Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Mauritania (Ratification: 1963)

Article 6 of the Convention. Status of labour inspectors and controllers. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that no provision had been made for allowances in new Decree No. 021/2007/PM of 15 January 2007 issuing the specific conditions of service of the labour administration, which establishes the status of labour inspectors and controllers, whereas all the other administrative departments had been awarded an allowance in the context of another decree adopted in 2007. The Committee notes the Government’s reply stating that it will make a point of rectifying this error. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take steps in the very near future to ensure that allowances are granted to labour inspectors with regard to the specific nature of their duties and to keep the Office informed of any developments in this respect.

Article 7(3). Training of inspectors. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the information supplied by the Government to the effect that the ADMITRA project, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Service and Employment, has organized a major workshop on inspection methods for labour inspectors and trainee labour inspectors from the National School of Administration (ENA). Moreover, a workshop in “training engineering” was held for labour inspectors and trainers from the ENA, which will enable them in turn to train their colleagues. It also notes with interest that in 2011 a total of 40 new young inspectors and controllers who have passed an external competition will strengthen the numbers of the labour inspection staff. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to provide initial and further training for inspection staff, if necessary with technical assistance from the Office, and requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments in this respect, including the content and methodology of the training.

Articles 20 and 21. Annual report on the work of the labour inspectorate. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the summary report from the regional labour inspectorates for 2008. However, it notes that, contrary to the Government’s indications, the provisional table of implementing regulations for the updated law concerning penalties were not attached to its report. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on any progress made with a view to the publication by the central inspection authority of an annual report, as provided for by Article 20, containing the information required in relation to the matters covered by Article 21, or on any obstacles encountered in this respect. It reminds the Government of the possibility of requesting technical assistance from the Office in connection with the establishment of a system for the compilation of data enabling the central authority to draw up such a report.

Labour inspection and child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee stressed the importance of the role of labour inspection staff in protecting the safety, health and well-being of children. It asked the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that labour inspectors and controllers will be given the necessary training, powers and resources to take effective action in this respect. However, the Committee notes that the Government’s report does not refer to this matter. The Committee therefore again requests the Government to take steps as soon as possible to enable labour inspectors to effectively enforce the legislation relating to child labour.

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