Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards) Convention, 1962 (No. 117) - Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ratification: 1967)

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

Previous comment

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in 2022, which indicates that the Strategy Document on Economic Growth and Reduction of Second-Generation Poverty (DSCRP 2) for 2011–2015 resulted in a significant improvement in economic growth, moving from negative to positive growth rates, and reaching peak levels of 9.5 per cent in 2014. The Committee notes that DSCRP 2 has come to an end and that a new strategic plan, that includes sectorial policies, is currently being implemented. In this respect, the Committee notes that the Government has adopted in particular: (i) a National Strategic Development Plan (PNSD 2019–2023) aimed at aligning stakeholders’ actions and their contributions to national policies; (ii) a National Strategic Plan for universal health coverage 2021–2030 aimed at improving the health and life expectancy of the population; and (iii) a National Employment and Vocational Training Policy, with an Operational Employment Action Plan (PAO-E) for 2022–24. The Government also refers to the Programme if Action for 2021–23, which summarizes the presidential commitments. The Committee notes, however, that no mention is made of the adoption and implementation of the ILO Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP 2021–24). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide up-to-date information on the policies and measures aimed at improving standards of living. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the above-mentioned national plans and other measures, indicating the manner in which they have contributed to the improvement in standards of living and the reduction of poverty in the country (Article 2 of the Convention).

Part VI. Education and vocational training. The Committee notes that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Technical and Vocational Training, mentioned in its previous comments, is no longer operational and that the Government has set up the National Committee for Professional Certification to regulate and validate professional qualification certificates. The Committee also notes that the PNSD 2019–23 and the DWCP 2021–24 identify a mismatch between training and jobs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken, especially as part of the PNSD and the DWCP, on the capacity of the system of education, vocational training and apprenticeship to effectively prepare children and young people of both sexes for a useful occupation, as prescribed in Article 15 of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2013 which refers to the Government’s programme for 2012–16. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the programme has taken into account its concerns regarding Parts I and II of the Convention. The objectives of the programme include improving the social environment and circumstances of the population (objective 4) and enhancing its human and educational capital (objective 5). The Government also indicates that the programme has been brought into line with its Strategy Document on Economic Growth and Reduction of Second-Generation Poverty (DSCRP 2) for 2011–15 and with the Modernity Revolution Programme. The Committee notes that the overall goal of the DSCRP 2 for 2015 is to bring about a significant improvement in the living conditions of the Congolese people, with a focus on vulnerable groups, such as women and children. The improvement is expected to lead to an average annual economic growth rate of 7.2 per cent, a reduction of about 11 points in the incidence of poverty to 60 per cent and the creation of almost 1,000,000 decent jobs a year in the hope of creating an AIDS-free generation, while at the same time respecting the environment and maintaining inflation at an annual average rate of 9 per cent. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the impact that the Strategy Document on Economic Growth and Reduction of Second-Generation Poverty (DSCRP 2) for 2011–15 and other sectoral plans and programmes have had on improving standards of living and reducing poverty (Article 2 of the Convention).

Part VI. Education and vocational training. The Government refers to the revitalization of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Technical and Vocational Training and the reinforcement of the National Vocational Preparation Institute (IMPP). The Committee notes that the Priority Action Programme (PAP) and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (CDMT) find that vocational training is greatly hampered by the lack of professionalism of the education system and the fact that training is not adapted to the employment opportunities that are available, by the multiplicity of public and private training centres whose curricula do not take labour market priorities into account and therefore do not facilitate access to new jobs, to jobs that are available or to entrepreneurship and self-employment, and by the difficulty young people and women have in accessing credit and the insufficient number of microfinance institutions. The DSCRP 2 also indicates that a series of priority measures are to be taken to improve the employability of the target population and to develop vocational training, such as: (i) a mechanism for matching the supply of skills with the demand; (ii) assistance for workers and enterprises to adapt to changing times and improve their competitiveness; (iii) a system for acquiring and maintaining skills so as to meet the future needs of the labour market; and (iv) the development of “renewed” apprenticeship training networks. The Committee invites the Government to include up-to-date information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken, particularly through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Technical and Vocational Training and the IMPP, to overcome the difficulties encountered and to develop progressively a system of education, vocational training and apprenticeship and prepare children and young people for a useful occupation, as prescribed in Article 15 of the Convention.

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

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

Repetition

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2013 which refers to the Government’s programme for 2012–16. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the programme has taken into account its concerns regarding Parts I and II of the Convention. The objectives of the programme include improving the social environment and circumstances of the population (objective 4) and enhancing its human and educational capital (objective 5). The Government also indicates that the programme has been brought into line with its Strategy Document on Economic Growth and Reduction of Second-Generation Poverty (DSCRP 2) for 2011–15 and with the Modernity Revolution Programme. The Committee notes that the overall goal of the DSCRP 2 for 2015 is to bring about a significant improvement in the living conditions of the Congolese people, with a focus on vulnerable groups, such as women and children. The improvement is expected to lead to an average annual economic growth rate of 7.2 per cent, a reduction of about 11 points in the incidence of poverty to 60 per cent and the creation of almost 1,000,000 decent jobs a year in the hope of creating an AIDS-free generation, while at the same time respecting the environment and maintaining inflation at an annual average rate of 9 per cent. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the impact that the Strategy Document on Economic Growth and Reduction of Second-Generation Poverty (DSCRP 2) for 2011–15 and other sectoral plans and programmes have had on improving standards of living and reducing poverty (Article 2 of the Convention).

Part VI. Education and vocational training. The Government refers to the revitalization of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Technical and Vocational Training and the reinforcement of the National Vocational Preparation Institute (IMPP). The Committee notes that the Priority Action Programme (PAP) and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (CDMT) find that vocational training is greatly hampered by the lack of professionalism of the education system and the fact that training is not adapted to the employment opportunities that are available, by the multiplicity of public and private training centres whose curricula do not take labour market priorities into account and therefore do not facilitate access to new jobs, to jobs that are available or to entrepreneurship and self-employment, and by the difficulty young people and women have in accessing credit and the insufficient number of microfinance institutions. The DSCRP 2 also indicates that a series of priority measures are to be taken to improve the employability of the target population and to develop vocational training, such as: (i) a mechanism for matching the supply of skills with the demand; (ii) assistance for workers and enterprises to adapt to changing times and improve their competitiveness; (iii) a system for acquiring and maintaining skills so as to meet the future needs of the labour market; and (iv) the development of “renewed” apprenticeship training networks. The Committee invites the Government to include up-to-date information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken, particularly through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Technical and Vocational Training and the IMPP, to overcome the difficulties encountered and to develop progressively a system of education, vocational training and apprenticeship and prepare children and young people for a useful occupation, as prescribed in Article 15 of the Convention.

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

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2013 which refers to the Government’s programme for 2012–16. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that the programme has taken into account its concerns regarding Parts I and II of the Convention. The objectives of the programme include improving the social environment and circumstances of the population (objective 4) and enhancing its human and educational capital (objective 5). The Government also indicates that the programme has been brought into line with its Strategy Document on Economic Growth and Reduction of Second-Generation Poverty (DSCRP 2) for 2011–15 and with the Modernity Revolution Programme. The Committee notes that the overall goal of the DSCRP 2 for 2015 is to bring about a significant improvement in the living conditions of the Congolese people, with a focus on vulnerable groups, such as women and children. The improvement is expected to lead to an average annual economic growth rate of 7.2 per cent, a reduction of about 11 points in the incidence of poverty to 60 per cent and the creation of almost 1,000,000 decent jobs a year in the hope of creating an AIDS-free generation, while at the same time respecting the environment and maintaining inflation at an annual average rate of 9 per cent. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the impact that the Strategy Document on Economic Growth and Reduction of Second-Generation Poverty (DSCRP 2) for 2011–15 and other sectoral plans and programmes have had on improving standards of living and reducing poverty (Article 2 of the Convention).

Part VI. Education and vocational training. The Government refers to the revitalization of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Technical and Vocational Training and the reinforcement of the National Vocational Preparation Institute (IMPP). The Committee notes that the Priority Action Programme (PAP) and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (CDMT) find that vocational training is greatly hampered by the lack of professionalism of the education system and the fact that training is not adapted to the employment opportunities that are available, by the multiplicity of public and private training centres whose curricula do not take labour market priorities into account and therefore do not facilitate access to new jobs, to jobs that are available or to entrepreneurship and self-employment, and by the difficulty young people and women have in accessing credit and the insufficient number of microfinance institutions. The DSCRP 2 also indicates that a series of priority measures are to be taken to improve the employability of the target population and to develop vocational training, such as: (i) a mechanism for matching the supply of skills with the demand; (ii) assistance for workers and enterprises to adapt to changing times and improve their competitiveness; (iii) a system for acquiring and maintaining skills so as to meet the future needs of the labour market; and (iv) the development of “renewed” apprenticeship training networks. The Committee invites the Government to include up-to-date information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken, particularly through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Technical and Vocational Training and the IMPP, to overcome the difficulties encountered and to develop progressively a system of education, vocational training and apprenticeship and prepare children and young people for a useful occupation, as prescribed in Article 15 of the Convention.

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

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the indications provided by the Government in June 2011 in reply to its 2010 observation. The Committee previously noted the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper of July 2006. The Government also indicated that the Priority Action Programme (PAP) 2009–10 aimed to attenuate the effects of the international financial crisis and the food crisis on macroeconomic performance with a view to improving the socio-economic conditions of the population. According to World Bank estimates, economic growth fell from 6.2 per cent in 2008 to 2.8 per cent in 2009 because of the effects of the global financial and economic crisis on the country. Growth then grew to 5.4 per cent in 2010 and is still healthy in 2011. The country benefits from significant multilateral and bilateral support (among others, from China and India) for public and private investment and economic recovery. The Government indicates in its latest report that, before seeking the external resources that development partners would be prepared to provide the county, each ministerial sector has established a framework of medium-term expenditure with a view to financing priority actions though the resources of the national budget for the period from 2011 to 2016. The Committee invites the Government to provide more precise indications in its next report on the manner in which the provisions of the Convention have been taken into account in the formulation of economic programmes and the implementation of the measures decided upon in the context of the Priority Action Programme and the strategy to combat poverty.

Part VI. Education and vocational training. The Government provided a table recapitulating the measures adopted to develop the education system in the context of the PAP. The Committee notes that the rate of implementation of the PAP for the period 2006–10 was 27 per cent; 53.82 per cent of the actions planned are currently being implemented, while one third have not been carried out, which also illustrates the lack of relevance of certain actions, the weakness of the institutional implementation mechanisms and other difficulties in improving the quality of the teaching and learning process. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated information in its next report on the impact of the measures adopted to overcome the difficulties encountered and achieve the progressive improvement of education, vocational training and apprenticeship and to prepare children and young persons of both sexes for a useful professional life, as envisaged in Article 15 of the Convention.

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

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2010. In its previous comments the Committee expressed concern at the fact that the Government had not provided information on the application of the Convention since June 2002 and had emphasized that technical assistance might be useful to rectify this situation. The ILO undertook a mission to Kinshasa in May 2010 precisely for this purpose. The Government brought to the attention of the Committee the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (GPRSP) of July 2006 and the Priority Action Programme (PAP) 2009–10. The PAP aims to alleviate the effects of the international financial crisis and food crisis on macroeconomic results with a view to improving the socio‑economic conditions of the population. According to World Bank estimates, economic growth fell from 6.2 per cent in 2008 to 2.8 per cent in 2009 because of the effects of the global economic and financial crisis on the country. Growth is expected to be positive in 2010. Average growth is expected to be 6.5 per cent in the medium term, with the support of public and private investment and the revival of the economic sector. The Committee invites the Government to supply up-to-date information in its next report on the manner in which the provisions of the Convention have been taken into account in the drawing up of economic programmes and the implementation of measures established in the context of the Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Priority Action Programme.

Part VI. Education and vocational training. The Committee notes that, in the context of the PAP 2009–10, the Government is seeking to guarantee education for all children by 2010. The Committee again requests the Government to describe in greater detail the measures taken for the progressive development of broad systems of education, vocational training and apprenticeship, with a view to the effective preparation of children and young persons of both sexes for a useful occupation, as provided for by Article 15 of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes with concern that the Government has not provided information on the application of the Convention since its first report received in June 2002. Major changes have occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In recent years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has received technical assistance from the ILO and has been a recipient of aid from international financial institutions and other international partners assisting in the country’s transitional process towards political and economic stability.

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee recalls that Article 1 provides that all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population and to the promotion of its desire for social progress. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information on how the provisions of Parts I and II have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of the measures adopted in the context of the current economic reforms.

Part VI. Education and training. The Committee recalls its previous comments indicating that the Government referred to the national education plan “Education for all by 2015” to ensure that children are able to profit from facilities for education. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information on how it gives effect to Part VI.

The Committee notes that the preparation of a detailed report, including the indications requested in this observation, will certainly provide the Government and the social partners with an opportunity to ensure the effective implementation of the Convention. In this regard, the Government might wish to request further technical assistance from the relevant units of the ILO to address obstacles in reporting on compliance with the Convention.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government has provided no information on the application of the Convention since its first report, received in June 2002, which contained some information responding to the comments the Committee has been making since its session of November–December 1996. The Committee asks the Government to provide a report containing precise and up to date information responding in particular to the matters raised since 2005 on the following matters.

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee noted previously that, with support from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Government had adopted measures to stabilize the macroeconomic situation and create a climate conducive to the development of the private sector. Access to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative in July 2002 allowed the country to benefit from relief for its external financial debt. A Government Economic Programme (PEG), likewise set up with support from the IMF, was implemented from April 2002 to June 2005. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the manner in which the provisions of the Convention calling for “all policies” to be “primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population” have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of the measures taken in the context of its economic programmes and poverty reduction strategy.

Part VI. Articles 15 and 16. Vocational education and training. The Government referred to the national education plan “Education for all by 2015” to ensure that children are able to profit from facilities for education. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken for the progressive development of education, vocational training and apprenticeship and for the preparation of children and young persons of both sexes for a useful occupation.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. The Committee notes with regret that the Government has provided no information on the application of the Convention since its first report, received in June 2002, which contained some information responding to the comments it has been making since its session of November–December 1996. The Committee asks the Government to provide a report containing precise and up to date information responding in particular to the matters raised in its 2005 direct request, which addressed the following matters.

2. Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee noted previously that, with support from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Government had adopted measures to stabilize the macroeconomic situation and create a climate conducive to the development of the private sector. Access to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative in July 2002 allowed the country to benefit from relief for its external financial debt. A Government Economic Programme (PEG), likewise set up with support from the IMF, was implemented from April 2002 to June 2005. The Committee trusts that in its next report, the Government will provide information on the manner in which the provisions of the Convention calling for “all policies” to be “primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population” have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of the measures taken in the context of its economic programmes and poverty reduction strategy.

3. Part IV. Remuneration of workers. With reference to earlier comments, the Committee took note previously of the provisions respecting wages contained in sections 86–118 of the new Labour Code which entered into force in October 2002, and more particularly Chapter V on advances and amounts withheld from wages (Article 12 of the Convention). The Committee will examine issues relating to remuneration in the context of its regular examination of reports on the application of the Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95), which the Democratic Republic of the Congo has ratified.

4. Part VI. Articles 15 and 16. Vocational education and training. The Government referred to the national education plan “Education for all by 2015” to ensure that children are able to profit from facilities for education. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken for the progressive development of education, vocational training and apprenticeship and for the preparation of children and young persons of both sexes for a useful occupation.

5. The Committee refers to other issues relating to child labour in its comments on the application of the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182).

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

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

1. The Committee notes the Government's report received in June 2002, which contains certain indications relating to the comments made since its session in November-December 1996. The Committee notes that the new Labour Code entered into force in October 2002.

2. Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes that, with the support of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the Government has adopted measures to stabilize the macroeconomic situation and create a climate conducive to the development of the private sector. Access to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative in July 2002 allowed the country to benefit from the relief of its external financial debt. A Government Economic Programme (PEG), also concluded with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was established for the period April 2002 to June 2005. The Committee hopes that in its next report the Government will provide information on the manner in which the provisions of the Convention calling for “all policies” to be “primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population” have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of the measures adopted in the framework of its economic programmes and its poverty reduction strategy.

3. Part IV. Remuneration of workers. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the provisions respecting wages contained in sections 86-118 of the new Labour Code, and more specifically those in Chapter V respecting advances and amounts withheld from wages (Article 12). The Committee proposes to examine issues relating to remuneration in the context of its regular examination of reports on the application of the Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95), ratified by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

4. Part VI. Education and training. The Government indicated in its report received in 2002 that the age of completion of compulsory schooling could be raised to 15 years. Section 6 of the Labour Code also establishes the age for admission to employment at 15 years. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted for the progressive development of education, vocational training and apprenticeship and for the preparation of children and young persons of both sexes for a useful occupation. Please also indicate the measures adopted to prohibit the employment of children who have not reached the age of 15 years. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to refer to the results achieved through the national education plan “Education for All by 2015” to ensure that children are able to profit from facilities for education (Articles 15 and 16).

5. Other issues relating to child labour are raised by the Committee in its comments concerning the application of the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182).

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

1. The Committee notes the Government's report received in June 2002, which contains certain indications relating to the comments made since its session in November-December 1996. The Committee notes that the new Labour Code entered into force in October 2002.

2. Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes that, with the support of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the Government has adopted measures to stabilize the macroeconomic situation and create a climate conducive to the development of the private sector. Access to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative in July 2002 allowed the country to benefit from the relief of its external financial debt. A Government Economic Programme (PEG), also concluded with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was established for the period April 2002 to June 2005. The Committee hopes that in its next report the Government will provide information on the manner in which the provisions of the Convention calling for "all policies" to be "primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population" have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of the measures adopted in the framework of its economic programmes and its poverty reduction strategy.

3. Part IV. Remuneration of workers. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the provisions respecting wages contained in sections 86-118 of the new Labour Code, and more specifically those in Chapter V respecting advances and amounts withheld from wages (Article 12). The Committee proposes to examine issues relating to remuneration in the context of its regular examination of reports on the application of the Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95), ratified by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

4. Part VI. Education and training. The Government indicated in its report received in 2002 that the age of completion of compulsory schooling could be raised to 15 years. Section 6 of the Labour Code also establishes the age for admission to employment at 15 years. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted for the progressive development of education, vocational training and apprenticeship and for the preparation of children and young persons of both sexes for a useful occupation. Please also indicate the measures adopted to prohibit the employment of children who have not reached the age of 15 years. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to refer to the results achieved through the national education plan "Education for All by 2015" to ensure that children are able to profit from facilities for education (Articles 15 and 16).

5. Other issues relating to child labour are raised by the Committee in its comments concerning the application of the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182).

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

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:

Remuneration of workers

Article 12 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government refers to sections 41 and 93 of the Labour Code of 1967. It notes that these provisions cover respectively the obligations of workers, particularly to return in good condition to the employer anything that has been entrusted to them, reductions in remuneration as compensation and deductions to constitute a guarantee in this respect. With regard to the reference made by the Government to its reply under Convention No. 95, the Committee recalls that Convention No. 95 provides for the regulation of deductions from wages, which is of relevance to the reimbursement of advances on wages, but that it does not contain provisions respecting the amount of advances on wages. However, under Article 12 of Convention No. 117, not only does the manner of repayment of advances on wages have to be regulated, but the maximum amounts of advances have to be determined and any advance in excess of the amount laid down has to be made legally irrecoverable. The Committee once again requests the Government to take measures to bring the national legislation into conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Education and training

Article 15. The Committee notes that section 9 of Decree No. 28/75 of 30 October 1975 enumerates the light and healthy work authorized for persons aged between 14 and 16 years. It also notes the Government's statement in its report that the minimum age for apprenticeship, which is 21 years in accordance with section 6 of the Labour Code, is considered to be the school-leaving age.

The Committee notes that section 6 of the Labour Code of 1967 provides that "no person shall take in an apprentice unless he is 21 years of age or over". This provision, which imposes the requirement on masters of apprentices, does not make any reference to school-leaving age.

Therefore, the Committee recalls the obligation set out in Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Convention under which national laws or regulations should prescribe the school-leaving age and the minimum age for and conditions of employment. It also recalls that the Government had stated in previous reports that the draft revised Labour Code set the age of admission to employment at 16 years and it requests the Government to provide information an any developments in this respect and on the compulsory school-leaving age.

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

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 reads as follows:

Remuneration of workers

Article 12 of the Convention.  The Committee notes that the Government refers to sections 41 and 93 of the Labour Code of 1967. It notes that these provisions cover respectively the obligations of workers, particularly to return in good condition to the employer anything that has been entrusted to them, reductions in remuneration as compensation and deductions to constitute a guarantee in this respect. With regard to the reference made by the Government to its reply under Convention No. 95, the Committee recalls that Convention No. 95 provides for the regulation of deductions from wages, which is of relevance to the reimbursement of advances on wages, but that it does not contain provisions respecting the amount of advances on wages. However, under Article 12 of Convention No. 117, not only does the manner of repayment of advances on wages have to be regulated, but the maximum amounts of advances have to be determined and any advance in excess of the amount laid down has to be made legally irrecoverable. The Committee once again requests the Government to take measures to bring the national legislation into conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Education and training

Article 15.  The Committee notes that section 9 of Decree No. 28/75 of 30 October 1975 enumerates the light and healthy work authorized for persons aged between 14 and 16 years. It also notes the Government's statement in its report that the minimum age for apprenticeship, which is 21 years in accordance with section 6 of the Labour Code, is considered to be the school-leaving age.

The Committee notes that section 6 of the Labour Code of 1967 provides that "no person shall take in an apprentice unless he is 21 years of age or over". This provision, which imposes the requirement on masters of apprentices, does not make any reference to school-leaving age.

Therefore, the Committee recalls the obligation set out in Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Convention under which national laws or regulations should prescribe the school-leaving age and the minimum age for and conditions of employment. It also recalls that the Government had stated in previous reports that the draft revised Labour Code set the age of admission to employment at 16 years and it requests the Government to provide information an any developments in this respect and on the compulsory school-leaving age.

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

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

Remuneration of workers

Article 12 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government refers to sections 41 and 93 of the Labour Code of 1967. It notes that these provisions cover respectively the obligations of workers, particularly to return in good condition to the employer anything that has been entrusted to them, reductions in remuneration as compensation and deductions to constitute a guarantee in this respect. With regard to the reference made by the Government to its reply under Convention No. 95, the Committee recalls that Convention No. 95 provides for the regulation of deductions from wages, which is of relevance to the reimbursement of advances on wages, but that it does not contain provisions respecting the amount of advances on wages. However, under Article 12 of Convention No. 117, not only does the manner of repayment of advances on wages have to be regulated, but the maximum amounts of advances have to be determined and any advance in excess of the amount laid down has to be made legally irrecoverable. The Committee once again requests the Government to take measures to bring the national legislation into conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Education and training

Article 15. The Committee notes that section 9 of Decree No. 28/75 of 30 October 1975 enumerates the light and healthy work authorized for persons aged between 14 and 16 years. It also notes the Government's statement in its report that the minimum age for apprenticeship, which is 21 years in accordance with section 6 of the Labour Code, is considered to be the school-leaving age.

The Committee notes that section 6 of the Labour Code of 1967 provides that "no person shall take in an apprentice unless he is 21 years of age or over". This provision, which imposes the requirement on masters of apprentices, does not make any reference to school-leaving age.

Therefore, the Committee recalls the obligation set out in Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Convention under which national laws or regulations should prescribe the school-leaving age and the minimum age for and conditions of employment. It also recalls that the Government had stated in previous reports that the draft revised Labour Code set the age of admission to employment at 16 years and it requests the Government to provide information an any developments in this respect and on the compulsory school-leaving age.

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Remuneration of workers

Article 12 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government refers to sections 41 and 93 of the Labour Code of 1967. It notes that these provisions cover respectively the obligations of workers, particularly to return in good condition to the employer anything that has been entrusted to them, reductions in remuneration as compensation and deductions to constitute a guarantee in this respect. With regard to the reference made by the Government to its reply under Convention No. 95, the Committee recalls that Convention No. 95 provides for the regulation of deductions from wages, which is of relevance to the reimbursement of advances on wages, but that it does not contain provisions respecting the amount of advances on wages. However, under Article 12 of Convention No. 117, not only does the manner of repayment of advances on wages have to be regulated, but the maximum amounts of advances have to be determined and any advance in excess of the amount laid down has to be made legally irrecoverable. The Committee once again requests the Government to take measures to bring the national legislation into conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Education and training

Article 15. The Committee notes that section 9 of Decree No. 28/75 of 30 October 1975 enumerates the light and healthy work authorized for persons aged between 14 and 16 years. It also notes the Government's statement in its report that the minimum age for apprenticeship, which is 21 years in accordance with section 6 of the Labour Code, is considered to be the school-leaving age.

The Committee notes that section 6 of the Labour Code of 1967 provides that "no person shall take in an apprentice unless he is 21 years of age or over". This provision, which imposes the requirement on masters of apprentices, does not make any reference to school-leaving age.

Therefore, the Committee recalls the obligation set out in Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Convention under which national laws or regulations should prescribe the school-leaving age and the minimum age for and conditions of employment. It also recalls that the Government had stated in previous reports that the draft revised Labour Code set the age of admission to employment at 16 years and it requests the Government to provide information an any developments in this respect and on the compulsory school-leaving age.

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

Remuneration of workers

Article 12 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government refers to sections 41 and 93 of the Labour Code of 1967. It notes that these provisions cover respectively the obligations of workers, particularly to return in good condition to the employer anything that has been entrusted to them, reductions in remuneration as compensation and deductions to constitute a guarantee in this respect. With regard to the reference made by the Government to its reply under Convention No. 95, the Committee recalls that Convention No. 95 provides for the regulation of deductions from wages, which is of relevance to the reimbursement of advances on wages, but that it does not contain provisions respecting the amount of advances on wages. However, under Article 12 of Convention No. 117, not only does the manner of repayment of advances on wages have to be regulated, but the maximum amounts of advances have to be determined and any advance in excess of the amount laid down has to be made legally irrecoverable. The Committee once again requests the Government to take measures to bring the national legislation into conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Education and training

Article 15. The Committee notes that section 9 of Decree No. 28/75 of 30 October 1975 enumerates the light and healthy work authorized for persons aged between 14 and 16 years. It also notes the Government's statement in its report that the minimum age for apprenticeship, which is 21 years in accordance with section 6 of the Labour Code, is considered to be the school-leaving age.

The Committee notes that section 6 of the Labour Code of 1967 provides that "no person shall take in an apprentice unless he is 21 years of age or over". This provision, which imposes the requirement on masters of apprentices, does not make any reference to school-leaving age.

Therefore, the Committee recalls the obligation set out in Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Convention under which national laws or regulations should prescribe the school-leaving age and the minimum age for and conditions of employment. It also recalls that the Government had stated in previous reports that the draft revised Labour Code set the age of admission to employment at 16 years and it requests the Government to provide information an any developments in this respect and on the compulsory school-leaving age.

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

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 following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Article 12 of the Convention. The Committee noted that the draft revised Labour Code includes relevant provisions respecting limitations on advances on wages, but that the draft has not yet been enacted. The Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to enact the draft Labour Code in the near future in order to bring the national legislation into conformity with this Article of the Convention, on which it has been commenting for a number of years. It requests the Government to refer also to the comments made this year under Convention No. 95.

Article 15. The Committee noted the importance that the Government attaches to the National Vocational Training Institute. It noted that the Government was endeavouring to provide the Institute with the appropriate means so that it can improve the quality of its services and progressively extend them throughout the whole of the country. However, it noted that the Government was encountering difficulties as a result of the economic situation. The Committee nevertheless hopes that the Government will continue to make the necessary efforts to achieve its objectives as regards this Institute. The Committee also recalls that, according to its previous reports, the Government stated that the draft revised Labour Code fixed the age of admission to employment at 16 years. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon adopt this draft text and that it will be possible in future to prescribe the school-leaving age at this same age. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect in future reports.

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

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 following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Article 12 of the Convention. The Committee noted that the draft revised Labour Code includes relevant provisions respecting limitations on advances on wages, but that the draft has not yet been enacted. The Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to enact the draft Labour Code in the near future in order to bring the national legislation into conformity with this Article of the Convention, on which it has been commenting for a number of years.

Article 15. The Committee noted the importance that the Government attaches to the National Vocational Training Institute. It noted that the Government was endeavouring to provide the Institute with the appropriate means so that it can improve the quality of its services and progressively extend them throughout the whole of the country. However, it noted that the Government was encountering difficulties as a result of the economic situation. The Committee nevertheless hopes that the Government will continue to make the necessary efforts to achieve its objectives as regards this Institute. The Committee also recalls that, according to its previous reports, the Government stated that the draft revised Labour Code fixed the age of admission to employment at 16 years. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon adopt this draft text and that it will be possible in future to prescribe the school-leaving age at this same age. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect in future reports.

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

Article 12 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the draft revised Labour Code includes relevant provisions respecting limitations on advances on wages, but that the draft has not yet been enacted. The Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to enact the draft Labour Code in the near future in order to bring the national legislation into conformity with this Article of the Convention, on which it has been commenting for a number of years. It requests the Government to refer also to the comments made this year under Convention No. 95.

Article 15. The Committee notes the importance that the Government attaches to the National Vocational Training Institute. It notes that the Government is endeavouring to provide the Institute with the appropriate means so that it can improve the quality of its services and progressively extend them throughout the whole of the country. However, it notes that the Government is encountering difficulties as a result of the economic situation. The Committee nevertheless hopes that the Government will continue to make the necessary efforts to achieve its objectives as regards this Institute. The Committee also recalls that, according to its previous reports, the Government stated that the draft revised Labour Code fixed the age of admission to employment at 16 years. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon adopt this draft text and that it will be possible in future to prescribe the school-leaving age at this same age. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect in future reports.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1987, published 74th ILC session (1987)

Article 12 of the Convention. The Committee takes note of the interest expressed by the Executive Council in the suggestions made by the Committee in its ealier comments. It asks the Government to refer to the comments made this year on Convention No. 95 and hopes that the Government will adopt amendments to the Labour Code that will give effect to the Convention.

Article 15. The Committee takes note of the information on the efforts made by the Executive Council to equip the National Education, Guidance and Training Institution with the most appropriate means and techniques to enable it to improve its services and gradually extend them over the whole national territory. The Committee also notes that the Basic Act on national education emphasises the strengthening of educational and vocational training programmes with a view to preparing children and young persons properly for a useful occupation. The Committee wishes to remind the Government that, according to earlier reports, it was studying a draft revised Labour Code fixing the age of admission to employment at 16 years. The Committee hopes that the draft in question will shortly be adopted and that it will be possible in future to fix the end of school attendance at the same age. The Government is asked to indicate in forthcoming reports the progress made in this connection.