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

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Honduras (Ratification: 1960)

Gender equality. With regard to the implementation of the II Gender Equality and Equity Plan of Honduras 2010–22 (IIPIEGH), the Committee notes the registration rates in the National Employment Service of Honduras (SENAEH), disaggregated by sex and by region, and the rates of participation in the training activities provided by the Honduran Association of Enterprises in Export Zones, disaggregated by sex. The Committee also notes the measures adopted in the context of the gender equity policy of the Secretariat for Agriculture and Stock-Raising for the rural sector. Nevertheless, according to the statistics, the participation of women in the labour market continues to be significantly low (70.4 per cent for men and 34.9 per cent for women), with clear occupational segregation by sex in both urban and rural areas. Furthermore, the number of property titles granted to women in rural areas continues to be considerably lower than for men. The Committee observes that the information provided by the Government does not provide a basis for determining specifically the results which have been obtained up to now or the impact of the measures taken in reducing gender discrimination and increasing the labour market participation of women. In this regard, the Committee emphasizes the importance, in accordance with Article 3(f) of the Convention, of the regular assessment of the results achieved in relation to equality with a view to reviewing and adjusting existing measures and strategies on a continuing basis. Such continual monitoring, assessment and adjustment is required, not only of the measures in place to promote equality, but also their impact on the situation of the groups protected and the incidence of discrimination (see the General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 847). The Committee requests the Government to continue providing statistical information disaggregated by sex. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the results of the implementation of the II Gender Equality and Equity Plan of Honduras 2010–22 in relation to:

• (i) the gender mainstreaming measures adopted for the reform of the Labour Code and the Act on equality of opportunities, as envisaged in the IIPIEGH;
• (ii) access to employment and occupation, training and vocational guidance on an equal footing for men and women, especially in non-traditional jobs and occupations;
• (iii) the measures adopted or envisaged with a view to reconciling work and family responsibilities;
• (iv) the gender equity policy for agriculture in Honduras in terms of progress towards equality in employment and training and the equitable distribution between men and women of land titles granted in rural areas.

Sexual harassment. The Committee observes that the Government’s report does not contain new information on this subject. The Committee refers to its previous comments and once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Act on equality of opportunities for women and its regulations include in the definition of sexual harassment the aspect of a hostile working environment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the other measures and remedies that are available to victims of sexual harassment, in addition to the possibility of terminating the employment relationship while retaining entitlement to compensation, and to indicate whether protection against sexual harassment also covers men.

The Maquila sector and Employment and Economic Development Zones. The Committee notes the Government’s information relating to the PROCINCO vocational training programme in the maquila zone in 2011 and 2012, and the training and the social security protection measures, as well as the preparation of a guide on good practices. The Committee also notes Decree No. 120-2013 of 20 March 2013 authorizing the creation of employment and economic development zones, which are authorized to establish their own policies and standards, as well as tribunals with exclusive jurisdiction in those zones, including a tribunal for the protection of individual rights in order to protect fundamental rights. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on:

• (i) the action and remedies available against acts of discrimination in employment and occupation in the maquila sector;
• (ii) the employment and economic development zones that have been established, the provisions respecting equality and non-discrimination that have been adopted there and the action and remedies established under such provisions, and the applicable supervision and inspection procedures.

Indigenous women. The Committee notes the measures adopted by the Government for the development of indigenous peoples, including support measures for indigenous students and measures to contribute to the socio-economic development of Garifuna communities. The Committee also notes the granting of legal personality to Lenca women and the awareness-raising activities for Lenca women on the IIPIEGH. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the impact of all the measures adopted and referred to by the Government in its report in improving education and vocational training and increasing the labour market participation of indigenous and Afro-Honduran women. Please also provide information on the measures adopted by the Secretariat for Indigenous and Afro-Honduran Peoples (SEDINAFROH) to promote the inclusion of indigenous and Afro-Honduran women in the labour market, including through their traditional activities.

Enforcement. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the activities of the labour inspection services, including in the maquila sector, indicating the problems encountered in relation to the application of the Convention and the penalties imposed.