Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

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

The Committee notes the brief information provided by the Government concerning the new Labour Code, and notes with satisfaction that sections 10 (general requirement to provide a safe and healthy working environment) and 107 (requirement to use safety equipment to prevent occupational diseases) provide a basis for further regulation of the issues covered by this Convention. It also notes the reference to section 107, paragraphs 1 and 2, which provides that lists of occupational diseases and arrangements for the payment of damages for disabilities and health injuries are to be drawn up. While recognizing the continued challenges and difficulties the new authorities are faced with, the Committee is encouraged by the efforts made by the Government to progress towards the assumption of full responsibility in regard to the Convention and taking the necessary action to bring national laws and regulations into conformity with the occupational safety and health standards contained, inter alia, in the present Convention. The Committee draws the Government’s particular attention to the need for setting up a system for determining carcinogenic substances and agents used at workplaces in the country and which may require the introduction of prohibitions or be made subject to national authorization or control, in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the progress achieved in this respect as well as regards further efforts made to give effect to this Convention, including any regulations adopted under sections 10 and 107 of the new Labour Code.

Part IV of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not include a response to the observations submitted by the All Afghanistan Federation of Trade Unions (AAFTU), which the Committee referred to in its 2006 and 2007 comments on the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to respond to the points raised in the abovementioned observations.