Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Honduras (Ratification: 1980)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report in which it states that, in the same way as many developing countries, it is still affected by a significant weakening of its growth rate. The economy has not been able to create new employment in sufficient quantities to absorb those entering the labour force, which has given rise to underemployment, particularly in the rural sector. In order to deal with the situation, the Government has embarked upon a broad programme of financial stabilisation and structural adjustment of the productive system. The principal elements of the programme are intended to increase government income and reduce expenditure. The Committee trusts that, in this context, account will be taken of the need to emphasise the equitable distribution of the social costs and benefits of structural adjustment. The Committee requests the Government to indicate in its next report the extent to which the difficulties encountered have been overcome in achieving the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment, as set out in the development plans and programmes that have been established and which are being implemented (Article 1 of the Convention). Please describe the procedures adopted to ensure that, at both the planning and implementation stages, the effects on employment of measures taken in the context of the financial stabilisation and structural adjustment programme receive due consideration (Article 2).

2. In its previous comments, the Committee recalled the importance of consultations with representatives of the persons affected by the employment policy measures to be taken. These consultations should have the objective of taking into account their experience and views and enlisting support for such measures. The Committee noted that, within the context of the programme to strengthen institutional support for programme managers (FIE), efforts are being made to strengthen the capacity to promote projects through the intermediary bodies of the Honduran Social Investment Fund. It also noted the consultations with the population in the community which will implement a project within the framework of the "food for work" programme. The Committee trusts that the Government will supply information in its next report on the consultations required under Article 3 of the Convention, which should include representatives of employers' and workers' organisations as well as representatives of other persons affected, such as those who work in the rural and informal sectors.

3. In a direct request, the Committee is raising other questions relating to the application of the Convention (measures for certain categories of workers, the impact of certain special employment programmes, rural employment, the activities of the National Institute of Vocational Training, and the technical assistance provided by the ILO).