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Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Lebanon (Ratification: 1977)

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2023, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.
Repetition
The Committee notes the observations from the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), received on 5 September 2017, which call on the Government to support the National Employment Office (NEO), protect Lebanese workers and promote youth employment.The Government is requested to provide its comments in this respect.
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the “First job for youth” programme has been discontinued. The Government adds that the NEO, in cooperation with the Beirut Traders Association and the Société Générale de Banque au Liban, has conducted a study on the workforce in commercial and service enterprises, with a view to highlighting weaknesses and strengths in the commercial sector, to better understand the professional and economic situation of workers, assess the sector’s manpower needs and determine how to meet these.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the reasons underlying the discontinuation of the “First job for youth” programme and to provide information as to the nature and outcome of any alternative programmes established or other measures taken to promote youth employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Employment Office study on the creation of decent and lasting employment as well as on the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers. The Government is also requested to report on progress made through its first labour force survey with respect to the compilation and dissemination of labour market data, and to indicate the manner in which the collected data is taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.
Employment promotion through technical vocational education and training (TVET) for young persons. The Government indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training currently offers training in four specializations (electronics, heating and refrigeration, computing and beauty) and additional training courses are organized for Lebanese citizens and non-nationals, in collaboration with the European Institution for Cooperation and Development (IECD) in the fields of air-conditioning, refrigeration and electrical wiring. The Government adds that, under a joint ILO/UNICEF programme entitled “Towards improved formal and non-formal technical vocational and educational training in Lebanon”, the Board of the National Centre for Vocational Training is engaged in a project to modernize the Centre, update its educational programmes and organize training programmes for 2018.The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the training programmes implemented on securing full, productive, freely chosen and lasting sustainable employment. In addition, noting that all trainees in the electronics, heating and refrigeration fields are men and all trainees in the beauty specialization are women, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address gender-based occupational segregation, particularly in education and training programmes aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that technical vocational education and training curricula and programmes are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.
Migrant workers. In response to its previous comments in respect of measures adopted in the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in the country, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken a series of measures to prevent the abuse of migrant domestic workers. The Government reports that a Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Moreover, a Steering Committee composed of 25 bodies, including relevant ministerial departments, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and concerned embassies, has been established to deal with issues of specific relevance to female migrant domestic workers, leading to the formulation of a Standard Unified Contract (SUC) for migrant domestic workers (both male and female) and publication of a guide to inform female domestic migrant workers of their labour rights. The guide and the SUC have been transmitted to the embassies of labour-exporting countries and are distributed to each female worker upon her arrival in Lebanon. The Ministry of Labour has also taken measures to restructure offices engaged in recruiting female domestic migrant workers according to international standards for the respect of human rights and the combating of human trafficking and has set up a specialized office for complaints as well as a hotline to provide direct assistance to migrant domestic workers. The Government further indicates that bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of States on the protection of migrant workers and negotiations are being carried out with labour-exporting States to conclude agreements on protecting the rights of female domestic workers.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to prevent abuses of migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on measures taken to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of SMEs, including the adoption of the “Lebanon SME Strategy: A Roadmap to 2020” and publication of an SME guide. The Government also refers to the ILO-led project entitled “Enhancing SME productivity and competitiveness in Jordan and Lebanon through responsible workplace practices. The project promotes collaboration between, among other actors, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the National Federation of Employees and Workers in Lebanon, and aims to build the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations to provide workplace improvement and business management training sessions as well as improve SME workers’ skills.The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the effectiveness of measures and programmes implemented in support of SMEs and their impact in terms of improving the SME business environment, enhancing workers’ skills and creating decent jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and create new small and microenterprises.
Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that, on 2 April 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding launching the Lebanon Decent Work Country Programme was signed by the Minister of Labour, the President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the ILO. The Programme aims to strengthen policy coherence, with a focus on labour administration and labour inspection systems; improve conditions of decent work in Lebanon; enhance productive employment opportunities with a focus on Lebanese youth; improve the provision of social security and institute a minimum level of social protection; and improve the governance and regulation of labour migration.The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the manner in which the views of the social partners – in particular representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken – are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.
Repetition
The Committee notes the observations from the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), received on 5 September 2017, which call on the Government to support the National Employment Office (NEO), protect Lebanese workers and promote youth employment. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this respect.
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the “First job for youth” programme has been discontinued. The Government adds that the NEO, in cooperation with the Beirut Traders Association and the Société Générale de Banque au Liban, has conducted a study on the workforce in commercial and service enterprises, with a view to highlighting weaknesses and strengths in the commercial sector, to better understand the professional and economic situation of workers, assess the sector’s manpower needs and determine how to meet these. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the reasons underlying the discontinuation of the “First job for youth” programme and to provide information as to the nature and outcome of any alternative programmes established or other measures taken to promote youth employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Employment Office study on the creation of decent and lasting employment as well as on the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers. The Government is also requested to report on progress made through its first labour force survey with respect to the compilation and dissemination of labour market data, and to indicate the manner in which the collected data is taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.
Employment promotion through technical vocational education and training (TVET) for young persons. The Government indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training currently offers training in four specializations (electronics, heating and refrigeration, computing and beauty) and additional training courses are organized for Lebanese citizens and non-nationals, in collaboration with the European Institution for Cooperation and Development (IECD) in the fields of air-conditioning, refrigeration and electrical wiring. The Government adds that, under a joint ILO/UNICEF programme entitled “Towards improved formal and non-formal technical vocational and educational training in Lebanon”, the Board of the National Centre for Vocational Training is engaged in a project to modernize the Centre, update its educational programmes and organize training programmes for 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the training programmes implemented on securing full, productive, freely chosen and lasting sustainable employment. In addition, noting that all trainees in the electronics, heating and refrigeration fields are men and all trainees in the beauty specialization are women, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address gender-based occupational segregation, particularly in education and training programmes aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that technical vocational education and training curricula and programmes are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.
Migrant workers. In response to its previous comments in respect of measures adopted in the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in the country, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken a series of measures to prevent the abuse of migrant domestic workers. The Government reports that a Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Moreover, a Steering Committee composed of 25 bodies, including relevant ministerial departments, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and concerned embassies, has been established to deal with issues of specific relevance to female migrant domestic workers, leading to the formulation of a Standard Unified Contract (SUC) for migrant domestic workers (both male and female) and publication of a guide to inform female domestic migrant workers of their labour rights. The guide and the SUC have been transmitted to the embassies of labour-exporting countries and are distributed to each female worker upon her arrival in Lebanon. The Ministry of Labour has also taken measures to restructure offices engaged in recruiting female domestic migrant workers according to international standards for the respect of human rights and the combating of human trafficking and has set up a specialized office for complaints as well as a hotline to provide direct assistance to migrant domestic workers. The Government further indicates that bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of States on the protection of migrant workers and negotiations are being carried out with labour-exporting States to conclude agreements on protecting the rights of female domestic workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to prevent abuses of migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on measures taken to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of SMEs, including the adoption of the “Lebanon SME Strategy: A Roadmap to 2020” and publication of an SME guide. The Government also refers to the ILO-led project entitled “Enhancing SME productivity and competitiveness in Jordan and Lebanon through responsible workplace practices. The project promotes collaboration between, among other actors, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the National Federation of Employees and Workers in Lebanon, and aims to build the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations to provide workplace improvement and business management training sessions as well as improve SME workers’ skills. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the effectiveness of measures and programmes implemented in support of SMEs and their impact in terms of improving the SME business environment, enhancing workers’ skills and creating decent jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and create new small and microenterprises.
Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that, on 2 April 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding launching the Lebanon Decent Work Country Programme was signed by the Minister of Labour, the President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the ILO. The Programme aims to strengthen policy coherence, with a focus on labour administration and labour inspection systems; improve conditions of decent work in Lebanon; enhance productive employment opportunities with a focus on Lebanese youth; improve the provision of social security and institute a minimum level of social protection; and improve the governance and regulation of labour migration. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the manner in which the views of the social partners – in particular representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken – are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with concern 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
The Committee notes the observations from the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), received on 5 September 2017, which call on the Government to support the National Employment Office (NEO), protect Lebanese workers and promote youth employment. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this respect.
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the “First job for youth” programme has been discontinued. The Government adds that the NEO, in cooperation with the Beirut Traders Association and the Société Générale de Banque au Liban, has conducted a study on the workforce in commercial and service enterprises, with a view to highlighting weaknesses and strengths in the commercial sector, to better understand the professional and economic situation of workers, assess the sector’s manpower needs and determine how to meet these. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the reasons underlying the discontinuation of the “First job for youth” programme and to provide information as to the nature and outcome of any alternative programmes established or other measures taken to promote youth employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Employment Office study on the creation of decent and lasting employment as well as on the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers. The Government is also requested to report on progress made through its first labour force survey with respect to the compilation and dissemination of labour market data, and to indicate the manner in which the collected data is taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.
Employment promotion through technical vocational education and training (TVET) for young persons. The Government indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training currently offers training in four specializations (electronics, heating and refrigeration, computing and beauty) and additional training courses are organized for Lebanese citizens and non-nationals, in collaboration with the European Institution for Cooperation and Development (IECD) in the fields of air-conditioning, refrigeration and electrical wiring. The Government adds that, under a joint ILO/UNICEF programme entitled “Towards improved formal and non-formal technical vocational and educational training in Lebanon”, the Board of the National Centre for Vocational Training is engaged in a project to modernize the Centre, update its educational programmes and organize training programmes for 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the training programmes implemented on securing full, productive, freely chosen and lasting sustainable employment. In addition, noting that all trainees in the electronics, heating and refrigeration fields are men and all trainees in the beauty specialization are women, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address gender-based occupational segregation, particularly in education and training programmes aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that technical vocational education and training curricula and programmes are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.
Migrant workers. In response to its previous comments in respect of measures adopted in the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in the country, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken a series of measures to prevent the abuse of migrant domestic workers. The Government reports that a Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Moreover, a Steering Committee composed of 25 bodies, including relevant ministerial departments, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and concerned embassies, has been established to deal with issues of specific relevance to female migrant domestic workers, leading to the formulation of a Standard Unified Contract (SUC) for migrant domestic workers (both male and female) and publication of a guide to inform female domestic migrant workers of their labour rights. The guide and the SUC have been transmitted to the embassies of labour-exporting countries and are distributed to each female worker upon her arrival in Lebanon. The Ministry of Labour has also taken measures to restructure offices engaged in recruiting female domestic migrant workers according to international standards for the respect of human rights and the combating of human trafficking and has set up a specialized office for complaints as well as a hotline to provide direct assistance to migrant domestic workers. The Government further indicates that bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of States on the protection of migrant workers and negotiations are being carried out with labour-exporting States to conclude agreements on protecting the rights of female domestic workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to prevent abuses of migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on measures taken to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of SMEs, including the adoption of the “Lebanon SME Strategy: A Roadmap to 2020” and publication of an SME guide. The Government also refers to the ILO-led project entitled “Enhancing SME productivity and competitiveness in Jordan and Lebanon through responsible workplace practices. The project promotes collaboration between, among other actors, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the National Federation of Employees and Workers in Lebanon, and aims to build the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations to provide workplace improvement and business management training sessions as well as improve SME workers’ skills. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the effectiveness of measures and programmes implemented in support of SMEs and their impact in terms of improving the SME business environment, enhancing workers’ skills and creating decent jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and create new small and microenterprises.
Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that, on 2 April 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding launching the Lebanon Decent Work Country Programme was signed by the Minister of Labour, the President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the ILO. The Programme aims to strengthen policy coherence, with a focus on labour administration and labour inspection systems; improve conditions of decent work in Lebanon; enhance productive employment opportunities with a focus on Lebanese youth; improve the provision of social security and institute a minimum level of social protection; and improve the governance and regulation of labour migration. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the manner in which the views of the social partners – in particular representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken – are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes 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
The Committee notes the observations from the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), received on 5 September 2017, which call on the Government to support the National Employment Office (NEO), protect Lebanese workers and promote youth employment. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this respect.
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the “First job for youth” programme has been discontinued. The Government adds that the NEO, in cooperation with the Beirut Traders Association and the Société Générale de Banque au Liban, has conducted a study on the workforce in commercial and service enterprises, with a view to highlighting weaknesses and strengths in the commercial sector, to better understand the professional and economic situation of workers, assess the sector’s manpower needs and determine how to meet these. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the reasons underlying the discontinuation of the “First job for youth” programme and to provide information as to the nature and outcome of any alternative programmes established or other measures taken to promote youth employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Employment Office study on the creation of decent and lasting employment as well as on the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers. The Government is also requested to report on progress made through its first labour force survey with respect to the compilation and dissemination of labour market data, and to indicate the manner in which the collected data is taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.
Employment promotion through technical vocational education and training (TVET) for young persons. The Government indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training currently offers training in four specializations (electronics, heating and refrigeration, computing and beauty) and additional training courses are organized for Lebanese citizens and non-nationals, in collaboration with the European Institution for Cooperation and Development (IECD) in the fields of air-conditioning, refrigeration and electrical wiring. The Government adds that, under a joint ILO/UNICEF programme entitled “Towards improved formal and non-formal technical vocational and educational training in Lebanon”, the Board of the National Centre for Vocational Training is engaged in a project to modernize the Centre, update its educational programmes and organize training programmes for 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the training programmes implemented on securing full, productive, freely chosen and lasting sustainable employment. In addition, noting that all trainees in the electronics, heating and refrigeration fields are men and all trainees in the beauty specialization are women, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address gender-based occupational segregation, particularly in education and training programmes aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that technical vocational education and training curricula and programmes are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.
Migrant workers. In response to its previous comments in respect of measures adopted in the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in the country, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken a series of measures to prevent the abuse of migrant domestic workers. The Government reports that a Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Moreover, a Steering Committee composed of 25 bodies, including relevant ministerial departments, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and concerned embassies, has been established to deal with issues of specific relevance to female migrant domestic workers, leading to the formulation of a Standard Unified Contract (SUC) for migrant domestic workers (both male and female) and publication of a guide to inform female domestic migrant workers of their labour rights. The guide and the SUC have been transmitted to the embassies of labour-exporting countries and are distributed to each female worker upon her arrival in Lebanon. The Ministry of Labour has also taken measures to restructure offices engaged in recruiting female domestic migrant workers according to international standards for the respect of human rights and the combating of human trafficking and has set up a specialized office for complaints as well as a hotline to provide direct assistance to migrant domestic workers. The Government further indicates that bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of States on the protection of migrant workers and negotiations are being carried out with labour-exporting States to conclude agreements on protecting the rights of female domestic workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to prevent abuses of migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on measures taken to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of SMEs, including the adoption of the “Lebanon SME Strategy: A Roadmap to 2020” and publication of an SME guide. The Government also refers to the ILO-led project entitled “Enhancing SME productivity and competitiveness in Jordan and Lebanon through responsible workplace practices. The project promotes collaboration between, among other actors, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the National Federation of Employees and Workers in Lebanon, and aims to build the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations to provide workplace improvement and business management training sessions as well as improve SME workers’ skills. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the effectiveness of measures and programmes implemented in support of SMEs and their impact in terms of improving the SME business environment, enhancing workers’ skills and creating decent jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and create new small and microenterprises.
Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that, on 2 April 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding launching the Lebanon Decent Work Country Programme was signed by the Minister of Labour, the President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the ILO. The Programme aims to strengthen policy coherence, with a focus on labour administration and labour inspection systems; improve conditions of decent work in Lebanon; enhance productive employment opportunities with a focus on Lebanese youth; improve the provision of social security and institute a minimum level of social protection; and improve the governance and regulation of labour migration. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the manner in which the views of the social partners – in particular representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken – are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

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

The Committee notes the observations from the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), received on 5 September 2017, which call on the Government to support the National Employment Office (NEO), protect Lebanese workers and promote youth employment. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this respect.
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the “First job for youth” programme has been discontinued. The Government adds that the NEO, in cooperation with the Beirut Traders Association and the Société Générale de Banque au Liban, has conducted a study on the workforce in commercial and service enterprises, with a view to highlighting weaknesses and strengths in the commercial sector, to better understand the professional and economic situation of workers, assess the sector’s manpower needs and determine how to meet these. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the reasons underlying the discontinuation of the “First job for youth” programme and to provide information as to the nature and outcome of any alternative programmes established or other measures taken to promote youth employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Employment Office study on the creation of decent and lasting employment as well as on the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers. The Government is also requested to report on progress made through its first labour force survey with respect to the compilation and dissemination of labour market data, and to indicate the manner in which the collected data is taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.
Employment promotion through technical vocational education and training (TVET) for young persons. The Government indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training currently offers training in four specializations (electronics, heating and refrigeration, computing and beauty) and additional training courses are organized for Lebanese citizens and non-nationals, in collaboration with the European Institution for Cooperation and Development (IECD) in the fields of air-conditioning, refrigeration and electrical wiring. The Government adds that, under a joint ILO/UNICEF programme entitled “Towards improved formal and non-formal technical vocational and educational training in Lebanon”, the Board of the National Centre for Vocational Training is engaged in a project to modernize the Centre, update its educational programmes and organize training programmes for 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the training programmes implemented on securing full, productive, freely chosen and lasting sustainable employment. In addition, noting that all trainees in the electronics, heating and refrigeration fields are men and all trainees in the beauty specialization are women, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address gender-based occupational segregation, particularly in education and training programmes aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that technical vocational education and training curricula and programmes are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.
Migrant workers. In response to its previous comments in respect of measures adopted in the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in the country, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken a series of measures to prevent the abuse of migrant domestic workers. The Government reports that a Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Moreover, a Steering Committee composed of 25 bodies, including relevant ministerial departments, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and concerned embassies, has been established to deal with issues of specific relevance to female migrant domestic workers, leading to the formulation of a Standard Unified Contract (SUC) for migrant domestic workers (both male and female) and publication of a guide to inform female domestic migrant workers of their labour rights. The guide and the SUC have been transmitted to the embassies of labour-exporting countries and are distributed to each female worker upon her arrival in Lebanon. The Ministry of Labour has also taken measures to restructure offices engaged in recruiting female domestic migrant workers according to international standards for the respect of human rights and the combating of human trafficking and has set up a specialized office for complaints as well as a hotline to provide direct assistance to migrant domestic workers. The Government further indicates that bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of States on the protection of migrant workers and negotiations are being carried out with labour-exporting States to conclude agreements on protecting the rights of female domestic workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to prevent abuses of migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on measures taken to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of SMEs, including the adoption of the “Lebanon SME Strategy: A Roadmap to 2020” and publication of an SME guide. The Government also refers to the ILO-led project entitled “Enhancing SME productivity and competitiveness in Jordan and Lebanon through responsible workplace practices. The project promotes collaboration between, among other actors, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the National Federation of Employees and Workers in Lebanon, and aims to build the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations to provide workplace improvement and business management training sessions as well as improve SME workers’ skills. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the effectiveness of measures and programmes implemented in support of SMEs and their impact in terms of improving the SME business environment, enhancing workers’ skills and creating decent jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and create new small and microenterprises.
Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that, on 2 April 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding launching the Lebanon Decent Work Country Programme was signed by the Minister of Labour, the President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the ILO. The Programme aims to strengthen policy coherence, with a focus on labour administration and labour inspection systems; improve conditions of decent work in Lebanon; enhance productive employment opportunities with a focus on Lebanese youth; improve the provision of social security and institute a minimum level of social protection; and improve the governance and regulation of labour migration. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the manner in which the views of the social partners – in particular representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken – are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

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

The Committee notes 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
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Application of an active employment policy. The Government indicates in its report the establishment, within the National Employment Office (NEO), of a programme entitled “New Entrants to Work”. The Government adds that the ILO will be kept informed of all efforts to promote the application of the Convention. The Committee recalls that Article 1(1) of the Convention requires the State to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The policy has to be coordinated with other major decisions taken in the economic and social field. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to declare an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It once again requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved through the measures implemented by the NEO in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Please also provide statistics and other relevant data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers.
Employment promotion through education and vocational training for young persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the vocational education and training programmes implemented and to indicate the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.
Migrant workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted within the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in Lebanon (see Part X of Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in order to “create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see the Job Creation in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189), Paragraph 5).
Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the social partners on matters relating to employment policy. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of representatives of those working in the rural and the informal economy are taken into account.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Application of an active employment policy. The Government indicates in its report the establishment, within the National Employment Office (NEO), of a programme entitled “New Entrants to Work”. The Government adds that the ILO will be kept informed of all efforts to promote the application of the Convention. The Committee recalls that Article 1(1) of the Convention requires the State to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The policy has to be coordinated with other major decisions taken in the economic and social field. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to declare an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It once again requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved through the measures implemented by the NEO in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Please also provide statistics and other relevant data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers.
Employment promotion through education and vocational training for young persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the vocational education and training programmes implemented and to indicate the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.
Migrant workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted within the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in Lebanon (see Part X of Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in order to “create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see the Job Creation in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189), Paragraph 5).
Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the social partners on matters relating to employment policy. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of representatives of those working in the rural and the informal economy are taken into account.

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

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.
Repetition
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in December 2011. The Government included in its report statistics on the job vacancies and job applications at the National Employment Office (NEO) in 2010, as well as on the number of persons with disabilities benefiting from training and financial support. The Committee notes that the NEO continued to implement measures to promote employment, training and vocational guidance. In this regard, the ILO project “Support to Public Employment Services in Lebanon” carried out between 2009 and 2012 aimed at increasing the capacity of the NEO to assist the unemployed and underemployed, ensuring efficient provision of employment services, developing a labour market information system and enhancing self-employment opportunities through skills training. As a major result of this project, NEO employees received training and 41 new staff members were recruited. Moreover, in the framework of this project, a study was conducted by the NEO to assess the employment needs of more than 600 enterprises, hotels and restaurants that employ over 13,000 workers across Lebanon. The Committee recalls that Article 1(1) of the Convention requires States to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. Measures of employment policy should be coordinated with other major decisions in the sphere of economic and social policy. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the steps taken to declare an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, within a framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the measures implemented by the National Employment Office in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide in its next report statistics and other relevant data on the situation and trends concerning employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers.
Promotion of employment through education and vocational training for young persons. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the programmes established in the context of the National Education for All Plan (2006–15) intend to provide young persons with education and training focusing on the acquisition of the necessary qualifications for economic development. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the education and training programmes implemented, with an indication of the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.
Migrant workers. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that there are no abuses during the recruitment of foreign workers living in Lebanon, since the employment of these workers is subject to laws and regulations. Moreover, foreign workers in domestic services are employed under a standard employment contract. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken in the context of an active employment policy with a view to preventing abuse during the recruitment stage of foreign workers in Lebanon (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee recalls that the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Association of Banks in Lebanon adopted measures to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. It requests again the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).
Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the activities of the tripartite Labour Cooperation and Coordination Board, with an indication of the manner in which it is consulted on the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of representatives of those working in the rural and the informal economy are taken into account.

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

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 2012 direct request, which read as follows:
Repetition
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in December 2011. The Government included in its report statistics on the job vacancies and job applications at the National Employment Office (NEO) in 2010, as well as on the number of persons with disabilities benefiting from training and financial support. The Committee notes that the NEO continued to implement measures to promote employment, training and vocational guidance. In this regard, the ILO project “Support to Public Employment Services in Lebanon” carried out between 2009 and 2012 aimed at increasing the capacity of the NEO to assist the unemployed and underemployed, ensuring efficient provision of employment services, developing a labour market information system and enhancing self-employment opportunities through skills training. As a major result of this project, NEO employees received training and 41 new staff members were recruited. Moreover, in the framework of this project, a study was conducted by the NEO to assess the employment needs of more than 600 enterprises, hotels and restaurants that employ over 13,000 workers across Lebanon. The Committee recalls that Article 1(1) of the Convention requires States to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. Measures of employment policy should be coordinated with other major decisions in the sphere of economic and social policy. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the steps taken to declare an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, within a framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the measures implemented by the National Employment Office in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide in its next report statistics and other relevant data on the situation and trends concerning employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers.
Promotion of employment through education and vocational training for young persons. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the programmes established in the context of the National Education for All Plan (2006–15) intend to provide young persons with education and training focusing on the acquisition of the necessary qualifications for economic development. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the education and training programmes implemented, with an indication of the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.
Migrant workers. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that there are no abuses during the recruitment of foreign workers living in Lebanon, since the employment of these workers is subject to laws and regulations. Moreover, foreign workers in domestic services are employed under a standard employment contract. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken in the context of an active employment policy with a view to preventing abuse during the recruitment stage of foreign workers in Lebanon (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee recalls that the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Association of Banks in Lebanon adopted measures to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. It requests again the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).
Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the activities of the tripartite Labour Cooperation and Coordination Board, with an indication of the manner in which it is consulted on the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of representatives of those working in the rural and the informal economy are taken into account.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in December 2011. The Government included in its report statistics on the job vacancies and job applications at the National Employment Office (NEO) in 2010, as well as on the number of persons with disabilities benefiting from training and financial support. The Committee notes that the NEO continued to implement measures to promote employment, training and vocational guidance. In this regard, the ILO project “Support to Public Employment Services in Lebanon” carried out between 2009 and 2012 aimed at increasing the capacity of the NEO to assist the unemployed and underemployed, ensuring efficient provision of employment services, developing a labour market information system and enhancing self-employment opportunities through skills training. As a major result of this project, NEO employees received training and 41 new staff members were recruited. Moreover, in the framework of this project, a study was conducted by the NEO to assess the employment needs of more than 600 enterprises, hotels and restaurants that employ over 13,000 workers across Lebanon. The Committee recalls that Article 1(1) of the Convention requires States to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. Measures of employment policy should be coordinated with other major decisions in the sphere of economic and social policy. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the steps taken to declare an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, within a framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the measures implemented by the National Employment Office in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide in its next report statistics and other relevant data on the situation and trends concerning employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers.
Promotion of employment through education and vocational training for young persons. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the programmes established in the context of the National Education for All Plan (2006–15) intend to provide young persons with education and training focusing on the acquisition of the necessary qualifications for economic development. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the education and training programmes implemented, with an indication of the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.
Migrant workers. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that there are no abuses during the recruitment of foreign workers living in Lebanon, since the employment of these workers is subject to laws and regulations. Moreover, foreign workers in domestic services are employed under a standard employment contract. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken in the context of an active employment policy with a view to preventing abuse during the recruitment stage of foreign workers in Lebanon (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).
Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee recalls that the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Association of Banks in Lebanon adopted measures to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. It requests again the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).
Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the activities of the tripartite Labour Cooperation and Coordination Board, with an indication of the manner in which it is consulted on the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of representatives of those working in the rural and the informal economy are taken into account.

Direct Request (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 2009 direct request, which read as follows:
Repetition
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in October 2008, in reply to the 2007 direct request. The Committee notes that a workplan was submitted by the National Employment Agency to the Ministry of Labour in 2008 with a view to addressing the challenges arising out of the economic crisis at the national level. New employment offices have accordingly been opened in the regions of the North, Bekaa and the South in order to address the employment and training needs of these regions more effectively and respond to them through appropriate measures. During the year 2007–08, some 300 persons with disabilities and 2,154 trainees benefited from accelerated vocational training contracts. The National Employment Agency is also planning the preparation of a guide of the legal and administrative measures intended for jobseekers wishing to set up an enterprise. The Committee notes the Government’s economic reform plan, submitted at the International Conference on Support for Lebanon in 2007. It notes that the plan is based on three principal components: structural reforms to stimulate growth and create more jobs, budgetary adjustments to free up income and promote the effective use of public resources and special programmes for the poorest and most vulnerable categories. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the manner in which a policy is applied to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee would be grateful to be able to examine the results achieved by the measures adopted by the National Employment Agency in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of underemployment. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide statistics in its next report on the situation and trends with regard to employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young persons.
Promotion of employment through education and vocational training for young persons. The Committee notes the programmes established in the context of the National Education for All Plan (2006–15), which targets young persons and is intended to provide them with education and training focused on the acquisition of the qualifications necessary for economic development. The Committee refers to its comment on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), and invites the Government to continue providing information in its reports on Convention No. 122 on the education and training programmes implemented, with an indication of the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.
Migrant workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the context of an active employment policy with a view to preventing abuse during the recruitment stage of foreign workers established in Lebanon.
Promotion of small and micro-enterprises. The Government describes the measures adopted by the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Association of Banks in Lebanon to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. A guarantee fund “KAFALAT” has been established to help small and medium-sized enterprises to gain access to finance from commercial banks. The fund provides them with support by offering loan guarantees based on feasibility studies of business plans demonstrating the viability of the proposed economic activity. The Economic and Social Fund Development has also focused its attention on the least-developed regions with a view to creating new job opportunities by granting microcredit to individuals and small enterprises. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).
Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Government indicates in its report that the Labour Cooperation and Coordination Board, which is a tripartite body under the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour, has dealt with collective dismissals and disputes between the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of this tripartite body, with an indication of the manner in which it is consulted on the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views are taken into account of “representatives of other sectors of the economically active population”, and particularly those working in the rural and the informal economy, with a view to securing their full cooperation in the formulation of employment policies and enlisting support for the measures adopted in this respect.
Part V of the report form. Technical cooperation with the ILO. The Government refers to the projects financed by international partners, as well as the measures adopted as a result of the technical assistance provided by the Office. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any factors which may have prevented or delayed the implementation of the technical assistance provided by the ILO. It invites the Government to provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical assistance received from the ILO with a view to ensuring the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

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

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:

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in October 2008, in reply to the 2007 direct request. The Committee notes that a workplan was submitted by the National Employment Agency to the Ministry of Labour in 2008 with a view to addressing the challenges arising out of the economic crisis at the national level. New employment offices have accordingly been opened in the regions of the North, Bekaa and the South in order to address the employment and training needs of these regions more effectively and respond to them through appropriate measures. During the year 2007–08, some 300 persons with disabilities and 2,154 trainees benefited from accelerated vocational training contracts. The National Employment Agency is also planning the preparation of a guide of the legal and administrative measures intended for jobseekers wishing to set up an enterprise. The Committee notes the Government’s economic reform plan, submitted at the International Conference on Support for Lebanon in 2007. It notes that the plan is based on three principal components: structural reforms to stimulate growth and create more jobs, budgetary adjustments to free up income and promote the effective use of public resources and special programmes for the poorest and most vulnerable categories. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the manner in which a policy is applied to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee would be grateful to be able to examine the results achieved by the measures adopted by the National Employment Agency in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of underemployment. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide statistics in its next report on the situation and trends with regard to employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young persons.

2. Promotion of employment through education and vocational training for young persons. The Committee notes the programmes established in the context of the National Education for All Plan (2006–15), which targets young persons and is intended to provide them with education and training focused on the acquisition of the qualifications necessary for economic development. The Committee refers to its comment on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), and invites the Government to continue providing information in its reports on Convention No. 122 on the education and training programmes implemented, with an indication of the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.

3. Migrant workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the context of an active employment policy with a view to preventing abuse during the recruitment stage of foreign workers established in Lebanon.

4. Promotion of small and micro-enterprises. The Government describes the measures adopted by the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Association of Banks in Lebanon to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. A guarantee fund “KAFALAT” has been established to help small and medium-sized enterprises to gain access to finance from commercial banks. The fund provides them with support by offering loan guarantees based on feasibility studies of business plans demonstrating the viability of the proposed economic activity. The Economic and Social Fund Development has also focused its attention on the least-developed regions with a view to creating new job opportunities by granting microcredit to individuals and small enterprises. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).

5. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Government indicates in its report that the Labour Cooperation and Coordination Board, which is a tripartite body under the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour, has dealt with collective dismissals and disputes between the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of this tripartite body, with an indication of the manner in which it is consulted on the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views are taken into account of “representatives of other sectors of the economically active population”, and particularly those working in the rural and the informal economy, with a view to securing their full cooperation in the formulation of employment policies and enlisting support for the measures adopted in this respect.

6. Part V of the report form. Technical cooperation with the ILO. The Government refers to the projects financed by international partners, as well as the measures adopted as a result of the technical assistance provided by the Office. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any factors which may have prevented or delayed the implementation of the technical assistance provided by the ILO. It invites the Government to provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical assistance received from the ILO with a view to ensuring the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

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

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in October 2008, in reply to the 2007 direct request. The Committee notes that a workplan was submitted by the National Employment Agency to the Ministry of Labour in 2008 with a view to addressing the challenges arising out of the economic crisis at the national level. New employment offices have accordingly been opened in the regions of the North, Bekaa and the South in order to address the employment and training needs of these regions more effectively and respond to them through appropriate measures. During the year 2007–08, some 300 persons with disabilities and 2,154 trainees benefited from accelerated vocational training contracts. The National Employment Agency is also planning the preparation of a guide of the legal and administrative measures intended for jobseekers wishing to set up an enterprise. The Committee notes the Government’s economic reform plan, submitted at the International Conference on Support for Lebanon in 2007. It notes that the plan is based on three principal components: structural reforms to stimulate growth and create more jobs, budgetary adjustments to free up income and promote the effective use of public resources and special programmes for the poorest and most vulnerable categories. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the manner in which a policy is applied to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee would be grateful to be able to examine the results achieved by the measures adopted by the National Employment Agency in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of underemployment. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide statistics in its next report on the situation and trends with regard to employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young persons.

2. Promotion of employment through education and vocational training for young persons. The Committee notes the programmes established in the context of the National Education for All Plan (2006–15), which targets young persons and is intended to provide them with education and training focused on the acquisition of the qualifications necessary for economic development. The Committee refers to its comment on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), and invites the Government to continue providing information in its reports on Convention No. 122 on the education and training programmes implemented, with an indication of the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.

3. Migrant workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the context of an active employment policy with a view to preventing abuse during the recruitment stage of foreign workers established in Lebanon.

4. Promotion of small and micro-enterprises. The Government describes the measures adopted by the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Association of Banks in Lebanon to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. A guarantee fund “KAFALAT” has been established to help small  and medium-sized enterprises to gain access to finance from commercial banks. The fund provides them with support by offering loan guarantees based on feasibility studies of business plans demonstrating the viability of the proposed economic activity. The Economic and Social Fund Development has also focused its attention on the least-developed regions with a view to creating new job opportunities by granting microcredit to individuals and small enterprises. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small  and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).

5. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Government indicates in its report that the Labour Cooperation and Coordination Board, which is a tripartite body under the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour, has dealt with collective dismissals and disputes between the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of this tripartite body, with an indication of the manner in which it is consulted on the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views are taken into account of “representatives of other sectors of the economically active population”, and particularly those working in the rural and the informal economy, with a view to securing their full cooperation in the formulation of employment policies and enlisting support for the measures adopted in this respect.

6. Part V of the report form. Technical cooperation with the ILO. The Government refers to the projects financed by international partners, as well as the measures adopted as a result of the technical assistance provided by the Office. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any factors which may have prevented or delayed the implementation of the technical assistance provided by the ILO. It invites the Government to provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical assistance received from the ILO with a view to ensuring the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2006 which includes replies and documents related to the 2004 direct request. It notes that the Ministry of Labour requested the technical assistance of the ILO to develop a national plan for the employment and placement of young persons. It also notes that a tripartite body for the coordination of labour issues was established by the Ministry of Labour in September 2006. The Committee expresses its hope that the Government will continue to give priority in its plans and programmes to the objectives of full employment and that it will provide detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the employment objectives, set out in its national plans, have been achieved. It further asks the Government to provide information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons and older workers. Please also provide information on the activities of the tripartite body established in September 2006 indicating the issues included in its agenda, the opinions put forward and the way in which consideration has been given to the view expressed by the social partners in the preparation and implementation of employment policy measures.

2. Part V of the report form. ILO technical cooperation. The Committee asks the Government to provide, in its next report, more details on progress made on the implementation of the projects funded by international donors including information on action taken as a result of the technical assistance provided by the Office with a view to promoting an employment policy as laid down in the Convention.

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

The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government’s reports for the period ending September 2004 in response to its 2001 direct request.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government indicates that, according to the latest available data for 1997, the unemployment rate had reached 8.5 per cent; while women represented only 27.8 per cent of the total labour force in 1997, in 2000 they represented 35.4 per cent. The Government explains that its National Strategy for Employment focuses on two areas:

-  a balanced development of economic sectors through a strategic, future vision on the country’s economic role, set within the context of its potential and its resources;

-  the development and management of human resources.

The Government indicates, however, that this strategy has yet to be fully implemented due to lack of financial resources and the difficult economic conditions experienced by Lebanon. The Government also states that the National Strategy for Employment is being updated with ILO technical assistance. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to give priority in its plans and programmes to the objectives of full employment and that it will provide detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the employment objectives set out in the National Strategy for Employment have been achieved. Please also provide information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons and older workers.

2. Article 3. With reference to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that consultations with the social partners mainly take place through the Economic and Social Council in which different sectors of the economy and of society are represented. The Council endeavours to ensure the participation of economic, social and professional sectors through providing advice in the formulation of the economic and social policy of the country, the promotion of dialogue, cooperation, and coordination between the various economic, social and professional sectors. The Committee asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the work of this advisory body, by indicating the issues included in its agenda, the opinions put forward and the way in which consideration has been given to the view expressed in the preparation and implementation of employment policy measures.

3. Part V of the report form. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments concerning studies carried out by the ILO, the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the National Institution for Employment, the Government explains that these studies are still pending but should be completed and made available shortly. The Committee asks Government to provide, in its next report, more details on progress made on these projects including information on any action taken as a result of their conclusions and on any factors which may have prevented or delayed such action recommended with a view to promoting an employment policy as laid down in the Convention.

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

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s very brief report.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that the dire economic situation has prevented it from implementing the structural component of the National Employment Strategy. The Government is currently looking for donors. However, it has created a new structure for technical and vocational education, to enable students to move more easily between these and other forms of education. The Government also has established a High Council for Technical and Vocational Education in 2000, which is to formulate policies to ensure a balance between supply and demand for skills. It has set up a vocational guidance database aimed primarily at early school leavers. The Committee would appreciate further information on the impact of these programmes on employment promotion.

2. The Committee asks the Government to provide full information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled workers, as requested in the report form under Article 1.

3. Article 2. Please provide full information on measures taken to collect and analyse statistical and other data on trends in the labour force, as a basis for formulating and evaluating employment policies. Please also provide further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review, including particular examples.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Council of the National Employment Agency, the High Council for Technical and Vocational Education, and the Economic and Social Council all include representatives of employers and workers. Please indicate how the views of these bodies are taken into account in formulating and evaluating employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate whether representatives of other groups affected, such as rural or informal sector workers, are represented.

5. Part V of the report form. The Committee notes from information supplied by the multidisciplinary team in Beirut that the Government, in cooperation with the ILO and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), has conducted a survey on employment of university graduates. The results are to be discussed in a national workshop. A survey was also carried out with ILO assistance on the employment and training needs of the population in south Lebanon. The ILO also has provided Lebanon with technical advice on enhancing the public employment offices and developing a labour market information service. Please provide further information on the results of these surveys and any follow-up action taken.

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

Article 1 of the Convention. The Government explains in its report that a labour market survey was completed in 1997, providing information on trends in the labour force. The participation rate was 33.1 per cent in 1997 and the unemployment rate was 2.4 per cent. The Government states that the National Employment agency has drawn up a plan, with the cooperation of the ILO and UNDP, entitled "The Structural Components for the National Strategy to Encourage Employment and Viable Development" which has been submitted to the competent authority for approval. The strategy will focus on competitiveness of the economy, unemployment, productivity, developing human resources and administration, and the participation of women in the process of development. The National Employment Agency has set up a committee to prepare a report on establishing a National Centre for Vocational Guidance, and the Council of the National Employment agency has started holding meetings. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the activities of the Council, the outcome of the findings of the committee, and, more generally, the effect of the strategy on the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee also requests further information on how monetary, fiscal and trade policies take into consideration employment promotion, and on the Government's strategy for balanced regional development.

Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2. The Committee notes that Act No. 389 which establishes the Economic and Social Council specifies tripartite representation and includes a wide variety of sectors. It recalls that the Government's employment policy should be decided on and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with representatives of employers' and workers' organizations, as well as representatives of rural and informal sector workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply detailed information on how this provision is given effect.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee took note of the Government's report and of the helpful information it contains in response to the previous direct request. The Committee has also noted the additional information provided by the Ministry of Vocational and Technical Education and the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education which has been forwarded by the Government. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the application of the Convention, in particular on the following points.

1. The Committee observes that the report does not contain any statistics on the situation and trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment. In this respect, it hopes that the labour market survey, conducted with the support of the ILO's technical cooperation, will be successfully completed and enable essential data and the decisions relating to employment policy measures to be collected and analysed. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, the results of the survey together with the conclusions of the migration study also conducted in cooperation with the ILO. In addition, the Committee invites the Government to describe any progress which has been made in the establishment and effective operation of a network of national employment agencies covering the whole country, taking into account the provisions of the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88).

2. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, in response to the questions in the report form, on the main employment policies relating to the implementation of construction and development projects and to the promotion of investments. Please continue to provide information on the main measures taken, "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", with a view to promoting full employment which is productive and freely chosen, in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Please specify in particular the measures taken with regard to investment policy, budgetary and monetary policy, prices, incomes and wages policy, and the measures taken to support balanced regional development. In addition, please describe the measures taken to promote the establishment of small enterprises, by specifying the results obtained in terms of jobs created. Please continue to provide information on employment training activities and on the measures designed for certain categories of the working population such as women, young people or the handicapped.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes that employers' and workers' representatives form part of the governing council of the National Employment Office. Furthermore, it notes the introduction through Act No. 389 of 12 January 1995 of a Social and Economic Council designed to ensure consultations with the representatives of the different sectors of the economy and of society in formulating the main economic and social policies. The Committee invites the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the work of this advisory body, by indicating the issues included in its agenda, the opinions put forward and the way in which consideration has been given to the view expressed in the preparation and implementation of employment policy measures.

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

1. The Committee notes the new information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous request. It notes that the Government considers that by concentrating on restoring the infrastructure, achieving sectorially balanced and regional development, improving standards of living and combating unemployment, the objectives of the economic policy under the 1995 budget and in the ten-year economic development plan are in line with the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to attach with its next report the relevant extracts of the texts under which "an active policy designed to promote, full productive and freely chosen employment" has been formulated in application of Article 1 of the Convention.

2. The Committee also notes with interest execution of the ILO technical cooperation projects which should promote the implementation of an active employment policy in the meaning of the Convention. It hopes in particular that the labour market survey will make it possible to collect data on the characteristics and trends in labour supply and demand which are essential in order to "decide on and keep under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", the measures to be adopted for attaining the objectives (Article 2 of the Convention). In addition, the Committee requests the Government to send the main conclusions of the study on migration and the measures taken or envisaged as a result with a view to encouraging the return of qualified immigrants.

3. The Government notes the participation in the National Employment Agency of representatives of employers, trade unions, the university, and the Ministry of Vocational and Technical Education as well as in the execution of the project to rehabilitate the Rapid Vocational Training Centre/Al-Dakwana. In this regard, the Committee recalls that the consultations required under Article 3 of the Convention should be extended to all aspects of economic policy which have an influence on employment and the representatives of all the groups concerned should be involved, including representatives of workers in the rural and informal sectors "with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views and securing their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for such policies". It would be grateful if the Government would indicate any procedures adopted or envisaged to give full effect to this essential provision of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes the Government's second report with interest. The Government recalls that owing to circumstances in the country since the Convention was ratified it has not been possible to take the necessary measures to apply it, and indicates that plans for economic and social development are in the process of being studied and refers to technical cooperation projects which are being examined with the ILO concerning, in particular, the collection and analysis of statistical data on the labour market. The Committee has also received the report on the ILO Multi-Disciplinary Advisory Mission to Lebanon, 24 February to 14 March 1993, containing recommendations on creating the necessary conditions for framing and implementing an active employment policy.

The Committe welcomes these positive steps and hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report on the progress made in formulating, "as a major goal", a policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, and its application within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with all concerned, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. It would be grateful in this connection if the Government would provide, as soon as it is available, information which is as detailed as possible in answer to the questions in the report form approved by the Governing Body. The Committee recalls that preparation of a complete report on this Convention may require the Ministry of Labour to consult other ministries or bodies concerned with employment policy.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

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 read as follows:

The Committee takes note of the first report of the Government which, except for certain information on measures for the disabled, repeats the terms of the report on Convention No. 88 and contains no information on a policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee asks the Government to provide a detailed report containing the information called for by the Governing Body in the report form. Since many aspects of employment policy go beyond the immediate competence of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the preparation of a full report on the Convention may call for consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

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 takes note of the first report of the Government which, except for certain information on measures for the disabled, repeats the terms of the report on Convention No. 88 and contains no information on a policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee asks the Government to provide a detailed report containing the information called for by the Governing Body in the report form. Since many aspects of employment policy go beyond the immediate competence of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the preparation of a full report on the Convention may call for consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee refers to its general observation. It hopes that a report will be submitted for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain the information asked for in its 1982 direct request which read as follows:

The Committee takes note of the first report of the Government which, except for certain information on measures for the disabled, repeats the terms of the report on Convention No. 88 and contains no information on a policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee asks the Government to provide a detailed report containing the information called for by the Governing Body in the report form. Since many aspects of employment policy go beyond the immediate competence of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the preparation of a full report on the Convention may call for consultation with other ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for planning, economic affairs and statistics.

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