Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) - Türkiye (Ratification: 2000)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous comment

The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Public Employees’ Trade Unions (KESK), received on 31 August 2022, as well as the response of the Government, received on 25 November 2022. It also notes the observations made by the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK), communicated with the Government’s report.

Article 2 of the Convention. Implementation of a national policy for the vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that within the framework of the National Employment Strategy and action plans (2014–24), one of the main policy pillars is increasing the employment of groups requiring a special policy. In order to achieve this objective, six areas of special focus have been set out to: (i) develop general and vocational training for persons with disabilities; (ii) raise awareness and encourage private sector employers to employ persons with disabilities; (iii) revise the National Vocational Information System, taking into account the vocational guidance needs of persons with disabilities; (iv) develop an electronic testing system, taking account of all types of disabilities; (v) develop distance learning programmes for persons with disabilities; and (vi) ensure that measures are taken to guarantee their training. The Government also states that a new temporary measure has been incorporated into Act No. 4447 concerning unemployment insurance. Under this section, private sector employers who employ personnel between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022, and who fulfil certain conditions are entitled to premium subsidies. Assistance is provided for 12 months for each insured person employed between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. When the insured person is a man between 18 and 25 years, a woman over 18 years or a person with disabilities registered with the Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR), the employer receives assistance for 18 months. The Government adds that measures were taken during the period in question to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the public service, including the preparation of the document, Envisioning 2030 without Barriers (2030 Engelsiz Vizyon Belgesi). This document, finalized in 2021 with the participation of public organizations and institutions, and nongovernmental organizations working in the area of disabilities, defines the Government’s vision of an inclusive society where all people with disabilities can fulfil their potential on an equal basis. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide recent information on the measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors, and detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, on the impact of such measures. It also requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the number of persons with disabilities who work in sheltered employment as well as on their working conditions, including their salaries. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of the National Employment Strategy (2014–24). It also requests the Government to provide information on the specific progress made regarding the document, Envisioning 2030 without Barriers, and to provide a copy of that document.

Article 3. Promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that a new regulation has come into force concerning sheltered workplaces. In accordance with section 3 of the regulation, these workplaces are technically and financially supported by the State, and their working environment is specially adapted for persons with disabilities. Through the regulation on sheltered workplaces, published in the Official Gazette No. 31732 of 27 January 2022, steps were taken to facilitate the opening of these sheltered workplaces. The Committee recalls that it is now widely recognized that in order to deal adequately with the issue of employment of people with disabilities, it must be mainstreamed into national employment policies; accordingly, efforts should be directed at designing and organizing easier access to the open labour market for people with disabilities. Special forms of work organization such as sheltered workshops, the enclave system and subsidized cooperatives should be limited to persons whose disability is too severe for them to be integrated in an ordinary work setting (General Survey 1998, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons, paragraph 192). In its observations, TISK indicates that the regulation on sheltered workplaces facilitates job creation for persons with disabilities who have difficulty entering the labour market. TISK therefore considers that Turkish legislation is in conformity with the Convention. The Government also refers to the Participate in Work – Take Charge of Your Life project (İşe Katıl Hayata Atıl). This project, implemented by the Ministry of Family and Social Services (ASHB), in cooperation with the private sector, aims to encourage the employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market by promoting the method for assisted employment. As part of the project, the sustainable employment of 897 people with disabilities in the open labour market was ensured with the support of vocational coaches. Following the good outcome of this project, the General Directorate for ISKUR decided to implement a similar project, which is under way. With regard to education, the Government indicates that the regulations on special education centres of the Ministry of Education are intended to prepare persons with disabilities for higher education, working and vocational life in line with their interests, needs, abilities and skills. The Government provides the example of the opening of the SERÇEV Anatolian vocational and technical college. In this centre, every detail of the infrastructure and information technology has been designed for children with cerebral palsy who have multiple disabilities. In the 2021–22 school year, a total of 183 students with disabilities received training in 18 branches of activity and 27 sub-branches. Through this training, the students have the opportunity of finding work in a sector with their certificate from the Anatolian vocational and technical college, and to pursue further education if they wish. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the subsidies granted to persons with disabilities who wish to become independent. The Committee notes with interest that these projects are for the most part financed by the administrative fines imposed for failure to comply with the obligation to employ persons with disabilities, in accordance with section 30 of the Labour Act No. 4857. Since 2014, 3,313 independence projects have been established. In response to the Committee’s previous request concerning accessibility of workplaces to persons with disabilities, the Government indicates that 2020 was declared the Year of Accessibility for all institutions and organizations to carry out their accessibility adaptations in order to accelerate the implementation of the special measures taken to ensure physical, digital and psychological safety in this area, and to create a culture based on accessibility. In addition, the Government adds that an accessibility certificate is issued for public buildings, green spaces and public transport vehicles that meet the accessibility criteria, and a penalty is imposed in cases of non-compliance with accessibility obligations. The accessibility assessment module (ERDEM) has been implemented to identify technical needs, provide guidance on the measures to be taken, and encourage the award of an accessibility certificate. The Government also indicates that, in March 2022, 127,671 persons with disabilities were employed, representing only 2.5 per cent of the economically active population. Of these people, 106,304 worked in the private sector and 21,367 in the public sector. With regard to the rates at which the quotas for persons with disabilities are filled, under section 30 of Labour Act No. 4857, there is a discrepancy between the Government’s report and the KESK’s observation. The Committee requests the Government to provide data disaggregated by age, sex and nature of the disability, concerning the rates at which the quotas for persons with disabilities are filled, as well as the rate of employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the provisions promoting the creation of cooperatives by and for persons with disabilities. It further requests the Government to continue to indicate the measures taken to ensure that persons with disabilities are effectively hired in the public and private sectors.

Article 4. Equality of opportunities and treatment. The Committee notes with concern that despite a slight rise (from 23 per cent to 27 per cent), women with disabilities remain clearly under-represented in the public service when compared with men in the same situation. The Government notes, however, that since 2012, individual interviews are conducted between vocational coaches and women with disabilities. Between January and April 2022, 14,262 such interviews were held. The Committee once again recalls that when women with disabilities work, they often experience unequal hiring and promotion standards, unequal access to training and retraining, unequal access to credit and other productive resources, unequal pay for equal work and occupational segregation, and they rarely participate in economic decision-making (General Survey 1998, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons, paragraph 116). Therefore, noting a significant disparity between the employment of women and men with disabilities in the public service, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide updated information on the measures envisaged or taken regarding the vocational rehabilitation and training of women in order to help them compete in the labour market.

Article 5. Consultation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the National Employment Strategy was prepared in collaboration with all stakeholders in economic activities. It adds that this strategy is implemented through periodic action plans. The national council for the follow-up and evaluation of the National Employment Strategy examines the implementation of these action plans with the participation of the social partners and representatives of the main organizations of persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the manner in which the social partners and the organizations of persons with disabilities are consulted during the design, implementation, follow-up and revision of laws, policies and other measures taken to promote employment and decent work for women and men with disabilities in order to ensure equality of opportunities and treatment, as provided for in Article 4 of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK) and the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-IS), received with the Government’s report on 20 September 2017. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this regard.

Article 2 of the Convention. Implementation of a national policy for the vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Government reports on measures taken during the reporting period to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the civil service, including the creation of a central exam practice established pursuant to the Regulation on Central Exam Appointment of Disabled Ones as Civil Servants (published on 7 February 2014 in the Official Gazette). The Government further reports that a new provision was introduced in Revenue Tax Law No. 193 of 31 December 1960, that establishes tax reductions for persons with mental or psychological disabilities employed in protected workplaces, with the aim of protecting such persons from social exclusion. In addition, Regulation No. 29699, which was published in the Official Gazette on 30 April 2016, provides for payments to be made to employers who incur expenses for workers with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors as well as detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, on the impact of such measures.

Article 3. Promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. In response to the Committee’s previous comments concerning the employment of persons with disabilities, the Government refers to the 3 per cent quota set by Article 53 of the Civil Servants Law, No. 657. The Committee notes that as of April 2017, there were 48,947 persons with disabilities (37,418 men and 11,529 women) employed in the public service, representing 78 per cent of the target. In respect of private sector employment, the Government indicates that as of December 2016, employers with 50 or more employees (who are subject to the quota) did not meet the applicable quota in terms of hiring persons with disabilities. In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to the information provided by a number of Turkish organizations and institutions in the Submission to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Pre-Session, 25–28 May 2010, in practice, employers in the private sector who are obliged to fill the 3 per cent quota for persons with disabilities avoid employing them. The organizations maintained that no sanctions were being imposed on public bodies and institutions that did not respect the quota requirement in the public sector. The Committee also notes the additional measures taken by the Government to increase the employment of persons with disabilities. In this respect, the Government refers to the National Employment Strategy (2017-2019) which focus on filling the quotas for the employment of persons with disabilities. In particular, it seeks to increase the employment of persons with disabilities in the finance sector by 10 per cent by 2019. The Committee also notes measures introduced to promote the employment of persons with mental or emotional disabilities in protected workplaces. In addition, the Government indicates that the salaries of some persons with disabilities employed in protected workplaces and the unemployment insurance premiums charged to their employers were paid from funds provided by the Treasury. The Government also refers to Labour Law No. 4857, which imposes administrative penalties to employers who do not employ persons with disabilities. It adds that the funds raised through these penalties are collected by ISKUR and had risen to TL105 million at the end of March 2017. The Government adds that a Commission composed of public and private stakeholders, such as TISK, TÜRK-IS and the Turkey Disability Confederation (TSK), decides on how the funds will be used. The Committee notes that, since 2014, the Commission has funded 520 projects offering vocational training and rehabilitation, 674 projects granting support for persons with disabilities to enable them to set up their own businesses, 24 projects to provide persons with disabilities with workplace adaptations and six support projects for protected workplaces. In its observations, TISK indicates that Act No. 6518 introduced important amendments in several laws pertaining to vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities, which in its sections 3 and 14 provide for accessibility and reasonable accommodation. It considers that the Turkish legislation is in conformity with the Convention. In its observations, TURK-IS refers to the adoption of Law No. 5738 on persons with disabilities, together with implementing legislation. TURK-IS expresses the view that there is no problem with the legislative provisions, but that challenges remain in relation to the employment of persons with disabilities. It indicates that the employment rate of persons with disabilities, which was at 0.44 per cent in 2012, is still very low. It adds that disadvantages, regarding the access to formal vocational training and a lack of sufficient financial resources, constitute obstacles preventing persons with disabilities from entering the labour market, noting that in 2011, the rate of participation in the workforce was 47.5 per cent for the general population, but only 22.1 per cent for persons with disabilities. TURK-IS indicates that, according to ISKUR, in 2016, 99,000 people (80,000 men and 19,000 women) were registered as unemployed. It adds that despite the fact that 15,000 persons with disabilities were placed, there were still 21,000 vacant positions to fill, in order to meet the quota. TURK-IS observes that measures and incentives have been provided to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, and that efforts are being made to ensure that persons with disabilities enter the labour market without discrimination or through the use of special measures. Consequently, in 2010, an amendment was made to article 10 of the Constitution to ensure that measures taken for people with disabilities are considered to be in accordance with the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment. In its 1998 General Survey on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, paragraph 196, the Committee observes that among appropriate measures to create employment opportunities on the open labour market, Paragraph 11(a) of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Recommendation, 1983 (No. 168), refers to the provision of financial incentives to employers to encourage them to make reasonable adaptations to workplaces, job design, tools, machinery and work organization to facilitate disabled persons’ training and employment. Financial assistance for the adaptation of workplaces may also include an award of credit or tax reductions to employers. Therefore, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken in order to guarantee accessibility of workplaces and reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities pursuant to the provisions of sections 3 and 14 of Law No. 6518. It further requests the Government to provide a copy of the National Employment Strategy 2017-2019 and updated statistics disaggregated by age, sex and nature of the disability, as well as extracts of reports, studies and inquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention (for example, with respect to the employment and unemployment rates of persons with disabilities in particular sectors or branches of activity or of specific categories of workers with disabilities) (Part V of the report form). The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken since 2010 to ensure that persons with disabilities are effectively hired in the public and private sector, at least at the level of the established quotas.

Article 4. Equality of opportunities and treatment. The Committee notes with concern that women are significantly under represented in the public service, with more than three times more men with disabilities hired in comparison to women (37,148 men versus 11,529 women). It observes that section 4 of Law No. 5738 forbids discrimination against persons with disabilities and more precisely “disabled women and their daughters”. In its 1998 General Survey on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, paragraph 116, the Committee observed that when women with disabilities work, they often experience unequal hiring and promotion standards, unequal access to training and retraining, unequal access to credit and other productive resources, unequal pay for equal work and occupational segregation, and they rarely participate in economic decision making. Therefore, noting the significant disparity in the employment of women and men with disabilities in the public service, the Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the measures envisaged or taken regarding the vocational rehabilitation and training of women in order to help them compete in the labour market. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged in order to implement section 4 of Law No. 5738.

Article 5. Consultation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the National Employment Strategy (2017-2019), was prepared by public institutions, social partners and academics with the aim of addressing structural problems in the labour market and finding a permanent solution to unemployment. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how the views and concerns of the social partners and representatives of organizations of and for persons with disabilities were taken into account in the development of the National Employment Strategy, as well as in the implementation of the policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK), the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-IS) and the Confederation of Turkish Real Trade Unions (HAK-IS) communicated with the Government’s report.

Articles 2, 3 and 5 of the Convention. Implementation of a national policy for the vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the statistical data communicated by the Government on the employment situation of persons with disabilities, disaggregated by nature of the disability, and the legislative amendments implemented, such as the modifications to the quota system for the employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee further notes that for undertakings with 50 or more employees there is a mandatory quota of workers with disabilities at the level of 3 per cent of the total number of employees in private sector workplaces and 4 per cent in public sector workplaces. TISK is of the view that there are obstacles when it comes to implementing the statutory provisions aiming to promote the effective participation of persons with disabilities in employment. HAK-IS points out that, despite the legislative and the important steps taken, the number of persons with disabilities in employment is still unsatisfactory. It adds that most of the positions generated by the employment quotas for persons with disabilities are left vacant. In its observations, TÜRK-IS indicates that the labour force participation rate of persons with disabilities is very low, adding that, as of June 2014, 89,980 persons with disabilities were employed in the public and private sectors and another 25,846 persons were waiting to be placed in employment. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on and an evaluation of the measures adopted for persons with disabilities in terms of increasing their employment opportunities in the open labour market. It also requests the Government to provide examples of how the views and concerns of the social partners and representatives of organizations of and for persons with disabilities are taken into account in the implementation of the policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Please also continue to provide updated statistics disaggregated by age, sex and nature of the disability, as well as extracts of reports, studies and inquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2017.]

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in March 2010. It also appreciates the ongoing contribution of information and views by the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ) and the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİŞK) on the application of the Convention. TÜRK-İŞ indicates that the ratification by Turkey of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the signing of its Optional Protocol in September 2009 represent a very important development.

Promotion of employment for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government on legislation in force regarding the promotion of employment and vocational rehabilitation for persons with disabilities. It further reports that in 2008 the Turkish Employment Agency (IŞKUR) provided 273 courses for 3,582 persons with disabilities. In Izmir, 100 persons with disabilities were employed as a result of the “Project of Strengthening Institutional Structure of IŞKUR, A Developed Employment Strategy on Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Persons”, carried out between 2007 and 2008. The Government indicates that the High Council of Disabled Persons is in charge of defining national policies on subjects within the responsibility of the Administration for Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, organizations of persons with disabilities are represented within the provincial employment and vocational training boards which are in charge of formulating respective policies. In this regard, the Government specifies that the Action Plan for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities 2005–10, aims at increasing the efficiency of provincial employment boards regarding the employment of persons with disabilities and that these boards should ensure that persons with disabilities participate in the open labour market. TİŞK reports that work is continuing under the “Project for Vocational Rehabilitation of the Disabled, a Full-Fledged Employment Policy and Action to Strengthen IŞKUR as an Institution”, which is carried out by IŞKUR in collaboration with the social partners. TÜRK-İŞ indicates that as of April 2009, 109,645 persons with disabilities were unemployed. The total number of persons with disabilities employed in the public and private sectors amounted to 65,983. The number of persons with disabilities employed in the public sector was gradually decreasing due to privatization, whereas those employed in the private sector increased. Nonetheless, an open quota of 22,986 persons with disabilities was still waiting for placement in March 2009. The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of the Action Plan for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities 2005–10 and on the measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market, disaggregated, as much as possible, by age, sex and the nature of the disability, providing specific data by public and private sector (Articles 3 and 4 of the Convention). The Government is further requested to supply information on consultations held within the High Council for Persons with Disabilities and the employment and vocational training boards with regard to the adoption and implementation of a policy and measures to promote the employment of persons with disabilities.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain up to date information on the application of the Convention, particularly in reply to the points raised in the Committee’s 2004 direct request, which referred to the following matters.

Promotion of employment for persons with disabilities in the private and public sectors. The Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ) indicates in its comments received in September 2009 that, according to the data made available by the Turkish Employment Agency (IŞKUR), as of April 2009, 109,645 persons with disabilities were unemployed. The total number of persons with disabilities employed in the public and private sectors amounted to 65,983. The number of persons with disabilities employed in the public sector was gradually decreasing due to privatization, whereas those employed in the private sector increased. Nonetheless, an open quota of 22,986 persons with disabilities was still waiting for placement. The Committee notes, from the information included in the Government’s report received in November 2008 on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), that the employment package adopted by the Government in 2008 (Labour Act No. 5763) provided for financial incentives covering social security contributions paid by employers who hired persons with disabilities beyond the 3 per cent rate established for enterprises with 50 or more workers. The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, particularly in the public sector (Articles 3 and 4). Furthermore, the Committee invites the Government to include, in its next report, its own observations on the points raised by the TÜRK-İŞ.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2010.]

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. The Committee notes the detailed information and the statistical data provided by the Government in its report for the period ending in May 2004. It invites the Government to provide additional information on the following points.

2. Vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons. The Government indicates in particular that, thanks to the Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR), which is responsible for the vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons, the Ankara Vocational Rehabilitation Centre has enabled 48 disabled persons to benefit from four training programmes over a period of six months and, thanks to the cooperation of this agency with various institutions at national level, a total of 7,397 disabled persons have benefited from 490 specific programmes. The Government mentions the setting up of two new vocational rehabilitation centres in 2005 (in Kavacik and Sakarya Arifiye). The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that vocational rehabilitation services are accessible to all categories of disabled persons (Articles 3 and 7 of the Convention).

3. Promotion of employment for disabled persons in the private and public sectors. The Committee notes section 30 of the new Labour Code adopted by Act No. 4857 in May 2003 and the Decree of the Council of Ministers of March 2003 laying down for 2004 the minimum rate of disabled persons employed in the public sector at 4 per cent and in the private sector at 3 or even 4 per cent. A great disparity still exists between these two sectors where, according to the May 2004 statistics provided by the Government in its report, a total of 1,756 disabled persons were employed in the private sector as against 99 in the public sector. The Committee also notes the Action Plan for 2005-2010 aimed at promoting a national employment policy for disabled persons. Nevertheless, it notes that in 2003 only 19.6 per cent of disabled persons were engaged in employment and invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures adopted to promote the employment of disabled persons, particularly in the public sector (Article 4).

4. Effective equality of opportunity and treatment between disabled men and women workers. The Government indicates that a large number of disabled women have received vocational training. Nevertheless, the Committee notes that, in 2003, 36.98 per cent of disabled men were employed in the labour market as compared to 6.06 per cent of disabled women. It asks the Government to indicate special positive measures adopted to guarantee the effective equality of opportunity and treatment between disabled men and women workers, in accordance with Article 4.

5. Consultation of the representative organizations. The Committee recalls its direct request of 2003 and asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the Higher Council for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons and on the outcome of any consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of disabled workers. It also recalls that the representative organizations of disabled persons must be consulted under Article 5 of the Convention and asks the Government to indicate how effect is given to this provision of the Convention.

6. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. The Government indicates that public education centres organize general and vocational training courses in provinces, towns, smaller towns and villages. Between 2001 and 2002, a total of 3,323 disabled persons, of which 2,207 were women and 1,696 were men, received specific training. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures adopted to ensure that disabled persons living in rural areas and remote communities have access to vocational rehabilitation and employment services in accordance with Article 8.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention received in October 2002, including an observation by the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK). The Government indicates that the orientation of the national policy is to provide vocational rehabilitation and to make the employment of persons with disabilities compulsory for employers. It also states that, in view of the increasing employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market, it has been made compulsory to employ workers with disabilities in the public sector. TISK indicates that, although the public sector is subject to the same level of liability to employ disabled citizens as the private sector, the figures show that 1,591 disabled people were employed by the public sector and 10,215 by the private sector in 2000, compared with 1,369 by the public sector and 11,731 by the private sector in 2001. It considers that private employers that employ 50 or more people are virtually being punished through the new regulations and they are burdened by new liabilities. TISK calls for action to provide rehabilitation and training services to make persons with disabilities suitable for employment and production. The Committee hopes that in its next report the Government will provide further information on the vocational rehabilitation measures that are made available to all categories of persons with disabilities and the manner in which employment opportunities for persons with disabilities are promoted in the open labour market (Article 3 of the Convention).

2. Please also indicate if the High Council of Disabled Persons has had an opportunity to debate the TISK’s concerns and the outcome of any consultations made on the implementation of the national policy to provide rehabilitation to workers with disabilities, as well as information on the measures taken to promote cooperation and coordination between the public and private bodies engaged in those activities. Please also note that the representative organizations of and for persons with disabilities shall also be consulted, in conformity with Article 5 of the Convention.

3. Article 8. The Committee notes the information provided on vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities. It requests the Government to provide information on the results obtained in practice through this network of centres.