Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2002, publiée 91ème session CIT (2003)

Convention (n° 111) concernant la discrimination (emploi et profession), 1958 - République centrafricaine (Ratification: 1964)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report.

1. The Committee notes with interest the Government’s confirmation in its report that the grounds of political opinion, national extraction and social origin are covered, respectively, by the terms "appartenance politique, origine ethnique et position sociale" (political affiliation, ethnic origin and social status) set forth in article 5 of the 1995 Constitution.

2. Observing, however, that "colour", one of the seven grounds of discrimination prohibited by the Convention, does not appear in the new Constitution, the Committee once again draws the Government’s attention to the importance of covering all the grounds of discrimination set out in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention in formulating the national policy to combat discrimination in employment and occupation required by Article 2. It accordingly reiterates its request for information on any legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of colour in employment and occupation.

3. The Committee notes the adoption of Act No. 99.016 amending and supplementing certain provisions of Ordinance No. 93.008 of 14 June 1993, which establishes the general regulations of the public service of the Central African Republic. The Committee notes that the Government provides no information on the application of the new legislation and its impact. It requests the Government to send a copy of the abovementioned Act and of Decree No. 00.172 of 10 July 2000 issued thereunder. Noting that the Government merely refers to the above texts, the Committee asks the Government to indicate whether provisions of Ordinance No. 80/064 of 1980 regulating the conditions of employment of various categories of managerial staff in the central public administration are still in force.

4. The Committee notes from the information supplied by the Government that the provisions of the preliminary draft of the new Labour Code ensure equal opportunities and treatment for all in employment and work. It further notes that under section 12 of the draft, only nationals enjoy access to vocational training without discrimination of any kind in accordance with the requirements established by law. Recalling that the elimination of any discrimination in employment and occupation on grounds of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin applies to non-nationals as well as nationals, the Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of progress made in revising the Labour Code on this point.

5. The Committee notes the merger of the National Labour Office (ONMO) with the National Interoccupational Training Organization (ONIFOP) to form a single body: the Central African Agency for Vocational Training and Employment (ACFPE). The Committee would appreciate information on the role of the new body in the formulation and application of a national policy designed to promote equal treatment in employment and occupation. Please also report on the measures taken pursuant to this policy, and the results obtained.

6. The Committee requests the Government to provide reliable statistics on the number of women and men employed in the private sector and the public sector, including occupations and level of responsibility. It points out, in this connection that, where inequalities of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation are overlooked because they are inadequately detected and recorded in statistics, effective application of the Convention is affected.

7. With regard to the comments it has been making for many years, the Committee notes with regret that the Government has provided copies neither of the administrative provisions governing the employment or occupational activity of persons legitimately suspected of engaging in an activity liable to harm the security of State and the means of redress available to them, nor of any court decisions issued under such provisions. It trusts that the Government will do its utmost to provide the information requested as soon as possible.