Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Ethiopia (Ratification: 1966)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Discrimination based on sex. Sexual harassment. In its report, the Government indicates that both, the Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019 and the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 1064/2017, introduce provisions prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace. The Committee notes that the Labour Proclamation: (1) defines sexual harassment as persuading or convincing another through utterances, signs or any other manner, to submit to a sexual favour without his/her consent (section 2(11)); (2) prohibits an employer, a managerial employee or a worker to commit sexual harassment at the workplace (section 14); (3) gives the right to a worker to terminate their contract without a notice period when they are victim of sexual harassment by the employer or a managerial employee (section 32(1)(b)); and (4) provides that the worker who resigned because they were subjected to sexual harassment by the employer, a managerial employer or a co-worker, shall have the right to a severance pay (section 39(d)(1)). The Committee further notes that the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation: (1) defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advance or request or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” which includes: a) unwelcome physical contact; b) following or blocking the person’s path in a sexual manner; c) making a sexual favour a prerequisite for employment, promotion or other advantages (section 2(13)); and (2) provides that “rigorous disciplinary penalties” may be imposed in the event of sexual harassment by a disciplinary committee (section 70(13)). While it welcomes the introduction of legal provisions defining and prohibiting sexual harassment at work, the Committee notes that both the Labour Proclamation and the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation only address the quid pro quo element of sexual harassment and not the “hostile environment” element (i.e. conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating working environment for the recipient; for instance, the showing of pornographic materials at a place of work, making sexual jokes or remarks, etc.). It also recalls that legislation under which the sole redress available to victims of sexual harassment is termination of the employment relationship, while retaining the right to compensation, does not afford sufficient protection for victims of sexual harassment, since it in fact punishes them and could dissuade victims from seeking redress (see the General Survey of 2012, paragraph 792 and the General Survey of 2023 on Gender equality and non-discrimination, family responsibilities, and maternity protection, paragraphs 211–212). The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that it has undertaken training sessions for labour inspectors, trade union leaders and employers. However, the Committee notes from the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the concerns about the prejudice, discrimination and sexual harassment against women in the workplace (CEDAW/C/ETH/CO/8, 14 March 2019, paragraph 35). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on any practical measures taken to address sexual harassment in employment and occupation, including awareness raising for workers, employers and their respective organizations and the impact of these measures. The Committee further asks the Government to provide information on: (i) the measures taken to ensure that the Labour Proclamation and the Federal Civil Service Proclamation not only prohibit quid pro quo sexual harassment but also prohibit hostile environment sexual harassment in the context of employment and occupation for all men and women; and (ii) the number, nature and outcome of any cases of sexual harassment examined by the labour inspectorate or the courts.

Article 1(1)(b). Additional grounds of discrimination. Disability. The Committee notes with interest, that the Labour Proclamation No.1156/2019 added the ground of disability as a prohibited ground of discrimination in employment and occupation. The Committee further notes, from the Government’s report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) that: (1) the Civil Service Commission is following up the implementation of employment laws to ensure the employment rights of persons with disabilities in the public sector; (2) in 2023, there were 5,564 employees with a disability in the federal public service, an increase compared to 2016 where there were 711 (19.6 per cent) male employees and 471 (24.3 per cent) female employees; (3) awareness raising training programmes are conducted on the rights contained in the Employment of Persons with Disability Proclamation No. 568/2008, for better implementation of reasonable accommodations in employment; and (4) the Attorney General has recently conducted an assessment on the implementation of employment rights of persons with disabilities in Ethiopia and the findings are expected to be released in the near future (CRPD/C/ETH/2-3, 9 January 2023, paragraph 50). Despite taking due note of the Government’s efforts, the Committee notes, from the UNICEF briefing note “Situation and Access to Services of Persons with Disabilities in Addis Ababa”, 2019, that, among children aged 7 to 18 years: (1) 13 per cent of children with a disability in Addis Ababa never attended school, compared with 3 per cent of non-disabled children; (2) 24 per cent of children with a disability in other urban areas have never attended school, compared with 7 per cent of non-disabled children; and (3) 46 per cent of children with a disability in rural areas have never attended school, compared with 24 per cent of non-disabled children. Recalling that an important objective of the National Plan of Action of Persons with Disabilities (2012–21) was to increase participation of persons with disabilities in education, training and employment, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken for its implementation, including any affirmative action measures taken or envisaged and the results obtained in the fields of education, vocational training, employment and occupation. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on any case of discrimination based on disability detected and addressed by the labour inspectorate and any cases brought before the courts, including the sanctions imposed.

Real or perceived HIV status. The Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication that the Labour Proclamation No.1156/2019 was amended to explicitly include the ground of HIV/AIDS status as a prohibited ground of discrimination in employment and occupation, including in the recruitment process (sections 2(15) and 14(f)). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of section 14(f) of the Labour Proclamation and section 13(1) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, which prohibit discrimination based on HIV/AIDS in employment and occupation, in particular with respect to the number of cases involving allegations of such discrimination and their outcome.

Article 2. Equality of opportunity and treatment between women and men. Education and training. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in 2018, the gross enrolment rate (defined as the ratio of total enrolment, regardless of age, to the population of the age group that officially corresponds to the level of education shown) was 43.41 per cent for girls and 46.21 per cent for boys at the secondary school level. The Government further states that: (1) the National Education and Training Policy which was revised and launched in February 2023 seeks to ensure the provision of quality and relevant education and training for all citizens; (2) one of the objectives of the National Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) Strategy is to empower women and people living in rural areas through skill development and ensure equal access of women and people with special needs to TVET; and (3) as a result of the policies and strategies in place, in 2018, the total enrolment in TVET was 292,378 persons and 50.8 per cent of the students were women. The Committee notes however, from the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the concerns about: (1) the high dropout rate of girls at the primary school level (10 per cent) and the fact that the completion rate for girls lags behind that of boys (grade 8 completion rate is 50.9 per cent for girls and 51.8 per cent for boys); (2) the fact that schools infrastructures do not sufficiently take into account the needs of girls (e.g. clean and separate sanitation facilities for girls and boys); (3) the continued high levels of illiteracy among women compared with men; (4) the persistence of discriminatory gender stereotypes that perpetuate the domination of men in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and (5) sexual harassment, abuse and gender-based discrimination in schools, including by school authorities (CEDAW/C/ETH/CO/8, 14 March 2019, paragraph 33). The Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts to increase the participation of girls and women in education, vocational training and employment and to provide information on the results achieved. It also requests the Government to provide information on: (i) the measures taken, and results achieved, in the implementation of the National Education and Training Policy and the TVET Strategy; (ii) any studies or surveys conducted to understand and address the unequal access of women to training and education at all levels, and any follow-up measures taken or envisaged as a result; and (iii) any awareness-raising measures taken or envisaged to combat the discriminatory stereotypes concerning the roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family and in society.

Equality of opportunity and treatment between women and men in the public service. The Committee recalls that women were previously found to be underrepresented in the public service (between 35 and 40 per cent) and are concentrated in certain fields of work, such as education and health. It notes that: (1) under section 48(1) of the new Federal Civil Servants Proclamation all Government institution shall take affirmative actions that enable female servants to improve their competence and to assume decision making positions; and (2) section 48(2) provides that women are entitled to affirmative actions in recruitment, promotion, transfer, redeployment, education and training. The Committee further notes, from the concluding observations of the CEDAW, that measures were taken to increase the participation of women, including in the Parliament, and improve gender parity in the Cabinet through the appointment of the first female President, as well as the appointment of women as President of the Federal Supreme Court and Chair of the National Electoral Board. However, the CEDAW also expressed concern over the fact that women are still underrepresented in permanent positions of the civil service, managerial positions and in the diplomatic and the judicial service (CEDAW/C/ETH/CO/8, paragraph 27). The Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts and to provide information on: (i) any concrete measures taken to promote women’s access to a wider range of jobs, including occupations with career opportunities and jobs traditionally performed by men, and to encourage their participation in a wide range of vocational and technical training and fields of studies; and (ii) the impact of these measures on gender segregation in the public service.

Article 5. Special measures of protection. Restrictions on the employment of women. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there are provisions to protect women from engaging in hazardous types of work that may affect their health and reproductive conditions. More specifically, the Committee notes that section 87(3) of the Labour Proclamation prohibits the engagement of women on types of works, listed by the Ministry, that are particularly dangerous to their health. The Government states that a directive prescribing the types of work that are prohibited to women was recently adopted. The Committee recalls that any restrictions on the employment of women must be strictly limited to maternity protection in the strict sense and that protective measures which are based on stereotypes regarding women’s professional aptitudes and role in society are in violation of the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women in employment and occupation. The Committee also emphasizes that provisions relating to the protection of persons working under hazardous or difficult conditions should be aimed at protecting the health and safety of both men and women at work, while taking account of gender differences with regard to specific risks to their health and that, when examining the possibility of repealing discriminatory protective measures applicable to women’s employment, it may be necessary to examine what other measures, such as improved health protection of both men and women, adequate transportation and security, as well as social services, are necessary to ensure that women can access these types of employment on an equal footing with men (see the General Survey of 2012, 2012, paragraph 840 and the General Survey of 2023 paragraphs 83–93). The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the directive listing the types of hazardous activities prohibited to women, and to indicate how it is ensured that any protective measures regarding women’s employment are strictly limited to maternity protection.

Enforcement. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the implementation of the Convention is supervised by the labour inspectorate through regular or ad hoc inspections, and that the courts are competent to examine cases of violations brought before them by plaintiffs. The Government further indicates that no decision has been dealt with by the courts so far. In this regard, the Committee recalls that where no cases or complaints, or very few, are being lodged, this is likely to indicate a lack of an appropriate legal framework, lack of awareness of rights, lack of confidence in or absence of practical access to procedures, or fear of reprisals. The lack of complaints or cases could also indicate that the system of recording violations is insufficiently developed (see the 2012 General Survey, paragraph 870). The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken to: (i) raise awareness of the relevant legislation; (ii) enhance the capacity of the competent authorities, including judges, labour inspectors and other public officials; (iii) identify and address cases of discrimination and unequal pay; and (iv) examine whether the applicable substantive and procedural provisions, in practice, allow claims to be brought successfully. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on any judicial decisions concerning discrimination in employment and occupation and cases of infringements reported to or detected by the labour inspection services, as well as the remedies provided or sanctions imposed.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Prohibited grounds of discrimination. Legislation. The Committee notes the adoption of the new Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019. It notes with satisfaction that the grounds of colour, social origin and national extraction have been added to the prohibited grounds of discrimination in employment and occupation. Indeed, under section 2(15) of the Labour Proclamation, discrimination is defined as “any distinction, exclusion or preference made on the basis of nation, race, color, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction, social origin, HIV/AIDS status, disablement and others which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation”.

The Committee also notes the adoption of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 1064/2017. However, it notes with regret, that the Government did not make use of the legislative amendment to include the grounds of colour, social origin and national extraction as prohibited grounds of discrimination. The Committee notes the Government’s repeated indication, in its report, that it considers that the grounds of colour, social origin and national extraction are substantially covered by the expression “any other grounds” used in section 13(2) of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation. In this regard, the Committee once again draws the Government’s attention to the need for comprehensive legislation containing explicit provisions defining and prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination on at least all of those grounds, and in all aspects of employment and occupation, in order to enable workers to avail themselves of their right to non-discrimination, and to ensure the full and effective application of the Convention. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take concrete steps to amend the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 1064/2017, with a view to specifying colour, social origin and national extraction as prohibited grounds of discrimination so as to ensure that discrimination is prohibited in all aspects of employment and occupation on the basis of all the grounds enumerated in the Convention both in the private and public sectors.

Scope of application. The Committee notes with satisfaction the Government’s indication that, under section 3 of the new Labour Proclamation, the scope of application of the law has been extended to include the recruitment process.

Equality of opportunity and treatment irrespective of race and colour. Indigenous communities. With regard to its previous request on pastoralist communities, the Committee notes the Government’s reiterated indication that it usually undertakes prior consultation with concerned parts of the community in areas where large-scale farming and other projects are going to take place, by raising awareness of these projects and allowing the communities affected to participate actively in the implementation process. The Government also states, without providing specific information, that the national policy and planning frameworks aim to address the specific needs of pastoralist communities. The Committee further notes, from the concluding observations of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the concerns about: (1) the absence of dedicated legislation recognizing and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples; and (2) reports that the principle of free, prior and informed consultations was not fully upheld with regard to development projects that may affect the rights of indigenous peoples, including prior to the construction of the Gibe III hydroelectric dam (CCPR/C/ETH/CO/2, 7 December 2022, paragraph 47). Recalling that indigenous peoples in the country continue to face high levels of discrimination due to persistent prejudices and negative stereotypes, affecting their situation in employment and occupation, the Committee must once again refer the Government to paragraph 768 of its 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions. With a view to achieving equal opportunity and treatment of indigenous communities with the rest of the population with respect to employment and occupation, in particular traditional occupations, the Committee once again asks the Government to: (i) ensure that due consideration is given to the land-based pastoralists’ livelihood and way of life in establishing and implementing the national policy and planning frameworks, including in the context of the programmes undertaken to develop pastoralist communities, taking into consideration their specific needs; (ii) provide detailed and specific information on the measures taken to this end; and (iii) include concrete examples of the steps taken in cooperation with pastoralist communities to assess their ability to pursue their traditional activities, in particular with respect to their traditional land rights, and the results of such steps.

Follow-up to the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee (representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution). The Committee recalls that the final award of damages in respect of claims made was determined on 17 August 2009. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has signed a peace agreement with the Eritrean Government but that measures have not yet been taken to enforce the final award. Once again recalling that the Claims Commission, in its decision of 27 July 2007, recognized that each State party had full authority to determine the use and distribution of any damages awarded to it, the Committee once again asks the Government to identify the steps taken or envisaged to grant actual relief or remedies to the workers displaced following the outbreak of the 1998 border conflict.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Discrimination based on sex. Sexual harassment. The Committee notes that the Government merely reiterates its previous statement that the issue of sexual harassment is being considered in the ongoing process of amending the Labour Proclamation and only adds that efforts are being made to enforce existing provisions of relevant laws which directly or indirectly prohibit sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that neither the Labour Proclamation nor the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation address sexual harassment, and that the employer’s responsibility under section 6(1)(d) of the Right to Employment of Persons with Disability Proclamation (No. 568/2008) is limited to protecting women with disabilities from sexual violence that occurs in the workplace and to taking administrative measures against the perpetrator of the acts of violence. The Committee notes that the Criminal Code only addresses sexual assaults, including sexual violence, and immoral acts. In this respect, the Committee recalls that a provision limited to sexual violence is insufficient to address fully sexual harassment in the context of employment and occupation, because sexual harassment includes a much broader range of behaviour. The Committee once again asks the Government to take appropriate steps to define and prohibit in law both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment in the context of employment and occupation for all men and women. It also asks the Government to provide information on any practical measures taken to address sexual harassment in employment and occupation, including awareness raising for workers, employers and their respective organizations.

Article 1(1)(b). Additional grounds of discrimination. Disability. The Committee recalls that the Right to Employment of Persons with Disability Proclamation (No. 568/2008) and the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation (No. 515/2006) prohibit discrimination against jobseekers, workers and civil servants on the ground of disability, and provide for positive measures in favour of persons with disabilities. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the National Plan of Action of Persons with Disabilities (2012–21) which includes among its objectives the “provision of the best education and vocational training” and the creation of work and employment opportunities. According to this Plan, it is estimated that only 2.3 per cent of children with disabilities attend school and the objective is to increase this number by 70 per cent, with emphasis on girls with disabilities, and to increase by 90 per cent the number of trainees with disabilities in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. In this respect, the Committee notes that, in its concluding observations, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) expressed concern that no policy exists to enable students with disabilities to effectively access education, especially for girls with disabilities, and recommended that Ethiopia adopt and implement a comprehensive strategy with a roadmap towards inclusive and quality education, eliminating gender disparities and ensuring equal access to all levels of education (CRPD/C/ETH/CO/1, 4 November 2016, paragraphs 51–52). With respect to employment, the Committee notes that the National Plan of Action provides for a whole range of measures, including awareness raising for public and private sector employers; the provision of technical advisory services and tax incentives; the dissemination of the ILO Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace in the various national languages; equal access to credit and banking services; and the creation of a registration system for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that emphasis has been placed on raising awareness of the content and the implementation measures of Proclamation No. 568/2008, and that several training programmes have been conducted in this respect. The Committee further notes that the CPRD expressed concern that the rate of employment of persons with disabilities is very low, which increases the risk of poverty and segregation, and also at the absence of affirmative measures to enhance the employment of persons with disabilities, both in the public and private sectors (CRPD/C/ETH/CO/1, paragraph 59). The Committee notes from the Government’s report that there are no cases of discrimination based on disability before the courts and that no information is available on affirmative action measures. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the steps taken to implement the National Plan of Action of Persons with Disabilities (2012–21) and Proclamation No. 568/2008, including any affirmative action measures taken or envisaged and the results obtained in the fields of education, vocational training, employment and occupation. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on any case of discrimination based on disability detected and addressed by the labour inspectorate and any cases brought before the courts, including the sanctions imposed.

Real or perceived HIV status. Recalling the HIV and AIDS Recommendation, 2010 (No. 200), in particular its provisions on discrimination and the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment, the Committee reiterates its request for information on the application of section 13(1) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, which prohibits discrimination based on HIV/AIDS among jobseekers and civil servants in filling vacancies, in particular with respect to cases involving allegations of such discrimination and their outcome. The Government is also asked to indicate whether it is envisaged that real or perceived HIV status will be included in the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in section 14(1)(f) of the Labour Proclamation.

Article 2. Equality of opportunity and treatment between women and men. Education and training. The Committee notes from the statistics provided by the Government that, in 2013–14, girls represented only 30 per cent of students in higher education (28.5 per cent in 2009–10), 47.1 per cent in secondary schools (41.8 per cent in 2009–10) and 47.5 per cent in primary schools (47.3 per cent in 2009–10). While noting the positive evolution over the past five years, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on any policies, or studies and surveys conducted to address the unequal access of women to training and education at all levels, and to provide information on the results achieved through such measures.

Equality of opportunity and treatment between women and men in the public service. The Committee notes from the statistics provided by the Government that women are still under-represented in the public service (between 35 and 40 per cent) and are concentrated in certain fields of work, such as education and health. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any concrete measures taken to promote women’s access to a wider range of jobs, including occupations with career opportunities and jobs traditionally performed by men, and to encourage their participation in a wide range of vocational and technical training and fields of study. The Committee further asks the Government to provide information on the impact of these measures on gender segregation in the public service.

Enforcement. Noting that the report does not contain any information in this respect, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on any judicial decisions concerning discrimination in employment and occupation and cases of infringements reported to or detected by the labour inspection services, as well as the remedies provided or sanctions imposed.

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

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Prohibited grounds of discrimination. Legislation. The Committee recalls the absence of explicit legislative protection against discrimination in all aspects of employment and occupation on the grounds of colour, social origin and national extraction in both the Labour Proclamation (No. 377/2003) and the Federal Civil Service Proclamation (No. 515/2007). The Committee also recalls that, in accordance with section 26(2) of the Labour Proclamation, the following grounds shall not be deemed to constitute legitimate grounds for termination of the employment contract: trade union membership or activities, nationality, sex, religion, political outlook, marital status, race, colour, family responsibility, pregnancy, lineage or social status. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates that it considers that the grounds of social origin and national extraction are substantially covered by the expression “any other conditions” or “any other grounds”, used respectively in section 14(1)(f) of the Labour Proclamation, and section 13(1) of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation. While acknowledging the Government’s view, and given the persisting patterns of discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the need for comprehensive legislation containing explicit provisions defining and prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination on at least all of those grounds, and in all aspects of employment and occupation, in order to enable workers to avail themselves of their right to non-discrimination, and to ensure the full and effective application of the Convention. The Committee therefore once again asks the Government to take concrete steps to amend the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 515/2007 and the Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003 in the context of its current revision, with a view to specifying colour, social origin and national extraction as prohibited grounds of discrimination and to ensure that discrimination is prohibited in all aspects of employment and occupation on the basis of all the grounds enumerated in the Convention. The Committee trusts that the Government will soon be in a position to report progress in this regard.

Scope of application. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the issue of amending the Labour Proclamation to provide explicitly that workers and candidates for employment are protected against discrimination is still under consideration. The Committee urges the Government to take steps to ensure that not only workers but also candidates for employment are explicitly protected against discrimination in all aspects of employment and occupation, and asks the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Equality of opportunity and treatment irrespective of race and colour. Indigenous communities. Further to its request for information on the situation of pastoralists, the Committee notes the Government’s general indication that it has been taking steps to develop pastoralist communities, such as establishing infrastructures, launching mega projects, establishing mobile schools and training centres for pastoralists. The Government further indicates that it usually undertakes prior consultation with concerned parts of the community in areas where large-scale farming and other projects are going to take place, by raising awareness of these projects and allowing the communities affected to participate actively in the implementation process. The Committee notes that in 2013, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples had expressed concerns at some resettlements as part of the “Villagization” Programme and the situation of indigenous agro-pastoralists. The Special Rapporteur had noted in particular that, based on the information received and on other reliable sources, there were strong indications that the indigenous agro-pastoralists affected by the resettlements had been living in the lower Omo Valley area for many years, maintaining their culturally distinctive land tenure and way of life, including their traditional flood retreat agriculture practice (A/HRC/24/41/Add. 4, 2 September 2013, paragraphs 84–86). The Committee recalls that one of the main issues faced by indigenous peoples relates to the lack of recognition of their rights to land, territories and resources, undermining their right to engage in traditional occupations and that steps should be taken to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment of indigenous peoples in employment and occupation, including the right to engage without discrimination in traditional occupations and livelihoods. Recognition of the ownership and possession of the lands they traditionally occupy and access to their communal lands and natural resources for traditional activities is essential. Access to credit, marketing facilities, agricultural extension and skills-training facilities should also be provided on an equal footing with other parts of the population (see General Survey of 2012 on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 768). With a view to achieving equal opportunity and treatment of indigenous communities with the rest of the population with respect to employment and occupation, in particular traditional occupations, the Committee asks the Government to ensure that due consideration is given to the land-based pastoralists’ livelihood and way of life in establishing and implementing the national policy and planning frameworks, including in the context of the programmes undertaken to develop pastoralist communities, taking into consideration their specific needs. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the steps taken in cooperation with pastoralist communities to assess their ability to pursue their traditional activities, in particular with respect to their traditional land rights, and the results of such steps.

Follow-up to the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee (representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution). The Committee recalls that the final award of damages in respect of claims made was determined on 17 August 2009. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates its previous statement that since the Eritrean Government has not yet settled the payment to Ethiopian workers, the final award has not yet been enforced. Recalling that the Claims Commission, in its decision of 27 July 2007, recognized that each State party had full authority to determine the use and distribution of any damages awarded to it, the Committee once again asks the Government to identify the steps taken or envisaged to grant actual relief or remedies to the workers displaced following the outbreak of the 1998 border conflict.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

Equality of opportunity and treatment in the public service. The Committee recalls section 13(3) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No. 515/2007, which provides that in recruitment, promotion and deployment, preference shall be given to female candidates, candidates with disabilities and members of nationalities comparatively less represented in government office. The Committee also recalls the statistical information as of June 2008 showing that there were still significant disparities between men and women who were employed as civil servants. The Committee asks the Government to provide statistical information, disaggregated by sex, type of service and grade, and to indicate any specific measures taken or envisaged to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in the civil service, including with respect to recruitment, training and promotion. The Committee also again asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken pursuant to section 13(3) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation regarding female candidates, candidates with disabilities, and members of nationalities comparatively less represented in government office. Please also provide statistical information disaggregated by ethnic group, if possible.

Sexual harassment. The Committee recalls that neither the Labour Proclamation nor the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation addresses sexual harassment, and that an employer’s responsibility under section 6(1)(d) of the Proclamation to provide for the right to employment of persons with disability, No. 568/2008, is limited to protecting women with disabilities from sexual violence that occurs in the work place and to take administrative measures against the perpetrator of acts of violence. The Committee also recalls that the provision limited to sexual violence is insufficient to address fully sexual harassment in the context of employment and occupation, as sexual harassment includes a much broader range of behaviour and practices. It notes the Government’s indication that the issue of sexual harassment is being considered in the on-going process of amending the Labour Proclamation. The Committee asks the Government to take concrete steps to address the issue of sexual harassment in the context of employment and occupation for all men and women, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard. Please also provide information on the process of amending the Labour Proclamation, with a view to expressly defining and prohibiting both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment.

Parts III to V of the report form. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any judicial decisions concerning discrimination in employment and occupation and cases of infringement reported to or detected by the labour inspection services, as well as the remedies provided or sanctions imposed.

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

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Legislation. Grounds of discrimination. The Committee recalls the absence of legislative protection against discrimination on the grounds of social origin and national extraction, particularly with respect to the Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003 and the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 515/2007. It notes the Government’s indication that the grounds of social origin and national extraction are substantially covered by the term “any other” grounds in the legislation (section 14(1)(f) of the Labour Proclamation, and section 13(1) of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation). The Committee recalls, however, that where legal provisions are adopted, they should specify at least all the grounds of discrimination specified in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention (General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 853). The Committee asks the Government to take concrete steps to amend the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No. 515/2007 and the Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003, with a view to specifying social origin and national extraction as prohibited grounds of discrimination, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Scope of application. The Committee recalls the importance of amending the Labour Proclamation with a view to explicitly providing that workers and candidates for employment, including citizens and non-citizens, are protected against discrimination. The Committee welcomes the Government’s acknowledgement that continuous action is required to address discrimination, including the review and revision of laws, and notes the Government’s assurance that the necessary efforts will be made to review the existing legislation to fulfil the principles and standards under the Convention. The Committee trusts that the Government will take steps to ensure that workers and candidates for employment, including non-citizens, are protected against discrimination in all aspects of employment and occupation, and asks the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 1(1)(b). Additional grounds of discrimination. The Committee recalls the Proclamation No. 568/2008, to provide for the right to employment of persons with disability and section 13(1) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, which prohibits discrimination against jobseekers or civil servants including on the grounds of disability and HIV status or AIDS. The Committee notes the Government’s commitment to take the necessary steps to ensure that all workers and jobseekers are protected against discrimination in all aspects of employment and occupation. The Committee again asks the Government to provide information on the practical application of Proclamation No. 568/2008, including any affirmative action measures taken, and any cases of discrimination brought before the courts. Please also indicate whether a body has yet been established to implement this Proclamation. The Committee also again asks the Government to provide any information on the application of section 13(1) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, in particular with respect to cases alleging discrimination based on disability or HIV status or AIDS and the results thereof.

Article 2. Equality of opportunity and treatment between women and men. Education and training. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government that the gross enrolment rate for general education has reached 90.15 per cent for girls and 96.6 per cent for boys, and among the total of 371,347 participants in technical and vocational education and training in 2009–10, 171,548 were women. It also notes the Government’s indication that there have been significant achievements in expanding education and training at different levels in the country. The Committee recalls that access to education and to a wide range of vocational training courses is a key factor in determining the actual possibilities of gaining access to a wide range of paid occupations and employment, especially those with opportunities for advancement and promotion (General Survey, 2012, paragraph 750). The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any policies, or studies and surveys conducted to address unequal access of women to training and education at all levels, including statistical data on the participation of men and women in the various courses. It also asks the Government to provide information on the results achieved through such measures, including the number of men and women, respectively, who have secured employment after completing the training courses.

Equality of opportunity and treatment irrespective of race and colour. Indigenous communities. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in general terms that it has given due consideration to the development of pastoral regions in its development policies, strategies and programmes, including its five-year Growth and Transformation Plan. The Government also indicates that programmes undertaken to develop pastoralist communities include (i) a water centred development programme aiming at food security; (ii) a sustainable land management programme targeting land degradation; (iii) a land administration programme aiming at securing land tenure. The Committee asks the Government to indicate to what extent consideration is given to the land-based pastoralists’ livelihood and way of life in establishing and implementing the national policy and planning frameworks, including in the context of the programmes undertaken to develop pastoralist communities, with a view to tailoring them to pastoralists’ specific needs. It also asks the Government to indicate how the traditional land rights of pastoralist communities are safeguarded under the national policy, particularly in the context of private land ownership and large-scale industrial farming projects that could be or are being implemented in rural areas. Please also provide any information on the role of the pastoralist communities in the process of the development and implementation of the national policy and planning frameworks.

Follow-up to the recommendations made by the Tripartite Committee (representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution). The Committee recalls that the final award for damages claims was rendered on 17 August 2009. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that since Eritrea has not yet settled the payment to Ethiopian workers, the final award has not been enforced, and that the Government is not in a position to provide information on the actual remedies granted to Ethiopian displaced workers. Recalling that the Claims Commission, in its decision of 27 July 2007, recognized that each State party had full authority to determine the use and distribution of any damages awarded to it, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to grant actual relief or remedies to the workers displaced following the outbreak of the 1998 border conflict.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

Equality of opportunity and treatment in the public sector. The Committee notes section 13(3) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No. 515/2007, which provides that in recruitment, promotion and deployment, preference shall be given to female candidates, candidates with disabilities and members of nationalities comparatively less represented in the government office. The Committee also notes the statistical information provided by the Government that among 620,263 civil servants employed as of June 2008 both at federal and regional levels, 67.11 per cent were men and 32.89 per cent women; in the professional and scientific service, 9.87 per cent were male and 2.93 per cent were female; in the administrative service, 1.52 per cent were male and 0.5 per cent were female; in sub-professional service, 10.62 per cent were male and 4.43 per cent were female; in the clerical and fiscal service, 13.82 per cent were male and 5.0 per cent were female. The Committee notes from the statistical information that there are still significant disparities between men and women who are employed as civil servants. The Committee therefore asks the Government to continue to provide statistical information by type of service and grade, and to indicate any specific measures taken or envisaged to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in the civil service, including with respect to recruitment, training and promotion. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken pursuant to section 13(3) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, regarding female candidates, candidates with disabilities, and members of nationalities comparatively less represented in the government office. Please also provide statistical information disaggregated by ethnic group, if possible.

Sexual harassment. The Committee notes that under section 6(1)(d) of the Proclamation to provide for the right to employment of persons with disability, No. 568/2008, an employer has the responsibility to protect women with disabilities from sexual violence that occurs in the work place and to take administrative measures against the perpetrator of acts of violence. It observes that the provision limited to sexual violence is insufficient to address sexual harassment in the context of employment and occupation, as sexual harassment includes a much broader range of behaviour and practices. The Committee also notes that neither the Labour Proclamation nor the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation addresses sexual harassment. The Committee therefore asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to address the issue of sexual harassment in the context of employment and occupation for all men and women.

Parts III to V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that administrative procedures are in place to address cases of discrimination in employment and occupation, and competent authorities, including the labour inspectors and the courts, address such cases. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any related judicial decisions and case of infringement reported to or detected by the labour inspection services, as well as the remedies provided or sanctions imposed.

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

Legislation. Grounds of discrimination. For a number of years, the Committee has been raising concerns regarding the absence of legislative protection against discrimination on the grounds of social origin and national extraction, particularly with respect to the Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003 and the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 262/2002. The Committee notes the adoption of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No. 515/2007. However, the Committee notes that the new Federal Civil Servants Proclamation still does not include social origin or national extraction as prohibited grounds of discrimination. The Committee recalls that where legal provisions are adopted, they should include at least all the grounds of discrimination specified under Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, and asks the Government to take appropriate measures to amend the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation and the Labour Proclamation, with a view to including social origin and national extraction as prohibited grounds of discrimination.

Scope of application. The Committee had previously noted the importance of amending the Labour Proclamation, with a view to explicitly providing that workers and candidates for employment, including citizens and non-citizens, are protected against discrimination. The Committee notes that the Government generally reiterates reference to provisions of the Constitution and the Labour Proclamation, stating that there is no form of distinction, exclusion or preference in law or in administrative practice, or in practical relationships in employment and occupation, including employment service (whether public or private). The Committee recalls that, for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the Convention, it is important to acknowledge that no society is free from discrimination and that continuous action is required to address it, including the review and revision of laws. The Committee therefore asks the Government to take steps to ensure that workers and candidates for employment, including non-citizens, are protected against discrimination in all aspects of employment and occupation, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Additional grounds of discrimination. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the Proclamation to provide for the right to employment of persons with disability, No. 568/2008, which prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in recruitment, promotion, placement, training, transfer and other employment conditions. The Proclamation also requires preference to be given to workers with disabilities to occupy a vacant post or participate in training, and provides that affirmative action to create equal opportunities for persons with disabilities is not discrimination (sections 4 and 5). It also acknowledges the multiple discrimination faced by women with disabilities, and places specific responsibilities on the employer in this regard (section 6). The right to institute an action for infringement of the provisions of the Proclamation can be brought by those claiming their rights have been violated, by an association of persons with disabilities, the trade union, or at the initiative of the body entrusted to implement the Proclamation (section 10). The Committee also notes that section 13(1) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No. 515/2007 provides that there shall be no discrimination among jobseekers or civil servants in filling vacancies through recruitment, promotion transfer or deployment, including on the grounds of disability and HIV and AIDS. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the practical application of the Proclamation to provide for the right to employment of persons with disability, including any affirmative action measures taken, and any cases of discrimination brought before the courts. Please also indicate whether a body has yet been established to implement the Proclamation. The Committee also asks the Government to provide any information on the application of section 13(1) of the new Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, in particular with respect to cases alleging discrimination based on disability or HIV and AIDS and the results thereof.

Education and training. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government that the gross enrolment rate for primary education has reached 90.7 per cent for girls and 97.6 per cent for boys, and among the total enrolment in technical and vocational education and training in 2008–09, 50 per cent were girls. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Micro and Small-scale Enterprises Development Policy, Youth Development Package, Women’s Development Package and other measures are in place aimed at employment creation and income generation in particular for youth and women. In this connection, the Committee notes that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) expressed concern regarding regional disparities and low enrolment rates of women in general education, as well as in traditionally male dominated fields of technical and vocational education. It called on the Government to take measures to ensure enrolment, retention and completion of women and girls at all levels of education, and to encourage women and girls to choose non-traditional fields of education and careers (CEDAW/C/ETH/CO/6-7, 27 July 2011, paragraphs 30 and 31). Recalling the importance of vocational training and education in determining the actual possibilities of gaining access to employment and occupations, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to address unequal access of women to training and education at all levels, including statistical data on the participation of men and women in the various courses, and the results achieved through such measures. The Committee also requests information on the impact of policies with respect to employment creation and income generation.

Equality of opportunity and treatment irrespective of race and colour. Indigenous communities. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the development policy and strategy for the pastoral areas is envisioned under short- and long-term perspectives; in the short term the needs of pastoralists will be clearly reflected in all national policy and planning frameworks; in the long term the livelihood of pastoral communities will be stabilized through the facilitation of gradual and voluntary transition toward permanent settlement. The Government also indicates in general terms that so far the results observed in the pastoral areas show the policy and strategy are moving in the right direction in improving the livelihood of the pastoralists. The Committee asks the Government to indicate to what extent consideration is given to the land-based pastoralists’ livelihood and way of life in establishing and implementing the national policy and planning frameworks, with a view to tailoring them to pastoralists’ specific needs. It also asks the Government to indicate how the traditional land rights of pastoralist communities are safeguarded under the national policy, particularly in the context of private land ownership and large-scale industrial farming projects that could be or are being implemented in rural areas. Please also provide any information on the role of the pastoralist communities in the process of development and implementation of the national policy and planning frameworks, as well as the long-term strategy.

Follow-up to the recommendations made by the Tripartite Committee (representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution). The Committee recalls its previous comments having noted that the proceedings of the Ethiopia Eritrea Claims Commission were at the phase of determining damages. The Committee also notes that the final award for damages claims was rendered on 17 August 2009, while the Claims Commission, in its decision of 27 July 2007, recognized that each State party had full authority to determine the use and distribution of any damages awarded to it. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication in its latest report that all cases were entertained and the claims were already settled by the Ethiopia–Eritrea Claims Commission. The Committee has not yet, however, received any details regarding whether and, if so, how the award of the Claims Commission of August 2009 has been distributed to benefit individual workers. The Committee therefore asks the Government to provide specific information on the actual relief or remedies granted to the workers displaced following the outbreak of the 1998 border conflict.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

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

The Committee urges the Government to provide full information on the matters raised in the comments below.

Legislation. The Committee recalls that section 14(1)(f) of Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003 provides that it shall be unlawful for an employer to discriminate between workers on the basis of nationality, sex, religion, political outlook or any other conditions. The Committee requested the Government to clarify whether section 14(1)(f) protects workers from discrimination in the selection and recruitment process and whether the employment service is bound by the principle of non-discrimination. In its report, the Government states that article 41 of the Constitution provides that every Ethiopian has the right to engage freely in economic activities and to pursue a livelihood of his or her choice. According to the Government this provision requires all public bodies, including the employment service, as well as employers to abstain from discrimination. The Committee nevertheless considers it important that the non-discrimination provisions contained in the Labour Proclamation are amended with a view to explicitly providing that workers and candidates for employment, including non-citizens, are protected from discrimination and to include all the prohibited grounds listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, including social origin and national extraction. In the meantime, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on any cases concerning discrimination in employment and occupation identified and addressed by the competent authorities, including the labour inspectors and the courts.

Recalling that the non-discrimination clause of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 262/2002 does not include the grounds of social origin and national extraction (section 13(1)), the Government previously indicated that the question of amending section 13(1) to include these grounds had been placed on the agenda of the task force responsible for amending the Proclamation. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard.

Equality of opportunity and treatment in the public sector, irrespective of sex and ethnicity. The Committee recalls that section 13(3) of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 262/2002 authorizes preferential recruitment of women and members of ethnic groups underrepresented in the civil service. However, the Committee regrets that no information has been provided in response to the Committee’s comments regarding the promotion of gender equality and ethnic diversity in the public sector. Consequently, the Committee urges the Government to:

(i)    provide information on the measures taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in the civil service, including in respect to recruitment, training and promotion;

(ii)   provide information on any measures taken to promote access to the civil service of all ethnic groups;

(iii)  provide statistical information on civil service employment by type of service and grade, disaggregated by sex, and to provide information on the ethnic composition of the civil service; and

(iv)   provide an indication as to how the Convention is applied with respect to state-owned enterprises.

Education and training. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that in 2006–07 the gross enrolment rate of girls increased to 85 per cent in secondary education, 51 per cent in technical and vocational education and training and to 25 per cent in higher education. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in ensuring equal access of men and women to education and training at all levels. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure equal access of women to employment and income-generating activities.

Indigenous communities. The Committee notes from the 2003 report
of the African Commission’s Working Group of Experts on Indigenous Populations/Communities that a number of pastoralist communities live in Ethiopia who depended on their ancestral lands to engage in their traditional occupations and livelihood activities. The report indicates that the adoption of a new strategy on pastoral development by the federal Government constituted a positive step in addressing the problems faced by pastoralist communities, particularly evictions from their land. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the strategy on pastoral development and information on its implementation.

Follow-up to the recommendations made by the Tripartite Committee (representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution). The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no new information concerning this matter. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any further decisions reached by the Ethiopia–Eritrea Claims Commission and on measures taken, in line with such decisions, to indemnify as fully as possible the workers displaced following the outbreak of the 1998 border conflict, and to grant appropriate relief in accordance with Conventions Nos 111 and 158.

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

Observation (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 previous observation which read as follows:

The Committee regrets that for the second consecutive time the Government’s report does not adequately respond to the issues raised in the Committee’s comments. The Committee therefore urges the Government to provide full information on all matters raised in the comments below.

Legislation. The Committee recalls that section 14(1)(f) of Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003 provides that it shall be unlawful for an employer to discriminate between workers on the basis of nationality, sex, religion, political outlook or any other conditions. The Committee requested the Government to clarify whether section 14(1)(f) protects workers from discrimination in the selection and recruitment process and whether the employment service is bound by the principle of non-discrimination. In its report, the Government states that article 41 of the Constitution provides that every Ethiopian has the right to engage freely in economic activities and to pursue a livelihood of his or her choice. According to the Government this provision requires all public bodies, including the employment service, as well as employers to abstain from discrimination. The Committee nevertheless considers it important that the non-discrimination provisions contained in the Labour Proclamation are amended with a view to explicitly providing that workers and candidates for employment, including non-citizens, are protected from discrimination and to include all the prohibited grounds listed in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention, including social origin and national extraction. In the meantime, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on any cases concerning discrimination in employment and occupation identified and addressed by the competent authorities, including the labour inspectors and the courts.

Recalling that the non-discrimination clause of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 262/2002 does not include the grounds of social origin and national extraction (section 13(1)), the Government previously indicated that the question of amending section 13(1) to include these grounds had been placed on the agenda of the task force responsible for amending the Proclamation. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard.

Equality of opportunity and treatment in the public sector, irrespective of sex and ethnicity. The Committee recalls that section 13(3) of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 262/2002 authorizes preferential recruitment of women and members of ethnic groups underrepresented in the civil service. However, the Committee regrets that no information has been provided in response to the Committee’s comments regarding the promotion of gender equality and ethnic diversity in the public sector. Consequently, the Committee urges the Government to:

(i)    provide information on the measures taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in the civil service, including in respect to recruitment, training and promotion;

(ii)   provide information on any measures taken to promote access to the civil service of all ethnic groups;

(iii)  provide statistical information on civil service employment by type of service and grade, disaggregated by sex, and to provide information on the ethnic composition of the civil service; and

(iv)   provide an indication as to how the Convention is applied with respect to state-owned enterprises.

Education and training. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that in 2006–07 the gross enrolment rate of girls increased to 85 per cent in secondary education, 51 per cent in technical and vocational education and training and to 25 per cent in higher education. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in ensuring equal access of men and women to education and training at all levels. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure equal access of women to employment and income-generating activities.

Indigenous communities. The Committee notes from the 2003 report of the African Commission’s Working Group of Experts on Indigenous Populations/Communities that a number of pastoralist communities live in Ethiopia who depended on their ancestral lands to engage in their traditional occupations and livelihood activities. The report indicates that the adoption of a new strategy on pastoral development by the federal Government constituted a positive step in addressing the problems faced by pastoralist communities, particularly evictions from their land. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the strategy on pastoral development and information on its implementation.

Follow-up to the representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers concerning Conventions Nos 111 and 158 (GB.282/14/5, November 2001). The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no new information concerning this matter. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any further decisions reached by the Ethiopia–Eritrea Claims Commission and on measures taken, in line with such decisions, to indemnify as fully as possible the workers displaced following the outbreak of the 1998 border conflict, and to grant appropriate relief in accordance with Conventions Nos 111 and 158.

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

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

The Committee regrets that for the second consecutive time the Government’s report does not adequately respond to the issues raised in the Committee’s comments. The Committee therefore urges the Government to provide full information on all matters raised in the comments below.

Legislation. The Committee recalls that section 14(1)(f) of Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003 provides that it shall be unlawful for an employer to discriminate between workers on the basis of nationality, sex, religion, political outlook or any other conditions. The Committee requested the Government to clarify whether section 14(1)(f) protects workers from discrimination in the selection and recruitment process and whether the employment service is bound by the principle of non-discrimination. In its report, the Government states that article 41 of the Constitution provides that every Ethiopian has the right to engage freely in economic activities and to pursue a livelihood of his or her choice. According to the Government this provision requires all public bodies, including the employment service, as well as employers to abstain from discrimination. The Committee nevertheless considers it important that the non-discrimination provisions contained in the Labour Proclamation are amended with a view to explicitly providing that workers and candidates for employment, including non-citizens, are protected from discrimination and to include all the prohibited grounds listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, including social origin and national extraction. In the meantime, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on any cases concerning discrimination in employment and occupation identified and addressed by the competent authorities, including the labour inspectors and the courts.

Recalling that the non-discrimination clause of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 262/2002 does not include the grounds of social origin and national extraction (section 13(1)), the Government previously indicated that the question of amending section 13(1) to include these grounds had been placed on the agenda of the task force responsible for amending the Proclamation. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard.

Equality of opportunity and treatment in the public sector, irrespective of sex and ethnicity. The Committee recalls that section 13(3) of the Federal Civil Service Proclamation No. 262/2002 authorizes preferential recruitment of women and members of ethnic groups underrepresented in the civil service. However, the Committee regrets that no information has been provided in response to the Committee’s comments regarding the promotion of gender equality and ethnic diversity in the public sector. Consequently, the Committee urges the Government to:

(i)    provide information on the measures taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in the civil service, including in respect to recruitment, training and promotion;

(ii)   provide information on any measures taken to promote access to the civil service of all ethnic groups;

(iii) provide statistical information on civil service employment by type of service and grade, disaggregated by sex, and to provide information on the ethnic composition of the civil service; and

(iv)  provide an indication as to how the Convention is applied with respect to state-owned enterprises.

Education and training. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that in 2006–07 the gross enrolment rate of girls increased to 85 per cent in secondary education, 51 per cent in technical and vocational education and training and to 25 per cent in higher education. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in ensuring equal access of men and women to education and training at all levels. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure equal access of women to employment and income-generating activities.

Indigenous communities. The Committee notes from the 2003 report of the African Commission’s Working Group of Experts on Indigenous Populations/Communities that a number of pastoralist communities live in Ethiopia who depended on their ancestral lands to engage in their traditional occupations and livelihood activities. The report indicates that the adoption of a new strategy on pastoral development by the federal Government constituted a positive step in addressing the problems faced by pastoralist communities, particularly evictions from their land. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the strategy on pastoral development and information on its implementation.

Follow-up to the representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers concerning Conventions Nos 111 and 158 (GB.282/14/5, November 2001). The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no new information concerning this matter. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any further decisions reached by the Ethiopia–Eritrea Claims Commission and on measures taken, in line with such decisions, to indemnify as fully as possible the workers displaced following the outbreak of the 1998 border conflict, and to grant appropriate relief in accordance with Conventions Nos 111 and 158.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Labour Proclamation. The Committee notes that the Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003, repealing the Labour Proclamation No. 42/1993, carries over the anti-discrimination provisions that were already contained in the previous legislation (sections 14(1)(b) and (f), 26(2), 87(1)). It recalls that section 14(1)(f) provides that it shall be unlawful for an employer to discriminate between workers on the basis of nationality, sex, religion, political outlook or any other conditions. The Committee recalls that, when legislative expression is given to the principle of the Convention, all grounds listed in Article 1(1)(a) should be legislated. It therefore requests the Government to consider the possibility of amending section 14(1)(f) to include the grounds of social origin and national extraction. In the meantime, the Committee requests the Government to:

(a)   provide information on the application of the above provisions and the Convention in practice, including the steps taken by the competent authorities to promote equality and ensure non-discrimination on all the grounds listed in the Convention. Please also indicate any relevant cases or situations dealt with by the labour inspection service or the courts; and to

(b)    clarify whether employers and the bodies providing employment services have an obligation under the Labour Proclamation to abstain from discriminatory acts or practices in the context of recruitment and placement.

2. Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No. 262/2002. Recalling that the non-discrimination clause of Proclamation No. 262/2002 does not include the grounds of social origin and national extraction (section 13(1)), the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the question of amending section 13(1) to include these grounds has been placed on the agenda of the task force responsible for amending the Proclamation. The Government is asked to keep the Committee informed on any further development in this regard.

3. Article 2. National policy to promote equality in employment and occupation. The Committee notes that the National Employment Policy is still under preparation, which, according to the Government’s previous indication, will include measures to promote women’s employment opportunities. It also notes the measures taken to increase women’s participation, education and training, and that some progress has been made in increasing overall enrolment rates, while bringing the enrolment rates of girls closer to that of boys. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to promote equal participation of boys and girls in education and training education and training, and statistical information indicating further progress made. The Government is also requested to provide information on the participation rates in the various disciplines of vocational training, disaggregated by sex. Finally, please keep the Committee informed of progress made in the adoption of the National Employment Policy.

4. Article 3(d). Employment under the direct control of a national authority. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Federal Civil Servant Commission has the power and duty to supervise the implementation of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, including its non-discrimination provision. In case of discrimination, civil servants have the right to appeal to the Commission. The Committee also notes that only on rare occasions use was made of section 13(3) of the Proclamation which authorizes preferential recruitment of women and members of ethnic groups underrepresented in the service. However, the Committee notes that according to the statistical information provided by the Government women remain highly under-represented in the civil service in the regions and at the federal level, particularly among civil servants with higher educational qualifications. The Government is requested to:

(a)   provide information on the measures taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in the civil service, including in respect to recruitment, training and promotion;

(b)    continue to provide statistical information on civil service employment by level of education, type of service and grade, disaggregated by sex, and to provide information on the ethnic composition of the civil service;

(c)    indicate any specific steps taken by the Civil Service Commission to promote the application of the Convention, including in respect to the preparation of the planned directives and equal rights of women and the handling of complaints brought by civil servants; and

(d)   provide indication as to how the Convention is applied in respect to state-owned enterprises.

5. Article 4. Further to its observation, the Committee reiterates its requests to the Government to provide information on how an effective right of appeal against deportation orders made pursuant to the Ethiopian Immigration Proclamation is provided to persons accused of engaging in activities prejudicial to the security of the State, in line with the requirements of Article 4 of the Convention.

6. Part III of the report form. Please continue to provide information on any concrete measures taken by the Ombudsperson and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to promote the application of the Convention, including any cases involving non-discrimination and equality in employment and occupation dealt by them.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous observations, which read as follows:

Follow-up to the representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers concerning Conventions Nos 111 and 158 (GB.282/14/5, November 2001). Recalling its previous observations on this matter, the Committee notes the communication from the Government dated 11 May 2005 by which it forwarded extracts of the Partial Awards of 17 December 2004 made by the Ethiopia Eritrea Claims Commission set up under the terms of the 2000 Algiers Agreement between the two countries. The Committee notes that these awards deal with liability concerning the claims submitted by Ethiopia and Eritrea and that the proceedings of the Commission are now at the phase of determining damages. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any further decisions reached by the Claims Commission and on measures taken, in line with such decisions, to indemnify as fully as possible the workers displaced following the outbreak of the 1998 border conflict, in accordance with Conventions Nos 111 and 158, and to grant appropriate relief.

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

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Labour Proclamation. The Committee notes that the Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003, repealing the Labour Proclamation No. 42/1993, carries over the anti-discrimination provisions that were already contained in the previous legislation (sections 14(1)(b) and (f), 26(2), 87(1)). It recalls that section 14(1)(f) provides that it shall be unlawful for an employer to discriminate between workers on the basis of nationality, sex, religion, political outlook or any other conditions. The Committee recalls that, when legislative expression is given to the principle of the Convention, all grounds listed in Article 1(1)(a) should be legislated. It therefore requests the Government to consider the possibility of amending section 14(1)(f) to include the grounds of social origin and national extraction. In the meantime, the Committee requests the Government to:

(a)  provide information on the application of the above provisions and the Convention in practice, including the steps taken by the competent authorities to promote equality and ensure non-discrimination on all the grounds listed in the Convention. Please also indicate any relevant cases or situations dealt with by the labour inspection service or the courts; and to

(b)  clarify whether employers and the bodies providing employment services have an obligation under the Labour Proclamation to abstain from discriminatory acts or practices in the context of recruitment and placement.

2. Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No. 262/2002. Recalling that the non-discrimination clause of Proclamation No. 262/2002 does not include the grounds of social origin and national extraction (section 13(1)), the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the question of amending section 13(1) to include these grounds has been placed on the agenda of the task force responsible for amending the Proclamation. The Government is asked to keep the Committee informed on any further development in this regard.

3. Article 2. National policy to promote equality in employment and occupation. The Committee notes that the National Employment Policy is still under preparation, which, according to the Government’s previous indication, will include measures to promote women’s employment opportunities. It also notes the measures taken to increase women’s participation, education and training, and that some progress has been made in increasing overall enrolment rates, while bringing the enrolment rates of girls closer to that of boys. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to promote equal participation of boys and girls in education and training education and training, and statistical information indicating further progress made. The Government is also requested to provide information on the participation rates in the various disciplines of vocational training, disaggregated by sex. Finally, please keep the Committee informed of progress made in the adoption of the National Employment Policy.

4. Article 3(d). Employment under the direct control of a national authority. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Federal Civil Servant Commission has the power and duty to supervise the implementation of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, including its non-discrimination provision. In case of discrimination, civil servants have the right to appeal to the Commission. The Committee also notes that only on rare occasions use was made of section 13(3) of the Proclamation which authorizes preferential recruitment of women and members of ethnic groups underrepresented in the service. However, the Committee notes that according to the statistical information provided by the Government women remain highly under-represented in the civil service in the regions and at the federal level, particularly among civil servants with higher educational qualifications. The Government is requested to:

(a)  provide information on the measures taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in the civil service, including in respect to recruitment, training and promotion;

(b)  continue to provide statistical information on civil service employment by level of education, type of service and grade, disaggregated by sex, and to provide information on the ethnic composition of the civil service;

(c)  indicate any specific steps taken by the Civil Service Commission to promote the application of the Convention, including in respect to the preparation of the planned directives and equal rights of women and the handling of complaints brought by civil servants; and

(d)  provide indication as to how the Convention is applied in respect to state-owned enterprises.

5. Article 4. Further to its observation, the Committee reiterates its requests to the Government to provide information on how an effective right of appeal against deportation orders made pursuant to the Ethiopian Immigration Proclamation is provided to persons accused of engaging in activities prejudicial to the security of the State, in line with the requirements of Article 4 of the Convention.

6. Part III of the report form. Please continue to provide information on any concrete measures taken by the Ombudsperson and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to promote the application of the Convention, including any cases involving non-discrimination and equality in employment and occupation dealt by them.

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

Follow-up to the representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers concerning Conventions Nos. 111 and 158 (GB.282/14/5, November 2001). Recalling its previous observations on this matter, the Committee notes the communication from the Government dated 11 May 2005 by which it forwarded extracts of the Partial Awards of 17 December 2004 made by the Ethiopia Eritrea Claims Commission set up under the terms of the 2000 Algiers Agreement between the two countries. The Committee notes that these awards deal with liability concerning the claims submitted by Ethiopia and Eritrea and that the proceedings of the Commission are now at the phase of determining damages. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any further decisions reached by the Claims Commission and on measures taken, in line with such decisions, to indemnify as fully as possible the workers displaced following the outbreak of the 1998 border conflict, in accordance with Conventions Nos. 111 and 158, and to grant appropriate relief.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the attached legislation and requests the Government to provide information on the following points.

1. Further to its observation, the Committee notes that section 13(1) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation No. 262/2002 provides that "there shall be no discrimination among jobseekers or civil servants in filling vacancies because of their ethnic origin, sex, religion, political outlook or any other ground". Recalling that when legislative expression is given to the principle of the Convention, all grounds listed in Article 1(1)(a) should be legislated, the Committee requests the Government to consider the possibility of amending section 13(1) to include the grounds of social origin and national extraction. In the meantime, the Government is asked to provide information on the manner in which non-discrimination and equality in the civil service with respect to all grounds listed in the Convention is ensured in practice, including with regard to promotion and training.

2. The Committee notes with interest that section 13(3) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation provides for preferential recruitment of female candidates and members of nationalities comparatively less represented in the civil service, under the condition that these candidates have scores equal or close to those of others. The Committee also notes from the statistical information provided by the Government that at the federal government level, some 42 per cent of the permanent civil servants are women (30 per cent at the regional level), but that the number of women with higher educational qualifications in the civil service is very low. The Government is therefore requested to provide information on the application and impact of section 13(3) of the Federal Civil Servants Proclamation, including statistical information on the gender and ethnic distribution of the civil service. Please indicate also the number of women and members of the various ethnic groups at the various levels of the civil service, and provide the directives of the Federal Civil Service Commission referred to in the report regarding measures to ensure equal rights of women, as soon as they are issued.

3. Recalling its comments concerning the application of the Convention in the private sector, the Committee notes that the Government is still preparing a national employment policy, which will contain policies on education, training and employment opportunities for women, including in management and decision-making positions. The Government is asked to provide a copy of the policy as soon as it is finalized. Please also provide information on the application of the Convention in state-owned enterprises.

4. With reference to its previous comments on the equal access of women and girls to education and training, the Committee thanks the Government for providing detailed statistical information on the participation of girls and boys at the various levels of schooling. The Committee notes that steady progress has been made in recent with regard to increasing the level of women’s and girl’s participation in education and training at all levels. It also notes that girls continue to be much more under-represented at the primary school level than at the secondary level and that there remains a high gender gap regarding higher education. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide similar statistical information as well as information on the measures taken or envisaged to promote female education at all levels, including the participation in technical and vocational schools.

5. Recalling the provisions of the Constitution safeguarding the right of the country’s nations, nationalities and peoples to self-determination, including self-government, and to preserving their own cultures (article 39), the Committee reiterates its previous request to the Government to provide information on the measures being taken or contemplated to enable the practical enjoyment of these rights by the groups involved.

6. With reference to its previous comments on the enforcement of equality legislation, the Committee notes the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission Establishment Proclamation No. 210/2000 and the Institution of the Ombudsman Establishment Proclamation No. 211/2000, which set out the mandate and procedures of these institutions. The Government is requested to provide information on the work of both these institutions relevant to the application of the Convention, including the number, nature and outcome of cases involving non-discrimination and equality in employment and occupation. Noting the Government’s indication that the Federal Civil Service Commission is currently preparing a directive concerning the handling of complaints brought by civil servants, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of this directive as soon as adopted.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

1. The Committee recalls that at its 282nd Session (November 2001), the Governing Body of the ILO approved the report of the tripartite committee set up to examine the representation alleging non-observance by Ethiopia of Conventions Nos. 111 and 158, made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (GB.282/14/5). The Governing Body concluded that large-scale deportations of persons, including workers from Ethiopia to Eritrea and vice-versa, occurred following the outbreak of the border conflict in May 1998 and decided that, in so far as the expulsions that took place were based on national extraction or political opinion, they constituted violations of these Conventions. The Governing Body requested the Committee of Experts to continue to examine this matter.

2. In this context, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that Eritrean workers and employers enjoy the same rights and benefits as all other workers and employers in Ethiopia without discrimination whatsoever. The Government has once again referred to the Labour Proclamation No. 42/1993, which prohibits termination of an employment contract on several grounds including nationality, political outlook, race, colour and lineage (section 26(2)). The Committee also notes that the Public Civil Servants Proclamation No. 262/2002 provides that there shall be no discrimination among jobseekers or civil servants in filling vacancies because of their ethnic origin or political outlook or any other ground (section 13(1)). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on whether complaints have been made, or instances otherwise noted, of discrimination against either nationals of Eritrea, or against Ethiopians of Eritrean origin, on the grounds of national extraction or political opinion, either in the private sector (under the Labour Proclamation) or the public sector (under the Public Civil Servants Proclamation).

3. The Committee further notes that the Claims Commission, established under the Algiers Agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea of 12 December 2000, has started its work and that the issues related to deportation and damages for loss of employment and related benefits will be considered by the Commission in accordance with the schedule established by it. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the decisions reached by the Claims Commission in this regard and on the measures taken, in line with such decisions, to remedy as fully as possible the situation of the displaced workers in accordance with the provisions of Conventions Nos. 111 and 158, and to grant appropriate relief.

4. With regard to its previous comments concerning the right of appeal of persons who may be accused in future of engaging in activities prejudicial to the security of the State, the Committee notes the Government’s indications with regard to the right to appeal under Ethiopian criminal legislation. Recalling that the conclusions reached by the tripartite committee deal more specifically with the appeal system under the Ethiopian Immigration Proclamation which establishes the administrative procedures for deportations (GB.282/14/5, paragraph 37), the Committee requests the Government to provide information on how an effective right of appeal against deportation orders is provided to persons accused of engaging in activities prejudicial to the security of the State, in line with the requirements of Article 4 of the Convention.

The Committee is raising certain other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee refers to its previous comments concerning measures taken to implement constitutional provisions relevant to the Convention, particularly Article 25, which guarantees to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, wealth, birth or other status. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that the new democratic atmosphere in the country had become a guarantee for equal treatment. With respect to the need to provide employees of the state administration with legislative protection against discrimination in employment and to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment as regards access to the civil service, the Committee notes that the process of revising the law governing the employment of public employees is still ongoing. The Committee once again hopes that the Government will ensure that the revision of the law will fully reflect the principles and objectives of the Convention and will continue to provide information on any progress made in this respect.

2. Discrimination on the basis of sex. The Committee refers to its previous comments on measures to implement the constitutional provisions concerning the rights of women, including to "... remedial and affirmative measures to enable women to compete on the basis of equality with men in political, economic and social life, and to gain access to opportunities and positions in public and private institutions" (article 35). In this context, the Committee notes the adoption of a National Policy for Ethiopian Women. The Committee also notes from the National Report on the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action prepared by the Women’s Affairs Office in the Prime Minister’s Office that significant progress was made as to the enrolment of girls in primary and secondary schools between 1994 and 1999. However, the Committee notes that the number of girls receiving such education has been decreasing compared to the number of boys. Noting that one of the goals of the first phase of the Education Sector Development Programme (ESDP) is to increase the school attendance of rural children, especially girls, and raise enrolment from 38 to 45 per cent by the year 2001-02, the Government is requested to provide information on the progress made in this respect and on measures taken to ensure equal access of girls to education, including through affirmative action. Noting that the level of female participation in the technical and vocational schools under the Ministry of Education and in higher education remains low compared to that of males, the Committee also requests the Government to supply information on measures taken to promote women’s participation in these fields. The Committee would appreciate receiving statistical information on the distribution of men and women in the different areas of specializations and disciplines in technical and vocational schools as well as at the university level. Please also provide a copy of the abovementioned National Policy on Women.

3. The Committee notes that the Government gives due attention to the recruitment of women in the public sector, including thorough efforts to attract more women to fill vacant posts. The Committee also notes that women participated in the recruitment, training and promotional committees of the Federal Civil Service Commission. Noting from the Government’s report on the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action that the number of female employees in the federal administration decreased in 1998 below the level of 1994 and that they are underrepresented in the professional, scientific, administrative and sub-professional categories, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment of women in practice as regards access to the public sector, as well as statistical data on the level of participation of women in the federal and regional administrations, including the distribution of men and women in the different types and levels of service. Noting from the abovementioned report that the Federal Civil Service Commission has been issuing directives which, according to the Government, could reinforce the contents of article 35 of the Constitution as regards affirmative measures and equal rights in employment, the Committee would be grateful to receive copies of these directives.

4. Concerning the application of the Convention as regards private sector employment, the Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of the National Employment Policy recently prepared by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs which, inter alia, contains policies on education, training and employment opportunities for women, including in management and decision-making positions.

5. Discrimination on the basis of race, colour and national extraction. As regards the use of national languages, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the number of different national groups using their own language for elementary education is increasing. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that this helped to ensure the right of different groups to use their own language. Concerning the provisions of the Constitution safeguarding the right of the country’s nations, nationalities and peoples to self-determination, including self-government, and to preserving their own cultures (article 39), the Committee reiterates its previous request to the Government to provide information on the measures being taken or contemplated to enable the practical enjoyment of these rights by the groups involved.

6. Enforcement of legislation. Noting again the potential importance of the Federal Civil Service Commission with regard to implementation of the principle of non-discrimination within the civil service, the Committee reiterates its request for information on the manner in which the Commission handles complaints of discrimination and to provide copies of any relevant final decisions. The Committee would also appreciate receiving information on the mandate and activities of the National Commission on Human Rights and the Ombudsman.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which reads as follows.

1. The Committee notes that at its 282nd Session (November 2001), the Governing Body of the ILO approved the report of the tripartite committee set up to examine the representation alleging non-observance by Ethiopia of Conventions Nos. 111 and 158, made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW). The complaint concerned allegations of deportations of Ethiopians of Eritrean origin and Eritreans legally established and residing and working in Ethiopia in violation of these Conventions (see GB.282/14/5).

2. The Governing Body concluded that large-scale deportations of persons including workers from Ethiopia to Eritrea and vice versa occurred following the outbreak of the border conflict in May 1998, and noted that expulsion from the country would have the effect of discrimination in employment and occupation, in so far as it was based on a ground prohibited under Convention No. 111 and resulted in loss of employment and related benefits, and was not otherwise permitted under the Convention. The Governing Body pointed out that the substantive and procedural protections set forth in Articles 1 and 4 of the Convention apply to all workers regardless of their nationality or citizenship and concluded that at least some of the deportations constituted discriminatory acts within the meaning of Article 1(1)(a),and did not meet the requirements of Article 4. The Governing Body accordingly decided that, in so far as the expulsions that took place were based on national extraction or political opinion, they constituted violations of these Conventions. It invited the Government of Ethiopia to continue to provide information on the situation of Eritrean workers and employers in Ethiopia in its reports under Conventions Nos. 111 and 158 under article 22 of the ILO Constitution, so that the Committee of Experts can continue to examine this matter (see GB.282/14/5, paragraph 40).

3. This Committee follows the Governing Body in welcoming the fact that the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea and their social partners have expressed a desire to reach a peaceful solution to the border dispute between the two countries, reaffirming their acceptance of the OAU framework agreement and modalities for its implementation. The Committee also notes the establishment, under the Algiers Agreement of 12 December 2000, of a claims commission with jurisdiction over claims of deportees and the Governing Body’s view that it would be appropriate for the issues raised in the representation to be dealt with in the claims commission as it has powers to grant monetary and other appropriate relief.

4. Noting that the Government of Ethiopia has reaffirmed its acceptance of the principles enshrined in Conventions Nos. 111 and 158 and its willingness to promote and implement a policy of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, the Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on: (a) the situation of Eritrean workers and employers in Ethiopia as regards their protection from discrimination based on political opinion and national extraction; (b) the cooperation with the Government of Eritrea and social partners in the operation of the mechanisms created in the Algiers Agreement of 12 December 2000, in particular on claims submitted to the claims commission and any decisions reached by the latter; (c) the measures taken, in line with any decisions which may be taken by the claims commission, to remedy as fully as possible the situation of the displaced workers in accordance with the provisions of Conventions Nos. 111 and 158 and to grant appropriate relief; and (d) the measures taken to provide for an effective right of appeal for those persons who may be accused in future of engaging in activities prejudicial to the security of the State.

The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government on other points.

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

Further to its observation on the application of the Convention, the Committee of Experts notes the Government’s report, which includes information in reply to its previous direct request. The Government’s attention is drawn to the following points.

1. The Committee refers to its previous comments concerning measures taken to implement constitutional provisions relevant to the Convention, particularly Article 25, which guarantees to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, wealth, birth or other status. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that the new democratic atmosphere in the country had become a guarantee for equal treatment. With respect to the need to provide employees of the state administration with legislative protection against discrimination in employment and to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment as regards access to the civil service, the Committee notes that the process of revising the law governing the employment of public employees is still ongoing. The Committee once again hopes that the Government will ensure that the revision of the law will fully reflect the principles and objectives of the Convention and will continue to provide information on any progress made in this respect.

2. Discrimination on the basis of sex. The Committee refers to its previous comments on measures to implement the constitutional provisions concerning the rights of women, including to "... remedial and affirmative measures to enable women to compete on the basis of equality with men in political, economic and social life, and to gain access to opportunities and positions in public and private institutions" (article 35). In this context, the Committee notes the adoption of a National Policy for Ethiopian Women. The Committee also notes from the National Report on the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action prepared by the Women’s Affairs Office in the Prime Minister’s Office that significant progress was made as to the enrolment of girls in primary and secondary schools between 1994 and 1999. However, the Committee notes that the number of girls receiving such education has been decreasing compared to the number of boys. Noting that one of the goals of the first phase of the Education Sector Development Programme (ESDP) is to increase the school attendance of rural children, especially girls, and raise enrolment from 38 to 45 per cent by the year 2001-02, the Government is requested to provide information on the progress made in this respect and on measures taken to ensure equal access of girls to education, including through affirmative action. Noting that the level of female participation in the technical and vocational schools under the Ministry of Education and in higher education remains low compared to that of males, the Committee also requests the Government to supply information on measures taken to promote women’s participation in these fields. The Committee would appreciate receiving statistical information on the distribution of men and women in the different areas of specializations and disciplines in technical and vocational schools as well as at the university level. Please also provide a copy of the abovementioned National Policy on Women.

3. The Committee notes that the Government gives due attention to the recruitment of women in the public sector, including thorough efforts to attract more women to fill vacant posts. The Committee also notes that women participated in the recruitment, training and promotional committees of the Federal Civil Service Commission. Noting from the Government’s report on the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action that the number of female employees in the federal administration decreased in 1998 below the level of 1994 and that they are underrepresented in the professional, scientific, administrative and sub-professional categories, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment of women in practice as regards access to the public sector, as well as statistical data on the level of participation of women in the federal and regional administrations, including the distribution of men and women in the different types and levels of service. Noting from the abovementioned report that the Federal Civil Service Commission has been issuing directives which, according to the Government, could reinforce the contents of article 35 of the Constitution as regards affirmative measures and equal rights in employment, the Committee would be grateful to receive copies of these directives.

4. Concerning the application of the Convention as regards private sector employment, the Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of the National Employment Policy recently prepared by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs which, inter alia, contains policies on education, training and employment opportunities for women, including in management and decision making positions.

5. Discrimination on the basis of race, colour and national extraction. As regards the use of national languages, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the number of different national groups using their own language for elementary education is increasing. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that this helped to ensure the right of different groups to use their own language. Concerning the provisions of the Constitution safeguarding the right of the country’s nations, nationalities and peoples to self determination, including self-government, and to preserving their own cultures (article 39), the Committee reiterates its previous request to the Government to provide information on the measures being taken or contemplated to enable the practical enjoyment of these rights by the groups involved.

6. Enforcement of legislation. Noting again the potential importance of the Federal Civil Service Commission with regard to implementation of the principle of non-discrimination within the civil service, the Committee reiterates its request for information on the manner in which the Commission handles complaints of discrimination and to provide copies of any relevant final decisions. The Committee would also appreciate receiving information on the mandate and activities of the National Commission on Human Rights and the Ombudsman.

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

1. The Committee notes that at its 282nd Session (November 2001), the Governing Body of the ILO approved the report of the tripartite committee set up to examine the representation alleging non-observance by Ethiopia of Conventions Nos. 111 and 158, made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW). The complaint concerned allegations of deportations of Ethiopians of Eritrean origin and Eritreans legally established and residing and working in Ethiopia in violation of these Conventions (see GB.282/14/5).

2. The Governing Body concluded that large-scale deportations of persons including workers from Ethiopia to Eritrea and vice versa occurred following the outbreak of the border conflict in May 1998, and noted that expulsion from the country would have the effect of discrimination in employment and occupation, in so far as it was based on a ground prohibited under Convention No. 111 and resulted in loss of employment and related benefits, and was not otherwise permitted under the Convention. The Governing Body pointed out that the substantive and procedural protections set forth in Articles 1 and 4 of the Convention apply to all workers regardless of their nationality or citizenship and concluded that at least some of the deportations constituted discriminatory acts within the meaning of Article 1(1)(a),and did not meet the requirements of Article 4. The Governing Body accordingly decided that, in so far as the expulsions that took place were based on national extraction or political opinion, they constituted violations of these Conventions. It invited the Government of Ethiopia to continue to provide information on the situation of Eritrean workers and employers in Ethiopia in its reports under Conventions Nos. 111 and 158 under article 22 of the ILO Constitution, so that the Committee of Experts can continue to examine this matter (see GB.282/14/5, paragraph 40).

3. This Committee follows the Governing Body in welcoming the fact that the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea and their social partners have expressed a desire to reach a peaceful solution to the border dispute between the two countries, reaffirming their acceptance of the OAU framework agreement and modalities for its implementation. The Committee also notes the establishment, under the Algiers Agreement of 12 December 2000, of a claims commission with jurisdiction over claims of deportees and the Governing Body’s view that it would be appropriate for the issues raised in the representation to be dealt with in the claims commission as it has powers to grant monetary and other appropriate relief.

4. Noting that the Government of Ethiopia has reaffirmed its acceptance of the principles enshrined in Conventions Nos. 111 and 158 and its willingness to promote and implement a policy of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, the Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on: (a) the situation of Eritrean workers and employers in Ethiopia as regards their protection from discrimination based on political opinion and national extraction; (b) the cooperation with the Government of Eritrea and social partners in the operation of the mechanisms created in the Algiers Agreement of 12 December 2000, in particular on claims submitted to the claims commission and any decisions reached by the latter; (c) the measures taken, in line with any decisions which may be taken by the claims commission, to remedy as fully as possible the situation of the displaced workers in accordance with the provisions of Conventions Nos. 111 and 158 and to grant appropriate relief; and (d) the measures taken to provide for an effective right of appeal for those persons who may be accused in future of engaging in activities prejudicial to the security of the State.

The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government on other points.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

1. The Committee has recently received information on the establishment, on 24 August 1995, of the Federal Civil Service Commission, an autonomous public institution of the federal Government, which replaces the Public Servants' Administration Commission. It notes that, in order to achieve its objective to guarantee the realization of a meritorious, efficient, productive and permanent civil service in accordance with the law, the Commission has been given the powers and duties, inter alia, to prepare and, upon approval, follow up the implementation of policies and laws concerning the civil service; to issue general criteria on education and work experience necessary for civil service positions; to give final decisions on appeals lodged by employees of the federal civil service; to keep a register of the details of employees of the federal civil service and compile data concerning all civil service employees within the country (sections 4 and 5 of the Federal Civil Service Commission Establishment Proclamation No. 8/1995). Noting the potential importance of the Commission with regard to implementation of the principle of non-discrimination within the civil service, the Committee requests the Government to provide it with information on any policy and/or law prepared or implemented by the Commission; a copy of the general criteria on education and work experience issued by the Commission; data on the nature and number of appeals, if any, lodged by civil servants, including copies of any final decisions; and data on the number of civil servants, disagregated by sex, job category and level of responsibility. Considering that the Federal Civil Service Commission replaces the Public Servants' Administration Commission, the Committee requests the Government to indicate to what extent the former civil service regulations, criteria and guidelines continue to operate.

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

The Committee notes with interest the adoption of a new Constitution of 8 December 1994 which, inter alia, provides for guarantees to all persons of "equal and effective protection without discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, wealth, birth or other status" (article 25). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to implement those constitutional provisions relevant to the application of the Convention, including details on any legislative developments. Please also indicate whether the 1975 Land Reform Proclamation which was to have been reviewed in the light of the new Constitution, remains in force.

The Committee notes that draft legislation to cover public employees excluded from the scope of the Labour Proclamation of 1975 is in the process of being finalized and will be furnished to the Office once it has been proclaimed. The Committee hopes that the Government will take this opportunity to provide employees of the state administration with legislative protection against discrimination in employment, in conformity with the Convention. Similarly, the Committee hopes that steps will be taken to accord to teachers (who are employees of the state administration) the guarantees afforded by the Convention during the review of the applicable legislation which, according to the report, was under way.

As concerns the use of national languages, raised in previous comments, the Committee notes with interest that Part 3.5 of the 1986 General Education and Training Policy indicates the Government's intention to ensure that elementary education is to be given in the respective language of the various nations/nationalities as this would bring educational advantages and would ensure the right of different groups to use their own languages, along with Amharic and English, which are also to be taught at different levels. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the implementation of the education policy in this regard and, in particular, on the extent to which this measure facilitates the access to education and training of the various nations/nationalities.

The Committee notes that the Institute for the Study of Ethiopian Nationalities, created by Proclamation No. 263 of 1983, appears to have been closed definitively, even though the said Proclamation has not been repealed. As pointed out in the Government's report, the new Constitution contains provisions safeguarding the right of the country's nations, nationalities and peoples to self-determination, including self-government, and to preserving their own cultures (article 39). Accordingly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures being taken or contemplated to enable the practical enjoyment of these rights by the groups involved.

The Committee notes the constitutional provisions concerning the rights of women, including the right to "... remedial and affirmative measures to enable women to compete on the basis of equality with men in political, economic and social life, and to gain access to opportunities and positions in public and private institutions" (article 35). It also notes that the above-mentioned General Education and Training Policy calls for special assistance for women in the preparation and distribution of educational aids and to regions which were previously deprived of educational facilities (paragraph 3.7.6), and states that the Government should provide financial assistance to incite greater school attendance by women (paragraph 3.9.3). The Committee hopes that the Government's future reports will contain detailed information on the steps being taken to realize these goals.

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

1. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of a new Constitution of 8 December 1994 which, inter alia, provides for guarantees to all persons of "equal and effective protection without discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, wealth, birth or other status" (article 25). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to implement those constitutional provisions relevant to the application of the Convention, including details on any legislative developments. Please also indicate whether the 1975 Land Reform Proclamation which was to have been reviewed in the light of the new Constitution, remains in force.

2. The Committee notes that draft legislation to cover public employees excluded from the scope of the Labour Proclamation of 1975 is in the process of being finalized and will be furnished to the Office once it has been proclaimed. The Committee hopes that the Government will take this opportunity to provide employees of the state administration with legislative protection against discrimination in employment, in conformity with the Convention. Similarly, the Committee hopes that steps will be taken to accord to teachers (who are employees of the state administration) the guarantees afforded by the Convention during the review of the applicable legislation which, according to the report, was under way.

3. As concerns the use of national languages, raised in previous comments, the Committee notes with interest that Part 3.5 of the 1986 General Education and Training Policy indicates the Government's intention to ensure that elementary education is to be given in the respective language of the various nations/nationalities as this would bring educational advantages and would ensure the right of different groups to use their own languages, along with Amharic and English, which are also to be taught at different levels. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the implementation of the education policy in this regard and, in particular, on the extent to which this measure facilitates the access to education and training of the various nations/nationalities.

4. The Committee notes that the Institute for the Study of Ethiopian Nationalities, created by Proclamation No. 263 of 1983, appears to have been closed definitively, even though the said Proclamation has not been repealed. As pointed out in the Government's report, the new Constitution contains provisions safeguarding the right of the country's nations, nationalities and peoples to self-determination, including self-government, and to preserving their own cultures (article 39). Accordingly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures being taken or contemplated to enable the practical enjoyment of these rights by the groups involved.

5. The Committee notes the constitutional provisions concerning the rights of women, including the right to "... remedial and affirmative measures to enable women to compete on the basis of equality with men in political, economic and social life, and to gain access to opportunities and positions in public and private institutions" (article 35). It also notes that the above-mentioned General Education and Training Policy calls for special assistance for women in the preparation and distribution of educational aids and to regions which were previously deprived of educational facilities (paragraph 3.7.6); and states that the Government should provide financial assistance to incite greater school attendance by women (paragraph 3.9.3). The Committee hopes that the Government's future reports will contain detailed information on the steps being taken to realize these goals.

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

1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request concerning the status of the Land Reform Proclamation of 1975, to be reviewed in the light of the new Constitution, and the repeal of the post-1985 resettlement policy, as well as developments towards the adoption of a new Constitution. Since the Government is in the course of revising the national legislation, the Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of any legislative developments concerning the principle of the Convention and to communicate a copy of the Constitution once adopted.

2. The Committee also notes the information supplied by the Government on the use of national languages in the context of the new education policy, in reply to its previous direct request regarding the implementation of the provisions to eliminate discrimination as laid down in Labour Proclamation No. 42/1993. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on this new education policy, as well as on legislative protection against discrimination in employment afforded to teachers who are employees of the state administration and thus outside the scope of the Labour Proclamation (section 3(2)(e)).

3. In this connection, the Committee requests the Government to supply details on how the national policy on non-discrimination is applied to these public employees excluded from the coverage of the Labour Proclamation who might face discriminatory employment practices on the bases of political opinion, national extraction, social origin, etc. For example, have special laws been adopted to provide protection for the categories of workers who are excluded from the scope of the Labour Proclamation by virtue of section 3(2)?

4. The Committee repeats its request for indications concerning the activities of the Institute for the Study of Ethiopian Nationalities, established by Proclamation No. 236 of 1983.

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

1. The Committee takes note of the Government's reply to its previous direct request concerning the application in practice of Labour Proclamation No. 42/1993, in particular the statistics concerning the number of public employees by major occupational groups and by sex for 1986-87 and the number of male and female graduates from higher vocational training institutions. It also notes the Government's statement that the new democratic atmosphere prevailing in the country has become a guarantee for equal treatment in employment and opportunity in both vocational training and access to occupations. Noting that the Government undertakes to supply further reports pertaining to, in particular, the use of national languages in the educational system from the primary level, the Committee looks forward to receiving more detailed information on the implementation of the national policy to eliminate discrimination - as set out in the new Proclamation - in the Government's next report, with particular reference to grounds other than sex.

2. Noting that the Government's report is silent on point 2 of its previous direct request, the Committee is obliged to ask again for indications concerning the activities of the Institute for the Study of Ethiopian Nationalities, concerning in particular any measures it advocates or implements to improve access of the various ethnic groups to vocational training and employment.

3. In its previous direct requests, the Committee requested information on the Land Reform Proclamation of 1975 and the Government's post-1985 resettlement policy, in particular on whether the school building and training projects were implemented without discrimination based on social origin and national extraction, and on their impact on equal access to employment and to different occupations. The Committee requests the Government to clarify the status of these two policies.

4. The Committee asks the Government to inform it of any legislative developments concerning the principle of the Convention, in particular, any progress in the adoption of a new Constitution.

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

The Committee notes that the Government's reports contain no reply to its comments and merely state that there have been no significant changes with respect to the application of the Convention, that job placements are fair between men and women and that the new Labour Code - which has been sent to the ILO for comment - will soon be adopted.

The Committee notes that, in the meantime, the new Labour Proclamation No. 42/1993 was adopted on 20 January 1993, repealing Labour Proclamation No. 64 of 1975 which had been the subject of comments for many years.

1. The Committee notes with interest that: (1) section 14(1)(f) declares it unlawful for an employer to "discriminate between workers on the basis of nationality, sex, religion, political outlook or any other conditions"; (2) that section 26(2) lists as unjustified grounds for termination of an employment contract: trade union membership or activities, nationality, sex, religion, political outlook, marital status, race, colour, family responsibility, pregnancy, lineage or social status; (3) that section 87(1) provides that women shall not be discriminated against as regards employment and payment, on the basis of their sex; and (4) that sections 42 and 43 provide redress for unlawful dismissals by the employer.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide in its next report any available information on how the new Proclamation is being applied as regards the elimination of discrimination in employment on the grounds listed, and on the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment in: (a) access to vocational training; (b) access to employment; and (c) terms and conditions of employment.

2. The Committee has noted in earlier comments the establishment of the Institute for the Study of Ethiopian Nationalities, whose function is to study the economic, cultural, social life and stage of development of each nationality and community in pre-nationality formations. The Committee again asks the Government to indicate whether any practical measures have followed from such studies to improve vocational training and employment opportunities for any of the ethnic groups concerned.

3. The Committee has noted the Government's indication that the Land Reform Proclamation of 1975 has made it possible for land to be available for schools as one of the first priorities and the Peasant Associations everywhere willingly contribute additional land on which practical educational activity can take place, and requested the Government to provide full information on the number of schools created as a result of this programme; the communities or persons of underprivileged groups, particular social origins or national extractions served by these schools; the types of training available in each of these schools; the numbers and characteristics of students actually attending them; and any practical measures taken to ensure that all persons are provided equal opportunity in employment and occupation so that they can benefit from this aspect of the Land Reform Proclamation of 1975.

4. The Committee had previously noted that the Government had been pursuing a resettlement policy since 1985, so as to remove certain people from those parts of the country most severely affected by drought conditions to other regions where new employment opportunities may be created, including centres for training in specific skills related to development in local areas, and that resettled peoples of different social origins had equal opportunities with other population groups. The Committee again asks the Government to provide full information on practical measures taken to ensure this equality of opportunity, as well as to indicate measures taken to ensure that resettled peoples of different social origin may have equal opportunity in agricultural or other employment or occupations with other population groups in those areas to which they are resettled.

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

The Committee notes from the Government's report that a new Labour Code, which takes into account as much as possible the observations of the Committee, will soon be adopted. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be able to provide a copy of the adopted text. The Committee also hopes that the next report of the Government will include full information on the matters raised in the Committee's previous request, which read as follows:

1. In previous reports the Committee has noted detailed statistical information concerning manpower issues, the enrolment of women within the labour force, and on the numbers of women who have benefited from university and skill development training. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue supplying in future reports information of this kind, enabling it to assess the practical results of policies and programmes aimed at increasing educational and employment opportunities for women.

2. The Committee notes the Government's report of recognition given to its National Literacy Campaign by international organisations and overall improvement of literacy levels in the country. The Government is asked to provide information concerning the organisation of literacy courses aimed at ensuring equality of access to vocational and language training for the various ethnic groups.

3. The Committee has noted in earlier comments the establishment of the Institute for the Study of Ethiopian Nationalities, whose function is to study the economic, cultural, social life and stage of development of each nationality and community in pre-nationality formations. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether any practical measures have followed from such studies to improve vocational training and employment opportunities for any of the nationalities concerned.

4. The Committee notes the Government's indication that the Land Reform Proclamation of 1975 has made it possible for land to be available for schools as one of the first priorities and the Peasant Associations everywhere willingly contribute additional land on which practical educational activity can take place. The Committee requests the Government to provide full information on the number of schools created as a result of this programme; communities or concentrated populations of persons of underprivileged nationalities, particular social origins or national extractions served by these schools; types of training available in each of these schools; numbers and characteristics of students actually attending these schools; and any practical measures taken to ensure that all persons are provided equal opportunity to benefit from this aspect of the Land Reform Proclamation of 1975 in respect of equality in employment and occupation.

5. In previous comments, the Committee noted that the Government has been pursuing a resettlement policy since 1985, to remove certain people from those parts of the country most severely affected by drought conditions to other regions where new employment opportunities may be created. In this regard, the Committee notes the indication in the Government's report that over 400 Community Skill Training Centres (CSTCs) offer training in specific skill areas related to development in local areas and that resettled peoples of different social origins have equal opportunities with other population groups. The Committee asks that the Government provide full information on practical measures taken to ensure this equality of opportunity. The Committee again also asks that the Government indicate measures taken to ensure that resettled peoples of different social origin may have equal opportunity of agricultural or other employment or occupations with other population groups in those areas to which they are resettled.

6. In previous comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Proclamation No. 64 of 1975 provides that every citizen is entitled to equal opportunity to be employed in a work in which he or she can contribute to the development of his or her country according to his or her skill and is fairly remunerated without discrimination on the basis of race, tribe, sex or religion, in line with socialist principles. The Committee noted, however, that this provision did not cover discrimination on the basis of political opinion or social origin, grounds expressly mentioned in Article 1(a) of this Convention, but that the new Draft Labour Proclamation will provide for this right. The Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report what progress has been made toward adoption of the new draft Labour Proclamation and looks forward to this text being transmitted to the ILO when adopted.

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

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report.

1. In previous reports the Committee has noted detailed statistical information concerning manpower issues, the enrolment of women within the labour force, and on the numbers of women who have benefited from university and skill development training. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue supplying in future reports information of this kind, enabling it to assess the practical results of policies and programmes aimed at increasing educational and employment opportunities for women.

2. The Committee notes the Government's report of recognition given to its National Literacy Campaign by international organisations and overall improvement of literacy levels in the country. The Government is asked to provide information concerning the organisation of literacy courses aimed at ensuring equality of access to vocational and language training for the various ethnic groups.

3. The Committee has noted in earlier comments the establishment of the Institute for the Study of Ethiopian Nationalities, whose function is to study the economic, cultural, social life and stage of development of each nationality and community in pre-nationality formations. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether any practical measures have followed from such studies to improve vocational training and employment opportunities for any of the nationalities concerned.

4. The Committee notes the Government's indication that the Land Reform Proclamation of 1975 has made it possible for land to be available for schools as one of the first priorities and the Peasant Associations everywhere willingly contribute additional land on which practical educational activity can take place. The Committee requests the Government to provide full information on the number of schools created as a result of this programme; communities or concentrated populations of persons of underprivileged nationalities, particular social origins or national extractions served by these schools; types of training available in each of these schools; numbers and characteristics of students actually attending these schools; and any practical measures taken to ensure that all persons are provided equal opportunity to benefit from this aspect of the Land Reform Proclamation of 1975 in respect of equality in employment and occupation.

5. In previous comments, the Committee noted that the Government has been pursuing a resettlement policy since 1985, to remove certain people from those parts of the country most severely affected by drought conditions to other regions where new employment opportunities may be created. In this regard, the Committee notes the indication in the Government's report that over 400 Community Skill Training Centres (CSTCs) offer training in specific skill areas related to development in local areas and that resettled peoples of different social origins have equal opportunities with other population groups. The Committee asks that the Government provide full information on practical measures taken to ensure this equality of opportunity. The Committee again also asks that the Government indicate measures taken to ensure that resettled peoples of different social origin may have equal opportunity of agricultural or other employment or occupations with other population groups in those areas to which they are resettled.

6. In previous comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Proclamation No. 64 of 1975 provides that every citizen is entitled to equal opportunity to be employed in a work in which he or she can contribute to the development of his or her country according to his or her skill and is fairly remunerated without discrimination on the basis of race, tribe, sex or religion, in line with socialist principles. The Committee noted, however, that this provision did not cover discrimination on the basis of political opinion or social origin, grounds expressly mentioned in Article 1(a) of this Convention, but that the new Draft Labour Proclamation will provide for this right. The Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report what progress has been made toward adoption of the new draft Labour Proclamation and looks forward to this text being transmitted to the ILO when adopted.