Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) - Kyrgyzstan (Ratification: 1992)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government on legislative developments with respect to the rights of persons with disabilities during the period covered by the report. In particular, the Government reports that Act No. 38 of 3 April 2008 on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities was superseded by the adoption of the Act on Rights and Guarantees for Persons with Disabilities in 2017. The Act establishes the right to work of persons with disabilities under normal working conditions, in specialized organizations, in workshops and in areas employing persons with disabilities (section 27) and to engage in entrepreneurial activities with the support of local state administrations and governments (section 32). The Committee notes that section 28 of the Act establishes a 5 per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities in any workplace employing at least 20 workers. It further establishes that working conditions (including pay, working hours and rest hours and the duration of annual leave) for persons with disabilities under collective agreements and employment contracts cannot be less favourable than those established for other employees. In addition, section 40 of the Act stipulates that vocational and advanced training shall be provided to persons with disabilities in educational institutions, enterprises and organizations (specialized or general) together with social protection institutions and pursuant to an individual rehabilitation programme. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication concerning its ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 13 March 2019. In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to information available on the website of the Kyrgyz Ombudsperson (Akyikatchy Institute), a draft resolution of the Plan of priority measures for the implementation of the provisions of the CRPD for 2020–22 has been developed. The Committee also notes the establishment of the Council for Persons with Disabilities by the Government Decree No. 175-b of 15 May 2020, which includes among its main responsibilities the provision of assistance to public authorities in the implementation of legislation to improve the socio-economic situation of persons with disabilities. The Committee nevertheless observes that, according to the information available on the website of the Ombudsman, while the Government has taken efforts towards the recognition of persons with disabilities’ rights in the legislation, significant gaps in implementation remain. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the nature and impact of the policies and measures adopted or envisaged to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. It further requests the Government to provide concrete information on the application of the 2017 amendments to Act No. 38 of 3 April 2008 on Rights and Guarantees for Persons with Disabilities and the manner in which it ensures equal access to employment and decent work for persons with disabilities, including copies of court decisions concerning application of the principles of the Convention. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide additional concrete information on practical measures taken to ensure the right of persons with disabilities to have equality of access to employment and occupation.

Article 3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. In response to the Committee’s previous comments concerning the employment of persons with disabilities on the open labour market, the Government refers to the 5 per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities established under sections 314 and 315 of the Labour Code. The Government indicates that, in 2018, the Kyrgyz Ombudsman (Akyikatchy Institute) carried out a study to evaluate compliance with the quotas by institutions and organizations in both the public and private sectors. It reports that not all of the jobs offered in accordance with the 5 per cent quota were filled by persons with disabilities due to, among other reasons, the low number of persons with disabilities contacting the territorial employment agencies. In addition, while the majority of persons with disabilities that do contact the employment services have higher or secondary special education, most vacancies offered are in lower paid non-professional occupations. The Government adds that many persons with disabilities also find employment without using the employment services. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government with regard to the number of persons with disabilities who secured employment and accessed vocational training or paid community work between the second quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2019, after receiving support from the public employment services. During this period, there were 757 jobseekers with disabilities (390 of which were women), 167 of them (92 of which were women) found work, while 105 were directed to vocational training, and 132 were directed to paid community work. The Committee nevertheless notes that, in its concluding observations of 7 July 2015, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESC) expressed concern at the scale of unemployment in the country, which primarily affects women, young people under the age of 30 and persons with disabilities (Document E/C.12/KGZ/CO/2-3, paragraph 9). With regard to the employment of persons with disabilities in the state service, the Committee notes that, according to the official statistics available from the State Personnel Service, as of 2018, there were more than 180,000 persons with disabilities in Kyrgyzstan (making up 3 per cent of the total population). However, only 103 persons with disabilities were employed in the state service. In this context, the Committee notes that, on 22 May 2019, the State Human Resources signed a plan for cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with a view to promoting an inclusive working environment for persons with disabilities and protecting their rights in the state and municipal service. The Plan’s objectives include providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation to promote the rights and employment of persons with disabilities, developing inclusive employment recruitment processes for persons with disabilities, ensuring equality of opportunity for persons with disabilities, and implementing awareness-raising measures about the rights of persons with disabilities among the state and social sectors. Lastly, the Government refers to the adoption of Presidential Decree UP No. 243 of 27 August 2000, which provides support for the manufacturing enterprises of the Kyrgyz Society for the Blind and Deaf. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the nature, scope and impact of measures adopted to improve the employment opportunities of persons with disabilities on the open labour market, particularly women with disabilities, in both the public and the private sectors. In this respect, the Committee invites the Government to continue to provide statistical data, disaggregated by sex, age and type of disability, as well as by region, to the extent possible, and extracts from reports, studies and investigations concerning the matters covered by the Convention. It further requests the Government to provide a copy of the most recent report of the Ombudsman (Akyikatchy Institute) relating to the rights of persons with disabilities, including their labour and employment rights.

Article 4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between men and women workers with disabilities, and between workers with disabilities and other workers. The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 7 July 2015, the CESC expressed concern with regard to the lack of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, and the persistent discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, sex, religion, economic status, age or other status, including disability, in accessing employment (document E/C.12/KGZ/CO/2-3, paragraph 5). In this respect, the Committee notes that article 16(2) of the Constitution provides that no one may be subjected to discrimination on the basis of, among other grounds, sex and disability, while article 16(4) states that “[i]n the Kyrgyz Republic men and women shall have equal rights and freedoms and equal opportunities for their realization.” There is, however, an absence of substantive legislation providing the practical application of the right to equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation. In this context, the Committee notes that, while section 9 of the Labour Code prohibiting discrimination in the field of employment and occupation sets out a list of prohibited grounds of discrimination, it does not include the ground of disability. Moreover, the Committee notes that section 9 of the Labour Code does not explicitly outline and prohibit workplace discrimination that may occur during hiring, promotions, demotions, or terminations. Section 317 and 318 of the Labour Code prohibit specific cases of workplace discrimination against persons with disabilities, guaranteeing equal working conditions and equal remuneration while also protecting workers with disabilities from termination and dismissal in certain circumstances. The law also requires employers to reasonably accommodate workers with disabilities by creating individualized working conditions. Moreover, the Committee notes that the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on State Guarantees of Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Men and Women, as amended by Law No. 97 of 14 July 2011, does not prohibit discrimination on multiple grounds; and does not include a definition of indirect discrimination consistent with international standards. In this context, the Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 29 November 2021, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), expressed concern at the limited access to decent employment for disadvantaged and marginalized groups of women, including women with disabilities. The CEDAW also expressed concern with regard to intersecting forms of discrimination faced by women with disabilities (document CEDAW/C/KGZ/CO/5, paragraphs 33(f) and 41). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature, scope and impact of measures adopted to ensure effective equality of opportunities and treatment in employment and occupation between women and men with disabilities, and between workers in general and workers with disabilities, including statistics disaggregated by sex, age and economic sector. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed information on the effective application of legislation concerning effective equality of opportunities and treatment between men and women workers with disabilities, and between workers with disabilities and other workers. It also requests the Government to provide copies of court decisions, if any, concerning cases of direct and indirect discrimination against persons with disabilities, including cases of discrimination on multiple grounds, such as sex or race, coupled with the ground of disability.

Article 5. Consultations with the social partners and with organizations of and for persons with disabilities. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reiterates that offices of the state employment services developed standards for setting the 5 per cent job quota for persons with disabilities with the participation of the organizations of persons with disabilities in the country. The Committee notes that discussions were held on 6 September 2019 in relation to the development of inclusive recruitment processes for persons with disabilities in the state and municipal service in the capital city of Bishkek between representatives of the government, civil society, including organizations of persons with disabilities, and international organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide concrete information on the content, frequency and outcome of the consultations held with the social partners and with organizations representing persons with disabilities, in relation to the application of the provisions of the Convention.

Article 7. Vocational training for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on training programmes for persons with disabilities developed between 2018 and 2019 by the State Penal Correction Service. The Committee notes that of the training programmes provided, programmes for hairdressers are directed to women, while programmes for welders are directed to men. The Government indicates that, in the framework of the Education and Skills Development project of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), physical barriers were removed in 41 vocational educational institutions to guarantee the access of persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the nature and impacts of the vocational guidance and training measures adopted to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment. Noting that certain vocational training programmes for persons with disabilities appear to direct women and men to occupations perceived as traditionally female or male, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to promote gender equality between men and women with disabilities in vocational guidance and training, including measures to promote women’s access to non-traditional occupations.

Articles 8 and 9. Availability of vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural and remote areas and training of suitably qualified staff. The Government reports that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) concluded a cooperation agreement for implementation of a programme to support the employment and vocational education of persons with disabilities. Following the implementation of pilots in Bishkek, Talas, Naryn and Karakol, the programme was extended to the southern cities of Osh, Jalal- Abad, Uzgen and Batken. In addition, several trainings on the new approach to vocational guidance and training under the cooperation agreement were provided in 2019 with the support of the GIZ to public employment service staff in these cities. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the nature and impact of measures adopted to ensure the provision of effective vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the content and scope of the training provided to vocational rehabilitation and employment services staff in both urban and rural areas to enable them to provide effective employment-related services, including training, vocational guidance and placement services tailored to the specific needs of persons with disabilities. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature and impact of employment services provided to persons living with a psychological, emotional or intellectual disability.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2013.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that the national policy is aimed at creating suitable conditions of employment for persons with disabilities. It adds that specific measures for the job placement of persons with disabilities and the adaptation of workplaces are set out in the Plan of Action to implement the strategy for the development of social protection for 2012–14. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the manner in which the strategy for the development of social protection has included vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities as part of its objectives, as well as the results of its implementation. It also invites the Government to provide the information available on the integration of persons with disabilities in the labour market, including for example statistics, reports and studies, concerning the matters covered by the Convention.

Article 3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that persons with disabilities have the right to work, irrespective of the nature and category of their disability. Persons with disabilities are guaranteed the right to work, subject to individual rehabilitation programmes, in enterprises under normal working conditions and in specialized organizations and workshops which employ persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities also have the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity. Local administrations are obliged to provide the necessary assistance to persons with disabilities engaged in entrepreneurial activity in obtaining non-residential premises for their activity, obtaining raw materials and selling their products. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market.

Article 4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Government indicates that employers are required to create jobs, within the established quota, for persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers.

Article 5. Consultation of the representative organizations. The Government indicates that offices of the state employment services, with the participation of the organizations of persons with disabilities, develop standards for setting the job quota for persons with disabilities, which must be at least 5 per cent of the jobs in any workplace employing at least 20 workers. Within this standard, jobs may also be offered on a part-time basis. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the outcome of any tripartite consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report.

Article 8. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. The Committee once again invites the Government to describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities.

Article 9. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee once again invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2013.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that the national policy is aimed at creating suitable conditions of employment for persons with disabilities. It adds that specific measures for the job placement of persons with disabilities and the adaptation of workplaces are set out in the Plan of Action to implement the strategy for the development of social protection for 2012–14. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the manner in which the strategy for the development of social protection has included vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities as part of its objectives, as well as the results of its implementation. It also invites the Government to provide the information available on the integration of persons with disabilities in the labour market, including for example statistics, reports and studies, concerning the matters covered by the Convention.

Article 3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that persons with disabilities have the right to work, irrespective of the nature and category of their disability. Persons with disabilities are guaranteed the right to work, subject to individual rehabilitation programmes, in enterprises under normal working conditions and in specialized organizations and workshops which employ persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities also have the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity. Local administrations are obliged to provide the necessary assistance to persons with disabilities engaged in entrepreneurial activity in obtaining non-residential premises for their activity, obtaining raw materials and selling their products. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market.

Article 4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Government indicates that employers are required to create jobs, within the established quota, for persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers.

Article 5. Consultation of the representative organizations. The Government indicates that offices of the state employment services, with the participation of the organizations of persons with disabilities, develop standards for setting the job quota for persons with disabilities, which must be at least 5 per cent of the jobs in any workplace employing at least 20 workers. Within this standard, jobs may also be offered on a part-time basis. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the outcome of any tripartite consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report.

Article 8. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. The Committee once again invites the Government to describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities.

Article 9. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee once again invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that the national policy is aimed at creating suitable conditions of employment for persons with disabilities. It adds that specific measures for the job placement of persons with disabilities and the adaptation of workplaces are set out in the Plan of Action to implement the strategy for the development of social protection for 2012–14. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the manner in which the strategy for the development of social protection has included vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities as part of its objectives, as well as the results of its implementation. It also invites the Government to provide the information available on the integration of persons with disabilities in the labour market, including for example statistics, reports and studies, concerning the matters covered by the Convention.

Article 3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that persons with disabilities have the right to work, irrespective of the nature and category of their disability. Persons with disabilities are guaranteed the right to work, subject to individual rehabilitation programmes, in enterprises under normal working conditions and in specialized organizations and workshops which employ persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities also have the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity. Local administrations are obliged to provide the necessary assistance to persons with disabilities engaged in entrepreneurial activity in obtaining non-residential premises for their activity, obtaining raw materials and selling their products. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market.

Article 4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Government indicates that employers are required to create jobs, within the established quota, for persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers.

Article 5. Consultation of the representative organizations. The Government indicates that offices of the state employment services, with the participation of the organizations of persons with disabilities, develop standards for setting the job quota for persons with disabilities, which must be at least 5 per cent of the jobs in any workplace employing at least 20 workers. Within this standard, jobs may also be offered on a part-time basis. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the outcome of any tripartite consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report.

Article 8. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. The Committee once again invites the Government to describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities.

Article 9. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee once again invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that the national policy is aimed at creating suitable conditions of employment for persons with disabilities. It adds that specific measures for the job placement of persons with disabilities and the adaptation of workplaces are set out in the Plan of Action to implement the strategy for the development of social protection for 2012–14. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the manner in which the strategy for the development of social protection has included vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities as part of its objectives, as well as the results of its implementation. It also invites the Government to provide the information available on the integration of persons with disabilities in the labour market, including for example statistics, reports and studies, concerning the matters covered by the Convention.

Article 3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that persons with disabilities have the right to work, irrespective of the nature and category of their disability. Persons with disabilities are guaranteed the right to work, subject to individual rehabilitation programmes, in enterprises under normal working conditions and in specialized organizations and workshops which employ persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities also have the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity. Local administrations are obliged to provide the necessary assistance to persons with disabilities engaged in entrepreneurial activity in obtaining non-residential premises for their activity, obtaining raw materials and selling their products. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market.

Article 4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Government indicates that employers are required to create jobs, within the established quota, for persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers.

Article 5. Consultation of the representative organizations. The Government indicates that offices of the state employment services, with the participation of the organizations of persons with disabilities, develop standards for setting the job quota for persons with disabilities, which must be at least five per cent of the jobs in any workplace employing at least 20 workers. Within this standard, jobs may also be offered on a part-time basis. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the outcome of any tripartite consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report.

Article 8. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. The Committee once again invites the Government to describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities.

Article 9. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee once again invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2012, which provides some information in reply to the previous comments. The Government indicates that the national policy is aimed at creating suitable conditions of employment for persons with disabilities. It adds that specific measures for the job placement of persons with disabilities and the adaptation of workplaces are set out in the Plan of Action to implement the strategy for the development of social protection for 2012–14. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the manner in which the strategy for the development of social protection has included vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities as part of its objectives, as well as the results of its implementation. It also invites the Government to provide, in its next report, the information available on the integration of persons with disabilities in the labour market, including for example statistics, reports and studies, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Article 3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that persons with disabilities have the right to work, irrespective of the nature and category of their disability. Persons with disabilities are guaranteed the right to work, subject to individual rehabilitation programmes, in enterprises under normal working conditions and in specialized organizations and workshops which employ persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities also have the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity. Local administrations are obliged to provide the necessary assistance to persons with disabilities engaged in entrepreneurial activity in obtaining non-residential premises for their activity, obtaining raw materials and selling their products. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the impact of the measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market.

Article 4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Government indicates that employers are required to create jobs, within the established quota, for persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers.

Article 5. Consultation of the representative organizations. The Government indicates that offices of the state employment services, with the participation of the organizations of persons with disabilities, develop standards for setting the job quota for persons with disabilities, which must be at least five per cent of the jobs in any workplace employing at least 20 workers. Within this standard, jobs may also be offered on a part-time basis. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the outcome of any tripartite consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report.

Article 8. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. The Committee once again invites the Government to describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities.

Article 9. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee once again invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2012, which provides some information in reply to the previous comments. The Government indicates that the national policy is aimed at creating suitable conditions of employment for persons with disabilities. It adds that specific measures for the job placement of persons with disabilities and the adaptation of workplaces are set out in the Plan of Action to implement the strategy for the development of social protection for 2012–14. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the manner in which the strategy for the development of social protection has included vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities as part of its objectives, as well as the results of its implementation. It also invites the Government to provide, in its next report, the information available on the integration of persons with disabilities in the labour market, including for example statistics, reports and studies, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Article 3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that persons with disabilities have the right to work, irrespective of the nature and category of their disability. Persons with disabilities are guaranteed the right to work, subject to individual rehabilitation programmes, in enterprises under normal working conditions and in specialized organizations and workshops which employ persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities also have the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity. Local administrations are obliged to provide the necessary assistance to persons with disabilities engaged in entrepreneurial activity in obtaining non-residential premises for their activity, obtaining raw materials and selling their products. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the impact of the measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities in the open labour market.

Article 4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Government indicates that employers are required to create jobs, within the established quota, for persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers.

Article 5. Consultation of the representative organizations. The Government indicates that offices of the state employment services, with the participation of the organizations of persons with disabilities, develop standards for setting the job quota for persons with disabilities, which must be at least five per cent of the jobs in any workplace employing at least 20 workers. Within this standard, jobs may also be offered on a part-time basis. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the outcome of any tripartite consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report.

Article 8. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. The Committee once again invites the Government to describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities.

Article 9. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee once again invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments, which read as follows:

Repetition

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2005, which is the second report received since the ratification of the Convention, for the period of 2004 through to the first quarter of 2005. The Government concedes that the situation of the labour market in Kyrgyzstan is exceptionally difficult. On 1 April 2005, there were on average 22 applicants for every job vacancy. Under these difficult conditions, persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. The basic objective of the state employment service is first and foremost to get them into employment. Two hundred and thirty five persons with disabilities applied to the employment services – of which 89 were placed in work – during the period covered by the report.

The Committee also notes the difficulties to implement the system of quotas in workplaces for persons with disabilities. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue its efforts in order to enable people with disabilities to participate in the open labour market. The Committee asks the Government to regularly provide information on the manner in which difficulties have been overcome and the progress achieved by the National Employment Policy, in so far as it concerns vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities (Article 2 of the Convention).

Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that a project on social support for persons with disabilities with visual and audio impairments was implemented in 2002, and that the results of the project were reviewed and evaluated in the Tripartite Committee on employment promotion issues. The Government mentions, however, that the experiment was halted due to lack of funds. The Government is requested to keep the Committee informed of any further measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities on the free labour market (Article 3).

Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Committee takes note of the measures set out in the decree of the President on the national plan of action to increase gender equality 2002–06. It asks the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers (Article 4).

Consultation of the representative organizations. In reply to previous comments, the Government states that consultations and exchanges of views with workers’ and employers’ representative organizations are held on a continuing basis through regular meetings of the tripartite committee on regulation of the labour market, including persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the tripartite committee and on the outcome of any consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report. The Committee also asks the Government to indicate if any other organization was created by the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the Government’s report, and to describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy (Article 5).

Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. Please describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities (Article 8).

Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Please indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff (Article 9).

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2005 direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2005, which is the second report received since the ratification of the Convention, for the period of 2004 through to the first quarter of 2005. The Government concedes that the situation of the labour market in Kyrgyzstan is exceptionally difficult. On 1 April 2005, there were on average 22 applicants for every job vacancy. Under these difficult conditions, persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. The basic objective of the state employment service is first and foremost to get them into employment. Two hundred and thirty five persons with disabilities applied to the employment services – of which 89 were placed in work – during the period covered by the report. The Government refers to the national employment strategy that was approved by Decree No. 126 of 14 March 2005 and examined by the Committee under the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122).

2. The Committee also notes the difficulties to implement the system of quotas in workplaces for persons with disabilities. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue its efforts in order to enable people with disabilities to participate in the open labour market. The Committee asks the Government to regularly provide information on the manner in which difficulties have been overcome and the progress achieved by the National Employment Policy, in so far as it concerns vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities (Article 2 of the Convention).

3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that a project on social support for persons with disabilities with visual and audio impairments was implemented in 2002, and that the results of the project were reviewed and evaluated in the Tripartite Committee on employment promotion issues. The Government mentions, however, that the experiment was halted due to lack of funds. The Government is requested to keep the Committee informed of any further measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities on the free labour market (Article 3).

4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Committee takes note of the measures set out in the decree of the President on the national plan of action to increase gender equality 2002–06. It asks the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers (Article 4).

5. Consultation of the representative organizations. In reply to previous comments, the Government states that consultations and exchanges of views with workers’ and employers’ representative organizations are held on a continuing basis through regular meetings of the tripartite committee on regulation of the labour market, including persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the tripartite committee and on the outcome of any consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report. The Committee also asks the Government to indicate if any other organization was created by the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the Government’s report, and to describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy (Article 5).

6. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. Please describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities (Article 8).

7. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Please indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff (Article 9).

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2005 direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2005, which is the second report received since the ratification of the Convention, for the period of 2004 through to the first quarter of 2005. The Government concedes that the situation of the labour market in Kyrgyzstan is exceptionally difficult. On 1 April 2005, there were on average 22 applicants for every job vacancy. Under these difficult conditions, persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. The basic objective of the state employment service is first and foremost to get them into employment. Two hundred and thirty five persons with disabilities applied to the employment services – of which 89 were placed in work – during the period covered by the report. The Government refers to the national employment strategy that was approved by Decree No. 126 of 14 March 2005 and examined by the Committee under the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122).

2. The Committee also notes the difficulties to implement the system of quotas in workplaces for persons with disabilities. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue its efforts in order to enable people with disabilities to participate in the open labour market. The Committee asks the Government to regularly provide information on the manner in which difficulties have been overcome and the progress achieved by the National Employment Policy, insofar as it concerns vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities (Article 2 of the Convention).

3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that a project on social support for persons with disabilities with visual and audio impairments was implemented in 2002, and that the results of the project were reviewed and evaluated in the Tripartite Committee on employment promotion issues. The Government mentions, however, that the experiment was halted due to lack of funds. The Government is requested to keep the Committee informed of any further measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities on the free labour market (Article 3).

4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Committee takes note of the measures set out in the decree of the President on the national plan of action to increase gender equality 2002–06. It asks the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers (Article 4).

5. Consultation of the representative organizations. In reply to previous comments, the Government states that consultations and exchanges of views with workers’ and employers’ representative organizations are held on a continuing basis through regular meetings of the tripartite committee on regulation of the labour market, including persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the tripartite committee and on the outcome of any consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report. The Committee also asks the Government to indicate if any other organization was created by the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the Government’s report, and to describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy (Article 5).

6. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. Please describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities (Article 8).

7. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Please indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff (Article 9).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2005, which is the second report received since the ratification of the Convention, for the period of 2004 through to the first quarter of 2005. The Government concedes that the situation of the labour market in Kyrgyzstan is exceptionally difficult. On 1 April 2005, there were on average 22 applicants for every job vacancy. Under these difficult conditions, persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. The basic objective of the state employment service is first and foremost to get them into employment. Two hundred and thirty five persons with disabilities applied to the employment services - of which 89 were placed in work - during the period covered by the report. The Government refers to the national employment strategy that was approved by Decree No. 126 of 14 March 2005 and examined by the Committee under the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122).

2. The Committee also notes the difficulties to implement the system of quotas in workplaces for persons with disabilities. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue its efforts in order to enable people with disabilities to participate in the open labour market. The Committee asks the Government to regularly provide information on the manner in which difficulties have been overcome and the progress achieved by the National Employment Policy, in so far as it concerns vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities (Article 2 of the Convention).

3. Access to the open labour market for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that a project on social support for persons with disabilities with visual and audio impairments was implemented in 2002, and that the results of the project were reviewed and evaluated in the Tripartite Committee on employment promotion issues. The Government mentions, however, that the experiment was halted due to lack of funds. The Government is requested to keep the Committee informed of any further measures taken with a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities on the free labour market (Article 3).

4. Effective equality of opportunities and treatment between workers with disabilities, whether men or women, and other workers. The Committee takes note of the measures set out in the decree of the President on the national plan of action to increase gender equality 2002-06. It asks the Government to provide further information on the impact of the measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between workers with disabilities and other workers (Article 4).

5. Consultation of the representative organizations. In reply to previous comments, the Government states that consultations and exchanges of views with workers’ and employers’ representative organizations are held on a continuing basis through regular meetings of the tripartite committee on regulation of the labour market, including persons with disabilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the activities of the tripartite committee and on the outcome of any consultations held on the application of the national policy for the rehabilitation of workers with disabilities during the period covered by the next report. The Committee also asks the Government to indicate if any other organization was created by the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the Government’s report, and to describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy (Article 5).

6. Vocational rehabilitation and employment services in rural areas and remote communities. Please describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities (Article 8).

7. Training of staff responsible for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Please indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and section 17 of the Act on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff (Article 9).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It asks the Government to provide detailed information in relation to the following matters already raised in its 1995 comments.

Article 5 of the Convention. 1. Please indicate whether representative organizations of employers and workers are consulted on the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

2. Please indicate if any other organizations created under the Act on the social protection of persons with disabilities, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the Government’s report, and describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy.

Article 8. Please describe the measures taken to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities in rural areas and remote communities.

Article 9. The Committee noted the provision of section 17 of the Act on the social protection of persons with disabilities concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff which shall be financed and organized by the State. It also noted the Government’s statement to the effect that there are no teaching institutions providing training for such staff, though there is a real need to train qualified staff for work with persons with disabilities. It asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and the national provision referred to above.

Part V of the report form. Please provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, including more detailed information on any difficulties encountered, as well as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (for example, with respect to particular areas or branches of activity or particular categories of persons with disabilities).

[The Government is invited to reply in detail to the present comments in 2005.]

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its direct request of December 1995, which read as follows:

Article 5 of the Convention. 1. The Committee notes the provisions of the Employment Act of 1991 concerning the participation of the trade unions in the implementation of the state employment policy and the establishment of advisory committees on employment promotion which include representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, whether representative organizations of employers and workers are consulted on the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, as required by this Article.

2. The Committee notes the provisions of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning the role of organizations of and for disabled persons in the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, any other organizations of this kind created under the above-mentioned Act, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the report, and describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy, in accordance with this Article.

Article 8. The Government states that the principles of vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons are the same for those living in urban and rural areas of the country, but that it is difficult to put appropriate measures into practice in rural areas due to the unfavourable economic situation. While noting this information, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to take the necessary measures to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities, as required by this Article, and asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 9. The Committee notes the provision of section 17 of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff which shall be financed and organized by the State. It also notes the Government’s statement to the effect that there are no teaching institutions providing training for such staff, though there is a real need to train qualified staff for work with disabled persons. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate, in its next report, measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and the national provision referred to above.

Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indications in the report concerning preparation of new legislative documents relating to the implementation of all provisions of the Convention. The Government states, however, that economic difficulties do not permit all the necessary measures to be taken at the present time. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, including more detailed information on any difficulties encountered, as well as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (for example, with respect to particular areas or branches of activity or particular categories of disabled workers).

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its direct request of December 1995, which read as follows:

  Article 5 of the Convention. 1. The Committee notes the provisions of the Employment Act of 1991 concerning the participation of the trade unions in the implementation of the state employment policy and the establishment of advisory committees on employment promotion which include representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, whether representative organizations of employers and workers are consulted on the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, as required by this Article.

2. The Committee notes the provisions of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning the role of organizations of and for disabled persons in the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, any other organizations of this kind created under the above-mentioned Act, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the report, and describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy, in accordance with this Article.

  Article 8. The Government states that the principles of vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons are the same for those living in urban and rural areas of the country, but that it is difficult to put appropriate measures into practice in rural areas due to the unfavourable economic situation. While noting this information, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to take the necessary measures to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities, as required by this Article, and asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on any progress made in this regard.

  Article 9. The Committee notes the provision of section 17 of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff which shall be financed and organized by the State. It also notes the Government’s statement to the effect that there are no teaching institutions providing training for such staff, though there is a real need to train qualified staff for work with disabled persons. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate, in its next report, measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and the national provision referred to above.

  Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indications in the report concerning preparation of new legislative documents relating to the implementation of all provisions of the Convention. The Government states, however, that economic difficulties do not permit all the necessary measures to be taken at the present time. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, including more detailed information on any difficulties encountered, as well as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (for example, with respect to particular areas or branches of activity or particular categories of disabled workers).

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee again notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

        The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in its first report on the application of the Convention. It would be grateful if in its next report the Government would supply additional information on the following points:

        Article 5 of the Convention. 1. The Committee notes the provisions of the Employment Act of 1991 concerning the participation of the trade unions in the implementation of the state employment policy and the establishment of advisory committees on employment promotion which include representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, whether representative organizations of employers and workers are consulted on the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, as required by this Article.

        2. The Committee notes the provisions of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning the role of organizations of and for disabled persons in the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, any other organizations of this kind created under the above-mentioned Act, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the report, and describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy, in accordance with this Article.

        Article 8. The Government states that the principles of vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons are the same for those living in urban and rural areas of the country, but that it is difficult to put appropriate measures into practice in rural areas due to the unfavourable economic situation. While noting this information, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to take the necessary measures to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities, as required by this Article, and asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on any progress made in this regard.

        Article 9. The Committee notes the provision of section 17 of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff which shall be financed and organized by the State. It also notes the Government’s statement to the effect that there are no teaching institutions providing training for such staff, though there is a real need to train qualified staff for work with disabled persons. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate, in its next report, measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and the national provision referred to above.

        Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indications in the report concerning preparation of new legislative documents relating to the implementation of all provisions of the Convention. The Government states, however, that economic difficulties do not permit all the necessary measures to be taken at the present time. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, including more detailed information on any difficulties encountered, as well as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (for example, with respect to particular areas or branches of activity or particular categories of disabled workers).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in its first report on the application of the Convention. It would be grateful if in its next report the Government would supply additional information on the following points:

  Article 5 of the Convention.  1.  The Committee notes the provisions of the Employment Act of 1991 concerning the participation of the trade unions in the implementation of the state employment policy and the establishment of advisory committees on employment promotion which include representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, whether representative organizations of employers and workers are consulted on the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, as required by this Article.

2.  The Committee notes the provisions of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning the role of organizations of and for disabled persons in the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, any other organizations of this kind created under the above-mentioned Act, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the report, and describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy, in accordance with this Article.

  Article 8.  The Government states that the principles of vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons are the same for those living in urban and rural areas of the country, but that it is difficult to put appropriate measures into practice in rural areas due to the unfavourable economic situation. While noting this information, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to take the necessary measures to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities, as required by this Article, and asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on any progress made in this regard.

  Article 9.  The Committee notes the provision of section 17 of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff which shall be financed and organized by the State. It also notes the Government’s statement to the effect that there are no teaching institutions providing training for such staff, though there is a real need to train qualified staff for work with disabled persons. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate, in its next report, measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and the national provision referred to above.

  Part V of the report form.  The Committee notes the Government’s indications in the report concerning preparation of new legislative documents relating to the implementation of all provisions of the Convention. The Government states, however, that economic difficulties do not permit all the necessary measures to be taken at the present time. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, including more detailed information on any difficulties encountered, as well as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (for example, with respect to particular areas or branches of activity or particular categories of disabled workers).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in its first report on the application of the Convention. It would be grateful if in its next report the Government would supply additional information on the following points:

Article 5 of the Convention. 1. The Committee notes the provisions of the Employment Act of 1991 concerning the participation of the trade unions in the implementation of the state employment policy and the establishment of advisory committees on employment promotion which include representatives of employers' and workers' organizations. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, whether representative organizations of employers and workers are consulted on the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, as required by this Article.

2. The Committee notes the provisions of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning the role of organizations of and for disabled persons in the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, any other organizations of this kind created under the above-mentioned Act, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the report, and describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy, in accordance with this Article.

Article 8. The Government states that the principles of vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons are the same for those living in urban and rural areas of the country, but that it is difficult to put appropriate measures into practice in rural areas due to the unfavourable economic situation. While noting this information, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to take the necessary measures to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities, as required by this Article, and asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 9. The Committee notes the provision of section 17 of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff which shall be financed and organized by the State. It also notes the Government's statement to the effect that there are no teaching institutions providing training for such staff, though there is a real need to train qualified staff for work with disabled persons. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate, in its next report, measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and the national provision referred to above.

Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government's indications in the report concerning preparation of new legislative documents relating to the implementation of all provisions of the Convention. The Government states, however, that economic difficulties do not permit all the necessary measures to be taken at the present time. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, including more detailed information on any difficulties encountered, as well as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (for example, with respect to particular areas or branches of activity or particular categories of disabled workers).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in its first report on the application of the Convention. It would be grateful if in its next report the Government would supply additional information on the following points:

Article 5 of the Convention. 1. The Committee notes the provisions of the Employment Act of 1991 concerning the participation of the trade unions in the implementation of the state employment policy and the establishment of advisory committees on employment promotion which include representatives of employers' and workers' organizations. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, whether representative organizations of employers and workers are consulted on the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons, as required by this Article.

2. The Committee notes the provisions of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning the role of organizations of and for disabled persons in the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, any other organizations of this kind created under the above-mentioned Act, besides the Society for Deaf and Blind referred to in the report, and describe the manner in which these organizations are consulted on the implementation of that policy, in accordance with this Article.

Article 8. The Government states that the principles of vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons are the same for those living in urban and rural areas of the country, but that it is difficult to put appropriate measures into practice in rural areas due to the unfavourable economic situation. While noting this information, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to take the necessary measures to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities, as required by this Article, and asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 9. The Committee notes the provision of section 17 of the Act on the social protection of disabled persons concerning training of vocational rehabilitation staff which shall be financed and organized by the State. It also notes the Government's statement to the effect that there are no teaching institutions providing training for such staff, though there is a real need to train qualified staff for work with disabled persons. The Committee hopes that the Government will indicate, in its next report, measures taken or envisaged to ensure the availability of suitably qualified vocational rehabilitation staff, in accordance with this Article of the Convention and the national provision referred to above.

Point V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government's indications in the report concerning preparation of new legislative documents relating to the implementation of all provisions of the Convention. The Government states, however, that economic difficulties do not permit all the necessary measures to be taken at the present time. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, including more detailed information on any difficulties encountered, as well as statistics, extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention (for example, with respect to particular areas or branches of activity or particular categories of disabled workers).