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

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Belarus (Ratification: 1961)

The Committee refers the Government to its comments concerning the USSR. It would also draw attention to the following points.

1. The Committee notes that pursuant to the Order on the Introduction into Force of the Fundamental Principles Law of the USSR and Union Republics on Employment of Population of USSR of 15 January 1991, the Republics are to adapt their legislation to the provisions of the Fundamental Principles Law. It would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the measures taken or contemplated to adapt the legislation of the Byelorussian SSR accordingly. In this connection, the Committee would point out that article 32 of the Constitution of the Byelorussian SSR, which provides for equality before the law without distinction based on particular grounds does not refer to political opinion; nor do other provisions relating to equality of opportunity and treatment such as section 16 of the Labour Code of the Byelorussian SSR, while section 4 of the Fundamental Principles Law, concerning equality of opportunity, also covers "political conviction".

2. (i) With reference to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide, to the extent available, specific information and statistics on the relative proportion of men and women at various levels of responsibility, including managerial positions and other levels of decision-making authority, in different sectors of activity.

(ii) The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the policies, programmes or other measures taken or pursued with a view to promoting equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in employment and occupation, in regard to access to training; access to and security of employment; and terms and conditions of employment, particularly in the light of the adjustments which are taking place in the economy of Byelorussia.

3. The Committee reiterates its request for information on the policies and programmes now pursued with a view to promoting equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation irrespective of race, religion or national extraction.

4. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on any other measures taken, or contemplated particularly within the framework of the new USSR Constitution and of the reforms in the institutions and economic system of the country which directly or indirectly impact upon equality of opportunity and treatment in employment or occupation as provided for in the Convention.