Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Niger (Ratification: 2018)

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Labour market trends. The Government indicates that the National Employment Promotion Agency (ANPE) recorded a total of 48,794 jobseekers in 2022 and only 9,509 vacancies. The Government has also provided a document containing a list of labour market and vocational training indicators monitored by the National Employment and Vocational Training Observatory (ONEF), which include data on the employment of persons with certificates from vocational and technical training schools (EFPT) in 2022. However, the Government has not provided data on the general employment trends in the country, nor information on the employment of categories of persons who are particularly exposed to decent work deficits. In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to ILO statistics, the unemployment rate in Niger in 2022 was 0.4 per cent (0.3 per cent for women and 0.5 per cent for men), but that the proportion of young persons who were neither in employment nor in education or training that year was substantially higher, with a global rate of 15.7 per cent (22 per cent of young women and 8.9 per cent of young men). The Committee also notes that agriculture continued to be one of the principal motors of the national economy, with 73.4 per cent of the population of Niger working in this sector in 2022 (78.6 per cent of women and 68.1 per cent of men). The Committee further notes that almost all jobs in the country were still informal, with a rate of 98.5 per cent in 2022 (99 per cent for women and 98 per cent for men). The ILO does not have recent data on the employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee therefore reiterates its request to the Government to provide updated information, including statistics disaggregated by age and sex, on the labour market trends and unemployment in the country, including for categories of persons who are particularly exposed to decent work deficits (such as young workers, young women, persons with disabilities, rural workers and workers in the informal economy).

Employment services. The Government indicates that, during the period 2018–22, the ANPE recorded 223,372 jobseekers, of whom 47,227 were women. The Government has not provided information on the number of persons who have not found lasting employment following their registration with the ANPE. With reference to the programmes implemented by the ANPE, the Government indicates that, over the same period, 660 people registered with the ANPE benefited from on-line training. The Government also once again refers to the existence of the Vocational Integration Assistance Programme for Young Persons (PAJI), developed in 2016, which has three components: (i) the Working Life Initiation Contract (COSIVIP) to address the lack of experience of young first time jobseekers; (ii) the Enterprise Creation Assistance Programme to help young persons realize their professional projects; and (iii) the Vocational Reconversion Contract (CRP), which is intended to enable young graduates facing difficulties in finding employment to develop new skills. The Government adds that each regional ANPE agency, as well as the Konni branch, has a Vocational Information and Guidance Space (EIOP) where jobseekers can obtain personalized advice for their integration into the employment market. The Government reports that 57,488 young persons benefited from advice from EIOPs in 2022. However, the Government has not provided information on the impact of these programmes in terms of beneficiaries returning to employment and combating poverty.

The Committee recalls that national employment policies can increase the potential for employment services to achieve their objectives in several ways. First, by improving the effectiveness of employment services, national employment policies facilitate the matching of jobseekers and employers. Moreover, by developing labour market information systems, they make it possible to anticipate skills needs more effectively and to provide guidance for training decisions. Finally, they reinforce employment services and social protection systems. The Committee considers that overall and integrated strategies are essential for the creation of productive and decent jobs, thereby contributing to economic growth and social stability (see the General Survey of 2020 on Promoting employment and decent work in a changing landscape, paragraph 108). The Committee therefore requests the Government to continue providing detailed and updated information on the users and activities of the ANPE. The Committee also reiterates its request to the Government to provide statistical data on the number of persons registered with the ANPE who find lasting employment. It also once again requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the programmes and measures implemented by the ANPE in terms of persons returning to work and action to combat poverty. It further reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the number of ANPE offices in rural areas.

Informal economy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the Enterprise Formalities Centre (CFE), created over 20 years ago in November 2001, in order to enable users to complete the formalities required for the creation of an enterprises at the same place and at low cost. The Government indicates that the establishment of the CFE was a result of noting that people who wish to create an enterprise are often discouraged by the difficulty and cost of administrative procedures. The Government also provides a list of the measures adopted between 1976 and 2015 with a view to simplifying the formalities for the creation of enterprises. However, the Government has not provided information on the impact of these measures on the transition from informal to formal work. In this regard, the Committee notes that in 2022 almost all jobs in the country were still informal (98.5 per cent). The Committee therefore draws the Government’s attention to the fact that the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204), provides comprehensive guidance on the elements to be taken into consideration in developing and implementing policy responses for the informal economy, which should focus on: the promotion of strategies for sustainable development, poverty eradication and inclusive growth, and the generation of decent jobs in the formal economy; the promotion of a conducive business and investment environment; the promotion of entrepreneurship, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other forms of business models and economic units, such as cooperatives and other social and solidarity economy units (2021 Addendum to the General Survey of 2020 on Promoting employment and decent work in a changing landscape, paragraph 130). The Committee therefore reiterates its request to the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the nature and impact of the measures adopted for the integration of issues related to the transition from the informal to the formal economy at the heart of the new employment policy through the promotion of productive approaches, decent conditions of work and access to social protection.

Rural development. Noting that agriculture continues to be one of the principal drivers of the national economy, with 73.4 per cent of the population of Niger working in the sector in 2022, the Committee recalls that a national employment policy should promote local development strategies in rural and urban areas and that the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169), proposes a number of measures in this regard. The Committee considers that local development strategies have a dissuasive effect on the informal economy and emphasizes that cooperatives can be a stepping stone to the formal economy (General Survey of 2020, Promoting employment and decent work in a changing landscape, paragraphs 443–446). In the absence of information on this subject, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the measures adopted for the implementation of employment programmes targeting rural areas. The Committee also reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on any measures adopted or envisaged to promote enterprise development in rural areas. With reference to the Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, 2002 (No. 193), the Committee also repeats its request to the Government to provide information on any measures adopted to promote decent and productive employment through cooperatives.

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. In its previous comment, the Committee noted the Government’s indications that the jobs created by enterprises were not stable. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to promote the creation of sustainable employment through micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). In its report, the Government refers briefly to the Programme for the Employment of Young Persons and Productive Inclusion (PEJIP). The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the guidance provided in Paragraph 6 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189), and emphasizes that MSMEs are drivers of economic growth and offer the potential for traditionally disadvantaged groups to gain access to productive, sustainable and quality jobs (General Survey of 2020, Promoting employment and decent work in a changing landscape, paragraph 123). The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed and updated information on any measures adopted or envisaged to promote the creation of sustainable jobs through MSMEs. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information, including statistical data, on the impact of the PEJIP in terms of the creation of sustainable jobs. It also reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the impact of the Assistance Programme for the Creation of Enterprises by Young Persons and the Enterprise Development Initiative Project (IDEE-OIM) in terms of the creation of sustainable jobs.

Education and vocational training. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the number of beneficiaries and the impact in terms of integration into the world of work of the Support Fund for Vocational Training and Apprenticeship (FAFP) for the period 2017–22. The Government also refers once again to the existence of the PAIJ. In the absence of information on this subject, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to indicate the measures adopted to coordinate education and vocational training policies with employment prospects in the country. It also once again requests the Government to provide information on any measures adopted or envisaged for the coordination of the education and vocational training provided by the various agencies and bodies competent in this field.

Forced labour. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the nature and impact of the measures implemented in Niger within the framework of the ILO “Bridge” development cooperation project, the objective of which is to provide a bridge between the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, and global action for the elimination of forced labour. The Government indicates that this information is taken from its 2022 report on the application of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29). In this regard, the Committee refers to its 2023 comments on the application of Convention No. 29, in which it noted that the National Human Rights Committee in 2021 and the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 2023 (CERD/C/NER/CO/22-25) emphasized the persistence in the country of slavery and slavery-like practices. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the nature and impact of the measures adopted or envisaged to combat the discrimination and stigmatization suffered by former slaves and the descendants of slaves so that they can find decent jobs and exercise their occupational activities freely.

Employment of women. The Government indicates that section 4 of Decree No. 2017-682 of 10 August 2017 issuing the regulations under the Labour Code prohibits any discrimination in employment and occupation on the basis, among other grounds, of sex. However, the Government has not provided information on the measures intended to promote the employment of women and combat stereotypes which influence their access to certain jobs. In this regard, the Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 20 February 2024, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women expresses concern that women in Niger are still under-represented in the labour force and have limited access to employment opportunities due to their low levels of education, their confinement to domestic roles based on gender stereotypes and their economic dependence on their husbands (CEDAW/C/NER/CO/5, paragraph 41). In light of the above, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed and updated information on any measures adopted or envisaged to promote the employment of women and combat gender stereotypes which influence their access to certain types of employment.

Youth employment. The Committee has already noted the Government’s indication that 57,488 young persons benefited in 2022 from the services of the EIOP in ANPE agencies. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that 41.000 young persons, of whom 50 per cent were women, had benefited from the support of the PEJIP as of 15 June 2022 and that 60.95 per cent of them had been able to start, grow or diversify their economic activity. The Government adds that 3,260 young persons (including 1,638 women) benefited from the COSIVIP between 2018 and 2022, and that 499 young persons (including 62 women) received training within the framework of the CRP. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed and updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the youth employment programmes implemented, particularly in terms of their lasting integration into employment.

Employment of persons with disabilities. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that, in its concluding observations of 1 May 2019, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities expressed concern at discrimination against persons with disabilities due to prejudices in the field of employment, and at the absence of incentives to promote their employment and the refusal to make reasonable adjustments at the workplace (CRPD/C/NER/CO/1). The Government indicates that the issue of disability is integrated into the major policies and programmes in the country, including the Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES, 2022-26). The Government reports the adoption of Act No. 2019-62 of 10 December 2019 establishing the fundamental principles respecting the employment of persons with disabilities, as well as its implementing Decree No. 2021/539/PRN/MSP/P/AS, of 12 July 2021. The Government has not provided copies of these texts, but indicates that the 2019 Act prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of disability and that section 14 of the implementing Decree of 2021 provides that any public establishment, private enterprise or non-governmental organization with at least 20 employed persons is required to reserve a quota of 5 per cent of jobs for persons with disabilities. The Government adds that, although this quota is not implemented effectively in the private sector, it resulted in the recruitment of over 500 young persons with disabilities in the public service between 2008–20. The Government adds that, in accordance with section 16 of the implementing Decree, all public and private infrastructure that admits the public, and means of transport, must have means of access adapted to persons with disabilities. In this regard, the Government indicates that most newly constructed infrastructure is equipped with access adapted to persons with disabilities and that measures are being taken for the adaptation of older structures. The Government also indicates that awareness-raising activities are undertaken during social events. With reference to the impact of these measures, the Government indicates that difficulties in access to employment are still more significant for persons with disabilities due to prejudice and a schooling and training deficit. The Committee therefore requests the Government to continue providing detailed and updated information on the measures adopted or envisaged, including within the framework of the new PNE, to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, including combating the prejudices that affect their access to jobs and facilitating their access to vocational training that is adapted to employment prospects in the country. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, on the impact of the measures adopted to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, with particular reference to the quotas envisaged in section 14 of implementing Decree No. 2021/539/PRN/MSP/P/AS of 12 July 2021. In this regard, noting the Government’s indication that these quotas are not widely respected, or not respected at all in the private sector, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether measures are envisaged to promote compliance with the national regulations, including through incentives and dissuasive measures. The Committee further requests the Government to provide a copy of implementing Decree No. 2021/539/PRN/MSP/P/AS of 12 July 2021, referred to above, and Act No. 2019-62 of 10 December 2019 establishing the fundamental principles respecting the employment of persons with disabilities.

Article 3. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected, and particularly the representatives of employers and workers. The Government has provided information on the content of a pre-electoral protocol agreement signed in 2019 with the trade union federations. However, the Government has not provided updated information on the consultations held in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee therefore reiterates its request to the Government to continue providing information on the manner in which, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention, the representatives of the persons affected by employment policies, and particularly representatives of employers and workers, are consulted concerning the formulation and implementation of these policies.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that the National Employment Policy (PNE 2008–12) had been adopted in 2009 and that, following broad consultation with all the parties concerned and in collaboration with the ILO, a preliminary version of a new National Employment Policy (PNE 2020–25) had been discussed at a validation workshop in July 2021. However, the Committee notes that, in its report provided in September 2023, the Government indicates that a new PNE is still in the process of being adopted and adds that the Office will be kept informed of any developments in this regard. The Committee also notes that, during the period covered by the report, the Government prepared a Resilience Programme to Safeguard the Country (PRSP) for the period 2024–26, under the leadership of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. According to the information available online, the PRSP 2024–26 is due to enter into force in 2024 and has the objective of the robust and equitable development of Niger on the basis of four focus areas: (i) the reinforcement of security and social cohesion; (ii) the promotion of good governance; (iii) the development of the bases for economic sovereignty; and (iv) the acceleration of social reforms.

The Committee notes that Niger is facing several significant challenges. The economy of Niger is not very diversified or competitive, which limits formal employment opportunities. A large proportion of the active population is in practice employed in the informal economy (ILO statistics), which gives rise to challenges in terms of social protection, conditions of work and job stability. The country is therefore faced by the urgent need to create decent and productive jobs for men and women, and particularly for young persons. The rapid demographic growth is complicating the labour market integration of young persons (ILO, L’état des lieux du système de formation professionelle, Niger, 2019). Gender inequalities persist and affect the access of women to employment opportunities and equitable terms and conditions of work, with the result that offering employment opportunities to everyone, including women and persons with disabilities, is still a major challenge (CEDAW/C/NER/CO/5, paragraph 41 and CRPD/C/NER/CO/1, paragraph 7). The country is also facing a period of instability, as well as environmental and economic challenges, including climate shocks and the price volatility of basic products (World Bank, Niger, Overview, 2024).

In the light of this information, the Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to finalize the adoption of the employment policy without further delay. Indeed, the Committee considers that the adoption of a robust employment policy that pursues the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment as established by the Convention is an essential step for the inclusive and sustainable economic development of Niger, which will make it possible to address the current challenges and create a more prosperous future. Employment policy is a major asset for the reduction of unemployment and poverty through the creation of decent and productive jobs, particularly for young persons and women. Based on the establishment of emblematic objectives and measures for the fuller integration of informal workers into the formal economy, the new employment policy could improve social protection, working conditions and job stability, while at the same time increasing tax receipts. Moreover, the adoption of an inclusive employment policy could make an effective contribution to reducing gender inequality by ensuring the equitable access of women to employment opportunities and fair conditions of work. Furthermore, by encouraging economic diversification, the employment policy could be designed to create new employment opportunities in different sectors, thereby reducing dependence on a few industries and increasing economic resilience. Lastly, the adoption and implementation of an employment policy in conformity with the requirements of the Convention would encourage constructive social dialogue between employers, workers and the Government, as well as with the representatives of all the population categories affected by the policy, thereby improving conditions of work and promoting social justice.

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

First report

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Government indicates that the National Employment Policy (PNE 2008-2012) was adopted on 12 March 2009, by Decree 2009-095/PRN/MFP/T. The PNE 2008-2012 puts job creation at the centre of its political, economic and social objectives with a view to a sustainable reduction in poverty and the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the population. An Action Plan accompanies the policy, which includes implementation and follow-up and assessment elements for the PNE. In 2018, a PNE assessment mission was organized with the support of the International Labour Office to identify the achievements and weaknesses of the PNE 2008-2012 and make recommendations regarding the elaboration of the PNE 2020-2025. In April 2018, a workshop to launch the formulation process of the new PNE for Niger was held in Niamey. The Committee notes with interest that, after wide consultations with all interested parties and in collaboration with the ILO Country Office in Abidjan, a first version of the PNE 2020-2025 was finalized and that the workshop to approve the new PNE was held from 13 to 15 July 2021. The Government indicates that the Office will be kept informed of all developments in this respect. Noting that the workshop to approve the new PNE 2020-2025 was held in 2021, the Committee hopes that the National Employment Policy and its Action Plan will shortly be finalized and requests the Government to communicate a copy of the policy and plan once it is adopted.

Labour market trends. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the labour market situation in Niger, the employment trends in the economic sectors, the labour market participation of the population in urban and rural areas, the employment and unemployment rates, in the formal and informal economies. In this regard, the Government indicates that the employment offered by the productive system of Niger is essentially to be found in the agriculture, livestock, and environment branches. It adds that, between 2011 and 2017, around one million jobs were created, at an average rate of 143,000 jobs a year. The Government also indicates that, at national level, the public sector is the largest provider of employment. In 2017, the public sector generated about 89.6 per cent of jobs created. The Government highlights the precarious nature of employment in Niger and indicates that the majority of jobs offered are not stable, including those created by private sector enterprises. Of the 1,035,829 jobs created between 2011 and 2017, less than 20 per cent were permanent jobs, and 80 per cent of jobs created were of three to six months’ duration. The Committee notes, however, that certain branches of activity, in particular the gas, electricity and water sectors (93.91 per cent), education (91.25 per cent), and the oil and mining industries (91.2 per cent) offered a majority of stable jobs. Regarding employment trends, the Government indicates that at 30 June 2020, the National Employment Promotion Agency (ANPE) registered 15,947 jobseekers and 3,090 job offers. According to the latest available statistics (ERI-ESI, 2017), the 2017 unemployment rate for the full labour force stood at 7.9 per cent. The unemployment rate for women and men was similar (around 8 per cent). However, the 2017 unemployment rate in rural areas (8.3 per cent) was higher than in urban areas (7 per cent). The Government states that overall, the average duration of unemployment is 6.65 years. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on employment market trends, including statistics on employment and unemployment disaggregated by age and sex. More precisely, it requests the Government to provide information showing the employment situation for categories particularly exposed to decent work deficits, such as women, young persons, persons with disabilities, older workers, rural workers and other workers how encounter particular difficulties in entering the labour market.

Informal economy and employment. Rural development. The Government indicates that most jobs in Niger are informal. They are unproductive, poorly remunerated and lack social protection. The Committee notes that in 2017, almost all employment in the country was informal (91.9 per cent). It also notes that the PNE Action Plan provides for measures aimed at providing a better framework for the informal sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the nature and impact of the measures taken to organize the informal sector and integrate the informal sector workers into the formal labour market, including young workers and women, taking account of the guidance contained in the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the initiatives undertaken to generate growth and create jobs in the rural areas, in particular to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship of women and men. It also requests the Government to provide information on all measures taken or envisaged to promote the creation of micro-enterprises, cooperatives or other forms of associative enterprises in order to boost the development of entrepreneurship in rural areas. With reference to the Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, 2002 (No. 193), the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote decent and productive work through cooperatives.

Article 2. Implementation of employment programmes and employment services. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the labour market institutions, including those responsible for the implementation, follow-up and monitoring of the PNE. It particularly notes the activities of the ANPE, which is a public establishment with a tripartite composition responsible for promoting employment and which has autonomy in management. It is directed by a Governing Body. The Government indicates that the ANPE is under the supervision of the Minister for Employment and includes central directorates and services. The Committee notes that each regional capital has a regional employment agency, with a departmental employment office in Birni Konni. It also notes that ANPE services are to be extended, with the creation of 40 communal offices in rural areas. The Government indicates that the ANPE receives and registers jobseekers, collects job offers and places jobseekers. The Committee notes that between 2011 and 2018, the ANPE received and registered an increasing number of jobseekers. The number of jobseekers increased from 22,476 in 2011 to 42,432 in 2018, an annual increase of 9.5 per cent. In respect of employment programmes, the Government indicates that, starting in 2016, the ANPE has developed several programmes aimed at jobseekers’ labour integration, including the Labour Insertion Assistance Programme for Young Workers (PAIJ) and the Assistance in Creating Enterprises Programme. The ANPE also acts as a labour market observatory. Regarding private employment agencies, the Committee notes that sections 10 to 24 of Decree No. 2017-682/PRN/MET/PS of 10 August 2017, issuing the Labour Code Regulations, address questions related to the establishment and operation of private employment agencies. In this connection, the Committee refers to its comments concerning the application of the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of the ANPE, including on the number of beneficiaries of the placement services who have obtained sustainable employment after their registration. It also requests the Government to provide information on the effects of the programmes and measures developed by the ANPE to promote employment, particularly in terms of job creation and combatting poverty. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the number of communal offices effectively installed in rural areas.

Education and vocational training. The Government indicates that unemployment in Niger is long-term unemployment, originating either from insufficient job supply, or from a mismatch between jobseekers’ qualifications and the skills required by enterprises. The Committee refers to its comments of 2021 on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142, and requests the Government to provide information, including statistics, disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of measures taken, in consultation with the social partners and representatives of the groups concerned by these measures, to update and strengthen coordination of technical and vocational training so that the courses provided are designed and delivered in a way that answers to labour market needs. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on all measures taken or envisaged to ensure the coordination of the activities and programmes provided by the various agencies and bodies competent in the field of occupational guidance and training.

Specific groups. The Committee refers to its 2020 comments on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), which were based on its comments on the application of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and on the 2015 report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences (A/HRC/30/35/Add.1, 30 July 2015), and requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to combat discrimination and stigmatization against former slaves and the descendants of slaves, including in relation to access to productive resources such as land, to enable them to find employment or carry out their activities freely. The Government is also requested to provide information on the measures taken to implement the employment programmes targeting rural areas.

Employment of women. The Government indicates that most formal employment is in the public sector, where women are poorly represented or where they occupy lower-level positions. The Committee notes that in the higher-grade jobs (A and B), the proportion of women varies between 21 per cent and 30 per cent for category A, and 35 and 40.5 per cent for category B. However, women predominate in the lower category (D), making up two-thirds of staff. It also notes that the jobs created by the public sector are mostly occupied by men, and that the fact that women are kept in the lower grades shows that they encounter difficulties in rising through the grades due to certain socio-cultural factors. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on any measures taken or envisaged to promote the employment of women, including young women and women workers with disabilities. It also requests the Government to provide updated information on specific measures taken to combat the persistence of stereotypes in respect of women’s work; occupational segregation (both vertical and horizontal) based on sex; and to increase the labour market participation of women.

Employment of young persons. The Government reports a worrying level of youth unemployment and indicates that unemployment is primarily rural and among young persons. The unemployment rate is higher among young persons and more persistent among first-time jobseekers. The Committee notes that, in 2017, the unemployment rate for those 15 to 34 years of age stood at 12.2 per cent, while it was at five per cent for those aged 35 years and over. It also notes that in 2017 the average duration of unemployment for first-time jobseekers was eight years, against about four years for persons who had already worked. In this regard, the Government reports on the elaboration of various youth employment programmes. Including the Labour Insertion Assistance Programme for Young Workers (PAIJ), which has three elements: the Entry into Working Life Contract (COSIVIP), which is designed to combat the lack of experience among young first-time jobseekers; the Assistance in Creating Enterprises Programme, which aims at helping young persons to realise their projects; and the Vocational Reskilling Programme (CRP), which is designed to teach new skills to young graduates facing difficulties in integrating the labour market. The Committee notes that, for the 2019-2020 period, the CRP organized reskilling courses for 400 young persons in the hotel and construction and public works sectors. It also notes that under the Youth Employment and Productive Labour Inclusion Programme (PEJIP), ANPE services will be extended to cover rural communes through communal employment offices. In this regard, the Government indicates that 40 communal employment offices will be installed throughout the national territory to provide rural youth with the possibility of benefitting from information, awareness-raising and guidance better adapted to rural and semi-urban job opportunities, including non-agricultural self-employment and micro-entrepreneurship. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the programmes implemented, in particular in terms of reduction of unemployment rates and of the sustainable labour integration of young persons, especially in respect of the integration of young women, young descendants of slaves and rural youth.

Persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information in respect of the employment of persons with disabilities. It nevertheless notes that the PNE foresees targeted action to promote the labour market integration of persons with disabilities. In this regard, one of the guiding principles of the PNE is to increase equality of opportunity for all jobseekers, including persons with disabilities. Moreover, the Committee notes that in 2019, in the framework of the initial report of Niger on the application of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Doc. CRPD/C/NER/CO/1) the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was concerned about discrimination against persons with disabilities, including in employment and education, particularly against women, children, migrants and refugees with disabilities, and persons with disabilities living in rural areas. Recalling the concerns of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and particularly regarding theabsence of incentive measures aimed at promoting the employment of persons with disabilities, the refusal to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace; discrimination against persons with disabilities, in particular women with disabilities, in the field of work as a result of prejudice, and the limited employment opportunities in the ordinary labour market; and the absence of disaggregated statistical data on persons with disabilities currently in employment, the Committee urges the Government to communicate detailed and updated information on any measure taken or envisaged, including under the implementation of the National Employment Policy, to promote the occupational training and employment of persons with disabilities, in particular on the open labour market.

Small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government indicates that the jobs created by enterprises are not stable. It also reports on the Assistance in Creating Enterprises Programme for young persons and the Initiative for Enterprise Development Project (IDEE-OIM), which is a partnership agreement related to the management and use of a fund (approximately €366,000) for the development of entrepreneurship among the youth of Niger. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on any measure taken or envisaged to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and to promote the creation of sustainable employment through micro and small enterprises. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the Assistance in Creating Enterprises Programme and of the IDEE-OIM in terms of job creation and the labour market integration of young persons.

Article 3. Consultation of the social partners. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the consultations held with the employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society organizations, including during development of the new PNE 2020-2025. The Government also indicates that the workers’ trade union organizations and the staff representatives assist the labour inspectors and controllers in fulfilling their mandate, which is to monitor the application of laws and regulations. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on consultations held with the social partners in conformity with Article 3, as well as information on the manner in which the representatives of persons concerned, including those from the informal economy and rural areas, are consulted on the formulation and implementation of employment policies and programmes adopted or envisaged.