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

1. Article 1. Sexual harassment. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that though the present legislative framework was not sufficient to protect against sexual harassment in the workplace, the Government had indicated that it intended to develop legal rules specifically to address sexual harassment. However, the Committee notes that the Government does not, in its most recent report indicate that any steps have been taken in this regard, and states only that no cases of sexual harassment have been brought before the courts. The Committee requests the Government to take measures to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment in employment, in line with its 2002 general observation, and to inform the Committee of any progress made in this regard.

2. Article 2. Equality of women and men in employment and occupation. The Committee noted previously the fact that the Government’s five-year plan (2001-05) anticipated the number of workers needed in the coming years segregated by sex. The Committee expressed concern that segregating the needs of the labour market on the basis of sex could predetermine the educational and work opportunities available to women and men. The Government indicates in its report that this approach to the needs of the labour market is based on the desires of employers. The Committee continues to be concerned that the Government’s approach to labour market needs is reinforcing existing stereotypes of what jobs are appropriate for women and for men. The Committee urges the Government to take measures to address stereotypical views of what jobs are appropriate for women and men, including through awareness raising for workers and employers, and to seek the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations in this respect. The Committee also requests the Government to ensure that policies and plans under its control are not reinforcing stereotypes in employment and occupation.

3. With respect to employment of women in the public, private and mixed sectors, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the increase in the number of women working in all sectors. However, it is not clear in what type of jobs women are employed. The Committee, therefore, requests the Government in future to also provide information regarding the proportion of women and men at each level within various occupations.

4. Article 3. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the continued dialogue and collaboration between the Government and the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the consultations and activities undertaken with employers’ and workers’ organizations to promote the principle of the Convention.

5. Article 5. Special measures of protection or assistance. With respect to sections 94 and 95 of the Labour Law, anticipating protective measures for women through regulation, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that some ministerial orders are now in effect and others are pending. The Committee requests the Government to forward copies of any regulations or orders issued pursuant to sections 94 and 95 of the Labour Law concerning industries, occupations and jobs that are prohibited to women and concerning working time.