Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - North Macedonia (Ratification: 1991)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous.

Repetition

Legislative developments. The Committee notes the adoption of the new Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, 2012. In accordance with article 2, this Law aims to establish equal opportunities and equal treatment for men and women in various fields, including the economic, social and education fields and in the public and private sectors. Articles 7 and 8 provide for the adoption of temporary special measures to overcome an existing structural gender inequality, including through positive and promotional measures. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken for the general implementation of this Law and its impact on the achievement of gender equality in both the public and the private sectors. It also requests the Government to provide information on any special measures taken under articles 7 and 8 to achieve equality in employment and occupation and any special protective measures in favour of certain categories of persons.

Sexual harassment. The Committee also notes that article 3(3) of the new Law expressly prohibits sexual harassment in the public and private sectors, and that sexual harassment is defined, in article 4(7), as being any type of unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature creating an intimidating or hostile atmosphere. The Committee requests the Government to confirm that the law covers both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment at work. It also requests the Government to provide information on the practical measures taken to prevent and address sexual harassment in employment and occupation. The Government is also requested to provide information on any instances of sexual harassment addressed by the competent authorities, including any relevant administrative or judicial decisions and the sanctions imposed.

The Committee is raising other matters 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.