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

The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government’s reports for the period ending September 2004 in response to its 2001 direct request.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government indicates that, according to the latest available data for 1997, the unemployment rate had reached 8.5 per cent; while women represented only 27.8 per cent of the total labour force in 1997, in 2000 they represented 35.4 per cent. The Government explains that its National Strategy for Employment focuses on two areas:

-  a balanced development of economic sectors through a strategic, future vision on the country’s economic role, set within the context of its potential and its resources;

-  the development and management of human resources.

The Government indicates, however, that this strategy has yet to be fully implemented due to lack of financial resources and the difficult economic conditions experienced by Lebanon. The Government also states that the National Strategy for Employment is being updated with ILO technical assistance. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to give priority in its plans and programmes to the objectives of full employment and that it will provide detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the employment objectives set out in the National Strategy for Employment have been achieved. Please also provide information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons and older workers.

2. Article 3. With reference to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that consultations with the social partners mainly take place through the Economic and Social Council in which different sectors of the economy and of society are represented. The Council endeavours to ensure the participation of economic, social and professional sectors through providing advice in the formulation of the economic and social policy of the country, the promotion of dialogue, cooperation, and coordination between the various economic, social and professional sectors. The Committee asks the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the work of this advisory body, by indicating the issues included in its agenda, the opinions put forward and the way in which consideration has been given to the view expressed in the preparation and implementation of employment policy measures.

3. Part V of the report form. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments concerning studies carried out by the ILO, the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the National Institution for Employment, the Government explains that these studies are still pending but should be completed and made available shortly. The Committee asks Government to provide, in its next report, more details on progress made on these projects including information on any action taken as a result of their conclusions and on any factors which may have prevented or delayed such action recommended with a view to promoting an employment policy as laid down in the Convention.