Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Afghanistan (Ratification: 1969)

1. Noting the Government's reliance on section 9 of the Labour Code (which stipulates "equal wages for equal work"), the Committee recalls that Article 2 of the Convention encompasses the broader principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. Observing that the Government's reports continue to deny any discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment of men and women and refer to section 75 of the Code (containing the criteria for wage determination) without demonstrating how the broader concept is applied, the Committee asks the Government to consider amending the Labour Code so as to reflect fully the principle of the Convention.

2. The Committee notes that reference is made in the Government's report to an attached wage and salary table which, from its description, appears to be the type of documentation already furnished by the Government (in respect of contract employees and civil servants) with a previous report. While this material has served to illustrate the range of classifications and the relative wage levels determined for each grade of workers, it is not sufficient to show how the principle of the Convention is applied in practice. Accordingly, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would also indicate the approximate percentages of men and women classified in the different grades, either generally, if the information is available or in a particular sector, such as the civil service. The Committee also requests the Government to provide examples of collective agreements, fixing rates of remuneration for occupations in which substantial numbers of women are employed.

3. The Committee has noted with interest the emphasis placed on tripartite cooperation with regard to the implementation of ratified ILO Conventions. It would be grateful for any information on tripartite action taken to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment for women within the context of the Convention.