Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 1996, publiée 85ème session CIT (1997)

Convention (n° 100) sur l'égalité de rémunération, 1951 - Afghanistan (Ratification: 1969)

1. The Committee observes that the application of this Convention is linked inextricably with women's right to equality of opportunity and treatment in employment more generally. In this connection, the Committee refers to its observation under Convention No. 111, which should be read together with this observation.

2. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's reports, which were received on 26 June and 8 July 1996 respectively, including the information provided by the Government concerning the criteria used to classify civil servants and workers, and that concerning the determination of additional remuneration, such as overtime pay, travelling expenses, pension rights, food, and consumer goods.

3. In its previous comment, the Committee noted the Government's reliance on section 9 of the Labour Code (which stipulates "equal wages for equal work"), whereas the Convention encompasses the broader principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. Observing that the Government's reports continue to deny any discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment of men and women and refer to section 75 of the Code (containing the criteria for wage determination) without demonstrating how the broader concept is applied, the Committee asked the Government to consider amending the Labour Code so as to reflect fully the principle of the Convention. In its report the Government states that, on the instruction of the competent authorities, the Labour Code is to be amended, and that in any such amendments, the matters raised by the Committee will be taken into consideration and will be reported to the Office. The Committee hopes that the necessary action will be taken to amend the Labour Code in line with the scope of the Convention and asks the Government to provide information on further developments.