Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) - Guinea-Bissau (Ratification: 1977)

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

Previous comment

Articles 1, 3, 4 and 5 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to the promotion of employment. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its 2021 and 2023 reports. In its 2023 report, the Government indicates that the Convention is not fully applied, particularly in relation to employment services for young persons. The Government adds that it intends to reduce youth unemployment through the creation of a committee within the Ministry of Labour that will be charged with the development of an employment policy. In addition, the Government reports that it has taken measures to ensure the functioning of the public employment service, including establishing the National Service for Employment and Vocational Training (ANGEFP). The ANGEFP is not yet operational, however, pending approval of the legislation necessary to enable it to function. The Department of the Employment Service forms part of the ANGEFP, but its activities are limited in a context where the public employment centres have not been established, due to the lack of human and financial resources. A projected Pilot Centre for Employment has also not yet been created. There are also no advisory committees or other mechanisms to ensure the cooperation of representatives of employers and workers in the organization and operation of the employment service and the development of employment service policy. The Government refers, however, to the National Observatory on Employment and Vocational Training (ONEFP), as the agency responsible for the collection and analysis of labour market information. While the Government reports that the ONEFP is operational, it also indicates that the draft law governing its activities is yet to be promulgated. Consequently, no registries exist that can provide data on the national, regional, or local employment situation. In this context, data produced in 2017–18 and published in October 2019 in a study on Employment and the Informal Sector (ERI-ESI) carried out by the National Statistics Institute, represents the most recent and the most in-depth source of information in this area. Pursuant to this study, the great majority of employed persons in the country – 86.3 per cent – are underqualified.

The Committee observes that the country is encountering significant difficulties in implementing the Convention and that this situation has persisted over time. While it is conscious of the financial and human constraints faced by the Government, the Committee wishes to recall that coupled with an integrated and transformative employment policy and sound data collection mechanisms, a public employment service represents a key component of the set of measures needed to achieve full employment. Respectively, the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), the Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160), jointly with the present Convention and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), provide (together with their respective accompanying Recommendations) key guidance in putting in place the measures needed to secure sustainable economic growth and promote decent work creation. In this respect, the Committee cannot overemphasize the importance of the Government dedicating, in partnership with the social partners, the needed attention to these issues so as to lay the ground for reaching positive outcomes in the future in terms of creation of decent work, enhancement of productivity and reduction of poverty. The Committee therefore wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the possibility to mobilize the potential of recently launched ILO tools such as the Employment Policy Design Lab, which was created as a space to showcase approaches, tools and good country practices that can support policymakers develop and implement more effective employment policies compliant with ILO standards in this subject area. This new tool comprises special thematic focuses on key areas for policy innovation, including as regards the use of employment services to support transitions but also more broadly on designing pro-employment macroeconomic, sectoral policies and budgeting as well as employment policies conducive to green recovery and youth employment and that harness the potential of digitalization. The Government may also wish to consider availing itself of the technical assistance of the ILO, particularly its Department on Employment, in designing the measures aimed at ensuring the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). In view of the above, the Committee once again expresses the hope that the Government will take without delay decisive steps such as those suggested above to ensure compliance with the Convention.

Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. Specific groups of workers. While noting the Government’s indication that no specific measures have been taken to provide employment services aimed at young persons, the Committee observes that the text of the Statute of the ONEFP places a particular focus on the importance of employment and professional training for young persons, as well as on the promotion of employment and decent work for women and persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the nature and scope of measures envisaged to ensure the provision of targeted employment services for young people in all regions of the country as part of a comprehensive employment policy framework based on tripartite consultations covering macro, meso and micro policy areas relevant to the national employment priorities. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information concerning the measures taken or envisaged to respond to the needs of other specific groups who face particular barriers to entering or remaining in the labour market, including women and persons with disabilities.

The Committee further observes that well-functioning public employment services are in a position to provide more intensive support for disadvantaged groups working in the informal economy or at risk of slipping into long-term unemployment or continued inactivity. To this end, a significant number of national public employment services are shifting their approach by considering, jobseekers’ competences in a more diverse way. Rather than solely relying on formal qualifications and traditional job roles, they tend to assess a broader range of knowledge and skills. This change offers jobseekers the chance to showcase their abilities for specific jobs, increasing opportunities and empowerment, particularly for vulnerable groups, including informal workers. Partnerships with workers’ and employers’ organizations, even if they are informal, also ensure that skills training is tailored to the immediate and medium-term needs of the labour market. Civil society organizations can play a helpful role too, since they often have a close connection to target groups and possess the agility to communicate and try out solutions on the ground. Also, a number of countries have introduced income support schemes for informal workers falling into unemployment and which register with the public employment service. In low- and middle-income countries, where a large proportion of economic activities are informal, employment services often provide support as regards entrepreneurship and self-employment. The Committee would therefore particularly welcome receiving with the next report information on whether and how the Government has considered to use the public employment service, in combination with active labour market policies, as a means to foster the transition from the informal to the formal economy.

Article 11. Effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies. Noting that private employment agencies can, in collaboration with a well-functioning public employment service, play a critical role in improving labour market efficiency, the Committee wishes to draw attention to the ILO Campaign to promote the joint ratification of Convention No. 88 and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181).The Committee therefore invites the Government to consider ratifying also Convention No. 181, as it represents the most up-to-date instrument in the area of private employment services which recognizes the role of these agencies to complement and contribute to achieving the effective implementation of the objectives of Convention No. 88.

Part IV of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee again hopes that the Observatory of employment and vocational training (ONEFP) will soon be in a position to provide the Government with the statistical data needed for informed policy-making.

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

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 2021, 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

Contribution of the employment service to the promotion of employment. The Committee takes note of the report received in September 2013 in which the Government indicates that public employment services are not fully operational due to the lack of funding and of an employment policy framework. The Committee notes that apart from the Department of Employment Service and the Pilot Employment Centre that have been established within the Ministry of Labour, the Government has established, in 2011, an observatory of employment and vocational training responsible for the collection and analysis of labour market information. The Government highlights that it is actively working to ensure that the observatory becomes operational soon. The Committee also takes note that the employment policy is still in the process of being prepared. To this end, a working group has been constituted to continue work on a document, originally prepared in 2004, that provides an overview of the employment situation and identifies areas for employment as well as measures that can help to increase the domestic employment rate. Finally, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the document that outlines the national strategy to reduce poverty (DENARP) sets forth employment promotion as a line of action of its third strategic axis. It also recalls that in its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee indicated that the public employment service forms part of the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. Convention No. 88, the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), all three form a necessary building block for employment growth (see 2010 General Survey, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee therefore again expresses the hope that a national employment policy will be adopted soon and that measures will be taken to strengthen employment services intended for young people, including services established outside the capital. It requests the Government to provide further information on the operation of the public employment service and also on the steps taken to strengthen the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. The Committee invites the Government to include in the report due in 2015 up-to-date information on the measures adopted to ensure the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). Finally, the Committee hopes that the observatory of employment and vocational training will soon become operational and that it will provide the Government with statistical information on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

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

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 2020, 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

Contribution of the employment service to the promotion of employment. The Committee takes note of the report received in September 2013 in which the Government indicates that public employment services are not fully operational due to the lack of funding and of an employment policy framework. The Committee notes that apart from the Department of Employment Service and the Pilot Employment Centre that have been established within the Ministry of Labour, the Government has established, in 2011, an observatory of employment and vocational training responsible for the collection and analysis of labour market information. The Government highlights that it is actively working to ensure that the observatory becomes operational soon. The Committee also takes note that the employment policy is still in the process of being prepared. To this end, a working group has been constituted to continue work on a document, originally prepared in 2004, that provides an overview of the employment situation and identifies areas for employment as well as measures that can help to increase the domestic employment rate. Finally, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the document that outlines the national strategy to reduce poverty (DENARP) sets forth employment promotion as a line of action of its third strategic axis. It also recalls that in its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee indicated that the public employment service forms part of the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. Convention No. 88, the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), all three form a necessary building block for employment growth (see 2010 General Survey, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee therefore again expresses the hope that a national employment policy will be adopted soon and that measures will be taken to strengthen employment services intended for young people, including services established outside the capital. It requests the Government to provide further information on the operation of the public employment service and also on the steps taken to strengthen the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. The Committee invites the Government to include in the report due in 2015 up-to-date information on the measures adopted to ensure the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). Finally, the Committee hopes that the observatory of employment and vocational training will soon become operational and that it will provide the Government with statistical information on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

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

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 initially made in 2013.

Repetition

Contribution of the employment service to the promotion of employment. The Committee takes note of the report received in September 2013 in which the Government indicates that public employment services are not fully operational due to the lack of funding and of an employment policy framework. The Committee notes that apart from the Department of Employment Service and the Pilot Employment Centre that have been established within the Ministry of Labour, the Government has established, in 2011, an observatory of employment and vocational training responsible for the collection and analysis of labour market information. The Government highlights that it is actively working to ensure that the observatory becomes operational soon. The Committee also takes note that the employment policy is still in the process of being prepared. To this end, a working group has been constituted to continue work on a document, originally prepared in 2004, that provides an overview of the employment situation and identifies areas for employment as well as measures that can help to increase the domestic employment rate. Finally, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the document that outlines the national strategy to reduce poverty (DENARP) sets forth employment promotion as a line of action of its third strategic axis. It also recalls that in its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee indicated that the public employment service forms part of the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. Convention No. 88, the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), all three form a necessary building block for employment growth (see 2010 General Survey, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee therefore again expresses the hope that a national employment policy will be adopted soon and that measures will be taken to strengthen employment services intended for young people, including services established outside the capital. It requests the Government to provide further information on the operation of the public employment service and also on the steps taken to strengthen the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. The Committee invites the Government to include in the report due in 2015 up-to-date information on the measures adopted to ensure the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). Finally, the Committee hopes that the observatory of employment and vocational training will soon become operational and that it will provide the Government with statistical information on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

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

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 initially made in 2013. The Committee also notes that the Government has been requested to provide information to the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference for failure to supply reports and information on the application of ratified Conventions.

Repetition

Contribution of the employment service to the promotion of employment. The Committee takes note of the report received in September 2013 in which the Government indicates that public employment services are not fully operational due to the lack of funding and of an employment policy framework. The Committee notes that apart from the Department of Employment Service and the Pilot Employment Centre that have been established within the Ministry of Labour, the Government has established, in 2011, an observatory of employment and vocational training responsible for the collection and analysis of labour market information. The Government highlights that it is actively working to ensure that the observatory becomes operational soon. The Committee also takes note that the employment policy is still in the process of being prepared. To this end, a working group has been constituted to continue work on a document, originally prepared in 2004, that provides an overview of the employment situation and identifies areas for employment as well as measures that can help to increase the domestic employment rate. Finally, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the document that outlines the national strategy to reduce poverty (DENARP) sets forth employment promotion as a line of action of its third strategic axis. It also recalls that in its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee indicated that the public employment service forms part of the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. Convention No. 88, the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), all three form a necessary building block for employment growth (see 2010 General Survey, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee therefore again expresses the hope that a national employment policy will be adopted soon and that measures will be taken to strengthen employment services intended for young people, including services established outside the capital. It requests the Government to provide further information on the operation of the public employment service and also on the steps taken to strengthen the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. The Committee invites the Government to include in the report due in 2015 up-to-date information on the measures adopted to ensure the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). Finally, the Committee hopes that the observatory of employment and vocational training will soon become operational and that it will provide the Government with statistical information on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

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

Contribution of the employment service to the promotion of employment. The Committee takes note of the report received in September 2013 in which the Government indicates that public employment services are not fully operational due to the lack of funding and of an employment policy framework. The Committee notes that apart from the Department of Employment Service and the Pilot Employment Centre that have been established within the Ministry of Labour, the Government has established, in 2011, an observatory of employment and vocational training responsible for the collection and analysis of labour market information. The Government highlights that it is actively working to ensure that the observatory becomes operational soon. The Committee also takes note that the employment policy is still in the process of being prepared. To this end, a working group has been constituted to continue work on a document, originally prepared in 2004, that provides an overview of the employment situation and identifies areas for employment as well as measures that can help to increase the domestic employment rate. Finally, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the document that outlines the national strategy to reduce poverty (DENARP) sets forth employment promotion as a line of action of its third strategic axis. It also recalls that in its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee indicated that the public employment service forms part of the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. Convention No. 88, the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), all three form a necessary building block for employment growth (see 2010 General Survey, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee therefore again expresses the hope that a national employment policy will be adopted soon and that measures will be taken to strengthen employment services intended for young people, including services established outside the capital. It requests the Government to provide further information on the operation of the public employment service and also on the steps taken to strengthen the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. The Committee invites the Government to include in the report due in 2015 up-to-date information on the measures adopted to ensure the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). Finally, the Committee hopes that the observatory of employment and vocational training will soon become operational and that it will provide the Government with statistical information on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

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

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

Contribution of the employment service to the promotion of employment. The Committee takes note of the report received in September 2013 in which the Government indicates that public employment services are not fully operational due to the lack of funding and of an employment policy framework. The Committee notes that apart from the Department of Employment Service and the Pilot Employment Centre that have been established within the Ministry of Labour, the Government has established, in 2011, an observatory of employment and vocational training responsible for the collection and analysis of labour market information. The Government highlights that it is actively working to ensure that the observatory becomes operational soon. The Committee also takes note that the employment policy is still in the process of being prepared. To this end, a working group has been constituted to continue work on a document, originally prepared in 2004, that provides an overview of the employment situation and identifies areas for employment as well as measures that can help to increase the domestic employment rate. Finally, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the document that outlines the national strategy to reduce poverty (DENARP) sets forth employment promotion as a line of action of its third strategic axis. It also recalls that in its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee indicated that the public employment service forms part of the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. Convention No. 88, the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), all three form a necessary building block for employment growth (see 2010 General Survey, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee therefore again expresses the hope that a national employment policy will be adopted soon and that measures will be taken to strengthen employment services intended for young people, including services established outside the capital. It requests the Government to provide further information on the operation of the public employment service and also on the steps taken to strengthen the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. The Committee invites the Government to include in the report due in 2015 up-to-date information on the measures adopted to ensure the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). Finally, the Committee hopes that the observatory of employment and vocational training will soon become operational and that it will provide the Government with statistical information on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

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

Contribution of the employment service to the promotion of employment. The Committee takes note of the report received in September 2013 in which the Government indicates that public employment services are not fully operational due to the lack of funding and of an employment policy framework. The Committee notes that apart from the Department of Employment Service and the Pilot Employment Centre that have been established within the Ministry of Labour, the Government has established, in 2011, an observatory of employment and vocational training responsible for the collection and analysis of labour market information. The Government highlights that it is actively working to ensure that the observatory becomes operational soon. The Committee also takes note that the employment policy is still in the process of being prepared. To this end, a working group has been constituted to continue work on a document, originally prepared in 2004, that provides an overview of the employment situation and identifies areas for employment as well as measures that can help to increase the domestic employment rate. Finally, the Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the document that outlines the national strategy to reduce poverty (DENARP) sets forth employment promotion as a line of action of its third strategic axis. It also recalls that in its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee indicated that the public employment service forms part of the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. Convention No. 88, the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), all three form a necessary building block for employment growth (see 2010 General Survey, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee therefore again expresses the hope that a national employment policy will be adopted soon and that measures will be taken to strengthen employment services intended for young people, including services established outside the capital. It requests the Government to provide further information on the operation of the public employment service and also on the steps taken to strengthen the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. The Committee invites the Government to include in the report due in 2015 up-to-date information on the measures adopted to ensure the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). Finally, the Committee hopes that the observatory of employment and vocational training will soon become operational and that it will provide the Government with statistical information on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Contribution of the employment service to the promotion of employment. The Committee notes the general information sent by the Government in a report received in August 2011. The Government indicates that a department has been established within the Ministry of Labour responsible for the formulation and implementation of government employment policy. At the same time, the Government has established an employment centre responsible for the registration of jobseekers. The Committee notes that the new labour department is also required to implement measures aimed at securing full employment and promoting contacts with organizations in civil society in connection with employment. The national employment policy and a paper concerned with national youth policy are being drawn up. In its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee indicated that the public employment service forms part of the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. Convention No. 88, the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), all three form a necessary building block for employment growth (see 2010 General Survey, paragraphs 785–790). The Committee also refers to the comments which it has been making for a number of years on the application of Convention No. 88. It again expresses the hope that a national employment policy will be adopted soon and that measures will be taken to strengthen employment services intended for young people, including services established outside the capital. It requests the Government to provide further information on the operation of the public employment service and also on the steps taken to strengthen the institutions necessary for achieving full employment. The Committee hopes that the report will contain information on how the establishment of a new department at the Ministry of Labour has enabled the Government to discharge its key task, namely “to ensure […] the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources” (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). The Committee requests the Government to indicate the efforts made regarding the collection and analysis of statistics relating to the employment market and to send all available information on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2013.]

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

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 direct request, which read as follows:

Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in November 2005. The Government again refers to the shortages and difficulties in the Employment Service Directorate and to the absence of measures designed to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee wishes to examine the manner in which the elected authorities took into account in 2005 the objectives of the Convention in preparing their 2004–08 government programme and in the definition of priorities in the national strategic campaign against poverty. The Committee hopes that the ILO will be able to provide technical assistance designed to enable the Government and the social partners to put in place programmes intended to create job opportunities. The Committee trusts that these programmes will contribute to strengthening the employment services for young people, particularly those outside the capital, and hopes that in its next report the Government will be able to describe how reforms in the employment service have enabled it to fulfil its essential duty of ensuring the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). In this respect, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report the efforts made to collect and analyse statistical data on the labour market and would supply any statistical information available on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

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

Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in November 2005. The Government again refers to the shortages and difficulties in the Employment Service Directorate and to the absence of measures designed to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee wishes to examine the manner in which the elected authorities took into account in 2005 the objectives of the Convention in preparing their 2004‑08 government programme and in the definition of priorities in the national strategic campaign against poverty. The Committee hopes that the ILO will be able to provide technical assistance designed to enable the Government and the social partners to put in place programmes intended to create job opportunities. The Committee trusts that these programmes will contribute to strengthening the employment services for young people, particularly those outside the capital, and hopes that in its next report the Government will be able to describe how reforms in the employment service have enabled it to fulfil its essential duty of ensuring the best possible organization of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and use of productive resources (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention), in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 4 and 5). In this respect, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report the efforts made to collect and analyse statistical data on the labour market and would supply any statistical information available on the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).

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

Article 3 of the Convention.  In reply to previous comments on the lack of expansion of offices and services, the Government states that it has no resources to develop regional offices, and cannot afford to provide employment and vocational training, as there are only seven staff members. Instead, it is counting on ILO technical assistance for vocational training courses. The Government also mentions that the biggest obstacle to advancement of the employment service is the lack of coordination with other government agencies, which may also register unemployed persons. The Committee recalls the importance of establishing a national network of employment offices to address the needs of a large proportion of the population, including those living outside the capital. It urges the Government to commit fully to developing a network of employment services with adequate funding so that they may provide a minimum level of services, and to improve coordination of efforts between government agencies.

Articles 4 and 5.  Further to previous comments, the Government states that the social partners are involved in employment-related seminars and training activities, and in establishing regulations relating to the promotion of the employment service. The Committee notes this information, and would appreciate continuing to receive detailed information on the extent of tripartite cooperation and on efforts to establish a tripartite advisory committee, as required under the Convention.

The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on the number of people placed in employment. It would appreciate receiving such information, as requested in Part IV of the report form.

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

The Committee notes with regret 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 direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes that there is still only one employment centre and that it is used by only a small number of workers. The Committee trusts that the Government will be in a position, in the near future, to take the necessary measures, first, to expand the existing centre's activities and, secondly, to extend the employment service to other parts of the country in order to provide a better response to workers' and employers' needs and, more generally, to allow the best possible organization of the labour market. It hopes that the Government will remain in touch with the ILO on this matter in order to obtain technical assistance, if needed.

Articles 4 and 5. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that it has not been able to establish a tripartite advisory committee for employment although it considers that there is a need for one. The Committee recalls that the cooperation machinery envisaged in the provisions of the Convention makes it possible to benefit from and take into account the experience and views of employers' and workers' representatives on the organization, operation and policy of the employment service. It requests the Government to indicate how these consultations are ensured in practice.

Articles 7 and 8. The Committee notes the efforts made to facilitate specialization within the employment service and to implement the vocational guidance measures for young people seeking their first job as well as for the retraining of people dismissed from the civil service. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on this subject.

Article 9. The Committee notes the adoption of the general Act on Public Service of 1993 and the implementing Decree of 28 February 1994 establishing, in particular, the conditions for recruitment of civil servants. It would be grateful if the Government would provide the Office with copies of the abovementioned texts.

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

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 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information and detailed statistical data supplied by the Government. It would be grateful if the Government would supply further information on the following points:

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes that there is still only one employment centre and that it is used by only a small number of workers. The Committee trusts that the Government will be in a position, in the near future, to take the necessary measures, first, to expand the existing centre's activities and, secondly, to extend the employment service to other parts of the country in order to provide a better response to workers' and employers' needs and, more generally, to allow the best possible organization of the labour market. It hopes that the Government will remain in touch with the ILO on this matter in order to obtain technical assistance, if needed.

Articles 4 and 5. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that it has not been able to establish a tripartite advisory committee for employment although it considers that there is a need for one. The Committee recalls that the cooperation machinery envisaged in the provisions of the Convention makes it possible to benefit from and take into account the experience and views of employers' and workers' representatives on the organization, operation and policy of the employment service. It requests the Government to indicate how these consultations are ensured in practice.

Articles 7 and 8. The Committee notes the efforts made to facilitate specialization within the employment service and to implement the vocational guidance measures for young people seeking their first job as well as for the retraining of people dismissed from the civil service. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on this subject.

Article 9. The Committee notes the adoption of the general Act on Public Service of 1993 and the implementing Decree of 28 February 1994 establishing, in particular, the conditions for recruitment of civil servants. It would be grateful if the Government would provide the Office with copies of the above-mentioned texts.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes the information and detailed statistical data supplied by the Government. It would be grateful if the Government would supply further information on the following points:

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes that there is still only one employment centre and that it is used by only a small number of workers. The Committee trusts that the Government will be in a position, in the near future, to take the necessary measures, first, to expand the existing centre's activities and, secondly, to extend the employment service to other parts of the country in order to provide a better response to workers' and employers' needs and, more generally, to allow the best possible organization of the labour market. It hopes that the Government will remain in touch with the ILO on this matter in order to obtain technical assistance, if needed.

Articles 4 and 5. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that it has not been able to establish a tripartite advisory committee for employment although it considers that there is a need for one. The Committee recalls that the cooperation machinery envisaged in the provisions of the Convention makes it possible to benefit from and take into account the experience and views of employers' and workers' representatives on the organization, operation and policy of the employment service. It requests the Government to indicate how these consultations are ensured in practice.

Articles 7 and 8. The Committee notes the efforts made to facilitate specialization within the employment service and to implement the vocational guidance measures for young people seeking their first job as well as for the retraining of people dismissed from the civil service. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on this subject.

Article 9. The Committee notes the adoption of the general Act on Public Service of 1993 and the implementing Decree of 28 February 1994 establishing, in particular, the conditions for recruitment of civil servants. It would be grateful if the Government would provide the Office with copies of the above-mentioned texts.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received for the fourth year in succession. 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 direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government's report. The Government refers to the Organic Bill put forward by the Ministry of the Civil Service and Labour, which sets out the nature and duties of the General Directorate of Employment and Vocational Training which, among other responsibilities, has the task of implementing a number of important aspects of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate in its next report the legislative developments that have occurred and the progress that has been achieved, taking into account the developments in social and economic conditions in order to promote the application of the Convention in its broadest sense. It requests the Government to refer to its previous comments concerning the application of Articles 3 to 8 of the Convention.

2. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the Constitution of the INAFOR, which was referred to but not attached to its previous report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received for the third year in succession. 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 direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government's report. The Government refers to the Organic Bill put forward by the Ministry of the Civil Service and Labour, which sets out the nature and duties of the General Directorate of Employment and Vocational Training which, among other responsibilities, has the task of implementing a number of important aspects of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate in its next report the legislative developments that have occurred and the progress that has been achieved, taking into account the developments in social and economic conditions in order to promote the application of the Convention in its broadest sense. It requests the Government to refer to its previous comments concerning the application of Articles 3 to 8 of the Convention.

2. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the Constitution of the INAFOR, which was referred to but not attached to its previous report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received for the second time in succession. 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 direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government's report. The Government refers to the Organic Bill put forward by the Ministry of the Civil Service and Labour, which sets out the nature and duties of the General Directorate of Employment and Vocational Training which, among other responsibilities, has the task of implementing a number of important aspects of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate in its next report the legislative developments that have occurred and the progress that has been achieved, taking into account the developments in social and economic conditions in order to promote the application of the Convention in its broadest sense. It requests the Government to refer to its previous comments concerning the application of Articles 3 to 8 of the Convention.

2. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the Constitution of the INAFOR, which was referred to but not attached to its previous report.

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

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 direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government's report. The Government refers to the Organic Bill put forward by the Ministry of the Civil Service and Labour, which sets out the nature and duties of the General Directorate of Employment and Vocational Training which, among other responsibilities, has the task of implementing a number of important aspects of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate in its next report the legislative developments that have occurred and the progress that has been achieved, taking into account the developments in social and economic conditions in order to promote the application of the Convention in its broadest sense. It requests the Government to refer to its previous comments concerning the application of Articles 3 to 8 of the Convention.

2. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the Constitution of the INAFOR, which was referred to but not attached to its previous report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report. The Government refers to the Organic Bill put forward by the Ministry of the Civil Service and Labour, which sets out the nature and duties of the General Directorate of Employment and Vocational Training which, among other responsibilities, has the task of implementing a number of important aspects of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate in its next report the legislative developments that have occurred and the progress that has been achieved, taking into account the developments in social and economic conditions in order to promote the application of the Convention in its broadest sense. It requests the Government to refer to its previous comments concerning the application of Articles 3 to 8 of the Convention.

2. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the Constitution of the INAFOR, which was referred to but not attached to its previous report. [The Government is asked to report in detail for the period ending 30 June 1991.]