Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards) Convention, 1962 (No. 117) - Guinea (Ratification: 1966)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

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

Repetition

Parts I and II of the Convention. Articles 1 and 2. General principles. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the adoption by Guinea of the National Social Protection Policy 2016–20 (PNPS), the objective of which is to gradually build a system of effective, equitable and sustainable social protection. In its report, the Government indicates that its vision is that, by 2021, 20 per cent of the population will have access to basic social services and protection against social, environmental, political and economic risks. The Committee notes that this social policy prioritizes six components: access to employment and decent work, the improvement of living conditions for the most disadvantaged social groups, access to high-quality health and education services, access to food security and nutrition, crisis and disaster prevention and management and the strengthening of resilience, and access to social housing. The Government indicates that, within the framework of the implementation of this policy, it has established development programmes that are showing significant progress, such as increased productivity in subsistence sectors and the reinforcement of food marketing networks, the development of manufacturing for the local processing of certain agricultural products, the construction of hydroelectric dams, improved infrastructure, and gradual access to high-speed information and communication technology. The Committee also notes the adoption of a new social policy, the National Economic and Social Development Plan 2016–2020 (PNDES), which is the second generation of social policy following the Five-year Plan 2011–2015 and which is aligned with the vision for 2021 in the PNPS. The Committee notes with interest that the PNDES will prioritize the improvement of standards of living for the poorest and most vulnerable, with the aim of reducing poverty and promoting social and gender advancement, investment and activation in order to create economic opportunities. The Committee requests the Government to send detailed and updated information on the progress made in the framework of the implementation of the National Social Protection Policy 2016–20 (PNPS), the National Economic and Social Development Plan 2016–20 (PNDES), the Government’s poverty-reduction strategy, and any other programme that is “primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population and to the promotion of its desire for social progress”, as required by the Convention. It also requests the Government to provide updated information on the impact of the measures implemented, including their impact on target groups.

Article 3. Improvement of living conditions in rural areas. The Committee notes that regional equity is one of the strategic components of the National Social and Economic Development Plan 2016–2020. Among the advances made in the reduction of regional disparities and the improvement of the living conditions of the rural population, the Committee notes the implementation of rural electrification projects, the creation of the National Community Financing Agency, and the creation of a National Agency for Social and Economic Inclusion (ANIES) in January 2019, the goal of which is to combat poverty. The Government indicates that the ANIES has transferred 439 billion Guinean francs in food donations and telephones to a target group of 24,000 households. The Committee also notes the Government’s intention to implement an urban infrastructure building programme to significantly expand household access to secure housing and high-quality basic social services. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the progress made in the reduction of regional disparities and the improvement of living conditions in rural areas.

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee recalls the comprehensive guidance provided by international labour standards. It encourages the Government to engage in tripartite consultation and social dialogue more broadly as a solid foundation for developing and implementing effective responses to the profound socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated information in its next report on measures taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic as well as on the impact of such measures on the implementation of the Convention.

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

Parts I and II of the Convention. Articles 1 and 2. General principles. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the adoption by Guinea of the National Social Protection Policy 2016–2020 (PNPS), the objective of which is to gradually build a system of effective, equitable and sustainable social protection. In its report, the Government indicates that its vision is that, by 2021, 20 per cent of the population will have access to basic social services and protection against social, environmental, political and economic risks. The Committee notes that this social policy prioritizes six components: access to employment and decent work, the improvement of living conditions for the most disadvantaged social groups, access to high-quality health and education services, access to food security and nutrition, crisis and disaster prevention and management and the strengthening of resilience, and access to social housing. The Government indicates that, within the framework of the implementation of this policy, it has established development programmes that are showing significant progress, such as increased productivity in subsistence sectors and the reinforcement of food marketing networks, the development of manufacturing for the local processing of certain agricultural products, the construction of hydroelectric dams, improved infrastructure, and gradual access to high-speed information and communication technology. The Committee also notes the adoption of a new social policy, the National Economic and Social Development Plan 2016–2020 (PNDES), which is the second generation of social policy following the Five-year Plan 2011–2015 and which is aligned with the vision for 2021 in the PNPS. The Committee notes with interest that the PNDES will prioritize the improvement of standards of living for the poorest and most vulnerable, with the aim of reducing poverty and promoting social and gender advancement, investment and activation in order to create economic opportunities. The Committee requests the Government to send detailed and updated information on the progress made in the framework of the implementation of the National Social Protection Policy 2016–2020 (PNPS), the National Economic and Social Development Plan 2016–2020 (PNDES), the Government’s poverty-reduction strategy, and any other programme that is “primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population and to the promotion of its desire for social progress”, as required by the Convention. It also requests the Government to provide updated information on the impact of the measures implemented, including their impact on target groups.

Article 3. Improvement of living conditions in rural areas. The Committee notes that regional equity is one of the strategic components of the National Social and Economic Development Plan 2016–2020. Among the advances made in the reduction of regional disparities and the improvement of the living conditions of the rural population, the Committee notes the implementation of rural electrification projects, the creation of the National Community Financing Agency, and the creation of a National Agency for Social and Economic Inclusion (ANIES) in January 2019, the goal of which is to combat poverty. The Government indicates that the ANIES has transferred 439 billion Guinean francs in food donations and telephones to a target group of 24,000 households. The Committee also notes the Government’s intention to implement an urban infrastructure building programme to significantly expand household access to secure housing and high-quality basic social services. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the progress made in the reduction of regional disparities and the improvement of living conditions in rural areas.

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee recalls the comprehensive guidance provided by international labour standards. It encourages the Government to engage in tripartite consultation and social dialogue more broadly as a solid foundation for developing and implementing effective responses to the profound socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated information in its next report on measures taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic as well as on the impact of such measures on the implementation of the Convention.

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

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

Repetition

Parts I and II of the Convention. Articles 1 and 2. General principles. Improvement of standards of living. The Government refers in its report to the ambition of the political authorities to make Guinea an emerging country within 15 to 25 years. The Committee notes that four priority fields have been identified: the establishment of the rule of law; the acceleration and diversification of growth capable of responding to the triple objectives of the improvement of standards of living, employment creation and an increase in export potential; the development of social sectors, the promotion of development from the base up and the success of decentralization. The Government indicates that the Five-year Socio-economic Development Plan (2011–15) is the result of broad consultation with all stakeholders at all levels. The Committee requests the Government to provide information indicating the progress achieved in the implementation of programmes directed to the well-being and development of the population and to the promotion of its desire for social progress, as required by the Convention.

Article 3. Improvement of living conditions in rural areas. The Committee notes that the reduction of regional inequalities and disparities is one of the overall objectives of the Five-year Socio-economic Development Plan (2011–15). Moreover, in the context of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PSRP III, 2013–15), it is planned to reduce regional imbalances, particularly through the emergence of growth poles, the development of human capital and the balanced reinforcement of infrastructure to support growth. The Committee requests the Government to provide information indicating the progress achieved in reducing regional imbalances and improving the living conditions of the population in rural areas.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2015.

Repetition

Parts I and II of the Convention. Articles 1 and 2. General principles. Improvement of standards of living. The Government refers in its report to the ambition of the political authorities to make Guinea an emerging country within 15 to 25 years. The Committee notes that four priority fields have been identified: the establishment of the rule of law; the acceleration and diversification of growth capable of responding to the triple objectives of the improvement of standards of living, employment creation and an increase in export potential; the development of social sectors, the promotion of development from the base up and the success of decentralization. The Government indicates that the Five-year Socio-economic Development Plan (2011–15) is the result of broad consultation with all stakeholders at all levels. The Committee requests the Government to provide information indicating the progress achieved in the implementation of programmes directed to the well-being and development of the population and to the promotion of its desire for social progress, as required by the Convention.

Article 3. Improvement of living conditions in rural areas. The Committee notes that the reduction of regional inequalities and disparities is one of the overall objectives of the Five-year Socio-economic Development Plan (2011–15). Moreover, in the context of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PSRP III, 2013–15), it is planned to reduce regional imbalances, particularly through the emergence of growth poles, the development of human capital and the balanced reinforcement of infrastructure to support growth. The Committee requests the Government to provide information indicating the progress achieved in reducing regional imbalances and improving the living conditions of the population in rural areas.

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

Parts I and II of the Convention. Articles 1 and 2. General principles. Improvement of standards of living. The Government refers in its report to the ambition of the political authorities to make Guinea an emerging country within 15 to 25 years. The Committee notes that four priority fields have been identified: the establishment of the rule of law; the acceleration and diversification of growth capable of responding to the triple objectives of the improvement of standards of living, employment creation and an increase in export potential; the development of social sectors, the promotion of development from the base up and the success of decentralization. The Government indicates that the Five-year Socio-economic Development Plan (2011–15) is the result of broad consultation with all stakeholders at all levels. The Committee requests the Government to provide information indicating the progress achieved in the implementation of programmes directed to the well-being and development of the population and to the promotion of its desire for social progress, as required by the Convention.

Article 3. Improvement of living conditions in rural areas. The Committee notes that the reduction of regional inequalities and disparities is one of the overall objectives of the Five-year Socio-economic Development Plan (2011–15). Moreover, in the context of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PSRP III, 2013–15), it is planned to reduce regional imbalances, particularly through the emergence of growth poles, the development of human capital and the balanced reinforcement of infrastructure to support growth. The Committee requests the Government to provide information indicating the progress achieved in reducing regional imbalances and improving the living conditions of the population in rural areas.

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

The Committee takes note of the adoption of the new Labour Code (Act No. L/2014/072/CNT of 10 January 2014). The Committee requests the Government to provide all implementing texts of the Code in view of a complete review of the new legislation.

The Committee further notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous comments.

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee requests that the Government provide indications of the way in which the improvement of standards of living is regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development within the strategy to combat poverty (Article 2 of the Convention). In this regard, the Committee reminds the Government that, pursuant to Article 1(1) of the Convention, “all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population”.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observations, which read as follows:

Repetition

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee requests that the Government provide indications of the way in which the improvement of standards of living is regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development within the strategy to combat poverty (Article 2 of the Convention). In this regard, the Committee reminds the Government that, pursuant to Article 1(1) of the Convention, “all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population”.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee requests that the Government provide indications of the way in which the improvement of standards of living is regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development within the strategy to combat poverty (Article 2 of the Convention). In this regard, the Committee reminds the Government that, pursuant to Article 1(1) of the Convention, “all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population”.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee requests that the Government provide indications of the way in which the improvement of standards of living is regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development within the strategy to combat poverty (Article 2 of the Convention). In this regard, the Committee reminds the Government that, pursuant to Article 1(1) of the Convention, “all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population”.

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

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

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee requests that the Government provide indications of the way in which the improvement of standards of living is regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development within the strategy to combat poverty (Article 2 of the Convention). In this regard, the Committee reminds the Government that, pursuant to Article 1(1), of the Convention, “all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population”.

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

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

1. Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee requests that the Government provide, in its next report, indications of the way in which the improvement of standards of living is regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development within the strategy to combat poverty (Article 2 of the Convention). In this regard, the Committee reminds the Government that, pursuant to Article 1(1), of the Convention, “all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population”.

2. Part VI. Education and training. The Committee notes the information submitted by the Government in February 2004, which includes a copy of the 1997 decree on the organization of the education system in the Republic of Guinea. The Committee notes, in particular, article 6 thereof, which provides for compulsory schooling from 6 to 16 years of age. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the minimum working age and the conditions of employment are laid down by section 5 of the Labour Code, which stipulates that an employment contract can only be given to an individual of 16 years of age or over. Furthermore, when ratifying Convention No. 138 (ratification registered on 6 June 2003), the Government specified that the minimum age for admission to employment was 16. The Committee requests that the Government provide, in its next report on the application of Convention No. 117, information on the measures taken to progressively develop education, vocational training and apprenticeship and to prepare children and young persons of both sexes for a useful occupation (Article 15(1)). Please also specify the laws or regulations prohibiting the employment of children during school hours, in accordance with Article 15(3), of the Convention.

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

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

1. Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee requests that the Government provide, in its next report, indications of the way in which the improvement of standards of living is regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development within the strategy to combat poverty (Article 2 of the Convention). In this regard, the Committee reminds the Government that, pursuant to Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention, “all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population”.

2. Part VI. Education and training. The Committee notes the information submitted by the Government in February 2004, which includes a copy of the 1997 decree on the organization of the education system in the Republic of Guinea. The Committee notes, in particular, article 6 thereof, which provides for compulsory schooling from 6 to 16 years of age. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the minimum working age and the conditions of employment are laid down by section 5 of the Labour Code, which stipulates that an employment contract can only be given to an individual of 16 years of age or over. Furthermore, when ratifying Convention No. 138 (ratification registered on 6 June 2003), the Government specified that the minimum age for admission to employment was 16. The Committee requests that the Government provide, in its next report on the application of Convention No. 117, information on the measures taken to progressively develop education, vocational training and apprenticeship and to prepare children and young persons of both sexes for a useful occupation (Article 15, paragraph 1). Please also specify the laws or regulations prohibiting the employment of children during school hours, in accordance with Article 15, paragraph 3, of the Convention.

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

1. Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee requests that the Government provide, in its next report, indications of the way in which the improvement of standards of living is regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development within the strategy to combat poverty (Article 2 of the Convention). In this regard, the Committee reminds the Government that, pursuant to Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention, "all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population".

2. Part VI. Education and training. The Committee notes the information submitted by the Government in February 2004, which includes a copy of the 1997 decree on the organization of the education system in the Republic of Guinea. The Committee notes, in particular, article 6 thereof, which provides for compulsory schooling from 6 to 16 years of age. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the minimum working age and the conditions of employment are laid down by section 5 of the Labour Code, which stipulates that an employment contract can only be given to an individual of 16 years of age or over. Furthermore, when ratifying Convention No. 138 (ratification registered on 6 June 2003), the Government specified that the minimum age for admission to employment was 16. The Committee requests that the Government provide, in its next report on the application of Convention No. 117, information on the measures taken to progressively develop education, vocational training and apprenticeship and to prepare children and young persons of both sexes for a useful occupation (Article 15, paragraph 1). Please also specify the laws or regulations prohibiting the employment of children during school hours, in accordance with Article 15, paragraph 3, of the Convention.

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

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:

Article 15(2) of the Convention. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Decree No. 2263/MT of 9 April 1982 regulating work of women and children has been replaced by Ordinance No. 003/PRG/SGG/88 of 28  January 1988 promulgating the new Labour Code, as well as Decree No. 2791/MTASE/DNTLS/96 of 22 April 1996 relative to child labour. It notes that education is compulsory between the ages of seven and 15, corresponding to the primary and secondary cycles. The Committee asks the Government to indicate which legislative or regulatory texts pertains to this cycle of compulsory education, and to provide a copy of it.

Article 15(3). With regard to articles 5, 6 and 7 of Decree No. 2791/MTASE/DNTLS/96 of 22 April 1996 concerning child labour, which prescribes for the possibility of work for children not having reached school-leaving age, the Committee asks the Government to specify the legislative or regulatory text prohibiting the employment of such children during school hours, in regions where there exist possibilities for sufficient instruction for the majority of school-age children, in conformity with the provisions of the Convention on this point. It asks, in this case, that the Government communicate a copy of this text.

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

The Committee notes the information communicated by the Government in its report and asks it to provide information on the following points.

Article 15(2) of the Convention. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Decree No. 2263/MT of 9 April 1982 regulating work of women and children has been replaced by Ordinance No. 003/PRG/SGG/88 of 28 January 1988 promulgating the new Labour Code, as well as Decree No. 2791/MTASE/DNTLS/96 of 22 April 1996 relative to child labour. It notes that education is compulsory between the ages of seven and 15, corresponding to the primary and secondary cycles. The Committee asks the Government to indicate which legislative or regulatory texts pertains to this cycle of compulsory education, and to provide a copy of it.

Article 15(3). With regard to articles 5, 6 and 7 of Decree No. 2791/MTASE/DNTLS/96 of 22 April 1996 concerning child labour, which prescribes for the possibility of work for children not having reached school leaving age, the Committee asks the Government to specify the legislative or regulatory text prohibiting the employment of such children during school hours, in regions where there exist possibilities for sufficient instruction for the majority of school-aged children, in conformity with the provisions of the Convention on this point. It asks, in this case, that the Government communicate a copy of this text.

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:

Article 15 of the Convention. Further to its previous comments the Committee notes the indication that the full education cycle, including university education, extends from age 7 to age 24. It asks the Government to indicate which part of the above cycle is compulsory. With regard to minimum age and conditions of employment, the Committee notes the Government's reference to the provisions of the Labour Code and asks the Government to indicate whether Order No. 2263/MT of 9 April 1982, regulating the work of women and children, is still in force.

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 following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Article 15 of the Convention. Further to its previous comments the Committee notes the indication that the full education cycle, including university education, extends from age 7 to age 24. It asks the Government to indicate which part of the above cycle is compulsory. With regard to minimum age and conditions of employment, the Committee notes the Government's reference to the provisions of the Labour Code and asks the Government to indicate whether Order No. 2263/MT of 9 April 1982, regulating the work of women and children, is still in force.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

Article 15 of the Convention. Further to its previous comments the Committee notes the indication that the full education cycle, including university education, extends from age 7 to age 24. It asks the Government to indicate which part of the above cycle is compulsory. With regard to minimum age and conditions of employment, the Committee notes the Government's reference to the provisions of the Labour Code and asks the Government to indicate whether Order No. 2263/MT of 9 April 1982, regulating the work of women and children, is still in force.

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

The Committee takes note of the Government's report which indicates no change in the application of the Convention. It recalls that the Government stated in its report covering the period up to June 1982 that the national conditions at that moment made it difficult to prescribe the school-leaving age as required under Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on any progress made in the field of compulsory education systems.