Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2008, publiée 98ème session CIT (2009)

Article 1 of the Convention. Discrimination based on sex. Sexual harassment. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that in the context of a round table discussion on harassment and sexual harassment held in 2005, a number of recommendations had been made with a view to addressing these issues, including the issuing of a code of conduct and holding awareness-raising activities. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on any further measures taken or envisaged to address sexual harassment at work, including indications as to the follow-up to the 2005 round table discussions.

Article 2. National policy to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that an Expert Working Group has been established to prepare a draft national strategy for the suppression of all forms of discrimination. The Working Group is composed of representatives of the state administration and non-governmental organizations active in the fight against discrimination. The Committee requests the Government to ensure that the national strategy for the suppression of all forms of discrimination adequately addresses discrimination in employment and occupation in accordance with the Convention and that workers’ and employers’ organizations are able to participate in the strategy’s elaboration. Please provide information on the adoption of the strategy and the measures taken to implement it.

Enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation. With regard to the role of labour inspectors, the Committee notes that the Government has not yet provided information in reply to the Committee’s previous comments under both this Convention, as well as the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100). According to explanations previously provided by the Government, any role of the labour inspectorate in ensuring respect for section 2 (prohibition of discrimination) of the Labour Act was excluded due to the fact that violations of section 2 are not subject to fines. The Committee therefore reiterates its request to the Government, in the context of the Government’s efforts to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of the anti-discrimination legislation, to consider the possibility of providing a specific role for labour inspectors for this purpose. The Government is requested to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged in this regard.