Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Rwanda (Ratification: 2010)

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

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Development and implementation of an active employment policy. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes with interest the adoption on 7 June 2019 of the Revised National Employment Policy (RNEP) for the period of 2019–2024, as well as the series of measures taken by the Government to promote the objectives of the Convention. The Government indicates that the RNEP was developed through the coordination of the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) in consultation with other key government institutions, the tripartite National Labour Council (NLC), the Private Sector Federation and the Rwanda Workers’ Trade Union Confederation (CESTRAR), as well as other stakeholders, such as representatives of persons with disabilities, youth and women, with technical support from the ILO. The Committee further notes that the RNEP passed through the tripartite National Labour Council following its validation at the technical level. The RNEP provides guidance to achieve the targets established by the National Transformation Strategy (NTS) of creating 1.5 million decent and productive jobs by 2024, as established by the National Strategy for Transformation 2017-2024 (NST 1). The Government indicates in its report that, under the RNEP, the coordination mechanisms for all stakeholders involved in job creation will be strengthened through joint planning and implementation. Monitoring and evaluation will also be strengthened through periodic labour force surveys. The Government refers to the establishment of the Kigali Employment Service Centre, indicating that, as of June 2017, 1,404 persons had obtained employment through the Centre, including permanent or temporary employment, internships or self-employment opportunities, of which 457 (33 per cent) were women and 947 (67 per cent) were men. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the nature and impact of measures taken to implement the Revised National Employment Policy. It also requests the Government to provide further information on the activities and impact of the National Employment Agency and the Kigali Employment Service Centre in relation to promoting access to sustainable employment and decent work, particularly in relation to disadvantaged groups, including women, young persons, persons with disabilities, and those working in the informal economy. The Committee further requests the Government to provide additional information on the consultations held with the social partners as well as the representatives of persons affected by the employment measures to be taken.

Article 2. Collection and analysis of statistics. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on progress made in relation to the collection and compilation of labour statistics through a labour force survey. The Committee notes that the Rwanda Labour Force Survey was launched in 2016 with an annual sample spread into two rounds to provide bi-annual estimates of main labour market indicators at the national level. From February 2019, the sample was spread into four rounds to provide relevant estimates on quarterly basis. According to the 2020 Annual Report of the Labour Force Survey, the employment to population ratio was 46.3 per cent, the highest since 2017. In 2020, this ratio was higher among men (55.2 per cent) compared to women (38.5 per cent), and higher among adults (49.5 per cent) than among young persons aged 16 to 30 (42.6 per cent). The unemployment rate rose to 17.9 per cent in 2020, largely due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market, up from 15.2 per cent in 2019. Unemployment rates in 2020 were higher among women (20.3 per cent) than men (15.9 per cent) and higher among young people (22.4 per cent) than adults (14.1 per cent). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information on the situation and trends of labour force participation, employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age, sex and urban/rural areas.

Education and training programmes. The Government indicates that the Workforce Development Authority (WDA) continues to operate as an institutional framework to provide a strategic response to skills development challenges in all sectors of the economy. The Government reports that 16 technical vocational education and training (TVET) polytechnics have been established. In addition, the number of TVET schools in the country increased from 402 in 2017 to 409 in 2018. In 2017, there were 107, 501 students enrolled in the TVET schools (65, 327 men and 42,174 women). The Government also reports that, to address existing skills development challenges, the Skills Development Fund implemented by the WDA through the National Employment Program structures delivered Short-Term Massive Vocational Training (MVT) and Rapid Response Training (RRT), focusing on women and youth. The Government indicates that a few months after completing the training, 54.7 per cent of Skills Development Fund graduates were employed, while 45.3 per cent were still looking for jobs. The Government further indicates that the Skills Development Fund II has been launched. Its objective is to minimize skills gaps experienced by private business operators by increasing the supply of skills in high demand in the labour market and providing new entrants with needed skills in selected sectors, including energy, transport and logistics, and manufacturing. The Committee also notes that the National Skills Development and Employment Promotion Strategy for 2019–2024 focuses on the upskilling needs of investing companies through the Skills Development Fund, while addressing its shortcomings, such as insufficient private sector engagement and weak accountability. Noting the adoption of the National Skills Development and Employment Promotion Strategy (2019–2024), the Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the nature of the activities carried out by the Workforce Development Authority and their results in terms of coordinating education and vocational training measures with prospective employment opportunities. The Government is also requested to provide detailed information on the impact of the various training and income-generating activities and funding programmes in Rwanda, including statistical data, disaggregated by age and sex, on the number of women and men who have benefited from these programmes and accessed full, productive, freely chosen and lasting employment. The Committee further requests the Government to communicate information on the activities and impact of the Skills Development Fund II and the results achieved.

Youth employment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has put in place measures to support young persons and graduates, particularly through the National Employment Program (2014–2019) and the workplace learning policy, to help them acquire skills needed in the labour market. The Government also provides graduates with vocational training and assists them to support their self-employment. The Committee notes that young persons are helped to form cooperatives and provided with start-up toolkits to begin operating in Integrated Craft Production Centres (ICPCs). During 2016 and 2017, 25,872 young persons and women received support in entrepreneurship, business development, business coaching and access to start-up loans for self-employment. During the same period, 18,945 young people received training in short-term vocational training programmes, industrial-based training and reconversion programmes. The Committee also notes the adoption of the Private Sector Development and Youth Employment Strategy (2018–2024). To enhance youth employment, the Strategy focuses on, among other measures, promoting workplace readiness programmes, including internships, mentorships and on-the-job training, as well as on providing opportunities for greater involvement of youth in entrepreneurship and job creation. Noting the increase in the unemployment rates of young women and men in 2020 in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee encourages the Government to strengthen its efforts to tackle youth unemployment and to promote the long-term integration of young persons in the labour market, paying special attention to the employment of young women, and to provide information on progress made or results achieved in this regard. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the impact of measures adopted to promote youth employment, in the framework of the National Employment Program (2014 – 2019), the Private Sector Development and Youth Employment Strategy (2018 – 2024), and the Integrated Craft Production Centres.

Persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the RNEP provides for the adoption of measures to empower persons with disabilities and promote their employment, including advocating for skills development and special infrastructure provision for persons with disabilities, to enable them to be more productive at work, conducting a study of feasible incentives to promote employment for persons with disabilities and facilitating access to finance for persons with disabilities business starters. The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 3 May 2019, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) expressed concern with respect to: (a) the low rate of employment among persons with disabilities – at 56 per cent according to the fourth Rwanda Population and Housing Census (2012), 77 per cent of whom are in the informal sector – where women and youth with disabilities are concentrated; (b) systematic barriers and discrimination against persons with disabilities in the recruitment process and in the workplace, including lack of reasonable accommodation, lack of accessible workplaces and of accessible and affordable public transport; and (c) the lack of vocational training opportunities to enable persons with disabilities to gain access to employment (document CRPD/C/RWA/CO/1, paragraph 49). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the nature and impact of measures taken to promote the employment of workers with disabilities on the open labour market as well as to facilitate their transition from the informal to the formal economy, particularly youth and women with disabilities, including those measures adopted in the framework of the RNEP.

Informal economy. The Government reports that it has implemented various strategies to facilitate formalization, including incentives to encourage informal small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) toward formalization, supporting young persons and women in the informal economy to become entrepreneurs and improving the legal framework. The Government also reports that it has established business development advisory services, Community Processing Centres and Integrated Craft Production Centres to provide hands-on skills and access to start-up equipment for self-employment. The Committee notes that, according to the results of recent labour force surveys conducted from 2017 through 2019, the percentage of informal employment rate is decreasing slightly, but remains high at 89.5 per cent in 2019. The RNEP sets out strategies to facilitate the formalization of informal economy, taking account of the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information, including statistical data, on the impact of the programmes and measures implemented to facilitate the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy, including workers belonging to disadvantaged groups, such as women, young persons and persons with disabilities, and within the framework of the Revised National Employment Policy (2017–2024).

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

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 initially made in 2017.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on developments with respect to the implementation of the National Employment Policy. The Government indicates in its report that the National Employment Policy (NEP), 2007, was closely followed by the formulation of action plans for women and youth, two groups disproportionately affected by the problem of unemployment. The implementation of the 2007 NEP was followed by different programmes articulated under the Second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS2), including the National Employment Programme, to serve the following objectives: (i) to create sufficient jobs that are adequately remunerative and sustainable across the economy; (ii) to equip the workforce with vital skills for increased productivity that are needed in the private sector; and (iii) to provide a national framework for coordinating all employment-related initiatives and activities in the public and private sectors and civil society. A number of employment promotion initiatives were implemented during the reporting period under the National Employment Programme’s Action Plan 2014–15 in the areas of: skills development; entrepreneurship and business development; labour market interventions aimed at supporting the Public Works and Financial Services Scheme; and upgrading the current labour market information system (LMIS). The Government indicates that the 2007 NEP is currently being reviewed with the support of the ILO in order to align it with the objectives of the EDPRS2 which, among other things, calls for the creation of 200,000 off-farm jobs per year. With respect to the activities of the National Employment Agency, the Government indicates that the Kigali Employment Service Centre (KESC) was established to provide employment services, including matching jobseekers to prospective employers. Out of the first 714 jobseekers using the KESC, 320 jobseekers found employment and 55 obtained internships. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to review and implement the National Employment Policy, and to provide a copy of the revised policy once it is adopted. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed information, including statistics, on progress made towards achieving the objectives set out in the National Employment Policy. It also requests the Government to provide further information on the activities of the National Employment Agency and the Kigali Employment Service Centre on the matters covered by the Convention, including on targeted measures aimed at promoting the employment of women.

Article 2. Collection and analysis of statistics. The Government indicates that the national unemployment rate in 2012 was 3.4 per cent, adding that unemployment is an urban phenomenon, with an unemployment rate in urban areas of 7.7 per cent in 2012, more than twice as high as the national unemployment rate and three times higher than the unemployment rate in rural areas (2.6 per cent). The unemployment rate for women in urban areas nationwide was more than twice that of men. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that unemployment is severe among young persons in the 18–35 age group, with 8.7 per cent unemployment in urban areas (reaching 12.7 per cent unemployment among young women). The Government indicates that, according to data for 2013–14, the unemployment rate for young persons with upper secondary level education was 9 per cent, reaching 13.5 per cent for university graduates. The Committee notes with interest that a diagnostic assessment of the LMIS was carried out and a roadmap developed, with the aim of upgrading the current system. Methodology is also being developed for undertaking a Labour Force Survey, including the design of analytical indicators, the creation of a representative sample for the survey and capacity building for LMIS teams. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age, areas of residence (urban and rural areas) and sex. It also requests the Government to provide information on progress made in relation to the collection and compilation of statistics through a Labour Force Survey, including information on the methodology developed for this purpose.

Coordination of education and training policies with employment. The Government indicates that the Workforce Development Authority carried out technical vocational education and training (TVET) activities, including the development of 33 competence-based curricula and training of 500 trainers. The Government adds that 30 TVET schools were built during the 2010–14 period and an additional 11 centres are under construction. The Committee notes that the number of students enrolled in TVET schools has increased from 51,773 in 2010 to 93,034 in 2014. The Committee also notes that the Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, initiated a Skills Development Fund (SDF), which provides grants to organizations (TVET providers, associations, cooperatives and companies) in all provinces of Rwanda. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the activities carried out by the Workforce Development Authority and their results in terms of coordination of education and vocational training measures with prospective employment opportunities. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the various training and income-generating activities and funding programmes in Rwanda, including data, disaggregated by age and sex, on the number of women and men who have benefited from these programmes. The Committee also requests the Government to communicate additional information on the beneficiaries of the Skills Development Fund and employment-related results achieved.

Youth employment. The Committee notes the measures taken during the reporting period to promote youth employment. In this regard, the Government indicates that the National Employment Programme, introduced in 2014, supported 6,316 youth- and women-led businesses through access to financial products, including credit guarantees, grants, loans and equity, generating 22,632 jobs. With respect to employability and skills development, in one year of the National Employment Programme’s implementation, 7,219 young people were trained in short-term vocational training programmes and industrial-based training (where youth obtain on-the-job training). Moreover, a rehabilitation centre was established for youth street vendors to equip them with entrepreneurship and technical skills. After graduation they are helped to form cooperatives and provided with start-up toolkits to begin operating in Integrated Craft Production Centres (ICPCs). The Committee notes the information provided on the establishment of an innovation fund in the information, communications and technology (ICT) sector which aims to support youth projects. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to tackle youth unemployment and to promote the long-term integration of young persons in the labour market, including through the establishment of cooperatives. It also requests the Government to provide information on targeted measures aimed at promoting the employment of young women as well as on the impact of these measures.

Informal economy. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government on measures taken to facilitate the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy, including the establishment of proximity business development advisory services, Community Processing Centres (CPCs) and ICPCs. The establishment of ICPCs was born out of the need to absorb the large numbers of underemployed youth, including young high school and university graduates, into the productive labour force by providing them with upgraded skills. The Government indicates that support is also being provided to disadvantaged groups, including person with disabilities, to acquire hands-on skills and obtain start-up equipment for self-employment. In the 2014–15 period, 874 people with disabilities benefitted from these services, which helped them to operate in the formal economy. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information, including statistics, on the impact of the programmes and measures implemented to facilitate the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy. In this respect, the Government may consider it useful to consult the Transition from the Informal to the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204).

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the National Labour Council (NLC) is responsible for providing legislative and policy advice on labour matters and playing a role in the settlement of labour disputes. In addition, the NLC is responsible for: giving advice on bills and draft regulations concerning labour and social security; assisting in the application of laws and regulations; and identifying shortcomings in the field of labour legislation and to propose amendments. The NLC was consulted during the review of employment policies and programmes within the framework of the development and implementation of EDPRS2. The Government indicates that the development of the National Employment Programme was an outcome of stakeholders’ concerted efforts. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the social partners, including within the National Labour Council, on the formulation, implementation and review of an active employment policy. It also requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of persons affected by the employment measures to be taken, such as those working in rural areas, women, young persons, persons with disabilities, and those working in the informal economy.

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

Article 1 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on developments with respect to the implementation of the National Employment Policy. The Government indicates in its report that the National Employment Policy (NEP), 2007, was closely followed by the formulation of action plans for women and youth, two groups disproportionately affected by the problem of unemployment. The implementation of the 2007 NEP was followed by different programmes articulated under the Second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS2), including the National Employment Programme, to serve the following objectives: (i) to create sufficient jobs that are adequately remunerative and sustainable across the economy; (ii) to equip the workforce with vital skills for increased productivity that are needed in the private sector; and (iii) to provide a national framework for coordinating all employment-related initiatives and activities in the public and private sectors and civil society. A number of employment promotion initiatives were implemented during the reporting period under the National Employment Programme’s Action Plan 2014–15 in the areas of: skills development; entrepreneurship and business development; labour market interventions aimed at supporting the Public Works and Financial Services Scheme; and upgrading the current labour market information system (LMIS). The Government indicates that the 2007 NEP is currently being reviewed with the support of the ILO in order to align it with the objectives of the EDPRS2 which, among other things, calls for the creation of 200,000 off-farm jobs per year. With respect to the activities of the National Employment Agency, the Government indicates that the Kigali Employment Service Centre (KESC) was established to provide employment services, including matching jobseekers to prospective employers. Out of the first 714 jobseekers using the KESC, 320 jobseekers found employment and 55 obtained internships. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to review and implement the National Employment Policy, and to provide a copy of the revised policy once it is adopted. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed information, including statistics, on progress made towards achieving the objectives set out in the National Employment Policy. It also requests the Government to provide further information on the activities of the National Employment Agency and the Kigali Employment Service Centre on the matters covered by the Convention, including on targeted measures aimed at promoting the employment of women.

Article 2. Collection and analysis of statistics. The Government indicates that the national unemployment rate in 2012 was 3.4 per cent, adding that unemployment is an urban phenomenon, with an unemployment rate in urban areas of 7.7 per cent in 2012, more than twice as high as the national unemployment rate and three times higher than the unemployment rate in rural areas (2.6 per cent). The unemployment rate for women in urban areas nationwide was more than twice that of men. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that unemployment is severe among young persons in the 18–35 age group, with 8.7 per cent unemployment in urban areas (reaching 12.7 per cent unemployment among young women). The Government indicates that, according to data for 2013–14, the unemployment rate for young persons with upper secondary level education was 9 per cent, reaching 13.5 per cent for university graduates. The Committee notes with interest that a diagnostic assessment of the LMIS was carried out and a roadmap developed, with the aim of upgrading the current system. Methodology is also being developed for undertaking a Labour Force Survey, including the design of analytical indicators, the creation of a representative sample for the survey and capacity building for LMIS teams. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age, areas of residence (urban and rural areas) and sex. It also requests the Government to provide information on progress made in relation to the collection and compilation of statistics through a Labour Force Survey, including information on the methodology developed for this purpose.

Coordination of education and training policies with employment. The Government indicates that the Workforce Development Authority carried out technical vocational education and training (TVET) activities, including the development of 33 competence-based curricula and training of 500 trainers. The Government adds that 30 TVET schools were built during the 2010–14 period and an additional 11 centres are under construction. The Committee notes that the number of students enrolled in TVET schools has increased from 51,773 in 2010 to 93,034 in 2014. The Committee also notes that the Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, initiated a Skills Development Fund (SDF), which provides grants to organizations (TVET providers, associations, cooperatives and companies) in all provinces of Rwanda. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the activities carried out by the Workforce Development Authority and their results in terms of coordination of education and vocational training measures with prospective employment opportunities. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the various training and income-generating activities and funding programmes in Rwanda, including data, disaggregated by age and sex, on the number of women and men who have benefited from these programmes. The Committee also requests the Government to communicate additional information on the beneficiaries of the Skills Development Fund and employment-related results achieved.

Youth employment. The Committee notes the measures taken during the reporting period to promote youth employment. In this regard, the Government indicates that the National Employment Programme, introduced in 2014, supported 6,316 youth- and women-led businesses through access to financial products, including credit guarantees, grants, loans and equity, generating 22,632 jobs. With respect to employability and skills development, in one year of the National Employment Programme’s implementation, 7,219 young people were trained in short-term vocational training programmes and industrial-based training (where youth obtain on-the-job training). Moreover, a rehabilitation centre was established for youth street vendors to equip them with entrepreneurship and technical skills. After graduation they are helped to form cooperatives and provided with start-up toolkits to begin operating in Integrated Craft Production Centres (ICPCs). The Committee notes the information provided on the establishment of an innovation fund in the information, communications and technology (ICT) sector which aims to support youth projects. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to tackle youth unemployment and to promote the long-term integration of young persons in the labour market, including through the establishment of cooperatives. It also requests the Government to provide information on targeted measures aimed at promoting the employment of young women as well as on the impact of these measures.

Informal economy. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government on measures taken to facilitate the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy, including the establishment of proximity business development advisory services, Community Processing Centres (CPCs) and ICPCs. The establishment of ICPCs was born out of the need to absorb the large numbers of underemployed youth, including young high school and university graduates, into the productive labour force by providing them with upgraded skills. The Government indicates that support is also being provided to disadvantaged groups, including person with disabilities, to acquire hands-on skills and obtain start-up equipment for self-employment. In the 2014–15 period, 874 people with disabilities benefitted from these services, which helped them to operate in the formal economy. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information, including statistics, on the impact of the programmes and measures implemented to facilitate the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy. In this respect, the Government may consider it useful to consult the Transition from the Informal to the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204).

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the National Labour Council (NLC) is responsible for providing legislative and policy advice on labour matters and playing a role in the settlement of labour disputes. In addition, the NLC is responsible for: giving advice on bills and draft regulations concerning labour and social security; assisting in the application of laws and regulations; and identifying shortcomings in the field of labour legislation and to propose amendments. The NLC was consulted during the review of employment policies and programmes within the framework of the development and implementation of EDPRS2. The Government indicates that the development of the National Employment Programme was an outcome of stakeholders’ concerted efforts. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the social partners, including within the National Labour Council, on the formulation, implementation and review of an active employment policy. It also requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of persons affected by the employment measures to be taken, such as those working in rural areas, women, young persons, persons with disabilities, and those working in the informal economy.

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

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

Article 1 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention received in May 2013. The Government indicates that the National Employment Policy, adopted in 2007, provides guidelines for employment generation and employment productivity. The Committee notes that the Ministry in charge of employment is considered as the institution responsible for national coordination of all actions and programmes concerning employment promotion. The National Employment Policy also provides for the establishment of a National Employment Agency (NEA) to increase employment opportunities by matching jobseekers and employers and a tripartite National Labour Council (NLC) headed by the Minister in charge of employment and composed equally of employers’ and workers’ representatives. The Committee invites the Government to describe the developments with respect to the implementation of the National Employment Policy, as well as the activities of the National Employment Agency and the National Labour Council on the matters covered by the Convention.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that all employment policies are communicated to the representatives of the employers’ and workers’ organizations through the NLC. The Ministry of Public Service and Labour organizes consultation meetings to communicate employment-related measures with the affected persons. Moreover, the National Employment Policy provides for the promotion and strengthening of social dialogue, through the establishment of a permanent concerted action framework with social partners and civil society organizations. The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on the activities of the existing consultation mechanisms with respect to the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

Collection and analysis of statistics. The Government indicates in its report that a labour market information system was established in 2008 to compile and present accurate and timely data on labour market supply and demand. Labour market information is compiled by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) in the Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (or Enquête Intégrale sur les Conditions de Vie des Ménages – EICV). The last survey (EICV3) covered the period January-December 2011. The Committee further notes that, according to the information provided by the Government, employed persons represented some 84.2 per cent of 5.88 million persons in the country in 2011. The Committee invites the Government to communicate in its next report updated information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age and sex. The Committee also wishes to examine information on the manner in which employment data is used for deciding on and reviewing employment measures, in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 2 and 3).

Youth employment. The Government indicates that an internship programme was launched in 2010 to enable graduates to gain work experience. The Committee also notes that a Five-Year Action Plan for Youth Employment Promotion was adopted in 2007. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken for young persons, enabling them to obtain lasting employment.

Informal sector. The Government highlights in its report the initiative taken under “Kuremera”, a programme established to provide start-up capital to youth and vulnerable groups, including women street vendors to acquire decent workplace premises in public markets. The Hanga Umrimo programme provides entrepreneurship skills and links eligible beneficiaries to financial institutions. Furthermore, the Business Development Fund established in 2009 provides loan guarantees to young men and women. In paragraph 697 of the General Survey of 2010 concerning employment instruments, the Committee noted the importance of including assistance to the informal economy as part of policies to achieve full and productive employment and to reduce poverty. Such action towards the informal economy should include efforts to extend access to justice, property rights, labour rights and business rights to the informal economy workers and business. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the programmes and measures implemented to enhance job growth and to facilitate the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy.

Coordination of education and training policies with employment. The Committee notes that the Workforce Development Authority (WDA) was created in 2008, with the mission to promote, facilitate, and guide the development and upgrading of skills and competencies of the national workforce in order to enhance competitiveness and employability, through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training System. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by the Workforce Development Authority and their results in terms of coordination of the education and vocational training measures with the prospective employment opportunities. Please also provide information on the impact of the various training and income-generating activities and funding programmes in Rwanda, including data on the number of women and men who have benefited from these programmes.

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

Article 1 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention received in May 2013. The Government indicates that the National Employment Policy, adopted in 2007, provides guidelines for employment generation and employment productivity. The Committee notes that the Ministry in charge of employment is considered as the institution responsible for national coordination of all actions and programmes concerning employment promotion. The National Employment Policy also provides for the establishment of a National Employment Agency (NEA) to increase employment opportunities by matching jobseekers and employers and a tripartite National Labour Council (NLC) headed by the Minister in charge of employment and composed equally of employers’ and workers’ representatives. The Committee invites the Government to describe, in its next report, the developments with respect to the implementation of the National Employment Policy, as well as the activities of the National Employment Agency and the National Labour Council on the matters covered by the Convention.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that all employment policies are communicated to the representatives of the employers’ and workers’ organizations through the NLC. The Ministry of Public Service and Labour organizes consultation meetings to communicate employment-related measures with the affected persons. Moreover, the National Employment Policy provides for the promotion and strengthening of social dialogue, through the establishment of a permanent concerted action framework with social partners and civil society organizations. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report detailed information on the activities of the existing consultation mechanisms with respect to the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also provide information on the consultations held with the representatives of rural workers and workers in the informal economy.

Collection and analysis of statistics. The Government indicates in its report that a labour market information system was established in 2008 to compile and present accurate and timely data on labour market supply and demand. Labour market information is compiled by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) in the Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (or Enquête Intégrale sur les Conditions de Vie des Ménages – EICV). The last survey (EICV3) covered the period January-December 2011. The Committee further notes that, according to the information provided by the Government, employed persons represented some 84.2 per cent of 5.88 million persons in the country in 2011. The Committee invites the Government to communicate in its next report updated information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, disaggregated by age and sex. The Committee also wishes to examine information on the manner in which employment data is used for deciding on and reviewing employment measures, in cooperation with the social partners (Articles 2 and 3).

Youth employment. The Government indicates that an internship programme was launched in 2010 to enable graduates to gain work experience. The Committee also notes that a Five-Year Action Plan for Youth Employment Promotion was adopted in 2007. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the impact of the measures taken for young persons, enabling them to obtain lasting employment.

Informal sector. The Government highlights in its report the initiative taken under “Kuremera”, a programme established to provide start-up capital to youth and vulnerable groups, including women street vendors to acquire decent workplace premises in public markets. The Hanga Umrimo programme provides entrepreneurship skills and links eligible beneficiaries to financial institutions. Furthermore, the Business Development Fund established in 2009 provides loan guarantees to young men and women. In paragraph 697 of the General Survey of 2010 concerning employment instruments, the Committee noted the importance of including assistance to the informal economy as part of policies to achieve full and productive employment and to reduce poverty. Such action towards the informal economy should include efforts to extend access to justice, property rights, labour rights and business rights to the informal economy workers and business. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the impact of the programmes and measures implemented to enhance job growth and to facilitate the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy.

Coordination of education and training policies with employment. The Committee notes that the Workforce Development Authority (WDA) was created in 2008, with the mission to promote, facilitate, and guide the development and upgrading of skills and competencies of the national workforce in order to enhance competitiveness and employability, through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training System. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the activities carried out by the Workforce Development Authority and their results in terms of coordination of the education and vocational training measures with the prospective employment opportunities. Please also provide information on the impact of the various training and income-generating activities and funding programmes in Rwanda, including data on the number of women and men who have benefited from these programmes.

ILO technical assistance. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the technical assistance received from the ILO on matters related to the application of the Convention.