Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Sao Tome and Principe (Ratification: 1982)

1. The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government in its report.

2. The Committee notes with interest the creation of the Centre for Further Technical Training in Agriculture (CATAP) which has provided vocational training in the agricultural sector for some 1,000 workers assigned to production, including small farmers and middle-management staff and/or directors of agricultural undertakings. It notes, from the information supplied by the Government, the admission requirements for these courses. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the number of women who have attended the CATAP courses and to supply statistics showing trends in the number of women who have received training organised through the project "Reorganisation of the CATAP and the training of young farmers".

3. The Committee notes from the Government's reply to its previous comments, the list of posts which are not subject to the usual procedures for the filling of vacant posts. The Committee asks the Government to indicate how the principle of non-discrimination is applied in respect of posts filled by the Services Commission.

4. The Committee notes the Government's statement that Decree No. 61/79 governing the National Employment Centre and Decree No. 36/80 respecting the criteria to be met by workers in competitions for entry and promotion are the only instruments regulating the application of the principle of equality of treatment in the public administration. The Committee notes that no legislative provision specifies that a post or a service must be reserved for one or other of the sexes. It requests the Government to provide any information which may be available concerning the employment of women and men in the administration, at the various grades and levels of the public service.

The Committee also notes that the labour inspection services carry out their activities in all sectors of national life and that they supervise and monitor the application of laws and regulations, while providing instruction and guidance for employers and workers. It requests the Government to provide information on the results obtained, and in particular on any violation of the principle of equality noted by the labour inspectorate and the remedial measures taken.

5. The Committee notes the Government's statement that no collective agreements exist at present, since organisation of the workers is still in its initial phase and the creation of an advisory committee of directors of enterprises is still under study. The Committee refers to paragraphs 185 to 192 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation, concerning the co-operation of employers' and workers' organisations. It requests the Government to provide information on progress made in the establishment of the advisory committee and on any other measures whereby the co-operation of employers' and workers' organisations could be ensured in order to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

6. The Committee notes the Government's statement that, under the penal law, persons suspected of undermining the security of the State are not subject to administrative measures. They are subject to criminal procedure, appearing before the courts as defendants, and enjoy the guarantees laid down for criminal proceedings with regard to defence. If sentenced, they are entitled to appeal to a higher court. Persons sentenced and who have served their sentence, in accordance with penal law, continue to have access to work under the legislation in force.