Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Afghanistan (Ratification: 1979)

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2024, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government in which it indicates that three Ministries (Education, Higher Education and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD)) undertake activities on human resource development. The report draws attention to the fact that the Labour Law includes provisions for human resource development, such as supporting training institutions and training courses for young employees and for persons with disabilities. With respect to the implementation of the National Skills Development Program (NSDP), the Government indicates that Technical Vocation and Educational Training (TVET) have been conducted in Kabul and provinces and that a total of 2,300 people, including persons with disabilities, have been trained in various areas including construction, services and agriculture. The Committee notes, in particular, that from 2002 until 2012 more than 100,000 people, nearly half of them women, received training from the MoLSAMD and that more than 10,000 people are currently under training. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that it has begun the process of developing the National Vocational Education and Training Authority (NVETA) and that the zero draft of the National TVET policy has been developed and circulated for further consultation. Moreover, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the TVET policy aims to coordinate TVET related issues in the country in light of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) and national priority programmes, and that it contains provisions to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report up-to-date information on the implementation of the NSDP and on the NVETA and its operation in coordination with the social partners, as required by Article 5 of the Convention. It also invites the Government to include information on the implementation of measures undertaken in the framework of the ANDS and the TVET policy to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, and the results thereof (Articles 1–3). Finally, the Committee would appreciate receiving information on measures taken to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2023, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government in which it indicates that three Ministries (Education, Higher Education and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD)) undertake activities on human resource development. The report draws attention to the fact that the Labour Law includes provisions for human resource development, such as supporting training institutions and training courses for young employees and for persons with disabilities. With respect to the implementation of the National Skills Development Program (NSDP), the Government indicates that Technical Vocation and Educational Training (TVET) have been conducted in Kabul and provinces and that a total of 2,300 people, including persons with disabilities, have been trained in various areas including construction, services and agriculture. The Committee notes, in particular, that from 2002 until 2012 more than 100,000 people, nearly half of them women, received training from the MoLSAMD and that more than 10,000 people are currently under training. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that it has begun the process of developing the National Vocational Education and Training Authority (NVETA) and that the zero draft of the National TVET policy has been developed and circulated for further consultation. Moreover, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the TVET policy aims to coordinate TVET related issues in the country in light of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) and national priority programmes, and that it contains provisions to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report up-to-date information on the implementation of the NSDP and on the NVETA and its operation in coordination with the social partners, as required by Article 5 of the Convention. It also invites the Government to include information on the implementation of measures undertaken in the framework of the ANDS and the TVET policy to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, and the results thereof (Articles 1–3). Finally, the Committee would appreciate receiving information on measures taken to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government in which it indicates that three Ministries (Education, Higher Education and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD)) undertake activities on human resource development. The report draws attention to the fact that the Labour Law includes provisions for human resource development, such as supporting training institutions and training courses for young employees and for persons with disabilities. With respect to the implementation of the National Skills Development Program (NSDP), the Government indicates that Technical Vocation and Educational Training (TVET) have been conducted in Kabul and provinces and that a total of 2,300 people, including persons with disabilities, have been trained in various areas including construction, services and agriculture. The Committee notes, in particular, that from 2002 until 2012 more than 100,000 people, nearly half of them women, received training from the MoLSAMD and that more than 10,000 people are currently under training. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that it has begun the process of developing the National Vocational Education and Training Authority (NVETA) and that the zero draft of the National TVET policy has been developed and circulated for further consultation. Moreover, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the TVET policy aims to coordinate TVET related issues in the country in light of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) and national priority programmes, and that it contains provisions to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report up-to-date information on the implementation of the NSDP and on the NVETA and its operation in coordination with the social partners, as required by Article 5 of the Convention. It also invites the Government to include information on the implementation of measures undertaken in the framework of the ANDS and the TVET policy to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, and the results thereof (Articles 1–3). Finally, the Committee would appreciate receiving information on measures taken to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government in which it indicates that three Ministries (Education, Higher Education and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD)) undertake activities on human resource development. The report draws attention to the fact that the Labour Law includes provisions for human resource development, such as supporting training institutions and training courses for young employees and for persons with disabilities. With respect to the implementation of the National Skills Development Program (NSDP), the Government indicates that Technical Vocation and Educational Training (TVET) have been conducted in Kabul and provinces and that a total of 2,300 people, including persons with disabilities, have been trained in various areas including construction, services and agriculture. The Committee notes, in particular, that from 2002 until 2012 more than 100,000 people, nearly half of them women, received training from the MoLSAMD and that more than 10,000 people are currently under training. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that it has begun the process of developing the National Vocational Education and Training Authority (NVETA) and that the zero draft of the National TVET policy has been developed and circulated for further consultation. Moreover, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the TVET policy aims to coordinate TVET related issues in the country in light of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) and national priority programmes, and that it contains provisions to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report up-to-date information on the implementation of the NSDP and on the NVETA and its operation in coordination with the social partners, as required by Article 5 of the Convention. It also invites the Government to include information on the implementation of measures undertaken in the framework of the ANDS and the TVET policy to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, and the results thereof (Articles 1–3). Finally, the Committee would appreciate receiving information on measures taken to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

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

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government in which it indicates that three Ministries (Education, Higher Education and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD)) undertake activities on human resource development. The report draws attention to the fact that the Labour Law includes provisions for human resource development, such as supporting training institutions and training courses for young employees and for persons with disabilities. With respect to the implementation of the National Skills Development Program (NSDP), the Government indicates that Technical Vocation and Educational Training (TVET) have been conducted in Kabul and provinces and that a total of 2,300 people, including persons with disabilities, have been trained in various areas including construction, services and agriculture. The Committee notes, in particular, that from 2002 until 2012 more than 100,000 people, nearly half of them women, received training from the MoLSAMD and that more than 10,000 people are currently under training. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that it has begun the process of developing the National Vocational Education and Training Authority (NVETA) and that the zero draft of the National TVET policy has been developed and circulated for further consultation. Moreover, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the TVET policy aims to coordinate TVET related issues in the country in light of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) and national priority programmes, and that it contains provisions to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report up-to-date information on the implementation of the NSDP and on the NVETA and its operation in coordination with the social partners, as required by Article 5 of the Convention. It also invites the Government to include information on the implementation of measures undertaken in the framework of the ANDS and the TVET policy to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, and the results thereof (Articles 1–3). Finally, the Committee would appreciate receiving information on measures taken to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2013.

Repetition

Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government in which it indicates that three Ministries (Education, Higher Education and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD)) undertake activities on human resource development. The report draws attention to the fact that the Labour Law includes provisions for human resource development, such as supporting training institutions and training courses for young employees and for persons with disabilities. With respect to the implementation of the National Skills Development Program (NSDP), the Government indicates that Technical Vocation and Educational Training (TVET) have been conducted in Kabul and provinces and that a total of 2,300 people, including persons with disabilities, have been trained in various areas including construction, services and agriculture. The Committee notes, in particular, that from 2002 until 2012 more than 100,000 people, nearly half of them women, received training from the MoLSAMD and that more than 10,000 people are currently under training. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that it has begun the process of developing the National Vocational Education and Training Authority (NVETA) and that the zero draft of the National TVET policy has been developed and circulated for further consultation. Moreover, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the TVET policy aims to coordinate TVET related issues in the country in light of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) and national priority programmes, and that it contains provisions to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report up-to-date information on the implementation of the NSDP and on the NVETA and its operation in coordination with the social partners, as required by Article 5 of the Convention. It also invites the Government to include information on the implementation of measures undertaken in the framework of the ANDS and the TVET policy to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, and the results thereof (Articles 1–3). Finally, the Committee would appreciate receiving information on measures taken to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

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

Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government in which it indicates that three Ministries (Education, Higher Education and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD)) undertake activities on human resource development. The report draws attention to the fact that the Labour Law includes provisions for human resource development, such as supporting training institutions and training courses for young employees and for persons with disabilities. With respect to the implementation of the National Skills Development Program (NSDP), the Government indicates that Technical Vocation and Educational Training (TVET) have been conducted in Kabul and provinces and that a total of 2,300 people, including persons with disabilities, have been trained in various areas including construction, services and agriculture. The Committee notes, in particular, that from 2002 until 2012 more than 100,000 people, nearly half of them women, received training from the MoLSAMD and that more than 10,000 people are currently under training. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that it has begun the process of developing the National Vocational Education and Training Authority (NVETA) and that the zero draft of the National TVET policy has been developed and circulated for further consultation. Moreover, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the TVET policy aims to coordinate TVET related issues in the country in light of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) and national priority programmes, and that it contains provisions to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report up-to-date information on the implementation of the NSDP and on the NVETA and its operation in coordination with the social partners, as required by Article 5 of the Convention. It also invites the Government to include information on the implementation of measures undertaken in the framework of the ANDS and the TVET policy to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, and the results thereof (Articles 1–3). Finally, the Committee would appreciate receiving information on measures taken to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

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

The Committee notes the reply provided by the Government in August 2008 to its 2006 direct request.

Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. The Government indicates that vocational training has been provided and expanded through the National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) and various vocational training institutions with international technical assistance. The Committee understands that the overall goal of the NSDP is to contribute to the socio-economic recovery of Afghanistan through the provision of a national skills development and vocational education and the implementation of a training system which responds to labour market needs and provides all Afghans with the knowledge and skills for decent work. Through the implementation of various programmes in 2007–08, some 134,000 men and women have been trained in various fields. The Government also refers to the initial draft of the National Employment Strategy, developed in cooperation with the ILO, as well as the establishment of a Labour Market Information Analysis Unit in the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled. Other projects implemented by the ILO included the establishment of public employment services in the country. The employment services provided both in Kabul and at the provincial level include vocational and career guidance, job application training and information on self-employment opportunities. The Committee also notes that, amongst other things, the Afghan National Development Strategy 2008–13, includes the target of achieving a net enrolment rate in primary schools by girls and boys of at least 60 per cent and 75 per cent, respectively, by 2010. The Committee invites the Government to report on the implementation of the NSDP and the operation of a National Vocational Education and Training Authority, in cooperation with the social partners, as required by Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee would also welcome information on the implementation of the measures undertaken in the framework of the National Employment Strategy and the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, and the results thereof (Articles 1–3). As previously requested, the Committee would welcome information on measures taken to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the Government’s report received in June 2006, as well as the content of the Afghanistan Compact that was adopted during the London Conference on Afghanistan on 31 January-1 February 2006, and for which economic and social development is one of the three pillars of activity. The Committee also notes the observation made by the Central Council National Union of Afghanistan Labours transmitted by the Government with the report.

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Vocational guidance and vocational training policy. The Committee notes that the 2006 draft Labour Code contains a number of provisions concerning vocational guidance and training, in particular articles 91 to 104 of Chapter VI of the Code entitled “Vocational Training and Raising Skills of the Workers”. The Committee further notes that skills development is one of the benchmarks established by the Afghan Compact of 2006. This includes a human resources study to be completed by the end of 2006. The Government also indicates that according to the Compact’s objectives, 150,000 men and women will be trained in marketable skills through public and private means by the end of 2010. Furthermore, technical and professional education centres will gradually be equipped throughout the provinces of the country and the implementation of the National Skills Development Programme will be done with the technical assistance of the ILO. The Committee notes that according to the Afghanistan Compact, the international community will provide resources and support to realize the well-being of the Afghan people. Noting also the commitment of both the Government and the international community to improve the effectiveness and accountability of international assistance under the impartial coordination of the United Nations, the Committee looks forward to receive from the Government updated information on the implementation and results achieved through the various positive measures undertaken in order to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government could provide in its next report information on measures taken or envisaged in order to encourage women to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee again notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

The Committee refers to its observation on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in which it notes the allegations that access to all levels of general, technical and vocational education is prohibited for women. The Committee recalls the Government’s obligation under the Convention to develop policies and programmes to encourage and enable all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work. It hopes to find in the Government’s next report full information on women’s access to education and training and measures taken in this respect.

The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

The Committee refers to its observation on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in which it notes the allegations that access to all levels of general, technical and vocational education is prohibited for women. The Committee recalls the Government's obligation under the Convention to develop policies and programmes to encourage and enable all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work. It hopes to find in the Government's next report full information on women's access to education and training and measures taken in this respect.

The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

The Committee refers to its observation on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in which it notes the allegations that access to all levels of general, technical and vocational education is prohibited for women. The Committee recalls the Government's obligation under the Convention to develop policies and programmes to encourage and enable all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work. It hopes to find in the Government's next report full information on women's access to education and training and measures taken in this respect.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee refers to its observation on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in which it notes the allegations that access to all levels of general, technical and vocational education is prohibited for women. The Committee recalls the Government's obligation under the Convention to develop policies and programmes to encourage and enable all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work. It hopes to find in the Government's next report full information on women's access to education and training and measures taken in this respect.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report concerning the creation of technical, vocational and polytechnical schools and the establishment of further training for administrative staff.

With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report a detailed description of the systems of general, technical and vocational education, educational and vocational guidance and vocational training, as required by the report form. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to endeavour to supply all available statistics on the numbers receiving the various types of education and training. Please also indicate the measures that have been taken or are envisaged in order to ensure the cooperation of employers' and workers' organisations concerning vocational guidance and vocational training policies, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention.

The Committee also hopes that the text of the code on young specialists to which the Government refers, and copies of the regulations issued under sections 40-47 of the Labour Code, showing the steps that have taken to implement the Convention, will be supplied with the next report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1989, published 76th ILC session (1989)

The Committee has noted the brief information provided in reply to its previous direct request. It welcomes, in particular, the establishment of the Ministry of Vocational Training which is to draw up programmes in the light of present skill shortages. The Committee hopes that the next report will include the code on young specialists referred to, together with copies of any regulations issued under sections 40 to 47 of the Labour Code, showing steps taken to implement the Convention. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would endeavour to provide any available statistics for the numbers receiving basic education (including literacy) as well as vocational training in various skills and regions of the country; and any consultations on vocational guidance and training policies with employers' and workers' representatives, as required by the Convention.