Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Workmen's Compensation (Occupational Diseases) Convention, 1925 (No. 18) - Guinea - Bissau (Ratification: 1977)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government states in its last report that the National Social Insurance Institute, which has competence for workers’ compensation for occupational accidents and diseases, is having difficulty in identifying occupational diseases. The situation therefore remains unchanged in that, having been unable to determine occupational diseases, the Ministry of Public Health has not been able to adopt a list of such diseases.

The Committee takes note of this information. It can only note once again with regret the lack of progress in amending the national legislation to include a list of occupational diseases. In view of the importance of this matter, the Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will take all necessary steps in the very near future to ensure the adoption of a list of occupational diseases including at least those set out in the Schedule to Article 2 of the Convention. The diseases in question can then be recognized as occupational where contracted in the conditions prescribed in the Schedule. The Committee reminds the Government that it may seek technical assistance from the Office.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.