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

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

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the study entitled “Measures to enable each person with disabilities to exercise a liberal profession or self-employment” could not be completed because of the economic, political and security situation in Lebanon. With regard to measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, the Committee recalls that sections 73 and 74 of the Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 provide that three per cent of jobs shall be reserved for persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors (for enterprises that employ more than 60 individuals). In this regard, the Government indicates that the draft decree intended to give effect to section 74 of the Act No. 220/2000 has been forwarded to the Council of Ministers for promulgation. The Committee notes that the above-mentioned draft decree has been under consideration by the Council of Ministers since 2009. It further notes that, in its concluding observations of October 2016, the United Nations Economic and Social Council expressed concern that 80 per cent of persons with disabilities in Lebanon were not or had never been employed and that the employment quota introduced by Act No. 220/2000 was not enforced.While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures provided for in Act No. 220/2000 as well as on the manner in which compliance with the quota system established in the Act is ensured. It also requests the Government to communicate information on any developments regarding the status of the draft decree. The Government is further requested to transmit specific practical information on the application of the Convention, such as statistical data, extracts from reports and studies on matters covered by the Convention.

Article 4. Equality of opportunity and treatment. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that Lebanese law forbids discrimination, that persons with disabilities who succeed in competitions for public posts through the Civil Service Board are given priority and that the competition hierarchy has been set aside to ensure the appointment of successful candidates with disabilities. To ensure equal access to employment for persons with disabilities, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the measures contained in Paragraph 11 of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Recommendation, 1983 (No. 168), which provides guidance for the establishment of positive measures.The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the positive measures adopted to ensure equal access to education and training to persons with disabilities, and to ensure the right of persons with disabilities to gain a living by work that they freely choose and accept.

Article 7. Services accessible to persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that the private sector associations and enterprises successfully employ persons with disabilities. Concerning the public sector, the Government indicates that it provides financial support to some protected jobs.The Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data, on the measures implemented by the private and the public sectors to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment. It also requests the Government to provide further information about the nature and scope of the protected jobs for persons with disabilities in the public sector.

Article 9. Suitably trained and qualified staff. In reply to the previous comments, the Government indicates that the Department of Disability Affairs within the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Persons with Disabilities Department within the National Employment Office are staffed by competent and experienced personnel, but that they currently lack the necessary financial resources due to the situation of Lebanon and the surrounding region.While acknowledging the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the services available in terms of rehabilitation, vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and employment of persons with disabilities. It also requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which cooperation and coordination between the Department of Disability Affairs and the Persons with Disability Department is ensured.

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

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the study entitled “Measures to enable each person with disabilities to exercise a liberal profession or self-employment” could not be completed because of the economic, political and security situation in Lebanon. With regard to measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, the Committee recalls that sections 73 and 74 of the Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 provide that three per cent of jobs shall be reserved for persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors (for enterprises that employ more than 60 individuals). In this regard, the Government indicates that the draft decree intended to give effect to section 74 of the Act No. 220/2000 has been forwarded to the Council of Ministers for promulgation. The Committee notes that the above-mentioned draft decree has been under consideration by the Council of Ministers since 2009. It further notes that, in its concluding observations of October 2016, the United Nations Economic and Social Council expressed concern that 80 per cent of persons with disabilities in Lebanon were not or had never been employed and that the employment quota introduced by Act No. 220/2000 was not enforced. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures provided for in Act No. 220/2000 as well as on the manner in which compliance with the quota system established in the Act is ensured. It also requests the Government to communicate information on any developments regarding the status of the draft decree. The Government is further requested to transmit specific practical information on the application of the Convention, such as statistical data, extracts from reports and studies on matters covered by the Convention.

Article 4. Equality of opportunity and treatment. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that Lebanese law forbids discrimination, that persons with disabilities who succeed in competitions for public posts through the Civil Service Board are given priority and that the competition hierarchy has been set aside to ensure the appointment of successful candidates with disabilities. To ensure equal access to employment for persons with disabilities, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the measures contained in Paragraph 11 of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Recommendation, 1983 (No. 168), which provides guidance for the establishment of positive measures. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the positive measures adopted to ensure equal access to education and training to persons with disabilities, and to ensure the right of persons with disabilities to gain a living by work that they freely choose and accept.

Article 7. Services accessible to persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that the private sector associations and enterprises successfully employ persons with disabilities. Concerning the public sector, the Government indicates that it provides financial support to some protected jobs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data, on the measures implemented by the private and the public sectors to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment. It also requests the Government to provide further information about the nature and scope of the protected jobs for persons with disabilities in the public sector.

Article 9. Suitably trained and qualified staff. In reply to the previous comments, the Government indicates that the Department of Disability Affairs within the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Persons with Disabilities Department within the National Employment Office are staffed by competent and experienced personnel, but that they currently lack the necessary financial resources due to the situation of Lebanon and the surrounding region. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the services available in terms of rehabilitation, vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and employment of persons with disabilities. It also requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which cooperation and coordination between the Department of Disability Affairs and the Persons with Disability Department is ensured.

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

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the study entitled “Measures to enable each person with disabilities to exercise a liberal profession or self-employment” could not be completed because of the economic, political and security situation in Lebanon. With regard to measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, the Committee recalls that sections 73 and 74 of the Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 provide that three per cent of jobs shall be reserved for persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors (for enterprises that employ more than 60 individuals). In this regard, the Government indicates that the draft decree intended to give effect to section 74 of the Act No. 220/2000 has been forwarded to the Council of Ministers for promulgation. The Committee notes that the above-mentioned draft decree has been under consideration by the Council of Ministers since 2009. It further notes that, in its concluding observations of October 2016, the United Nations Economic and Social Council expressed concern that 80 per cent of persons with disabilities in Lebanon were not or had never been employed and that the employment quota introduced by Act No. 220/2000 was not enforced. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures provided for in Act No. 220/2000 as well as on the manner in which compliance with the quota system established in the Act is ensured. It also requests the Government to communicate information on any developments regarding the status of the draft decree. The Government is further requested to transmit specific practical information on the application of the Convention, such as statistical data, extracts from reports and studies on matters covered by the Convention.

Article 4. Equality of opportunity and treatment. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that Lebanese law forbids discrimination, that persons with disabilities who succeed in competitions for public posts through the Civil Service Board are given priority and that the competition hierarchy has been set aside to ensure the appointment of successful candidates with disabilities. To ensure equal access to employment for persons with disabilities, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the measures contained in Paragraph 11 of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Recommendation, 1983 (No. 168), which provides guidance for the establishment of positive measures. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the positive measures adopted to ensure equal access to education and training to persons with disabilities, and to ensure the right of persons with disabilities to gain a living by work that they freely choose and accept.

Article 7. Services accessible to persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that the private sector associations and enterprises successfully employ persons with disabilities. Concerning the public sector, the Government indicates that it provides financial support to some protected jobs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data, on the measures implemented by the private and the public sectors to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment. It also requests the Government to provide further information about the nature and scope of the protected jobs for persons with disabilities in the public sector.

Article 9. Suitably trained and qualified staff. In reply to the previous comments, the Government indicates that the Department of Disability Affairs within the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Persons with Disabilities Department within the National Employment Office are staffed by competent and experienced personnel, but that they currently lack the necessary financial resources due to the situation of Lebanon and the surrounding region. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the services available in terms of rehabilitation, vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and employment of persons with disabilities. It also requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which cooperation and coordination between the Department of Disability Affairs and the Persons with Disability Department is ensured.

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

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.

Repetition

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the study entitled “Measures to enable each person with disabilities to exercise a liberal profession or self-employment” could not be completed because of the economic, political and security situation in Lebanon. With regard to measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, the Committee recalls that sections 73 and 74 of the Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 provide that three per cent of jobs shall be reserved for persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors (for enterprises that employ more than 60 individuals). In this regard, the Government indicates that the draft decree intended to give effect to section 74 of the Act No. 220/2000 has been forwarded to the Council of Ministers for promulgation. The Committee notes that the above-mentioned draft decree has been under consideration by the Council of Ministers since 2009. It further notes that, in its concluding observations of October 2016, the United Nations Economic and Social Council expressed concern that 80 per cent of persons with disabilities in Lebanon were not or had never been employed and that the employment quota introduced by Act No. 220/2000 was not enforced. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures provided for in Act No. 220/2000 as well as on the manner in which compliance with the quota system established in the Act is ensured. It also requests the Government to communicate information on any developments regarding the status of the draft decree. The Government is further requested to transmit specific practical information on the application of the Convention, such as statistical data, extracts from reports and studies on matters covered by the Convention.

Article 4. Equality of opportunity and treatment. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that Lebanese law forbids discrimination, that persons with disabilities who succeed in competitions for public posts through the Civil Service Board are given priority and that the competition hierarchy has been set aside to ensure the appointment of successful candidates with disabilities. To ensure equal access to employment for persons with disabilities, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the measures contained in Paragraph 11 of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Recommendation, 1983 (No. 168), which provides guidance for the establishment of positive measures. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the positive measures adopted to ensure equal access to education and training to persons with disabilities, and to ensure the right of persons with disabilities to gain a living by work that they freely choose and accept.

Article 7. Services accessible to persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that the private sector associations and enterprises successfully employ persons with disabilities. Concerning the public sector, the Government indicates that it provides financial support to some protected jobs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data, on the measures implemented by the private and the public sectors to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment. It also requests the Government to provide further information about the nature and scope of the protected jobs for persons with disabilities in the public sector.

Article 9. Suitably trained and qualified staff. In reply to the previous comments, the Government indicates that the Department of Disability Affairs within the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Persons with Disabilities Department within the National Employment Office are staffed by competent and experienced personnel, but that they currently lack the necessary financial resources due to the situation of Lebanon and the surrounding region. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the services available in terms of rehabilitation, vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and employment of persons with disabilities. It also requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which cooperation and coordination between the Department of Disability Affairs and the Persons with Disability Department is ensured.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the study entitled “Measures to enable each person with disabilities to exercise a liberal profession or self-employment” could not be completed because of the economic, political and security situation in Lebanon. With regard to measures taken to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, the Committee recalls that sections 73 and 74 of the Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 provide that three per cent of jobs shall be reserved for persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors (for enterprises that employ more than 60 individuals). In this regard, the Government indicates that the draft decree intended to give effect to section 74 of the Act No. 220/2000 has been forwarded to the Council of Ministers for promulgation. The Committee notes that the above-mentioned draft decree has been under consideration by the Council of Ministers since 2009. It further notes that, in its concluding observations of October 2016, the United Nations Economic and Social Council expressed concern that 80 per cent of persons with disabilities in Lebanon were not or had never been employed and that the employment quota introduced by Act No. 220/2000 was not enforced. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures provided for in Act No. 220/2000 as well as on the manner in which compliance with the quota system established in the Act is ensured. It also requests the Government to communicate information on any developments regarding the status of the draft decree. The Government is further requested to transmit specific practical information on the application of the Convention, such as statistical data, extracts from reports and studies on matters covered by the Convention.

Article 4. Equality of opportunity and treatment. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that Lebanese law forbids discrimination, that persons with disabilities who succeed in competitions for public posts through the Civil Service Board are given priority and that the competition hierarchy has been set aside to ensure the appointment of successful candidates with disabilities. To ensure equal access to employment for persons with disabilities, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the measures contained in Paragraph 11 of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Recommendation, 1983 (No. 168), which provides guidance for the establishment of positive measures. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the positive measures adopted to ensure equal access to education and training to persons with disabilities, and to ensure the right of persons with disabilities to gain a living by work that they freely choose and accept.

Article 7. Services accessible to persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that the private sector associations and enterprises successfully employ persons with disabilities. Concerning the public sector, the Government indicates that it provides financial support to some protected jobs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data, on the measures implemented by the private and the public sectors to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment. It also requests the Government to provide further information about the nature and scope of the protected jobs for persons with disabilities in the public sector.

Article 9. Suitably trained and qualified staff. In reply to the previous comments, the Government indicates that the Department of Disability Affairs within the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Persons with Disabilities Department within the National Employment Office are staffed by competent and experienced personnel, but that they currently lack the necessary financial resources due to the situation of Lebanon and the surrounding region. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the services available in terms of rehabilitation, vocational guidance, vocational training, placement and employment of persons with disabilities. It also requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which cooperation and coordination between the Department of Disability Affairs and the Persons with Disability Department is ensured.

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

The Committee notes with regret 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

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2009 in reply to the 2004 direct request. The Government indicates that the Committee for the Promotion of the Rights at Work of Persons with Disabilities has prepared a draft study entitled “Measures to enable each person with disabilities to exercise a liberal profession or self-employment”. The study is intended to help persons with disabilities to establish and manage micro activities in production and services which are economically feasible and which therefore guarantee them work opportunities, financial independence, a decent living standard and improved vocational integration. The Government reports the adoption of Decision No. 45-2006 of 26 May 2006 establishing a commission to prepare a draft decree to give effect to section 74 of Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000, which provides that a certain percentage of jobs shall be reserved for persons with disabilities in the private sector. A draft decree to give effect to section 74 of Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 has been prepared and forwarded to the Council of Ministers. The Committee invites the Government to indicate whether the study and the Decree referred to above have been implemented and the results of their application in terms of promoting the employment of persons with disabilities. It requests the Government to provide specific practical information, such as statistical data, extracts from reports, studies or surveys on matters covered by the Convention.

Article 4. Equality of opportunity and treatment. The Government indicates that the commission responsible for the study and the follow-up of international labour Conventions has engaged in dialogue with the competent authorities responsible for recruitment in the public service with a view to confirming the provisions and principles contained in Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000. The Government adds that the Ministry of Labour pays specific attention to the rights at work of persons with disabilities and that, accordingly, it is requesting ILO technical assistance with a view to taking additional measures for the achievement of effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and workers generally. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information on the special affirmative measures adopted to guarantee effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers, as well as detailed statistical data on the employment of persons with disabilities.

Article 7. Services accessible to persons with disabilities. The Government refers in its report to the work of the Committee for the Promotion of the Rights at Work of Persons with Disabilities. The Government adds that the Ministry of Social Affairs is also authorized to receive complaints made by persons with disabilities encountering difficulties in their work. It helps them with vocational guidance in coordination with public and private sector enterprises and participates in the meetings of the Committee for the Promotion of the Rights at Work of Persons with Disabilities. The Committee notes the conditions of entitlement required for granting loans and the financing institutions through which applications for loans may be made. Moreover, associations and banks have granted loans under favourable conditions to persons with disabilities to enable them to start up projects. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information on the various vocational guidance, vocational training, placement, employment and other related services intended to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment.

Article 9. Suitably qualified staff. The Committee notes that the Government has requested ILO technical assistance to give effect to the provisions of Article 9 of the Convention. It invites the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in giving effect to the provisions of Article 9 of the Convention.

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

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 full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2009 in reply to the 2004 direct request. The Government indicates that the Committee for the Promotion of the Rights at Work of Persons with Disabilities has prepared a draft study entitled “Measures to enable each person with disabilities to exercise a liberal profession or self-employment”. The study is intended to help persons with disabilities to establish and manage micro activities in production and services which are economically feasible and which therefore guarantee them work opportunities, financial independence, a decent living standard and improved vocational integration. The Government reports the adoption of Decision No. 45-2006 of 26 May 2006 establishing a commission to prepare a draft decree to give effect to section 74 of Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000, which provides that a certain percentage of jobs shall be reserved for persons with disabilities in the private sector. A draft decree to give effect to section 74 of Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 has been prepared and forwarded to the Council of Ministers. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report whether the study and the Decree referred to above have been implemented and the results of their application in terms of promoting the employment of persons with disabilities. It requests the Government to provide specific practical information, such as statistical data, extracts from reports, studies or surveys on matters covered by the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Article 4. Equality of opportunity and treatment. The Government indicates that the commission responsible for the study and the follow-up of international labour Conventions has engaged in dialogue with the competent authorities responsible for recruitment in the public service with a view to confirming the provisions and principles contained in Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000. The Government adds that the Ministry of Labour pays specific attention to the rights at work of persons with disabilities and that, accordingly, it is requesting ILO technical assistance with a view to taking additional measures for the achievement of effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and workers generally. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information on the special affirmative measures adopted to guarantee effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers, as well as detailed statistical data on the employment of persons with disabilities.

Article 7. Services accessible to persons with disabilities. The Government refers in its report to the work of the Committee for the Promotion of the Rights at Work of Persons with Disabilities. The Government adds that the Ministry of Social Affairs is also authorized to receive complaints made by persons with disabilities encountering difficulties in their work. It helps them with vocational guidance in coordination with public and private sector enterprises and participates in the meetings of the Committee for the Promotion of the Rights at Work of Persons with Disabilities. The Committee notes the conditions of entitlement required for granting loans and the financing institutions through which applications for loans may be made. Moreover, associations and banks have granted loans under favourable conditions to persons with disabilities to enable them to start up projects. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information on the various vocational guidance, vocational training, placement, employment and other related services intended to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment.

Article 9. Suitably qualified staff. The Committee notes that the Government has requested ILO technical assistance to give effect to the provisions of Article 9 of the Convention. It invites the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in giving effect to the provisions of Article 9 of the Convention.

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

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2009 in reply to the 2004 direct request. The Government indicates that the Committee for the Promotion of the Rights at Work of Persons with Disabilities has prepared a draft study entitled “Measures to enable each person with disabilities to exercise a liberal profession or self-employment”. The study is intended to help persons with disabilities to establish and manage micro activities in production and services which are economically feasible and which therefore guarantee them work opportunities, financial independence, a decent living standard and improved vocational integration. The Government reports the adoption of Decision No. 45-2006 of 26 May 2006 establishing a commission to prepare a draft decree to give effect to section 74 of Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000, which provides that a certain percentage of jobs shall be reserved for persons with disabilities in the private sector. A draft decree to give effect to section 74 of Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 has been prepared and forwarded to the Council of Ministers. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report whether the study and the Decree referred to above have been implemented and the results of their application in terms of promoting the employment of persons with disabilities. It requests the Government to provide specific practical information, such as statistical data, extracts from reports, studies or surveys on matters covered by the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Article 4. Equality of opportunity and treatment. The Government indicates that the commission responsible for the study and the follow-up of international labour Conventions has engaged in dialogue with the competent authorities responsible for recruitment in the public service with a view to confirming the provisions and principles contained in Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000. The Government adds that the Ministry of Labour pays specific attention to the rights at work of persons with disabilities and that, accordingly, it is requesting ILO technical assistance with a view to taking additional measures for the achievement of effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and workers generally. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information on the special affirmative measures adopted to guarantee effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers, as well as detailed statistical data on the employment of persons with disabilities.

Article 7. Services accessible to persons with disabilities. The Government refers in its report to the work of the Committee for the Promotion of the Rights at Work of Persons with Disabilities. The Government adds that the Ministry of Social Affairs is also authorized to receive complaints made by persons with disabilities encountering difficulties in their work. It helps them with vocational guidance in coordination with public and private sector enterprises and participates in the meetings of the Committee for the Promotion of the Rights at Work of Persons with Disabilities. The Committee notes the conditions of entitlement required for granting loans and the financing institutions through which applications for loans may be made. Moreover, associations and banks have granted loans under favourable conditions to persons with disabilities to enable them to start up projects. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information on the various vocational guidance, vocational training, placement, employment and other related services intended to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment.

Article 9. Suitably qualified staff. The Committee notes that the Government has requested ILO technical assistance to give effect to the provisions of Article 9 of the Convention. It invites the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in giving effect to the provisions of Article 9 of the Convention.

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

1. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information provided by the Government in its first report on the application of the Convention as well as the additional information received in September 2004. It notes in particular that Act No. 220 of 29 May 2000 provides for incentives and dissuasive measures to promote employment opportunities in the open labour market and that a percentage of jobs are reserved for persons with disabilities. In this respect, the Government states that, in a note of 12 August 2002, the Director-General of the Ministry of Labour invites the labour inspectors to ask employers to apply the provisions in the abovementioned Act. Noting the establishment in April 2004 of a committee to implement the rights of disabled persons at work, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the practical implementation of the measures provided for in Act No. 220 of 2000. Please also provide information on the manner in which the national policy is periodically reviewed, on the activities of the Committee on the Promotion of the Rights of Disabled Persons at Work and on the results of the measures taken to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the open labour market (Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention).

2. Article 4. Please provide information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers.

3. Article 7. The Committee notes the establishment of an ad hoc committee for the training of disabled persons pursuant to Ministerial Council Decision No. 20 of 15 January 2004. The Government also refers to Ministerial Council Decision No. 50 of 3 December 2004 approving a planned study of mechanisms which would allow all disabled persons to carry out a liberal profession or an independent work. Noting that the Government has requested assistance from the Office to set up such mechanisms, the Committee asks the Government to keep it informed on the progress made in this respect. Please also provide detailed information on the various services available in practice to secure, retain and advance persons with disabilities in employment.

4. Article 9. Please indicate any measures taken to put into practice the system of staff suitably qualified in vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons, as described in the report.