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The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP) received on 30 August 2023. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.
The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received despite its urgent appeal in 2019. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.
The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report, due since 2013, has not been received. In light of the urgent appeal made to the Government in 2019, the Committee proceeds with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal.
The Committee recalls that, following its general observation of 2017 on the failure of Haiti to comply with its reporting obligations on the application of ratified Conventions for the fifth consecutive year and the conclusions of the Committee on the Application of Standards of the Conference in 2018, it noted the Government’s letter received on 30 October 2018, in which it requested ILO technical assistance to help in the provision of the reports due, reinforce the inspection services and consolidate social dialogue for the continuation of social reforms. The Committee notes in this regard that an ILO Coordination Office in Haiti is working on these matters in cooperation with the tripartite constituents. The Committee also notes the observations of the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP), received on 29 August 2018 and reiterated on 1 September 2019, the observations of the Trade Union Federation of Haiti (CSH), received on 1 September 2018, and the observations of the Association of Haitian Industries (ADIH), emphasizing that it is for the Government to provide information on progress in the work of revising the Labour Code, received on 31 August 2018. The Committee requested the Government to provide its comments in this regard and notes that they have not been sent.
Article 1 of the Convention. Legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation. The Committee recalls that section 3 of the Labour Code provides for equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and that section 50 provides that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, trade union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Committee recalls that these general provisions are not sufficient to address all the grounds of discrimination prohibited under Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee also notes that the reform of the Labour Code has been ongoing for over ten years, in collaboration with the Office, and notes that the current situation in the country does not appear to permit its adoption in the near future. While recognizing the difficult situation in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that it includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting all direct and indirect discrimination in all aspects of employment and occupation, and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin.
Article 1(1)(a). Discrimination on the basis of sex. Pregnancy. The Committee notes that, in its 2018 observations, reiterated in 2019, the CTSP indicates that many women teachers and other women personnel working in Catholic and Protestant schools or in “other institutions” are victims of termination of employment on grounds of pregnancy and that those who become pregnant outside marriage or in the context of a civil marriage are purely and simply dismissed or their appointments revoked. The Committee recalls that distinctions in employment and occupation “based on pregnancy of maternity are discriminatory, as they can only, by definition, affect women.” It also recalls that not all “distinctions, exclusions and preferences are deemed to be discrimination within the meaning of the Convention. These include: (i) measures based on the inherent requirements of a particular job (Article 1(2) of the Convention); … and (iii) special measures designed for protection and assistance (Article 5 of the Convention)” (2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraphs 784 and 826-831). In this regard, the Committee emphasizes that the exception to the principle of equality envisaged in Article 1(2) concerning the inherent requirements of a particular job must be interpreted restrictively and must be applied only if the fact of not being pregnant is an essential condition to perform the specific job or exercise the occupation. With regard to the protection measures envisaged in Article 5 which would allow pregnant women to be removed from a job or an occupation during pregnancy, they must be strictly limited to jobs or occupations the exercise of which involves a risk to the health of the future child and/or mother. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in response to the allegations of discrimination on the basis of pregnancy against women teachers and personnel in religious and other institutions made by the CTSP. The Committee requests the Government to examine these allegations in light of the fundamental principle of equality and, if necessary, to take specific measures, including measures to raise the awareness of the institutions concerned of the principles of equality and non-discrimination, in collaboration with workers’ and employers’ organizations, with a view to preventing discrimination in employment and occupation, and particularly the termination of the employment of pregnant women.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code that is currently in force does not contain any provisions respecting sexual harassment. It notes the allegation by the CTSP that practices of sexual harassment are becoming more common. While reiterating its concern at the absence of a Government report, the Committee takes due note of the following positive developments: the adoption of the new Penal Code, the entry into force of which is envisaged in 2022, and the inclusion in the Penal Code of provisions respecting both quid pro quo and hostile working environment harassment. It notes that section 307 defines harassment as “the imposition on a person, repeatedly, of remarks or behaviour with a sexual connotation which undermine their dignity by reason of their degrading or humiliating nature and create an intimidating, hostile or offensive situation for them” and provides that they shall be punishable by imprisonment for six months to one year and a fine of between 10,000 and 25,000 gourde (HTG), or one of these penalties. With regard to the definition of sexual harassment contained in the Penal Code, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the fact that the requirement for acts to be committed repeatedly could have the effect of limiting the protection of workers against sexual harassment. It also recalls that it considers that addressing sexual harassment only through criminal proceedings is normally not sufficient for its elimination due to the sensitivity of the issue and the higher burden of proof, which is harder to meet, especially if there are no witnesses (which is often the case) (2012 General Survey, paragraph 792). It also wishes to emphasize that what is important is the dissuasive and accessible nature of the penalties and their effectiveness, irrespective of whether they are set out in criminal, labour, civil or administrative law. Within the context of the reform of the Labour Code, the Committee requests the Government to examine the possibility of including provisions defining and prohibiting quid pro quo and hostile working environment sexual harassment and of providing remedies, compensation and appropriate sanctions. It also requests the Government to review the definition contained in the Penal Code in order to eliminate the requirement for acts to be repeated to constitute sexual harassment. While awaiting the adoption of the new Labour Code, the Government is also requested to take measures without delay to: (i) inform and raise the awareness of public and private employers with a view to the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment in employment and occupation; and (ii) inform men and women workers and employers, and their organizations, of their respective rights and duties in this regard in the public and private sectors. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the action taken by employers in response to any recommendations by the labour inspection services in this regard, as well as information on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
Discrimination on the basis of religion. The Committee notes the allegations of the CTSP according to which practitioners of voodoo are subject to discrimination at work by reason of their religion and cannot work in certain institutions. The Committee recalls that the Convention “aims to provide protection against religious discrimination in employment and occupation, which often arises as a result of … intolerance towards persons of a particular faith [or] a different faith”. “The expression and manifestation of religion is also protected.” It also recalls that measures “to promote tolerance and coexistence among religious … minorities and awareness-raising on the existing legislation prohibiting discrimination are therefore essential to achieving the objectives of the Convention.” Recalling that Article 1(2) of the Convention relating to the inherent requirements of a particular job envisages an exception to the principle of equality, the Committee emphasizes that this exception must be interpreted restrictively and applied only where the fact of practicing or not practicing a religion is an essential prerequisite for the performance of the specific job or the exercise of the occupation (2012 General Survey, paragraphs 798–801 and 826–31). The Committee requests the Government to provide information in response to the allegations of discrimination on grounds of religion made by the CTSP. The Committee requests the Government to examine these allegations in light of the fundamental principle of equality and, if necessary, to take specific measures, including measures to raise the awareness of the institutions concerned, in collaboration with workers’ and employers’ organizations, with a view to preventing religious discrimination in employment and occupation.
National extraction and access to the public service. The Committee recalls that, following the Constitutional amendment of 2012, the restriction of access to the public service for persons who are not of Haitian origin (article 12(2)) was removed. However, it notes that the new version of article 12 of the Constitution refers in general terms to “privileges reserved for persons of Haitian origin”. The Committee also notes that the preliminary draft text of the new Constitution, published in January 2021, no longer contains this reference and that the draft text was due to be submitted to a referendum during the course of 2021. The Committee notes the allegations of the CTSP that, more generally, access to employment in the public administration is not based on merit. According to the CTSP, while the Human Resources Management Office (OMRH) is indeed beginning to hold competitions for the recruitment of certain managerial personnel in the public service, recruitment competitions are almost no longer held in State and government bodies. The CTSP also alleges that the salaries of personnel in the administration are not based on any objective criteria, but on the social origin, economic and political background or other criteria for each worker. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption of the new Constitution and to indicate whether the requirement of national extraction for access to the public service has indeed been repealed. It also requests the Government to provide information on the requirements for access to the public service and the remedies available, with an indication of the applicable legal framework, and on recruitment procedures in practice.
General observation of 2018. With reference to the above points, and in more general terms, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation on discrimination on grounds of race, colour and national extraction adopted in 2018. In this general observation, the Committee notes with concern that discriminatory attitudes and stereotypes based on the race, colour or national extraction of men and women workers continue to hinder their participation in education, vocational training programmes and access to a wider range of employment opportunities, resulting in persisting occupational segregation and lower remuneration received for work of equal value. The Committee therefore considers that it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the obstacles and barriers faced by persons in employment and occupation because of their race, colour or national extraction, and to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for all. Such an approach should include the adoption of interlocking measures aimed at addressing gaps in education, training and skills, providing unbiased vocational guidance, recognizing and validating the qualifications obtained abroad, and valuing and recognizing traditional knowledge and skills that may be relevant both to accessing and advancing in employment and to engaging in an occupation. The Committee also recalls that, in order to be effective, these measures must include specific measures, such as laws, policies, programmes, mechanisms and participatory processes, remedies designed to address prejudices and stereotypes and to promote mutual understanding and tolerance among all sections of the population. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2018 and requests it to provide information in reply to the questions contained in that observation.
Articles 1and 2. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Committee notes the CTSP’s allegation that, once adopted, the Bill on reputation and the certificate of good life and morals, already approved by the Senate, with have the effect of preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex persons (LGBTQI) from gaining access to employment, and particularly public employment, and to university. According to the CTSP, under the terms of the Bill, the certificate of good life and morals, which will be indispensable to work in the public administration and many enterprises, could be denied to LGBTQI persons, thereby aggravating the discrimination to which they are already subject in practice in employment and occupation. The Committee requests the Government to review the provisions of the Bill on reputation and the certificate of good life and morals in light of their potential effects on the access of LGBTQI persons to employment and higher education. It also requests the Government to provide information on any cases of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment and occupation that come to its knowledge.
Article 2. Policy of non-discrimination and equality. Gender equality. The Committee notes that it does not have recent information on the implementation of a gender equality policy. It notes the CTSP’s observation that there is no public policy on gender equality in employment and occupation, even though the quota of 30 per cent women imposed by the Constitution (article 17(1)) represents progress. The Committee notes that, in the report entitled “Replies of Haiti to the list of issues in relation to its second periodic report” provided to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the Government indicates that: “In December 2019, with the support of [UNWomen], the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights held a workshop on discriminatory Haitian laws in order to present the strategy put in place to ensure the equality of women and girls before the law by 2030” (CCPR/C/HTI/RQ/2, of 30 September 2020, paragraph 26). The Committee also notes that, in its concluding observations of 2016, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) notes with concern that women “are concentrated in the informal sector in non-skilled and low-paid jobs, where they are not covered by social protection and often face sexual harassment; … Women face high unemployment rates, persistent horizontal and vertical segregation in the labour market as well as a gender wage gap, particularly in the private sector”. In this regard, the Committee notes the observations of the Trade Union Federation of Haiti, which indicates that there is no discrimination in Haiti, but refers to “female occupations” and “male occupations” for cultural reasons and emphasizes the need to resolve this through formal and informal education. In its concluding observations, the CEDAW also noted with concern the “lack of congruence between the vocational subjects pursued by girls at the National Institute for Vocational Training and labour market needs” (CEDAW/C/HTI/CO/8-9, of 9 March 2016, paragraphs 31(b) and (c) and 29(e)). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of the workshop on discriminatory laws held in December 2019, with an indication of the legal provisions identified and the measures envisaged for their repeal, and the “strategy to ensure the equality of women and girls before the law by 2030”. Recalling that the implementation of a genuine equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which generally include a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness-raising, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted for the implementation of such a policy for men and women in employment and occupation, and particularly measures to improve the access of women to salaried employment and self-employed economic activities, and to combat sexist stereotypes and prejudices concerning their aspirations, capacities and vocational aptitudes. It once again requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, particularly in rural areas, to promote the enrolment and maintenance of girls at school and in vocational training subjects, including in subjects that are traditionally followed by boys and in subjects that are matched to the needs of the labour market.
Domestic work. The Committee recalls that the Domestic Work Act, adopted in May 2009, amends section 257 of the Labour Code to extend the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by the provisions of sections 316 et seq. of the Labour Code respecting the work of women (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the ILO Coordinator in Haiti, the 2009 Act had still not been promulgated or published in 2020 (see the ILO information letter on Haiti, No. 6, June 2020). It also notes that, according to the CTSP, the Inter-Union Commission of Haitian Women (CISFH) has undertaken a campaign for the ratification of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), and the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102), and that in so doing it has raised the awareness of many actors concerning the issue of the rights of men and women domestic workers. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay for the entry into force of the provisions of the Domestic Work Act and for their incorporation into the current Labour Code. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted to raise the awareness of men and women workers and employers, and their respective organizations, labour inspectors and magistrates concerning the rights of domestic workers in accordance with the provisions that have been adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on any complaints made by men or women domestic workers that have been dealt with by the competent authorities and their outcome.
Persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the CTSP’s allegation that the Act of 11 May 2012 on the integration of persons with disabilities, which is intended to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in public administrations in Haiti, is not applied in practice and the Secretariat of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities does not have an adequate budget or the political support necessary to discharge its mission. The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 2018, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities noted with concern the “extremely low level of employment of persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors, resulting in a higher rate of poverty among persons with disabilities” and the “lack of a designated body for monitoring and sanctioning non-compliance with labour quotas in both the public and private sector [and] the absence of specific measures to improve the employment of persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors” (CRPD/C/HTI/CO/1, of 13 April 2018, paragraph 48(b) and (c)). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted for the implementation of the Act of 2012 for the integration of persons with disabilities in employment and occupation and the promotion of their labour market integration.

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The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report, due since 2013, has not been received. In light of the urgent appeal made to the Government in 2019, the Committee proceeds with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal.
The Committee recalls that, following its general observation of 2017 on the failure of Haiti to comply with its reporting obligations on the application of ratified Conventions for the fifth consecutive year and the conclusions of the Committee on the Application of Standards of the Conference in 2018, it noted the Government’s letter received on 30 October 2018, in which it requested ILO technical assistance to help in the provision of the reports due, reinforce the inspection services and consolidate social dialogue for the continuation of social reforms. The Committee notes in this regard that an ILO Coordination Office in Haiti is working on these matters in cooperation with the tripartite constituents. The Committee also notes the observations of the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP), received on 29 August 2018 and reiterated on 1 September 2019, the observations of the Trade Union Federation of Haiti (CSH), received on 1 September 2018, and the observations of the Association of Haitian Industries (ADIH), emphasizing that it is for the Government to provide information on progress in the work of revising the Labour Code, received on 31 August 2018. The Committee requested the Government to provide its comments in this regard and notes that they have not been sent.
Article 1 of the Convention. Legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation. The Committee recalls that section 3 of the Labour Code provides for equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and that section 50 provides that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, trade union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Committee recalls that these general provisions are not sufficient to address all the grounds of discrimination prohibited under Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee also notes that the reform of the Labour Code has been ongoing for over ten years, in collaboration with the Office, and notes that the current situation in the country does not appear to permit its adoption in the near future. While recognizing the difficult situation in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that it includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting all direct and indirect discrimination in all aspects of employment and occupation, and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin.
Article 1(1)(a). Discrimination on the basis of sex. Pregnancy. The Committee notes that, in its 2018 observations, reiterated in 2019, the CTSP indicates that many women teachers and other women personnel working in Catholic and Protestant schools or in “other institutions” are victims of termination of employment on grounds of pregnancy and that those who become pregnant outside marriage or in the context of a civil marriage are purely and simply dismissed or their appointments revoked. The Committee recalls that distinctions in employment and occupation “based on pregnancy of maternity are discriminatory, as they can only, by definition, affect women.” It also recalls that not all “distinctions, exclusions and preferences are deemed to be discrimination within the meaning of the Convention. These include: (i) measures based on the inherent requirements of a particular job (Article 1(2) of the Convention); … and (iii) special measures designed for protection and assistance (Article 5 of the Convention)” (2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraphs 784 and 826-831). In this regard, the Committee emphasizes that the exception to the principle of equality envisaged in Article 1(2) concerning the inherent requirements of a particular job must be interpreted restrictively and must be applied only if the fact of not being pregnant is an essential condition to perform the specific job or exercise the occupation. With regard to the protection measures envisaged in Article 5 which would allow pregnant women to be removed from a job or an occupation during pregnancy, they must be strictly limited to jobs or occupations the exercise of which involves a risk to the health of the future child and/or mother. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in response to the allegations of discrimination on the basis of pregnancy against women teachers and personnel in religious and other institutions made by the CTSP. The Committee requests the Government to examine these allegations in light of the fundamental principle of equality and, if necessary, to take specific measures, including measures to raise the awareness of the institutions concerned of the principles of equality and non-discrimination, in collaboration with workers’ and employers’ organizations, with a view to preventing discrimination in employment and occupation, and particularly the termination of the employment of pregnant women.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code that is currently in force does not contain any provisions respecting sexual harassment. It notes the allegation by the CTSP that practices of sexual harassment are becoming more common. While reiterating its concern at the absence of a Government report, the Committee takes due note of the following positive developments: the adoption of the new Penal Code, the entry into force of which is envisaged in 2022, and the inclusion in the Penal Code of provisions respecting both quid pro quo and hostile working environment harassment. It notes that section 307 defines harassment as “the imposition on a person, repeatedly, of remarks or behaviour with a sexual connotation which undermine their dignity by reason of their degrading or humiliating nature and create an intimidating, hostile or offensive situation for them” and provides that they shall be punishable by imprisonment for six months to one year and a fine of between 10,000 and 25,000 gourde (HTG), or one of these penalties. With regard to the definition of sexual harassment contained in the Penal Code, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the fact that the requirement for acts to be committed repeatedly could have the effect of limiting the protection of workers against sexual harassment. It also recalls that it considers that addressing sexual harassment only through criminal proceedings is normally not sufficient for its elimination due to the sensitivity of the issue and the higher burden of proof, which is harder to meet, especially if there are no witnesses (which is often the case) (2012 General Survey, paragraph 792). It also wishes to emphasize that what is important is the dissuasive and accessible nature of the penalties and their effectiveness, irrespective of whether they are set out in criminal, labour, civil or administrative law. Within the context of the reform of the Labour Code, the Committee requests the Government to examine the possibility of including provisions defining and prohibiting quid pro quo and hostile working environment sexual harassment and of providing remedies, compensation and appropriate sanctions. It also requests the Government to review the definition contained in the Penal Code in order to eliminate the requirement for acts to be repeated to constitute sexual harassment. While awaiting the adoption of the new Labour Code, the Government is also requested to take measures without delay to: (i) inform and raise the awareness of public and private employers with a view to the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment in employment and occupation; and (ii) inform men and women workers and employers, and their organizations, of their respective rights and duties in this regard in the public and private sectors. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the action taken by employers in response to any recommendations by the labour inspection services in this regard, as well as information on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
Discrimination on the basis of religion. The Committee notes the allegations of the CTSP according to which practitioners of voodoo are subject to discrimination at work by reason of their religion and cannot work in certain institutions. The Committee recalls that the Convention “aims to provide protection against religious discrimination in employment and occupation, which often arises as a result of … intolerance towards persons of a particular faith [or] a different faith”. “The expression and manifestation of religion is also protected.” It also recalls that measures “to promote tolerance and coexistence among religious … minorities and awareness-raising on the existing legislation prohibiting discrimination are therefore essential to achieving the objectives of the Convention.” Recalling that Article 1(2) of the Convention relating to the inherent requirements of a particular job envisages an exception to the principle of equality, the Committee emphasizes that this exception must be interpreted restrictively and applied only where the fact of practicing or not practicing a religion is an essential prerequisite for the performance of the specific job or the exercise of the occupation (2012 General Survey, paragraphs 798-801 and 826-831). The Committee requests the Government to provide information in response to the allegations of discrimination on grounds of religion made by the CTSP. The Committee requests the Government to examine these allegations in light of the fundamental principle of equality and, if necessary, to take specific measures, including measures to raise the awareness of the institutions concerned, in collaboration with workers’ and employers’ organizations, with a view to preventing religious discrimination in employment and occupation.
National extraction and access to the public service. The Committee recalls that, following the Constitutional amendment of 2012, the restriction of access to the public service for persons who are not of Haitian origin (article 12(2)) was removed. However, it notes that the new version of article 12 of the Constitution refers in general terms to “privileges reserved for persons of Haitian origin”. The Committee also notes that the preliminary draft text of the new Constitution, published in January 2021, no longer contains this reference and that the draft text was due to be submitted to a referendum during the course of 2021. The Committee notes the allegations of the CTSP that, more generally, access to employment in the public administration is not based on merit. According to the CTSP, while the Human Resources Management Office (OMRH) is indeed beginning to hold competitions for the recruitment of certain managerial personnel in the public service, recruitment competitions are almost no longer held in State and government bodies. The CTSP also alleges that the salaries of personnel in the administration are not based on any objective criteria, but on the social origin, economic and political background or other criteria for each worker. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption of the new Constitution and to indicate whether the requirement of national extraction for access to the public service has indeed been repealed. It also requests the Government to provide information on the requirements for access to the public service and the remedies available, with an indication of the applicable legal framework, and on recruitment procedures in practice.
General observation of 2018. With reference to the above points, and in more general terms, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation on discrimination on grounds of race, colour and national extraction adopted in 2018. In this general observation, the Committee notes with concern that discriminatory attitudes and stereotypes based on the race, colour or national extraction of men and women workers continue to hinder their participation in education, vocational training programmes and access to a wider range of employment opportunities, resulting in persisting occupational segregation and lower remuneration received for work of equal value. The Committee therefore considers that it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the obstacles and barriers faced by persons in employment and occupation because of their race, colour or national extraction, and to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for all. Such an approach should include the adoption of interlocking measures aimed at addressing gaps in education, training and skills, providing unbiased vocational guidance, recognizing and validating the qualifications obtained abroad, and valuing and recognizing traditional knowledge and skills that may be relevant both to accessing and advancing in employment and to engaging in an occupation. The Committee also recalls that, in order to be effective, these measures must include specific measures, such as laws, policies, programmes, mechanisms and participatory processes, remedies designed to address prejudices and stereotypes and to promote mutual understanding and tolerance among all sections of the population. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2018 and requests it to provide information in reply to the questions contained in that observation.
Articles 1and 2. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Committee notes the CTSP’s allegation that, once adopted, the Bill on reputation and the certificate of good life and morals, already approved by the Senate, with have the effect of preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex persons (LGBTQI) from gaining access to employment, and particularly public employment, and to university. According to the CTSP, under the terms of the Bill, the certificate of good life and morals, which will be indispensable to work in the public administration and many enterprises, could be denied to LGBTQI persons, thereby aggravating the discrimination to which they are already subject in practice in employment and occupation. The Committee requests the Government to review the provisions of the Bill on reputation and the certificate of good life and morals in light of their potential effects on the access of LGBTQI persons to employment and higher education. It also requests the Government to provide information on any cases of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment and occupation that come to its knowledge.
Article 2. Policy of non-discrimination and equality. Gender equality. The Committee notes that it does not have recent information on the implementation of a gender equality policy. It notes the CTSP’s observation that there is no public policy on gender equality in employment and occupation, even though the quota of 30 per cent women imposed by the Constitution (article 17(1)) represents progress. The Committee notes that, in the report entitled “Replies of Haiti to the list of issues in relation to its second periodic report” provided to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the Government indicates that: “In December 2019, with the support of [UNWomen], the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights held a workshop on discriminatory Haitian laws in order to present the strategy put in place to ensure the equality of women and girls before the law by 2030” (CCPR/C/HTI/RQ/2, of 30 September 2020, paragraph 26). The Committee also notes that, in its concluding observations of 2016, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) notes with concern that women “are concentrated in the informal sector in non-skilled and low-paid jobs, where they are not covered by social protection and often face sexual harassment; … Women face high unemployment rates, persistent horizontal and vertical segregation in the labour market as well as a gender wage gap, particularly in the private sector”. In this regard, the Committee notes the observations of the Trade Union Federation of Haiti, which indicates that there is no discrimination in Haiti, but refers to “female occupations” and “male occupations” for cultural reasons and emphasizes the need to resolve this through formal and informal education. In its concluding observations, the CEDAW also noted with concern the “lack of congruence between the vocational subjects pursued by girls at the National Institute for Vocational Training and labour market needs” (CEDAW/C/HTI/CO/8-9, of 9 March 2016, paragraphs 31(b) and (c) and 29(e)). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of the workshop on discriminatory laws held in December 2019, with an indication of the legal provisions identified and the measures envisaged for their repeal, and the “strategy to ensure the equality of women and girls before the law by 2030”. Recalling that the implementation of a genuine equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which generally include a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness-raising, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted for the implementation of such a policy for men and women in employment and occupation, and particularly measures to improve the access of women to salaried employment and self-employed economic activities, and to combat sexist stereotypes and prejudices concerning their aspirations, capacities and vocational aptitudes. It once again requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, particularly in rural areas, to promote the enrolment and maintenance of girls at school and in vocational training subjects, including in subjects that are traditionally followed by boys and in subjects that are matched to the needs of the labour market.
Domestic work. The Committee recalls that the Domestic Work Act, adopted in May 2009, amends section 257 of the Labour Code to extend the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by the provisions of sections 316 et seq. of the Labour Code respecting the work of women (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the ILO Coordinator in Haiti, the 2009 Act had still not been promulgated or published in 2020 (see the ILO information letter on Haiti, No. 6, June 2020). It also notes that, according to the CTSP, the Inter-Union Commission of Haitian Women (CISFH) has undertaken a campaign for the ratification of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), and the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102), and that in so doing it has raised the awareness of many actors concerning the issue of the rights of men and women domestic workers. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay for the entry into force of the provisions of the Domestic Work Act and for their incorporation into the current Labour Code. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted to raise the awareness of men and women workers and employers, and their respective organizations, labour inspectors and magistrates concerning the rights of domestic workers in accordance with the provisions that have been adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on any complaints made by men or women domestic workers that have been dealt with by the competent authorities and their outcome.
Persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the CTSP’s allegation that the Act of 11 May 2012 on the integration of persons with disabilities, which is intended to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in public administrations in Haiti, is not applied in practice and the Secretariat of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities does not have an adequate budget or the political support necessary to discharge its mission. The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 2018, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities noted with concern the “extremely low level of employment of persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors, resulting in a higher rate of poverty among persons with disabilities” and the “lack of a designated body for monitoring and sanctioning non-compliance with labour quotas in both the public and private sector [and] the absence of specific measures to improve the employment of persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors” (CRPD/C/HTI/CO/1, of 13 April 2018, paragraph 48(b) and (c)). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted for the implementation of the Act of 2012 for the integration of persons with disabilities in employment and occupation and the promotion of their labour market integration.

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The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2021, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.
Repetition
The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP), received on 1 September 2019. It requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.
The Committee notes the Government’s communication received on 30 October 2018 in which it informs the Committee that, further to the conclusions of the Conference Committee, it has requested ILO technical assistance with a view to helping in the presentation of the reports due, strengthening the inspection services, consolidating social dialogue for the continuation of social reforms, and addressing the other points raised by the Conference Committee. The Government adds that it hopes to receive the requested assistance before the next session of the International Labour Conference. The Committee hopes that this technical assistance will be provided without delay.
The Committee notes the observations from the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP) received on 29 August 2018, the observations from the Trade Union Federation of Haiti (CSH) received on 1 September 2018 and the observations from the Association of Haitian Industries (ADIH). The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments thereon.
The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2012, with the exception of the first paragraph in 2016.
The Committee notes the observations made by the Confederation of Workers of the Public and Private Sectors (CTSP), received on 31 August 2016 and forwarded to the Government on 16 September 2016. Repeating its observations received in 2015, the CTSP again indicates that, in both the public and private sectors, there exist discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on the issues raised by the CTSP in 2015 and 2016, and to indicate any measures taken to address discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee expects 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 comments.
Legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation. For a number of years the Committee has emphasized the fact that the existence of general provisions on equality is insufficient to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively (see the General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 854–855). The Committee notes that once again the Government refers to section 3 of the Labour Code, which provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and to section 50 of the Code, which states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Government also states that the adoption of explicit provisions is an idea to be taken into account in the revision of the Labour Code. Noting this indication, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made on the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that the new Labour Code includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, in all aspects of employment and occupation and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. Please also provide details of the measures taken in this respect.
Domestic work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code so as to broaden the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by all the provisions laid down in sections 316 ff. of the Labour Code (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although Parliament has voted for this Act, it has not yet come into force since it has to be promulgated by the Executive Authority. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Domestic Work Act amending the Labour Code is promulgated in the near future. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to raise awareness of workers, employers and their organizations, as well as labour inspectors and judges of the rights of domestic workers pursuant to the new provisions of the Labour Code, and also to provide information on any complaints received by the competent authorities, and the results thereof.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the status of women in Haitian society is undergoing genuine change, especially as regards an ever increasing number of women holding political office and senior civil service posts. As regards the private sector, the Government adds that more and more women are heads of companies. The Committee further notes that a Bill on responsible paternity and a guide to legal assistance for women and girls who have been victims of violence have been drawn up. The Committee recalls that the implementation of a national equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which often consist of a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness raising (see General Survey, 2012, paragraph 848). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to implement a genuine policy for gender equality in employment and occupation, especially measures designed to improve women’s access to paid employment and self-employment, and to combat gender stereotypes and prejudice concerning their aspirations, abilities and suitability for certain jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, especially in rural areas, to encourage girls to attend and stay in school and to undertake vocational training, including in areas where boys traditionally predominate. Please also provide any available statistics to enable an evaluation of the situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, if possible according to economic sector and occupational category.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code does not contain any provisions concerning sexual harassment and that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) undertook to submit proposals to the Tripartite Committee on Consultation and Arbitration responsible for revising the Labour Code with a view to incorporating such provisions. The Government indicates that in the absence of legal provisions, the Labour Directorate of MAST, via the labour inspectorate, recommended company managers to include clauses on sexual harassment, including the relevant penalties, in company regulations and collective agreements. The Committee recalls that the range of practical measures adopted by governments to address sexual harassment includes telephone helplines, legal assistance or support units to assist victims of sexual harassment, structures mandated to institute administrative proceedings with regard to cases of sexual harassment, and training for the social partners and labour inspectors. Other examples include codes of conduct or guidelines applicable in both the private and public sectors, and a national policy on sexual harassment in the workplace developed in consultation with the tripartite social partners, establishing the employer’s responsibilities and a grievance procedure (General Survey, 2012, paragraphs 789–794). The Committee therefore again encourages the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. It requests the Government to consider formulating and implementing practical measures to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in employment and occupation in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also requests the Government to send information on action taken by employers further to recommendations by the labour inspectorate regarding sexual harassment, and on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, recommended in its report that the Constitution should be amended so that the public service would be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the constitutional amendment in question was indeed approved by Parliament but procedural problems arose when the document was transmitted by Parliament to the Executive Authority which delayed its entry into force. The Committee also understands that this amendment was due to be published and would therefore have come into force in 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the status and content of the constitutional amendment adopted by Parliament, indicating whether the conditions concerning national extraction with regard to access to the public service have been repealed and specifying the conditions governing access to the public service.

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The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP), received on 1 September 2019. It requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.
The Committee also notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2020, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.
The Committee notes the Government’s communication received on 30 October 2018 in which it informs the Committee that, further to the conclusions of the Conference Committee, it has requested ILO technical assistance with a view to helping in the presentation of the reports due, strengthening the inspection services, consolidating social dialogue for the continuation of social reforms, and addressing the other points raised by the Conference Committee. The Government adds that it hopes to receive the requested assistance before the next session of the International Labour Conference. The Committee hopes that this technical assistance will be provided without delay.
The Committee notes the observations from the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP) received on 29 August 2018, the observations from the Trade Union Federation of Haiti (CSH) received on 1 September 2018 and the observations from the Association of Haitian Industries (ADIH). The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments thereon.
The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2012, with the exception of the first paragraph in 2016.
The Committee notes the observations made by the Confederation of Workers of the Public and Private Sectors (CTSP), received on 31 August 2016 and forwarded to the Government on 16 September 2016. Repeating its observations received in 2015, the CTSP again indicates that, in both the public and private sectors, there exist discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on the issues raised by the CTSP in 2015 and 2016, and to indicate any measures taken to address discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee expects 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 comments.
Legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation. For a number of years the Committee has emphasized the fact that the existence of general provisions on equality is insufficient to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively (see the General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 854–855). The Committee notes that once again the Government refers to section 3 of the Labour Code, which provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and to section 50 of the Code, which states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Government also states that the adoption of explicit provisions is an idea to be taken into account in the revision of the Labour Code. Noting this indication, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made on the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that the new Labour Code includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, in all aspects of employment and occupation and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. Please also provide details of the measures taken in this respect.
Domestic work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code so as to broaden the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by all the provisions laid down in sections 316 ff. of the Labour Code (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although Parliament has voted for this Act, it has not yet come into force since it has to be promulgated by the Executive Authority. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Domestic Work Act amending the Labour Code is promulgated in the near future. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to raise awareness of workers, employers and their organizations, as well as labour inspectors and judges of the rights of domestic workers pursuant to the new provisions of the Labour Code, and also to provide information on any complaints received by the competent authorities, and the results thereof.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the status of women in Haitian society is undergoing genuine change, especially as regards an ever increasing number of women holding political office and senior civil service posts. As regards the private sector, the Government adds that more and more women are heads of companies. The Committee further notes that a Bill on responsible paternity and a guide to legal assistance for women and girls who have been victims of violence have been drawn up. The Committee recalls that the implementation of a national equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which often consist of a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness raising (see General Survey, 2012, paragraph 848). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to implement a genuine policy for gender equality in employment and occupation, especially measures designed to improve women’s access to paid employment and self-employment, and to combat gender stereotypes and prejudice concerning their aspirations, abilities and suitability for certain jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, especially in rural areas, to encourage girls to attend and stay in school and to undertake vocational training, including in areas where boys traditionally predominate. Please also provide any available statistics to enable an evaluation of the situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, if possible according to economic sector and occupational category.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code does not contain any provisions concerning sexual harassment and that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) undertook to submit proposals to the Tripartite Committee on Consultation and Arbitration responsible for revising the Labour Code with a view to incorporating such provisions. The Government indicates that in the absence of legal provisions, the Labour Directorate of MAST, via the labour inspectorate, recommended company managers to include clauses on sexual harassment, including the relevant penalties, in company regulations and collective agreements. The Committee recalls that the range of practical measures adopted by governments to address sexual harassment includes telephone helplines, legal assistance or support units to assist victims of sexual harassment, structures mandated to institute administrative proceedings with regard to cases of sexual harassment, and training for the social partners and labour inspectors. Other examples include codes of conduct or guidelines applicable in both the private and public sectors, and a national policy on sexual harassment in the workplace developed in consultation with the tripartite social partners, establishing the employer’s responsibilities and a grievance procedure (General Survey, 2012, paragraphs 789–794). The Committee therefore again encourages the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. It requests the Government to consider formulating and implementing practical measures to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in employment and occupation in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also requests the Government to send information on action taken by employers further to recommendations by the labour inspectorate regarding sexual harassment, and on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, recommended in its report that the Constitution should be amended so that the public service would be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the constitutional amendment in question was indeed approved by Parliament but procedural problems arose when the document was transmitted by Parliament to the Executive Authority which delayed its entry into force. The Committee also understands that this amendment was due to be published and would therefore have come into force in 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the status and content of the constitutional amendment adopted by Parliament, indicating whether the conditions concerning national extraction with regard to access to the public service have been repealed and specifying the conditions governing access to the public service.

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The Committee notes the Government’s communication received on 30 October 2018 in which it informs the Committee that, further to the conclusions of the Conference Committee, it has requested ILO technical assistance with a view to helping in the presentation of the reports due, strengthening the inspection services, consolidating social dialogue for the continuation of social reforms, and addressing the other points raised by the Conference Committee. The Government adds that it hopes to receive the requested assistance before the next session of the International Labour Conference. The Committee hopes that this technical assistance will be provided without delay.
The Committee notes the observations from the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers (CTSP) received on 29 August 2018, the observations from the Trade Union Federation of Haiti (CSH) received on 1 September 2018 and the observations from the Association of Haitian Industries (ADIH). The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments thereon.
The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2012, with the exception of the first paragraph in 2016.
The Committee notes the observations made by the Confederation of Workers of the Public and Private Sectors (CTSP), received on 31 August 2016 and forwarded to the Government on 16 September 2016. Repeating its observations received in 2015, the CTSP again indicates that, in both the public and private sectors, there exist discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on the issues raised by the CTSP in 2015 and 2016, and to indicate any measures taken to address discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee expects 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 comments.
Legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation. For a number of years the Committee has emphasized the fact that the existence of general provisions on equality is insufficient to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively (see the General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 854–855). The Committee notes that once again the Government refers to section 3 of the Labour Code, which provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and to section 50 of the Code, which states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Government also states that the adoption of explicit provisions is an idea to be taken into account in the revision of the Labour Code. Noting this indication, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made on the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that the new Labour Code includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, in all aspects of employment and occupation and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. Please also provide details of the measures taken in this respect.
Domestic work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code so as to broaden the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by all the provisions laid down in sections 316 ff. of the Labour Code (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although Parliament has voted for this Act, it has not yet come into force since it has to be promulgated by the Executive Authority. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Domestic Work Act amending the Labour Code is promulgated in the near future. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to raise awareness of workers, employers and their organizations, as well as labour inspectors and judges of the rights of domestic workers pursuant to the new provisions of the Labour Code, and also to provide information on any complaints received by the competent authorities, and the results thereof.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the status of women in Haitian society is undergoing genuine change, especially as regards an ever increasing number of women holding political office and senior civil service posts. As regards the private sector, the Government adds that more and more women are heads of companies. The Committee further notes that a Bill on responsible paternity and a guide to legal assistance for women and girls who have been victims of violence have been drawn up. The Committee recalls that the implementation of a national equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which often consist of a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness raising (see General Survey, 2012, paragraph 848). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to implement a genuine policy for gender equality in employment and occupation, especially measures designed to improve women’s access to paid employment and self-employment, and to combat gender stereotypes and prejudice concerning their aspirations, abilities and suitability for certain jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, especially in rural areas, to encourage girls to attend and stay in school and to undertake vocational training, including in areas where boys traditionally predominate. Please also provide any available statistics to enable an evaluation of the situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, if possible according to economic sector and occupational category.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code does not contain any provisions concerning sexual harassment and that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) undertook to submit proposals to the Tripartite Committee on Consultation and Arbitration responsible for revising the Labour Code with a view to incorporating such provisions. The Government indicates that in the absence of legal provisions, the Labour Directorate of MAST, via the labour inspectorate, recommended company managers to include clauses on sexual harassment, including the relevant penalties, in company regulations and collective agreements. The Committee recalls that the range of practical measures adopted by governments to address sexual harassment includes telephone helplines, legal assistance or support units to assist victims of sexual harassment, structures mandated to institute administrative proceedings with regard to cases of sexual harassment, and training for the social partners and labour inspectors. Other examples include codes of conduct or guidelines applicable in both the private and public sectors, and a national policy on sexual harassment in the workplace developed in consultation with the tripartite social partners, establishing the employer’s responsibilities and a grievance procedure (General Survey, 2012, paragraphs 789–794). The Committee therefore again encourages the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. It requests the Government to consider formulating and implementing practical measures to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in employment and occupation in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also requests the Government to send information on action taken by employers further to recommendations by the labour inspectorate regarding sexual harassment, and on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, recommended in its report that the Constitution should be amended so that the public service would be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the constitutional amendment in question was indeed approved by Parliament but procedural problems arose when the document was transmitted by Parliament to the Executive Authority which delayed its entry into force. The Committee also understands that this amendment was due to be published and would therefore have come into force in 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the status and content of the constitutional amendment adopted by Parliament, indicating whether the conditions concerning national extraction with regard to access to the public service have been repealed and specifying the conditions governing access to the public service.

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The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2012, with the exception of the first paragraph in 2016. The Committee also notes that the Government had been requested to provide information to the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference for failure to supply reports and information on the application of ratified Conventions.
Repetition
The Committee notes the observations made by the Confederation of Workers of the Public and Private Sectors (CTSP), received on 31 August 2016 and forwarded to the Government on 16 September 2016. Repeating its observations received in 2015, the CTSP again indicates that, in both the public and private sectors, there exist discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on the issues raised by the CTSP in 2015 and 2016, and to indicate any measures taken to address discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee expects 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 comments.
Legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation. For a number of years the Committee has emphasized the fact that the existence of general provisions on equality is insufficient to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively (see the General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 854–855). The Committee notes that once again the Government refers to section 3 of the Labour Code, which provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and to section 50 of the Code, which states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Government also states that the adoption of explicit provisions is an idea to be taken into account in the revision of the Labour Code. Noting this indication, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made on the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that the new Labour Code includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, in all aspects of employment and occupation and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. Please also provide details of the measures taken in this respect.
Domestic work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code so as to broaden the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by all the provisions laid down in sections 316 ff. of the Labour Code (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although Parliament has voted for this Act, it has not yet come into force since it has to be promulgated by the Executive Authority. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Domestic Work Act amending the Labour Code is promulgated in the near future. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to raise awareness of workers, employers and their organizations, as well as labour inspectors and judges of the rights of domestic workers pursuant to the new provisions of the Labour Code, and also to provide information on any complaints received by the competent authorities, and the results thereof.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the status of women in Haitian society is undergoing genuine change, especially as regards an ever increasing number of women holding political office and senior civil service posts. As regards the private sector, the Government adds that more and more women are heads of companies. The Committee further notes that a Bill on responsible paternity and a guide to legal assistance for women and girls who have been victims of violence have been drawn up. The Committee recalls that the implementation of a national equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which often consist of a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness raising (see General Survey, 2012, paragraph 848). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to implement a genuine policy for gender equality in employment and occupation, especially measures designed to improve women’s access to paid employment and self-employment, and to combat gender stereotypes and prejudice concerning their aspirations, abilities and suitability for certain jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, especially in rural areas, to encourage girls to attend and stay in school and to undertake vocational training, including in areas where boys traditionally predominate. Please also provide any available statistics to enable an evaluation of the situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, if possible according to economic sector and occupational category.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code does not contain any provisions concerning sexual harassment and that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) undertook to submit proposals to the Tripartite Committee on Consultation and Arbitration responsible for revising the Labour Code with a view to incorporating such provisions. The Government indicates that in the absence of legal provisions, the Labour Directorate of MAST, via the labour inspectorate, recommended company managers to include clauses on sexual harassment, including the relevant penalties, in company regulations and collective agreements. The Committee recalls that the range of practical measures adopted by governments to address sexual harassment includes telephone helplines, legal assistance or support units to assist victims of sexual harassment, structures mandated to institute administrative proceedings with regard to cases of sexual harassment, and training for the social partners and labour inspectors. Other examples include codes of conduct or guidelines applicable in both the private and public sectors, and a national policy on sexual harassment in the workplace developed in consultation with the tripartite social partners, establishing the employer’s responsibilities and a grievance procedure (General Survey, 2012, paragraphs 789–794). The Committee therefore again encourages the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. It requests the Government to consider formulating and implementing practical measures to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in employment and occupation in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also requests the Government to send information on action taken by employers further to recommendations by the labour inspectorate regarding sexual harassment, and on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, recommended in its report that the Constitution should be amended so that the public service would be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the constitutional amendment in question was indeed approved by Parliament but procedural problems arose when the document was transmitted by Parliament to the Executive Authority which delayed its entry into force. The Committee also understands that this amendment was due to be published and would therefore have come into force in 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the status and content of the constitutional amendment adopted by Parliament, indicating whether the conditions concerning national extraction with regard to access to the public service have been repealed and specifying the conditions governing access to the public service.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. The Committee notes the observations made by the Confederation of Workers of the Public and Private Sectors (CTSP), received on 31 August 2016 and forwarded to the Government on 16 September 2016. Repeating its observations received in 2015, the CTSP again indicates that, in both the public and private sectors, there exist discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on the issues raised by the CTSP in 2015 and 2016, and to indicate any measures taken to address discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, political opinion, union membership, sexual orientation or disability. The Committee expects 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 comments.
Repetition
Legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation. For a number of years the Committee has emphasized the fact that the existence of general provisions on equality is insufficient to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively (see the General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 854–855). The Committee notes that once again the Government refers to section 3 of the Labour Code, which provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and to section 50 of the Code, which states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Government also states that the adoption of explicit provisions is an idea to be taken into account in the revision of the Labour Code. Noting this indication, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made on the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that the new Labour Code includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, in all aspects of employment and occupation and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. Please also provide details of the measures taken in this respect.
Domestic work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code so as to broaden the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by all the provisions laid down in sections 316 ff. of the Labour Code (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although Parliament has voted for this Act, it has not yet come into force since it has to be promulgated by the Executive Authority. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Domestic Work Act amending the Labour Code is promulgated in the near future. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to raise awareness of workers, employers and their organizations, as well as labour inspectors and judges of the rights of domestic workers pursuant to the new provisions of the Labour Code, and also to provide information on any complaints received by the competent authorities, and the results thereof.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the status of women in Haitian society is undergoing genuine change, especially as regards an ever increasing number of women holding political office and senior civil service posts. As regards the private sector, the Government adds that more and more women are heads of companies. The Committee further notes that a Bill on responsible paternity and a guide to legal assistance for women and girls who have been victims of violence have been drawn up. The Committee recalls that the implementation of a national equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which often consist of a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness raising (see General Survey, 2012, paragraph 848). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to implement a genuine policy for gender equality in employment and occupation, especially measures designed to improve women’s access to paid employment and self-employment, and to combat gender stereotypes and prejudice concerning their aspirations, abilities and suitability for certain jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, especially in rural areas, to encourage girls to attend and stay in school and to undertake vocational training, including in areas where boys traditionally predominate. Please also provide any available statistics to enable an evaluation of the situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, if possible according to economic sector and occupational category.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code does not contain any provisions concerning sexual harassment and that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) undertook to submit proposals to the Tripartite Committee on Consultation and Arbitration responsible for revising the Labour Code with a view to incorporating such provisions. The Government indicates that in the absence of legal provisions, the Labour Directorate of MAST, via the labour inspectorate, recommended company managers to include clauses on sexual harassment, including the relevant penalties, in company regulations and collective agreements. The Committee recalls that the range of practical measures adopted by governments to address sexual harassment includes telephone helplines, legal assistance or support units to assist victims of sexual harassment, structures mandated to institute administrative proceedings with regard to cases of sexual harassment, and training for the social partners and labour inspectors. Other examples include codes of conduct or guidelines applicable in both the private and public sectors, and a national policy on sexual harassment in the workplace developed in consultation with the tripartite social partners, establishing the employer’s responsibilities and a grievance procedure (General Survey, 2012, paragraphs 789–794). The Committee therefore again encourages the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. It requests the Government to consider formulating and implementing practical measures to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in employment and occupation in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also requests the Government to send information on action taken by employers further to recommendations by the labour inspectorate regarding sexual harassment, and on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, recommended in its report that the Constitution should be amended so that the public service would be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the constitutional amendment in question was indeed approved by Parliament but procedural problems arose when the document was transmitted by Parliament to the Executive Authority which delayed its entry into force. The Committee also understands that this amendment was due to be published and would therefore have come into force in 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the status and content of the constitutional amendment adopted by Parliament, indicating whether the conditions concerning national extraction with regard to access to the public service have been repealed and specifying the conditions governing access to the public service.

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The Committee notes the observations received on 31 August 2015 from the Confederation of Workers of the Public and Private Sectors (CTSP) on the application of the Convention. The CTSP indicates that, in both the public and private sectors, there exist discriminatory recruitment practices based on social origin, religion, colour, sexual orientation and health status. The Committee requests the Government to reply to the observations of the CTSP and to indicate any steps taken to address discriminatory recruitment practices based on the abovementioned grounds.
The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.
Anti-discrimination legislation. For a number of years the Committee has emphasized the fact that the existence of general provisions on equality is insufficient to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively (see the General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 854–855). The Committee notes that once again the Government refers to section 3 of the Labour Code, which provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and to section 50 of the Code, which states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Government also states that the adoption of explicit provisions is an idea to be taken into account in the revision of the Labour Code. Noting this indication, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made on the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that the new Labour Code includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, in all aspects of employment and occupation and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. Please also provide details of the measures taken in this respect.
Gender equality. Legislation. The Committee recalls that the Government planned to draft a Bill on gender equality in the context of the Strategic Plan for 2006–11 of the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the drafting of such a Bill is still planned and, if so, the Committee hopes that it will include provisions aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and ensuring equality between men and women in respect of employment and occupation, including vocational training.
Domestic work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code so as to broaden the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by all the provisions laid down in sections 316 ff. of the Labour Code (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although Parliament has voted for this Act, it has not yet come into force since it has to be promulgated by the Executive Authority. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Domestic Work Act amending the Labour Code is promulgated in the near future. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to raise awareness of workers, employers and their organizations, as well as labour inspectors and judges of the rights of domestic workers pursuant to the new provisions of the Labour Code, and also to provide information on any complaints received by the competent authorities, and the results thereof.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the status of women in Haitian society is undergoing genuine change, especially as regards an ever increasing number of women holding political office and senior civil service posts. As regards the private sector, the Government adds that more and more women are heads of companies. The Committee further notes that a Bill on responsible paternity and a guide to legal assistance for women and girls who have been victims of violence have been drawn up. The Committee recalls that the implementation of a national equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which often consist of a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness raising (see General Survey, 2012, paragraph 848). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to implement a genuine policy for gender equality in employment and occupation, especially measures designed to improve women’s access to paid employment and self-employment, and to combat gender stereotypes and prejudice concerning their aspirations, abilities and suitability for certain jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, especially in rural areas, to encourage girls to attend and stay in school and to undertake vocational training, including in areas where boys traditionally predominate. Please also provide any available statistics to enable an evaluation of the situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, if possible according to economic sector and occupational category.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code does not contain any provisions concerning sexual harassment and that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) undertook to submit proposals to the Tripartite Committee on Consultation and Arbitration responsible for revising the Labour Code with a view to incorporating such provisions. The Government indicates that in the absence of legal provisions, the Labour Directorate of MAST, via the labour inspectorate, recommended company managers to include clauses on sexual harassment, including the relevant penalties, in company regulations and collective agreements. The Committee recalls that the range of practical measures adopted by governments to address sexual harassment includes telephone helplines, legal assistance or support units to assist victims of sexual harassment, structures mandated to institute administrative proceedings with regard to cases of sexual harassment, and training for the social partners and labour inspectors. Other examples include codes of conduct or guidelines applicable in both the private and public sectors, and a national policy on sexual harassment in the workplace developed in consultation with the tripartite social partners, establishing the employer’s responsibilities and a grievance procedure (General Survey, 2012, paragraphs 789–794). The Committee therefore again encourages the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. It requests the Government to consider formulating and implementing practical measures to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in employment and occupation in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also requests the Government to send information on action taken by employers further to recommendations by the labour inspectorate regarding sexual harassment, and on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, recommended in its report that the Constitution should be amended so that the public service would be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the constitutional amendment in question was indeed approved by Parliament but procedural problems arose when the document was transmitted by Parliament to the Executive Authority which delayed its entry into force. The Committee also understands that this amendment was due to be published and would therefore have come into force in 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the status and content of the constitutional amendment adopted by Parliament, indicating whether the conditions concerning national extraction with regard to access to the public service have been repealed and specifying the conditions governing access to the public service.

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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 comments.
Repetition
The Committee notes that the preliminary version of the new Labour Code is being drafted, with the technical assistance of the ILO. It hopes that it will be soon adopted and take into account the following comments.
Anti-discrimination legislation. For a number of years the Committee has emphasized the fact that the existence of general provisions on equality is insufficient to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively (see the General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 854–855). The Committee notes that once again the Government refers to section 3 of the Labour Code, which provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and to section 50 of the Code, which states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Government also states that the adoption of explicit provisions is an idea to be taken into account in the revision of the Labour Code. Noting this indication, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made on the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that the new Labour Code includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, in all aspects of employment and occupation and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. Please also provide details of the measures taken in this respect.
Gender equality. Legislation. The Committee recalls that the Government planned to draft a Bill on gender equality in the context of the Strategic Plan for 2006–11 of the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the drafting of such a Bill is still planned and if so, the Committee hopes that it will include provisions aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and ensuring equality between men and women in respect of employment and occupation, including vocational training.
Domestic work. In its previous comment the Committee noted the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code so as to broaden the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by all the provisions laid down in sections 316 ff. of the Labour Code (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although Parliament has voted for this Act, it has not yet come into force since it has to be promulgated by the Executive Authority. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Domestic Work Act amending the Labour Code is promulgated in the near future. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to raise awareness of workers, employers and their organizations, as well as labour inspectors and judges of the rights of domestic workers pursuant to the new provisions of the Labour Code, and also to provide information on any complaints received by the competent authorities, and the results thereof.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the status of women in Haitian society is undergoing genuine change, especially as regards an ever increasing number of women holding political office and senior civil service posts. As regards the private sector, the Government adds that more and more women are heads of companies. The Committee further notes that a Bill on responsible paternity and a guide to legal assistance for women and girls who have been victims of violence have been drawn up. The Committee recalls that the implementation of a national equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which often consist of a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness raising (see General Survey, 2012, paragraph 848). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to implement a genuine policy for gender equality in employment and occupation, especially measures designed to improve women’s access to paid employment and self-employment, and to combat gender stereotypes and prejudice concerning their aspirations, abilities and suitability for certain jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, especially in rural areas, to encourage girls to attend and stay in school and to undertake vocational training, including in areas where boys traditionally predominate. Please also provide any available statistics to enable an evaluation of the situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, if possible according to economic sector and occupational category.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code does not contain any provisions concerning sexual harassment and that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) undertook to submit proposals to the Tripartite Committee on Consultation and Arbitration responsible for revising the Labour Code with a view to incorporating such provisions. The Government indicates that in the absence of legal provisions, the Labour Directorate of MAST, via the labour inspectorate, recommended company managers to include clauses on sexual harassment, including the relevant penalties, in company regulations and collective agreements. The Committee recalls that the range of practical measures adopted by governments to address sexual harassment includes telephone helplines, legal assistance or support units to assist victims of sexual harassment, structures mandated to institute administrative proceedings with regard to cases of sexual harassment, and training for the social partners and labour inspectors. Other examples include codes of conduct or guidelines applicable in both the private and public sectors, and a national policy on sexual harassment in the workplace developed in consultation with the tripartite social partners, establishing the employer’s responsibilities and a grievance procedure (General Survey, 2012, paragraphs 789–794). The Committee therefore again encourages the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. It requests the Government to consider formulating and implementing practical measures to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in employment and occupation in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also requests the Government to send information on action taken by employers further to recommendations by the labour inspectorate regarding sexual harassment, and on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, recommended in its report that the Constitution should be amended so that the public service would be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the constitutional amendment in question was indeed approved by Parliament but procedural problems arose when the document was transmitted by Parliament to the Executive Authority which delayed its entry into force. The Committee also understands that this amendment was due to be published and would therefore have come into force in 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the status and content of the constitutional amendment adopted by Parliament, indicating whether the conditions concerning national extraction with regard to access to the public service have been repealed and specifying the conditions governing access to the public service.

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The Committee notes that the preliminary version of the new Labour Code is being currently drafted, with the technical assistance of the ILO. It hopes that it will be soon adopted and take into account the following comments.
The Committee further 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:
Anti-discrimination legislation. For a number of years the Committee has emphasized the fact that the existence of general provisions on equality is insufficient to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively (see the General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 854–855). The Committee notes that once again the Government refers to section 3 of the Labour Code, which provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and to section 50 of the Code, which states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Government also states that the adoption of explicit provisions is an idea to be taken into account in the revision of the Labour Code. Noting this indication, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made on the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that the new Labour Code includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, in all aspects of employment and occupation and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. Please also provide details of the measures taken in this respect.
Gender equality. Legislation. The Committee recalls that the Government planned to draft a Bill on gender equality in the context of the Strategic Plan for 2006–11 of the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the drafting of such a Bill is still planned and if so, the Committee hopes that it will include provisions aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and ensuring equality between men and women in respect of employment and occupation, including vocational training.
Domestic work. In its previous comment the Committee noted the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code so as to broaden the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by all the provisions laid down in sections 316 ff. of the Labour Code (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although Parliament has voted for this Act, it has not yet come into force since it has to be promulgated by the Executive Authority. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Domestic Work Act amending the Labour Code is promulgated in the near future. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to raise awareness of workers, employers and their organizations, as well as labour inspectors and judges of the rights of domestic workers pursuant to the new provisions of the Labour Code, and also to provide information on any complaints received by the competent authorities, and the results thereof.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the status of women in Haitian society is undergoing genuine change, especially as regards an ever increasing number of women holding political office and senior civil service posts. As regards the private sector, the Government adds that more and more women are heads of companies. The Committee further notes that a Bill on responsible paternity and a guide to legal assistance for women and girls who have been victims of violence have been drawn up. The Committee recalls that the implementation of a national equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which often consist of a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness raising (see General Survey, 2012, paragraph 848). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to implement a genuine policy for gender equality in employment and occupation, especially measures designed to improve women’s access to paid employment and self-employment, and to combat gender stereotypes and prejudice concerning their aspirations, abilities and suitability for certain jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, especially in rural areas, to encourage girls to attend and stay in school and to undertake vocational training, including in areas where boys traditionally predominate. Please also provide any available statistics to enable an evaluation of the situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, if possible according to economic sector and occupational category.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code does not contain any provisions concerning sexual harassment and that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) undertook to submit proposals to the Tripartite Committee on Consultation and Arbitration responsible for revising the Labour Code with a view to incorporating such provisions. The Government indicates that in the absence of legal provisions, the Labour Directorate of MAST, via the labour inspectorate, recommended company managers to include clauses on sexual harassment, including the relevant penalties, in company regulations and collective agreements. Noting the Government’s aim to combat this discriminatory practice, the Committee draws attention to its general observation of 2002, in which it underlines the importance of taking appropriate legal measures to prohibit both forms of sexual harassment: (1) any physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature or any other conduct based on sex affecting the dignity of women and men, which is unwelcome, unreasonable and offensive to the recipient, and the rejection of which is used explicitly or implicitly as a basis for a decision which affects that person’s job (quid pro quo); and (2) conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating working environment for the recipient (hostile work environment). Moreover, the Committee recalls that the range of practical measures adopted by governments to address sexual harassment includes telephone helplines, legal assistance or support units to assist victims of sexual harassment, structures mandated to institute administrative proceedings with regard to cases of sexual harassment, and training for the social partners and labour inspectors. Other examples include codes of conduct or guidelines applicable in both the private and public sectors, and a national policy on sexual harassment in the workplace developed in consultation with the tripartite social partners, establishing the employer’s responsibilities and a grievance procedure (General Survey, 2012, paragraphs 789–794). The Committee therefore again encourages the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. It requests the Government to consider formulating and implementing practical measures to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in employment and occupation in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also requests the Government to send information on action taken by employers further to recommendations by the labour inspectorate regarding sexual harassment, and on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, recommended in its report that the Constitution should be amended so that the public service would be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the constitutional amendment in question was indeed approved by Parliament but procedural problems arose when the document was transmitted by Parliament to the Executive Authority which delayed its entry into force. The Committee also understands that this amendment was due to be published and would therefore have come into force in 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the status and content of the constitutional amendment adopted by Parliament, indicating whether the conditions concerning national extraction with regard to access to the public service have been repealed and specifying the conditions governing access to the public service.

CMNT_TITLE

Anti-discrimination legislation. For a number of years the Committee has emphasized the fact that the existence of general provisions on equality is insufficient to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively (see the General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 854–855). The Committee notes that once again the Government refers to section 3 of the Labour Code, which provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, and to section 50 of the Code, which states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Government also states that the adoption of explicit provisions is an idea to be taken into account in the revision of the Labour Code. Noting this indication, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made on the revision of the Labour Code and to ensure that the new Labour Code includes provisions applicable to all workers defining and explicitly prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination, in all aspects of employment and occupation and covering at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. Please also provide details of the measures taken in this respect.
Gender equality. Legislation. The Committee recalls that the Government planned to draft a Bill on gender equality in the context of the Strategic Plan for 2006–11 of the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the drafting of such a Bill is still planned and if so, the Committee hopes that it will include provisions aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and ensuring equality between men and women in respect of employment and occupation, including vocational training.
Domestic work. In its previous comment the Committee noted the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code so as to broaden the rights of domestic workers, especially with regard to holidays and rest days, and to ensure that they are covered by all the provisions laid down in sections 316 ff. of the Labour Code (gender equality, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although Parliament has voted for this Act, it has not yet come into force since it has to be promulgated by the Executive Authority. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Domestic Work Act amending the Labour Code is promulgated in the near future. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to raise awareness of workers, employers and their organizations, as well as labour inspectors and judges of the rights of domestic workers pursuant to the new provisions of the Labour Code, and also to provide information on any complaints received by the competent authorities, and the results thereof.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the status of women in Haitian society is undergoing genuine change, especially as regards an ever increasing number of women holding political office and senior civil service posts. As regards the private sector, the Government adds that more and more women are heads of companies. The Committee further notes that a Bill on responsible paternity and a guide to legal assistance for women and girls who have been victims of violence have been drawn up. The Committee recalls that the implementation of a national equality policy presupposes the adoption of a range of specific measures, which often consist of a combination of legislative and administrative measures, collective agreements, public policies, affirmative action measures, dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms, specialized bodies, practical programmes and awareness raising (see General Survey, 2012, paragraph 848). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to implement a genuine policy for gender equality in employment and occupation, especially measures designed to improve women’s access to paid employment and self-employment, and to combat gender stereotypes and prejudice concerning their aspirations, abilities and suitability for certain jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken, especially in rural areas, to encourage girls to attend and stay in school and to undertake vocational training, including in areas where boys traditionally predominate. Please also provide any available statistics to enable an evaluation of the situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, if possible according to economic sector and occupational category.
Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that the Labour Code does not contain any provisions concerning sexual harassment and that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST) undertook to submit proposals to the Tripartite Committee on Consultation and Arbitration responsible for revising the Labour Code with a view to incorporating such provisions. The Government indicates that in the absence of legal provisions, the Labour Directorate of MAST, via the labour inspectorate, recommended company managers to include clauses on sexual harassment, including the relevant penalties, in company regulations and collective agreements. Noting the Government’s aim to combat this discriminatory practice, the Committee draws attention to its general observation of 2002, in which it underlines the importance of taking appropriate legal measures to prohibit both forms of sexual harassment: (1) any physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature or any other conduct based on sex affecting the dignity of women and men, which is unwelcome, unreasonable and offensive to the recipient, and the rejection of which is used explicitly or implicitly as a basis for a decision which affects that person’s job (quid pro quo); and (2) conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating working environment for the recipient (hostile work environment). Moreover, the Committee recalls that the range of practical measures adopted by governments to address sexual harassment includes telephone helplines, legal assistance or support units to assist victims of sexual harassment, structures mandated to institute administrative proceedings with regard to cases of sexual harassment, and training for the social partners and labour inspectors. Other examples include codes of conduct or guidelines applicable in both the private and public sectors, and a national policy on sexual harassment in the workplace developed in consultation with the tripartite social partners, establishing the employer’s responsibilities and a grievance procedure (General Survey, 2012, paragraphs 789–794). The Committee therefore again encourages the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. It requests the Government to consider formulating and implementing practical measures to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in employment and occupation in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also requests the Government to send information on action taken by employers further to recommendations by the labour inspectorate regarding sexual harassment, and on any complaints dealt with by the competent authorities.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, recommended in its report that the Constitution should be amended so that the public service would be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the constitutional amendment in question was indeed approved by Parliament but procedural problems arose when the document was transmitted by Parliament to the Executive Authority which delayed its entry into force. The Committee also understands that this amendment was due to be published and would therefore have come into force in 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the status and content of the constitutional amendment adopted by Parliament, indicating whether the conditions concerning national extraction with regard to access to the public service have been repealed and specifying the conditions governing access to the public service.

CMNT_TITLE

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:
Repetition
Equality between men and women. Legislation on domestic work. With reference to its comment on the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), the Committee notes the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code. The Act states that women domestic workers will be covered by all the provisions relating to women’s work laid down in section 316 ff. of the Labour Code, that is not only the provisions stating that women have the same rights and obligations as men under the labour legislation but also the provisions relating to maternity protection. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the application in practice of section 257 of the Labour Code and, in particular, its impact on equality of opportunity and treatment of women domestic workers.
Equality between men and women. Draft legislation. The Committee notes that the formulation and implementation of a gender equality policy constitute one of the objectives of the Strategic Plan of the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) for 2006–11. Noting that it is planned to draw up an Act on gender equality in the context of the Strategic Plan, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the progress of this draft Act, indicating whether it is planned to include provisions relating to equality between men and women in respect of employment and occupation.
Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government relating to financial assistance granted to families (July 2008–July 2009) with a view to improving their economic situation and enabling women to undertake on economic activity. It also notes that, according to the reports submitted by Haiti in 2008 under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW/C/HTI/7), women face greater problems than men in having access to paid work and consequently are more inclined to work on a self-employed basis, particularly in trade, where conditions of employment are precarious and income is unstable. Women form the majority of those in unskilled occupations (for example, subcontracting) and they account for only 43.9 per cent of workers in academic and scientific occupations, 36.5 per cent in the services sector and 32.3 per cent in public service. Moreover, women who are in formal employment, in both the public and private sectors, have very little chance of promotion and very few women occupy managerial posts. The Government emphasizes in its report that there is still a great deal of cultural reticence in this field. The Committee considers that the situation of women in the labour market remains a source of concern, particularly because of the problems they face in having access to paid work and the precarious situations to which they are exposed, and also the occupational segregation, in both horizontal and vertical terms, which they face. The Committee encourages the Government to pursue and step up its efforts to improve the economic situation of women with respect to access to independent economic activities and paid employment, and to combat gender-based stereotypes and prejudices, and requests it to continue to provide information on the action taken in this respect. It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to encourage and increase the participation of women in supervisory posts in the private sector and the public service. It also requests the Government to supply information on the implementation of the Strategic Plan (2006–11) implemented by the MCFDF.
Sexual harassment. In its previous comments the Committee noted the firm undertaking made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour to submit proposals to the Tripartite Consultation and Arbitration Board responsible for revising the Labour Code to incorporate provisions on sexual harassment in the present draft. It notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on the progress made in the work of the Tripartite Consultation and Arbitration Board. However, the Government indicates that, in the context of the follow-up to and the application of Acts HOPE I and HOPE II promoting the introduction of protective measures for women workers against all forms of violence against women in the workplace in the textile industry in Haiti, the general labour inspectorate recommends that enterprises include clauses on sexual harassment in their staff regulations and lay down related penalties. The Committee notes that, according to the reports submitted by Haiti in 2008 under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW/C/HTI/7), numerous women working in the export processing sector cite sexual harassment and abuse by their male superiors, but the victims hesitate to make complaints. By way of example, the report mentions the introduction of clauses against sexual harassment in the collective agreement applicable in the CODEVI (Industrial Development Company) free trade zone. While noting these initiatives, which constitute a step forward in the fight against sexual harassment at work, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the fact that they are insufficient for providing legal protection for all male and female workers against this discriminatory practice. The Committee therefore urges the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the legal assistance guide published by the MCFDF in April 2009 for women and girls who have been the victims of sexual assault covers the issue of sexual harassment at work, and if so, to send a copy of it. The Committee requests the Government to send information on the following:
  • (i) the provisions on sexual harassment included by enterprises in their staff regulations further to the recommendations of the labour inspectorate;
  • (ii) the collective agreements containing clauses on sexual harassment in the workplace, along the lines of the CODEVI collective agreement;
  • (iii) the measures taken to prevent and combat, in law and in practice, sexual harassment in both the private and public sectors;
  • (iv) any case of sexual harassment in the workplace dealt with by the labour inspectorate or the judicial authorities.
Equal access to training. The Committee notes the results of the survey on gender mainstreaming in vocational training for 2006–07, according to which almost 79 per cent of students who have taken a course of training with the National Training Institute are male. The Committee also notes that, in the context of the partnership with the National Vocational Training Institute via the coordination unit, a training programme for 30,000 young persons aims to place 30 per cent of young women in branches of employment where men have traditionally predominated. However, the Committee notes that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CEDAW/C/HTI/CO/7), expresses its concern at the high rate of illiteracy among women, especially in rural areas, at the major disparity in access to education in rural and urban areas, and also at the high drop-out rate for girls at various levels of education. Emphasizing the key role of vocational training with regard to access to employment, the Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to diversify and promote vocational training for young women. It requests the Government to supply information on the following:
  • (i) the implementation of the programme aiming to place 30 per cent of young women in branches of employment where men have traditionally predominated and on the specific results achieved in this context;
  • (ii) the participation of women and men in vocational training including, if possible, the respective proportions of men and women in the various areas of specialization;
  • (iii) any measure taken to combat practical obstacles with regard to the provision of education for girls.
Anti-discrimination legislation. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to supply information on the measures taken, in law and in practice, to prevent and prohibit discrimination based on political opinion. The Committee notes that the Government merely indicates that, since 2006, no case of political persecution has been recorded in Haiti. Referring more generally to the legal provisions for ensuring the protection of workers against discrimination, the Committee recalls that section 3 of the Labour Code provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, including any that may arise from the intellectual or manual nature of work, its form or remuneration, and the sex of the worker. Furthermore, section 50 of the Labour Code states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the legislative developments regarding the prohibition of discrimination pursuant to the Convention set out in its 2008 General Report (paragraphs 108–112). The Committee emphasized the fact that in many cases the existence of general provisions on equality has been insufficient in order to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively. The Committee therefore requests the Government to examine the possibility of adopting legal provisions applicable to all workers defining and prohibiting explicitly any form of direct or indirect discrimination, at all stages of employment, and covering, as a minimum, all the grounds of discrimination enumerated in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin.
National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to take the necessary measures to bring its legislation into conformity with the principles of the Convention and accordingly abolish the provisions reserving access to public service posts for Haitians of Haitian parentage. The Committee notes that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, finalized its report last July and that the report recommends in particular that the public service should be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. Noting that it is for the Head of State to bring the GTC proposals for amendments to the Constitution officially before Parliament, the Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the progress made on the revision process under way and on any measures taken in practice for eliminating discrimination based on national extraction in connection with access to the public service.

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Equality between men and women. Legislation on domestic work. With reference to its comment on the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), the Committee notes with interest the adoption in May 2009 of the Domestic Work Act, which amends section 257 of the Labour Code. The Act states that women domestic workers will be covered by all the provisions relating to women’s work laid down in section 316 ff. of the Labour Code, that is not only the provisions stating that women have the same rights and obligations as men under the labour legislation but also the provisions relating to maternity protection. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the application in practice of section 257 of the Labour Code and, in particular, its impact on equality of opportunity and treatment of women domestic workers.

Equality between men and women. Draft legislation. The Committee notes that the formulation and implementation of a gender equality policy constitute one of the objectives of the Strategic Plan of the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) for 2006–11. Noting that it is planned to draw up an Act on gender equality in the context of the Strategic Plan, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the progress of this draft Act, indicating whether it is planned to include provisions relating to equality between men and women in respect of employment and occupation.

Article 2 of the Convention. Gender equality policy. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government relating to financial assistance granted to families (July 2008–July 2009) with a view to improving their economic situation and enabling women to undertake on economic activity. It also notes that, according to the reports submitted by Haiti in 2008 under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW/C/HTI/7), women face greater problems than men in having access to paid work and consequently are more inclined to work on a self-employed basis, particularly in trade, where conditions of employment are precarious and income is unstable. Women form the majority of those in unskilled occupations (for example, sub-contracting) and they account for only 43.9 per cent of workers in academic and scientific occupations, 36.5 per cent in the services sector and 32.3 per cent in public service. Moreover, women who are in formal employment, in both the public and private sectors, have very little chance of promotion and very few women occupy managerial posts. The Government emphasizes in its report that there is still a great deal of cultural reticence in this field. The Committee considers that the situation of women in the labour market remains a source of concern, particularly because of the problems they face in having access to paid work and the precarious situations to which they are exposed, and also the occupational segregation, in both horizontal and vertical terms, which they face. The Committee encourages the Government to pursue and step up its efforts to improve the economic situation of women with respect to access to independent economic activities and paid employment, and to combat gender-based stereotypes and prejudices, and requests it to continue to provide information on the action taken in this respect. It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to encourage and increase the participation of women in supervisory posts in the private sector and the public service. It also requests the Government to supply information on the implementation of the Strategic Plan (2006–11) implemented by the MCFDF.

Sexual harassment. In its previous comments the Committee noted the firm undertaking made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour to submit proposals to the Tripartite Consultation and Arbitration Board responsible for revising the Labour Code to incorporate provisions on sexual harassment in the present draft. It notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on the progress made in the work of the Tripartite Consultation and Arbitration Board. However, the Government indicates that, in the context of the follow-up to and the application of Acts HOPE I and HOPE II promoting the introduction of protective measures for women workers against all forms of violence against women in the workplace in the textile industry in Haiti, the general labour inspectorate recommends that enterprises include clauses on sexual harassment in their staff regulations and lay down related penalties. The Committee notes that, according to the reports submitted by Haiti in 2008 under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW/C/HTI/7), numerous women working in the export processing sector cite sexual harassment and abuse by their male superiors, but the victims hesitate to make complaints. By way of example, the report mentions the introduction of clauses against sexual harassment in the collective agreement applicable in the CODEVI (Industrial Development Company) free trade zone. While noting these initiatives, which constitute a step forward in the fight against sexual harassment at work, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the fact that they are insufficient for providing legal protection for all male and female workers against this discriminatory practice. The Committee therefore urges the Government to include in the labour legislation provisions which define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment, and to make provision for adequate means of recourse and penalties. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the legal assistance guide published by the MCFDF in April 2009 for women and girls who have been the victims of sexual assault covers the issue of sexual harassment at work, and if so, to send a copy of it. The Committee requests the Government to send information on the following:

(i)              the provisions on sexual harassment included by enterprises in their staff regulations further to the recommendations of the labour inspectorate;

(ii)            the collective agreements containing clauses on sexual harassment in the workplace, along the lines of the CODEVI collective agreement;

(iii)         the measures taken to prevent and combat, in law and in practice, sexual harassment in both the private and public sectors;

(iv)           any case of sexual harassment in the workplace dealt with by the labour inspectorate or the judicial authorities.

Equal access to training. The Committee notes the results of the survey on gender mainstreaming in vocational training for 2006–07, according to which almost 79 per cent of students who have taken a course of training with the National Training Institute are male. The Committee also notes that, in the context of the partnership with the National Vocational Training Institute via the coordination unit, a training programme for 30,000 young persons aims to place 30 per cent of young women in branches of employment where men have traditionally predominated. However, the Committee notes that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CEDAW/C/HTI/CO/7), expresses its concern at the high rate of illiteracy among women, especially in rural areas, at the major disparity in access to education in rural and urban areas, and also at the high drop-out rate for girls at various levels of education. Emphasizing the key role of vocational training with regard to access to employment, the Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to diversify and promote vocational training for young women. It requests the Government to supply information on the following:

(i)                the implementation of the programme aiming to place 30 per cent of young women in branches of employment where men have traditionally predominated and on the specific results achieved in this context;

(ii)              the participation of women and men in vocational training including, if possible, the respective proportions of men and women in the various areas of specialization;

(iii)           any measure taken to combat practical obstacles with regard to the provision of education for girls.

Anti-discrimination legislation. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to supply information on the measures taken, in law and in practice, to prevent and prohibit discrimination based on political opinion. The Committee notes that the Government merely indicates that, since 2006, no case of political persecution has been recorded in Haiti. Referring more generally to the legal provisions for ensuring the protection of workers against discrimination, the Committee recalls that section 3 of the Labour Code provides for the equality of all workers before the law and for the abolition of any form of discrimination, including any that may arise from the intellectual or manual nature of work, its form or remuneration, and the sex of the worker. Furthermore, section 50 of the Labour Code states that any termination of an employment contract on the basis of the worker’s opinions, union or religious activities, membership of an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sporting association, or sex or race, shall be deemed to constitute wrongful dismissal. The Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the legislative developments regarding the prohibition of discrimination pursuant to the Convention set out in its 2008 General Report (paragraphs 108–112). The Committee emphasized the fact that in many cases the existence of general provisions on equality has been insufficient in order to address specific situations of discrimination in employment and occupation and that, given the persistence of certain types of discrimination, in most cases comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is needed to apply the Convention effectively. The Committee therefore requests the Government to examine the possibility of adopting legal provisions applicable to all workers defining and prohibiting explicitly any form of direct or indirect discrimination, at all stages of employment, and covering, as a minimum, all the grounds of discrimination enumerated in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin.

National extraction and access to the public service. In its previous comments the Committee asked the Government to take the necessary measures to bring its legislation into conformity with the principles of the Convention and accordingly abolish the provisions reserving access to public service posts for Haitians of Haitian parentage. The Committee notes that the Working Party on the Constitution (GTC), which was set up in February 2009, finalized its report last July and that the report recommends in particular that the public service should be accessible to any Haitian, subject to conditions of eligibility and access laid down by the Constitution and by law. Noting that it is for the Head of State to bring the GTC proposals for amendments to the Constitution officially before Parliament, the Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the progress made on the revision process under way and on any measures taken in practice for eliminating discrimination based on national extraction in connection with access to the public service.

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1. Equality between men and women. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour regularly grants subsidies to women in economic difficulties so that they may set up or consolidate their businesses. The Committee notes that the Government is not currently able to provide information on the impact of this programme and that it promises to provide precise information on this matter in its next report. The Committee also notes that the Government has not provided any information on measures taken to increase the number of women in positions of authority. The Committee hopes that the Government will do its utmost to provide in its next report information on the impact of the programme conducted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour to promote women’s businesses in rural and urban areas. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken, including by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Women’s Service of the General Directorate of Labour and Manpower, to improve the economic status of women. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to encourage and increase the presence of women in positions of authority in the public and private sectors.

2. Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls its previous comments on the information provided by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), according to which sexual harassment frequently occurs in export processing zones. The Committee notes that the Government states that it is aware of isolated cases of sexual harassment in the export sector. It also notes that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour firmly undertakes to make proposals to the Tripartite Conciliation and Arbitration Board responsible for the redrafting of the Labour Code, with a view to this Board including provisions on sexual harassment in its work. The Committee hopes that the new provisions will define and prohibit both quid pro quo sexual harassment and harassment in the form of a hostile working environment. The Committee refers the Government to its 2002 general observation, so that it may take the necessary measures to ensure effective protection, in law and practice, against this form of discrimination. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the work of the Tripartite Conciliation and Arbitration Board in respect of sexual harassment. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to indicate in its next report, the measures taken in law and practice to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace, in particular in export processing zones.

3. Equal access to training. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report on the application of the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), the Ministry of National Education and Occupational Training, through the National Occupational Training Institute, has set up an office called the Coordination Unit for the Vocational Training Programme Aimed at the Training of Young Persons. The Committee hopes that in its next report the Government will be able to provide precise information on the young people who receive training and on the impact of this programme on the improvement of access to vocational training for young women.

4. Political opinion. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, the information provided by the Trade Union Confederation of Haiti on cases of discrimination on the grounds of political opinion is no longer up to date. The Committee notes the Government’s statement to the effect that it avoids any discrimination on the grounds of political opinion. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken, in law and practice, to prevent and prohibit discrimination on the ground of political opinion. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to indicate how effect is given to Article 4 of the Convention concerning the right to appeal of persons suspected of activities prejudicial to the security of the State. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on any court decisions relating to this matter.

5. National extraction. The Committee notes that the Government is examining the legitimacy of constitutional provisions under which access to public service posts is reserved for Haitians whose mother and father are also Haitian. The Committee notes that according to the Government, the President of the Republic has consulted the social partners and that a discussion group on problems relating to the Constitution has been set up at the trade union sectoral level. The Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to bring its legislation into line with the principles set forth in the Convention, so as to eliminate any discriminatory provisions relating to access to public employment. The Committee asks the Government to continue to keep it informed of the measures taken, in law and practice, to eliminate discrimination on the ground of national extraction in access to the public service.

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The Committee notes the Government’s report in which it underlines the importance and relevance of the Convention to the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation in Haiti. It notes the Government’s statement that it remains committed to declaring and pursuing a national policy to promote equality of opportunity and treatment and to undertaking efforts to implement the Convention, and that it will communicate in future reports information on the measures taken to apply the Convention. The Committee also takes due note of the difficulties the country may at present be confronted with in implementing the provisions of the Convention and hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to provide information on the matters raised below.

1. Equality between men and women. The Committee notes the communication dated 24 May 2002 of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), stating that the majority of poor urban women have no employment opportunities other than domestic service or market sales. In the formal public and private sectors, women have few opportunities for advancement and women’s employment in higher level positions remains an exception. In its previous comments, the Committee had taken note of the Government’s intention to encourage women’s participation in vocational training projects and projects to promote small trades in urban and rural areas. The Committee requests the Government to provide: (1) an indication in its next report of the number of women that have participated in these projects and the impact on their employment opportunities; and (2) any other information on the measures taken, including by the Women’s Service of the General Directorate of Labour and Manpower and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, to improve the economic status of women, including their advancement into higher level positions.

2. Sexual harassment. The Committee notes the information provided by the ICFTU that sexual harassment frequently occurs in the export assembly sector. The Committee refers to its 2002 general observation on this issue and requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace, especially in the export assembly sector.

3. Political opinion. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that in its communication, dated 26 August 2002, the Trade Union Federation of Haiti (CHS) states that discrimination on the basis of political opinion still prevails in Haiti and that no measures are being taken to address it. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to indicate in its next report the measures taken to ban discrimination based on political opinion and how effect is given to Article 4 of the Convention concerning the right to appeal of persons suspected of activities prejudicial to the security of the State.

4. National extraction. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain a reply to its previous comments regarding the reservation of certain functions under the Constitution and the Public Service Act to Haitians of Haitian parentage. It recalls that discrimination on the basis of national extraction is contrary to the Convention and encourages the Government to take the necessary measures to bring its legislation in line with Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report that under the Constitution and the Public Service Act certain functions are reserved for Haitians both of a Haitian mother and father to enable them to benefit from the privileges that attach to these functions, and also to ensure safety and minimize any risks. The Committee notes that the report contains no reply to its previous comments, which requested an explanation of which functions are reserved for Haitians of Haitian parentage. The Committee observes that any discrimination based on national extraction is contrary to the Convention and accordingly encourages the Government to take the necessary measures to bring its legislation into line with Article 1 of the Convention, and to provide copies of the legislative provisions adopted for the purpose.

2. The Committee notes the projects to improve vocational training, the project to promote small trades in urban and rural areas and the project to support small tradeswomen, as well as the Government’s intention to encourage women to participate in these projects. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information in this regard, and in particular on the manner in which the objective of women’s participation is pursued.

3. The Committee notes the job creation plan and asks the Government to indicate how equal access to the jobs created is ensured. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by the government bodies responsible for the advancement of women, such as the Women’s Service of the General Directorate of Labour and Manpower, with a view to promoting equal opportunities and treatment for women in employment and occupation and to eliminate all discrimination based on sex.

4. The Committee notes the information on the regulatory framework for state security. It asks the Government to indicate how discrimination based on political opinion is banned, and how effect is given to Article 4 of the Convention concerning the right of appeal of persons suspected of activities prejudicial to the security of the State.

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The Committee takes note of the comments of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), dated 24 May 2002, and of the Coordination Syndicale Haïtienne (CSH), dated 26 August 2002, which contain information concerning discrimination on the grounds of sex and political opinion, respectively. Both comments have been forwarded to the Government and the Committee will address them, together with any comments the Government may wish to make thereon, at its next session.

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

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

        1. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report that under the Constitution and the Public Service Act certain functions are reserved for Haitians both of a Haitian mother and father to enable them to benefit from the privileges that attach to these functions, and also to ensure safety and minimize any risks. The Committee notes that the report contains no reply to its previous comments, which requested an explanation of which functions are reserved for Haitians of Haitian parentage. The Committee observes that any discrimination based on national extraction is contrary to the Convention and accordingly encourages the Government to take the necessary measures to bring its legislation into line with Article 1 of the Convention, and to provide copies of the legislative provisions adopted for the purpose.

        2. The Committee notes the projects to improve vocational training, the project to promote small trades in urban and rural areas and the project to support small tradeswomen, as well as the Government’s intention to encourage women to participate in these projects. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information in this regard, and in particular on the manner in which the objective of women’s participation is pursued.

        3. The Committee notes the job creation plan and asks the Government to indicate how equal access to the jobs created is ensured. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by the government bodies responsible for the advancement of women, such as the Women’s Service of the General Directorate of Labour and Manpower, with a view to promoting equal opportunities and treatment for women in employment and occupation and to eliminate all discrimination based on sex.

        4. The Committee notes the information on the regulatory framework for state security. It asks the Government to indicate how discrimination based on political opinion is banned, and how effect is given to Article 4 of the Convention concerning the right of appeal of persons suspected of activities prejudicial to the security of the State.

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The Committee takes note of the information contained in the Government’s report.

1.  The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report that under the Constitution and the Public Service Act certain functions are reserved for Haitians both of a Haitian mother and father to enable them to benefit from the privileges that attach to these functions, and also to ensure safety and minimize any risks. The Committee notes that the report contains no reply to its previous comments, which requested an explanation of which functions are reserved for Haitians of Haitian parentage. The Committee observes that any discrimination based on national extraction is contrary to the Convention and accordingly encourages the Government to take the necessary measures to bring its legislation into line with Article 1 of the Convention, and to provide copies of the legislative provisions adopted for the purpose.

2.  The Committee notes the projects to improve vocational training, the project to promote small trades in urban and rural areas and the project to support small tradeswomen, as well as the Government’s intention to encourage women to participate in these projects. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information in this regard, and in particular on the manner in which the objective of women’s participation is pursued.

3.  The Committee notes the job creation plan and asks the Government to indicate how equal access to the jobs created is ensured. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by the government bodies responsible for the advancement of women, such as the Women’s Service of the General Directorate of Labour and Manpower, with a view to promoting equal opportunities and treatment for women in employment and occupation and to eliminate all discrimination based on sex.

4.  The Committee notes the information on the regulatory framework for state security. It asks the Government to indicate how discrimination based on political opinion is banned, and how effect is given to Article 4 of the Convention concerning the right of appeal of persons suspected of activities prejudicial to the security of the State.

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Noting that the Government's report for 1999 is identical to the preceding report and that it does not respond to any of the points raised in its previous comments, the Committee is compelled to reiterate the following points set forth in its earlier direct request.

1. The Committee notes the statement in the Government's report that, while recognizing that all information may not have been included in the report due to non-availability of such information and the political situation in the country, one important aspect of the report is that it shows the will of the State with regard to taking measures to implement the provisions of the Convention. Noting, furthermore, the Government's statement that implementation of the Convention would require, inter alia, political will and motivation, a sense of responsibility and a spirit of commitment, administrative follow-up, and, in a large manner, financial and technical assistance of the competent international organizations, the Committee would like to remind the Government that the Office remains at its disposal, if requested, to provide technical assistance in the fields of labour statistics, labour administration and labour law to assist in implementing the provisions of the Convention.

2. The Committee recalls that in its previous comments it referred to article 12(2) of the 1987 Constitution and requested information on the public services reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction, excluding Haitians by naturalization; it also asked for the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service. In this respect, the Committee notes that the Government contemplates taking legislative and administrative measures to ensure access to employment in the public service without discrimination. The Committee requests the Government to inform it of the measures taken to give effect to this intention and to send it the information requested in regard to the public services reserved to Haitians of Haitian extraction.

3. The Committee notes that the Government also envisages taking appropriate measures to provide occupational training for young people, particularly women. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would send information on measures of this sort which have been taken, and their results. It also repeats its request to the Government to provide full information, including studies and statistics, relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, and information on the activities carried out by the government bodies responsible for the promotion of women, for example, the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate-General of Labour and Manpower, to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women in regard to employment and occupation and to eliminate any form of discrimination based on sex.

4. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security.

5. The Committee hopes that the Government will submit the information requested in its next report.

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1. The Committee notes the statement in the Government's report that, while recognizing that all information may not have been included in the report due to non-availability of such information and the political situation in the country, one important aspect of the report is that it shows the will of the State with regard to taking measures to implement the provisions of the Convention. Noting, furthermore, the Government's statement that implementation of the Convention would require, inter alia, political will and motivation, a sense of responsibility and a spirit of commitment, administrative follow-up, and, in a large manner, financial and technical assistance of the competent international organizations, the Committee would like to remind the Government that the Office remains at its disposal, if requested, to provide technical assistance in the fields of labour statistics, labour administration and labour law to assist in implementing the provisions of the Convention.

2. The Committee however notes that the report does not contain information with regard to the specific matters raised in its previous direct request. 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:

-- The Committee recalls that in its previous comments it referred to article 12(2) of the 1987 Constitution and requested information on the public services reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction, excluding Haitians by naturalization; it also asked for the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service. In this respect, the Committee notes that the Government contemplates taking legislative and administrative measures to ensure access to employment in the public service without discrimination. The Committee requests the Government to inform it of the measures taken to give effect to this intention and to send it the information requested in regard to the public services reserved to Haitians of Haitian extraction.

-- The Committee notes that the Government also envisages taking appropriate measures to provide occupational training for young people, particularly women. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would send information on measures of this sort which have been taken, and their results. It also repeats its request to the Government to provide full information, including studies and statistics, relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, and information on the activities carried out by the government bodies responsible for the promotion of women, for example, the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate-General of Labour and Manpower, to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women in regard to employment and occupation and to eliminate any form of discrimination based on sex.

-- The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security, which were mentioned as being attached to the report but have not been received.

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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 recalls that in its previous comments it referred to article 12(2) of the 1987 Constitution and requested information on the public services reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction, excluding Haitians by naturalization; it also asked for the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service. In this respect, the Committee notes that the Government contemplates taking legislative and administrative measures to ensure access to employment in the public service without discrimination. The Committee requests the Government to inform it of the measures taken to give effect to this intention and to send it the information requested in regard to the public services reserved to Haitians of Haitian extraction.

2. The Committee notes that the Government also envisages taking appropriate measures to provide occupational training for young people, particularly women. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would send information on measures of this sort which have been taken, and their results. It also repeats its request to the Government to provide full information, including studies and statistics, relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, and information on the activities carried out by the government bodies responsible for the promotion of women, for example, the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate-General of Labour and Manpower, to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women in regard to employment and occupation and to eliminate any form of discrimination based on sex.

3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security, which were mentioned as being attached to the report but have not been received.

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With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report.

1. The Committee recalls that in its previous comments it referred to article 12(2) of the 1987 Constitution and requested information on the public services reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction, excluding Haitians by naturalization; it also asked for the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service. In this respect, the Committee notes that the Government contemplates taking legislative and administrative measures to ensure access to employment in the public service without discrimination. The Committee requests the Government to inform it of the measures taken to give effect to this intention and to send it the information requested in regard to the public services reserved to Haitians of Haitian extraction.

2. The Committee notes that the Government also envisages taking appropriate measures to provide occupational training for young people, particularly women. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would send information on measures of this sort which have been taken, and their results. It also repeats its request to the Government to provide full information, including studies and statistics, relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, and information on the activities carried out by the government bodies responsible for the promotion of women, for example, the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate-General of Labour and Manpower, to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women in regard to employment and occupation and to eliminate any form of discrimination based on sex.

3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security, which were mentioned as being attached to the report but have not been received.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes that, under article 12(2) of the Constitution, certain public services are reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on such services and to forward the texts of the relevant provisions of the law. It also asks the Government to supply the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service.

2. The Committee asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution which place on the State the obligation to guarantee equal access to education. It notes the indications contained in the Government's report to the effect that, owing to economic constraints, education for all can only be envisaged as a prospect for the future. It also notes that articles 32 and 32(1) to 32(7) of the Constitution place on the State the obligation to ensure the provision of schooling, and guarantee equal access to higher education. The Committee has pointed out in paragraphs 77 and 78 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation that training is of paramount importance in that it determines the actual possibilities of gaining access to employment and occupations, and that this term should not be interpreted in a narrow sense. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted or under consideration to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution and to report on progress made in ensuring equal access to education and training.

3. The Committee noted previously that section 3 of the Labour Code brought up to date in 1984 abolishes all discrimination and in particular any that might derive from the intellectual or manual nature of the work, the manner in which it is paid and the sex of the worker, and that section 50 of the Code declares any breach of a contract of employment which is motivated by the employees' opinions, trade union or religious activities, membership in an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sports association, to be an abuse. The Committee asked the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure the application of the principle of non-discrimination in access to employment. The Committee notes the Government's statement that no cases of discrimination have yet been recorded, but studies will be envisaged should any such cases arise. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the application, in practice, of the above-mentioned sections of the Labour Code, including any judicial decisions. It also asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to guarantee equality of opportunity and treatment in access to employment and occupation.

4. The Committee notes with interest that, by virtue of article 35(2) of the Constitution, the State guarantees equality of working and wage conditions to workers, irrespective of sex, creed, opinion and marital status. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or under consideration to give effect to this article of the Constitution.

5. The Committee again asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate General of Labour and Manpower, on the programmes prepared by this Branch to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women, and to provide full information, including studies and statistics relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, access to employment and terms and conditions of employment.

6. With regard to violations of national security, the Committee notes that the provisions of the Penal Code forwarded by the Government are not relevant to this matter. It therefore once again asks the Government to provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes that, under article 12(2) of the Constitution, certain public services are reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on such services and to forward the texts of the relevant provisions of the law. It also asks the Government to supply the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service.

2. The Committee asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution which place on the State the obligation to guarantee equal access to education. It notes the indications contained in the Government's report to the effect that, owing to economic constraints, education for all can only be envisaged as a prospect for the future. It also notes that articles 32 and 32(1) to 32(7) of the Constitution place on the State the obligation to ensure the provision of schooling, and guarantee equal access to higher education. The Committee has pointed out in paragraphs 77 and 78 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation that training is of paramount importance in that it determines the actual possibilities of gaining access to employment and occupations, and that this term should not be interpreted in a narrow sense. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted or under consideration to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution and to report on progress made in ensuring equal access to education and training.

3. The Committee noted previously that section 3 of the Labour Code brought up to date in 1984 abolishes all discrimination and in particular any that might derive from the intellectual or manual nature of the work, the manner in which it is paid and the sex of the worker, and that section 50 of the Code declares any breach of a contract of employment which is motivated by the employees' opinions, trade union or religious activities, membership in an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sports association, to be an abuse. The Committee asked the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure the application of the principle of non-discrimination in access to employment. The Committee notes the Government's statement that no cases of discrimination have yet been recorded, but studies will be envisaged should any such cases arise. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the application, in practice, of the above-mentioned sections of the Labour Code, including any judicial decisions. It also asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to guarantee equality of opportunity and treatment in access to employment and occupation.

4. The Committee notes with interest that, by virtue of article 35(2) of the Constitution, the State guarantees equality of working and wage conditions to workers, irrespective of sex, creed, opinion and marital status. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or under consideration to give effect to this article of the Constitution.

5. The Committee again asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate General of Labour and Manpower, on the programmes prepared by this Branch to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women, and to provide full information, including studies and statistics relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, access to employment and conditions of employment.

6. With regard to violations of national security, the Committee notes that the provisions of the Penal Code forwarded by the Government are not relevant to this matter. It therefore once again asks the Government to provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security.

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With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes the Government's very brief report which merely indicates that the Government is unable at present to provide information concerning, inter alia, this Convention and that it will undertake to conduct an exhaustive inquiry into working conditions in general which will take account of the provisions of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to provide full information in its next report on the points raised in the previous direct request which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes that, under article 12(2) of the Constitution, certain public services are reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on such services and to forward the texts of the relevant provisions of the law. It also asks the Government to supply the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service.

2. The Committee asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution which place on the State the obligation to guarantee equal access to education. It notes the indications contained in the Government's report to the effect that, owing to economic constraints, education for all can only be envisaged as a prospect for the future. It also notes that articles 32 and 32(1) to 32(7) of the Constitution place on the State the obligation to ensure the provision of schooling, and guarantee equal access to higher education. The Committee has pointed out in paragraphs 77 and 78 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation that training is of paramount importance in that it determines the actual possibilities of gaining access to employment and occupations, and that this term should not be interpreted in a narrow sense. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted or under consideration to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution and to report on progress made in ensuring equal access to education and training.

3. The Committee noted previously that section 3 of the Labour Code brought up to date in 1984 abolishes all discrimination and in particular any that might derive from the intellectual or manual nature of the work, the manner in which it is paid and the sex of the worker, and that section 50 of the Code declares any breach of a contract of employment which is motivated by the employees' opinions, trade union or religious activities, membership in an authorized social, literary, political, artistic or sports association, to be an abuse. The Committee asked the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure the application of the principle of non-discrimination in access to employment. The Committee notes the Government's statement that no cases of discrimination have yet been recorded, but studies will be envisaged should any such cases arise. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the application, in practice, of the above-mentioned sections of the Labour Code, including any judicial decisions. It also asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to guarantee equality of opportunity and treatment in access to employment and occupation.

4. The Committee notes with interest that, by virtue of article 35(2) of the Constitution, the State guarantees equality of working and wage conditions to workers, irrespective of sex, creed, opinion and marital status. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or under consideration to give effect to this article of the Constitution.

5. The Committee again asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate General of Labour and Manpower, on the programmes prepared by this Branch to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women, and to provide full information, including studies and statistics relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, access to employment and conditions of employment.

6. With regard to violations of national security, the Committee notes that the provisions of the Penal Code forwarded by the Government are not relevant to this matter. It therefore once again asks the Government to provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security.

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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:

The Committee notes the adoption of the Constitution of 10 March 1987.

1. The Committee notes that under article 12(2) of the Constitution certain public services are reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on such services and to forward the texts of the relevant provisions of the law. It also asks the Government to supply the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service.

2. The Committee asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution which place on the State the obligation to guarantee equal access to education. It notes the indications contained in the Government's report to the effect that, owing to economic constraints, education for all can only be envisaged as a prospect for the future. It also notes that articles 32 and 32(1) to 32(7) of the Constitution place on the State the obligation to ensure the provision of schooling, and guarantee equal access to higher education. The Committee has pointed out in paragraphs 77 and 78 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation that training is of paramount importance in that it determines the actual possibilities of gaining access to employment and occupations, and that this term should not be interpreted in a narrow sense. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted or under consideration to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution and to report on progress made in ensuring equal access to education and training.

3. The Committee noted previously that section 3 of the Labour Code brought up to date in 1984 abolishes all discrimination and in particular any that might derive from the intellectual or manual nature of the work, the manner in which it is paid and the sex of the worker, and that section 50 of the Code declares any breach of a contract of employment which is motivated by the employees' opinions, trade union or religious activities, membership in an authorised social, literary, political, artistic or sports association, to be an abuse. The Committee asked the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure the application of the principle of non-discrimination in access to employment. The Committee notes the Government's statement that no cases of discrimination have yet been recorded, but studies will be envisaged should any such cases arise. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the application, in practice, of the above-mentioned sections of the Labour Code, including any judicial decisions. It also asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to guarantee equality of opportunity and treatment in access to employment and occupation.

4. The Committee notes with interest that, by virtue of article 35(2) of the Constitution, the State guarantees equality of working and wage conditions to workers, irrespective of sex, creed, opinion and marital status. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or under consideration to give effect to this section of the Constitution.

5. With reference to its previous request, the Committee again asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate General of Labour and Manpower, on the programmes prepared by this Branch to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women, and to provide full information, including studies and statistics relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, access to employment and conditions of employment.

6. With reference to point 5 of its previous request, the Committee notes that the provisions of the Penal Code forwarded by the Government are not relevant to its request. It therefore once again asks the Government to provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security.

CMNT_TITLE

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:

The Committee notes the adoption of the Constitution of 10 March 1987.

1. The Committee notes that under article 12(2) of the Constitution certain public services are reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on such services and to forward the texts of the relevant provisions of the law. It also asks the Government to supply the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service.

2. The Committee asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution which place on the State the obligation to guarantee equal access to education. It notes the indications contained in the Government's report to the effect that, owing to economic constraints, education for all can only be envisaged as a prospect for the future. It also notes that articles 32 and 32(1) to 32(7) of the Constitution place on the State the obligation to ensure the provision of schooling, and guarantee equal access to higher education. The Committee has pointed out in paragraphs 77 and 78 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation that training is of paramount importance in that it determines the actual possibilities of gaining access to employment and occupations, and that this term should not be interpreted in a narrow sense. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted or under consideration to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution and to report on progress made in ensuring equal access to education and training.

3. The Committee noted previously that section 3 of the Labour Code brought up to date in 1984 abolishes all discrimination and in particular any that might derive from the intellectual or manual nature of the work, the manner in which it is paid and the sex of the worker, and that section 50 of the Code declares any breach of a contract of employment which is motivated by the employees' opinions, trade union or religious activities, membership in an authorised social, literary, political, artistic or sports association, to be an abuse. The Committee asked the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure the application of the principle of non-discrimination in access to employment. The Committee notes the Government's statement that no cases of discrimination have yet been recorded, but studies will be envisaged should any such cases arise. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the application, in practice, of the above-mentioned sections of the Labour Code, including any judicial decisions. It also asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to guarantee equality of opportunity and treatment in access to employment and occupation.

4. The Committee notes with interest that, by virtue of article 35(2) of the Constitution, the State guarantees equality of working and wage conditions to workers, irrespective of sex, creed, opinion and marital status. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or under consideration to give effect to this section of the Constitution.

5. With reference to its previous request, the Committee again asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate General of Labour and Manpower, on the programmes prepared by this Branch to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women, and to provide full information, including studies and statistics relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, access to employment and conditions of employment.

6. With reference to point 5 of its previous request, the Committee notes that the provisions of the Penal Code forwarded by the Government are not relevant to its request. It therefore once again asks the Government to provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security.

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The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report. It also notes the adoption of the Constitution of 10 March 1987.

1. The Committee notes that under article 12(2) of the Constitution certain public services are reserved by the Constitution and the law for Haitian nationals of Haitian extraction. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on such services and to forward the texts of the relevant provisions of the law. It also asks the Government to supply the most recent texts governing recruitment in the public service.

2. The Committee asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution which place on the State the obligation to guarantee equal access to education. It notes the indications contained in the Government's report to the effect that, owing to economic constraints, education for all can only be envisaged as a prospect for the future. It also notes that articles 32 and 32(1) to 32(7) of the Constitution place on the State the obligation to ensure the provision of schooling, and guarantee equal access to higher education. The Committee has pointed out in paragraphs 77 and 78 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation that training is of paramount importance in that it determines the actual possibilities of gaining access to employment and occupations, and that this term should not be interpreted in a narrow sense. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted or under consideration to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution and to report on progress made in ensuring equal access to education and training.

3. The Committee noted previously that section 3 of the Labour Code brought up to date in 1984 abolishes all discrimination and in particular any that might derive from the intellectual or manual nature of the work, the manner in which it is paid and the sex of the worker, and that section 50 of the Code declares any breach of a contract of employment which is motivated by the employees' opinions, trade union or religious activities, membership in an authorised social, literary, political, artistic or sports association, to be an abuse. The Committee asked the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure the application of the principle of non-discrimination in access to employment. The Committee notes the Government's statement that no cases of discrimination have yet been recorded, but studies will be envisaged should any such cases arise. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the application, in practice, of the above-mentioned sections of the Labour Code, including any judicial decisions. It also asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to guarantee equality of opportunity and treatment in access to employment and occupation.

4. The Committee notes with interest that, by virtue of article 35(2) of the Constitution, the State guarantees equality of working and wage conditions to workers, irrespective of sex, creed, opinion and marital status. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or under consideration to give effect to this section of the Constitution.

5. With reference to its previous request, the Committee again asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the Women's Branch attached to the Directorate General of Labour and Manpower, on the programmes prepared by this Branch to promote the application of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of women, and to provide full information, including studies and statistics relating to the situation of women in respect of vocational training, access to employment and conditions of employment.

6. With reference to point 5 of its previous request, the Committee notes that the provisions of the Penal Code forwarded by the Government are not relevant to its request. It therefore once again asks the Government to provide copies of any laws or regulations concerning violations of national security.

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