Rural Workers' Organisations Convention, 1975 (No. 141) - Afghanistan (RATIFICATION: 1979)

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The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2024, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the Convention to self-employed workers. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request, that the Labour Code does not apply to self-employed workers, as workers operating on their own accord determine their own remuneration, working hours and working conditions. The Government indicates that its financial, human resources and legislative capacities are not yet at a level to provide for the regulation of all categories of self-employed workers; however, the Government indicates that such workers are entitled to the rights outlined in the Constitution including the right to form associations in accordance with provisions of the law (article 10 of the Constitution). Having taken due note of the Government’s indications, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that self-employed workers in the rural sector enjoy the right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing, as well as other rights under the Convention.

Articles 5 and 6. Policy of active encouragement of rural organizations. The Committee previously noted that there were approximately 45,000 rural organizations relating to socio-economic development. It noted the Government’s indication that workers in rural areas and agriculture had not formed unions although they are allowed by law, due to, among other reasons, the security situation in the country. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that although the country has a growing number of rural workers, the goal of putting in place an effective rural workers administration system has yet to be realized. This was due to a lack of awareness among rural workers about their rights, widespread illiteracy among such workers and low quality of jobs that are often irregular and depend on migration. The Government indicates, however, that as part of its national development agenda, it has launched initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the status of rural workers. These include a national priority programme on agriculture and rural development, and a national agriculture development framework, as well as other measures aimed at increasing employment opportunities and enterprise development in rural areas and the provision of training to farmers concerning agricultural production. Noting the Government’s indication that there are no legal barriers to the establishment of rural workers’ organizations, the Committee also recalls that Article 5 of the Convention requires Members to carry out a policy of active encouragement of such organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption or implementation of any policy or other steps taken pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention to eliminate obstacles to the establishment of an organization of rural workers, their growth and the pursuit of their lawful activities, as well as to promote the widest possible understanding of the need to further the development of rural workers’ organizations and of the contribution they can make to improving employment opportunities and general conditions of work and life in rural areas, as well as to increasing the national income and achieving a better distribution thereof.

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The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2023, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the Convention to self-employed workers. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request, that the Labour Code does not apply to self-employed workers, as workers operating on their own accord determine their own remuneration, working hours and working conditions. The Government indicates that its financial, human resources and legislative capacities are not yet at a level to provide for the regulation of all categories of self-employed workers; however, the Government indicates that such workers are entitled to the rights outlined in the Constitution including the right to form associations in accordance with provisions of the law (article 10 of the Constitution).Having taken due note of the Government’s indications, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that self-employed workers in the rural sector enjoy the right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing, as well as other rights under the Convention.

Articles 5 and 6. Policy of active encouragement of rural organizations. The Committee previously noted that there were approximately 45,000 rural organizations relating to socio-economic development. It noted the Government’s indication that workers in rural areas and agriculture had not formed unions although they are allowed by law, due to, among other reasons, the security situation in the country. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that although the country has a growing number of rural workers, the goal of putting in place an effective rural workers administration system has yet to be realized. This was due to a lack of awareness among rural workers about their rights, widespread illiteracy among such workers and low quality of jobs that are often irregular and depend on migration. The Government indicates, however, that as part of its national development agenda, it has launched initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the status of rural workers. These include a national priority programme on agriculture and rural development, and a national agriculture development framework, as well as other measures aimed at increasing employment opportunities and enterprise development in rural areas and the provision of training to farmers concerning agricultural production. Noting the Government’s indication that there are no legal barriers to the establishment of rural workers’ organizations, the Committee also recalls that Article 5of the Convention requires Members to carry out a policy of active encouragement of such organizations.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption or implementation of any policy or other steps taken pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention to eliminate obstacles to the establishment of an organization of rural workers, their growth and the pursuit of their lawful activities, as well as to promote the widest possible understanding of the need to further the development of rural workers’ organizations and of the contribution they can make to improving employment opportunities and general conditions of work and life in rural areas, as well as to increasing the national income and achieving a better distribution thereof.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the Convention to self-employed workers. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request, that the Labour Code does not apply to self employed workers, as workers operating on their own accord determine their own remuneration, working hours and working conditions. The Government indicates that its financial, human resources and legislative capacities are not yet at a level to provide for the regulation of all categories of self-employed workers; however, the Government indicates that such workers are entitled to the rights outlined in the Constitution including the right to form associations in accordance with provisions of the law (article 10 of the Constitution). Having taken due note of the Government’s indications, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that self employed workers in the rural sector enjoy the right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing, as well as other rights under the Convention.

Articles 5 and 6. Policy of active encouragement of rural organizations. The Committee previously noted that there were approximately 45,000 rural organizations relating to socio-economic development. It noted the Government’s indication that workers in rural areas and agriculture had not formed unions although they are allowed by law, due to, among other reasons, the security situation in the country. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that although the country has a growing number of rural workers, the goal of putting in place an effective rural workers administration system has yet to be realized. This was due to a lack of awareness among rural workers about their rights, widespread illiteracy among such workers and low quality of jobs that are often irregular and depend on migration. The Government indicates, however, that as part of its national development agenda, it has launched initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the status of rural workers. These include a national priority programme on agriculture and rural development, and a national agriculture development framework, as well as other measures aimed at increasing employment opportunities and enterprise development in rural areas and the provision of training to farmers concerning agricultural production. Noting the Government’s indication that there are no legal barriers to the establishment of rural workers’ organizations, the Committee also recalls that Article 5 of the Convention requires Members to carry out a policy of active encouragement of such organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption or implementation of any policy or other steps taken pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention to eliminate obstacles to the establishment of an organization of rural workers, their growth and the pursuit of their lawful activities, as well as to promote the widest possible understanding of the need to further the development of rural workers’ organizations and of the contribution they can make to improving employment opportunities and general conditions of work and life in rural areas, as well as to increasing the national income and achieving a better distribution thereof.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the Convention to self-employed workers. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request, that the Labour Code does not apply to self employed workers, as workers operating on their own accord determine their own remuneration, working hours and working conditions. The Government indicates that its financial, human resources and legislative capacities are not yet at a level to provide for the regulation of all categories of self-employed workers; however, the Government indicates that such workers are entitled to the rights outlined in the Constitution including the right to form associations in accordance with provisions of the law (article 10 of the Constitution). Having taken due note of the Government’s indications, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that self employed workers in the rural sector enjoy the right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing, as well as other rights under the Convention.

Articles 5 and 6. Policy of active encouragement of rural organizations. The Committee previously noted that there were approximately 45,000 rural organizations relating to socio-economic development. It noted the Government’s indication that workers in rural areas and agriculture had not formed unions although they are allowed by law, due to, among other reasons, the security situation in the country. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that although the country has a growing number of rural workers, the goal of putting in place an effective rural workers administration system has yet to be realized. This was due to a lack of awareness among rural workers about their rights, widespread illiteracy among such workers and low quality of jobs that are often irregular and depend on migration. The Government indicates, however, that as part of its national development agenda, it has launched initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the status of rural workers. These include a national priority programme on agriculture and rural development, and a national agriculture development framework, as well as other measures aimed at increasing employment opportunities and enterprise development in rural areas and the provision of training to farmers concerning agricultural production. Noting the Government’s indication that there are no legal barriers to the establishment of rural workers’ organizations, the Committee also recalls that Article 5 of the Convention requires Members to carry out a policy of active encouragement of such organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption or implementation of any policy or other steps taken pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention to eliminate obstacles to the establishment of an organization of rural workers, their growth and the pursuit of their lawful activities, as well as to promote the widest possible understanding of the need to further the development of rural workers’ organizations and of the contribution they can make to improving employment opportunities and general conditions of work and life in rural areas, as well as to increasing the national income and achieving a better distribution thereof.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the Convention to self-employed workers. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request, that the Labour Code does not apply to self employed workers, as workers operating on their own accord determine their own remuneration, working hours and working conditions. The Government indicates that its financial, human resources and legislative capacities are not yet at a level to provide for the regulation of all categories of self-employed workers; however, the Government indicates that such workers are entitled to the rights outlined in the Constitution including the right to form associations in accordance with provisions of the law (article 10 of the Constitution). Having taken due note of the Government’s indications, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that self employed workers in the rural sector enjoy the right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing, as well as other rights under the Convention.

Articles 5 and 6. Policy of active encouragement of rural organizations. The Committee previously noted that there were approximately 45,000 rural organizations relating to socio-economic development. It noted the Government’s indication that workers in rural areas and agriculture had not formed unions although they are allowed by law, due to, among other reasons, the security situation in the country. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that although the country has a growing number of rural workers, the goal of putting in place an effective rural workers administration system has yet to be realized. This was due to a lack of awareness among rural workers about their rights, widespread illiteracy among such workers and low quality of jobs that are often irregular and depend on migration. The Government indicates, however, that as part of its national development agenda, it has launched initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the status of rural workers. These include a national priority programme on agriculture and rural development, and a national agriculture development framework, as well as other measures aimed at increasing employment opportunities and enterprise development in rural areas and the provision of training to farmers concerning agricultural production. Noting the Government’s indication that there are no legal barriers to the establishment of rural workers’ organizations, the Committee also recalls that Article 5 of the Convention requires Members to carry out a policy of active encouragement of such organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption or implementation of any policy or other steps taken pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention to eliminate obstacles to the establishment of an organization of rural workers, their growth and the pursuit of their lawful activities, as well as to promote the widest possible understanding of the need to further the development of rural workers’ organizations and of the contribution they can make to improving employment opportunities and general conditions of work and life in rural areas, as well as to increasing the national income and achieving a better distribution thereof.

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Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the Convention to self-employed workers. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s previous request, that the Labour Code does not apply to self employed workers, as workers operating on their own accord determine their own remuneration, working hours and working conditions. The Government indicates that its financial, human resources and legislative capacities are not yet at a level to provide for the regulation of all categories of self-employed workers; however, the Government indicates that such workers are entitled to the rights outlined in the Constitution including the right to form associations in accordance with provisions of the law (article 10 of the Constitution). Having taken due note of the Government’s indications, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that self employed workers in the rural sector enjoy the right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing, as well as other rights under the Convention.

Articles 5 and 6. Policy of active encouragement of rural organizations. The Committee previously noted that there were approximately 45,000 rural organizations relating to socio-economic development. It noted the Government’s indication that workers in rural areas and agriculture had not formed unions although they are allowed by law, due to, among other reasons, the security situation in the country. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that although the country has a growing number of rural workers, the goal of putting in place an effective rural workers administration system has yet to be realized. This was due to a lack of awareness among rural workers about their rights, widespread illiteracy among such workers and low quality of jobs that are often irregular and depend on migration. The Government indicates, however, that as part of its national development agenda, it has launched initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the status of rural workers. These include a national priority programme on agriculture and rural development, and a national agriculture development framework, as well as other measures aimed at increasing employment opportunities and enterprise development in rural areas and the provision of training to farmers concerning agricultural production. Noting the Government’s indication that there are no legal barriers to the establishment of rural workers’ organizations, the Committee also recalls that Article 5 of the Convention requires Members to carry out a policy of active encouragement of such organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption or implementation of any policy or other steps taken pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention to eliminate obstacles to the establishment of an organization of rural workers, their growth and the pursuit of their lawful activities, as well as to promote the widest possible understanding of the need to further the development of rural workers’ organizations and of the contribution they can make to improving employment opportunities and general conditions of work and life in rural areas, as well as to increasing the national income and achieving a better distribution thereof.

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The Committee notes that in its report, the Government indicates that the Labour Code of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has been enacted. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that the new Code applies to the rural workers. The Committee observes, however, that section 1 of the Labour Code “regulates the obligations, rights, privileges and social needs of workers”, and that section 3(2) of the Code defines workers as “government employees, workers and contractors”. The Committee recalls that under Article 2(1) of the Convention the term “rural workers” means any person engaged in agriculture, handicrafts or a related occupation in a rural area, whether as a wage earner or as a self-employed person such as a tenant, sharecropper or small owner-occupier. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify whether self-employed workers in the agriculture sector enjoy the rights under the Convention.

The Committee previously requested the Government to provide statistical information concerning the number of rural workers’ organizations in the country and to indicate the number of workers who are members of such organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, currently there are about 45,000 rural organizations working for the development and socio-economic uplift of local areas/their own communities, as well as dispute resolution through elected representatives. The Government indicates, however, that workers in rural areas as well as those in agriculture have not formed unions although they are allowed by law to do so. The Government adds that it is largely attributed to the peculiar situation confronting Afghanistan and, in particular, the security situation. In the light of this information, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any policy it had adopted or carried out and steps it had taken pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of the Convention to eliminate obstacles to the establishment of an organization of rural workers, their growth and the pursuit of their lawful activities, as well as to promote the widest possible understanding of the need to further the development of rural workers’ organisations and of the contribution they can make to improving employment opportunities and general conditions of work and life in rural areas, as well as to increasing the national income and achieving a better distribution thereof.

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The Committee takes note of the Government’s report.

The Committee notes the draft Labour Code. It notes with interest that the draft Code does not make an express reference to the Central Council of the DRA’s trade unions as to the single trade union organization enjoying certain prerogatives. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the Labour Code once it is adopted.

Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to: (1) provide statistical information concerning the number of rural workers’ organizations in the country; (2) indicate the number of workers who are members of such organizations; (3) indicate whether self-employed workers enjoy the right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing without authorization; and (4) indicate whether workers of the agriculture sector enjoy trade union rights including the right to bargain collectively, to organize their activities, and to formulate their programmes, as well as to indicate the existing system to solve collective disputes, where there is a disagreement among the parties.

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

In its previous comments the Committee recalled that, under Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention, rural workers’ organizations are to be independent and voluntary in character and to remain free from all interference, coercion or repression. In this regard, the Committee noted with concern that several provisions of the Labour Code conferred prerogatives on the single trade union designated by name as "the Central Council of the DRA’s Trade Unions", particularly in respect of the preparation of legislation and appointments to certain jobs (section 148(2) and section 3(4) of the Code). Furthermore, it noted that the objects of the Code included the consolidation of labour discipline and the implementation of production plans (section 1(4) of the Code).

The Committee had noted the information provided by the Government concerning the role of cooperatives generally under the Cooperative Law of 1981 and the voluntary nature of their membership, free from any form of coercion or pressure. It also noted that, due to the special conditions prevailing in the country, the Government had had difficulty collecting information from the concerned organizations. The Government was nevertheless requested to provide, in its next report, a copy of the recent statutes of the Peasants’ Cooperative Union of Afghanistan and to provide statistical information concerning the number of its members as soon as this is available.

The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, any measures taken to encourage rural workers’ organizations to play their role in economic and social development free from all interference of any sort as a result of this cooperation.

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

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The Committee notes with regret that for the fourth year in succession the Government’s report has not been received.

In its previous comments the Committee recalled that, under Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention, rural workers’ organizations are to be independent and voluntary in character and to remain free from all interference, coercion or repression. In this regard, the Committee noted with concern that several provisions of the Labour Code conferred prerogatives on the single trade union designated by name as "the Central Council of the DRA’s Trade Unions", particularly in respect of the preparation of legislation and appointments to certain jobs (section 148(2) and section 3(4) of the Code). Furthermore, it noted that the objects of the Code included the consolidation of labour discipline and the implementation of production plans (section 1(4) of the Code).

The Committee had noted the information provided by the Government concerning the role of cooperatives generally under the Cooperative Law of 1981 and the voluntary nature of their membership, free from any form of coercion or pressure. It also duly notes that, due to the special conditions prevailing in the country, the Government has had difficulty collecting information from the concerned organizations. The Government is nevertheless requested to provide, in its next report, a copy of the recent statutes of the Peasants’ Cooperative Union of Afghanistan and to provide statistical information concerning the number of its members as soon as this is available.

The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, any measures taken to encourage rural workers’ organizations to play their role in economic and social development free from all interference of any sort as a result of this cooperation.

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The Committee notes with regret that for the third year in succession the Government's report has not been received.

In its previous comments the Committee recalled that, under Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention, rural workers' organizations are to be independent and voluntary in character and to remain free from all interference, coercion or repression. In this regard, the Committee noted with concern that several provisions of the Labour Code conferred prerogatives on the single trade union designated by name as "the Central Council of the DRA's Trade Unions", particularly in respect of the preparation of legislation and appointments to certain jobs (section 148(2) and section 3(4) of the Code). Furthermore, it noted that the objects of the Code included the consolidation of labour discipline and the implementation of production plans (section 1(4) of the Code).

The Committee had noted the information provided by the Government concerning the role of cooperatives generally under the Cooperative Law of 1981 and the voluntary nature of their membership, free from any form of coercion or pressure. It also duly notes that, due to the special conditions prevailing in the country, the Government has had difficulty collecting information from the concerned organizations. The Government is nevertheless requested to provide, in its next report, a copy of the recent statutes of the Peasant's Cooperative Union of Afghanistan and to provide statistical information concerning the number of its members as soon as this is available.

The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, any measures taken to encourage rural workers' organizations to play their role in economic and social development free from all interference of any sort as a result of this cooperation.

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The Committee notes with regret that for the second year in succession 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 requests, which read as follows:

In its previous comments, the Committee recalled that, under Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention, rural workers' organizations are to be independent and voluntary in character and to remain free from all interference, coercion or repression. The Committee noted with concern in this regard that several provisions of the Labour Code conferred prerogatives on the single trade union designated by name as "the Central Council of the DRA's Trade Unions", particularly in respect of the preparation of legislation and appointments to certain jobs (section 148(2) and section 3(4) of the Code). Furthermore, it noted that the objects of the Code included the consolidation of labour discipline and the implementation of production plans (section 1(4) of the Code).

The Committee had noted the information provided by the Government concerning the role of cooperatives generally under the Cooperative Law of 1981 and the voluntary nature of their membership, free from any form of coercion or pressure. It also duly notes that, due to the special conditions prevailing in the country, the Government has had difficulty collecting information from the concerned organizations. The Government is requested to provide, in its next report, a copy of the recent statutes of the Peasants' Cooperative Union of Afghanistan and to provide statistical information concerning the number of its members as soon as this is available.

The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, any measures taken to encourage rural workers' organizations to play their role in economic and social development free from all interference of any sort as a result of this cooperation.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret 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:

In its previous comments, the Committee recalled that, under Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention, rural workers' organizations are to be independent and voluntary in character and to remain free from all interference, coercion or repression. The Committee noted with concern in this regard that several provisions of the Labour Code conferred prerogatives on the single trade union designated by name as "the Central Council of the DRA's Trade Unions", particularly in respect of the preparation of legislation and appointments to certain jobs (section 148(2) and section 3(4) of the Code). Furthermore, it noted that the objects of the Code included the consolidation of labour discipline and the implementation of production plans (section 1(4) of the Code).

The Committee had noted the information provided by the Government concerning the role of cooperatives generally under the Cooperative Law of 1981 and the voluntary nature of their membership, free from any form of coercion or pressure. It also duly notes that, due to the special conditions prevailing in the country, the Government has had difficulty collecting information from the concerned organizations. The Government is requested to provide, in its next report, a copy of the recent statutes of the Peasants' Cooperative Union of Afghanistan and to provide statistical information concerning the number of its members as soon as this is available.

Finally, the Committee notes that the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has attracted the attention of the ILO's responsible authorities for rendering assistance for the encouragement of rural workers' organizations. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, any measures taken to encourage rural workers' organizations to play their role in economic and social development free from all interference of any sort as a result of this cooperation.

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The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report. In its previous comments, the Committee recalled that, under Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention, rural workers' organizations are to be independent and voluntary in character and to remain free from all interference, coercion or repression. The Committee noted with concern in this regard that several provisions of the Labour Code conferred prerogatives on the single trade union designated by name as "the Central Council of the DRA's Trade Unions", particularly in respect of the preparation of legislation and appointments to certain jobs (section 148(2) and section 3(4) of the Code). Furthermore, it noted that the objects of the Code included the consolidation of labour discipline and the implementation of production plans (section 1(4) of the Code).

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the role of cooperatives generally under the Cooperative Law of 1981 and the voluntary nature of their membership, free from any form of coercion or pressure. It also duly notes that, due to the special conditions prevailing in the country, the Government has had difficulty collecting information from the concerned organizations. The Government is requested to provide, in its next report, a copy of the recent statutes of the Peasants' Cooperative Union of Afghanistan and to provide statistical information concerning the number of its members as soon as this is available.

Finally, the Committee notes from the Government's report that the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has attracted the attention of the ILO's responsible authorities for rendering assistance for the encouragement of rural workers' organizations. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, any measures taken to encourage rural workers' organizations to play their role in economic and social development free from all interference of any sort as a result of this cooperation.

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The Committee notes 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:

Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee recalls that on ratifying the Convention, the Government undertook to guarantee that rural workers' organizations shall be independent and voluntary in character and shall remain free from all interference, coercion or repression.

The Committee notes, however, that several provisions of the Labour Code confer prerogatives on the single trade union designated by name in law as the "Central Council of the DRA's Trade Unions", in particular in the preparation of legislation and appointments to certain jobs (section 148(2) and section 3(4) of the Code). Furthermore, the Committee notes that the objects of the Code include the consolidation of labour discipline and the implementation of production plans (section 1(4) of the Code).

The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide detailed information on the role of the Union of Peasants in the implementation of the production plan and, if applicable, its powers in respect of labour discipline. In particular, it requests the Government to provide the statutory provisions regulating the Union of Peasants (the legislation under which it was created: e.g. the Labour Code of 1987, the Act concerning the organization and working of agricultural cooperatives, or any other relevant instrument) and to provide a copy of the recent statutes of the Union.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government confines itself in its reports to providing general information on the role of the Union of Peasants and Farmers. Accordingly, it is bound to repeat its previous direct request and hopes that the Government will not fail to provide the detailed information requested in its next report.

Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee recalls that on ratifying the Convention, the Government undertook to guarantee that rural workers' organizations shall be independent and voluntary in character and shall remain free from all interference, coercion or repression.

The Committee notes, however, that several provisions of the Labour Code confer prerogatives on the single trade union designated by name in law as the "Central Council of the DRA's Trade Unions", in particular in the preparation of legislation and appointments to certain jobs (section 148(2) and section 3(4) of the Code). Furthermore, the Committee notes that the objects of the Code include the consolidation of labour discipline and the implementation of production plans (section 1(4) of the Code).

The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide detailed information on the role of the Union of Peasants in the implementation of the production plan and, if applicable, its powers in respect of labour discipline. In particular, it requests the Government to provide the statutory provisions regulating the Union of Peasants (the legislation under which it was created: e.g. the Labour Code of 1987, the Act concerning the organization and working of agricultural cooperatives, or any other relevant instrument) and to provide a copy of the recent statutes of the Union.

The Government is asked to report in detail for the period ending 30 June 1993.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will provide full information on the following points.

Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee recalls that on ratifying the Convention, the Government undertook to guarantee that rural workers' organisations shall be independent and voluntary in character and shall remain free from all interference, coercion or repression.

The Committee notes, however, that several provisions of the Labour Code confer prerogatives on the single trade union, designated by name in the law as the "Central Council of the DRA's trade unions", in particular in the preparation of legislation and appointment to certain jobs (section 148(2) and section 3(4) of the Code). Furthermore, the Committee notes that the objects of the Code include the consolidation of labour discipline and the implementation of production plans (section 1(4) of the Code).

The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide detailed information on the role of the Peasants' Cooperatives Union in the implementation of the production plan and, if applicable, its powers in respect of labour discipline. In particular, it requests the Government to provide the statutory provisions regulating the Peasants' Cooperatives Union (the legislation under which it created: the Labour Code of 1987, the Act concerning the organisation and working of agricultural cooperatives, or another instrument) and to provide a copy of the recent statutes of the Union.

The Government is asked to report in detail for the period ending 30 June 1992.

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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report on the role of the Central Council of Peasants' Co-operatives Union (of which mention had been made in previous reports) and asks the Government to explain under which legislation this organisation was created (for example, which section of the 1987 Labour Code is involved? Or is the Act concerning the organisation and working of agricultural co-operatives involved?). It also requests the Government to supply a copy of this Union's most recent statutes.

In addition, the Committee notes that the meaning of s.148(2) of the Labour Code is unclear in the unofficial English version of the text sent recently by the Government and other English versions of the Code. Could the Government clarify the role of the Central Council of the Trade Unions, including its "right to regulate normative documents in the light of the law"? In this connection, the Committee would recall that Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention, states that rural workers' organisations shall be independent and voluntary in character and shall remain free from all interference, coercion or repression.