Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Burundi (Ratification: 1993)

The Committee notes the observations dated 30 August 2013 of the Trade Union Confederation of Burundi (COSYBU) on the application of the Convention. The COSYBU reiterates its observations of 2012 and 2008 concerning the existence of discriminatory recruitment practices in the public service, based on membership of the political party in power, specifying that these practices are particularly prevalent in the education and health sectors. Noting that the Government has not replied to the observations submitted by the COSYBU in 2008 and 2012 or to those of 2013, the Committee asks the Government to provide comments on the COSYBU’s allegations concerning the existence of discriminatory recruitment practices in the public service based on political opinion, especially in the education and health sectors, and to indicate any steps taken to ensure that recruitment in the public service should be exempt from any discrimination.

Furthermore, the Committee once again notes with regret that it has not received the Government’s report. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous observation, which read as follows:

Discrimination based on race, colour or national extraction. In its previous comments the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to address discrimination in employment between different ethnic groups. In reply, the Government once again refers to the 2005 Constitution, and to the Arusha Agreement. As previously noted by the Committee, article 122 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination based, inter alia, on an individual’s origin, race, ethnicity, sex, colour and language. The Committee also notes that, pursuant to article 129(1) of the Constitution, 60 per cent and 40 per cent of the seats in Parliament are reserved for Hutus and Tutsis, respectively. Similar provisions also exist for government positions. In its report, the Government also asserts that ethnic discrimination in employment and occupation no longer exists. As the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality is a continual process, and cannot be achieved solely through legislation, the Committee finds it difficult to accept statements to the effect that discrimination is inexistent in a given country. It stresses the need for the Government to take continuing action with a view to promoting and ensuring non-discrimination and equality in employment and occupation. The Committee therefore reiterates its request for information on any specific measures taken to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and treatment, irrespective of ethnic origin, in respect of employment in the private and public sectors, including awareness-raising activities and measures to promote respect and tolerance between the different groups. It also reiterates its request for information on the activities of the newly established public service recruitment commission with a view to promoting equal access to public service employment of different ethnic groups.

Indigenous peoples. ... The Committee urges the Government to take all measures necessary to ensure equal access of the Batwa to education, vocational training and employment, including through reviewing and strengthening relevant national laws and policies and ensuring their full implementation. The Committee also requests the Government to take measures to combat stereotypes and prejudice against this group. The Government is requested to provide detailed information with regard to these matters in its next report.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.