Compilation of decisions of the Committee on Freedom of Association

Procedure in respect of the Committee on Freedom of Association and the social partners1

Obligations of governments relating to the procedure of the Committee on Freedom of Association

1. The Committee remains confident that, if the procedure protects governments from unreasonable accusations, governments on their side will recognize the importance of formulating, for objective examination, detailed/precise/accurate replies concerning allegations made against them.

1. In all the cases presented to it since it was first set up, the Committee has always considered that the replies of governments against whom complaints are made should not be limited to general observations.

1. While no formal rules fixing any particular period of prescription are embodied in the procedure for the examination of complaints, it may be difficult if not impossible for a government to reply in detail to allegations regarding matters which occurred a long time ago.

1. When a case is classified as interim, this is because the Committee requires certain information from the Government or the complainants relating to particular aspects of the case in order to be able to make substantive rulings on these questions. There may however be matters within the case that do not require further information, thus enabling the Committee to express an opinion on the substance of such questions. At that point, the recommendations can be acted upon by the Government.