation of the National Employment Strategy. It also requests the Government to indicate the steps taken or contemplated to involve representatives of persons living in rural areas and those operating in the informal economy in the consultations provided for by the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. In reply to its 2005 direct request, the Government indicates in its report received in October 2006 that the National Agency for the Promotion of Youth Employment (ANAPEJ) is tasked with improving the employability of young persons by enhancing their vocational integration in the labour market, by developing their entrepreneurial spirit and by promoting self-employment (Decree No. 2005-002 of 18 January 2005). The Committee notes that, according to the ANAPEJ’s assessment forwarded by the Government as an annex to its report, over 2,500 persons, particularly young persons and women, have benefited from labour market integration programmes, and 372 projects for self-employment have been financed, thereby generating the creation of 852 jobs. The Government adds that the support programme for income-generating activities (AGR) and the promotion of micro and small enterprises is an important tool in combating poverty. According to information from the Strategic Framework to Combat Poverty (CSLP) for 2006–10, the unemployment rate increased from 29 to 32.5 per cent between 2000 and 2004, the participation rate was 54.9 per cent in 2004, with a major disparity between men (61.9 per cent) and women (39.1 per cent). The principal obstacles to the promotion of employment are the absence of an overall medium-term employment policy and the mismatch between the education and vocational training system with labour market needs, the inadequacy of labour market information, the low level of resources for employment services and a lack of coordination between the various authorities concerned (paragraphs 194 and 196 of the CSLP 2006-10, October 2006). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted, particularly in the context of the CSLP 2006-10, to ensure that employment, as a key element in poverty reduction, is at the heart of macroeconomic and social policies. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the measures adopted in the context of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, particularly for young persons and women, and by any other measure adopted with a view to promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment. In this respect, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of any report evaluating the activities of the ANAPEJ which is to be established at the end of each operational year.

2. Employment promotion and labour-intensive works. The Committee notes the various programmes that are under way with a view to promoting the production of cut stone in three centres, road construction and integrated urban development with a view to facilitating access to housing and economic opportunities for poor areas. The Government indicates that the evaluation of these various programmes in terms of employment remains to be carried out. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report an impact assessment of these programmes in terms of the creation of productive employment.

3. Compilation and utilization of employment data. The Government indicates that a workshop, gathering together all the social partners and the representatives of administrations, was held on 9 August 2006 and that it recommended the launching of an ambitious programme for the collection and compilation of data through surveys of the informal sector, enterprises in the modern sector and employment in agricultural undertakings. The Committee also notes that the Employment Observatory is responsible for collecting statistical data on employment and updating the employment database regularly. The Committee once again emphasizes the importance of establishing a system for the collection of labour market data so that policies can be based on an accurate assessment of labour market conditions. The Committee requests the Government to indicate in its next report the progress achieved in the compilation of employment data, with an indication of the employment policy measures adopted on the basis of these new labour market information systems.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy design and formulation. The Government indicates that, in the context of the process of formulating the CSLP, a technical sectoral employment committee, which includes representatives of the social partners, has been established and has provided an opportunity for identifying prospects for the CSLP 2006-10. The Committee also notes section 2 of Decree No. 2005-002 of 18 January 2005, which entrusts the ANAPEJ with responsibility for contributing, in the context of concerted dialogue between the administration, the occupational organizations of workers and employers and civil society organizations, to the implementation of the national employment policy. The Committee requests the Government to provide examples in its next report of consultations held with the social partners, particularly in the context of the ANAPEJ, on the subjects covered by the Convention, with an indication of the opinions issued and the manner in which they have been taken into account. The Committee recalls that the consultations covered by the Convention require the consultation of representatives of all the persons affected, particularly in the rural sector and the informal economy, and it requests the Government to indicate the measures envisaged with a view to ensuring that the latter collaborate fully in the formulation and implementation of employment policies.

5. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical assistance received from the ILO with a view to ensuring the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. Coordination of the employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee notes the brief information provided by the Government in its report received in 2004. In reply to the comments made in 2003, the Government indicates that the employment information system (SIME) is continuing its activities regularly on the establishment of a database on labour supply and demand, the compilation of a file of vocational, technical training and higher education establishments and a file of "employers in the structured sector". It also states that the SIME will be incorporated into the National Agency for the Promotion of Youth Employment and that it will function as a labour market monitoring body. The Committee requests the Government to supply in its next report information on the employment policy measures adopted as a consequence of the new information system on the labour market (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. The Government also indicates that, under the strategic framework to combat poverty, several activities have been undertaken to promote employment, including the implementation of labour-intensive programmes and the establishment, from January 2005, of a project to create a youth employment promotion agency. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the implementation of these programmes and their impact on the labour market.

3. Participation of the social partners. The Government states that the principle underlying its programmes since the formulation of the strategic framework to combat poverty up to the sectoral programme is that of a participatory approach. Occupational organizations and civil society are thus involved in all levels of the process. It also mentions that the Ministry of the Public Administration Service and Employment is currently engaged in studying how to integrate more closely the employment aspect in the next strategic framework to combat poverty. The Committee requests the Government to refer in its next report to specific examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons affected, including representatives from the rural sector and the informal sector (Article 3).

4. Part V of the report form. The Government mentions that cooperation between the ILO, UNDP, the Commissariat for Human Rights, Poverty, Alleviation and Integration (CDHLCPI) is continuing and has resulted in the formulation of a strategy for the promotion and use of microbusinesses in the poverty alleviation campaign. The Government adds that this strategy has had a satisfactory impact on the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to supply in its next report specific examples of action undertaken on the basis of this strategy as well as the results of this action on the labour market.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending September 2002 and the information that it contains in reply to its previous observation. The Government indicates that, during the period in question, it continued its activities to consolidate the employment information system (SIME) with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the ILO. Among the principal areas in which progress has been achieved with the SIME, the Government refers to the establishment of a database on labour supply and demand, the formulation of a file of vocational, technical training and higher education establishments and a file of "employers in the structured sector". The availability of reliable, dynamic and regular information is a principal objective of the Government’s employment policy. The Committee would be grateful if it could continue to be informed of any progress achieved in this field and also of the employment policy measures adopted as a result of the new labour market information systems that have been established.

2. The Government also sent a document on the employment situation in Mauritania prepared in the context of the support programme for the National Strategy to Combat Poverty. The first Strategic Framework to Combat Poverty (CSLP) for the period 2001-15 focuses on the promotion of employment and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. It is aimed at reducing unemployment, particularly among women and young persons, developing an integrated network of micro-enterprises in the modern sector and supporting self-employment. This action programme includes employment promotion measures, including the development of labour-intensive activities. The Committee notes these projects with interest and would be grateful if the Government would continue to keep it informed of any progress achieved in the implementation of the National Strategy to Combat Poverty and its impact on employment promotion. In this respect, the Committee requests that the Government provide information on the manner in which the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations and of the other persons affected, such as workers in the rural sector and the informal economy, have been consulted and the outcome of the consultations held with a view to achieving the employment objectives established in the National Strategy to Combat Poverty.

3. Part V of the report form. Finally, the Committee notes the information concerning the ILO/UNDP technical cooperation project that is currently being carried out for the development of strategies for the promotion and utilization of micro-enterprises to combat poverty. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the action taken as a result of this technical cooperation, and the impact of this action on the labour market.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes with interest that in reply to the comments it has been making for several years, the Government states in the brief report received in March 2001 that, with assistance from the UNDP and the ILO, it has succeeded in setting up an employment information system (SIME). Furthermore, the system, which is already operational, will provide the means for an employment promotion agency in the future. The Government also indicates that all the different views in civil society were taken into account in drafting the employment policy. The Government has also sent statistics showing that, in 1999, the activity rate stood at 46.71 per cent of the active population and the unemployment rate, at 20.90 per cent. According to a document appended to the report, with the emergence of the SIME, it has become possible to identify needs in terms of decentralization and regional balance and the degree of priority to be accorded to the advancement of women, the aims of sustainable human development and progress in good governance. The areas where progress is needed include: evaluation and analysis of underemployment, information on the informal sector, job supply and undeclared employment in the modern sector. The Committee also notes that in February 2000 the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund found that Mauritania was in a position to apply for a debt reduction plan under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative. The resources provided will go to the priority areas identified by the Government in its detailed poverty reduction strategy which is to be drafted after broad consultations with civil society. The Committee therefore requests that the Government indicate in its next report the action undertaken with assistance from the ILO in respect of employment policy and to state whether any particular difficulties have been encountered in achieving the employment objectives established, as part of a coordinated economic and social policy in consultation with representatives of those concerned, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Please also provide copies of reports, studies or surveys, together with detailed disaggregated statistics so as to facilitate an evaluation of the situation, level and tendencies, and all other information showing the extent to which the employment objectives defined by the programmes implemented in cooperation with the ILO and as part of the detailed poverty reduction strategy have been attained.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

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 reads as follows:

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s brief report for the period ending September 1998. The Government states that the project to develop a human resources programme, supported by the UNDP and ILO, is not yet completed. The Committee hopes that the Government’s next report will demonstrate substantial progress in establishing a human resource development program, and more generally will indicate that the Government is actively pursuing a comprehensive policy to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee would also appreciate receiving further information on the following points.

The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the progress made in establishing an employment information service, and on the execution of job creation programmes created under the Mauritanian Agency for the Implementation of Public Workers for Employment (AMEXTIPE).

The Committee notes that no statistical data has been supplied with the Government’s report. It requests information on trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention. In light of the importance of such information in the development and review of employment policies, the Committee draws the attention of the Government of the possibility of technical assistance from the Office in developing a database on labour market trends.

Lastly, the Committee requests further information on the manner in which representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations and rural and informal sector workers are consulted concerning the development and review of employment policies within a framework of coordinated economic and social policy, as required by Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's brief report for the period ending September 1998. The Government states that the project to develop a human resources programme, supported by the UNDP and ILO, is not yet completed. The Committee hopes that the Government's next report will demonstrate substantial progress in establishing a human resource development program, and more generally will indicate that the Government is actively pursuing a comprehensive policy to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee would also appreciate receiving further information on the following points.

The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the progress made in establishing an employment information service, and on the execution of job creation programmes created under the Mauritanian Agency for the Implementation of Public Workers for Employment (AMEXTIPE).

The Committee notes that no statistical data has been supplied with the Government's report. It requests information on trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention. In light of the importance of such information in the development and review of employment policies, the Committee draws the attention of the Government of the possibility of technical assistance from the Office in developing a database on labour market trends.

Lastly, the Committee requests further information on the manner in which representatives of employers' and workers' organizations and rural and informal sector workers are consulted concerning the development and review of employment policies within a framework of coordinated economic and social policy, as required by Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

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. The Committee notes the Government's report covering the period 1994-96 and the information it contains in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that maintenance of a satisfactory economic growth rate during the period has provided continued growth in employment and the stabilization of the unemployment rate at around 3 per cent of the active population which is equivalent, according to the Government, to full employment. The Committee notes that the shortage of unskilled labour leads to increased employment of foreign labour while the supply of qualified labour exceeds demand. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supplement, in its next report, the valuable statistical information on the evolution of employment by more detailed data on unemployment by sex, age, sector of activity and skill level.

2. The Government indicates that the objectives of economic policies which it described in its previous report remained unchanged during the period. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on how the measures to be taken in pursuing the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment are determined and reviewed regularly "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy" (Article 2 of the Convention). In particular, please provide information on any new measures which may have been adopted to promote diversification of activities and to cope with increased international competition in exports.

3. With reference to its previous request, the Committee notes that the study on the labour market prospects by the Industrial Training Authority is expected to cover the period 1996-2000 and to be available in 1997. Please supply a copy of this study. The Committee has also been informed of a study published jointly by the Industrial Training Authority and the ILO on the skill development system. Please indicate the follow-up given to the recommendations of this study. Please continue to supply information on programmes, including the assessment of their effectiveness, designed to respond to problems of employment for tertiary education graduates.

4. The Committee notes the information concerning consultations with the representatives of employers and workers held in the Labour Advisory Board during the period. Recalling that the consultations provided by Article 3 should be extended to all aspects of the economic policy having an impact on employment and involve all the persons affected, the Committee requests the Government to continue to supply detailed information on the application of this important provision of the Convention.

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

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending September 1996 and the information it contains in reply to its previous request. The Committee notes with interest that, in the framework of the Programme for Human Resources Development and campaign against poverty and with UNDP/ILO technical cooperation, the Government has undertaken to formulate an active employment policy. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report information as detailed as possible on the implementation of this policy, in reply to the questions on the report form.

2. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to describe the progress accomplished in establishing an employment information service. Please provide any available statistical data on the level and trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment, both at global level and in regard to particular categories of the active population such as women and young people. Please supply copies of the relevant studies mentioned in the report.

3. The Committee notes the objectives and results of the job creation programmes of the Mauritanian Agency for the Implementation of Public Works for Employment (AMEXTIPE). Please continue to provide information on execution of these programmes, indicating to what extent they provide their beneficiaries with lasting employment.

4. In regard to the effect given to Article 3 of the Convention, the Committee notes that the social partners have been associated in formulating the employment policy and that tripartite commissions have been established for this purpose. Noting also that a "general employment conference" was held in 1997, it would be grateful if the Government would supply its main conclusions. In this respect, the Committee recalls that representatives of the sectors concerned, and particularly employers' and workers' representatives, should be consulted during both the formulation and implementation of employment policies. In addition, in view of their share in the active population, it would seem appropriate that representatives of the rural sector and the informal sector should also be included in these consultations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate whether procedures have been adopted or are contemplated in order to give full effect to this important provision of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee notes the brief information supplied by the Government in its report for the period ending 30 June 1994. In order to be able to assess the effect given to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee again requests the Government to supply in its next report information as detailed as possible in reply to the questions on the report form under Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention.

Furthermore, in regard to its previous comments and the Government's reply, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would (i) continue to supply information on the implementation of programmes under the Mauritanian Agency for the Implementation of Public Works for Employment (AMEXTIPE), evaluating if possible the impact on employment; (ii) to supply as soon as available the results of the studies carried out on the integration into the labour market of the unemployed and of graduates; (iii) indicate the steps taken in execution of the UNDP/ILO technical cooperation project for the purpose of formulating an employment policy which the Committee has been informed was signed in October 1994.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

1. The Committee notes the brief report supplied by the Government in reply to its previous request. It notes in particular the establishment of the Mauritanian Agency for the Implementation of Public Works for Employment (AMEXTIPE), which has the principal objectives of combating unemployment in urban areas, promoting small- and medium-sized enterprises and undertaking projects of public utility using labour-intensive techniques. The Committee requests the Government to specify in its next report the impact which the implementation of the Agency's programmes is expected to have on employment.

2. The Committee also notes that studies are being carried out on the integration of the unemployed and of graduates into the labour market. It would be grateful if the Government would describe the measures which have been taken or are envisaged as a result of these studies. In more general terms, the Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report fresh progress in the formulation "as a major goal" of a policy designed to promote full, productive and freely-chosen employment and its implementation within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with the representatives of all the persons affected, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if the Government would supply information which is as detailed as possible in its next report in reply to the questions contained in the report form approved by the Governing Body. The Committee recalls in this respect that the preparation of a full report on this Convention may involve the Ministry of Labour consulting other ministries or bodies concerned by employment policy.

3. The Committee notes that the UNDP/ILO technical cooperation project on the development of human resources and poverty alleviation was due to commence at the beginning of 1994. It requests the Government to supply information in its future reports on the implementation of this project, which is of a nature to facilitate the application of the principal provisions of the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

1. The Committee took note of the Government's brief report, which it regrets to note contains no reply to its previous requests concerning in particular the manner in which a policy of promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment has been adopted and applied, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, and in consultation with all the persons concerned, in conformity with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention.

2. In this connection, the Committee has noted the general policy statement made by the Prime Minister to Parliament in June 1992 and the annual report on government activity presented to the National Assembly in November 1992. It notes with interest that the priorities for the Government's economic policy which were presented on these occasions focus on the correction of external imbalances and on the promotion of employment. The Committee notes in particular that a coherent strategy for employment promotion and planning is under study and that, according to the Government, it will require in particular an intensification of social dialogue with all the relevant actors and the adaptation of the training system to the labour market. The Committee also notes that large-scale transitional measures have been announced to provide training in urban small trades and to provide for integration into employment of both unqualified unemployed persons and young graduates. The Committee considers that these statements provide useful indications concerning the formulation and the objectives of an employment policy. It would be especially grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the stage which these projects have reached, and on the measures and programmes which have been implemented, in reply to the questions in the report form.

3. The Committee has also received project documents concerning the UNDP/ILO Technical Cooperation Programme for human resources development and the struggle against poverty. It notes that this programme includes an important subprogramme concerning employment policy, the objective of which is the definition of a national employment policy, integration of employment objectives in the overall socio-economic development policy, and the development of a process of continuous consultation with the persons affected by the employment policy. The Committee considers that the implementation of this project should favour the application of the Convention's main provisions. It hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report positive developments as a result of this project (Part V of the report form).

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

The Committee notes with regret 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. The Committee notes with interest the "Special Programme of Productive Works", prepared with the technical co-operation of the ILO, with the object of constructing social and economic infrastructures in the sub-Saharan and Saharan zones that offer the best chances for slowing down rural emigration. Based on the use of highly labour-intensive techniques, this Programme is included in the Economic and Financial Recovery Plan, 1985-88, in which it appears to constitute one of the major options of employment policy. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the action taken under the Plan and the extent to which the employment objectives of the Special Programme of Productive Works and, more generally, those of the 1985-88 Plan, have been or are being achieved. Please also specify any particular difficulties encountered in promoting the objectives of the Convention as set out in Article 1 of the Convention.

2. With reference to its 1988 direct request, the Committee notes from the Government's report that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Employment has still not been set up since the Decree to establish it is still in draft form. The Committee emphasises the value of the provisions of Article 2, supplemented by those of Recommendation No. 122 (paragraph 6 and paragraph 2 of the Annex) which stress the co-ordination that is necessary between employment policy and social and economic policy, and it hopes that it will be possible to establish this body and make it operational in the near future.

3. With regard to the consultations with the representatives of the persons affected provided for in the Convention, the Committee points out that Article 3 is to be interpreted as meaning: (i) that the aim of the consultations is not restricted to the formulation of the employment policy, but extends also to its implementation, and (ii) that the "representatives of the persons affected" may, in addition to the representatives of employers' and workers' organisations, be representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the way in which consultations, as set out above, are held with the representatives of the various persons affected, as defined above.

4. Please supply information on the action that has been taken or is contemplated as a result of the report submitted by the Office to the Government in 1985 which set out the objective of establishing a planning system for training and employment.

5. Please supply information on the action taken or contemplated as a result of the report submitted by the PECTA mission in 1986 concerning the employment problems of young persons, in which emphasis was placed, inter alia, on the creation of productive employment within the framework of a strategy of rural development, while at the same time it drew attention to the urgent need to promote employment in the informal sector, and particularly in Nouakchott.

6. Please supply information on the consideration that has been given to the ILO report prepared by a multidisciplinary mission within the framework of the "Resolution concerning the most urgent problems of Africa, and particularly food security", adopted by the Conference in June 1985. What action has been taken or is contemplated, particularly to give effect to the recommendations concerning highly labour-intensive work for the rehabilitation of the areas surrounding villages and the improvement of communication, support for the co-operative organisation of rural workers, promotion of non-agricultural rural employment (handicrafts and small and medium industries) and appropriate vocational training in the trades concerned, in addition to special programmes for underprivileged and vulnerable population groups?

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

The Committee refers to its observation under Convention No. 111 as regards the questions raised in the representation made under article 24 of the Constitution by the National Confederation of Workers of Senegal (CWTS), as follows:

The Committee has noted that the Governing Body adopted at its 249th Session (February-March 1991) the report of the committee set up for the examination of the representation made by the National Confederation of Workers of Senegal, under article 24 of the ILO Constitution, and concerning the application of several Conventions by Mauritania.

The Governing Body has asked the Government to supply in its reports on the Conventions concerned, to be submitted not later than 15 October 1991, information on the measures taken and on their results, with a view to giving effect to the recommendations of the Governing Body to enable these questions to be followed up by the Committee of Experts.

The Committee notes that the above recommendations concern questions relating to Conventions Nos. 111 and 122 (measures to determine the nationality of persons displaced from Mauritanian territory in 1989 and who claim Mauritanian nationality and measures towards reparation for the prejudice suffered by Mauritanian nationals who were displaced), to Convention No. 95 (measures for a final settlement of the wages due to the persons concerned) and to Convention No. 118 (measures to have established and ensure the payment of any benefits due to Mauritanian nationals who have left Mauritania).

The Committee trusts that the Government will supply full information on the above questions in its reports to be submitted this year on Conventions Nos. 95, 111, 118 and 122.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee notes with regret 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. The Committee notes with interest the "Special Programme of Productive Works", prepared with the technical co-operation of the ILO, with the object of constructing social and economic infrastructures in the sub-Saharan and Saharan zones that offer the best chances for slowing down rural emigration. Based on the use of highly labour-intensive techniques, this Programme is included in the Economic and Financial Recovery Plan, 1985-88, in which it appears to constitute one of the major options of employment policy. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the action taken under the Plan and the extent to which the employment objectives of the Special Programme of Productive Works and, more generally, those of the 1985-88 Plan, have been or are being achieved. Please also specify any particular difficulties encountered in promoting the objectives of the Convention as set out in Article 1 of the Convention.

2. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes from the Government's report that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Employment has still not been set up since the Decree to establish it is still in draft form. The Committee emphasises the value of the provisions of Article 2, supplemented by those of Recommendation No. 122 (paragraph 6 and paragraph 2 of the Annex) which stress the co-ordination that is necessary between employment policy and social and economic policy, and it hopes that it will be possible to establish this body and make it operational in the near future.

3. With regard to the consultations with the representatives of the persons affected provided for in the Convention, the Committee points out that Article 3 is to be interpreted as meaning: (i) that the aim of the consultations is not restricted to the formulation of the employment policy, but extends also to its implementation, and (ii) that the "representatives of the persons affected" may, in addition to the representatives of employers' and workers' organisations, be representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the way in which consultations, as set out above, are held with the representatives of the various persons affected, as defined above.

4. Please supply information on the action that has been taken or is contemplated as a result of the report submitted by the Office to the Government in 1985 which set out the objective of establishing a planning system for training and employment.

5. Please supply information on the action taken or contemplated as a result of the report submitted by the PECTA mission in 1986 concerning the employment problems of young persons, in which emphasis was placed, inter alia, on the creation of productive employment within the framework of a strategy of rural development, while at the same time it drew attention to the urgent need to promote employment in the informal sector, and particularly in Nouakchott.

6. Please supply information on the consideration that has been given to the ILO report prepared by a multidisciplinary mission within the framework of the "Resolution concerning the most urgent problems of Africa, and particularly food security", adopted by the Conference in June 1985. What action has been taken or is contemplated, particularly to give effect to the recommendations concerning highly labour-intensive work for the rehabilitation of the areas surrounding villages and the improvement of communication, support for the co-operative organisation of rural workers, promotion of non-agricultural rural employment (handicrafts and small and medium industries) and appropriate vocational training in the trades concerned, in addition to special programmes for underprivileged and vulnerable population groups?