Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Cambodia (Ratification: 1971)

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of an active employment policy. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s reports received in October 2013 and September 2014 in reply to the 2011 observation. The Government indicates its intention to establish a series of political platforms in the field of labour and employment, among which is the formulation of a national employment policy to accommodate socio-economic advancement. The Committee notes in this regard that key policy priorities and actions of the National Strategic Development Plan 2014–18 include developing and implementing a national employment policy to closely align the employment sector to the needs of socio-economic development. The Committee therefore invites the Government to provide information on the progress made with regard to the formulation and implementation of the national employment policy, and information on the consultations held with the social partners in this regard.

Article 2. Labour market statistics and information. The Committee notes the goals set out by the Department of Labour Market Information which include, inter alia, providing technical assistance to officials responsible for labour statistics and labour market information at the provincial departments of labour and vocational training. The Committee also notes the report on the Cambodia Labour Force and Child Labour Force Survey 2012, published in November 2013, which was produced by staff at the National Institute of Statistics with the assistance of the ILO. It notes that Cambodia’s labour force participation rate was estimated at 68.8 per cent in 2012 (75.8 per cent for men and 62.4 per cent for women). The previous labour force surveys dated back to 2000 and 2001. The Committee refers to its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, paragraph 70, in which it stressed the importance of compiling and analysing statistical data and trends as a basis for deciding measures of employment policy. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated statistical information, disaggregated by age and sex, on the country’s labour market and employment trends. Please also indicate the manner in which labour market data is collected and used to determine and review employment policy measures.

Education and training policies. The Committee notes the various training programmes offered and the number of beneficiaries from 2008 to 2013. It also notes that the Cambodia Qualification Framework (CQF) was approved by the Government in April 2014. The Government indicates that the Department of Labour Market Information cooperates with enterprises in the implementation of apprenticeship programmes. It adds that a total of 50,539 persons have completed apprenticeships in the 2004–12 period, out of which 46,229 were women. Information was also provided on an education and training policy intended for members of vulnerable groups, such as person with disabilities, women and the poorest people in rural areas. The Committee notes that the Department of Labour Market Information has planned to increase efforts to provide the technical skills which match the labour market needs of members of poorer communities, especially members of ethnic groups. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the measures taken to improve education and training programmes, including apprenticeship programmes, and coordinate education and training policies with employment opportunities.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that the National Policy on Youth Development, adopted in 2011, aims to, inter alia, provide youth with the opportunity to obtain quality and equitable access to education and vocational training. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures adopted in relation to the promotion of productive employment of young persons.

Regional development and rural development. The Committee refers to its previous comments and notes that the Cambodia–Laos–Viet Nam Development Triangle Area (CLV–DTA) is being reviewed for a period extending until 2020. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to reduce regional disparities so as to attain a better balance in the labour market.