Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

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

In comments it has been making since 1983, the Committee has noted that no specific provisions exist for the application of the provisions of the Convention. In its comments for 1989, the Committee noted the adoption of the new Labour Code, section 115 of which provides for occupational safety and health regulations, rules and standards to be 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 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 Government's latest report refers to several general provisions in the Labour Code. In particular, the Government indicates that, by virtue of section 126 of the Labour Code which calls for the elaboration of a list of occupational diseases, the Ministry of Public Health, with the assistance of the World Health Organization, has established a research centre to investigate occupational diseases.

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 hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures in the very near future to determine the carcinogenic substances and agents to which occupational exposure is prohibited or made subject to authorisation or control in accordance with Article 1 and to ensure effect is given 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).

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