Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards) Convention, 1962 (No. 117) - Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ratification: 1967)

1. The Committee notes with regret that the Government has provided no information on the application of the Convention since its first report, received in June 2002, which contained some information responding to the comments it has been making since its session of November–December 1996. The Committee asks the Government to provide a report containing precise and up to date information responding in particular to the matters raised in its 2005 direct request, which addressed the following matters.

2. Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee noted previously that, with support from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Government had adopted measures to stabilize the macroeconomic situation and create a climate conducive to the development of the private sector. Access to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative in July 2002 allowed the country to benefit from relief for its external financial debt. A Government Economic Programme (PEG), likewise set up with support from the IMF, was implemented from April 2002 to June 2005. The Committee trusts that in its next report, the Government will provide information on the manner in which the provisions of the Convention calling for “all policies” to be “primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population” have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of the measures taken in the context of its economic programmes and poverty reduction strategy.

3. Part IV. Remuneration of workers. With reference to earlier comments, the Committee took note previously of the provisions respecting wages contained in sections 86–118 of the new Labour Code which entered into force in October 2002, and more particularly Chapter V on advances and amounts withheld from wages (Article 12 of the Convention). The Committee will examine issues relating to remuneration in the context of its regular examination of reports on the application of the Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95), which the Democratic Republic of the Congo has ratified.

4. Part VI. Articles 15 and 16. Vocational education and training. The Government referred to the national education plan “Education for all by 2015” to ensure that children are able to profit from facilities for education. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken for the progressive development of education, vocational training and apprenticeship and for the preparation of children and young persons of both sexes for a useful occupation.

5. The Committee refers to other issues relating to child labour in its comments on the application of the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182).