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

Further to its observation, the Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report and requests it to provide additional information on the following points.

1. With regard to sexual harassment, the Committee notes the Government’s statements that the Penal Code No. 16 of 1960, as amended, prohibits the offering of indecent work to a boy or girl under 15, making indecent suggestions in a public place or in society in general, and other acts contrary to public morals, that section 28(c) of the Labour Code specifies that an employer can dismiss a worker if he is found to have committed an act contrary to public morals at the workplace, that a worker has the right to leave his job without notice and request compensation if the employer has aggressed him or insulted him at work, and that in practice, the society is known by its strict tradition on sexual harassment-related actions. The Committee asks the Government if it has any intention to prohibit sexual harassment in the law or in a policy. The Government is also requested to supply information on administrative mechanisms, enforcement mechanisms and procedures that can be used to address sexual harassment, relevant court decisions as well as on educational and awareness-raising measures on prevention and protection against sexual harassment.

2. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that one of the most important measures taken as the follow-up to the recommendations of the research report on women workers in the textiles and garments industries is to carry out the National Employment Project through an integrated plan aimed at marginalized regions and targeted groups. It requests the Government to provide more detailed information, including statistical data, on the results and impact of such measures, as well as on other follow-up measures.

3. With regard to the Committee’s previous request that the Government envisage the possibility of reviewing the Ordinance of 1997 issued by the Minister of Labour under section 69 of the Labour Code setting out the jobs and times at which work by women was prohibited, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that it will inform the Committee of any amendments that occur to the legislation governing women’s employment, including information on the Ordinance promulgated in 1997, when it is finalized. It reminds the Government to provide such information when it is available.

4. With regard to activities and advisory services provided by the Working Women’s Department at the Labour Inspectorate, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the aim of such activities and services is to monitor the National Employment project and prepare women through training programmes at the workplace, especially on basic life skills and management, and on resolving problems encountered by women in a number of sectors, through the circulation of a form on complaints and on reasons for leaving employment. The Government is requested to provide further information on the results or impact of such services.