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

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Burundi (Ratification: 1993)

Other comments on C111

Observation

Direct Request

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In its 2008 observation, the Committee noted the observations dated 30 August 2008 from the Trade Union Confederation of Burundi (COSYBU) on the application of the Convention, and noted that the Government had not replied to them. The Committee notes a new communication dated 31 August 2012 from COSYBU containing observations on the application of the Convention. COSYBU again highlights the existence of discriminatory recruitment practices in the public service, based on membership of the political party in power. According to the confederation, such practices are starting to become widespread in non-governmental organizations and foreign companies. The Committee requests the Government to send any comments that it may wish to make in reply to the observations from COSYBU.

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

The Committee notes the comments on the application of the Convention made by the Trade Union Confederation of Burundi (COSYBU) dated 30 August 2008, to which the Government has not as yet replied. It requests the Government to provide its comments regarding the issues raised by COSYBU.

Discrimination based on race, colour or national extraction. In its previous comments the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to address discrimination in employment between different ethnic groups. In reply, the Government once again refers to the 2005 Constitution, and to the Arusha Agreement. As previously noted by the Committee, article 122 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination based, inter alia, on an individual’s origin, race, ethnicity, sex, colour and language. The Committee also notes that, pursuant to article 129(1) of the Constitution, 60 per cent and 40 per cent of the seats in Parliament are reserved for Hutus and Tutsis, respectively. Similar provisions also exist for government positions. In its report, the Government also asserts that ethnic discrimination in employment and occupation no longer exists. As the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality is a continual process, and cannot be achieved solely through legislation, the Committee finds it difficult to accept statements to the effect that discrimination is inexistent in a given country. It stresses the need for the Government to take continuing action with a view to promoting and ensuring non-discrimination and equality in employment and occupation. The Committee therefore reiterates its request for information on any specific measures taken to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and treatment, irrespective of ethnic origin, in respect of employment in the private and public sectors, including awareness-raising activities and measures to promote respect and tolerance between the different groups. It also reiterates its request for information on the activities of the newly established public service recruitment commission with a view to promoting equal access to public service employment of different ethnic groups.

The Committee notes that, despite the provisions of article 7 of Protocol I to the Arusha Agreement which provides for the promotion of disadvantaged groups, notably the Batwa, the Working Group of Expats on Indigenous Populations/Communities of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Report of the Research and Information Visit to the Republic of Burundi, March–April 2005, page 31) reports that this particular group continues to suffer from strong negative stereotypes and racial harassment by other segments of the population. While taking note of the Government’s very general statement that measures have been taken in the field of education, the Committee observes that, according to the African Commission’s Working Group, the Batwa’s access to education is well below the national average. The illiteracy rate among the Batwa is estimated to be over 78 per cent. The Committee urges the Government to take all measures necessary to ensure equal access of the Batwa to education, vocational training and employment, including through reviewing and strengthening relevant national laws and policies and ensuring their full implementation. The Committee also requests the Government to take measures to combat stereotypes and prejudice against this group. The Government is requested to provide detailed information with regard to these matters in its next report.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.