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Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Gambia (RATIFICATION: 2000)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Discrimination in employment and occupation. Legislation. The Committee previously pointed out that the provisions of the Constitution regarding discrimination did not include any reference to the prohibition of direct and indirect discrimination in employment and occupation and only concerned discriminatory treatment by public officials (section 33(3)). It also noted that the Labour Act 2007 neither defines nor prohibits discrimination in employment and occupation on the basis of any of the grounds enumerated in the Convention, except in the case of dismissal and disciplinary action (section 83(2)). The Committee notes that the Government provides no response to its request regarding the need to amend the legislation. The Committee recalls once again that, although general constitutional provisions regarding non-discrimination are important, they are generally not sufficient to address specific cases of discrimination in employment and occupation, and comprehensive anti discrimination legislation is generally needed to ensure the effective application of the Convention, based on at least all the grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a) and in all areas of employment and occupation. The Committee asks the Government to take steps in order to include legislative protection against direct and indirect discrimination at all stages of employment and occupation based on, as a minimum, all of the grounds enumerated in the Convention, namely, race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. The Committee also asks the Government to include in legislation provisions establishing dissuasive sanctions and appropriate remedies in cases of discrimination. Please provide specific information on progress made in this regard.

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

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