Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) - Malawi (Ratification: 1986)

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

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy for the vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes with interest the adoption in 2018 of the National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan (NDMS) covering the period 2018–23. The NDMS outlines key areas to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities, such as access to education, means of livelihood, employment and social inclusion. It includes among is main objectives the reduction of all forms of disability-related discrimination in the labour market, including through removing barriers to access to financial resources and social protection arrangements. In this regard, the NDMS envisages the adoption of measures aimed in particular at: promoting equity in selection, training and employment processes and procedures for persons with disabilities; establishing a 1 per cent employment quota of persons with disabilities and providing tax incentives to employers who meet this quota; developing and monitoring the implementation of measures for reasonable accommodation in all training and employment processes and providing funds to facilitate reasonable accommodation in workplaces; and providing advisory and support services to employees with disabilities through job support programmes undertaken in collaboration with both the public and the private sectors. The NDMS also provides for the development and implementation of an integrated labour market information management system (LMIS) to compile and analyse statistical data on the employment and retention of persons with disabilities in the open labour market, as well as developing and maintaining a database of profiles, job prospects and job matching of persons with disabilities seeking employment. With respect to access to education, the NDMS contemplates the adoption of measures to promote access to equitable, relevant and quality education for persons with disabilities, such as establishing model inclusive primary and secondary schools in all education divisions; conducting research to establish levels of implementation of inclusive education, practices, challenges and recommend possible solutions; and establishing education support systems for persons with disabilities at secondary and tertiary levels. The Committee also notes that, according to the NDMS, a number of national strategies and policies include the empowerment of persons with disabilities among its cross-cutting objectives, such as the medium-term Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III (MGDSIII) for the period 2017–22, and the National Education Sector Plan (NESP) 2017–20. The Government also refers to the implementation of its National Employment and Labour Policy (NELP). It indicates that, once implementation of the NELP is at a more advanced stage, it will provide information on the impact on measures taken under the NELP, with special reference to vocational rehabilitation, guidance services and the employment of persons with disabilities on the open labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the status and impact of the measures adopted to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the open labour market in both the public and private sectors, including those adopted in the framework of the National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan (NDMS), the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III (MGDSIII), and the National Employment and Labour Policy (NELP). It also requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the practical application of the Convention, including statistical data, disaggregated by age and sex, as well as extracts from reports, studies and inquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention.

Article 4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between men and women workers with disabilities, and between workers with disabilities and other workers. The Committee notes that, according to the NDMS, there are very high levels of poverty among persons with disabilities in Malawi due to exclusion. In particular, the NDMS emphasizes that women with disabilities rank significantly lower than men with disabilities as well as women without disabilities in terms of access to education, employment and earnings. Against this background, the NDMS contemplates the adoption of measures with a view to promoting entrepreneurship and the involvement of women with disabilities in business groups, including providing training for women with disabilities in basic business skills, promoting their inclusion in cooperatives, and facilitating the provision of micro-finance, loans and saving schemes to women with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature and impact of measures adopted or envisaged to ensure effective equality of opportunities and treatment in employment and occupation between women and men with disabilities, and between workers in general and workers with disabilities. The Government is also requested to provide updated information on the impact of these measures on the employment of men and women with disabilities on the open labour market, including statistics disaggregated by sex, age and economic sector.

Article 5. Consultation with the social partners and organizations of and for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the NDMS was developed with the active participation of a broad range of actors, including relevant sectoral government ministries and departments, the Norwegian Association of the Disabled (NAD), CBM International (previously known as the Christian Blind Mission), the Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA), the Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA), the Africa Disability Alliance (ADA), and the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC). The Committee further notes that the NDMS includes among its main strategies strengthening the participation of men and women with disabilities at all levels in decision making and development. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the content and outcome of the consultations held within the social partners and with organizations of persons with disabilities on the implementation of vocational rehabilitation and employment measures for persons with disabilities.

Articles 7 and 8. Services accessible to persons with disabilities, including in rural and remote areas. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on vocational rehabilitation and employment services, including vocational guidance and training and employment placement services, made available to persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities, as well as information on the impact of these services.

Article 9. Training of suitably qualified staff. The Committee welcomes the provisions in the NDMS which envisage the adoption of measures to train vocational training staff in disability-inclusive vocational training and management. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the impact of the measures taken with a view to ensuring the training and availability of advisers specialized in rehabilitation and of other qualified staff responsible for ensuring the provision of vocational guidance and training, and the placement and employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market.

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee recalls the broad guidance provided by international labour standards. In this regard, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205), which provides guidance for the development and implementation of measures in areas such as education, vocational training and retraining, and employment, that effectively respond to the profound socioeconomic effects of the pandemic. For instance, Paragraph 7(h) of Recommendation No. 205, provides that, in taking measures on employment and decent work in response to crisis situations, member States should take into account the need to pay special attention to population groups and individuals who have been made particularly vulnerable by the crisis, including, but not limited to, persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report updated information on the impacts of the pandemic on the implementation of vocational rehabilitation and employment policies and programmes for persons with disabilities and measures taken to address these.

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

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 initially made in 2014.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee refers to its previous comments in which it noted that the Kamuzu Vocational Rehabilitation and Training Centre offers training to persons with disabilities in various areas, including tailoring, carpentry and joinery. It also notes the adoption of a new National Employment and Labour Policy (NELP) in 2017, developed by the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development, which includes as a priority area the promotion of gender equality and decent and productive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, among other disadvantaged groups. The 2017 NELP sets out a range of measures, including affirmative action measures, aimed at increasing the enrolment of persons with disabilities in technical education at all levels, promoting greater access to employment and self-employment opportunities, improving labour market information services, and promoting disability-friendly infrastructure and facilities in the workplace. According to the 2008 Population Census, persons with disabilities constitute four per cent of the total population of the country. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the impact of the measures adopted within the framework of the 2017 National Employment and Labour Policy on vocational rehabilitation and guidance services and on the employment of persons with disabilities, particularly on the open labour market. It also requests the Government to provide statistics disaggregated by age, sex and nature of the disability, as well as extracts from reports, studies and inquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention. In addition, given the focus in the National Employment and Labour Policy on gender equality in addition to disability, the Committee would welcome receiving information on any measures taken or envisaged to promote employment and income generation opportunities for women with disabilities.

Article 5. Consultation with the social partners and organizations of and for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the 2017 NELP was adopted through a process of consultations with stakeholders in the public and private sectors as well as with development partners. Furthermore, it notes that one of the strategies set out in the NELP includes the enhancement of the capacity of associations and organizations for persons with disabilities to ensure greater access for persons with disabilities to employment and self-employment opportunities. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the consultations held with the social partners and organizations of and for persons with disabilities engaged in activities relating to vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments.

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee refers to its previous comments in which it noted that the Kamuzu Vocational Rehabilitation and Training Centre offers training to persons with disabilities in various areas, including tailoring, carpentry and joinery. It also notes the adoption of a new National Employment and Labour Policy (NELP) in 2017, developed by the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development, which includes as a priority area the promotion of gender equality and decent and productive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, among other disadvantaged groups. The 2017 NELP sets out a range of measures, including affirmative action measures, aimed at increasing the enrolment of persons with disabilities in technical education at all levels, promoting greater access to employment and self-employment opportunities, improving labour market information services, and promoting disability-friendly infrastructure and facilities in the workplace. According to the 2008 Population Census, persons with disabilities constitute four per cent of the total population of the country. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the impact of the measures adopted within the framework of the 2017 National Employment and Labour Policy on vocational rehabilitation and guidance services and on the employment of persons with disabilities, particularly on the open labour market. It also requests the Government to provide statistics disaggregated by age, sex and nature of the disability, as well as extracts from reports, studies and inquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention. In addition, given the focus in the National Employment and Labour Policy on gender equality in addition to disability, the Committee would welcome receiving information on any measures taken or envisaged to promote employment and income generation opportunities for women with disabilities.

Article 5. Consultation with the social partners and organizations of and for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the 2017 NELP was adopted through a process of consultations with stakeholders in the public and private sectors as well as with development partners. Furthermore, it notes that one of the strategies set out in the NELP includes the enhancement of the capacity of associations and organizations for persons with disabilities to ensure greater access for persons with disabilities to employment and self-employment opportunities. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the consultations held with the social partners and organizations of and for persons with disabilities engaged in activities relating to vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

[The Government is asked to send a detailed report in 2018.]

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

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

Article 2 of the Convention. Measures taken to develop vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the Government’s brief report indicating that the Kamuzu Vocational Rehabilitation and Training Centre offers training to persons with disabilities in various areas, including tailoring, carpentry and joinery. The Government adds that some of the graduates are employed at the Bangwe Weaving Factory, which specifically employs persons with disabilities. Moreover, the Committee notes from the report that provision is made for the training and availability of suitably qualified staff for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the measures taken to implement a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Please also provide information on the manner in which the Convention is applied, including, for example, statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Article 5. Consultation with the social partners and organizations of, and for, persons with disabilities. The Committee one again requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the social partners and organizations of, and for, persons with disabilities engaged in vocational rehabilitation activities.

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

Article 2 of the Convention. Measures taken to develop vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the Government’s brief report indicating that the Kamuzu Vocational Rehabilitation and Training Centre offers training to persons with disabilities in various areas, including tailoring, carpentry and joinery. The Government adds that some of the graduates are employed at the Bangwe Weaving Factory, which specifically employs persons with disabilities. Moreover, the Committee notes from the report that provision is made for the training and availability of suitably qualified staff for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the measures taken to implement a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Please also provide information on the manner in which the Convention is applied, including, for example, statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Article 5. Consultation with the social partners and organizations of, and for, persons with disabilities. The Committee one again requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the social partners and organizations of, and for, persons with disabilities engaged in vocational rehabilitation activities.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2016.]

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

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 2010 direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Consultation with the social partners and organizations for persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to report on consultations held with the social partners engaged in vocational rehabilitation activities for workers with disabilities (Article 5 of the Convention).

Measures taken to develop vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken under the national policy for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities including, for example, statistics, extracts of reports, studies or inquiries showing the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice (Part V of the report form).

Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure the availability of suitably qualified staff for the persons concerned and on any assistance received from the ILO in this field (Article 9).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

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 2010 direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2010 indicating that it will supply the detailed information requested to the extent possible as soon as is practicable. The Committee requests the Government to provide replies to the following matters already raised in its previous comments.

Consultation with the social partners and organizations for persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to report on consultations held with the social partners engaged in vocational rehabilitation activities for workers with disabilities (Article 5 of the Convention).

Measures taken to develop vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken under the national policy for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities including, for example, statistics, extracts of reports, studies or inquiries showing the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice (Part V of the report form).

Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure the availability of suitably qualified staff for the persons concerned and on any assistance received from the ILO in this field (Article 9).

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

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 2010 direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2010 indicating that it will supply the detailed information requested to the extent possible as soon as is practicable. The Committee requests the Government to provide replies to the following matters already raised in its previous comments:

Consultation with the social partners and organizations for persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to report on consultations held with the social partners engaged in vocational rehabilitation activities for workers with disabilities (Article 5 of the Convention).

Measures taken to develop vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken under the national policy for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities including, for example, statistics, extracts of reports, studies or inquiries showing the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice (Part V of the report form).

Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure the availability of suitably qualified staff for the persons concerned and on any assistance received from the ILO in this field (Article 9).

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2010 indicating that it will supply the detailed information requested to the extent possible as soon as is practicable. The Committee requests the Government to provide replies to the following matters already raised in its previous comments:

1.     Consultation with the social partners and organizations for persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to report on consultations held with the social partners engaged in vocational rehabilitation activities for workers with disabilities (Article 5 of the Convention).

2.     Measures taken to develop vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken under the national policy for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities including, for example, statistics, extracts of reports, studies or inquiries showing the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice (Part V of the report form).

3.     Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure the availability of suitably qualified staff for the persons concerned and on any assistance received from the ILO in this field (Article 9).

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2011.]

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2005 direct request, which read as follows:

1. Consultation with the social partners and organizations for persons with disabilities. In relation with its 2004 direct request, the Committee notes the observations formulated by the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) and the reply of the Government received in October 2005. The MCTU claimed that it had not been consulted on the draft disability policy. In its reply, the Government indicates that the MCTU was duly represented in the consultative process regarding the drafting of the disability policy. The Committee notes the communication of the Malawi Council for the Handicapped of September 2005, forwarded with the Government’s report, as well as the list of participants to the consultative workshop on the National Disability Policy. It asks the Government to keep it informed of consultations held with the social partners engaged in vocational rehabilitation activities for workers with disabilities (Article 5 of the Convention).

2. Measures taken to develop vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities. The Committee noted in its previous direct request that the Ministry of Social Development and Persons with Disabilities had launched a pilot project with the assistance of the Norwegian Association of the Disabled (NAD). The Government reported that ten students with disabilities were being trained at Soche Technical College and that the number of trained students would be raised to 40 in 2005. In its last communication, the Government also reports that 120 staff members are receiving community-based skill training in Blantyre and Machinga. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken under the national policy for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities including, for example, statistics, extracts of reports, studies or inquiries showing the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice (Part V of the report form).

3. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Government was seeking assistance from the Office in order to introduce special training (Article 9). It would appreciate receiving in the Government’s next report information on measures taken to ensure the availability of suitably qualified staff for the persons concerned and on any assistance received from the Office in their field.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. Consultation with the social partners and organizations for persons with disabilities. In relation with its 2004 direct request, the Committee notes the observations formulated by the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) and the reply of the Government received in October 2005. The MCTU claimed that it had not been consulted on the draft disability policy. In its reply, the Government indicates that the MCTU was duly represented in the consultative process regarding the drafting of the disability policy. The Committee notes the communication of the Malawi Council for the Handicapped of September 2005, forwarded with the Government’s report, as well as the list of participants to the consultative workshop on the National Disability Policy. It asks the Government to keep it informed of consultations held with the social partners engaged in vocational rehabilitation activities for workers with disabilities (Article 5 of the Convention).

2. Measures taken to develop vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities. The Committee noted in its previous direct request that the Ministry of Social Development and Persons with Disabilities had launched a pilot project with the assistance of the Norwegian Association of the Disabled (NAD). The Government reported that ten students with disabilities were being trained at Soche Technical College and that the number of trained students would be raised to 40 in 2005. In its last communication, the Government also reports that 120 staff members are receiving community-based skill training in Blantyre and Machinga. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken under the national policy for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities including, for example, statistics, extracts of reports, studies or inquiries showing the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice (Part V of the report form).

3. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Government was seeking assistance from the Office in order to introduce special training (Article 9). It would appreciate receiving in the Government’s next report information on measures taken to ensure the availability of suitably qualified staff for the persons concerned and on any assistance received from the Office in their field.

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

1. The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government in its report received in October 2004. It notes in particular the adoption of a final draft of the disability policy document which has been submitted for final comment prior to publication. It notes that the Handicapped Persons Act is still in draft form and hopes that the Government will make the necessary effort to reinitiate dialogue with the social partners on this matter. The Committee asks the Government to provide copies of the aforementioned texts as soon as they are published and to provide further information on the following points.

2. Measures taken to develop vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities. The Ministry of Social Development and Persons with Disabilities has launched a pilot project with assistance from the Norwegian Association of the Disabled (NAD), allowing ten disabled students to receive training at Soche Technical College (Malawi), and there is a possibility that their number will be increased to 40 in 2005. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on all new measures taken under the National Policy for vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, including, for example, statistics, extracts of reports, studies or inquiries showing the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, in accordance with Part V of the report form.

3. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that the staff of the Kamuzu and Lilongwe vocational training centres have only received training in vocational guidance, and that there is no specialized training in the country. The Committee notes that the Government is seeking assistance from the Office in order to introduce specialized training, as prescribed in Article 9 of the Convention, and asks the Government to report on measures taken to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff for the persons concerned.

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

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report. It notes in particular that the Government has established a new Ministry Responsible for Persons with Disabilities, which will coordinate a task force to develop a disability policy and review the Handicapped Persons Act. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information in future reports on the findings of this task force and the outcome of its work. The Committee would also appreciate receiving statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries and other information on the practical application of the Convention, as requested in Part V of the report form.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee takes note with interest of the detailed information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments, including that given in the handbook on the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Programme prepared with the technical assistance of the ILO. It notes, in particular, the information on measures taken in the area of vocational rehabilitation of the mentally handicapped supplied under Article 3 of the Convention, as well as on the arrangements made with a view to providing and evaluating various vocational rehabilitation services in the country (Article 7). It would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply, in its future reports, information on the new developments concerning the practical application of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons (and in particular, on the realization of the CBR Programme), including for example statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention, as required under point V of the report form. Please also continue to provide information on the proposed revision of the Handicapped Persons Act of 1971 to which reference has been made in the report.

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

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 takes note of the detailed information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply information on any new developments concerning the practical application of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, including general information on the manner in which the Convention is applied (such as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention), as requested under point V of the report form. Please supply a copy of the Statement of Development Policies 1987-96, as well as a booklet on the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Programme for the Disabled Persons in Malawi, to which a reference was made in the report. Please also provide more detailed information on the proposals to review legislation relating to disabled persons referred to by the Government in its first and second reports. The Committee also asks the Government to provide additional information on the following points:

1. Article 3 of the Convention. The Government states that the vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to almost all categories of disabled persons, but there is still a limited intervention in the case of mentally handicapped persons due to limited expertise in this field. It also indicates that measures aimed at addressing the needs of this category of the disabled have recently been adopted by the Malawi Council for the Handicapped. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe these measures in more detail and asks the Government to continue to supply information on the progress made in the area of vocational rehabilitation of the mentally handicapped.

2. Article 7. The Committee notes from the Government's report that a special placement service for disabled persons has been established at the Ministry of Labour's Employment Bureau in Blantyre and that the Malawi Council for the Handicapped also has a placement service for disabled persons. Please indicate whether any other measures have been taken or are envisaged with a view to providing and evaluating vocational guidance, vocational training, placement, employment and other related services to enable disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in employment, in accordance with this Article. Please state whether existing services for workers generally are used with necessary adaptations.

3. The Committee notes with interest the information on technical assistance received by the Government from the UNDP and the ILO on the development of services for disabled people in Malawi, within the framework of projects MLW/84/005 and MLW/88/004. It also notes that the Government will continue to receive technical cooperation assistance in the coming UNDP/GOM 5th Country Programme 1992-96 and that it is envisaged to implement this programme as a nationally executed project. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply, in its future reports, information on any new developments in this sphere.

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

The Committee takes note of the detailed information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply information on any new developments concerning the practical application of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, including general information on the manner in which the Convention is applied (such as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention), as requested under point V of the report form. Please supply a copy of the Statement of Development Policies 1987-96, as well as a booklet on the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Programme for the Disabled Persons in Malawi, to which a reference was made in the report. Please also provide more detailed information on the proposals to review legislation relating to disabled persons referred to by the Government in its first and second reports. The Committee also asks the Government to provide additional information on the following points:

1. Article 3 of the Convention. The Government states that the vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to almost all categories of disabled persons, but there is still a limited intervention in the case of mentally handicapped persons due to limited expertise in this field. It also indicates that measures aimed at addressing the needs of this category of the disabled have recently been adopted by the Malawi Council for the Handicapped. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe these measures in more detail and asks the Government to continue to supply information on the progress made in the area of vocational rehabilitation of the mentally handicapped.

2. Article 7. The Committee notes from the Government's report that a special placement service for disabled persons has been established at the Ministry of Labour's Employment Bureau in Blantyre and that the Malawi Council for the Handicapped also has a placement service for disabled persons. Please indicate whether any other measures have been taken or are envisaged with a view to providing and evaluating vocational guidance, vocational training, placement, employment and other related services to enable disabled persons to secure, retain and advance in employment, in accordance with this Article. Please state whether existing services for workers generally are used with necessary adaptations.

3. The Committee notes with interest the information on technical assistance received by the Government from the UNDP and the ILO on the development of services for disabled people in Malawi, within the framework of projects MLW/84/005 and MLW/88/004. It also notes that the Government will continue to receive technical cooperation assistance in the coming UNDP/GOM 5th Country Programme 1992-96 and that it is envisaged to implement this programme as a nationally executed project. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply, in its future reports, information on any new developments in this sphere.

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

The Committee notes with interest the Government's first report on the application of the Convention, and its efforts to promote placement and occupational rehabilitation services for the disabled. It would be grateful, if, in its next report, the Government would include general information on the manner in which the Convention is applied (such as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and enquiries concerning the matters covered by the Convention - see point V of the report form) and, more specifically, to provide additional information on the following points:

1. Please provide information on developments in the application of Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Convention, particularly on progress in the implementation of the National Plan of Action by the Multi-Sectoral National Committee and the subcommittee on training and employment.

2. Please indicate whether any particular dificulties have been encountered in the realisation of the goals of full participation and equality of disabled persons in social and economic life.

3. Please indicate whether progress has been possible in the area of vocational rehabilitation of the mentally handicapped and state whether any special positive measures, in the meaning of the Convention, have been adopted to guarantee effective equality of opportunity and treatment, in practice, between disabled workers and other workers.

4. Please provide information on the implementation of the proposals to review or complete the legislation and, in particular, to enlarge the composition of the Malawi Council for the Handicapped, referred to by the Government in its report.

5. Please describe more fully the arrangements made to give effect to Article 7 of the Convention, including the various services available and any adaptation thereof.

6. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the technical co-operation project on vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons (MLW/84/005), executed by the ILO. It would be grateful if the Government would provide information on any follow-up already given, or that the Government may be contemplating, to the recommendations contained in this project.