Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Afghanistan (Ratification: 1979)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest reports. In particular, it notes the practical efforts made by the Government through the labour inspection department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Public Health to provide pre-employment and periodic medical examinations for workers.

In its comments for 1989, the Committee had noted the adoption of the new Labour Code, section 115 of which provides for occupational safety and health regulations, rules and standards to be set drawn up by the State Committee of Labour and Social Security, the Central Council of Traders Guilds of Afghanistan and the Ministry of Public Health, and requested the Government to provide information on any standards issued under this section to prevent occupational hazards due to carcinogenic substances. In 1990, the Government had indicated in its report that a draft of new regulations applying the provisions of the Convention had already been completed and would be adopted in the near future. The Committee would recall that, under Article 6(a) of the Convention, Members ratifying the Convention shall, by laws or regulations or any other method consistent with national practice and conditions and in consultation with the most representative organisations of employers and workers concerned, take such steps as may be necessary to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the progress made in adopting regulations which will determine the carcinogenic substances and agents to which occupational exposure shall be prohibited or made subject to authorisation or control in accordance with Article 1 and which shall give effect to Article 2 (substitution of carcinogenic substances by non-carcinogenic or less harmful substances, reduction of the number of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances and the degree and duration of exposure), Article 3 (measures for the protection of workers against risk of exposure to carcinogenic substances or agents and establishment of an appropriate system of records), Article 4 (providing workers with information on the dangers involved and the measures to be taken when exposed to carcinogenic substances or agents), and Article 5 (provision of medical examinations during the period of employment and thereafter).