Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

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

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sexual harassment. Discrimination based on sex. The Committee notes that, with regard to the legal prohibition of sexual harassment, the Government refers to section 12 of the preliminary draft Uniform Act of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) regarding labour law. Recalling its 2002 general observation, the Committee underlines that sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex and that, accordingly, in conformity with the Convention which covers discrimination based on this ground and which requires the adoption of a national policy to promote equality of opportunity and treatment, measures must be taken to eliminate it. The Committee accordingly strongly encourages the Government to take specific measures to prevent, prohibit and punish sexual harassment in employment and occupation, in law and in practice. The Government is requested to provide information on the measures taken to this end.

Access of girls and women to education and vocational training and guidance. The Committee notes that the Government once again refers to a national employment and vocational training policy currently under preparation. The Government also states that it has taken measures to promote the access of girls to training in non-traditional areas and that it has put in place an education grant system. The Committee further notes that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its 2009 concluding observations (CEDAW/C/CMR/CO/3, 10 February 2009, paragraph 36), noted with concern that women’s employment remains concentrated in certain sectors such as agriculture and domestic services. In this regard, the Committee stresses the importance of continuing the promotion of girls’ and women’s access to education and vocational training and to encourage them to take part in training preparing for occupations which have traditionally been carried out by men in order to combat occupational segregation and to increase their employment opportunities. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken, and the impact thereof, to promote equal access to education and vocational training of men and women, and to allow boys and girls to choose from a wider range of occupations. Please provide statistical data on the enrolment of girls’ and women’s participation in vocational training, both in urban and rural areas.

Discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction. With regard to discrimination based on these grounds, the Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information in reply to its previous comments, which read as follows:

The Committee recalls the comments made by the General Confederation of Labour-Liberty (CGT-Liberté) concerning the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), alleging that certain enterprises apply wage differentials on the basis of ethnic origin. The Government indicates in its report that the Labour Code prohibits wage discrimination and that it is up to victims and trade unions to take legal action. In this respect, the Committee notes from the PAMODEC survey that the provisions in force regarding the system of the burden of proof with respect to discrimination make it very difficult for workers to prove that they are the victims of pay discrimination. This document adds that this is one of the reasons why, despite the fact that discrimination is felt to be widespread, legal action against discrimination is rarely seen. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on all the measures taken to guarantee the effective application of the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment without any distinction on the basis of race, colour or national extraction, including the measures taken in law and in practice to help workers to prove the existence of discrimination.

Discrimination against indigenous peoples. The Committee notes the succinct information provided by the Government on certain measures taken by the authorities and non-governmental organizations in favour of the Baka, Bagyéli and the Mbororo, including as regards the education of the children of these communities and the indentification of community forests. Noting that the Government’s report contains no information on the situation of the members of the indigenous communities in employment, including vocational training, the Committee requests the Government once again to provide information on the following:

(i)    the measures taken to improve the living and working conditions of the indigenous peoples, including remuneration for work;

(ii)   on the situation of the Baka, Bagyéli and Mbororo on the labour market and in the education system (including statistics disaggregated by sex).

The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prevent and combat persisting prejudices and stereotypes against the members of indigenous communities.

Article 3(d) of the Convention. Employment under the direct control of a national authority. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of the Convention in the public service including information on the measures taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women, including in respect of recruitment, training and promotion. Please also provide statistical information, disaggregated by sex, regarding public employment according to levels of education, type of employment and level of responsibility.

Article 5. Special measures of protection for women. The Committee notes that the Government took note of the necessity to revise the list of prohibited work established by Order No. 16/MLTS of 27 May 1969 and to limit the measures of protection for women to those aimed at protecting maternity. Drawing the Government’s attention to the importance of not only ensuring that the specific measures of protection for women are limited to the protection of maternity but also that they are not based on stereotypes regarding women’s professional abilities and their role in society, the Committee trusts that the Government will take the necessary measures in the near future to revise the list of work prohibited to women. Please provide information on the measures taken in this regard and provide a copy of the Order as soon as revised.

Activities of the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms and of the National Labour Advisory Commission. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the national employment and vocational training policy, which is currently under preparation and which, according to the Government, promotes the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, will be examined by the National Labour Advisory Commission (CNCT). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held by the CNCT on measures relating to equality of opportunity and treatment and reiterates its request for information on the activities undertaken or envisaged by the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms to promote the principle of equality in employment occupation, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.

Part V of the report form. Statistics. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that 37 large enterprises have been established to serve as partners and focal points of the network of the National Employment and Vocational Training Observatory (ONEFPO). The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to provide statistical information on the situation of men and women in the labour market, and in the different sectors of the economy and different levels of responsibility. Please provide information on progress made in this regard.

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

Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention. Grounds of discrimination covered by the legislation. Recalling its comments over many years regarding the need to bring the legislation into conformity with the Convention by including all grounds of discrimination listed in Article 1(1)(a), the Committee notes that the Government reiterates that it will consider this issue in the context of a future revision of the Labour Code, though no specific information in this regard is provided. Recalling that despite its repeated requests, the Government has not yet taken any measures to initiate such a revision process, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to revise the legislation to include provisions defining and prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination based on all the grounds listed in the Convention (race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin) in respect of all stages of the employment process, including recruitment, in accordance with the obligations it has undertaken by ratifying the Convention. The Government is requested to provide detailed information on the progress made in this regard.

Discrimination based on sex. Legislation. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain information in reply to its previous comments which stressed the importance of repealing any provisions of the legislation that discriminate against women, in order to ensure that full effect is given to the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in employment and occupation. It recalls in particular that in accordance with section 223 of the Civil Code, husbands can prevent their wives from engaging in certain occupations. The Committee also notes that in its 2009 concluding observations, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women noted an absence of progress regarding the abrogation of discriminatory provisions, particularly in the Penal Code, the Civil Status Registration Ordinance and the Civil Code. (CEDAW/C/CMR/CO/3, 10 February 2009, paragraph 14). The Committee accordingly urges the Government to take, without further delay, concrete measures to initiate a process of legislative reform to repeal all provisions which have the effect of nullifying or impairing women’s equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, and requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to this end.

Article 2. National policy on equality of opportunity and treatment. The Committee notes that the Government affirms that the national policy on employment and vocational training currently under preparation is dedicated to the principle of equal treatment and access to employment and non-discrimination. The Committee recalls nevertheless that in its previous comments it underlined that the recognition of the principle of equality alone is not sufficient to constitute a national policy within the meaning of Article 2 of the Convention, and that it is necessary to adopt and implement concrete and proactive measures such as training programmes and public awareness raising, to promote equality of opportunity and treatment effectively. In this regard, the Committee notes that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its 2009 concluding observations expressed concern over the persisting patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted stereotypes concerning the roles and responsibilities of women, which are a source of discrimination against them (CEDAW/C/CMR/CO/3, 10 February 2009, paragraph 24). The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to elaborate and implement a national policy which includes action programmes and concrete measures to promote equality of opportunity and treatment and to address discriminatory practices in employment and occupation effectively. The Government is requested to provide information on the progress made with regard to the elaboration and implementation of such national policy and the results achieved.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. Gender-based discrimination. Sexual harassment. The Committee notes the statement in the Government’s report that the prevention and repression of sexual harassment come within the scope of ordinary law. The Committee notes, however, that according to the survey of obstacles to the implementation of fundamental principles and rights at work in Cameroon, undertaken in the context of the support project for the implementation of the Declaration (PAMODEC) in September 2007, no item of Cameroonian legislation deals specifically with sexual harassment. The survey also indicates that section 12 of the preliminary draft Uniform Act of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) regarding labour law prohibits any form of psychological or sexual harassment at work resulting from any kind of abusive and repetitive conduct. However, the Committee notes that, according to the abovementioned survey, it would be difficult to combat sexual harassment effectively by virtue of this section because of the gaps that exist in the OHADA preliminary draft regarding the burden of proof, protection of witnesses and applicable penalties. In view of the seriousness of sexual harassment in employment and occupation and the impact thereof, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the need to prohibit sexual harassment explicitly in law. In this respect, the Committee reminds the Government that the definition of sexual harassment contains two key elements, namely quid pro quo harassment and harassment due to a hostile work environment, and refers the Government in this respect to its general observation of 2002 on sexual harassment. The Committee hopes that the Government will take all the necessary steps to prohibit both types of sexual harassment in law and requests the Government once again to supply information on any other measure taken or envisaged to prevent and take action against sexual harassment at work.

2. Discriminatory treatment of women. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the concerns expressed both by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/1/Add.40) and the Committee on Human Rights (CCPR/C/79/Add.116) with respect to the unequal legal status of women regarding the right to own property, the laws on credit and bankruptcy, and the right of husbands to seek a court order to prevent their wives from engaging in certain occupations. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report that it will request the Committee on Synergy to issue a recommendation on the abolition of the provisions of the Labour Code which are not in conformity with the national policy against discrimination. Emphasizing once again the importance of repealing any provisions in the legislation which discriminate against women, the Committee hopes that the Government will take all the necessary steps to review the legislation in question so that it finally gives full effect to the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation, and requests the Government to keep it informed in this regard.

3. Gender equality in access to employment. The Committee recalls noting that women account for only 25 per cent of public servants and only 30 per cent of jobseekers in general. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the imminent drawing up of the national policy on employment in general and youth employment in particular will meet expectations regarding the promotion of employment for women and young persons. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken within the national employment policy to promote gender equality in access to employment and training and to send information on the results achieved in this field.

4. Access to education for women. In its previous comments, the Committee expressed its concern at the fact that, under section 7 of Act No. 98/004 on education policy, the State guarantees equal access to education without any distinction as to sex, but that the same Act does not guarantee free primary education, which considerably reduces access to such education, particularly for girls. The Government states in its report that access to primary education is free. Moreover, the Committee notes that the survey on employment and the informal sector in Cameroon in 2005 reveals that, regardless of age, more men than women have attended school. The survey also indicates that gender-based inequalities in access to education are particularly severe in the regions of the North and Far North, where the school attendance rate for girls is only 8 and 4 per cent, respectively. It also emphasizes the fact that, with respect to the 25–50 age group, 9 per cent of men and 4 per cent of women have completed higher studies. The survey emphasizes the fact that where families have chosen to send children to school without any distinction as to sex, girls run the risk of being less successful than boys at school because of their involvement in domestic work. As a result, women entering the labour market are concentrated in jobs having a low level of qualification and in occupations traditionally performed by women. In view of this situation, the Committee requests the Government to send information on measures designed to promote access to primary and secondary education for girls and to promote training for women in non-traditional branches of activity.

5. Protective measures with regard to women. The Committee notes section 82 of the Labour Code, which prohibits women from working at night in industry, and section 83 of the Labour Code, which provides for the adoption of an Order determining the types of work which women are not permitted to perform. This Order excludes women from work which exceeds their physical strength and from work considered to be hazardous or insalubrious. The Committee notes that, according to the abovementioned survey conducted by PAMODEC, the vast majority of women interviewed suggested that the Order related to section 83 of the Labour Code should be updated periodically to adjust it to women’s new occupational skills and capacities. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the revision of the list of types of work which are prohibited for women and requests the Government to limit protective measures regarding women to measures intended to provide maternity protection.

6. Discrimination on the basis of race, colour or national extraction. The Committee recalls the comments made by the General Confederation of Labour-Liberty (CGT-Liberté) concerning the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), alleging that certain enterprises apply wage differentials on the basis of ethnic origin. The Government indicates in its report that the Labour Code prohibits wage discrimination and that it is up to victims and trade unions to take legal action. In this respect, the Committee notes from the PAMODEC survey that the provisions in force regarding the system of the burden of proof with respect to discrimination make it very difficult for workers to prove that they are the victims of pay discrimination. This document adds that this is one of the reasons why, despite the fact that discrimination is felt to be widespread, legal action against discrimination is rarely seen. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on all the measures taken to guarantee the effective application of the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment without any distinction on the basis of race, colour or national extraction, including the measures taken in law and in practice to help workers to prove  the existence of discrimination.

7. Discrimination with regard to indigenous peoples. The Committee notes that the Government’s report merely states that efforts have been made by the authorities and by NGOs to provide education and vocational training for indigenous peoples. The Committee requests the Government to supply full information on the measures taken to improve the conditions of life and work of indigenous, especially in terms of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation. The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort in its next report to supply statistical information, disaggregated by sex, on the situation of the Baka, Bagyèli and Mbororo in the labour market, as well as their participation in education and vocational training.

8. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the setting up of a National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms and of a National Labour Advisory Commission. The Committee notes the Government’s statement to the effect that it does not yet have any reports from these two commissions. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed on the activities planned or undertaken by the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms and the National Labour Advisory Commission to promote the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, in conformity with the provisions of the Convention.

9. Part V of the report form. Statistics. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the National Employment and Vocational Training Observatory and the PAMODEC project are due to supply the requested statistics in the near future. The Government also requests assistance from the ILO with a view to the production of statistics. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to make use of technical assistance from the Office to improve the collection and processing of statistical information. Meanwhile, the Committee requests the Government to supply the statistical information available on the distribution of men and women in various posts and the different levels of responsibility.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee regrets to note that the Government’s report does not provide full information on all the points raised in its previous observation. The Committee reiterates the importance of pursuing dialogue on the application of the Convention so that it can identify the progress made by the Government in the application of the Convention and the remaining challenges which it faces. The Committee, therefore, hopes that the Government will make every effort to supply full information on the points set out below.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. National policy and legislation on equality. For a number of years, the Committee has expressed its concern that the preamble to the national Constitution, section 1(2) of the 1992 Labour Code, section 5 of the Public Service Regulations, and section 7 of the Education Act do not prohibit discrimination on grounds of race, colour or national extraction, as required by Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. The Committee has also repeatedly commented on the lack of a national policy to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation. It regrets once again to note that the Government’s report does not provide any new information on the finalization of the national policy on equality and merely refers to the prohibition of discrimination as set out in the national legislation. In this regard, the Committee is bound to remind the Government that while the affirmation of the principle of equality in national legislation represents an important step in the implementation of the Convention, it is not sufficient in itself to constitute a national policy within the meaning of Article 2 of the Convention. Such a policy necessarily includes the adoption and implementation of specific proactive measures, such as educational and awareness-raising programmes, aimed at the promotion of equality in employment and occupation with respect to all seven grounds listed in the Convention.

2. The Committee trusts that the Government will take the necessary steps to ensure the application of the Convention and urges the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the following:

(a)   the measures taken or envisaged to bring the abovementioned legislative instruments into conformity with the provisions of the Convention with a view to introducing an explicit definition and prohibition of all forms of discrimination on any of the seven grounds listed in Article 1(1) of the Convention, namely, race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin;

(b)   the progress made in the adoption of a national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

Further to its observation, the Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the following points.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Discrimination on the grounds of sex. Sexual harassment. Recalling its general observation of 2002 on sexual harassment, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any legislative or other measures taken or envisaged to prevent and punish sexual harassment at work.

2. Equality between men and women with respect to access to employment and vocational training. The Committee had previously noted the concern expressed by both the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/1/Add.40) and the Committee on Human Rights (CCPR/C/79/Add.116) with respect to the unequal legal status of women regarding the right to own property, the laws on credit and bankruptcy and the right of husbands to seek a court order to prevent wives from engaging in certain occupations. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Committee of Synergy, a body for tripartite consultation on labour issues and questions of social security, is envisaged to deal with the elimination of all legislative provisions or policies that are not in conformity with the national policy against discrimination. The Committee must again draw the Government’s attention to the need to identify and repeal the legal provisions in the Civil Code and the Commercial Code which are contrary to the Convention. It trusts that the Government will provide with its next report full information on the steps taken, including by the Committee of Synergy, to review the legislation concerned with a view to ensuring that it is giving full effect to the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation.

3. The Committee recalls the small number of women among public servants (25 per cent) and jobseekers in general (30 per cent). It understands that one of the objectives of the “African Platform for employment and the reduction of poverty” is to promote the organizational and professional skills of job searchers, especially women and young people. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the results achieved in this regard. The Committee further reiterates its request to the Government to provide statistical information showing the distribution of men and women in the various posts and at the different levels of responsibility, as well as information on the measures taken to improve the participation rate of women in employment and vocational training in the public service.

4. Equal access to education. The Committee had previously expressed its concern that, while Act No. 98/004 on education policy provides for equal access to education without any distinction as to sex (section 7), it does not guarantee free primary education, which considerably reduces access to such education, particularly in the case of girls. Considering the low female literacy rate and high drop‑out rate of girls noted in its previous comments, the Committee emphasizes once more the importance of measures to promote the access of girls to primary and secondary education and programmes to reduce the female illiteracy rate, as a means to implement the principle of the Convention. The Committee therefore hopes that the Government’s next report will provide full details in this regard.

5. Discrimination on the basis of race, colour and national extraction. Further to its observation, the Committee takes note of the comments made by the General Confederation of Labour-Liberty (CGT-Liberty) on the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), alleging that certain enterprises apply wage differentials on the basis of ethnicity. Referring again to the insufficient protection against discrimination in national legislation, the Committee requests the Government to indicate in its next report the measures taken to eliminate the practice of wage discrimination on the basis of national extraction.

6. Discrimination of indigenous peoples. The Committee understands that in Yaoundé a national workshop was held under the patronage of the Ministry for Social Affairs from 15 to 17 June 2005 to discuss the situation of indigenous and tribal peoples, including the serious difficulties the Baka, Bagyèli and Mbororo face with respect to access to education and employment, the terms and conditions of employment and remuneration. The Committee understands further that the situation of the indigenous peoples has been addressed in the context of the Forum on National Solidarity (21-24 June 2005). The Committee asks the Government to provide with its next report information on measures taken to improve the living and working conditions of indigenous and tribal peoples, in particular with regard to equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation. The Committee would also appreciate receiving statistical information, disaggregated by sex, on the situation of the Baka, Bagyèli and Mbororo in the labour market, including participation in education and vocational training.

7. Recalling the creation of the new National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms by Act No. 2004-16, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government indicate in its next report activities undertaken or envisaged by this Commission to promote the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, as set out in the Convention.

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

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. National policy and legislation on equality. For a number of years the Committee has expressed its concern that the Preamble to the National Constitution, section 1(2) of the 1992 Labour Code, section 5 of the Public Service Statute and section 7 of the Act on education policy, do not prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour and national extraction, as required by Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. It has also repeatedly commented on the absence of a national policy on the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation. The Committee regrets to note that the Government’s report again does not provide new information on the finalization of the national policy on equality and continues to refer to the prohibition of discrimination as set out in the national legislation. In this regard, the Committee must remind the Government that while the affirmation of the principle of equality in national legislation represents an important step in the implementation of the Convention, it is not sufficient in itself to constitute a national policy within the meaning of Article 2 of the Convention. Such a policy necessarily includes the adoption and implementation of concrete and proactive measures, such as educational and awareness-raising programmes, aimed at the promotion of equality in employment and occupation in respect of all seven grounds listed in the Convention.

2. The Committee trusts that the Government will take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the Convention and urges the Government to provide detailed information with its next report on the following:

(a)   the measures envisaged or taken to harmonize the abovementioned legislation with the provisions of the Convention with a view to introducing an explicit definition and prohibition of discrimination on the seven grounds enumerated in Article 1(1) of the Convention, namely, race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin;

(b)   the progress made in adopting a national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation;

(c)   the activities undertaken by the National Labour Advisory Committee and the Committee responsible for monitoring and evaluating the application of ILO Conventions with respect to ensuring the full implementation of the present Convention.

3. Noting that the Government’s report has provided little or no information with respect to the points raised in its previous comments, the Committee trusts that the Government will make every effort to collect and communicate, in its next report, the requested information in order to enable the Committee to assess the implementation of the Convention and the progress made.

The Committee is raising other and related points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

1. The Committee regrets to note that the Government’s report does not contain a response to its previous comments and that it only provides general information, which does not enable the Committee to assess the extent to which the principle of non-discrimination in employment and occupation is applied in practice. The Committee hopes that the Government’s next report will provide detailed information on the following points.

2. Having already noted in its previous request that a committee was created in 2001 to monitor and evaluate the application of ILO Conventions, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information with its next report on any action taken or envisaged by this Committee with respect of the application of the present Convention.

3. Article 1 of the Convention. Prohibited grounds of discrimination. As the Government has provided no new information in this regard, the Committee is bound to reiterate its concern that the national legislation does not prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour and national extraction, as required by Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. It recalls that the Labour Code of 1992 only prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex and nationality, the Public Service Statute (section 5 of Decree No. 74,138 of 18 February 1974) prohibits discrimination in access to public employment only on the ground of sex, and that section 7 of Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 on education policy prohibits discrimination in access to education on the grounds of sex, religion, political opinion and social origin. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the full conformity of the national legislation with the Convention by prohibiting discrimination on the seven grounds enumerated in the Convention, namely race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin.

4. Legal status of women. The Committee recalls that in its direct request of 2003 it noted the concern expressed by both the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/1/Add.40) and the Committee on Human Rights (CCPR/C/79/Add.116) in 1999 with respect to the unequal legal status of women in such field as the right to own property, the laws regarding credit and bankruptcy and the right of husbands to seek a court order to prevent wives from engaging in certain occupations. As the Government has not provided any information on this subject, the Committee once again urges the Government to identify and repeal the legal provisions in the Civil Code and the Commercial Code which are contrary to the Convention. Please provide information with its next report on any progress that has been made in this area.

5. Article 2. National policy on equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is still finalizing a national policy for the promotion of equality of opportunity in employment and occupation. It also notes that the National Labour Advisory Committee, established under section 117 of the Labour Code, has now resumed work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress regarding development and adoption of the national policy, which it trusts will give effect to the principle of non-discrimination.

6. Recalling that in its previous comments it previously noted from the statistical information provided by the Government that women account for approximately one-quarter of all public servants and 30 pre cent of all the jobseekers placed by the National Employment Fund between its creation in 1990 until June 2001, it requests the Government to provide information with its next report on measures taken to improve the participation rate of women in employment and vocational training in the public and private sector. It also requests the Government to provide statistical information with its next report showing the distribution of employment in the various posts and at the different levels of responsibility, disaggregated by sex and also by national extraction and religion.

7. Recalling that in its previous comments it noted that section 7 of Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 on education policy provides for equal access to education without any distinction as to sex, the Committee reiterates its concern that the Act does not guarantee free primary education, which considerably reduces access to such education, particularly in the case of girls. The Committee also notes the concern expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (A/55/34) in June 2000 that despite government efforts in this area, the female literacy rate is low, the school drop-out rate among girls is high and the proportion of girls receiving basic education is small. The Committee therefore reiterates its request to the Government to provide information with its next report on the measures taken or envisaged to promote the access of girls to primary and secondary education and to devise programmes to reduce the female illiteracy rate.

8. The Committee understands that on 22 July 2004, Act No. 2004-16 was adopted, creating a new National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms. It understands that the National Commission consists of 30 members, inter alia, judges, professors, NGOs and representatives of women’s organizations. Noting that the mandate of the National Commission includes the formulation of recommendations and issuing opinions and reports on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information with its next report on activities undertaken or envisaged by the Commission to promote the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, as set out in 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:

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report. It notes the decision of 17 July 2001 creating a committee to monitor and evaluate the application of ILO Conventions. The Committee also welcomes as a positive development the creation in 1997 of the Ministry for the Status of Women responsible for promoting gender equality.

2. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 1(2) of the Labour Code of 1992 prohibits discrimination only on grounds of sex and nationality, and that the Public Service Statute (section 5 of Decree No. 74 138 of 18 February 1974) prohibits discrimination in access to public employment only on grounds of sex. The Committee further notes that section 7 of Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 on education policy in Cameroon refers, inter alia, to the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of sex, religion, political opinion and social origin, but does not mention the other grounds set out in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention, namely race, colour and national extraction. Recalling that importance must be attached to all the sources of discrimination envisaged in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), the Committee wishes to express its concern over the lack of protection against discrimination on all grounds listed in the Convention and requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to ensure full conformity of the national legislation with the abovementioned provisions of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes the observations made by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in December 1999 to the effect that the Government had not yet embarked on the necessary law reform to repeal the laws "which maintain the unequal legal status of women, particularly in aspects of the Civil Code and the Commercial Code relating to, inter alia, the right to own property and the laws regarding credit and bankruptcy, which restrict women’s access to the means of production" maintaining them in a position of inferiority (E/C.12/1/Add.40). The Committee on Human Rights, too, noted in its concluding observations of 4 November 1999 (CCPR/C/79/Add.116) the "ability of husbands to seek a court order to prevent wives from engaging in certain occupations". The Committee urges the Government to identify and repeal the existing legal provisions which are contrary to the Convention and to report any progress that has been made in this area.

4. Noting from the Government’s report that the national policy to promote equal opportunities in employment and occupation has not yet been codified but that a document has been drafted on national policy which requires broad tripartite consultation in order to be finalized; noting also that the national labour advisory committee established under section 117 of the Labour Code has resumed work, the Committee hopes that the above draft will expressly provide that effect be given to the principle of non-discrimination. The Committee also asks the Government to keep it informed of any progress regarding the declaration and pursuit of the policy on equal opportunities and treatment in respect of access to vocational training, employment and working conditions, in both the public sector and the private sector.

5. The Committee underscores the importance of special measures and programmes to promote equal opportunities and treatment. In this connection it takes note of the efforts made to disseminate information on combating discrimination against women. It also notes the measures set up to promote equal opportunities and treatment in vocational training, such as recruitment by competition and by paper qualifications in the public service, and the opening of vocational training centres under various ministerial departments. Lastly, it notes the various tasks entrusted to the Training and Vocational Guidance Directorate of the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Welfare in the area of monitoring implementation of the vocational guidance and training policy, assistance to ministries for the recruitment of personnel and the monitoring of the regulations on psychological and technical testing in vocational guidance.

6. The Committee notes that, according to the statistics provided by the Government in its report, women account for approximately one quarter of all public servants and 30 per cent of all the jobseekers placed by the National Employment Fund between its creation in 1990 until 30 June 2001 (the percentage being very close to the proportion of women who applied to the Fund over the same period). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to improve the participation rate of women in employment and vocational training in the public sector and in the private sector. It requests the Government to continue to supply information showing the distribution of employment in the various posts and at the different levels of responsibility, if possible disaggregated by sex and also by national extraction and religion.

7. The Committee notes that section 7 of Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 on education policy in Cameroon provides that "the State shall ensure equality of opportunity for all in access to education without any distinction as to sex (...)". The Committee observes, however, that the above Act does not guarantee free primary education, which considerably reduces access to such education, particularly in the case of girls. The Committee also notes the observations of 26 June 2000 by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (A/55/38), which expresses concern that, despite government efforts in this area, the female literacy rate is low, the school drop-out rate among girls is high and the proportion of girls receiving basic education is small. In this connection, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights noted in its concluded observations of December 1999 (E/C.12/1/Add.40) that the illiteracy rate among women is 49.9 per cent as compared with 30 per cent for men. The Committee would like to receive information on effective measures taken by the Government to encourage access for girls to primary and secondary education establishments and to devise programmes to reduce the female illiteracy rate.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report. It notes the decision of 17 July 2001 creating a committee to monitor and evaluate the application of ILO Conventions. The Committee also welcomes as a positive development the creation in 1997 of the Ministry for the Status of Women responsible for promoting gender equality.

2. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 1(2) of the Labour Code of 1992 prohibits discrimination only on grounds of sex and nationality, and that the Public Service Statute (section 5 of Decree No. 74-138 of 18 February 1974) prohibits discrimination in access to public employment only on grounds of sex. The Committee further notes that section 7 of Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 on education policy in Cameroon refers, inter alia, to the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of sex, religion, political opinion and social origin, but does not mention the other grounds set out in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention, namely race, colour and national extraction. Recalling that importance must be attached to all the sources of discrimination envisaged in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), the Committee wishes to express its concern over the lack of protection against discrimination on all grounds listed in the Convention and requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to ensure full conformity of the national legislation with the abovementioned provisions of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes the observations made by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in December 1999 to the effect that the Government had not yet embarked on the necessary law reform to repeal the laws "which maintain the unequal legal status of women, particularly in aspects of the Civil Code and the Commercial Code relating to, inter alia, the right to own property and the laws regarding credit and bankruptcy, which restrict women’s access to the means of production" maintaining them in a position of inferiority (E/C.12/1/Add.40). The Committee on Human Rights, too, noted in its concluding observations of 4 November 1999 (CCPR/C/79/Add.116) the "ability of husbands to seek a court order to prevent wives from engaging in certain occupations". The Committee urges the Government to identify and repeal the existing legal provisions which are contrary to the Convention and to report any progress that has been made in this area.

4. Noting from the Government’s report that the national policy to promote equal opportunities in employment and occupation has not yet been codified but that a document has been drafted on national policy which requires broad tripartite consultation in order to be finalized; noting also that the national labour advisory committee established under section 117 of the Labour Code has resumed work, the Committee hopes that the above draft will expressly provide that effect be given to the principle of non-discrimination. The Committee also asks the Government to keep it informed of any progress regarding the declaration and pursuit of the policy on equal opportunities and treatment in respect of access to vocational training, employment and working conditions, in both the public sector and the private sector.

5. The Committee underscores the importance of special measures and programmes to promote equal opportunities and treatment. In this connection it takes note of the efforts made to disseminate information on combating discrimination against women. It also notes the measures set up to promote equal opportunities and treatment in vocational training, such as recruitment by competition and by paper qualifications in the public service, and the opening of vocational training centres under various ministerial departments. Lastly, it notes the various tasks entrusted to the Training and Vocational Guidance Directorate of the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Welfare in the area of monitoring implementation of the vocational guidance and training policy, assistance to ministries for the recruitment of personnel and the monitoring of the regulations on psychological and technical testing in vocational guidance.

6. The Committee notes that, according to the statistics provided by the Government in its report, women account for approximately one quarter of all public servants and 30 per cent of all the jobseekers placed by the National Employment Fund between its creation in 1990 until 30 June 2001 (the percentage being very close to the proportion of women who applied to the Fund over the same period). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to improve the participation rate of women in employment and vocational training in the public sector and in the private sector. It requests the Government to continue to supply information showing the distribution of employment in the various posts and at the different levels of responsibility, if possible disaggregated by sex and also by national extraction and religion.

7. The Committee notes that section 7 of Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 on education policy in Cameroon provides that "the State shall ensure equality of opportunity for all in access to education without any distinction as to sex (...)". The Committee observes, however, that the above Act does not guarantee free primary education, which considerably reduces access to such education, particularly in the case of girls. The Committee also notes the observations of 26 June 2000 by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (A/55/38), which expresses concern that, despite government efforts in this area, the female literacy rate is low, the school drop-out rate among girls is high and the proportion of girls receiving basic education is small. In this connection, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights noted in its concluded observations of December 1999 (E/C.12/1/Add.40) that the illiteracy rate among women is 49.9 per cent as compared with 30 per cent for men. The Committee would like to receive information on effective measures taken by the Government to encourage access for girls to primary and secondary education establishments and to devise programmes to reduce the female illiteracy rate.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

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:

1.  The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to the question raised by the Committee in its direct request of 1994 concerning the fact that the Preamble to the National Constitution, section 1(2) of the 1992 Labour Code, and the Conditions of Service for the Public Service (section 5 of Decree No. 74-138 of 18 February 1974) do not cover all the criteria expressly mentioned by the Convention as prohibited grounds for discrimination in employment. The Committee therefore asks the Government once again to indicate how the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation with a view to eliminating all distinctions, exclusions or preferences on the grounds referred to in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention has been declared. The Government is also asked to describe the general methods by which this policy is being implemented in respect of access to vocational training, access to employment, and terms and conditions of employment, in both the public and private sectors, in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes furthermore that the Government indicates that the legal basis of the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation is Decree No. 93/571 of 15 July 1993, which specifies the methods for placement of workers. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its future reports on the concrete measures taken to implement this Decree.

2.  The Committee notes that, in its direct request of 1995bis, it asked the Government to communicate information on appeals lodged by persons who are justifiably suspected of, or engaged in, activities prejudicial to the security of the State (Article 4 of the Convention) using the successive appeal procedures recognized in the Labour Code and by Order No. 72/6 of 26 August 1972 providing for the organization of the Supreme Court. In its response, the Government indicates that it is very difficult in legal terms to establish that a worker has been dismissed because of his or her political activities, since employers always contrive to find some professional or economic pretext for the dismissal. As a result of this, appeals by employees who believe they have been wrongfully dismissed because of their political activities are treated as ordinary labour disputes. The Committee also notes that under section 39 of the Labour Code, any dismissal without a valid reason is considered unlawful and may give rise to compensation. The Committee asks the Government to supply information in its future reports on appeals lodged in recent years against wrongful dismissals even where they are treated as ordinary labour disputes.

3.  The Committee notes that in answer to its earlier comments concerning Article 2 of the Convention with regard to the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation and the methods used to implement this policy in respect of access to vocational training, the Government indicates that access to vocational training is governed by Act No. 76/12 of 8 July 1976 and Decree No. 79/201 of 28 May 1979 concerning rapid vocational training. The Committee notes that Decree No. 79/201 sets out the conditions for the organization and operation of the Rapid Vocational Training Centres, and the procedures for granting subsidies to these Centres. With reference to paragraph 77 of its 1988 General Survey on equality in employment and occupation, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the fact that the term "vocational training" used in the Convention should be interpreted broadly to include any training intended to prepare a person for a job, whether a first-time job or not, or for promotion, in any branch of economic activity, including the general, vocational and technical education required for that purpose. The Committee therefore asks the Government to indicate in its future reports its national policy and general methods designed to promote equality of opportunity in respect of access to vocational training in general, including access to general education and in particular higher education.

4.  The Committee notes that section 117 of the Labour Code establishes a National Labour Advisory Committee responsible, on the one hand, for studying problems relating to working conditions, employment, vocational guidance and training, job placement, movement of labour, migration, improvements to the material condition of workers, social security, trade unions and, on the other hand, for expressing views and putting forward proposals on legislation and relevant regulations where this is called for by the Code.

The Committee asks the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the organization and working methods of the National Labour Advisory Committee, the work it has done and the manner in which the views of employers’ and workers’ organizations are reflected in the national policy concerning the areas covered by the Convention.

5.  The Committee notes that, according to the report which the Government submitted to the Human Rights Committee (United Nations document CCPR/C/102/Add.2), the Government has set up a National Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms (CNDHL) by Presidential Decree No. 9P-1459 of 8 November 1990. With regard to the functions attributed to the Committee under article 2 of the Decree of 8 November 1990, namely, to defend and promote human rights and freedoms, the Committee would like to know if this includes the defence and promotion of equal rights in employment and, if this is the case, if the Committee has already taken action in this area. The Committee would also like to receive, in future reports, information on the role of the CNDHL in the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation.

6.  The Committee notes that the report submitted by the Government to the Human Rights Committee (United Nations document CCPR/C/102/Add.2) draws attention to the concerns and efforts of the Cameroon Government to bring about equality between men and women, in particular by rigorous application of such principles as equal access to the civil service and equal remuneration. Mention is also made in the report of pressure groups set up by women themselves, such as the Association of Women Jurists, the Association for the Advancement of Women and the Association to Combat Violence against Women, and of specialized weekly radio programmes such as "Le droit au féminin". The Committee would like to receive information in future reports on action undertaken by the Government and by these associations to educate and inform the public on anti-discrimination policy.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

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. The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to the question raised by the Committee in its direct request of 1994 concerning the fact that the Preamble to the National Constitution, section 1(2) of the 1992 Labour Code, and the Conditions of Service for the Public Service (section 5 of Decree No. 74-138 of 18 February 1974) do not cover all the criteria expressly mentioned by the Convention as prohibited grounds for discrimination in employment. The Committee therefore asks the Government once again to indicate how the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation with a view to eliminating all distinctions, exclusions or preferences on the grounds referred to in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention has been declared. The Government is also asked to describe the general methods by which this policy is being implemented in respect of access to vocational training, access to employment, and terms and conditions of employment, in both the public and private sectors, in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes furthermore that the Government indicates that the legal basis of the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation is Decree No. 93/571 of 15 July 1993, which specifies the methods for placement of workers. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its future reports on the concrete measures taken to implement this Decree.

2. The Committee notes that, in its direct request of 1995bis, it asked the Government to communicate information on appeals lodged by persons who are justifiably suspected of, or engaged in, activities prejudicial to the security of the State (Article 4 of the Convention) using the successive appeal procedures recognized in the Labour Code and by Order No. 72/6 of 26 August 1972 providing for the organization of the Supreme Court. In its response, the Government indicates that it is very difficult in legal terms to establish that a worker has been dismissed because of his or her political activities, since employers always contrive to find some professional or economic pretext for the dismissal. As a result of this, appeals by employees who believe they have been wrongfully dismissed because of their political activities are treated as ordinary labour disputes. The Committee also notes that under section 39 of the Labour Code, any dismissal without a valid reason is considered unlawful and may give rise to compensation. The Committee asks the Government to supply information in its future reports on appeals lodged in recent years against wrongful dismissals even where they are treated as ordinary labour disputes.

3. The Committee notes that in answer to its earlier comments concerning Article 2 of the Convention with regard to the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation and the methods used to implement this policy in respect of access to vocational training, the Government indicates that access to vocational training is governed by Act No. 76/12 of 8 July 1976 and Decree No. 79/201 of 28 May 1979 concerning rapid vocational training. The Committee notes that Decree No. 79/201 sets out the conditions for the organization and operation of the Rapid Vocational Training Centres, and the procedures for granting subsidies to these Centres. With reference to paragraph 77 of its 1988 General Survey on equality in employment and occupation, the Committee wishes to draw the Government's attention to the fact that the term "vocational training" used in the Convention should be interpreted broadly to include any training intended to prepare a person for a job, whether a first-time job or not, or for promotion, in any branch of economic activity, including the general, vocational and technical education required for that purpose. The Committee therefore asks the Government to indicate in its future reports its national policy and general methods designed to promote equality of opportunity in respect of access to vocational training in general, including access to general education and in particular higher education.

4. The Committee notes that section 117 of the Labour Code establishes a National Labour Advisory Committee responsible, on the one hand, for studying problems relating to working conditions, employment, vocational guidance and training, job placement, movement of labour, migration, improvements to the material condition of workers, social security, trade unions and, on the other hand, for expressing views and putting forward proposals on legislation and relevant regulations where this is called for by the Code.

The Committee asks the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the organization and working methods of the National Labour Advisory Committee, the work it has done and the manner in which the views of employers' and workers' organizations are reflected in the national policy concerning the areas covered by the Convention.

5. The Committee notes that, according to the report which the Government submitted to the Human Rights Committee (United Nations document CCPR/C/102/Add.2), the Government has set up a National Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms (CNDHL) by Presidential Decree No. 9P-1459 of 8 November 1990. With regard to the functions attributed to the Committee under article 2 of the Decree of 8 November 1990, namely, to defend and promote human rights and freedoms, the Committee would like to know if this includes the defence and promotion of equal rights in employment and, if this is the case, if the Committee has already taken action in this area. The Committee would also like to receive, in future reports, information on the role of the CNDHL in the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation.

6. The Committee notes that the report submitted by the Government to the Human Rights Committee (United Nations document CCPR/C/102/Add.2) draws attention to the concerns and efforts of the Cameroon Government to bring about equality between men and women, in particular by rigorous application of such principles as equal access to the civil service and equal remuneration. Mention is also made in the report of pressure groups set up by women themselves, such as the Association of Women Jurists, the Association for the Advancement of Women and the Association to Combat Violence against Women, and of specialized weekly radio programmes such as "Le droit au f minin". The Committee would like to receive information in future reports on action undertaken by the Government and by these associations to educate and inform the public on anti-discrimination policy.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report.

1. The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to the question raised by the Committee in its direct request of 1994 concerning the fact that the Preamble to the National Constitution, section 1(2) of the 1992 Labour Code, and the Conditions of Service for the Public Service (section 5 of Decree No. 74-138 of 18 February 1974) do not cover all the criteria expressly mentioned by the Convention as prohibited grounds for discrimination in employment. The Committee therefore asks the Government once again to indicate how the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation with a view to eliminating all distinctions, exclusions or preferences on the grounds referred to in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention has been declared. The Government is also asked to describe the general methods by which this policy is being implemented in respect of access to vocational training, access to employment, and terms and conditions of employment, in both the public and private sectors, in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes furthermore that the Government indicates that the legal basis of the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation is Decree No. 93/571 of 15 July 1993, which specifies the methods for placement of workers. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its future reports on the concrete measures taken to implement this Decree.

2. The Committee notes that, in its direct request of 1995bis, it asked the Government to communicate information on appeals lodged by persons who are justifiably suspected of, or engaged in, activities prejudicial to the security of the State (Article 4 of the Convention) using the successive appeal procedures recognized in the Labour Code and by Order No. 72/6 of 26 August 1972 providing for the organization of the Supreme Court. In its response, the Government indicates that it is very difficult in legal terms to establish that a worker has been dismissed because of his or her political activities, since employers always contrive to find some professional or economic pretext for the dismissal. As a result of this, appeals by employees who believe they have been wrongfully dismissed because of their political activities are treated as ordinary labour disputes. The Committee also notes that under section 39 of the Labour Code, any dismissal without a valid reason is considered unlawful and may give rise to compensation. The Committee asks the Government to supply information in its future reports on appeals lodged in recent years against wrongful dismissals even where they are treated as ordinary labour disputes.

3. The Committee notes that in answer to its earlier comments concerning Article 2 of the Convention with regard to the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation and the methods used to implement this policy in respect of access to vocational training, the Government indicates that access to vocational training is governed by Act No. 76/12 of 8 July 1976 and Decree No. 79/201 of 28 May 1979 concerning rapid vocational training. The Committee notes that Decree No. 79/201 sets out the conditions for the organization and operation of the Rapid Vocational Training Centres, and the procedures for granting subsidies to these Centres. With reference to paragraph 77 of its 1988 General Survey on equality in employment and occupation, the Committee wishes to draw the Government's attention to the fact that the term "vocational training" used in the Convention should be interpreted broadly to include any training intended to prepare a person for a job, whether a first-time job or not, or for promotion, in any branch of economic activity, including the general, vocational and technical education required for that purpose. The Committee therefore asks the Government to indicate in its future reports its national policy and general methods designed to promote equality of opportunity in respect of access to vocational training in general, including access to general education and in particular higher education.

4. The Committee notes that section 117 of the Labour Code establishes a National Labour Advisory Committee responsible, on the one hand, for studying problems relating to working conditions, employment, vocational guidance and training, job placement, movement of labour, migration, improvements to the material condition of workers, social security, trade unions and, on the other hand, for expressing views and putting forward proposals on legislation and relevant regulations where this is called for by the Code.

The Committee asks the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the organization and working methods of the National Labour Advisory Committee, the work it has done and the manner in which the views of employers' and workers' organizations are reflected in the national policy concerning the areas covered by the Convention.

5. The Committee notes that, according to the report which the Government submitted to the Human Rights Committee (United Nations document CCPR/C/102/Add.2), the Government has set up a National Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms (CNDHL) by Presidential Decree No. 9P-1459 of 8 November 1990. With regard to the functions attributed to the Committee under article 2 of the Decree of 8 November 1990, namely, to defend and promote human rights and freedoms, the Committee would like to know if this includes the defence and promotion of equal rights in employment and, if this is the case, if the Committee has already taken action in this area. The Committee would also like to receive, in future reports, information on the role of the CNDHL in the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation.

6. The Committee notes that the report submitted by the Government to the Human Rights Committee (United Nations document CCPR/C/102/Add.2) draws attention to the concerns and efforts of the Cameroon Government to bring about equality between men and women, in particular by rigorous application of such principles as equal access to the civil service and equal remuneration. Mention is also made in the report of pressure groups set up by women themselves, such as the Association of Women Jurists, the Association for the Advancement of Women and the Association to Combat Violence against Women, and of specialized weekly radio programmes such as "Le droit au féminin". The Committee would like to receive information in future reports on action undertaken by the Government and by these associations to educate and inform the public on anti-discrimination policy.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

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. The Committee notes that in response to its previous comments concerning the employment of persons who are justifiably suspected of, or engaged in, activities prejudicial to the security of the State (Article 4 of the Convention), the Government indicates that there are no legislative measures regulating the employment of such persons but that their activities are punished under penal law. None the less, employees who consider they had been unjustly dismissed following such activities have access to the successive appeal procedures recognized in the Labour Code and by Order No. 72-6 of 26 August 1972, providing for the organization of the Supreme Court. The Committee requests the Government to communicate to it in future reports information on the appeals lodged on this basis and a copy of judgements handed down in this matter.

2. The Committee notes, however, that the Government's report does not contain the information requested in points 1 and 2 of its previous direct request, which read as follows:

It notes that, according to the Preamble to the national Constitution, all human beings, without any distinction as to race, religion, sex, or creed, have inalienable and sacred rights, including the right to work, and that no one may be subjected to harassment because of his extraction, or his religious, philosophical or political opinions or beliefs, subject to respect for the public order. It notes, however, that the other grounds of discrimination expressly mentioned in the Convention -- colour, national extraction and social origin -- are not included in the Constitution. It also notes that the definition of the term "worker" contained in section 1(2) of Act No. 92/007 of 14 August 1992 issuing the Labour Code refers only to "sex and nationality" as grounds on which discrimination is prohibited, and that the other grounds laid down in the Convention are not mentioned in the Labour Code. Furthermore, in the Conditions of Service of the Public Service (section 5 of Decree No. 74-138 of 18 February 1984), discrimination in respect of access to public sector jobs is prohibited only on grounds of sex.

The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate how the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation with a view to eliminating all distinctions, exclusions or preferences on the grounds referred to in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention has been declared, and to describe the general methods by which this policy is being implemented in respect of access to vocational training, access to employment, and terms and conditions of employment, in both the public and private sectors, in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

It therefore trusts that the Government will not fail to supply with its next report the detailed information requested for a number of years in its previous direct requests.

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report dated 24 March 1994 is an exact copy of the previous report dated 17 November 1992 and that it was apparently transmitted before receipt of the Committee's 1994 direct request, which read as follows:

1. It notes that, according to the Preamble to the national Constitution, all human beings, without any distinction as to race, religion, sex or creed, have inalienable and sacred rights, including the right to work, and that no one may be subjected to harassment because of his extraction, or his religious, philosophical or political opinions or beliefs, subject to respect for the public order. It notes, however, that the other grounds of discrimination expressly mentioned in the Convention - colour, national extraction and social origin - are not included in the Constitution. It also notes that the definition of the term "worker" contained in section 1(2) of Act No. 92/007 of 14 August 1992 issuing the Labour Code refers only to "sex and nationality" as grounds on which discrimination is prohibited, and that the other grounds laid down in the Convention are not mentioned in the Labour Code. Furthermore, in the Conditions of Service of the Public Service (section 5 of Decree No. 74-138 of 18 February 1974), discrimination in respect of access to public sector jobs is prohibited only on grounds of sex.

The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate how the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation with a view to eliminating all distinctions, exclusions or preferences on the grounds referred to in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention has been declared, and to describe the general methods by which this policy is being implemented in respect of access to vocational training, access to employment, and terms and conditions of employment, in both the public and private sectors, in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

2. The Committee notes that the Government's report does not reply to the specific questions in the report form concerning the application of the Articles of the Convention in general, and Article 3 in particular. It requests the Government in its next report to provide the detailed information requested in the report form under Article 3.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning the lack of any legislative or administrative measures affecting the employment of persons who are justifiably suspected of, or engaged in, activities prejudicial to the security of the State (Article 4 of the Convention). Please indicate whether there are any instances in which an employee, in the public or the private sector, may be dismissed or transferred from a particular job - even if there has been no criminal investigation - because he is suspected of activities prejudicial to the security of the State. If there are such instances, please indicate the procedure to be followed and the available appeal procedures. Please provide copies of the relevant sections of the criminal law punishing the activities of this nature mentioned in the report.

The Committee therefore trusts that the Government will not fail to supply the information requested in the above direct request in its next report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

1. The Committee notes that in response to its previous comments concerning the employment of persons who are justifiably suspected of, or engaged in, activities prejudicial to the security of the State (Article 4 of the Convention), the Government indicates that there are no legislative measures regulating the employment of such persons but that their activities are punished under penal law. None the less, employees who consider they had been unjustly dismissed following such activities have access to the successive appeal procedures recognized in the Labour Code and by Order No. 72-6 of 26 August 1972, providing for the organization of the Supreme Court. The Committee requests the Government to communicate to it in future reports information on the appeals lodged on this basis and a copy of judgements handed down in this matter.

2. The Committee notes, however, that the Government's report does not contain the information requested in points 1 and 2 of its previous direct request, which read as follows:

It notes that, according to the Preamble to the national Constitution, all human beings, without any distinction as to race, religion, sex, or creed, have inalienable and sacred rights, including the right to work, and that no one may be subjected to harassment because of his extraction, or his religious, philosophical or political opinions or beliefs, subject to respect for the public order. It notes, however, that the other grounds of discrimination expressly mentioned in the Convention - colour, national extraction and social origin - are not included in the Constitution. It also notes that the definition of the term "worker" contained in section 1(2) of Act No. 92/007 of 14 August 1992 issuing the Labour Code refers only to "sex and nationality" as grounds on which discrimination is prohibited, and that the other grounds laid down in the Convention are not mentioned in the Labour Code. Furthermore, in the Conditions of Service of the Public Service (section 5 of Decree No. 74-138 of 18 February 1984), discrimination in respect of access to public sector jobs is prohibited only on grounds of sex.

The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate how the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation with a view to eliminating all distinctions, exclusions or preferences on the grounds referred to in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention has been declared, and to describe the general methods by which this policy is being implemented in respect of access to vocational training, access to employment, and terms and conditions of employment, in both the public and private sectors, in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

It therefore trusts that the Government will not fail to supply with its next report the detailed information requested for a number of years in its previous direct requests.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report.

1. It notes that, according to the Preamble to the National Constitution, all human beings, without any distinction as to race, religion, sex or creed have inalienable and sacred rights, including the right to work and that no one may be subjected to harassment because of his extraction, or his religious, philosophical or political opinions or beliefs, subject to respect for the public order. It notes, however, that the other grounds of discrimination expressly mentioned in the Convention - colour, national extraction and social origin - are not included in the Constitution. It also notes that the definition of the term "worker" contained in section 1(2) of Act No. 92/007 of 14 August 1992 issuing the Labour Code refers only to "sex and nationality" as grounds on which discrimination is prohibited, and that the other grounds laid down in the Convention are not mentioned elsewhere in the Labour Code. Furthermore, in the Conditions of Service of the Public Service (section 5 of Decree No. 74-138 of 18 February 1974), discrimination in respect of access to public sector jobs is prohibited only on grounds of sex.

The Committee therefore asks the Government to indicate how the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation with a view to eliminating all distinctions, exclusions or preferences on the grounds referred to in Article 1, paragraph 1(a), of the Convention has been declared, and to describe the general methods by which this policy is being implemented in respect of access to vocational training, access to employment, and terms and conditions of employment, in both the public and private sectors, in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

2. The Committee notes that the Government's report does not reply to the specific questions in the report form concerning the application of the Articles of the Convention in general, and Article 3 in particular. It asks the Government in its next report to provide the detailed information requested in the report form under Article 3.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning the lack of any legislative or administrative measures affecting the employment of persons who are justifiably suspected of, or engaged in, activities prejudicial to the security of the State (Article 4 of the Convention). Please indicate whether there are any instances in which an employee, in the public or the private sector, may be dismissed or transferred from a particular job - even if there has been no criminal investigation - because he is suspected of activities prejudicial to the security of the State. If there are such instances, please indicate the procedure to be followed and the available appeal procedures. Please provide copies of the relevant sections of the criminal law punishing the activities of this nature mentioned in the report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

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:

The Committee has taken note of the Government's first report. It observes that the report does not contain sufficient information to enable the Committee to carry out an appropriate examination of the application of the Convention.

It therefore requests the Government to communicate as soon as possible, for examination by the Committee at its next session, a detailed report based on the report form, concerning the Convention, which was approved by the Governing Body of the ILO, and containing all the particulars requested therein.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee has taken note of the Government's first report. It observes that the report does not contain sufficient information to enable the Committee to carry out an appropriate examination of the application of the Convention.

It therefore requests the Government to communicate as soon as possible, for examination by the Committee at its next session, a detailed report based on the report form, concerning the Convention, which was approved by the Governing Body of the ILO, and containing all the particulars requested therein.