Individual Case (CAS) - Discussion: 2022, Publication: 110th ILC session (2022)

Discussion by the Committee

Government representative – Djibouti, as a full Member of the ILO, respects the guiding values and principles of this institution, which has been promoting tripartism and social dialogue for more than a century. The Republic of Djibouti, which became a Member of the ILO in 1978, has ratified 68 international labour Conventions and one Protocol – the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 – of which 12 have been denounced. In total, 51 international labour Conventions are in force, including 8 fundamental Conventions and 3 governance (priority) Conventions.

Before responding to the comments of the Committee of Experts, I would like to stress that the Ministry of Labour submitted reports on the international labour Conventions ratified by Djibouti, in accordance with article 22 of the Constitution of the ILO, or the relevant information requested, on 15 May 2022. This delay was out of the control of my department because the Ministry of Labour was busy managing the health crisis in our country. Indeed, in March 2019, the Ministry of Labour implemented the first government measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the world of work.

My department, following the example of other ministerial departments and under the guidance of His Excellency the President of the Republic also implemented a number of actions to protect employees and employers during this difficult period. A labour relations exemption scheme was drafted and implemented with the President’s signature of Decree No. 2020-063/PR/MTRA of 23 March 2020, governing the labour market during the pandemic. In addition, Order No. 2020-049/PR/MTRA of 29 April 2020 on the conditions for awarding compensation payments to employees and allowances for enterprises during the pandemic was also drafted and implemented. This new order aimed to save jobs in private sector enterprises that were affected by the COVID-19 crisis. It was an unprecedented peacetime effort by the Government to keep people in their jobs and avoid mass unemployment in the country.

Moreover, on behalf of the Ministry of Labour, I am here now to respond to the Committee and provide information on conformity with the observation adopted by the Committee of Experts with regard to our country’s implementation of Convention No. 122, in particular Article 1 on the adoption and implementation of an active employment policy.

In order to conform to the aforementioned Article, the Republic of Djibouti has equipped itself with a programming framework of public policies known as “Vision 2035”, in order to better respond to the aspirations of its people and make Djibouti an emerging country by 2035. Resolving the crucial unemployment problem and combating poverty are among the challenges identified by this vision.

The Government has also developed a New Rapid Growth and Employment Promotion Strategy (SCAPE) to bring this vision to life. In order to better respond to the challenges and use all of the country’s potential, the Government has drafted the National Development Plan (NDP) 2020-24, entitled “Djibouti ICI”, which will endeavour to consolidate the progress made by the SCAPE and the NDP. Drafted in a participatory manner and in the framework of Vision 2035, the second NDP takes account of Djibouti’s international commitments, in particular the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The overall objective is to make Djibouti “a stable, peaceful, clean, secure country with a view to achieving a calm environment for private initiatives”.

Moreover, in 2014 the country adopted a National Employment Policy and an Operational Action Plan for 2014–19. Indeed, youth unemployment is a major challenge for the Government. It is in that framework that the Government of Djibouti launched the “Initiative for Employment” project, under the patronage of the Head of State, on 26 October 2020, which promoted the creation of 5,000 jobs in 2021, made necessary by the COVID-19 crisis, and established the policy guidelines and set out the working methods to achieve the expected results of 5,000 jobs.

With this in mind, the Ministry of Labour organized a combined forum and jobs fair, bringing together all relevant stakeholders to strengthen our commitment to youth employability, with support from the Office as well as from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The fair and the forum on “initiatives for employment” should enable the introduction of a new paradigm for the job market and give rise to dynamics with the capacity to reduce unemployment, through a concerted and inclusive job-creation effort, and provide the Ministry with a new jobs strategy.

This is why, during the National Employment Forum, all stakeholders – the Government, represented by several key ministries, the private sector, social partners, technical and financial partners, the United Nations system, but also and above all the young people themselves – were able to exchange and consult on how to increase opportunities for the creation of decent jobs, through short-, medium- and long-term measures, by enacting the necessary reforms to vocational training and apprenticeship for the integration of young people into the labour market, for the employment of persons with disabilities and, above all, to address the imbalance between supply and demand for jobs in the labour market.

The main objective of the National Employment Forum was to better guide public action in terms of professional integration. Also, a new national strategy for employment with a new operational plan (2020–24) was developed, which proposes to meet the challenge of youth employment by pooling all available forces, thus committing to improve the integration of young people in the world of work through concrete actions with immediate and short-term effects.

The Forum was also an opportunity to discuss the outline of a Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Djibouti in line with national priorities and with the fruitful collaboration of the Office.

It should be recalled that, at the end of the forum on employment held from 18 to 20 February 2021 at the Palais du Peuple, a declaration for employment was signed resulting from consultation with social partners, civil society and agencies of the United Nations system, thus formalizing the commitment of all stakeholders in the forum to promote decent work. A copy of the declaration was sent to the Committee of Experts.

The exchanges with the stakeholders at this forum allowed for a common vision to be mapped out on the priority elements to respond to employment challenges. The themes discussed are included in the declaration of commitment for employment.

Finally, it is important to highlight that to date, thanks to the “Employment Initiative” project fair launched in October 2020, almost 4,000 young people have been able to find employment on the basis of the recruitment commitments of enterprises. The initial target of 5,000 jobs will be reached this year.

With regard to youth employment, I will not go into the details of the response that was sent to the Committee of Experts on 15 May 2022. I would simply like to highlight that, to better combat youth unemployment, the Government has created a guarantee fund of 89 million Djibouti francs specifically for unemployed youth who want to engage in entrepreneurship.

Regarding compliance with Article 2 of the Convention on the collection and use of employment data, it should be noted that economic activity in the Republic of Djibouti is heavily dominated by the tertiary sector (services, transport, communications), the bulk of which is located in the city of Djibouti.

Between 2015 and 2019, the number of salaried workers increased from 57,912 to 70,049, an increase of 20 per cent. The service and trade sectors alone account for more than half of the jobs created during this same period. The source is the National Social Security Fund of Djibouti.

In addition, in 2017, the percentage of the working-age population in employment was 36.4 per cent for men, while this figure was less than 12 per cent for women. Year-on-year inflation (December 2019 and 2018) was over 3.3 per cent. In 2022, inflation is expected to remain moderate, but food and energy prices may exert slight upward pressure.

In order to improve the information system on the labour market and to consolidate the mechanisms for linking this information system to decision-making on employment policy, it was noted during the National Employment Forum that the institutional approach of placing the management of the observatory within the National Agency for Employment, Training and Professional Integration runs counter to the good practices observed in many countries in the region and that employment observation structures require a certain degree of autonomy, guaranteeing neutrality in their observations, analyses and recommendations.

This is why, in the operational action plan (2020–24) of the National Employment Policy, it was deemed necessary to have an autonomous, dynamic and efficient observatory that could, by providing data and analysis, participate in the monitoring of the implementation of the National Employment Policy, improve knowledge of the labour market and training in Djibouti, and document quantitative and qualitative changes in the employment situation in Djibouti.

As a technical mechanism to support decision-making, the observatory will develop reliable statistical indicators on the labour market, in accordance with international standards, on topics such as employment trends, wages, sectoral mobility or the evaluation of employment programmes.

To address the lack of recent information on employment, we will give priority to launching a new labour force survey that will lay the groundwork for regular surveys, so that we can begin to obtain longitudinal data, which will allow us to see the effects of employment and other economic policies on the labour market. We hope to be able to count on the technical assistance of the Office for this purpose.

To comply with Article 3 of the Convention on collaboration with the social partners, of course the social partners were consulted in the context of the renewal of the National Employment Policy (2014–24), and in particular its Operational Action Plan (2020–24). These consultations were concretized by the signing of a declaration for employment, as mentioned earlier in the text.

Finally, we hope we have addressed the concerns of the Committee of Experts. The Government of Djibouti will continue to provide the Committee of Experts with the requested information in due course.

Worker members – This is the first time that the Committee has examined the application of Convention No. 122 by the Government of Djibouti. Firstly, we note with regret that the Government of Djibouti has failed to fulfil its reporting obligations since 2014 and that, as a result, the Committee of Experts has been forced to repeat its observation five times.

In its comments, the Committee of Experts raised a number of issues, including the absence of a national employment policy and the lack of labour market information. The Committee of Experts also requested further information on the results of strategies implemented to promote youth employment and on measures in place to consult the social partners on employment policies, as mandated by the Convention.

Not only has no information on the application of the Convention been received by the Committee for the past eight years, but this appears to be a recurring pattern, as the Government’s previous report dated back to 2008, constraining the Committee to repeat its observation twice in that case. Such a track record should put us on the alert. We strongly emphasize the fundamental nature of the dialogue that must be established between the Member States and the ILO, particularly through the scrupulous respect of reporting obligations linked to the standards.

These shortcomings are all the more regrettable as it appears that the Government continues to work closely with the Office in the development of employment policies and action plans.

In December 2021, the Ministry of Labour launched a National Trust for Employment Pact, under the aegis of various international agencies, including the ILO. This Pact is the latest in a series of action plans for employment recently adopted by the Government, including the National Development Plan “Djibouti ICI”, the new National Employment Policy 2021–24 and its Operational Action Plan (PAO-2). The Government has rolled out initiatives for youth employment in recent years.

We take note of these policies and initiatives, while regretting that no information on their elaboration, adoption and implementation was communicated to the Committee of Experts in the framework of its regular supervision.

Based on these policy documents, the Government of Djibouti has set ambitious objectives to boost employment in the country, especially youth employment. In its Vision 2035, the Government has elaborated a policy to combat youth unemployment, while the employment initiative mentioned earlier aimed to create 5,000 decent jobs by 2021.

In addition, the 2021 Pact lays out strategic directions for the professional integration of young people, the regulation of the labour market, the formalization of employment, as well as social protection for all, with a view to creating 9,700 jobs by 2024. The Pact also aims to guarantee the establishment of mechanisms to help ensure that the active population, including refugees and documented migrants, have a minimum income that will allow them to meet their basic needs.

While the adoption of these action plans must be welcomed, we need to emphasize the many challenges that Djibouti must address. According to the latest data available, in 2018, over 20 per cent of the population was living below the poverty line and the chronic lack of decent jobs resulted in an unemployment rate of 47 per cent. For young workers, this rate reached 73 per cent.

A January 2021 ILO study confirms this data and points to several deficiencies, including generalized unemployment and underemployment, a staggering youth unemployment rate and a lack of information on the labour market. The similarities between the findings of this 2021 study and the Committee of Experts’ comments are striking and point to the persistence of the issues raised almost a decade ago. Therefore, the Worker members call on the Government to step up its efforts to combat the high unemployment rates in the country, especially among young workers, and to foster the creation of decent jobs, including through measures to strengthen labour market institutions. In this respect we call on Djibouti to adopt measures to improve the labour market information system and to consolidate the mechanisms linking this system with decision-making processes.

In the absence of any information provided by the Government, we are left to question whether these action plans and strategies for employment have been elaborated and adopted in full consultation with the social partners, as mandated by Article 3 of the Convention. We recall that the full and continuous participation of the social partners is a precondition for success. We request the Government to engage in social dialogue on the implementation of the current action plans and on the elaboration and adoption of future measures.

Lastly, we urge the Government to respect its reporting obligations.

Employer members – Djibouti ratified the Convention in 1978. It is an ILO priority Convention which, in essence, requires ratifying Member States to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. While the Convention does not prescribe the means and strategies to achieve this goal, the key role of the private sector and an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and sustainable enterprises should be recognized. The Employers trust that the Committee of Experts will give due consideration to an enabling environment for sustainable enterprises, as highlighted in the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, in its future assessments of the application of Convention No. 122 by Djibouti.

While the case is being examined by the Committee for the first time this year, the Committee of Experts has previously issued six observations in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. This Committee also cited Djibouti in 2021 as a case of serious failure by a government to comply with its reporting obligations. We also note that there was a mission for the evaluation of technical cooperation undertaken by the ILO in March 2011, where the Government reiterated its commitment to developing a Djibouti Decent Work Programme. This case is before this Committee, not to discuss any substantive shortcomings in the application in law and practice of the Convention by the Government of Djibouti, but rather, as the Committee of Experts has repeatedly observed, Djibouti’s failure to submit information or respond to requests made to it since 2014 on the adoption and implementation of an active employment policy. Failure by governments to submit replies to requests or observations by the Committee of Experts seriously limits the ability of this Committee, as part of the ILO’s supervisory mechanism, to properly assess whether or not there is compliance with ratified Conventions. As part of their obligations under the ILO Constitution the governments of Member States have an obligation to report and to communicate copies of their reports to representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations. Compliance with this obligation is necessary to ensure proper implementation of tripartism at the national level. Therefore, the Employers call on the Government to submit its replies to the Committee of Experts’ observations in respect of Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention and to do so by no later than 1 September 2022, in consultation with the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations in Djibouti.

Given the passage of time since the initial observations and requests made in 2014 – that is, almost ten years ago – we call on the Government to submit the latest information in respect of its labour market, including any progress made in finalizing a national employment policy, the situation of youth employment, the situation of women’s employment, the relevance of education and vocational training to the needs of the labour market, measures taken to improve the labour market information system, updated employment statistics, any other relevant employment trends, and consultations with its social partners. If there are capacity constraints within the Government hindering its ability to comply with a Convention in law and practice and to report to the Committee of Experts in a timely manner and in consultation with the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations, we would urge the Government to request technical assistance from the ILO.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the private sector, the undeniable value of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the relevance of global supply chains. Conducive environments for business are not the goal but the basis for employment creation, growth and sustainable development, including in Djibouti. Businesses in Djibouti need the Government to do what only governments can, which is to facilitate and create an enabling environment for private sector growth and resilience, in order to be able to create productive employment. In the absence of governments creating such an environment, growth cannot take place and productive jobs in the formal sector cannot be created. An enabling business environment is essential for creating a stable, predictable and incentivizing environment for investment, innovation and employment which are all vital for any sustained and job-rich recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. We therefore also invite the Government to provide information to the Committee of Experts on the enabling business environment for employment creation in Djibouti.

Achieving the goal of full, productive and freely chosen employment, as set out in the Convention, requires productivity, growth and an enabling business environment for employment opportunities to be created. This will happen only with investment in both traditional and entrepreneurial job opportunities. While it is investment that will make the biggest difference, it is also investment that we lack the most information on here. We therefore urge the Government of Djibouti to further develop an enabling business environment for employment creation so that the international community may understand and support them.

Worker member, Portugal – We must emphasize our regret that the Committee of Experts has not received the Government’s report, as expected, especially in view of the economic and social situation in the country.

The objective of the Convention is to promote employment policies in order to achieve full employment, and it was ratified by Djibouti in 1978. Data is relevant – without data we will not have transparency and accountability. Information is a key element in taking the best decisions regarding poverty reduction and deciding on macroeconomic and social policies. Data is relevant to the achievement of social justice, productivity and development through the creation of decent work. Data is essential to be able to evaluate and implement policies that give rise to the creation of decent jobs in all sectors of the economy. How can the social partners fulfil their role without accurate data? We wish to emphasize Article 3 of the Convention, which requires that the social partners be consulted, with a view to their full cooperation in formulating employment policies and providing the necessary support for the measures. Data collection and dissemination can be a challenge, but it is extremely important to involve the social partners in the decision-making process and if the Government does not provide a report, the social partners cannot do their job.

Therefore, we urge the Government to report on how it is already designing and implementing public policies and programmes to promote productive employment for women and young people, with a view to achieving equality in employment. With that in mind, it is extremely important to provide updated statistical data, disaggregated by age and sex, as well as other relevant data relating to the size and distribution of the workforce, and the nature and scope of unemployment and underemployment, and the respective trends.

Worker member, Botswana – I am speaking on this case to propose solutions to the challenges facing not only Djibouti, but African youth in general, owing to the problem of unemployment, which is proving increasingly cumbersome for societies.

Libraries are littered with ample evidence pointing to the fact that unemployment has profound effects on young people. It impacts adversely on their psychological and social development, and in some instances even leads to depression and suicidal tendencies.

More importantly, lack of employment in the early stages of life for young people is bound to have lifelong implications on income and employment stability, as well as negative self-perceptions and therefore lower confidence and resilience in responding to life challenges generally, and labour market opportunities specifically, later on in life.

Therefore, in addition to missing out on acquiring appropriate life skills to channel their energies in the right direction now, as a consequence, young people will be more prone to substance abuse and negative stereotyping, and hence be unable to secure a proper and positive transition into adulthood.

This then defines the future of our societies, because when we speak of youth, we are referring to the very foundation of our economies and our future development. In order to bring an end to this trajectory of social malady and despair, we urge the Government of Djibouti, and by extension all African governments, to invest in projects that generate real jobs that can engage young people and other unemployed persons.

This may involve creating the infrastructure for entrepreneurial empowerment and development where young people can be assisted in self-employment. This can target industries based on manufacturing and processing, as well as agriculture. This requires deliberate policy to empower young people in real terms, provision of training and funding, which involves limited but progressive access to funds to ensure wide coverage in numbers of employed or unemployed youth, and productive investment. However, setting up infrastructure for investing in youth is not enough given that young people are not experienced enough. Provision must be made for constant monitoring and evaluation measures to determine shortcomings and offer much-needed support, when necessary.

There is also a need for constant training on entrepreneurship and life skills, to build confidence and resilience against the never-ending challenges of life.

In conclusion, we emphasize that all of the above must be done in a space that encourages social dialogue, and youth representatives must be given a seat at the decision-making table.

Worker member, Argentina – In this case we are presenting opinions shared by the trade union confederations of the Americas. The first issue that draws our attention and deserves our strongest criticism is that Djibouti has not complied with its constitutional obligation to provide its report on the Convention for which it has been the subject of observations by the Committee of Experts.

This shows a blatant disregard for its basic commitments in relation to the ILO, which in addition to its severity, makes it difficult to deal with this case because the latest data provided on employment are from 2014, so clearly the Government does not collaborate with tripartite bodies, the distinguishing characteristic of the ILO in the United Nations system.

In our opinion, this omission casts doubt on the existence of a willingness on the part of the Government to find a solution to the problem of non-compliance with the Convention. In reality, the country does not have a national employment plan, nor has it fulfilled its promise to implement a decent work programme.

Fundamentally, an employment plan must at least tailor vocational training to the requirements of the productive system in terms of qualifications and skills and must also incorporate a public and free job placement mechanism for those who work. Without these pillars of an employment policy, people are abandoned to the fluctuations of the market, leaving them exposed to unemployment, insufficient income and a risk of social marginalization.

We therefore share the Committee of Experts’ concern that the Government’s disregard for the implementation of an employment policy within the meaning of Article 1 of the Convention – that recognizes the policy of promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment as a major objective – seems to demonstrate that it does not consider this to be a key factor in its macroeconomic policies for poverty reduction.

In short, in the case of Djibouti, the pursuit of decent work requires tripartite dialogue at all levels, accurate information on the employment situation, and the political will to adopt measures that meet the objective of employment as an instrument for overcoming poverty.

Worker member, Niger – I am speaking on behalf of the Organization of Trade Unions of West Africa. When we talk about the importance of a national employment policy, we need to understand that regardless of the type of workplace or business we run, policies are essential because they help clarify and reinforce the standards expected of employees in all employment relationships and help employers manage their staff effectively and fairly.

While it is very important for a nation to regulate job creation, for trade unions employment policy has primacy in the development and functioning of the national labour market. It is equally important that the national employment policy aims to promote the Decent Work Agenda, the implementation of international labour standards and social protection and fundamental workers’ rights.

Given the poverty level in Djibouti, a national employment policy should be considered a priority. Furthermore, a national employment policy recognizes the role of skills development and sets the framework. It strengthens the ability of workers to adapt to changing market demands and to benefit from innovation and investment in new technologies, clean energy, the environment, health and infrastructure.

We therefore urge the Committee of Experts and the ILO not to tire of steering the Government of Djibouti towards doing what is necessary by providing technical, institutional and material support. We stress that the Government should abandon its education programme and focus on quality education and training. There is no doubt that technical and vocational education and training must reflect the new realities. We would welcome the ILO supporting the country in revitalizing its job-creation efforts.

Government representative – The Government of Djibouti has taken note of the observations and recommendations of this honourable Committee.

As we said in our statement during the discussion of the case, we are experiencing difficulties in collecting labour market statistics. Our Government will continue its efforts. This year, we intend to revitalize the National Observatory of Employment and Qualifications (ONEQ) on the basis of priority lines of action.

The first line of action is to redefine the institutional and organizational structure of the ONEQ in order to bring it into line with international best practices. The second line of action will focus on the effective performance of the Observatory’s functions. For an employment observatory to fulfil its functions, it is important that it be operational at three levels: the collection of information; the processing and analysis of this information; and lastly, the dissemination of these analyses.

To collect information, the Observatory will have to establish agreements and partnerships with key institutions in Djibouti. First of all, the existing partnership with the National Institute of Statistics of Djibouti needs to be renewed for conducting statistical surveys, and then new partnerships need to be established with other institutions such as the University of Djibouti and the National Social Security Fund, and so on.

With regard to the exchange of administrative data, technical partnerships will also have to be established between development partners and donors. The next step will be to define the Observatory’s technical and human resources needs and to fulfil these needs, including its network of correspondents, as provided for in the institution’s implementing decrees. In parallel to the setting up of the network of correspondents, the Observatory will have to carry out studies to identify the needs of its partners in order to strengthen its position as the primary interlocutor in the field of training in the labour market.

As I said in my opening statement, to address the lack of recent information, as a matter of priority, we will launch a new labour force survey that will lay the groundwork for regular surveys to begin to obtain longitudinal data, which will allow us to gain an awareness of the effects of the national policy and other economic policies on the labour market.

I will also keep repeating that Djibouti developed a ten-year National Employment Policy in 2014 (2014–24). The four-year Operational Action Plan 2014–18 has been sent to the Committee of Experts. Of course, we regret the fact that we did not send the requested information to the honourable Committee of Experts and, again, we request the technical assistance of the Office.

The Government will also take all necessary steps to fully implement the recommendations of this honourable Committee. I would like to thank the social partners and Governments once again for their constructive discussion of our case and for their support.

I cannot conclude my remarks without also mentioning the improvement of the business climate in Djibouti. Obviously, reforms have been undertaken in recent years. Our country has taken an honourable place in the “Doing Business” ranking, moving up 55 places to 99th place. This demonstrates the Government’s determination to develop a dynamic and innovative private sector, as this sector remains a determinant of economic development and a provider of sustainable employment. Finally, we take note of the comments and conclusions of the Committee of Experts.

Worker members – We thank the Government of Djibouti for their detailed comments. We also thank all the other speakers for their interventions.

As we indicated in our opening remarks, our group notes with regret the failure of the Government of Djibouti to respect its reporting obligations. We emphasize once again the importance of maintaining dialogue between Member States and the Committee of Experts to ensure regular supervision of the measures taken to implement the Convention and to correct the course of action, where necessary.

We welcome the efforts deployed by the Government to address the long-standing situation of generalized unemployment and underemployment in the country. We also note the Government’s assurance that the social partners were consulted in the development of current and forthcoming initiatives. However, much clearly remains to be done. Over one fifth of the population is still living below the poverty line and challenges to the creation of decent jobs persist, especially for young workers.

We call on the Government to step up its efforts to combat the high unemployment rates in the country and to foster the creation of decent jobs, including through measures to strengthen its labour market institutions. The social partners must be fully involved in the design, implementation and review of measures, and we urge the Government of Djibouti to describe in detail such consultations in its future reporting, to fully demonstrate compliance with Article 3 of the Convention.

We echo the Committee of Experts’ call for the improvement of the labour market information system and the consolidation of the mechanisms linking this system with decision-making in the field of employment policy. We also support their request for the Government of Djibouti to collect and communicate updated statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, as well as any other relevant data relating to the size and distribution of the workforce, the nature and scope of unemployment and underemployment, and the respective trends.

Employer members – The Employers welcome the views shared by the various delegates on this case and also take note of the information submitted by the representative of the Government of Djibouti in this meeting today.

Like the Committee of Experts, we also express deep concern that the Government has continually failed to comply with the requests for information over a long period, which limits the ability of both the Committee of Experts and this Committee to effectively assess whether Djibouti is complying with its obligations under the Convention. Therefore, we call on the Government to submit its replies to the Committee of Experts’ observations by no later than 1 September 2022 and to do so with the most up-to-date information about the labour market. We also call on the Government to provide information on the following areas: any progress made in finalizing a national employment policy; the situation of youth employment; the situation of women’s employment; the relevance of education and vocational training to the needs of the labour market; measures taken to improve the labour market information system; updated employment statistics; and relevant information on the enabling environment for business in Djibouti to create full, productive and freely chosen opportunities for men, women and youth. Then, we urge the Government to consult with its social partners and also to request ILO technical assistance, if required.

Conclusions of the Committee

The Committee took note of the oral information provided by the Government and the discussion that followed.

The Committee deeply regretted the failure of the Government to respect its reporting obligations.

The Committee took note of the long-standing situation of generalized unemployment and underemployment in the country.

The Committee noted with concern the persistence of a high level of poverty, unemployment and informality, especially among women and youth.

Taking into account the discussion, the Committee urges the Government to take effective, urgent and time-bound measures, in consultation with the social partners, to:

- adopt a comprehensive national employment policy to promote the creation of full, productive and freely chosen employment opportunities within the meaning of the Convention;

- step up its efforts to combat the high unemployment rates;

- collect and inform on the situation of employment;

- strengthen the education and vocational training systems;

- improve the labour market information system;

- consolidate the mechanisms linking this information system with decision-making in the field of employment policy;

- collect and communicate updated statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, as well as any other relevant data relating to the size and distribution of the workforce, the nature and scope of unemployment and underemployment, and their respective trends.

The Committee invites the Government to avail itself of technical assistance from the Office.

The Committee requests the Government to submit a report to the Committee of Experts by 1 September 2022 communicating information on the application of Convention in law and practice, in consultation with the social partners.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

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

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 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 2008 observation, which read as follows:

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2008 in reply to the 2007 observation. The Government indicates in particular that, for the first time since the country’s independence, structures have been established in Djibouti in 2008 for the organization and development of the employment market. The Committee notes with interest the creation, by Act No. 203/AN/07/5thL of 22 December 2007, of the National Employment, Training and Vocational Integration Agency (ANEFIP), which is responsible for implementing national policies and programmes relating to employment, vocational training and vocational integration. The Committee also notes the adoption of Act No. 211/AN/07/5thL of 27 December 2007 creating the Djibouti Social Development Agency (ADDS), which has the task of contributing to the eradication of poverty among vulnerable groups and reducing disparities between regions. With regard to the employment situation, the unemployment rate is estimated at 60 per cent of the active population and young people are particularly affected. Furthermore, 75 per cent of workers are employed in the informal economy. The Government intends, in the context of the implementation of the poverty reduction strategy, to promote labour-intensive activities, vocational training, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and microfinance. With regard to microfinance, funding given to women’s organizations seems to have met with some success. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide information in its next report on the results achieved by the ANEFIP and ADDS to implement an employment promotion and poverty reduction strategy, including updated quantitative information on the development of the programmes put in place to promote the objectives of the Convention.

2. Article 2. Collection and use of employment data. The Government indicates that the development of information on employment is one of the tasks of the newly created ANEFIP. To that end, section 32 of Act No. 203/AN/07/5thL provides for the creation of an Employment and Qualifications Observatory. The Observatory will be responsible in particular for establishing an employment database and carrying out specific surveys in this field. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information in its next report on the progress made by the Employment and Qualifications Observatory in collecting data on employment as well as on the employment policy measures adopted following the establishment of the new labour market information systems.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes with interest the creation of the National Labour, Employment and Vocational Training Council which, in accordance with section 3 of Decree
No. 2008-0023/PR/MESN of 20 January 2008 regulating the organization and operation of the Council, has as its task “to study problems linked to work, workforce movements, guidance, employment and vocational training, placement, migration, social security and health and safety in enterprises”. According to the same provision of the abovementioned Decree, the Council is “a tripartite body and a unique framework in which the Government and the social partners will be able, freely and openly, to exchange ideas and experiences in the fields of work, employment, vocational training and social security”. Furthermore, the Government indicates that representative organizations of workers and employers were involved in establishing the ANEFIP. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any consultations held on employment policies in the newly created National Labour, Employment and Vocational Training Council.

4. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes that, under the ILO’s Decent Work Country Programme in Djibouti for
2008–12, priority is given to job creation, with particular emphasis on women and young people, and to access to employment through vocational training. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to indicate in its next report the results achieved during the implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme in terms of job creation.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2008 observation which read as follows:

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2008 in reply to the 2007 observation. The Government indicates in particular that, for the first time since the country’s independence, structures have been established in Djibouti in 2008 for the organization and development of the employment market. The Committee notes with interest the creation, by Act No. 203/AN/07/5thL of 22 December 2007, of the National Employment, Training and Vocational Integration Agency (ANEFIP), which is responsible for implementing national policies and programmes relating to employment, vocational training and vocational integration. The Committee also notes the adoption of Act No. 211/AN/07/5thL of 27 December 2007 creating the Djibouti Social Development Agency (ADDS), which has the task of contributing to the eradication of poverty among vulnerable groups and reducing disparities between regions. With regard to the employment situation, the unemployment rate is estimated at 60 per cent of the active population and young people are particularly affected. Furthermore, 75 per cent of workers are employed in the informal economy. The Government intends, in the context of the implementation of the poverty reduction strategy, to promote labour-intensive activities, vocational training, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and microfinance. With regard to microfinance, funding given to women’s organizations seems to have met with some success. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide information in its next report on the results achieved by the ANEFIP and ADDS to implement an employment promotion and poverty reduction strategy, including updated quantitative information on the development of the programmes put in place to promote the objectives of the Convention.

2. Article 2. Collection and use of employment data. The Government indicates that the development of information on employment is one of the tasks of the newly created ANEFIP. To that end, section 32 of Act No. 203/AN/07/5thL provides for the creation of an Employment and Qualifications Observatory. The Observatory will be responsible in particular for establishing an employment database and carrying out specific surveys in this field. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information in its next report on the progress made by the Employment and Qualifications Observatory in collecting data on employment as well as on the employment policy measures adopted following the establishment of the new labour market information systems.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes with interest the creation of the National Labour, Employment and
Vocational Training Council which, in accordance with section 3 of Decree
No. 2008-0023/PR/MESN of 20 January 2008 regulating the organization and operation of the Council, has as its task “to study problems linked to work, workforce movements, guidance, employment and vocational training, placement, migration, social security and health and safety in enterprises”. According to the same provision of the abovementioned Decree, the Council is “a tripartite body and a unique framework in which the Government and the social partners will be able, freely and openly, to exchange ideas and experiences in the fields of work, employment, vocational training and social security”. Furthermore, the Government indicates that representative organizations of workers and employers were involved in establishing the ANEFIP. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any consultations held on employment policies in the newly created National Labour, Employment and Vocational Training Council.

4. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes that, under the ILO’s Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) in Djibouti for 2008–12, priority is given to job creation, with particular emphasis on women and young people, and to access to employment through vocational training. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to indicate in its next report the results achieved during the implementation of the DWCP in terms of job creation.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2008 in reply to the 2007 observation. The Government indicates in particular that, for the first time since the country’s independence, structures have been established in Djibouti in 2008 for the organization and development of the employment market. The Committee notes with interest the creation, by Act No. 203/AN/07/5thL of 22 December 2007, of the National Employment, Training and Vocational Integration Agency (ANEFIP), which is responsible for implementing national policies and programmes relating to employment, vocational training and vocational integration. The Committee also notes the adoption of Act No. 211/AN/07/5thL of 27 December 2007 creating the Djibouti Social Development Agency (ADDS), which has the task of contributing to the eradication of poverty among vulnerable groups and reducing disparities between regions. With regard to the employment situation, the unemployment rate is estimated at 60 per cent of the active population and young people are particularly affected. Furthermore, 75 per cent of workers are employed in the informal economy. The Government intends, in the context of the implementation of the poverty reduction strategy, to promote labour-intensive activities, vocational training, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and microfinance. With regard to microfinance, funding given to women’s organizations seems to have met with some success. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide information in its next report on the results achieved by the ANEFIP and ADDS to implement an employment promotion and poverty reduction strategy, including updated quantitative information on the development of the programmes put in place to promote the objectives of the Convention.

2. Article 2. Collection and use of employment data. The Government indicates that the development of information on employment is one of the tasks of the newly created ANEFIP. To that end, section 32 of Act No. 203/AN/07/5thL provides for the creation of an Employment and Qualifications Observatory. The Observatory will be responsible in particular for establishing an employment database and carrying out specific surveys in this field. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information in its next report on the progress made by the Employment and Qualifications Observatory in collecting data on employment as well as on the employment policy measures adopted following the establishment of the new labour market information systems.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes with interest the creation of the National Labour, Employment and Vocational Training Council which, in accordance with section 3 of Decree No. 2008-0023/PR/MESN of 20 January 2008 regulating the organization and operation of the Council, has as its task “to study problems linked to work, workforce movements, guidance, employment and vocational training, placement, migration, social security and health and safety in enterprises”. According to the same provision of the abovementioned Decree, the Council is “a tripartite body and a unique framework in which the Government and the social partners will be able, freely and openly, to exchange ideas and experiences in the fields of work, employment, vocational training and social security”. Furthermore, the Government indicates that representative organizations of workers and employers were involved in establishing the ANEFIP. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any consultations held on employment policies in the newly created National Labour, Employment and Vocational Training Council.

4. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes that, under the ILO’s Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) in Djibouti for 2008–12, priority is given to job creation, with particular emphasis on women and young people, and to access to employment through vocational training. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to indicate in its next report the results achieved during the implementation of the DWCP in terms of job creation.

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

1. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided a report in reply to its 2006 observation. It notes the observations of the General Union of Djibouti Workers (UGTD), received in August 2007 and forwarded to the Government in September 2007. The Committee requests the Government to provide a report containing precise and updated indications in reply to the observations of the UGTD and to its observation of 2006, with particular reference to the following points.

2. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The UGTD recalls that the Government, in the context of the implementation of its general policy, planned to hold a national employment conference so that the various actors involved could make their contribution and ensure that the employment policy was more effective. However, the UGTD indicates that this national conference, which was intended to result in the adaptation of vocational training structures to the actual labour market situation and the creation of jobs through the promotion of foreign investment and the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises or industries, has still not been held. The Committee refers to its 2006 observation, in which it noted that, among the brief information provided by the Government in October 2005, reference was made to the formulation of a national employment policy and the organization of an employment conference in 2006. The Government indicated that it was on the point of completing, with ILO technical assistance, a plan of action on employment policy based on job creation and decent incomes for women and men with various components, such as the development of labour market and employment statistics, the reform of labour market administrative structures and institutions, vocational training and job creation in small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee further noted that, according to the information contained in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper of 2004, the unemployment rate was 59 per cent and that over half of the persons concerned were seeking their first job. Moreover, the Committee noted that the participation of women in the labour market remained extremely limited, with an employment rate of under 35 per cent. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and up to date information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is at the heart of macroeconomic and social policies. It requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved, disaggregated by category, particularly for young persons and women, through the measures adopted to improve the supply of vocational and technical training and to promote small and medium-sized enterprises. Please also report on the holding and the outcome of the national conference on employment, and on the progress achieved with the Poverty Reduction Strategy, which it has been implementing since 2001.

3. The Committee once again emphasizes the importance of establishing a system for the compilation of labour market data so that policies can be based on a precise assessment of labour market conditions. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on any progress achieved in the compilation of employment statistics, and on the employment policy measures adopted following the establishment of the new labour market information systems.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The UGTD indicates that, with regard to the participation of the social partners in the formulation of employment policies, the Government, in the context of the national employment policy, has given priority to a concerted approach with the involvement of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the various commissions responsible for implementing this national strategy. The Committee recalls that it is the joint responsibility of the Government and the representative organizations of employers and workers to ensure that representatives of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of the active population are associated as closely as possible with the formulation and implementation of measures of which they should be the prime beneficiaries (see paragraph 493 of the 2004 General Survey on promoting employment). The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention, which involve the consultation of representatives of all the persons affected, in particular representatives of employers and workers, in the formulation and implementation of employment policies.

5. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. Finally, the Committee once again requests the Government to describe in its next report the action taken to implement an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention following the technical assistance received from the ILO.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2008.]

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

The Committee notes the brief information received in October 2005, referring to the objectives set by the Government for the period 2000-01. The Committee is bound to reiterate its 2004 observation and requests the Government to provide a report containing up to date and detailed information on the following points.

1. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Government once again indicates that it is on the point of completing, with ILO technical assistance, a plan of action on employment policy based on job creation and decent incomes for women and men with various components, such as the development of labour market and employment statistics, the reform of labour market administrative structures and institutions, vocational training and job creation in small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government also refers to the preparation of a national employment policy and the organization of an employment conference in 2006. The Committee further notes that, according to the information contained in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper of 2004, the unemployment rate is 59 per cent and that over half of the persons concerned are seeking their first job. Moreover, the Committee notes that the participation of women in the labour market remains extremely limited, with an unemployment rate of under 35 per cent. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and up to date information in its next report on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is at the heart of macroeconomic and social policies. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved, disaggregated by category, particularly for young persons and women, by the measures adopted to improve the supply of vocational and technical training and to promote small and medium-sized enterprises. It would also be grateful to be provided with information on the outcome of the national employment conference held in 2006 and the progress achieved with the Poverty Reduction Strategy, which it has been implementing since 2001 (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. The Committee once again emphasizes the importance of establishing a system for the compilation of labour market data so that policies can be based on a precise assessment of labour market conditions. It once again requests the Government to provide information on any progress achieved in this field and to supply information in its next report on the employment policy measures adopted following the establishment of new labour market information systems.

3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. In the absence of any new information from the Government on this subject, the Committee recalls that it is the joint responsibility of the Government and the representative organizations of employers and workers to ensure that representatives of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of the active population are associated as closely as possible with the formulation and implementation of measures of which they should be the prime beneficiaries (see paragraph 493 of the 2004 General Survey on promoting employment). The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention, which involve the consultation of representatives of all the persons affected and, in particular, representatives of employers and workers, in the formulation and implementation of employment policies.

4. ILO technical assistance. Finally, the Committee once again requests the Government to describe in its next report the actions taken to implement an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention following the technical assistance received from the ILO (Part V of the report form).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that it is currently preparing the national employment conference which will provide an opportunity for overall reflection, in collaboration with the social partners and civil society, on an employment policy based on economic and social needs. It announces that the national conference was planned for November 2003, with the ILO’s material and technical support. The Committee also notes that a poverty reduction strategy, established in June 2001, envisages making technical and vocational training a principal component of the education system. Measures to promote micro-enterprises and micro-entrepreneurs are also envisaged to encourage the employment of the very poor. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. It would also like to have at its disposal information on the results achieved in improving the supply of vocational and technical training and promoting an enterprise culture (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention and the Job Creation in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).

2. The Committee emphasizes the importance of establishing a system for the compilation of labour market data and requests the Government to inform it of any progress made in this field and to provide information in its next report on the employment policy measures adopted following the establishment of such new information systems.

3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee recalls that Article 3 of the Convention requires consultations with representatives of all the persons affected, particularly representatives of employers and workers, in the formulation and implementation of employment policies. It is the joint responsibility of the Government and the representative organizations of employers and workers to ensure that representatives of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of the active population are associated as closely as possible with the formulation and implementation of measures of which they should be the prime beneficiaries (see paragraph 493 of the General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment). The Committee trusts that the Government will provide detailed information in this respect in its next report.

4. Finally, it requests the Government to describe in its next report the actions it has taken to implement an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention following the technical assistance received from the ILO.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

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 2001 direct request which read as follows:

  Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that it is in the process of completing an action plan on employment policy based on the creation of employment with a decent wage for men and women. This is being done with assistance from the ILO. The main focuses of the assistance are in the following areas: developing labour market statistics, reforming administrative structures and labour market institutions, vocational training, and creating employment through small and medium enterprises. The Committee notes this project with interest and would appreciate being kept informed of progress made in implementing the action plan, and the impact on employment promotion.

  Article 2. The Government provides in its report some labour statistics obtained by the national employment service. The data indicate that in 1999 there were 2,615 registered jobseekers in total, 658 of which were women. Of those registered, 751 were placed in employment. Please continue to supply disaggregated data on levels and trends in the labour market. Please also provide further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

  Article 3. Please provide information on the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers, workers and other groups, such as rural and informal sector workers, and on the outcome of these consultations.

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

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s brief report.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that it is in the process of completing an action plan on employment policy based on the creation of employment with a decent wage for men and women. This is being done with assistance from the ILO. The main focuses of the assistance are in the following areas: developing labour market statistics, reforming administrative structures and labour market institutions, vocational training, and creating employment through small and medium enterprises. The Committee notes this project with interest and would appreciate being kept informed of progress made in implementing the action plan, and the impact on employment promotion.

Article 2. The Government provides in its report some labour statistics obtained by the national employment service. The data indicate that in 1999 there were 2,615 registered jobseekers in total, 658 of which were women. Of those registered, 751 were placed in employment. Please continue to supply disaggregated data on levels and trends in the labour market. Please also provide further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

Article 3. Please provide information on the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers, workers and other groups, such as rural and informal sector workers, and on the outcome of these consultations.

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

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 hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their coordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee suggests that the Government may wish to seek the technical assistance of the ILO multidisciplinary team in Addis Ababa in regard to the issues raised by the Convention.

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 hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their coordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee suggests that the Government may wish to seek the technical assistance of the ILO multidisciplinary team in Addis Ababa in regard to the issues raised by the Convention.

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their coordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee suggests that the Government may wish to seek the technical assistance of the ILO multidisciplinary team in Addis Ababa in regard to the issues raised by the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes with regret that, for the fifth year in succession, 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 takes note of the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1988. In reply to its previous direct request, the Government states that, owing to the lack of human and material resources, it has not been possible to conduct a proper analysis of the situation. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the provisions of the Convention were taken into consideration in the 1982-84 economic and social development plan, in the National Orientation Act and in preparing the Government's economic and social policy. It also notes that the implementation of the plan and programmes is entrusted to the Ministry of Finance Directorate of Planning. It hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their coordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information concerning the ILO/UNDP technical cooperation projects now being implemented. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the action undertaken as a result, indicating, where appropriate, any factors which may have hindered or delayed such action. The Committee hopes that the assistance or advice provided in the framework of these projects will not only further the application of the Convention but will also help the Government to provide information for the preparation of its report.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It is once again repeating in a direct request the comments made previously. It hopes the Government will supply a report containing all available information on the application of the Convention. The Government may wish to seek the technical assistance of the ILO multidisciplinary team in Addis Ababa in regard to the issues raised by the Convention.

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

The Committee notes with regret that, for the fourth year in succession, 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 takes note of the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1988. In reply to its previous direct request, the Government states that, owing to the lack of human and material resources, it has not been possible to conduct a proper analysis of the situation. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the provisions of the Convention were taken into consideration in the 1982-84 economic and social development plan, in the National Orientation Act and in preparing the Government's economic and social policy. It also notes that the implementation of the plan and programmes is entrusted to the Ministry of Finance Directorate of Planning. It hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their coordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information concerning the ILO/UNDP technical cooperation projects now being implemented. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the action undertaken as a result, indicating, where appropriate, any factors which may have hindered or delayed such action. The Committee hopes that the assistance or advice provided in the framework of these projects will not only further the application of the Convention but will also help the Government to provide information for the preparation of its report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes with regret that, for the third year in succession, 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 takes note of the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1988. In reply to its previous direct request, the Government states that, owing to the lack of human and material resources, it has not been possible to conduct a proper analysis of the situation. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the provisions of the Convention were taken into consideration in the 1982-84 economic and social development plan, in the National Orientation Act and in preparing the Government's economic and social policy. It also notes that the implementation of the plan and programmes is entrusted to the Ministry of Finance Directorate of Planning. It hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their coordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information concerning the ILO/UNDP technical cooperation projects now being implemented. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the action undertaken as a result, indicating, where appropriate, any factors which may have hindered or delayed such action. The Committee hopes that the assistance or advice provided in the framework of these projects will not only further the application of the Convention but will also help the Government to provide information for the preparation of its report.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not 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 takes note of the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1988. In reply to its previous direct request, the Government states that, owing to the lack of human and material resources, it has not been possible to conduct a proper analysis of the situation. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the provisions of the Convention were taken into consideration in the 1982-84 economic and social development plan, in the National Orientation Act and in preparing the Government's economic and social policy. It also notes that the implementation of the plan and programmes is entrusted to the Ministry of Finance Directorate of Planning. It hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their coordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information concerning the ILO/UNDP technical cooperation projects now being implemented. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the action undertaken as a result, indicating, where appropriate, any factors which may have hindered or delayed such action. The Committee hopes that the assistance or advice provided in the framework of these projects will not only further the application of the Convention but will also help the Government to provide information for the preparation of its report.

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

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 takes note of the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1988. In reply to its previous direct request, the Government states that, owing to the lack of human and material resources, it has not been possible to conduct a proper analysis of the situation. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the provisions of the Convention were taken into consideration in the 1982-84 economic and social development plan, in the National Orientation Act and in preparing the Government's economic and social policy. It also notes that the implementation of the plan and programmes is entrusted to the Ministry of Finance Directorate of Planning. It hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their coordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information concerning the ILO/UNDP technical cooperation projects now being implemented. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the action undertaken as a result, indicating, where appropriate, any factors which may have hindered or delayed such action. The Committee hopes that the assistance or advice provided in the framework of these projects will not only further the application of the Convention but will also help the Government to provide information for the preparation of its report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to its comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee takes note of the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1988. In reply to its previous direct request, the Government states that, owing to the lack of human and material resources, it has not been possible to conduct a proper analysis of the situation. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the provisions of the Convention were taken into consideration in the 1982-84 economic and social development plan, in the National Orientation Act and in preparing the Government's economic and social policy. It also notes that the implementation of the plan and programmes is entrusted to the Ministry of Finance Directorate of Planning. It hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their co-ordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information concerning the ILO/UNDP technical co-operation projects now being implemented. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the action undertaken as a result, indicating, where appropriate, any factors which may have hindered or delayed such action. The Committee hopes that the assistance or advice provided in the framework of these projects will not only further the application of the Convention but will also help the Government to provide information for the preparation of its report.

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

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 takes note of the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1988. In reply to its previous direct request, the Government states that, owing to the lack of human and material resources, it has not been possible to conduct a proper analysis of the situation. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the provisions of the Convention were taken into consideration in the 1982-84 economic and social development plan, in the National Orientation Act and in preparing the Government's economic and social policy. It also notes that the implementation of the plan and programmes is entrusted to the Ministry of Finance Directorate of Planning. It hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their co-ordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information concerning the ILO/UNDP technical co-operation projects now being implemented. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the action undertaken as a result, indicating, where appropriate, any factors which may have hindered or delayed such action. The Committee hopes that the assistance or advice provided in the framework of these projects will not only further the application of the Convention but will also help the Government to provide information for the preparation of its report.

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

1. The Committee takes note of the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1988. In reply to its previous direct request, the Government states that, owing to the lack of human and material resources, it has not been possible to conduct a proper analysis of the situation. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the provisions of the Convention were taken into consideration in the 1982-84 economic and social development plan, in the National Orientation Act and in preparing the Government's economic and social policy. It also notes that the implementation of the plan and programmes is entrusted to the Ministry of Finance Directorate of Planning. It hopes the Government will be able to provide information in its next report, on plans and programmes being implemented or prepared, stating their employment objectives and indicating the extent to which they have been attained and drawing attention to any special difficulties encountered.

With regard to the report form on the Convention, the Committee recalls that the preparation of a full report may require consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a full report in the near future on the application of the Convention, and that it will also contain indications on the following points:

(a) statistical data on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment;

(b) the employment situation with regard to particular categories of workers such as women, young people, disabled workers, and on the measures taken or under consideration to meet their needs;

(c) measures taken or contemplated with regard to education and vocational training and their co-ordination with the needs of the labour market;

(d) the activities of the Adult Vocational Training Centre and the action undertaken by the Manpower Service with regard to employment policy.

2. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information concerning the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would give concrete examples of consultations with the representatives of the persons concerned, bearing in mind that the consultations provided for in the instruments should concern both the preparation and the implementation of employment policy.

3. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information concerning the ILO/UNDP technical co-operation projects now being implemented. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the action undertaken as a result, indicating, where appropriate, any factors which may have hindered or delayed such action. The Committee hopes that the assistance or advice provided in the framework of these projects will not only further the application of the Convention but will also help the Government to provide information for the preparation of its report.