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

Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Lesotho (Ratification: 1998)

Article 5(1) of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide updated detailed information on the content and outcome of the tripartite consultations held on all matters concerning international labour standards covered by Article 5(1)(a)–(e) of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government, in its report, does not provide the information requested. The Committee therefore once again requests that the Government provide updated detailed information on the content and outcome of the tripartite consultations held on all matters concerning international labour standards covered by Article 5(1)(a)–(e) of the Convention, especially those relating to the questionnaires on Conference agenda items (Article 5(1)(a)); re-examination of unratified Conventions (Article 5(1)(c)); reports to be presented on the application of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1)(d)); and proposals for the denunciation of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1)(e)).

Article 5(1)(b). Submission to Parliament. The Committee previously requested the Government to indicate whether tripartite consultations had been held with respect to the proposals made to the National Assembly and to the Senate in connection with the submission of the four instruments adopted by the Conference at its 103rd, 104th and 106th sessions (2010–17), including information regarding the date(s) on which the instruments were submitted to the competent authorities. It also requested the Government to provide information on the content and the outcome of tripartite consultations held in relation to the submission of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), and its accompanying Recommendation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that an audience was provided to the Minister of Labour to report to the National Assembly and the Senate on all adopted international labour instruments pending submission. The Government indicates that a limited number of sessions have been held by the two houses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that it is awaiting their directions regarding the presentation of the Minister of Labour. The Committee notes, however, that the Government does not indicate whether the social partners were consulted with respect to the submission of the above-mentioned instruments. The Committee therefore reiterates its request that the Government provide detailed information on the holding of tripartite consultations regarding the proposals made to the National Assembly and to the Senate in connection with the submission of the six instruments adopted by the Conference at its 103rd, 104th, 106th and 108th sessions (2010–19), including information regarding the date(s) on which these instruments were submitted to Parliament.

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee recalls the comprehensive guidance provided by international labour standards. It encourages member States to engage in tripartite consultation and social dialogue more broadly as a solid foundation 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 measures taken in this respect, in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention and Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Recommendation No. 152, including with regard to steps taken to reinforce the capacity of the tripartite constituents and strengthen mechanisms and procedures, as well as challenges and good practices identified.