Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Niger (Ratification: 1993)

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training. Close link with employment. The Committee notes the report sent by the Government in reply to the direct request of 2004 which was received in October 2008. The Government again describes the various legislative measures adopted within the system of education and vocational guidance. It indicates that one of the essential components of its Fast-track Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy deals with vocational training and that, further to the National Employment Conference held in 2007, a framework document for a national employment policy has been validated. The Committee notes these documents and points out that they underline the importance of coordinating education and training policies with employment prospects for the reduction of poverty. It also notes that, in the face of illiteracy affecting some 83 per cent of the population, the Government has adopted programmes to support education and vocational and technical training, including the Ten-year Programme for the Development of Education (PDDE) and the National Youth Placement Programme. Moreover, the Government points out that a Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Support Fund (FAFP) has been established in order to provide training for persons originating from the informal, craft and rural sectors. The Committee asks Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the results achieved by these programmes, particularly in terms of vocational training and job placements for beneficiaries.

2. Article 1, paragraph 5. Equal opportunities. In its Fast-track Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Government states that the gender gap in the fields of education and vocational training is still substantial. According to UNDP estimates, the proportion of women in education or training is 10.2 per cent compared with 18 per cent for men. In its national employment policy, the Government indicates that support projects and programmes have been established, particularly with respect to small enterprises in the informal sector, apprenticeships and domestic work, in which the majority of persons employed are women or young persons. In this respect, the Committee asks the Government to provide up to date information on the steps taken to encourage women, young persons and other categories of vulnerable workers, such as those with disabilities or those working in the informal economy, to develop and use their vocational skills in all branches of activity and at all levels of qualification and responsibility.

3. Article 3. Information systems. The Government indicates that information on systems of vocational guidance and vocational training is prepared and transmitted by the various structures responsible for employment and vocational training, such as the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and the FAFP. The Committee reiterates that it is important for each Member to “gradually extend its systems of vocational guidance, including continuing employment information, with a view to ensuring that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available”. In this respect, it asks the Government to indicate the steps taken to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all children, young persons and adults (Article 3(1)). It also asks the Government to describe the type of information made available for vocational guidance purposes and to supply specimens of the documentation provided (Article 3(2) and (3)).

4. Article 5. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the FAFP is administered by a tripartite executive board comprising 12 members, with four representatives from the State, five from the employers and three from the workers and craftsmen. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the activities of the executive board of the FAFP and other tripartite bodies participating in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training.