Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Iran (Islamic Republic of) (Ratification: 1972)

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

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

The Committee notes the supplementary information provided by the Government in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th session (June 2020). The Committee therefore examines the application of the Convention on the basis of the supplementary information received from the Government this year, as well as on the basis of the information at its disposal in 2019.

Employment trends and measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government refers to the unemployment rates for men (9 per cent) and women (13.7 per cent) in the first quarter of 2020. The labour participation of women is lower than that of men and it has decreased further in 2020. The Government indicates that economic sanctions and the spread of COVID-19 have had a negative impact on its national labour market. The number of persons in employment has been reduced and labour market participation has dropped, as only 41 per cent of the labour force were employed in the first quarter of 2020. In this context, the Committee recalls the comprehensive guidance provided by international labour standards. In particular, it wishes to draw the Government's attention to the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205), which provides guidelines for developing and implementing effective responses to the profound socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated information in its next report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to address it in the context of the implementation of the policies and programmes adopted to promote full, productive, freely chosen, and lasting sustainable employment.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide updated information on the impact of the measures taken to promote employment as well as updated statistical data on the labour market situation. The Government indicates that major plans and measures have been developed by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare (MCLSW) to stimulate the labour market and create job opportunities, especially for target groups such as unemployed, recovered addicts, people with disabilities, people at risk (female heads of household and working children) inmates and their families, university students, trainees and refugees in rural and urban areas. The Committee notes the statistical data provided by the Government on the impact of the implementation of a number of policies and programmes. In particular, it notes that based on the latest report of the Statistical Centre of Iran the unemployment rate decreased from 12.2 per cent in 2018 to 9.8 per cent in 2020. While referring to its comments formulated concerning the implementation of the Worst forms of child labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) by Iran, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information on the impact of labour market measures taken to promote opportunities for decent, productive and sustainable employment, including for those workers in vulnerable situations. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated statistical information on labour market developments in the country, particularly on the labour market situation, levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by sex and age.

Women’s employment. In its previous comments, the Committee had urged the Government to review any provisions in the draft-amended text of the Comprehensive Population and Family Excellence Plan that could negate or impair access to full, productive and freely chosen employment, for both women and men. The Government indicates that the Plan has been submitted to the Parliament for review. The Government has adopted various initiatives, such as the Plan on National Indicators of Gender Justice (which includes indicators on eight grounds, including work and economy) and the Plan on improving women’s status in 31 provinces to improve and to promote women’s employment. The Committee notes the diverse initiatives undertaken by the Government to promote women's self-employment and entrepreneurship in urban and rural areas by creating quotas for the employment of female heads of household in industrial and manufacturing units and by providing microcredits, technical and vocational training (training in technology and network development) as well as assistance for the establishment of cooperatives and rural associations. The Government indicates that, from 2015 to 2018, more than 25,999 women have participated in entrepreneurial training and 271,150 in home-based entrepreneurship courses, which have facilitated the creation of micro-enterprises and home-based businesses, especially in disadvantaged communities and rural areas. The Government further indicates that following the enforcement of the 30 per cent quota for women on management boards, the number of women in management positions increased by 36 per cent in 2017–19. The Committee notes that, over the past two years, an increasing number of women have been appointed to managerial positions in governor's offices and in rural districts (representing a 48 per cent increase). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments concerning the revision of the Comprehensive Population and Family Excellence Plan by the Parliament and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the nature and impact of measures aimed at improving access to full, productive and freely chosen employment for women. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide up-to-date information, including statistical data disaggregated by economic sector, region and age, on the current situation and trends regarding women's employment, unemployment and underemployment.

Youth employment. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide more specific information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the measures taken by the Government to promote employment for young persons, including new graduates, and assist them in obtaining sustainable, lasting employment. The Government indicates that the Technical and Vocational Training Organization (TVTO) has developed multiple programmes, including apprenticeships and skill training courses in the actual workplace, to promote the employment of young persons, including university graduates. In this regard, the Committee notes that, as of August 2020, the implementation of the Apprenticeship Plan for university students has generated 41,851 apprenticeship agreements and placed 10,485 persons in work. The participation rate of women in apprenticeship programmes in the provinces (71 per cent) has been much higher than that of men (29 per cent). The Committee further notes that from 2017 to 2019, around 4,551 skill-training courses were provided to 132,464 persons in 60 universities. The Government also refers to the development of science and technological parks, whose number has increased from 19,000 in 2012 to 42,043 in 2018, indicating that they have generated employment for 30,778 men and 11,265 women. The Government indicates that from March 2015 to September 2018, some 560,767 persons have participated in Iran’s TVTO skill training programmes. The Committee notes that given the importance of upskilling of the workforce in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, on March 2019, the Secretary-General of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) and the head of the TVTO signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of conducting skills training programmes in all provinces of the country, in cooperation with the provincial chambers. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of the Apprenticeship Plan for university students, the development of science and technology parks and other programmes providing education and vocational training for young persons or supporting the entrepreneurship of young women and men on their access to lasting employment. It further requests the Government to continue to provide statistical information on trends in youth employment, disaggregated by sex and age.

Regional and rural development. The Government indicates that the MCLSW, in collaboration with the executive departments as well as with the private and cooperative sectors, has developed "inclusive employment plans" at national and provincial levels. The Government has also adopted measures such as the Microfinance Plan under Linkage Banking Approach as well as the law on rural and nomadic employment to support the development and creation of sustainable employment in rural and nomadic regions. The Committee notes that up to July 15, 2019, 479,000 projects have been registered in 31 provinces aiming to generate 394,000 jobs. It further notes that according to the statistics provided by the "KARA" system (an internet-based system), around 66,000 plans are already registered under the inclusive employment plans by applicants from private and cooperative sectors in 31 provinces. The Plan aims to generate 120,000 jobs. The Government indicates that, in 2019, a Wage Subsidy Payment Plan was implemented to promote employment in private sectors and cooperatives in less developed provinces, such as Ilam, Kordesan and Sistan and Baluchestan. It further indicates that short-term support through the reduction of recruitment costs has enabled the creation of 7,263 jobs for people in private enterprises and cooperatives. The Government plans to extend the Plan to eight additional provinces. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of the inclusive employment plans in the promotion of full, productive and sustainable employment in both urban and rural areas throughout the country.

Afghani nationals and persons belonging to other minority groups. The Committee had requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote the integration of Afghani nationals and other minorities into the labour market, as well as on measures to provide them with the fullest possible opportunity to acquire and use the necessary qualifications, in accordance with Article 1(2)(c) of the Convention. The Government indicates that following the signing of three agreements between the Government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), various skills training for refugees have been organised based on needs assessments. As a result, between 2015 and 2018, around 21,151 refugees have received a wide range of training (49 per cent in the industrial sector, 47 per cent in the services sector and 4 per cent in the agricultural sector) in various provinces. In 2020, 16,500 refugees were enrolled in various university programmes. The Government further indicates that all authorised foreign workers, including Afghani nationals legally residing in the country are subject to the national labour law, including to the minimum wage (Section 41of the labour law). The Government also indicates that measures have been taken to improve health and wellbeing services for refugees and to provide employment to 1,103 female heads of households. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information with regard to the employment situation of persons belonging to other minorities, especially religious minorities, in particular the Baha'i. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on measures taken or envisaged aimed at increasing the employment rate of minority groups, including Afghan workers and workers belonging to ethnic or religious minorities, as well as detailed information on the impact of such measures, including disaggregated statistical data.

Article 3. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government with respect to the different mechanisms through which cooperation with the social partners takes place. The Government also provides information on measures taken by employers’ and workers’ organizations in relation to the implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the content and outcome of consultations held with the social partners on the matters covered by the Convention, including measures taken to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 on employment, as well as on consultations held with representatives of the persons affected by measures to be taken, in accordance with Article 3.

ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes that the Government requests the technical assistance of the ILO in relation to the promotion of employment, notably in light of the most recent flooding in the country, which caused significant damage. The Committee hopes that the technical assistance requested will be provided in the near future, and requests the Government to provide information on any progress achieved in this respect.

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

The Committee notes the supplementary information provided by the Government in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th session (June 2020). The Committee therefore examines the application of the Convention on the basis of the supplementary information received from the Government this year, as well as on the basis of the information at its disposal in 2019.

Employment trends and measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government refers to the unemployment rates for men (9 per cent) and women (13.7 per cent) in the first quarter of 2020. The labour participation of women is lower than that of men and it has decreased further in 2020. The Government indicates that economic sanctions and the spread of COVID-19 have had a negative impact on its national labour market. The number of persons in employment has been reduced and labour market participation has dropped, as only 41 per cent of the labour force were employed in the first quarter of 2020. In this context, the Committee recalls the comprehensive guidance provided by international labour standards. In particular, it wishes to draw the Government's attention to the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205), which provides guidelines for developing and implementing effective responses to the profound socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated information in its next report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to address it in the context of the implementation of the policies and programmes adopted to promote full, productive, freely chosen, and lasting sustainable employment.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide updated information on the impact of the measures taken to promote employment as well as updated statistical data on the labour market situation. The Government indicates that major plans and measures have been developed by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare (MCLSW) to stimulate the labour market and create job opportunities, especially for target groups such as unemployed, recovered addicts, people with disabilities, people at risk (female heads of household and working children) inmates and their families, university students, trainees and refugees in rural and urban areas. The Committee notes the statistical data provided by the Government on the impact of the implementation of a number of policies and programmes. In particular, it notes that based on the latest report of the Statistical Centre of Iran the unemployment rate decreased from 12.2 per cent in 2018 to 9.8 per cent in 2020. While referring to its comments formulated concerning the implementation of the Worst forms of child labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) by Iran, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information on the impact of labour market measures taken to promote opportunities for decent, productive and sustainable employment, including for those workers in vulnerable situations. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated statistical information on labour market developments in the country, particularly on the labour market situation, levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by sex and age.

Women's employment. In its previous comments, the Committee had urged the Government to review any provisions in the draft-amended text of the Comprehensive Population and Family Excellence Plan that could negate or impair access to full, productive and freely chosen employment, for both women and men. The Government indicates that the Plan has been submitted to the Parliament for review. The Government has adopted various initiatives, such as the Plan on National Indicators of Gender Justice (which includes indicators on eight grounds, including work and economy) and the Plan on improving women's status in 31 provinces to improve and to promote women's employment. The Committee notes the diverse initiatives undertaken by the Government to promote women's self-employment and entrepreneurship in urban and rural areas by creating quotas for the employment of female heads of household in industrial and manufacturing units and by providing microcredits, technical and vocational training (training in technology and network development) as well as assistance for the establishment of cooperatives and rural associations. The Government indicates that, from 2015 to 2018, more than 25'999 women have participated in entrepreneurial training and 271'150 in home-based entrepreneurship courses, which have facilitated the creation of micro-enterprises and home-based businesses, especially in disadvantaged communities and rural areas. The Government further indicates that following the enforcement of the 30 per cent quota for women on management boards, the number of women in management positions increased by 36 per cent in 2017-2019. The Committee notes that, over the past two years, an increasing number of women have been appointed to managerial positions in governor's offices and in rural districts (representing a 48 per cent increase). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments concerning the revision of the Comprehensive Population and Family Excellence Plan by the Parliament and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the nature and impact of measures aimed at improving access to full, productive and freely chosen employment for women. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide up-to-date information, including statistical data disaggregated by economic sector, region and age, on the current situation and trends regarding women's employment, unemployment and underemployment.

Youth employment. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide more specific information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the measures taken by the Government to promote employment for young persons, including new graduates, and assist them in obtaining sustainable, lasting employment. The Government indicates that the Technical and Vocational Training Organization (TVTO) has developed multiple programmes, including apprenticeships and skill training courses in the actual workplace, to promote the employment of young persons, including university graduates. In this regard, the Committee notes that, as of August 2020, the implementation of the Apprenticeship Plan for university students has generated 41,851 apprenticeship agreements and placed 10,485 persons in work. The participation rate of women in apprenticeship programmes in the provinces (71 per cent) has been much higher than that of men (29 per cent). The Committee further notes that from 2017 to 2019, around 4551 skill-training courses were provided to 132,464 persons in 60 universities. The Government also refers to the development of science and technological parks, whose number has increased from 19,000 in 2012 to 42,043 in 2018, indicating that they have generated employment for 30,778 men and 11,265 women. The Government indicates that from March 2015 to September 2018, some 560,767 persons have participated in Iran's TVTO skill training programmes. The Committee notes that given the importance of upskilling of the workforce in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, on March 2019, the Secretary-General of Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) and the head of the TVTO signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of conducting skills training programs in all provinces of the country, in cooperation with the provincial chambers. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of the Apprenticeship Plan for university students, the development of science and technology parks and other programmes providing education and vocational training for young persons or supporting the entrepreneurship of young women and men on their access to lasting employment. It further requests the Government to continue to provide statistical information on trends in youth employment, disaggregated by sex and age.

Regional and rural development. The Government indicates that the MCLSW, in collaboration with the executive departments as well as with the private and cooperative sectors, has developed "inclusive employment plans" at national and provincial levels. The Government has also adopted measures such as the Microfinance Plan under Linkage Banking Approach as well as the law on rural and nomadic employment to support the development and creation of sustainable employment in rural and nomadic regions. The Committee notes that up to July 15, 2019, 479,000 projects have been registered in 31 provinces aiming to generate 394,000 jobs. It further notes that according to the statistics provided by the "KARA" system (an internet-based system), around 66,000 plans are already registered under the inclusive employment plans by applicants from private and cooperative sectors in 31 provinces. The Plan aims to generate 120,000 jobs. The Government indicates that, in 2019, a Wage Subsidy Payment Plan was implemented to promote employment in private sectors and cooperatives in less developed provinces, such as Ilam, Kordesan and Sistan and Baluchestan. It further indicates that short-term support through the reduction of recruitment costs has enabled the creation of 7,263 jobs for people in private enterprises and cooperatives. The Government plans to extend the Plan to eight additional provinces. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of the inclusive employment plans in the promotion of full, productive and sustainable employment in both urban and rural areas throughout the country.

Afghani nationals and persons belonging to other minority groups. The Committee had requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote the integration of Afghani nationals and other minorities into the labour market, as well as on measures to provide them with the fullest possible opportunity to acquire and use the necessary qualifications, in accordance with Article 1 (2) (c) of the Convention. The Government indicates that following the signing of three agreements between the Government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), various skills training for refugees have been organised based on needs assessments. As a result, between 2015 and 2018, around 21,151 refugees have received a wide range of training (49 per cent in the industrial sector, 47 per cent in the services sector and 4 per cent in the agricultural sector) in various provinces. In 2020, 16,500 refugees were enrolled in various university programmes. The Government further indicates that all authorised foreign workers, including Afghani nationals legally residing in the country are subject to the national labour law, including to the minimum wage (Section 41of the labour law). The Government also indicates that measures have been taken to improve health and wellbeing services for refugees and to provide employment to 1,103 female heads of households. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information with regard to the employment situation of persons belonging to other minorities, especially religious minorities, in particular the Baha'i. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on measures taken or envisaged aimed at increasing the employment rate of minority groups, including Afghan workers and workers belonging to ethnic or religious minorities, as well as detailed information on the impact of such measures, including disaggregated statistical data.

Article 3. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government with respect to the different mechanisms through which cooperation with the social partners takes place. The Government also provides information on measures taken by employers' and workers' organisations in relation to the implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the content and outcome of consultations held with the social partners on the matters covered by the Convention, including measures taken to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 on employment, as well as on consultations held with representatives of the persons affected by measures to be taken, in accordance with Article 3.

ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes that the Government requests the technical assistance of the ILO in relation to the promotion of employment, notably in light of the most recent flooding in the country, which caused significant damage. The Committee hopes that the technical assistance requested will be provided in the near future, and requests the Government to provide information on any progress achieved in this respect.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide specific information on the impact of the measures taken to promote employment, including in relation to particular categories of workers, such as minorities, women, young persons, older workers and persons with disabilities. In this respect, the Government indicates that its hybrid banking microfinance plan launched in 2003 to integrate disadvantaged persons into the labour market and improve livelihoods, targets women, youth and people from rural and underdeveloped areas. To date, it has benefited 30,000 persons, with 90 per cent of the beneficiaries in the rural areas being women. The Committee further notes that, since the adoption of the 2010 Act on Organization and Support of Home Work, a database to facilitate and expedite the applicants’ registration process was launched. The Government indicates that 2,241,141 applicants have been registered, of whom 76 per cent are women. With respect to persons with disabilities, the Government reports that it subsidizes 23 per cent of the employer’s insurance contribution and provides subsidies intended to encourage the hiring of people with disabilities as well as self-employment. The Government has established a 3 per cent quota for the recruitment of persons with disabilities in the public sector, resulting in the hiring of 60 additional workers with disabilities in the public sector in 2015, as well as the recruitment of 649 workers with disabilities in non-governmental centres supervised by the state welfare organization in the same year. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding 14 pilot projects targeting disadvantaged groups, including the establishment of self-help groups (for microcredit services) and cooperatives composed of female heads of households, the provision of social insurance coverage for people with disabilities and career preparation for recovered addicts, among others. The Government indicates that to promote an entrepreneurial culture and support the development of entrepreneurial skills, it has established 156 entrepreneurship counselling, information and service centres throughout the country, contributed to the creation of entrepreneurship societies within 31 provinces, and has held 388 entrepreneurship training events at national level for 43,466 university graduates in 2015. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken to promote employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated statistical data on the labour market situation, levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age and sex.

Women’s employment. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the observations of the International Trade Union Confederation, the draft Comprehensive Population and Family Excellence Plan would require both public and private entities to give priority in recruitment to hiring married men with children, men without children, married women with children and unmarried women, in descending order of priority. The Government explains that the objective of the draft Plan is to increase the population of the country, but that an amended version is currently being studied by a parliamentary committee. In this respect, the Committee notes that although the legislative process is not yet completed, section 10 of the revised draft still calls for priority to be given to hiring married men with or without children over hiring women and single men. Referring to its 2014 comments on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), the Committee urges the Government to review any provisions in the draft amended text of the Comprehensive Population and Family Excellence Plan that could negate or impair access to full, productive and freely chosen employment, for both women and men. In this respect, the Committee recalls that the term discrimination includes any distinction, exclusion or preference made on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin, which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation.

Youth employment. The Government indicates that the labour market has undergone changes due to new economic and social circumstances and modern technology requiring a skills and job matching system and training so that young persons and university graduates have the necessary skills to enter the labour market. The Government explains that, given higher unemployment rates among new graduates, it has launched apprenticeship programmes for university students, along with entrepreneurship programmes and vocational training programmes. In this context, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the “Kar and Danesh” (work and knowledge) vocational training programme, which seeks to give young people work skills that meet labour market needs. The Government explains that, in accordance with section 10 of the Fifth Development Plan, more than 150 work and knowledge areas of training were identified. The Government is supporting production-oriented training programmes to enable the trainee to produce and market his/her products in these areas, which focus largely on the agriculture, arts and industry sectors. Training is provided through 560 technical training schools throughout the country. The Committee further notes that trainees receive remuneration based on their production and on completion of training are exempted from passing exams in order to obtain a business licence. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the measures taken by the Government to promote employment for young persons, including new graduates, and assist them in obtaining sustainable, lasting employment.

Afghani nationals and persons belonging to other minority groups. The Government indicates that 1.5 million refugees from Afghanistan live in the Islamic Republic of Iran with legal residence permits, and that all authorized refugees are placed in decent jobs based on their qualifications. The Government adds that Afghan Guardianship offices have been established in 14 provinces, offering accommodation, employment, and education services to Afghan nationals with residence permits. Moreover, in 2016, the Government approved the enrolment of 400,000 Afghan students, of whom 50,000 were unauthorized Afghani nationals. The Government points out, however, that international contributions to meet the needs of refugees are very limited. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to promote the integration of Afghani nationals and other minorities into the labour market. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure access to full, productive and freely chosen employment for Afghani nationals legally residing in the country, as well as for persons belonging to other minorities, the fullest possible opportunity to acquire and use the necessary qualifications, in accordance with Article 1(2)(c) of the Convention.

Article 3. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government reports that workers’ and employers’ representatives continue to participate as members of the Supreme Council of Employment. The Government adds that they are also encouraged to express their views on employment policies through technical committees and through the Council Secretariat within the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare. As an example of tripartite cooperation on employment and labour market matters, the Government refers to the tripartite consultations held in May 2016 in Tehran during the Conference on the transition from the informal to the formal economy in which challenges and guidelines were discussed by the tripartite constituents. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the consultations held with the social partners on the matters covered by the Convention, as well as on consultations held with representatives of the persons affected by measures to be taken, as required by the Convention.

ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes the Government’s request for technical assistance relating to the functioning of the national employment office. The Committee recalls that the Government may avail itself of the technical assistance of the ILO in this regard.

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

The Committee previously noted the observations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) received in October 2014, indicating that the draft Bill 315 “Comprehensive Population and Family Excellence Plan” requires that in both public and private entities priority be given to the hiring of married persons, which may restrict the freedom of choice of employment of qualified single women. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the provisions relating to hiring of women have been adopted. If so, please provide an evaluation of their impact on the employability of women workers.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy. The Government indicates in its report that the economic policies adopted to support the private and cooperative sectors are expected to have a positive impact on the labour market. The Government also describes the measures adopted under its Sustainable Employment Development Policy, which include programmes to facilitate the access to microfinance of vulnerable groups, tax incentives for employers and short and long-term training programmes. The Committee notes that the application of the 2010 Act on the organization and support of home-based work has facilitated the transition of workers in informal jobs into the formal sector and that women, persons with disabilities and persons with low levels of education can engage in home-based work in different production areas according to their interests and skills. The Government adds that in 2013 a national system of labour market information was launched which links all employment agencies. A national labour force survey based on ILO labour market indicators is conducted on a quarterly basis. Labour market data is also gathered through a population census undertaken every five years. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the impact of the measures taken to promote employment, including data on the labour market situation, levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers, such as minorities, women, young persons, older workers and persons with disabilities.

Women’s employment. The Government describes measures taken to promote women’s self-employment in both urban and rural areas, such as programmes to support the creation of cooperatives for women-headed households. It has launched initiatives to encourage the use of women’s capacities in industry, particularly in the field of water and energy resources. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the impact of the measures taken to promote the employment of women.

Youth employment. The Government indicates that it has submitted for consideration by Parliament a proposal for the allocation of funding to promote the employment of young graduates. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the employment policies adopted targeting youth.

Afghan workers and persons belonging to minorities. The Government indicates that it has taken initiatives to regulate the employment of Afghan nationals. Some 190,000 documented Afghans are currently working in the country. The Government also reports that it is working on the establishment of offices, which will be responsible for facilitating the organization and integration of Afghan workers into the labour market. It adds that an agreement has been concluded between the Government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to support vocational training for Afghan workers. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the measures taken to promote the integration of Afghan nationals and other minorities into the labour market.

Article 3. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government indicates that workers’ and employers’ representatives continue to participate in the Supreme Council of Employment, which makes recommendations on employment policy measures. The social partners also collaborate in monitoring the implementation of employment programmes at the provincial level. Workers are invited to participate in the Government–Private Sector Dialogue Council. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the mechanisms established for the participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of active labour market measures.

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

The Committee notes the observations made by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in October 2014 referring to Bill 315 and its lack of compliance with some provisions of the Convention. The ITUC also referred to the Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95), and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111). The Committee is formulating comments this year on Conventions Nos 95 and 111. In relation with Convention No. 122, the Government was invited to provide a report in 2014 in reply to the direct request adopted in 2013. The Committee therefore invites the Government to provide its comments on the observations made by the ITUC, as well as provide a report containing information on the following matters raised in the 2013 direct request.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy. The Committee previously noted information on the 2011–12 “Law to Redevelop the Business Market” designed to remove obstacles to job creation and to reduce the unemployment rate. It also noted the creation of the Council of Dialogue, under the framework of the Fifth Development Plan, established to coordinate policy implementation between the Government and the private sector. The Government indicated that the Supreme Council of Employment had committed banks to provide financial resources to support projects promoting entrepreneurship, small businesses and home jobs. The Government also indicated that it had shifted macro policy planning down to the general governors, who would monitor implementation and submit three-month performance reports to the presidential office. The Committee noted the Prospective Plan of Development of industrial and mines strategy, aimed at increasing the growth rate of value-added products, diversifying the base of industrial exports and increasing the share of products with further processing in exports, forming commercial clusters between related industries and expanding the cooperation between universities and industry. It also noted information provided on the Fund to Support Unemployed Workers, with respect to unemployment insurance payments and the number of persons who had received training stipends. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the procedures and mechanisms established to review and assess the results of its employment policy measures. It also requests the Government to include information on the policies that promote full, productive and lasting employment opportunities to the unemployed in the different regions of the country. Please also continue to provide information on the impact of measures taken under the Fund to Support Unemployed Workers and on the measures taken or envisaged to strengthen labour market institutions.

Labour market information. The Government previously indicated that a website had been launched to provide up-to-date information on changes in the labour market. A “Local Job Placement Services” website was also launched to provide statistics on those seeking jobs through non-governmental job placement. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any improvements made to its labour market information system.

Women. Youth employment. The Committee previously noted that the Centre for Women and Family Affairs had signed various agreements with organizations to achieve women’s self-employment, focusing on women in both rural and urban regions. The Government enumerated a broad range of activities to promote women’s employment in different provinces of the country. Activities included training, support for revenue-generating projects, empowerment workshops, the establishment of cooperatives, prioritizing female university students for technical and vocational training and harmonizing job skills with the needs of society and family. The Committee also noted the creation of the Foundation of Cooperatives and Development of Entrepreneurship of Women to create 100,000 jobs, with a priority given to women heads of households and university graduates. With respect to youth employment, the Government provided information on a series of programmes aimed at improving the link between education and job orientation, including consultation services and job exams. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to promote productive employment opportunities for women and young persons.

Integration of Afghan workers in the labour market. The Government previously reported that the Foreign Nationals Department of Ministry Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare aimed to systemize the employment of all foreign nationals, improve services to employers who employ foreign workers, institutionalize the participation of the non-governmental sectors and increase the number and supervision of organizations for foreign nationals. The Government indicated that it conducted workplace inspections to identify foreign nationals and grant them temporary work permits. Moreover, the Government indicated that it hoped that this issue could be addressed in collaboration with the Government of Afghanistan and international organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the integration of Afghan workers and other foreign workers in the local labour market, including information on the nature of the jobs available for those workers (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government referred to the representation of the workers’ and employers’ organizations in the Supreme Council of Employment. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the manner in which representatives of the social partners are consulted concerning employment policies, on the steps taken to ensure that their views are fully taken into account and how such cooperation is secured for the purposes of formulating and enlisting support for such policies.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in August 2012 which includes information on the 2011–12 “Law to Redevelop the Business Market” designed to remove obstacles to job creation and to reduce the unemployment rate. The Government reports that 1,375,000 jobs were created in 2010. The Committee notes the creation of the Council of Dialogue, under the framework of the Fifth Development Plan, established to coordinate policy implementation between the Government and the private sector. The Government indicates that the Supreme Council of Employment has committed banks to provide financial resources to support projects promoting entrepreneurship, small businesses and home jobs. The Government highlights its efforts to create 110 enterprises and credit unions and support 77 micro-credit unions, including its coordination with NGOs to create micro-credit unions in rural and urban areas. It also refers to the job creation measures implemented by the Imam Reza Mehr Fund. Moreover, the Government indicates that it has shifted macro policy planning down to the general governors, who will monitor implementation and submit three-month performance reports to the presidential office. The Committee notes the Prospective Plan of Development of industrial and mines strategy, aimed at increasing the growth rate of value-added products, diversifying the base of industrial exports and increasing the share of products with further processing in exports, forming commercial clusters between related industries and expanding the cooperation between universities and industry. It also notes the information provided on the Fund to Support Unemployed Workers, noting that 182,995 persons received unemployment insurance payments and 31,635 persons received training stipends in 2011. The Committee invites the Government to provide, in its next report, further information on the procedures and mechanisms established to review and assess the results of its employment policy measures. It also invites the Government to include information on the policies that promote full, productive and lasting employment opportunities to the unemployed in the different regions of the country. Please also continue to provide information on the impact of measures taken under the Fund to Support Unemployed Workers and on the measures taken or envisaged to strengthen labour market institutions.

Labour market information. The Government indicates that a website was launched in 2008 to provide up-to-date information on changes in the labour market and a “Local Job Placement Services” website was launched in 2009 to provide statistics on those seeking jobs through non-governmental job placement. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on any improvements made to its labour market information system.

Women. Youth employment. The Committee notes that the Centre for Women and Family Affairs signed various agreements with organizations to achieve women’s self-employment, focusing on women in both rural and urban regions. The Government reports that the Centre for Women and Family’s Affairs approved 174 projects, of which 38 are related to job creation and professional training. The Government enumerates a broad range of activities to promote women’s employment in different provinces of the country. Activities include training, support for revenue-generating projects, empowerment workshops, the establishment of cooperatives, prioritizing female university students for technical and vocational training and harmonizing job skills with the needs of society and family. The Committee notes the creation of the Foundation of Cooperatives and Development of Entrepreneurship of Women to create 100,000 jobs, with a priority given to women heads of households and university graduates. With respect to youth employment, the Government provides information on a series of programmes aimed at improving the link between education and job orientation, including consultation services and job exams. The Committee notes that the Vocational and Technical Organization offered training to young persons and 87,752 obtained employment following their participation. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the impact of the measures taken to promote productive employment opportunities for women and young persons.

Integration of Afghan workers in the labour market. The Government indicates that there are 1,500,000 Afghan citizens not residing legally in the country and 900,000 Afghan refugees. The Government reports that the Foreign Nationals Department of Ministry Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare aims to systemize the employment of all foreign nationals, improve services to employers who employ foreign workers, institutionalize the participation of the non-governmental sectors and increase the number and supervision of organizations for foreign nationals. The Government further indicates that it conducts workplace inspections to identify foreign nationals and grant them temporary work permits, having issued 315,000 temporary permits in 2012. The Government indicates that it hopes that this issue could be addressed in collaboration with the Government of Afghanistan and international organizations. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the integration of Afghan workers and other foreign workers in the local labour market including information on the nature of the jobs available for those workers (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government refers again to the representation of the workers’ and employers’ organizations in the Supreme Council of Employment. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the manner in which representatives of the social partners are consulted concerning employment policies, and what steps are taken to ensure that their views are fully taken into account and how such cooperation is secured for the purposes of formulating and enlisting support for such policies.

[The Government is asked to reply, in detail, to the present comments in 2014.]

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2011 which includes indications related to the 2010 observation, as well as replies to the comments raised by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). The ITUC noted that the unemployment rate was very high and job cuts operated in large industrial enterprises in Asalouyeh and leather factories in north-eastern Iran affected the employment situation in those regions. The ITUC further indicated that the job market struggles to absorb the influx of young educated people and pointed out the difficulties for women to be fully integrated in the labour market. It finally expressed concern at the lack of effective consultations with the social partners on employment policy issues.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Application and implementation of an active employment policy. The Government provided in its report the document on general policies of employment adopted by the Supreme Leader, which contains policy orientations for the state authorities listed in 13 points. Its objective for 2010 was creating 1,100,000 jobs and a survey is being carried out to assess the achievement of that goal. The Government also reports that a database for assessing job creation is being completed and that the “Plan for development of fast growth and entrepreneurial enterprises”, which started in 2006 with the aim of promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is planned to continue. Moreover, various “Entrepreneurship plans” were developed. In 2010, a Plan for Rural Jobs was adopted. In October 2010, as many as 44,271 persons were employed in Asalouyeh. The Government indicates that supportive policies were adopted to create alternative opportunities for addressing the employment gap in the Khorasan province. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further information on the procedures and mechanisms established to review and assess the results of its employment policy measures. The Committee also asks the Government to include information on the policies that promote full, productive and lasting employment opportunities to the unemployed and other categories of workers affected by the difficult employment situation in different regions.

Labour market information and employment trends. The Government states that statistics released by the Statistics Centre of Iran (SCI) are based on the ILO definitions. It further indicates that a comprehensive Labour Market Information System (LMIS) needs to be completed and staff in charge of collecting statistical data should be trained. The Government reiterates that differences in economic participation between women and men are due to social and cultural reasons. The real share of women in employment may be underestimated. Notwithstanding, the Government intends to take measures to address this issue through a plan aiming to increase job opportunities for women and promoting a legal and administrative framework for home-based work. The Committee notes that the Government’s objective is to move women’s work from the informal to the formal economy. It further notes that in 2010 the labour force participation rate was 39 per cent, being 61.7 per cent among men and 16 per cent among women. The unemployment rate was measured at 14.6 per cent, accounting for 11.9 per cent among men and 25 per cent among women. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report data assessing the effectiveness of the measures implemented to promote productive employment opportunities for women. It also invites the Government to provide information on any developments towards the establishment of the LMIS.

Labour market measures. The Committee notes the data provided by the Government on the operation of the Workers’ Unemployment Prevention Fund. The Government indicates that efforts have been made to reduce the term of payment of unemployment benefits and extend their scope of coverage. The Committee notes the data supplied by the Government on job opportunities advertised at public employment centres and private employment agencies. The Government indicates that only a small percentage of jobseekers register at employment offices, whether public or private. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of measures taken under the Workers’ Unemployment Prevention Fund. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to strengthen labour market institutions.

Integration of Afghan workers in the labour market. The Government reports that efforts have been made to provide Afghan workers with proper training and ensure that they and their families are residing legally in the country. The implementation of the plan to redevelop job opportunities in line with the national labour market needs is expected to increase job opportunities for Afghan and other foreign citizens. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the integration of Afghan workers and other foreign workers in the local labour market including information on the nature of the jobs available for those workers (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).

Youth employment. The Government indicates that the policies established in recent years have been directed at increasing job opportunities for the youth through technical and vocational training and support for entrepreneurship, as well as addressing the issue of graduates’ unemployment. The Committee notes that the internship project provides for incentives for employers who sign internship contracts with graduates, and further incentives for those who employ such graduates. The Government indicates that, in 2009, 70,000 young persons benefited from the project and it is forecast that by the end of 2011 another 100,000 will be covered. More than 50 per cent of trainees were women and in some provinces this ratio reached 60 to 70 per cent. Both the Parliament and the private sector supported the continuation of the project. The Government also indicates that, in order to improve the performance of the State Technical and Vocation Organization (TVTO), it has designed the National System of Skill and Technology, which orients technical and vocational training towards the system of skills and technology and pursues, inter alia, the objective of linking skills training with labour market needs. The Committee notes that, according to 2010 data provided by the Government, the youth unemployment rate reached 29.6 per cent in 2010, reaching 46.5 per cent among young women. Referring to its comments on Convention No. 142, the Committee invites the Government to supply disaggregated data on young persons obtaining lasting employment following their participation in vocational guidance and vocational training programmes. The Government might also wish to hold appropriate consultation with the social partners and others stakeholders concerned on the difficulties encountered to obtain lasting employment for young people.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that the Supreme Council of Employment, which is composed of government officials, and delegates of employers’ and employees’ organizations, decides on the monitoring and following-up of the fulfilment of quantitative and qualitative objectives of employment in the programmes approved by the same Council. The Council participated in the development of the Fifth Development Plan with regards to the labour market component. The ITUC pointed out that consultations with social partners have so far failed to address employment-related issues. Independent unions must be allowed in order to create an environment that enables real social dialogue, through which problems related to employment policy can be addressed. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on how consultations with the social partners have been used in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy. In this regard, the Committee asks the Government to focus on the points raised in this observation and the procedures which enable to take fully into account the views and experiences of persons affected by employment policy measures so as to secure their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for such measures.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2010 in reply to previous comments. It draws the Government’s attention to the observation formulated by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) forwarded in September 2010. It also invites the Government to include its own remarks on the matters raised by ITUC when reporting in 2011 on the following issues.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of employment policy. The Government refers to the 20 Year Perspective Plan aiming for full employment by 2015, as well as the numerous challenges experienced in executing the Economic Development Plan, ranging from the chronic mismatch between female labour supply and market demand, to the shrinkage of the export market due to the global economic crisis. It also describes various policies and measures adopted in 2009 to promote employment, including 3 billion dollars allocated to its economic programmes, lower bank loan interest rates, state employment programmes, and better enforcement of employment regulations. The Committee notes the provision of low interest bank loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which has created 938,000 new opportunities as of 2009. The Government also indicates that it has provided financial support to struggling enterprises in 2006 and 2007 to prevent mass lay‑offs. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the procedures and mechanisms established to review and assess the results of its employment policy measures. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the policies that promote full, productive and lasting employment opportunities to the unemployed and other categories of workers affected by the crisis.

Employment trends. The Government communicates that women’s economic participation remains a major issue and that the rate has decreased further from 17 per cent in 2005 to 16.4 per cent in 2006 and 15.6 per cent in 2007. The Government relates that Parliament has addressed this issue by passing a bill promoting home-based work in April 2010, providing a legal basis and financial support to enhance self-employment opportunities for women. According to the Statistical Book for Year 1385 published by the Statistical Centre, the national economic participation rate in the period 2006–07 was 40.6 per cent, while the unemployment rate was 11.2 per cent. The data shows a high youth unemployment rate of 23.3 per cent, as well as a marked disparity between female and male economic participation rates, with the former merely at 16.6 per cent and the latter at 40.6 per cent. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the labour market and employment trends and communicate any difficulties experienced in collecting and disaggregating relevant data.

Labour market measures. The Government indicates that it has established the Workers’ Unemployment Prevention Fund in 2006 to provide unemployment benefit and training to workers affected by enterprise restructuring. The Government also mentions an increase in the number of private employment agencies. The Committee further notes that temporary work permits were issued to Afghan workers in 2007. The Committee invites the Government to include both data and analysis regarding the effect of measures taken under the Workers’ Unemployment Prevention Fund and private employment agencies’ intervention in the labour market. It would also appreciate information on the integration of Afghan workers in the local labour market (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).

Youth employment. The Committee notes the Government’s Training Plan for University Graduates which finances vocational training for persons with university qualifications by its executive departments and other authorized private and public entities. The Government indicates that the State Technical and Vocation Organization’s policies have been revisited in 2008 and 2009 to improve the organization’s efficiency and market sensitivity. The Government highlights that 67 per cent of the organization’s trainees have been women but regrets the lack of data on the training of young persons disaggregated by gender, as requested by the Committee in previous comments. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on employment policies and measures adopted to address the needs of young workers including data on the gender of persons benefiting from the Government’s Training Plan for University Graduates. It further invites the Government to provide detailed information on how the State Technical and Vocation Organization has been restructured under the 2008 and 2009 policy review to better coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. In response to the Committee’s request to detail the institutional mechanisms which give effect to the Convention’s consultation requirement, the Government describes five such forums: the National Labour Forum, the High Labour Council, the High Council of Technical Protection, the Council of Social Security Organization, and the High Employment Council. All of these forums share a similar organizational composition consisting of government officials, academic experts, and employers’ and employees’ representatives. The Government indicates that the subject matters of these forums range from broad labour issues to more specific discussions on social security, educational policy and labour culture. The Committee invites the Government to provide some specific examples of how discussions resulting from such forums have been used in its employment policy formulation and implementation. In this regard, the Committee asks the Government to focus on the consultative procedures beyond the forums’ organizational compositions, which enable the Government to take fully into account the views and experiences of persons affected by employment policy measures.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2008 observation which read as follows:

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of an employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2007 containing elements of a reply to the observations that it has been formulating since 2004. The Committee had requested detailed information on the measures adopted to promote the implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Convention, particularly in a context of high and persistent unemployment (around 10 per cent according to the available official data). In its report, the Government indicates that a decrease in State participation is planned in the execution phase of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (2005–10). The Government indicates that it has formulated an employment strategy and is taking measures for its implementation. One of the central measures of the strategy consists of identifying new employment opportunities for the young persons arriving in massive numbers on the labour market. More particularly, the Government intends to promote self-employment through the allocation of funding for economic projects intended to develop entrepreneurship, tele-work and small enterprises. The diversification of economic activities, the increased use of information technologies and support for the creation of consultancy enterprises are mentioned as strategic means of promoting employment. The Five-Year Development Plan envisages a fall in the unemployment rate to 8.3 per cent by 2009. The Committee requests the Government to specify in its next report whether specific difficulties have been encountered in reducing unemployment and achieving the employment objectives set in the Five-Year Plan. It hopes that the Government will also provide detailed information on the principal objectives of general and sectoral economic policies and the measures adopted to ensure that employment, as a key element in poverty reduction, is the central focus of coordinated macroeconomic and social policies (Article 2(a) of the Convention).

2. Labour market policies. In its 2004 observation, the Committee requested the Government to indicate the progress achieved in the modernization of employment services and labour information. In its reply, the Government indicated that, in the context of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan, financial incentives are planned to promote recruitment through employment offices. In addition, the Government indicated that measures had been taken with a view to: (i) encouraging the establishment of employment offices, including private agencies, in all provinces; (ii) facilitating the implementation of a national information network linking employment offices; (iii) encouraging the establishment of a specialized employment office for persons with university qualifications; (iv) updating databases of registered jobseekers; (v) undertaking surveys and compiling labour market data; and (vi) improving information systems for the various economic sectors and facilitating access to information by investors and employers. The Committee recalls that the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), and its accompanying Recommendation No. 188, recognize the role played by private employment agencies in the operation of the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to report on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, to ensure the effective operation of the employment services and to describe the observed impact of the measures taken by the employment services for specific categories of workers (women, young workers, migrant workers). In particular, the Committee requests detailed data on the impact of the measures adopted to ensure that progress is achieved in relation to the labour market participation rate of women.

3. Training policies. In its previous observation, the Committee requested the Government to describe the measures adopted to improve the coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment. In its reply, the Government indicates that, in view of the constant increase in the number of young persons entering working life and the increased presence of women with university qualifications on the labour market, special attention is given to training activities for these categories of workers. Emphasis is placed on training activities which promote entrepreneurship among young graduates, and particularly women, and on training for trainers in relation to vocational guidance in the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information, disaggregated by gender, in its next report on the training provided to young persons entering the labour market, particularly those with university qualifications and on their impact in terms of the integration of the persons concerned into lasting employment.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy design and implementation. With reference to its previous observation, the Government reports on the annual meeting of a National Labour Conference in the Islamic Republic of Iran, without specifying whether representatives of employers and workers, and of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy, participate in the conference and are, in practice, consulted on employment policies in this context. In the comments that it has been making for several years, the Committee has recalled the importance of giving full effect to Article 3, which is an essential provision of the Convention and envisages that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. The Committee trusts that the Government will be in a position to indicate in its next report whether procedures have been introduced with a view to holding such consultations, either in the context of the National Labour Conference or any other competent body, and to specify the purpose and arrangements of such procedures.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of an employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2007 containing elements of a reply to the observations that it has been formulating since 2004. The Committee had requested detailed information on the measures adopted to promote the implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Convention, particularly in a context of high and persistent unemployment (around 10 per cent according to the available official data). In its report, the Government indicates that a decrease in State participation is planned in the execution phase of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (2005–10). The Government indicates that it has formulated an employment strategy and is taking measures for its implementation. One of the central measures of the strategy consists of identifying new employment opportunities for the young persons arriving in massive numbers on the labour market. More particularly, the Government intends to promote self-employment through the allocation of funding for economic projects intended to develop entrepreneurship, telework and small enterprises. The diversification of economic activities, the increased use of information technologies and support for the creation of consultancy enterprises are mentioned as strategic means of promoting employment. The Five-Year Development Plan envisages a fall in the unemployment rate to 8.3 per cent by 2009. The Committee requests the Government to specify in its next report whether specific difficulties have been encountered in reducing unemployment and achieving the employment objectives set in the Five-Year Plan. It hopes that the Government will also provide detailed information on the principal objectives of general and sectoral economic policies and the measures adopted to ensure that employment, as a key element in poverty reduction, is the central focus of coordinated macroeconomic and social policies (Article 2(a) of the Convention).

2. Labour market policies. In its 2004 observation, the Committee requested the Government to indicate the progress achieved in the modernization of employment services and labour information. In its reply, the Government indicated that, in the context of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan, financial incentives are planned to promote recruitment through employment offices. In addition, the Government indicated that measures had been taken with a view to: (i) encouraging the establishment of employment offices, including private agencies, in all provinces; (ii) facilitating the implementation of a national information network linking employment offices; (iii) encouraging the establishment of a specialized employment office for persons with university qualifications; (iv) updating databases of registered jobseekers; (v) undertaking surveys and compiling labour market data; and (vi) improving information systems for the various economic sectors and facilitating access to information by investors and employers. The Committee recalls that the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), and its accompanying Recommendation No. 188, recognize the role played by private employment agencies in the operation of the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to report on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, to ensure the effective operation of the employment services and to describe the observed impact of the measures taken by the employment services for specific categories of workers (women, young workers, migrant workers). In particular, the Committee requests detailed data on the impact of the measures adopted to ensure that progress is achieved in relation to the labour market participation rate of women.

3. Training policies. In its previous observation, the Committee requested the Government to describe the measures adopted to improve the coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment. In its reply, the Government indicates that, in view of the constant increase in the number of young persons entering working life and the increased presence of women with university qualifications on the labour market, special attention is given to training activities for these categories of workers. Emphasis is placed on training activities which promote entrepreneurship among young graduates, and particularly women, and on training for trainers in relation to vocational guidance in the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information, disaggregated by gender, in its next report on the training provided to young persons entering the labour market, particularly those with university qualifications and on their impact in terms of the integration of the persons concerned into lasting employment.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy design and implementation. With reference to its previous observation, the Government reports on the annual meeting of a National Labour Conference in the Islamic Republic of Iran, without specifying whether representatives of employers and workers, and of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy, participate in the conference and are, in practice, consulted on employment policies in this context. In the comments that it has been making for several years, the Committee has recalled the importance of giving full effect to Article 3, which is an essential provision of the Convention and envisages that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. The Committee trusts that the Government will be in a position to indicate in its next report whether procedures have been introduced with a view to holding such consultations, either in the context of the National Labour Conference or any other competent body, and to specify the purpose and arrangements of such procedures.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its 2004 observation which read as follows:

1. Formulation of an employment strategy. The Committee notes, from the statistical data provided by the Government in its report, that the unemployment rate fell from 14.2 per cent in 2001 to 12.8 per cent in 2002, principally due to its decline in rural areas. The characteristics of the distribution of employment and/of unemployment which gave rise to concern remain however: the activity rate of women is still extremely low and they continue to experience a higher unemployment rate than men, and the proportion of long-term unemployment in total unemployment rose once again, as 70.9 per cent of the unemployed in 2002 had been seeking a job for more than one year, compared with 66 per cent in 2001. In this context, the Committee, which notes the fundamental importance given to job creation in both the Third and draft Fourth Five-Year Plans, notes with interest the Government’s reference to the formulation of an employment strategy in collaboration with ILO employment specialists. Following a national workshop, held on 30 June and 1 July 2003, and bringing together representatives of the various ministries concerned, employers’ and workers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and researchers, a report was prepared for the Government containing a series of recommendations on short-term measures and the long-term strategy covering macroeconomic policy, labour market and industrial relations policies, skills development, the creation of employment through small and medium-sized enterprises, the promotion of gender equality and social security. In the view of the Committee, taking these recommendations into consideration should promote the achievement of the objectives of the Convention, which provides that employment promotion policies and programmes shall be decided on and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Article 2 of the Convention). It further notes that, in addition to its contribution to the formulation of the employment strategy, the Government refers to the ILO’s advisory and technical cooperation activities in relation to vocational training and the promotion of women’s employment. It requests the Government to indicate any actions taken as a result of these activities, which should promote the application of the Convention (Part V of the report form).

2. Overall and sectoral economic policies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the provisions adopted in relation to investment, exports and the reduction of government monopolies as policy measures with an indirect effect on employment. Recalling that, under the terms of the Convention, the measures to be taken to achieve employment objectives should be decided on and kept under review “within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy” (Article 2(a)), the Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the overall and sectoral economic policies contribute to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

3. Labour market and training policies. The Committee notes the various incentives for recruitment based on the reduction of employers’ contributions and tax incentives for investments which create employment in the less developed regions. It asks the Government to provide any available assessment of the results achieved through these measures. The Committee notes that the Government has undertaken to modernize the employment services and the employment information system. It requests it to report on the progress achieved in this respect. Also noting the emphasis placed on the reinforcement of the training system, and on the need for better coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment, the Committee requests the Government to describe the measures adopted for this purpose. With reference to its comments on the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee notes with interest the information on the increase in the participation of women in apprenticeship and vocational training activities. It requests the Government to continue providing such information, with an indication of the measures adopted to ensure that this progress is translated into an increase in the participation rate of women in economic activity. In this respect, the Committee notes the relevant recommendations adopted by the Conference on the Promotion of Women’s Employment, Autonomy and Equality, held on 8 and 9 March 2004 under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the ILO.

4. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. With reference to the requests that it has been making for several years, the Committee once again asks the Government to indicate the manner in which effect is given to Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee emphasizes once again the importance of this Article which provides that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. Please indicate whether procedures have been established for the purpose of holding such consultations and whether representatives of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy are associated with such consultations.

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

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2004 observation which read as follows:

1. Formulation of an employment strategy. The Committee notes, from the statistical data provided by the Government in its report, that the unemployment rate fell from 14.2 per cent in 2001 to 12.8 per cent in 2002, principally due to its decline in rural areas. The characteristics of the distribution of employment and/of unemployment which gave rise to concern remain however: the activity rate of women is still extremely low and they continue to experience a higher unemployment rate than men, and the proportion of long-term unemployment in total unemployment rose once again, as 70.9 per cent of the unemployed in 2002 had been seeking a job for more than one year, compared with 66 per cent in 2001. In this context, the Committee, which notes the fundamental importance given to job creation in both the Third and draft Fourth Five-Year Plans, notes with interest the Government’s reference to the formulation of an employment strategy in collaboration with ILO employment specialists. Following a national workshop, held on 30 June and 1 July 2003, and bringing together representatives of the various ministries concerned, employers’ and workers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and researchers, a report was prepared for the Government containing a series of recommendations on short-term measures and the long-term strategy covering macroeconomic policy, labour market and industrial relations policies, skills development, the creation of employment through small and medium-sized enterprises, the promotion of gender equality and social security. In the view of the Committee, taking these recommendations into consideration should promote the achievement of the objectives of the Convention, which provides that employment promotion policies and programmes shall be decided on and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Article 2 of the Convention). It further notes that, in addition to its contribution to the formulation of the employment strategy, the Government refers to the ILO’s advisory and technical cooperation activities in relation to vocational training and the promotion of women’s employment. It requests the Government to indicate any actions taken as a result of these activities, which should promote the application of the Convention (Part V of the report form).

2. Overall and sectoral economic policies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the provisions adopted in relation to investment, exports and the reduction of government monopolies as policy measures with an indirect effect on employment. Recalling that, under the terms of the Convention, the measures to be taken to achieve employment objectives should be decided on and kept under review "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy" (Article 2(a)), the Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the overall and sectoral economic policies contribute to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

3. Labour market and training policies. The Committee notes the various incentives for recruitment based on the reduction of employers’ contributions and tax incentives for investments which create employment in the less developed regions. It asks the Government to provide any available assessment of the results achieved through these measures. The Committee notes that the Government has undertaken to modernize the employment services and the employment information system. It requests it to report on the progress achieved in this respect. Also noting the emphasis placed on the reinforcement of the training system, and on the need for better coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment, the Committee requests the Government to describe the measures adopted for this purpose. With reference to its comments on the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee notes with interest the information on the increase in the participation of women in apprenticeship and vocational training activities. It requests the Government to continue providing such information, with an indication of the measures adopted to ensure that this progress is translated into an increase in the participation rate of women in economic activity. In this respect, the Committee notes the relevant recommendations adopted by the Conference on the Promotion of Women’s Employment, Autonomy and Equality, held on 8 and 9 March 2004 under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the ILO.

4. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. With reference to the requests that it has been making for several years, the Committee once again asks the Government to indicate the manner in which effect is given to Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee emphasizes once again the importance of this Article which provides that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. Please indicate whether procedures have been established for the purpose of holding such consultations and whether representatives of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy are associated with such consultations.

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

1. Formulation of an employment strategy. The Committee notes, from the statistical data provided by the Government in its report, that the unemployment rate fell from 14.2 per cent in 2001 to 12.8 per cent in 2002, principally due to its decline in rural areas. The characteristics of the distribution of employment and/of unemployment which gave rise to concern remain however: the activity rate of women is still extremely low and they continue to experience a higher unemployment rate than men, and the proportion of long-term unemployment in total unemployment rose once again, as 70.9 per cent of the unemployed in 2002 had been seeking a job for more than one year, compared with 66 per cent in 2001. In this context, the Committee, which notes the fundamental importance given to job creation in both the Third and draft Fourth Five-Year Plans, notes with interest the Government’s reference to the formulation of an employment strategy in collaboration with ILO employment specialists. Following a national workshop, held on 30 June and 1 July 2003, and bringing together representatives of the various ministries concerned, employers’ and workers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and researchers, a report was prepared for the Government containing a series of recommendations on short-term measures and the long-term strategy covering macroeconomic policy, labour market and industrial relations policies, skills development, the creation of employment through small and medium-sized enterprises, the promotion of gender equality and social security. In the view of the Committee, taking these recommendations into consideration should promote the achievement of the objectives of the Convention, which provides that employment promotion policies and programmes shall be decided on and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Article 2 of the Convention). It further notes that, in addition to its contribution to the formulation of the employment strategy, the Government refers to the ILO’s advisory and technical cooperation activities in relation to vocational training and the promotion of women’s employment. It requests the Government to indicate any actions taken as a result of these activities, which should promote the application of the Convention (Part V of the report form).

2. Overall and sectoral economic policies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the provisions adopted in relation to investment, exports and the reduction of government monopolies as policy measures with an indirect effect on employment. Recalling that, under the terms of the Convention, the measures to be taken to achieve employment objectives should be decided on and kept under review "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy" (Article 2(a)), the Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the overall and sectoral economic policies contribute to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

3. Labour market and training policies. The Committee notes the various incentives for recruitment based on the reduction of employers’ contributions and tax incentives for investments which create employment in the less developed regions. It asks the Government to provide any available assessment of the results achieved through these measures. The Committee notes that the Government has undertaken to modernize the employment services and the employment information system. It requests it to report on the progress achieved in this respect. Also noting the emphasis placed on the reinforcement of the training system, and on the need for better coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment, the Committee requests the Government to describe the measures adopted for this purpose. With reference to its comments on the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee notes with interest the information on the increase in the participation of women in apprenticeship and vocational training activities. It requests the Government to continue providing such information, with an indication of the measures adopted to ensure that this progress is translated into an increase in the participation rate of women in economic activity. In this respect, the Committee notes the relevant recommendations adopted by the Conference on the Promotion of Women’s Employment, Autonomy and Equality, held on 8 and 9 March 2004 under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the ILO.

4. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. With reference to the requests that it has been making for several years, the Committee once again asks the Government to indicate the manner in which effect is given to Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee emphasizes once again the importance of this Article which provides that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. Please indicate whether procedures have been established for the purpose of holding such consultations and whether representatives of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy are associated with such consultations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Further to its 2001 direct request, the Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s detailed report received in August 2002.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that it is in the middle of its third five-year economic development plan, and has implemented some new measures. It has established several incentives to hire registered unemployed persons. These include reducing the contributions and tax levied on both the employer and worker and increasing the maximum loans available to small and medium enterprises which hire registered unemployed persons, on condition that they do not replace existing staff. The Government has also created information centres to inform jobseekers and businesses about trends in the labour market. As part of its efforts to promote employment in rural areas, the Government has developed conservation projects, and agricultural workers are taught improved farming techniques. The chart of labour market statistics appended to the Government’s report indicates that, in general, labour market trends appear to be quite stable. The participation rate as a whole has increased from 34.7 per cent in 1997 to 37.19 per cent in 2001. The participation rate of older workers (50 to 64 years of age) decreased slightly from 13.09 to 12.83 per cent. Unemployment rose slightly, from 4.55 per cent in 1997 to 5.29 per cent in 2001. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate continuing to receive details on the various programmes implemented and their impact on employment promotion both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled workers. Please also supply information on underemployment as requested in the report form.

2. Article 2. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on how the various policies and programmes to promote employment are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. Please provide such information, as requested in the report form.

3. Article 3. The Committee again requests information on the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers, workers and other groups, such as rural and informal sector workers, and on the outcome of these consultations concerning employment policies.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s detailed report in reply to points raised in its previous direct request.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that the problem of employment is a particular worry for the Government and that the role of women is of utmost importance. The third economic plan covers economic, social and educational projects. At least half of the measures taken were aimed at promoting employment in rural areas, with priority placed on self-employment and apprenticeships. The Government has set up a system of 300 specialists to gather information on the job market and to help jobseekers to find jobs. It also has allowed 83 private placement agencies to operate an extensive placement network both inside and outside the country.

2. The number of vocational training centres increased from 205 in 1998 to 295 in 1999, with 389,933 people receiving training. The Government also expanded the range of programmes offered, especially in industry and agriculture. The number of private training centres also increased, which cater in particular to the needs of employed people. The number of training centres for women increased from 47 in 1998 to 97 in 1999. The Government plans to further expand access to training in rural areas through the use of mobile educational teams. The Organization for Technical and Professional Training also certifies the skills of workers, and issued 600,000 certificates in 1999. The Government also provides detailed information on the numerous programmes aimed at promoting employment of women, particularly women heads of households and women in rural areas. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further details on the impact of these measures on employment promotion. Please also supply the information requested in the report form on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled workers.

3. Article 2. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that employment policy is based on a detailed analysis of the opportunities and problems in the labour market. Please provide further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

4. Article 3. Please provide information on the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers, workers and other groups, such as rural and informal sector workers, and on the outcome of these consultations.

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

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 for the period ending June 1997 and the information provided in reply to its previous request. It notes the statistical data on the active population, employment and unemployment disaggregated by sex and age and requests the Government to continue providing the information as detailed as possible on the situation and trends in the labour market. Please also continue to provide information on any new measures taken to ensure the compilation and analysis of the relevant data.

2. The Committee notes the measures taken to strengthen vocational and technical training and adapt it to the needs of the labour market and to promote investment in the various sectors, including the agricultural sector, with a view to reducing the dependence of the economy on oil production. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide more detailed information on the nature of the measures adopted and on the results achieved. The Committee notes the emphasis placed by the Government on the importance of developing self-employment by women in rural areas and requests it to describe the measures adopted to promote full employment in this category of the population.

3. The Committee notes with interest the first results obtained in achieving the employment objectives of the second Five-Year Plan for Economic, Social and Cultural Development (1994-98). Please state whether the measures to be taken to promote employment have been re-examined in the light of these results and "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

4. Please continue providing information on the measures which have been taken to strengthen the network of public employment services and improve their effectiveness. Please provide any available statistical data on the nature and volume of their activities.

5. Article 3. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which the Supreme Labour Council ensures the consultation of the representatives of the persons affected by employment policies, including the representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. Please provide examples of the subjects covered by the Council, with an indication of the views expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account.

6. Part V of the report form. Please provide detailed information on the action taken as a result of ILO technical advisory and cooperation activities, particularly in the field of the development of small enterprises and the strengthening of employment services.

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

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1997 and the information provided in reply to its previous request. It notes the statistical data on the active population, employment and unemployment disaggregated by sex and age and requests the Government to continue providing the information as detailed as possible on the situation and trends in the labour market. Please also continue to provide information on any new measures taken to ensure the compilation and analysis of the relevant data.

2. The Committee notes the measures taken to strengthen vocational and technical training and adapt it to the needs of the labour market and to promote investment in the various sectors, including the agricultural sector, with a view to reducing the dependence of the economy on oil production. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide more detailed information on the nature of the measures adopted and on the results achieved. The Committee notes the emphasis placed by the Government on the importance of developing self-employment by women in rural areas and requests it to describe the measures adopted to promote full employment in this category of the population.

3. The Committee notes with interest the first results obtained in achieving the employment objectives of the second Five-Year Plan for Economic, Social and Cultural Development (1994-98). Please state whether the measures to be taken to promote employment have been re-examined in the light of these results and "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

4. Please continue providing information on the measures which have been taken to strengthen the network of public employment services and improve their effectiveness. Please provide any available statistical data on the nature and volume of their activities.

5. Article 3. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which the Supreme Labour Council ensures the consultation of the representatives of the persons affected by employment policies, including the representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. Please provide examples of the subjects covered by the Council, with an indication of the views expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account.

6. Part V of the report form. Please provide detailed information on the action taken as a result of ILO technical advisory and cooperation activities, particularly in the field of the development of small enterprises and the strengthening of employment services.

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

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 for the period ending June 1994 and the detailed information that it contains in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that the statistical data provided in the report on employment and unemployment by sex, age and sector cover the period 1986-91 and hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide such data in its next report for the period covered by the report. The Committee notes in this respect that special emphasis was placed on improving the procedures for the compilation and processing of statistical data on the labour market. In view of the need for precise information on the characteristics and trends of the supply and demand for labour in order to "decide on and keep under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, the measures to be adopted for attaining" employment objectives (Article 2 of the Convention), the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any further measures adopted in this respect.

2. The Government states that due to the limitations on the financing of investments for the creation of jobs, the second Five-year Plan for Economic, Social and Cultural Development (1994-98) continues to give priority to promoting self-employment in order to achieve a better sectoral and regional balance. The Committee also notes the information provided on the Government's projects for the development of technical support services for the promotion of productive employment in rural areas. It would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the principal orientations of the global and sectoral economic policies that are being pursued, with an indication of their expected or reported impact on employment. Please supply with the report the parts of the second Five-year Plan relating to employment objectives, with an indication of the extent to which they have been achieved.

3. The Committee notes the information on the development of networks of employment services and vocational training centres. It notes that, in the context of the privatization policy, it is now possible to open private employment agencies provided that approval is obtained. Please describe the measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

4. The Committee notes that cooperation between those responsible for education, training and employment is ensured through coordination commissions in order to adapt the supply of skills to the expected demand on the labour market. Recalling that under the terms of Article 1, paragraph 2(c), of the Convention, the employment policy shall aim at ensuring that there is "the fullest possible opportunity for each worker to qualify for, and to use his skills and endowments in, a job for which he is well suited, irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin", the Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the implementation of this provision of the Convention, taking into account the request that it has made on this subject under Convention No. 111, to which it refers.

5. The Committee believes it is correct in understanding that the consultations held in the Supreme Council of Labour cover various aspects of employment policy and include representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. It would be grateful if the Government would provide examples of the issues examined by this Council, with an indication of the opinions expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that the Government refers in its report to the implementation of a technical cooperation project in the field of training and that it mentions studies for projects on small enterprises and self-employment. It requests the Government to indicate the action taken as a result of these projects (Part V of the report form).

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

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1994 and the detailed information that it contains in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that the statistical data provided in the report on employment and unemployment by sex, age and sector cover the period 1986-91 and hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide such data in its next report for the period covered by the report. The Committee notes in this respect that special emphasis was placed on improving the procedures for the compilation and processing of statistical data on the labour market. In view of the need for precise information on the characteristics and trends of the supply and demand for labour in order to "decide on and keep under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, the measures to be adopted for attaining" employment objectives (Article 2 of the Convention), the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any further measures adopted in this respect.

2. The Government states that due to the limitations on the financing of investments for the creation of jobs, the second Five-year Plan for Economic, Social and Cultural Development (1994-98) continues to give priority to promoting self-employment in order to achieve a better sectoral and regional balance. The Committee also notes the information provided on the Government's projects for the development of technical support services for the promotion of productive employment in rural areas. It would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the principal orientations of the global and sectoral economic policies that are being pursued, with an indication of their expected or reported impact on employment. Please supply with the report the parts of the second Five-year Plan relating to employment objectives, with an indication of the extent to which they have been achieved.

3. The Committee notes the information on the development of networks of employment services and vocational training centres. It notes that, in the context of the privatization policy, it is now possible to open private employment agencies provided that approval is obtained. Please describe the measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

4. The Committee notes that cooperation between those responsible for education, training and employment is ensured through coordination commissions in order to adapt the supply of skills to the expected demand on the labour market. Recalling that under the terms of Article 1, paragraph 2(c), of the Convention, the employment policy shall aim at ensuring that there is "the fullest possible opportunity for each worker to qualify for, and to use his skills and endowments in, a job for which he is well suited, irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin", the Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the implementation of this provision of the Convention, taking into account the request that it has made on this subject under Convention No. 111, to which it refers.

5. The Committee believes it is correct in understanding that the consultations held in the Supreme Council of Labour cover various aspects of employment policy and include representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. It would be grateful if the Government would provide examples of the issues examined by this Council, with an indication of the opinions expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that the Government refers in its report to the implementation of a technical cooperation project in the field of training and that it mentions studies for projects on small enterprises and self-employment. It requests the Government to indicate the action taken as a result of these projects (Part V of the report form).

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

The Committee took note of the Government's report and the information supplied in answer to its previous direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would provide additional information on the following points in its next report.

1. The Government indicates that the creation of 72,000 jobs per year, on average, has enabled the unemployment rate to be reduced from 14.2 per cent in 1986 to 11.4 per cent in 1991. Please continue to provide statistical data which are as detailed as possible on the level and trends in employment, underemployment and unemployment, by sector of activity, sex and age. Please indicate the measures taken or under consideration to improve procedures for collecting and analysing the statistical data necessary for the formulation of employment policy measures.

2. The Committee notes that the promotion of productive employment and self-employment are among the main objectives of the first five-year economic, social and cultural plan (1989-93). Please state the manner in which employment objectives are coordinated with the other economic and social objectives in the implementation of the above plan, indicating, in particular, how the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment (Article 1 of the Convention) is taken into account in budgetary, monetary and trade policies, and prices, incomes and wages policies.

3. The Government indicates that the main objective of its employment policy is the development of employment services, whose functions have been stepped up by the provisions of the new Labour Code. Please provide information on the organization and functioning of the employment services and all available data on the number and nature of the cases they have dealt with.

4. The Government also refers to various projects and programmes geared in particular towards the development of self-employment, rural employment, and the employment of young people, women and the disabled. The Committee would be grateful if in its next report the Government would provide detailed information on the measures taken and the results obtained in each of the above areas. In this connection, it invites the Government to take into consideration the relevant provisions of Recommendations Nos. 122 and 169. Please also indicate the manner in which education and training policies are coordinated with prospective employment opportunities.

5. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes the provisions of the new Labour Code, which concern the composition of the Higher Council of Labour. Please state whether this Council is consulted as to employment policy measures. Please indicate, more generally, the manner in which representatives of the persons affected - who, in addition to representatives of employers' and workers' organizations, could include representatives of other sectors of the economically active population, such as those working in the rural sector and in the informal sector - are consulted concerning employment policies, in accordance with Article 3.

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

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:

1. The Committee takes note of the brief information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes in particular that the formulation of employment policy constitutes a key aspect of national economic planning. It hopes that, in its future reports, the Government will supply detailed information on the implementation of employment policy set out in the Convention. Please indicate the employment objectives defined in development plans and programmes and report on progress made in attaining them. Please describe the main policies being implemented with particular reference to investment policy, prices and incomes policy, rural development and the informal sector, as well as the measures designed to satisfy the needs of specific categories of workers such as young people, women and the disabled (Article 1 of the Convention).

2. The Committee takes note of the problems referred to by the Government concerning the compilation of statistics. It recalls that implementation of the provisions of Article 2 involves measures for the collection and analysis of statistical and other data needed as a basis for decisions on employment policy measures. The Committee hopes that, in the near future, the Government will be able to provide statistical data or estimates on the situation, levels and trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment both at the general level and in respect of the specific categories mentioned under point 1 above (Article 1. See also Part VI of the report form.)

3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide in its next report information on the activities of the technical and vocational training body of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, particularly within the framework of the implementation of the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871, 1987). Please state the measures designed to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects. (Report form, point 3 of question 3 under Article 1.)

4. In reply to the Committee's previous comments, the Government indicates that, on the recommendation of the Higher Council of Labour, the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871) was adopted on 21 May 1987. The Committee takes note in particular of section 9 of this Act, which requires that employers, Islamic councils or workers' delegates should communicate job vacancies to the local employment service centres; that the Government should make provision each year for job-creation projects for the unemployed; and which enables the unemployed, in certain conditions, to have preference in exercising an occupational activity or setting up businesses. The Committee notes that this Act is to be implemented for a trial period of three years, and it would be grateful if the Government would in its next report provide information on the number of beneficiaries of unemployment insurance, and the number and nature of the productive jobs created on the Government's initiative or on that of the unemployed themselves.

5. Please describe the composition of the Higher Council of Labour, stating whether it has made any other recommendations concerning employment policy matters, and provide information of a general nature on the way in which consultations on employment policy are held with the various sectors concerned, in the terms of Article 3.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that, in reply to its earlier comment, the Government indicates that it may envisage requesting technical co-operation from the ILO in order to apply the international standards in its employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would, if appropriate, provide information on any developments in this respect.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

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 takes note of the brief information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes in particular that the formulation of employment policy constitutes a key aspect of national economic planning. It hopes that, in its future reports, the Government will supply detailed information on the implementation of employment policy set out in the Convention. Please indicate the employment objectives defined in development plans and programmes and report on progress made in attaining them. Please describe the main policies being implemented with particular reference to investment policy, prices and incomes policy, rural development and the informal sector, as well as the measures designed to satisfy the needs of specific categories of workers such as young people, women and the disabled (Article 1 of the Convention).

2. The Committee takes note of the problems referred to by the Government concerning the compilation of statistics. It recalls that implementation of the provisions of Article 2 involves measures for the collection and analysis of statistical and other data needed as a basis for decisions on employment policy measures. The Committee hopes that, in the near future, the Government will be able to provide statistical data or estimates on the situation, levels and trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment both at the general level and in respect of the specific categories mentioned under point 1 above (Article 1. See also Part VI of the report form.)

3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide in its next report information on the activities of the technical and vocational training body of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, particularly within the framework of the implementation of the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871, 1987). Please state the measures designed to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects. (Report form, point 3 of question 3 under Article 1.)

4. In reply to the Committee's previous comments, the Government indicates that, on the recommendation of the Higher Council of Labour, the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871) was adopted on 21 May 1987. The Committee takes note in particular of section 9 of this Act, which requires that employers, Islamic councils or workers' delegates should communicate job vacancies to the local employment service centres; that the Government should make provision each year for job-creation projects for the unemployed; and which enables the unemployed, in certain conditions, to have preference in exercising an occupational activity or setting up businesses. The Committee notes that this Act is to be implemented for a trial period of three years, and it would be grateful if the Government would in its next report provide information on the number of beneficiaries of unemployment insurance, and the number and nature of the productive jobs created on the Government's initiative or on that of the unemployed themselves.

5. Please describe the composition of the Higher Council of Labour, stating whether it has made any other recommendations concerning employment policy matters, and provide information of a general nature on the way in which consultations on employment policy are held with the various sectors concerned, in the terms of Article 3.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that, in reply to its earlier comment, the Government indicates that it may envisage requesting technical co-operation from the ILO in order to apply the international standards in its employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would, if appropriate, provide information on any developments in this respect.

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

1. The Committee takes note of the brief information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes in particular that the formulation of employment policy constitutes a key aspect of national economic planning. It hopes that, in its future reports, the Government will supply detailed information on the implementation of employment policy set out in the Convention. Please indicate the employment objectives defined in development plans and programmes and report on progress made in attaining them. Please describe the main policies being implemented with particular reference to investment policy, prices and incomes policy, rural development and the informal sector, as well as the measures designed to satisfy the needs of specific categories of workers such as young people, women and the disabled (Article 1 of the Convention).

2. The Committee takes note of the problems referred to by the Government concerning the compilation of statistics. It recalls that implementation of the provisions of Article 2 involves measures for the collection and analysis of statistical and other data needed as a basis for decisions on employment policy measures. The Committee hopes that, in the near future, the Government will be able to provide statistical data or estimates on the situation, levels and trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment both at the general level and in respect of the specific categories mentioned under point 1 above (Article 1. See also Part VI of the report form.)

3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide in its next report information on the activities of the technical and vocational training body of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, particularly within the framework of the implementation of the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871, 1987). Please state the measures designed to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects. (Report form, point 3 of question 3 under Article 1.)

4. In reply to the Committee's previous comments, the Government indicates that, on the recommendation of the Higher Council of Labour, the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871) was adopted on 21 May 1987. The Committee takes note in particular of section 9 of this Act, which requires that employers, Islamic councils or workers' delegates should communicate job vacancies to the local employment service centres; that the Government should make provision each year for job-creation projects for the unemployed; and which enables the unemployed, in certain conditions, to have preference in exercising an occupational activity or setting up businesses. The Committee notes that this Act is to be implemented for a trial period of three years, and it would be grateful if the Government would in its next report provide information on the number of beneficiaries of unemployment insurance, and the number and nature of the productive jobs created on the Government's initiative or on that of the unemployed themselves.

5. Please describe the composition of the Higher Council of Labour, stating whether it has made any other recommendations concerning employment policy matters, and provide information of a general nature on the way in which consultations on employment policy are held with the various sectors concerned, in the terms of Article 3.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that, in reply to its earlier comment, the Government indicates that it may envisage requesting technical co-operation from the ILO in order to apply the international standards in its employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would, if appropriate, provide information on any developments in this respect.