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

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

The Committee notes the reply provided by the Government in August 2008 to its 2006 direct request.

Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. The Government indicates that vocational training has been provided and expanded through the National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) and various vocational training institutions with international technical assistance. The Committee understands that the overall goal of the NSDP is to contribute to the socio-economic recovery of Afghanistan through the provision of a national skills development and vocational education and the implementation of a training system which responds to labour market needs and provides all Afghans with the knowledge and skills for decent work. Through the implementation of various programmes in 2007–08, some 134,000 men and women have been trained in various fields. The Government also refers to the initial draft of the National Employment Strategy, developed in cooperation with the ILO, as well as the establishment of a Labour Market Information Analysis Unit in the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled. Other projects implemented by the ILO included the establishment of public employment services in the country. The employment services provided both in Kabul and at the provincial level include vocational and career guidance, job application training and information on self-employment opportunities. The Committee also notes that, amongst other things, the Afghan National Development Strategy 2008–13, includes the target of achieving a net enrolment rate in primary schools by girls and boys of at least 60 per cent and 75 per cent, respectively, by 2010. The Committee invites the Government to report on the implementation of the NSDP and the operation of a National Vocational Education and Training Authority, in cooperation with the social partners, as required by Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee would also welcome information on the implementation of the measures undertaken in the framework of the National Employment Strategy and the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, and the results thereof (Articles 1–3). As previously requested, the Committee would welcome information on measures taken to encourage women and vulnerable categories of workers to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.