Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Kyrgyzstan (Ratification: 1992)

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government reports on the National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040 (hereinafter the 2018-2040 Development Strategy), highlighting that, according to UN estimates, population growth in the current decade is expected to be some 900,000 persons, the most significant growth in the entire history of Kyrgyzstan. The Committee notes from the 2018-2040 Development Strategy that unemployment and the lack of jobs have forced hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz citizens to seek work abroad. There is also significant internal migration, associated primarily with the search for work, which negatively affects the development of rural areas. According to the 2017 ILO/OECD report “How immigrants contribute to Kyrgyzstan’s Economy”, in 2015, immigrants to Kyrgyzstan represented 3.4 per cent of the population, while emigrants represented 12.8 per cent. In this context, the Committee notes with interest the range of measures undertaken by the Government with a view to attaining the objectives of the Convention within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Government refers to the implementation of the “Programme to promote employment and regulate internal and external migration until 2020”, which includes among its main objectives: strengthening active employment measures to promote the employment of unemployed persons and persons in vulnerable situations; improving the regulatory legal framework on employment; developing a labour market information system; and improving the quality and efficiency of employment and migration services. The Committee further notes the adoption of the 2018-2040 Development Strategy in November 2018, which defines long-term strategic benchmarks for the development of Kyrgyzstan and identifies priority medium-term steps to be taken. The Strategy focuses the national economic policy on providing employment and stable incomes, as well as creating productive jobs, taking into account future challenges in the labour market. In this framework, it calls for the adoption of measures to guarantee the economic well-being of the population by 2040, through the creation of productive jobs that provide decent employment and stable incomes, with the goal of ensuring that 80 per cent of the working population are able to enjoy decent wages and labour conditions. The Committee also notes the adoption in March 2019 of the medium-term “Development Programme of the Kyrgyz Republic for the period 2018-2022: Unity, Trust, Creation” (hereinafter referred to as the 2018-2022 Development Program), which is aligned with the 2018-2040 Development Strategy. The 2018-2022 Development Programme includes among its priority areas the provision of an economic basis for ensuring the well-being of people through a broad range of measures, including through the development and implementation of long-term development plans to promote employment growth and gradually increase the number of urban residents to ensure an even distribution of the population throughout the country. With regard to employment trends, the Committee notes that, according to the statistical information available to the ILO Department of Statistics, the labour force participation rate in Kyrgyzstan in 2021 was 65 per cent (78 per cent for men and 52.5 per cent for women). The employment-to-population ratio was 62.3 per cent (74.9 per cent for men and 50.2 per cent for women), while the unemployment rate was 4.1 per cent (4 per cent for men and 4.3 per cent for women). Finally, the Government indicates that, as of 1 August 2019, 14,300 persons (of which women represented 67.3 per cent and young people 22 per cent), secured employment after receiving employment counselling provided by the public employment services. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the manner in which it determines and keep under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, active labour market policies and measures to achieve the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment. It further requests the Government to provide updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by age, sex and region, on the nature, scope and impact of the measures adopted to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistics, disaggregated by sex and age, with respect to labour market trends, specifically labour force participation, employment both in the private and the public sector, and unemployment.

Education and training. The Committee notes that, according to the 2018-2022 Development Program, that the educational system does not provide a significant proportion of Kyrgyz citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary to enable their competitive participation in the labour market. Key challenges highlighted in the 2018-2022 Development Programme include: the vocational education system does not meet the needs of a changing labour market or development priorities; higher education available does not provide tangible benefits to graduates; the working population does not have access to opportunities for advanced training and retraining; and key stakeholders are not fully involved in the education reform process. In this respect, the Committee notes that the “Programme to promote employment and regulate internal and external migration up to 2020” contemplates the adoption of measures with the aim of strengthening training, retraining and skills development training systems to improve the workforce’s competencies. In addition, the 2018-2040 Development Strategy includes among its development objectives ensuring that every citizen has access to quality education and that the education system allows them to fulfil their potential and provides them with practical knowledge and competencies. With a view to attaining this goal, the 2018-2040 Development Strategy calls for the adoption of a set of measures, including ensuring access to and full coverage of pre-school and school education; improving vocational training quality in accordance with labour market demands; establishing a continuous development system and a National Qualifications System (NQS). In the same vein, the 2018-2020 Development Programme places priority on introducing dual education and strengthening communication with employers in relation to vocational education. Finally, the Government refers to the implementation of various initial vocational education programmes, as well as to vocational training, retraining and skills development programmes. The Government reports that, as of January 2019, there were 29,870 students participating in such programmes (with 30 per cent female participation), and that 77 per cent of those that graduated were subsequently employed in their area of specialization. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the nature, scope and impact of the measures taken in the area of education and training. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in the establishment and functioning of a continuous development system and a National Qualifications System (NQS).

Poverty reduction. The Committee observes that, according to the Labour Force Survey (LFS), in 2018, the working poverty rate stood at 15.5 per cent.The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 29 November 2021, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) expressed concern with regard to the high poverty rate (38 per cent), disproportionately affecting women, especially rural women, women single heads of household and women engaged in unpaid care work (document CEDAW/C/KGZ/CO/5, paragraph 37). The Committee notes that the 2018-2040 Development Strategy contemplates the adoption of a set of measures to introduce a system of social contracts with recipients of state benefits with labour potential; to promote employment coordinated with local self-government bodies and vocational education institutions in order to efficiently contribute to poverty reduction; and to measure multidimensional poverty. The Government indicates in this respect that a draft Government Decision was developed on the provision of one-off social support to low-income and disadvantaged families based on the social contract was developed. Moreover, the 2018-2020 Development Programme includes among its main objectives ensuring the dynamic development of the economy (at least 4 per cent) and stable growth in the incomes, with the aim of reducing levels of poverty to 20 per cent. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the impact of the measures implemented under the “National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040”, and the “Development Programme of the Kyrgyz Republic for the period 2018-2022: Unity, Trust, Creation”, in terms of poverty reduction. In addition, it requests the Government to provide a copy of the draft Government Decision once it is available.

Ethnic minorities. The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 30 May 2018, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) expressed concern about the extremely low living standards of the Mugat, characterized by a high unemployment rate, low school attendance and high rates of school dropout, particularly among girls, as well as limited access to social services, notably due to a lack of documentation (document CERD/C/KGZ/CO/8-10, paragraph 23 (a)). The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the nature and scope of measures taken or envisaged to increase the opportunities of ethnic or national minorities in education and vocational training, as well as to ensure them equality of access in relation to employment and occupation. It also requests the Government to provide updated statistical information, disaggregated by sex and age, on the participation of ethnic or national minorities at all stages of education and vocational training.

Women’s employment. The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 29 November 2021, the CEDAW expressed concern about the low employment rate of women (44 per cent) and the persistent gender pay gap, including barriers to women’s promotion to management positions, higher paid jobs and decision-making positions; the concentration of women in the informal economy (64 per cent), often in exploitative conditions and without access to labour and social protection; and the limited access to decent employment for disadvantaged and marginalized groups of women, including women belonging to ethnic minorities, migrant women and women with disabilities. The CEDAW also expressed concern at the concentration of women’s entrepreneurship in low-profit sectors, such as wholesale and retail trade and agriculture, and in home-based work (document CEDAW/C/KGZ/CO/5, paragraphs 33(a), (b) and (f), and 37(c)). Against this background, the Committee notes that the 2018-2020 Development Programme established gender as a cross-cutting issue across all development measures taken and contemplated the adoption of measures to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women in respect of the right to work, as well as ensuring equal access to social and economic benefits. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged to promote women’s participation in the labour market, including in non-traditionally female occupations. It also requests the Government to provide statistical information on the labour market situation of women and men in the public and private sectors, disaggregated by sex, age, economic sector and occupation.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that, according to data available to the ILO Statistics Department, in 2021, the youth unemployment rate was 8.3 per cent (7.9 per cent for men and 9 per cent for women), and the share of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) was 15.9 per cent (10 per cent for men and 22 per cent for women). The Committee notes that the 2018-2040 Development Strategy’s principal targets include ensuring that young people are actively involved in national development, creating an efficient youth development system and establishing the necessary legal framework for the effective implementation of the national youth policy. In connection with the latter, the 2018-2040 Development Strategy provides that the national youth policy should focus on promoting employment and self-realization of young persons in the country. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature, scope and impact of the measures adopted or envisaged, including those under the youth policy,to promote decent, productive and lasting employment for young women and men.

Informal economy. The Committee notes that, according to the 2018 OECD report, the informal sector increased from 60.2 per cent of total employment in 2002 to 71.8 per cent in 2014. The 2018 OECD report highlights that the rate is higher among men than women and higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Furthermore, the Committee notes from the 2015 World Bank report on “Transitioning to Better Jobs in the Kyrgyz Republic: A Jobs Diagnostic” that the growth in informality was fuelled by a complex regulatory environment for non-resident employment. The 2015 report emphasizes that, despite its Law on Internal Migration, the Kyrgyz residential registration system remains a modified version of the Soviet Propiska system, which requires employees to have official residential status. The process by which residential status is acquired is both complicated and non-transparent. The 2015 report points out that, as a result, many internal migrants do not register, and thus cannot be legally employed, creating large pools of unregistered cheap labour, a situation which contributes to increasing the size of the informal economy. The Committee notes that the 2018-40 Development Strategy contemplates the adoption of measures to facilitate the transition from the informal to the formal economy, such as promoting the advantages of effective transition to the formal economy and protecting the property rights of economic units during their transition to the formal economy. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information onthe nature and impact of measures taken to integrate informal economy workers into the formal labour market, especially internal migrants.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes that, according to the report of the 2015 World Bank report, approximately 60 per cent of domestic employment (formal and informal) takes place in firms with five workers or fewer, and only 6 per cent takes place in organizations of more than 60 workers. The 2015 report points out that formal sector employment is predominantly found in large enterprises, while informal employment is mostly found in small economic activities. The Committee notes that the 2018-2040 Development Strategy includes among its main goals increasing the share of SMEs to 50 per cent of the GDP by 2023. With a view to achieving this goal, the 2018-2040 Development Strategy contemplates the adoption of, among other measures, expanding financing programs, reducing the conditions of lending, establishing a special regime of administration and taxation for SMEs, and providing information as well as consulting support to businesses. It also envisages the additional allocation of KGS 15 billion to support SMEs over the next 5 years. In this regard, the 2018-2020 Development Programme contemplates developing and implementing a comprehensive national programme for the development of small and medium-sized businesses, establishing business services centres to support SMEs on the principle of a "single window" in all regions to ensure unified coordination of financial and non-financial support provided to entrepreneurs; improving financial support mechanisms to SMEs; continuing reforms to create an enabling regulatory environment and reduce administrative barriers. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the measures adopted to support the establishment of SMEs and on their result in terms of generating employment, including for specific groups, such as women, young persons and other groups in vulnerable situations. It further requests the Government to provide information on the status of the adoption of the comprehensive national programme for the development of small and medium-sized businesses and to transmit a copy once it has been adopted.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of employment policies. The Government indicates that an inter-agency working group, which will include representatives of the social partners, is being established with a view to developing a new programme to promote employment. With regard to the participation of persons affected by the employment measures, the Committee notes that the 2018-2040 Development Strategy contemplates providing support to civil society institutions and ensuring public access in the process of developing, adopting, implementing and monitoring decisions affecting national interests. It also notes that the 2018-2020 Development Programme contemplates the establishment of a set of qualitative and quantitative indicators agreed upon by all interested parties to monitor and assess progress made in advancing and achieving the economic and social priorities identified under the programme. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on progress made in the establishment of the inter-agency group contemplated. It also requests the Government to provide information concerning the manner in which the social partners are engaged and how their opinions are taken into account in the formulation and implementation of employment measures. It also requests the Government to provide information on consultations held with representatives of the persons affected by the measures taken, such as young people, women, ethnic minorities and other specific groups, in relation to the development and implementation of such measures.

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

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

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Government recalls its commitment to promote employment to reduce poverty. The Government also identifies the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment as the administrative body to implement the employment policy through the employment service. The purpose of the employment policy is to promote employment and provide social support to unemployed citizens and jobseekers, through the offices of the state employment service. The Government indicates that 200,000 people are provided employment counselling each year, 90,000 of whom are registered as unemployed. The Committee also notes that, on 31 January 2011, 60,000 people were registered with the employment service and that 1,056 of those workers who registered with the employment service received unemployment benefits in 2011. With respect to job creation, the Government indicates that 110,000 jobs are created every year, of which 88 per cent are seasonal or temporary jobs. The Government highlighted four measures that it has put in place to promote employment and reduce poverty: public temporary works jobs; training for workers; micro-credit loans; and unemployment benefits. The Government indicates that 20,000 to 25,000 people are employed with public temporary works jobs, 6,000 to 9,000 unemployed workers receive training each year, 25,000 unemployed workers receive micro credit loans to open their own businesses, and qualified unemployed persons can receive 400 Kyrgyz soms (KGS) a month in unemployment benefit for up to 12 months. The Committee also notes that the Government instituted quarterly reviews of the results of the policy in order to monitor and adjust their policies for the future and for their analysis of the social and economic situation of the country. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken to promote full employment within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. Please include updated information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers.

Poverty reduction. In its previous comments, the Committee requested information on measures taken for workers affected by structural reforms, such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine. The Committee understands from the data available from the World Bank that following strong growth in 2011, the Kyrgyz economy was hit by a significant decline in gold production due to geological movements at Kumtor. Real GDP in the first half of 2012 contracted by 5.6 per cent as gold production at Kumtor fell by 60 per cent. Excluding Kumtor, real output grew moderately at 3.9 per cent with growth across all sectors. The Committee invites once again the Government to include in its next report information on the results of the measures implemented under its poverty reduction strategy to promote employment in sectors and regions (oblasts) that are affected by structural reforms.

Coordination of education and training policy with employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government offers vocational and technical education to create skilled workers who can be competitive in the labour market. Each year, the employment service refers 8,000 to 10,000 unemployed people to vocational and technical education. There are 110 educational institutions providing training to 15,000–16,000 workers in over 50 different occupations. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further 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 workers, into lasting employment.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that the State and employers make agreements which include discussions to identify job vacancies and agreements to facilitate the filling of those vacancies. As a result of this cooperation, 70,000 vacancies have been identified and 45,000 to 50,000 of those vacancies have been filled. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report more specific information on the manner in which the workers’ and employers’ organizations are consulted on the implementation and revision of employment policies. It also invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to hold consultations with vulnerable categories of the population, in particular with the representatives of workers in rural areas and the informal economy, to obtain their help in developing and implementing employment policy programmes and measures.

Articles 2 and 5. Consultation mechanisms and tripartite consultations required by the Convention. The Government indicates that the National Tripartite Commission is responsible for, inter alia, holding consultations on the ratification and application of international labour standards. It also indicates that, when necessary, the relevant consultations on questions referred to in Article 5(1) are held by introducing these questions to the agenda of the National Tripartite Commission meetings. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the activities of the National Tripartite Commission which ensure effective consultations with respect to the matters covered by the Convention. It also invites the Government to provide detailed information on the content and outcome of the consultations held on each of the matters concerning international labour standards covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention.

Article 4(2). Financing of training. The Government indicates that the organizational, material and technical resources for the National Tripartite Commission’s activities are provided in the manner established by the Government. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the arrangements made for the financing of any necessary training of participants on the consultative procedures provided for in the Convention.

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

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 2013.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Government recalls its commitment to promote employment to reduce poverty. The Government also identifies the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment as the administrative body to implement the employment policy through the employment service. The purpose of the employment policy is to promote employment and provide social support to unemployed citizens and jobseekers, through the offices of the state employment service. The Government indicates that 200,000 people are provided employment counselling each year, 90,000 of whom are registered as unemployed. The Committee also notes that, on 31 January 2011, 60,000 people were registered with the employment service and that 1,056 of those workers who registered with the employment service received unemployment benefits in 2011. With respect to job creation, the Government indicates that 110,000 jobs are created every year, of which 88 per cent are seasonal or temporary jobs. The Government highlighted four measures that it has put in place to promote employment and reduce poverty: public temporary works jobs; training for workers; micro-credit loans; and unemployment benefits. The Government indicates that 20,000 to 25,000 people are employed with public temporary works jobs, 6,000 to 9,000 unemployed workers receive training each year, 25,000 unemployed workers receive micro credit loans to open their own businesses, and qualified unemployed persons can receive 400 Kyrgyz soms (KGS) a month in unemployment benefit for up to 12 months. The Committee also notes that the Government instituted quarterly reviews of the results of the policy in order to monitor and adjust their policies for the future and for their analysis of the social and economic situation of the country. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken to promote full employment within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. Please include updated information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers.

Poverty reduction. In its previous comments, the Committee requested information on measures taken for workers affected by structural reforms, such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine. The Committee understands from the data available from the World Bank that following strong growth in 2011, the Kyrgyz economy was hit by a significant decline in gold production due to geological movements at Kumtor. Real GDP in the first half of 2012 contracted by 5.6 per cent as gold production at Kumtor fell by 60 per cent. Excluding Kumtor, real output grew moderately at 3.9 per cent with growth across all sectors. The Committee invites once again the Government to include in its next report information on the results of the measures implemented under its poverty reduction strategy to promote employment in sectors and regions (oblasts) that are affected by structural reforms.

Coordination of education and training policy with employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government offers vocational and technical education to create skilled workers who can be competitive in the labour market. Each year, the employment service refers 8,000 to 10,000 unemployed people to vocational and technical education. There are 110 educational institutions providing training to 15,000–16,000 workers in over 50 different occupations. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further 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 workers, into lasting employment.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that the State and employers make agreements which include discussions to identify job vacancies and agreements to facilitate the filling of those vacancies. As a result of this cooperation, 70,000 vacancies have been identified and 45,000 to 50,000 of those vacancies have been filled. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report more specific information on the manner in which the workers’ and employers’ organizations are consulted on the implementation and revision of employment policies. It also invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to hold consultations with vulnerable categories of the population, in particular with the representatives of workers in rural areas and the informal economy, to obtain their help in developing and implementing employment policy programmes and measures.

Articles 2 and 5. Consultation mechanisms and tripartite consultations required by the Convention. The Government indicates that the National Tripartite Commission is responsible for, inter alia, holding consultations on the ratification and application of international labour standards. It also indicates that, when necessary, the relevant consultations on questions referred to in Article 5(1) are held by introducing these questions to the agenda of the National Tripartite Commission meetings. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the activities of the National Tripartite Commission which ensure effective consultations with respect to the matters covered by the Convention. It also invites the Government to provide detailed information on the content and outcome of the consultations held on each of the matters concerning international labour standards covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention.

Article 4(2). Financing of training. The Government indicates that the organizational, material and technical resources for the National Tripartite Commission’s activities are provided in the manner established by the Government. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the arrangements made for the financing of any necessary training of participants on the consultative procedures provided for in the Convention.

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

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

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Government recalls its commitment to promote employment to reduce poverty. The Government also identifies the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment as the administrative body to implement the employment policy through the employment service. The purpose of the employment policy is to promote employment and provide social support to unemployed citizens and jobseekers through the offices of the state employment service. The Government indicates that 200,000 people are provided employment counselling each year, 90,000 of whom are registered as unemployed. The Committee also notes that, on 31 January 2011, 60,000 people were registered with the employment service and that 1,056 of those workers who registered with the employment service received unemployment benefits in 2011. With respect to job creation, the Government indicates that 110,000 jobs are created every year, of which 88 per cent are seasonal or temporary jobs. The Government highlighted four measures that it has put in place to promote employment and reduce poverty: public temporary works jobs; training for workers; micro-credit loans; and unemployment benefits. The Government indicates that 20,000 to 25,000 people are employed with public temporary works jobs, 6,000 to 9,000 unemployed workers receive training each year, 25,000 unemployed workers receive micro-credit loans to open their own businesses, and qualified unemployed persons can receive 400 Kyrgyz soms (KGS) a month in unemployment benefit for up to 12 months. The Committee also notes that the Government instituted quarterly reviews of the results of the policy in order to monitor and adjust their policies for the future and for their analysis of the social and economic situation of the country. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to promote full employment within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. Please include updated information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers.

Poverty reduction. In its previous comments, the Committee requested information on measures taken for workers affected by structural reforms, such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine. The Committee understands from the data available from the World Bank that following strong growth in 2011, the Kyrgyz economy was hit by a significant decline in gold production due to geological movements at Kumtor. Real GDP in the first half of 2012 contracted by 5.6 per cent as gold production at Kumtor fell by 60 per cent. Excluding Kumtor, real output grew moderately at 3.9 per cent with growth across all sectors. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the results of the measures implemented under its poverty reduction strategy to promote employment in sectors and regions (oblasts) that are affected by structural reforms.

Coordination of education and training policy with employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government offers vocational and technical education to create skilled workers who can be competitive in the labour market. Each year, the employment service refers 8,000–10,000 unemployed people to vocational and technical education. There are 110 educational institutions providing training to 15,000–16,000 workers in over 50 different occupations. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further 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 workers, into lasting employment.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that the State and employers make agreements which include discussions to identify job vacancies and agreements to facilitate the filling of those vacancies. As a result of this cooperation, 70,000 vacancies have been identified and 45,000–50,000 of those vacancies have been filled. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated and specific information on the manner in which the workers’ and employers’ organizations are consulted on the implementation and revision of employment policies. It also invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to hold consultations with vulnerable categories of the population, in particular with representatives of workers in rural areas and the informal economy, to seek their views and secure their assistance in developing and implementing employment policy programmes and measures.

Articles 2 and 5. Consultation mechanisms and tripartite consultations required by the Convention. The Government indicates that the National Tripartite Commission is responsible for, inter alia, holding consultations on the ratification and application of international labour standards. It also indicates that, when necessary, the relevant consultations on questions referred to in Article 5(1) are held by introducing these questions to the agenda of the National Tripartite Commission meetings. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the activities of the National Tripartite Commission which ensure effective consultations with respect to the matters covered by the Convention. It also invites the Government to provide detailed information on the content and outcome of the consultations held on each of the matters concerning international labour standards covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention.

Article 4(2). Financing of training. The Government indicates that the organizational, material and technical resources for the National Tripartite Commission’s activities are provided in the manner established by the Government. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the arrangements made for the financing of any necessary training of participants on the consultative procedures provided for in the Convention.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending October 2012 including some indications in relation to the comments formulated since 2004. The Government recalls its commitment to promote employment to reduce poverty. The Government also identifies the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment as the administrative body to implement the employment policy through the employment service. The purpose of the employment policy is to promote employment and provide social support to unemployed citizens and jobseekers, through the offices of the state employment service. The Government indicates that 200,000 people are provided employment counselling each year, 90,000 of whom are registered as unemployed. The Committee also notes that, on 31 January 2011, 60,000 people were registered with the employment service and that 1,056 of those workers who registered with the employment service received unemployment benefits in 2011. With respect to job creation, the Government indicates that 110,000 jobs are created every year, of which 88 per cent are seasonal or temporary jobs. The Government highlighted four measures that it has put in place to promote employment and reduce poverty: public temporary works jobs; training for workers; micro-credit loans; and unemployment benefits. The Government indicates that 20,000 to 25,000 people are employed with public temporary works jobs, 6,000 to 9,000 unemployed workers receive training each year, 25,000 unemployed workers receive micro credit loans to open their own businesses, and qualified unemployed persons can receive 400 Kyrgyz soms (KGS) a month in unemployment benefit for up to 12 months. The Committee also notes that the Government instituted quarterly reviews of the results of the policy in order to monitor and adjust their policies for the future and for their analysis of the social and economic situation of the country. The Committee invites the Government to provide information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken to promote full employment within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. Please include updated information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers.

Poverty reduction. In its previous comments, the Committee requested information on measures taken for workers affected by structural reforms, such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine. The Committee understands from the data available from the World Bank that following strong growth in 2011, the Kyrgyz economy was hit by a significant decline in gold production due to geological movements at Kumtor. Real GDP in the first half of 2012 contracted by 5.6 per cent as gold production at Kumtor fell by 60 per cent. Excluding Kumtor, real output grew moderately at 3.9 per cent with growth across all sectors. The Committee invites once again the Government to include in its next report information on the results of the measures implemented under its poverty reduction strategy to promote employment in sectors and regions (oblasts) that are affected by structural reforms.

Coordination of education and training policy with employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government offers vocational and technical education to create skilled workers who can be competitive in the labour market. Each year, the employment service refers 8,000 to 10,000 unemployed people to vocational and technical education. There are 110 educational institutions providing training to 15,000–16,000 workers in over 50 different occupations. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further 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 workers, into lasting employment.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that the State and employers make agreements which include discussions to identify job vacancies and agreements to facilitate the filling of those vacancies. As a result of this cooperation, 70,000 vacancies have been identified and 45,000 to 50,000 of those vacancies have been filled. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report more specific information on the manner in which the workers’ and employers’ organizations are consulted on the implementation and revision of employment policies. It also invites the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to hold consultations with vulnerable categories of the population, in particular with the representatives of workers in rural areas and the informal economy, to obtain their help in developing and implementing employment policy programmes and measures.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government has not provided any information on the application of the Convention since its last report received in June 2005. The Committee trusts that the Government will be able to provide a report including information in reply to the points raised in the Committee’s 2005 observation, which sets forth the following matters.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Policies to promote employment and coordination with poverty reduction. The Government enumerated the aims of the National Employment Policy, which was established in the context of the national poverty reduction strategy 2003–05, and was approved by Decree No. 126 on 14 March 2005. The objectives of the employment policy aimed, among others, at assisting unemployed citizens in choosing an occupation and placement; improving vocational training and retraining of the unemployed; organizing temporary employment and voluntary work; preventing the rise of unemployment by eliminating or reducing the effect of the factors which lead to mass unemployment; and supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. Indeed, the Committee considers that it is essential from the outset for employment objectives to be included “as a major goal” in the formulation of economic and social policy if these objectives are truly to be an integral part of the policies that are adopted. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the National Employment Plan, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers.

The Committee also requests the Government to include in its next report information on the following matters that were raised in its 2004 observation:

• – training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms (such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine);
• – the impact of the different programmes adopted by the Government concerning specific groups of workers, such as the “National programme ‘Zhashtyk’ on youth development until 2010” and the “State programme ‘New Generation’ for the protection of children’s rights”.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government reported that a tripartite committee has been created to regulate issues of employment promotion, which held its first session on 17 May 1999. The basic tasks of the tripartite committee: were the preparation of the National Employment Policy up to 2010; the development of corresponding measures to determine future directions in reducing tensions in the labour market; and the development of proposals to introduce amendments in Kyrgyz legislation on employment promotion and other regulatory acts in application of employment policy. The Committee asks the Government to provide specific information about the operation of the abovementioned tripartite committee, as well as the involvement of social partners in the formulation and implementation of the National Employment Plan. It also requests information regarding the measures taken or contemplated to involve in the consultations required by the Convention.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government has not provided any information on the application of the Convention since its last report received in June 2005. The Committee trusts that the Government will be able to provide a report including information in reply to the points raised in the Committee’s 2005 observation, which sets forth the following matters.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Policies to promote employment and coordination with poverty reduction. The Government enumerated the aims of the National Employment Policy, which was established in the context of the national poverty reduction strategy 2003–05, and was approved by Decree No. 126 on 14 March 2005. The objectives of the employment policy aimed, among others, at assisting unemployed citizens in choosing an occupation and placement; improving vocational training and retraining of the unemployed; organizing temporary employment and voluntary work; preventing the rise of unemployment by eliminating or reducing the effect of the factors which lead to mass unemployment; and supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. Indeed, the Committee considers that it is essential from the outset for employment objectives to be included “as a major goal” in the formulation of economic and social policy if these objectives are truly to be an integral part of the policies that are adopted. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the National Employment Plan, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers.

The Committee also requests the Government to include in its next report information on the following matters that were raised in its 2004 observation:

–      training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms (such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine);

–      the impact of the different programmes adopted by the Government concerning specific groups of workers, such as the “National programme ‘Zhashtyk’ on youth development until 2010” and the “State programme ‘New Generation’ for the protection of children’s rights”.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government reported that a tripartite committee has been created to regulate issues of employment promotion, which held its first session on 17 May 1999. The basic tasks of the tripartite committee: were the preparation of the National Employment Policy up to 2010; the development of corresponding measures to determine future directions in reducing tensions in the labour market; and the development of proposals to introduce amendments in Kyrgyz legislation on employment promotion and other regulatory acts in application of employment policy. The Committee asks the Government to provide specific information about the operation of the abovementioned tripartite committee, as well as the involvement of social partners in the formulation and implementation of the National Employment Plan. It also requests information regarding the measures taken or contemplated to involve in the consultations required by the Convention.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government has not provided any information on the application of the Convention since its last report received in June 2005. The Committee trusts that the Government will be able to provide a report including information in reply to the points raised in the Committee’s 2005 observation, which sets forth the following matters.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Policies to promote employment and coordination with poverty reduction. The Government enumerated the aims of the National Employment Policy, which was established in the context of the national poverty reduction strategy 2003–05, and was approved by Decree No. 126 on 14 March 2005. The objectives of the employment policy aimed, among others, at assisting unemployed citizens in choosing an occupation and placement; improving vocational training and retraining of the unemployed; organizing temporary employment and voluntary work; preventing the rise of unemployment by eliminating or reducing the effect of the factors which lead to mass unemployment; and supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. Indeed, the Committee considers that it is essential from the outset for employment objectives to be included “as a major goal” in the formulation of economic and social policy if these objectives are truly to be an integral part of the policies that are adopted. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the National Employment Plan, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers.

The Committee also requests the Government to include in its next report information on the following matters that were raised in its 2004 observation:

–           training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms (such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine);

–           the impact of the different programmes adopted by the Government concerning specific groups of workers, such as the “National programme ‘Zhashtyk’ on youth development until 2010” and the “State programme ‘New Generation’ for the protection of children’s rights”.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government reported that a tripartite committee has been created to regulate issues of employment promotion, which held its first session on 17 May 1999. The basic tasks of the tripartite committee: were the preparation of the National Employment Policy up to 2010; the development of corresponding measures to determine future directions in reducing tensions in the labour market; and the development of proposals to introduce amendments in Kyrgyz legislation on employment promotion and other regulatory acts in application of employment policy. The Committee asks the Government to provide specific information about the operation of the abovementioned tripartite committee, as well as the involvement of social partners in the formulation and implementation of the National Employment Plan. It also requests information regarding the measures taken or contemplated to involve in the consultations required by the Convention.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2010.]

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes with regret that it has not received a report from the Government since June 2005. The Committee asks the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of the Convention containing up to date and precise information in response to the 2005 observation which raised the following matters.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Policies to promote employment and coordination with poverty reduction. The Government enumerated the aims of the National Employment Policy, which was established in the context of the national poverty reduction strategy 2003–05, and was approved by Decree No. 126 on 14 March 2005. The objectives of the employment policy aimed, amongst others, at assisting unemployed citizens in choosing an occupation and placement; improving vocational training and retraining of the unemployed; organizing temporary employment and voluntary work; preventing the rise of unemployment by eliminating or reducing the effect of the factors which lead to mass unemployment; and supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment. The Government also indicated that the employment rate fell slightly from 92.5 per cent in 2000 to 91.1 per cent in 2003. The unemployed young people accounted for 53 per cent of overall unemployment and remained one of the most problematic issues (as mentioned in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress Report of July 2004). In 2001, the poverty rate was estimated by the World Bank to be considerably high between 45 per cent and 56.4 per cent. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the goals of employment policies and their relation to social and economic development are reflected in the programme on the “Comprehensive basis of development of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2010”, which was adopted on 29 May 2001. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. Indeed, the Committee considers that it is essential from the outset for employment objectives to be included “as a major goal” in the formulation of economic and social policy if these objectives are truly to be an integral part of the policies that are adopted (paragraph 490 of the General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the National Employment Plan, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers.

2. The Committee also requests the Government to include in its next report information on the following matters that were raised in its 2004 observation:

–      training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms (such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine);

–      the impact of the different programmes adopted by the Government concerning specific groups of workers, such as the “National programme Zhashtyk on youth development until 2010” and the “State programme New Generation for the protection of children’s rights”.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government reported that a tripartite committee has been created to regulate issues of employment promotion, which held its first session on 17 May 1999. The basic tasks of the tripartite committee were the preparation of the National Employment Policy up to 2010; the development of corresponding measures to determine future directions in reducing tensions in the labour market; and the development of proposals to introduce amendments in Kyrgyz legislation on employment promotion and other regulatory acts in application of employment policy. The Committee asks the Government to provide specific information about the operation of the abovementioned tripartite committee, as well as the involvement of social partners in the formulation and implementation of the National Employment Plan. It also requests information regarding the measures taken or contemplated to involve in the consultations required by the Convention, the representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector or in the informal economy.

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

1. The Committee notes with regret that it has not received the Government’s report since the June 2005 report. The Committee asks the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of the Convention containing up to date and precise information and replying to the 2005 observation which raised the following matters.

2. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Policies to promote employment and coordination with poverty reduction. The Government enumerated the aims of the National Employment Policy, which was established in the context of the national poverty reduction strategy 2003–05, and was approved by Decree No. 126 on 14 March 2005. The objectives of the employment policy aimed, amongst others, at assisting unemployed citizens in choosing an occupation and placement; improving vocational training and retraining of the unemployed; organizing temporary employment and voluntary work; preventing the rise of unemployment by eliminating or reducing the effect of the factors which lead to mass unemployment; and supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment. The Government also indicated that the employment rate fell slightly from 92.5 per cent in 2000 to 91.1 per cent in 2003. The unemployed young people accounted for 53 per cent of overall unemployment and remained one of the most problematic issues (as mentioned in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress Report of July 2004). In 2001, the poverty rate was estimated by the World Bank to be considerably high between 45 per cent and 56.4 per cent. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the goals of employment policies and their relation to social and economic development are reflected in the programme on the “Comprehensive basis of development of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2010”, which was adopted on 29 May 2001. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. Indeed, the Committee considers that it is essential from the outset for employment objectives to be included “as a major goal” in the formulation of economic and social policy if these objectives are truly to be an integral part of the policies that are adopted (paragraph 490 of the General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the National Employment Plan, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers.

3. The Committee also requests the Government to include in its next report information on the following matters that were raised in its 2004 observation:

–           training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms (such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine);

–           the impact of the different programmes adopted by the Government concerning specific groups of workers, such as the “National programme Zhashtyk on youth development until 2010” and the “State programme New Generation for the protection of children’s rights”.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government reported that a tripartite committee has been created to regulate issues of employment promotion, which held its first session on 17 May 1999. The basic tasks of the tripartite committee were the preparation of the National Employment Policy up to 2010; the development of corresponding measures to determine future directions in reducing tensions in the labour market; and the development of proposals to introduce amendments in Kyrgyz legislation on employment promotion and other regulatory acts in application of employment policy. The Committee asks the Government to provide specific information about the operation of the abovementioned tripartite committee, as well as the involvement of social partners in the formulation and implementation of the National Employment Plan. It also requests information regarding the measures taken or contemplated to involve in the consultations required by the Convention, the representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector or in the informal economy.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its 2005 observation which read as follows:

1. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee takes note of the Government’s report requested by its 2004 observation. The Government enumerates the aims of the National Employment Policy, which was established in the context of the national poverty reduction strategy 2003-05, and was approved by Decree No. 126 on 14 March 2005. The objectives of the employment policy aimed, amongst others, at assisting unemployed citizens in choosing an occupation and placement; improving vocational training and retraining for unemployed; organizing temporary employment and voluntary work; preventing the rise of unemployment by eliminating or reducing the effect of the factors which lead to mass unemployment; and supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment. The Government further indicates that the employment rate fell slightly from 92.5 per cent in 2000 to 91.1 per cent in 2003. The unemployed young people account for 53 per cent of all unemployment and remain one of the most problematic issues (as mentioned in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress Report of July 2004). In 2001, the poverty rate was estimated by the World Bank to be quite high between 45 per cent and 56.4 per cent. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the goals of employment policies and their relation to social and economic development are reflected in the programme on the “Comprehensive basis of development of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2010”, which was adopted on 29 May 2001. The Committee hopes the Government will supply, in its next report, information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. Indeed, the Committee considers that it is essential from the outset for employment objectives to be included “as a major goal” in the formulation of economic and social policy if these objectives are truly to be an integral part of the policies that are adopted (paragraph 490 of the General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment). Please provide detailed information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the National Employment Plan, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. The Committee also requests the Government to include in its next report, information on the following matters that were raised in its 2004 observation:

–      training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms (such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine);

–      the impact of the different programmes the Government has adopted that concern specific groups of workers, such as the “National programme Zhashtyk on youth development until 2010” and the “State programme New Generation for the protection of children’s rights”.

3. Participation of the social partners. The Government reports that a tripartite committee has been created to regulate issues of employment promotion, which held its first session on 17 May 1999. The basic tasks of the tripartite committee were the preparation of the national employment policy up to 2010; the development of corresponding measures to determine future directions in reducing tensions in the labour market; and the development of proposals to introduce amendments in Kyrgyz legislation on employment promotion and other regulatory acts in application of employment policy. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide specific information about the operation of the abovementioned tripartite committee, as well as the involvement of social partners in the formulation and implementation of the National Employment Plan. Please also indicate the measures taken or contemplated to involve in the consultations required by the Convention, the representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector or in the informal economy (Article 3).

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

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

1. Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. The Committee takes note of the Government’s report requested by its 2004 observation. The Government enumerates the aims of the National Employment Policy, which was established in the context of the national poverty reduction strategy 2003-05, and was approved by Decree No. 126 on 14 March 2005. The objectives of the employment policy aimed, amongst others, at assisting unemployed citizens in choosing an occupation and placement; improving vocational training and retraining for unemployed; organizing temporary employment and voluntary work; preventing the rise of unemployment by eliminating or reducing the effect of the factors which lead to mass unemployment; and supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment. The Government further indicates that the employment rate fell slightly from 92.5 per cent in 2000 to 91.1 per cent in 2003. The unemployed young people account for 53 per cent of all unemployment and remain one of the most problematic issues (as mentioned in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress Report of July 2004). In 2001, the poverty rate was estimated by the World Bank to be quite high between 45 per cent and 56.4 per cent. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the goals of employment policies and their relation to social and economic development are reflected in the programme on the "Comprehensive basis of development of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2010", which was adopted on 29 May 2001. The Committee hopes the Government will supply, in its next report, information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, as a key element of poverty reduction, is central to macroeconomic and social policies. Indeed, the Committee considers that it is essential from the outset for employment objectives to be included "as a major goal" in the formulation of economic and social policy if these objectives are truly to be an integral part of the policies that are adopted (paragraph 490 of the General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment). Please provide detailed information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the National Employment Plan, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as women, young persons and older workers (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. The Committee also requests the Government to include in its next report, information on the following matters that were raised in its 2004 observation:

-  training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms (such as the declining of the Kumtor gold mine);

-  the impact of the different programmes the Government has adopted that concern specific groups of workers, such as the "National programme Zhashtyk on youth development until 2010" and the "State programme New Generation for the protection of children’s rights".

3. Participation of the social partners. The Government reports that a tripartite committee has been created to regulate issues of employment promotion, which held its first session on 17 May 1999. The basic tasks of the tripartite committee were the preparation of the national employment policy up to 2010; the development of corresponding measures to determine future directions in reducing tensions in the labour market; and the development of proposals to introduce amendments in Kyrgyz legislation on employment promotion and other regulatory acts in application of employment policy. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide specific information about the operation of the abovementioned tripartite committee, as well as the involvement of social partners in the formulation and implementation of the National Employment Plan. Please also indicate the measures taken or contemplated to involve in the consultations required by the Convention, the representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector or in the informal economy (Article 3).

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

1. The Committee notes with regret that a report has not been received from the Government since September 1996. It understands that the Office, in collaboration with the European Union TACIS programme, has contributed to the "Conception of the State Employment Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2010", approved by the Government in February 2004. It understands that the adoption of this conception will allow the Government to adopt in the near future a national action plan marking a new orientation on active labour market policy and including measures aimed at specific groups of the population. It also recalls that the Government adopted a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in December 2002. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken as a result of the assistance received from the ILO in relation to employment policy, and to indicate any particular difficulties that have been encountered in achieving the established employment objectives, in the framework of a coordinated social and economic policy and in consultation with the representatives of the persons affected, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention.

2. The Committee also asks the Government to report on:

-  the measures taken or envisaged to compile statistics on the labour market and employment problems in order to obtain data on the characteristics and trends in job offers and demands which are necessary to implement an active employment policy;

-  the manner in which measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks for carrying out the structural reforms necessary for the transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment;

-  information on the specific training and placement measures for persons who have particular difficulties in finding and retaining employment such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled persons;

-  training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms;

-  the manner in which consultations take place with representatives of employers and workers concerning employment policies;

-  the different programmes the Government has adopted that concern specific groups of workers, such as the "National programme on state support for disabled persons", the "National programme ‘Zhashtyk’ on youth development until 2010", and the "State programme New Generation for the protection of children’s rights".

3. The preparation of a detailed report, including the indications requested in this observation, will certainly provide the Government and the social partners with an opportunity to evaluate the achievement of the objectives of full and productive employment of the Convention. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the technical assistance offered by the Office, which may assist it to comply with the reporting obligations, and to implement an active employment policy in the sense of the Convention.

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

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

1. The Committee notes with regret that a report has not been received from the Government since September 1996. It observes that the Government adopted a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in December 2002. From the information on the labour market and the education system available in this paper it appears that structural adjustment in the economy and the recession in many production sectors have resulted in unemployment growth. The level of general unemployment according to the ILO definition is estimated to be in the range of 7-11 per cent. Additionally, 20,000 workers have been discharged due to staff redundancies over the past three years. In view of these developments, the Committee asks that the Government state in its next report whether any particular difficulties have been encountered in achieving the employment objectives established in the PRSP, as part of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with representatives of those concerned, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. It also recalls the relevance of other Conventions ratified by Kyrgyzstan, in particular the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), whose full application will certainly contribute to the attainment of the objectives of employment creation established by the PRSP. With regard to employment creation by the private sector, the Government could also refer to the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189).

2. The Committee recalls that in its direct request of 1997 it asked the Government to report on:

-  the measures taken or envisaged to compile statistics on the labour market and employment problems in order to obtain data on the characteristics and trends in job offers and demands which are necessary to implement an active employment policy;

-  the manner in which measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks for carrying out the structural reforms necessary or the transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment;

-  information on the specific training and placement measures for persons who have particular difficulty in finding and retaining employment such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled persons;

-  training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms;

-  the manner in which consultations with representatives of employers and workers concerning employment policies take place.

3. The preparation of a detailed report, including the indications requested in this observation, will certainly provide the Government and the social partners with an opportunity to evaluate the achievement of the objectives of full and productive employment of the Convention. The Committee reminds the Government that the technical assistance of the Office is available to comply with the reporting obligations and for the implementation of an active employment policy in the sense of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 1997 direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes that section 15 of the Law on Employment of the Population provides for the compilation of statistics on the labour market and employment problems. Please describe the measures taken or envisaged in application of this provision in order to collect and analyse data on the characteristics and trends in job offers and demands which are necessary to implement an active employment policy. Please continue to provide information on the activities of employment placement services.

2. The Committee notes that, among the principles which should guide the Government’s action, the Law on Employment of the Population provides that the employment policy must be coordinated with other economic and social policies. Please indicate how, in application of this provision, the measures to be adopted with a view to promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment are determined and reviewed regularly "in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. In particular, please indicate the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks for carrying out the structural reforms necessary for the transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment.

3. The Committee notes with interest that particular attention is paid by the employment services to the categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and handicapped persons who are most affected by the transition process towards a market economy. Please continue to supply information on the specific training and placement measures for persons who have particular difficulty in finding and retaining employment. Please also describe the training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms. Please supply any assessment of the contribution of public works programmes to lasting integration of their beneficiaries into employment. Please supply particulars on the nature and scope of measures for promoting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as on the development of industry in rural areas in order to provide jobs for young persons.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that to date there has been no real cooperation between trade unions, employers and government bodies. It notes, however, that the Government refers to the agreement concluded each year between the Government and the Council of the Trade Union Federation on economic and social issues. The Committee recalls, furthermore, that whereas section 21 of the Law on the Employment of the Population gives trade unions the right to participate in formulating employment policy and legislation in this sphere, a similar right is not explicitly recognized for employers’ organizations. In this connection, the Committee recalls that under this provision of the Convention the representatives of employers and workers must be consulted on an equal footing concerning employment policies "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". In addition, in view of the proportion of the active population, it would seem appropriate to include workers in the rural sector and the informal sector also in these consultations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government develop these relationships and would describe in its next report the manner in which the consultation of all the "persons affected" is assured in practice, as required by this important provision of the Convention.

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

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:

        1. The Committee notes that section 15 of the Law on Employment of the Population provides for the compilation of statistics on the labour market and employment problems. Please describe the measures taken or envisaged in application of this provision in order to collect and analyse data on the characteristics and trends in job offers and demands which are necessary to implement an active employment policy. Please continue to provide information on the activities of employment placement services.

        2. The Committee notes that, among the principles which should guide the Government’s action, the Law on Employment of the Population provides that the employment policy must be coordinated with other economic and social policies. Please indicate how, in application of this provision, the measures to be adopted with a view to promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment are determined and reviewed regularly "in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. In particular, please indicate the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks for carrying out the structural reforms necessary for the transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment.

        3. The Committee notes with interest that particular attention is paid by the employment services to the categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and handicapped persons who are most affected by the transition process towards a market economy. Please continue to supply information on the specific training and placement measures for persons who have particular difficulty in finding and retaining employment. Please also describe the training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms. Please supply any assessment of the contribution of public works programmes to lasting integration of their beneficiaries into employment. Please supply particulars on the nature and scope of measures for promoting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as on the development of industry in rural areas in order to provide jobs for young persons.

        4. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that to date there has been no real cooperation between trade unions, employers and government bodies. It notes, however, that the Government refers to the agreement concluded each year between the Government and the Council of the Trade Union Federation on economic and social issues. The Committee recalls, furthermore, that whereas section 21 of the Law on the Employment of the Population gives trade unions the right to participate in formulating employment policy and legislation in this sphere, a similar right is not explicitly recognized for employers’ organizations. In this connection, the Committee recalls that under this provision of the Convention the representatives of employers and workers must be consulted on an equal footing concerning employment policies "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". In addition, in view of the proportion of the active population, it would seem appropriate to include workers in the rural sector and the informal sector also in these consultations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government develop these relationships and would describe in its next report the manner in which the consultation of all the "persons affected" is assured in practice, as required by this important provision of the Convention.

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

The Committee again 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.  The Committee notes the data relating to the registered level of unemployment which amounted to 4.6 per cent at the end of the period, as well as to employment applications and job offers registered by the employment services. Noting, however, that other sources indicate an unemployment level of almost 20 per cent of the active population, the Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to supply in its next report more detailed statistical data on the situation and evolution of the active population, of employment, underemployment and unemployment for the country as a whole and in the different regions, by sector of activity, sex and age. In this respect, the Committee notes that section 15 of the Law on Employment of the Population provides for the compilation of statistics on the labour market and employment problems. Please describe the measures taken or envisaged in application of this provision in order to collect and analyse data on the characteristics and trends in job offers and demands which are necessary to implement an active employment policy. Please continue to provide information on the activities of employment placement services.

2.  The Committee notes that, among the principles which should guide the Government’s action, the Law on Employment of the Population provides that the employment policy must be coordinated with other economic and social policies. Please indicate how, in application of this provision, the measures to be adopted with a view to promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment are determined and reviewed regularly "in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. In particular, please indicate the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks for carrying out the structural reforms necessary for the transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment.

3.  The Committee notes with interest that particular attention is paid by the employment services to the categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and handicapped persons who are most affected by the transition process towards a market economy. Please continue to supply information on the specific training and placement measures for persons who have particular difficulty in finding and retaining employment. Please also describe the training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms. Please supply any assessment of the contribution of public works programmes to lasting integration of their beneficiaries into employment. Please supply particulars on the nature and scope of measures for promoting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as on the development of industry in rural areas in order to provide jobs for young persons.

4.  Article 3.  The Committee notes that the Government indicates that to date there has been no real cooperation between trade unions, employers and government bodies. It notes, however, that the Government refers to the agreement concluded each year between the Government and the Council of the Trade Union Federation on economic and social issues. The Committee recalls, furthermore, that whereas section 21 of the Law on the Employment of the Population gives trade unions the right to participate in formulating employment policy and legislation in this sphere, a similar right is not explicitly recognized for employers’ organizations. In this connection, the Committee recalls that under this provision of the Convention the representatives of employers and workers must be consulted on an equal footing concerning employment policies "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". In addition, in view of the proportion of the active population, it would seem appropriate to include workers in the rural sector and the informal sector also in these consultations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government develop these relationships and would describe in its next report the manner in which the consultation of all the "persons affected" is assured in practice, as required by this important provision of the Convention.

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

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:

1. The Committee notes the data relating to the registered level of unemployment which amounted to 4.6 per cent at the end of the period, as well as to employment applications and job offers registered by the employment services. Noting, however, that other sources indicate an unemployment level of almost 20 per cent of the active population, the Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to supply in its next report more detailed statistical data on the situation and evolution of the active population, of employment, underemployment and unemployment for the country as a whole and in the different regions, by sector of activity, sex and age. In this respect, the Committee notes that section 15 of the Law on Employment of the Population provides for the compilation of statistics on the labour market and employment problems. Please describe the measures taken or envisaged in application of this provision in order to collect and analyse data on the characteristics and trends in job offers and demands which are necessary to implement an active employment policy. Please continue to provide information on the activities of employment placement services.

2. The Committee notes that, among the principles which should guide the Government's action, the Law on Employment of the Population provides that the employment policy must be coordinated with other economic and social policies. Please indicate how, in application of this provision, the measures to be adopted with a view to promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment are determined and reviewed regularly "in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. In particular, please indicate the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks for carrying out the structural reforms necessary for the transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment.

3. The Committee notes with interest that particular attention is paid by the employment services to the categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and handicapped persons who are most affected by the transition process towards a market economy. Please continue to supply information on the specific training and placement measures for persons who have particular difficulty in finding and retaining employment. Please also describe the training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms. Please supply any assessment of the contribution of public works programmes to lasting integration of their beneficiaries into employment. Please supply particulars on the nature and scope of measures for promoting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as on the development of industry in rural areas in order to provide jobs for young persons.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that to date there has been no real cooperation between trade unions, employers and government bodies. It notes, however, that the Government refers to the agreement concluded each year between the Government and the Council of the Trade Union Federation on economic and social issues. The Committee recalls, furthermore, that whereas section 21 of the Law on the Employment of the Population gives trade unions the right to participate in formulating employment policy and legislation in this sphere, a similar right is not explicitly recognized for employers' organizations. In this connection, the Committee recalls that under this provision of the Convention the representatives of employers and workers must be consulted on an equal footing concerning employment policies "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". In addition, in view of the proportion of the active population, it would seem appropriate to include workers in the rural sector and the informal sector also in these consultations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government develop these relationships and would describe in its next report the manner in which the consultation of all the "persons affected" is assured in practice, as required by this important provision of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

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

The Committee notes with interest the Government's report which contains useful information on the application of the Convention during the period ending September 1996. In particular, it notes that by virtue of the Law of 20 April 1991 on the Employment of the Population it is the responsibility of the State to conduct a policy of promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment in order to guarantee citizens' right to work. In order to allow it to ascertain the effect given in practice to each provision of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report further information in reply to the questions of the report form and each of the following points.

1. The Committee notes the data relating to the registered level of unemployment which amounted to 4.6 per cent at the end of the period, as well as to employment applications and job offers registered by the employment services. Noting, however, that other sources indicate an unemployment level of almost 20 per cent of the active population, the Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to supply in its next report more detailed statistical data on the situation and evolution of the active population, of employment, underemployment and unemployment for the country as a whole and in the different regions, by sector of activity, sex and age. In this respect, the Committee notes that section 15 of the Law on Employment of the Population provides for the compilation of statistics on the labour market and employment problems. Please describe the measures taken or envisaged in application of this provision in order to collect and analyse data on the characteristics and trends in job offers and demands which are necessary to implement an active employment policy. Please continue to provide information on the activities of employment placement services.

2. The Committee notes that, among the principles which should guide the Government's action, the Law on Employment of the Population provides that the employment policy must be coordinated with other economic and social policies. Please indicate how, in application of this provision, the measures to be adopted with a view to promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment are determined and reviewed regularly "in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. In particular, please indicate the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks for carrying out the structural reforms necessary for the transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment.

3. The Committee notes with interest that particular attention is paid by the employment services to the categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and handicapped persons who are most affected by the transition process towards a market economy. Please continue to supply information on the specific training and placement measures for persons who have particular difficulty in finding and retaining employment. Please also describe the training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms. Please supply any assessment of the contribution of public works programmes to lasting integration of their beneficiaries into employment. Please supply particulars on the nature and scope of measures for promoting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as on the development of industry in rural areas in order to provide jobs for young persons.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that to date there has been no real cooperation between trade unions, employers and government bodies. It notes, however, that the Government refers to the agreement concluded each year between the Government and the Council of the Trade Union Federation on economic and social issues. The Committee recalls, furthermore, that whereas section 21 of the Law on the Employment of the Population gives trade unions the right to participate in formulating employment policy and legislation in this sphere, a similar right is not explicitly recognized for employers' organizations. In this connection, the Committee recalls that under this provision of the Convention the representatives of employers and workers must be consulted on an equal footing concerning employment policies "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". In addition, in view of the proportion of the active population, it would seem appropriate to include workers in the rural sector and the informal sector also in these consultations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government develop these relationships and would describe in its next report the manner in which the consultation of all the "persons affected" is assured in practice, as required by this important provision of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes with interest the Government's report which contains useful information on the application of the Convention during the period ending September 1996. In particular, it notes that by virtue of the Law of 20 April 1991 on the Employment of the Population it is the responsibility of the State to conduct a policy of promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment in order to guarantee citizens' right to work. In order to allow it to ascertain the effect given in practice to each provision of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report further information in reply to the questions of the report form and each of the following points.

1. The Committee notes the data relating to the registered level of unemployment which amounted to 4.6 per cent at the end of the period, as well as to employment applications and job offers registered by the employment services. Noting, however, that other sources indicate an unemployment level of almost 20 per cent of the active population, the Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to supply in its next report more detailed statistical data on the situation and evolution of the active population, of employment, underemployment and unemployment for the country as a whole and in the different regions, by sector of activity, sex and age. In this respect, the Committee notes that section 15 of the Law on Employment of the Population provides for the compilation of statistics on the labour market and employment problems. Please describe the measures taken or envisaged in application of this provision in order to collect and analyse data on the characteristics and trends in job offers and demands which are necessary to implement an active employment policy. Please continue to provide information on the activities of employment placement services.

2. The Committee notes that, among the principles which should guide the Government's action, the Law on Employment of the Population provides that the employment policy must be coordinated with other economic and social policies. Please indicate how, in application of this provision, the measures to be adopted with a view to promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment are determined and reviewed regularly "in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. In particular, please indicate the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks for carrying out the structural reforms necessary for the transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment.

3. The Committee notes with interest that particular attention is paid by the employment services to the categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and handicapped persons who are most affected by the transition process towards a market economy. Please continue to supply information on the specific training and placement measures for persons who have particular difficulty in finding and retaining employment. Please also describe the training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms. Please supply any assessment of the contribution of public works programmes to lasting integration of their beneficiaries into employment. Please supply particulars on the nature and scope of measures for promoting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as on the development of industry in rural areas in order to provide jobs for young persons.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that to date there has been no real cooperation between trade unions, employers and government bodies. It notes, however, that the Government refers to the agreement concluded each year between the Government and the Council of the Trade Union Federation on economic and social issues. The Committee recalls, furthermore, that whereas section 21 of the Law on the Employment of the Population gives trade unions the right to participate in formulating employment policy and legislation in this sphere, a similar right is not explicitly recognized for employers' organizations. In this connection, the Committee recalls that under this provision of the Convention the representatives of employers and workers must be consulted on an equal footing concerning employment policies "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". In addition, in view of the proportion of the active population, it would seem appropriate to include workers in the rural sector and the informal sector also in these consultations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government develop these relationships and would describe in its next report the manner in which the consultation of all the "persons affected" is assured in practice, as required by this important provision of the Convention.