Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2003, publiée 92ème session CIT (2004)

1. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report and the attached texts.

2. In its previous comments, the Committee referred to the recommendations of the Governing Body in relation to the representation made by the Ecuadorian Confederation of Free Trade Union Organizations (CEOSL). This workers’ organization alleged the failure to hold consultations through appropriate procedures, particularly with regard to the Shuar people, in relation to the granting of contracts by which the State delegated to individual contractors the right to carry out oil exploration and exploitation activities. In accordance with the recommendations of the tripartite committee set up to examine the representation, the Committee of Experts requested the Government to report in detail on the effect given to the recommendations of the tripartite committee, and in particular on: the establishment of an effective mechanism for prior consultations; the progress achieved in practice in respect of consultations for the peoples situated in the zone of "Block 24", including information on the participation of these peoples in the use, management and conservation of these resources and in the benefits from oil-producing activities, as well as their receipt of fair compensation for any damage caused by exploration and exploitation in the zone. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its last report indicating that the Governing Body’s recommendations were forwarded to the Ministry of Energy and Mines and it trusts that the Government will provide a detailed reply in its next report on the action taken.

3. The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government on other points.

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 2005.]