Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Afghanistan (Ratification: 1979)

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the Government’s report received in June 2006, as well as the content of the Afghanistan Compact that was adopted during the London Conference on Afghanistan on 31 January-1 February 2006, and for which economic and social development is one of the three pillars of activity. The Committee also notes the observation made by the Central Council National Union of Afghanistan Labours transmitted by the Government with the report.

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Vocational guidance and vocational training policy. The Committee notes that the 2006 draft Labour Code contains a number of provisions concerning vocational guidance and training, in particular articles 91 to 104 of Chapter VI of the Code entitled “Vocational Training and Raising Skills of the Workers”. The Committee further notes that skills development is one of the benchmarks established by the Afghan Compact of 2006. This includes a human resources study to be completed by the end of 2006. The Government also indicates that according to the Compact’s objectives, 150,000 men and women will be trained in marketable skills through public and private means by the end of 2010. Furthermore, technical and professional education centres will gradually be equipped throughout the provinces of the country and the implementation of the National Skills Development Programme will be done with the technical assistance of the ILO. The Committee notes that according to the Afghanistan Compact, the international community will provide resources and support to realize the well-being of the Afghan people. Noting also the commitment of both the Government and the international community to improve the effectiveness and accountability of international assistance under the impartial coordination of the United Nations, the Committee looks forward to receive from the Government updated information on the implementation and results achieved through the various positive measures undertaken in order to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government could provide in its next report information on measures taken or envisaged in order to encourage women to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.