Repetition

The Committee notes the observations from the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), received on 5 September 2017, which call on the Government to support the National Employment Office (NEO), protect Lebanese workers and promote youth employment.The Government is requested to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the “First job for youth” programme has been discontinued. The Government adds that the NEO, in cooperation with the Beirut Traders Association and the Société Générale de Banque au Liban, has conducted a study on the workforce in commercial and service enterprises, with a view to highlighting weaknesses and strengths in the commercial sector, to better understand the professional and economic situation of workers, assess the sector’s manpower needs and determine how to meet these.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the reasons underlying the discontinuation of the “First job for youth” programme and to provide information as to the nature and outcome of any alternative programmes established or other measures taken to promote youth employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Employment Office study on the creation of decent and lasting employment as well as on the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers. The Government is also requested to report on progress made through its first labour force survey with respect to the compilation and dissemination of labour market data, and to indicate the manner in which the collected data is taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.

Employment promotion through technical vocational education and training (TVET) for young persons. The Government indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training currently offers training in four specializations (electronics, heating and refrigeration, computing and beauty) and additional training courses are organized for Lebanese citizens and non-nationals, in collaboration with the European Institution for Cooperation and Development (IECD) in the fields of air-conditioning, refrigeration and electrical wiring. The Government adds that, under a joint ILO/UNICEF programme entitled “Towards improved formal and non-formal technical vocational and educational training in Lebanon”, the Board of the National Centre for Vocational Training is engaged in a project to modernize the Centre, update its educational programmes and organize training programmes for 2018.The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the training programmes implemented on securing full, productive, freely chosen and lasting sustainable employment. In addition, noting that all trainees in the electronics, heating and refrigeration fields are men and all trainees in the beauty specialization are women, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address gender-based occupational segregation, particularly in education and training programmes aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that technical vocational education and training curricula and programmes are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.

Migrant workers. In response to its previous comments in respect of measures adopted in the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in the country, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken a series of measures to prevent the abuse of migrant domestic workers. The Government reports that a Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Moreover, a Steering Committee composed of 25 bodies, including relevant ministerial departments, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and concerned embassies, has been established to deal with issues of specific relevance to female migrant domestic workers, leading to the formulation of a Standard Unified Contract (SUC) for migrant domestic workers (both male and female) and publication of a guide to inform female domestic migrant workers of their labour rights. The guide and the SUC have been transmitted to the embassies of labour-exporting countries and are distributed to each female worker upon her arrival in Lebanon. The Ministry of Labour has also taken measures to restructure offices engaged in recruiting female domestic migrant workers according to international standards for the respect of human rights and the combating of human trafficking and has set up a specialized office for complaints as well as a hotline to provide direct assistance to migrant domestic workers. The Government further indicates that bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of States on the protection of migrant workers and negotiations are being carried out with labour-exporting States to conclude agreements on protecting the rights of female domestic workers.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to prevent abuses of migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on measures taken to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of SMEs, including the adoption of the “Lebanon SME Strategy: A Roadmap to 2020” and publication of an SME guide. The Government also refers to the ILO-led project entitled “Enhancing SME productivity and competitiveness in Jordan and Lebanon through responsible workplace practices. The project promotes collaboration between, among other actors, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the National Federation of Employees and Workers in Lebanon, and aims to build the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations to provide workplace improvement and business management training sessions as well as improve SME workers’ skills.The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the effectiveness of measures and programmes implemented in support of SMEs and their impact in terms of improving the SME business environment, enhancing workers’ skills and creating decent jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and create new small and microenterprises.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that, on 2 April 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding launching the Lebanon Decent Work Country Programme was signed by the Minister of Labour, the President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the ILO. The Programme aims to strengthen policy coherence, with a focus on labour administration and labour inspection systems; improve conditions of decent work in Lebanon; enhance productive employment opportunities with a focus on Lebanese youth; improve the provision of social security and institute a minimum level of social protection; and improve the governance and regulation of labour migration.The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the manner in which the views of the social partners – in particular representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken – are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

Repetition

The Committee notes the observations from the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), received on 5 September 2017, which call on the Government to support the National Employment Office (NEO), protect Lebanese workers and promote youth employment. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the “First job for youth” programme has been discontinued. The Government adds that the NEO, in cooperation with the Beirut Traders Association and the Société Générale de Banque au Liban, has conducted a study on the workforce in commercial and service enterprises, with a view to highlighting weaknesses and strengths in the commercial sector, to better understand the professional and economic situation of workers, assess the sector’s manpower needs and determine how to meet these. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the reasons underlying the discontinuation of the “First job for youth” programme and to provide information as to the nature and outcome of any alternative programmes established or other measures taken to promote youth employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Employment Office study on the creation of decent and lasting employment as well as on the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers. The Government is also requested to report on progress made through its first labour force survey with respect to the compilation and dissemination of labour market data, and to indicate the manner in which the collected data is taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.

Employment promotion through technical vocational education and training (TVET) for young persons. The Government indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training currently offers training in four specializations (electronics, heating and refrigeration, computing and beauty) and additional training courses are organized for Lebanese citizens and non-nationals, in collaboration with the European Institution for Cooperation and Development (IECD) in the fields of air-conditioning, refrigeration and electrical wiring. The Government adds that, under a joint ILO/UNICEF programme entitled “Towards improved formal and non-formal technical vocational and educational training in Lebanon”, the Board of the National Centre for Vocational Training is engaged in a project to modernize the Centre, update its educational programmes and organize training programmes for 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the training programmes implemented on securing full, productive, freely chosen and lasting sustainable employment. In addition, noting that all trainees in the electronics, heating and refrigeration fields are men and all trainees in the beauty specialization are women, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address gender-based occupational segregation, particularly in education and training programmes aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that technical vocational education and training curricula and programmes are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.

Migrant workers. In response to its previous comments in respect of measures adopted in the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in the country, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken a series of measures to prevent the abuse of migrant domestic workers. The Government reports that a Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Moreover, a Steering Committee composed of 25 bodies, including relevant ministerial departments, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and concerned embassies, has been established to deal with issues of specific relevance to female migrant domestic workers, leading to the formulation of a Standard Unified Contract (SUC) for migrant domestic workers (both male and female) and publication of a guide to inform female domestic migrant workers of their labour rights. The guide and the SUC have been transmitted to the embassies of labour-exporting countries and are distributed to each female worker upon her arrival in Lebanon. The Ministry of Labour has also taken measures to restructure offices engaged in recruiting female domestic migrant workers according to international standards for the respect of human rights and the combating of human trafficking and has set up a specialized office for complaints as well as a hotline to provide direct assistance to migrant domestic workers. The Government further indicates that bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of States on the protection of migrant workers and negotiations are being carried out with labour-exporting States to conclude agreements on protecting the rights of female domestic workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to prevent abuses of migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on measures taken to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of SMEs, including the adoption of the “Lebanon SME Strategy: A Roadmap to 2020” and publication of an SME guide. The Government also refers to the ILO-led project entitled “Enhancing SME productivity and competitiveness in Jordan and Lebanon through responsible workplace practices. The project promotes collaboration between, among other actors, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the National Federation of Employees and Workers in Lebanon, and aims to build the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations to provide workplace improvement and business management training sessions as well as improve SME workers’ skills. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the effectiveness of measures and programmes implemented in support of SMEs and their impact in terms of improving the SME business environment, enhancing workers’ skills and creating decent jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and create new small and microenterprises.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that, on 2 April 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding launching the Lebanon Decent Work Country Programme was signed by the Minister of Labour, the President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the ILO. The Programme aims to strengthen policy coherence, with a focus on labour administration and labour inspection systems; improve conditions of decent work in Lebanon; enhance productive employment opportunities with a focus on Lebanese youth; improve the provision of social security and institute a minimum level of social protection; and improve the governance and regulation of labour migration. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the manner in which the views of the social partners – in particular representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken – are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

Repetition

The Committee notes the observations from the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), received on 5 September 2017, which call on the Government to support the National Employment Office (NEO), protect Lebanese workers and promote youth employment. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the “First job for youth” programme has been discontinued. The Government adds that the NEO, in cooperation with the Beirut Traders Association and the Société Générale de Banque au Liban, has conducted a study on the workforce in commercial and service enterprises, with a view to highlighting weaknesses and strengths in the commercial sector, to better understand the professional and economic situation of workers, assess the sector’s manpower needs and determine how to meet these. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the reasons underlying the discontinuation of the “First job for youth” programme and to provide information as to the nature and outcome of any alternative programmes established or other measures taken to promote youth employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Employment Office study on the creation of decent and lasting employment as well as on the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers. The Government is also requested to report on progress made through its first labour force survey with respect to the compilation and dissemination of labour market data, and to indicate the manner in which the collected data is taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.

Employment promotion through technical vocational education and training (TVET) for young persons. The Government indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training currently offers training in four specializations (electronics, heating and refrigeration, computing and beauty) and additional training courses are organized for Lebanese citizens and non-nationals, in collaboration with the European Institution for Cooperation and Development (IECD) in the fields of air-conditioning, refrigeration and electrical wiring. The Government adds that, under a joint ILO/UNICEF programme entitled “Towards improved formal and non-formal technical vocational and educational training in Lebanon”, the Board of the National Centre for Vocational Training is engaged in a project to modernize the Centre, update its educational programmes and organize training programmes for 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the training programmes implemented on securing full, productive, freely chosen and lasting sustainable employment. In addition, noting that all trainees in the electronics, heating and refrigeration fields are men and all trainees in the beauty specialization are women, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address gender-based occupational segregation, particularly in education and training programmes aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that technical vocational education and training curricula and programmes are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.

Migrant workers. In response to its previous comments in respect of measures adopted in the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in the country, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken a series of measures to prevent the abuse of migrant domestic workers. The Government reports that a Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Moreover, a Steering Committee composed of 25 bodies, including relevant ministerial departments, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and concerned embassies, has been established to deal with issues of specific relevance to female migrant domestic workers, leading to the formulation of a Standard Unified Contract (SUC) for migrant domestic workers (both male and female) and publication of a guide to inform female domestic migrant workers of their labour rights. The guide and the SUC have been transmitted to the embassies of labour-exporting countries and are distributed to each female worker upon her arrival in Lebanon. The Ministry of Labour has also taken measures to restructure offices engaged in recruiting female domestic migrant workers according to international standards for the respect of human rights and the combating of human trafficking and has set up a specialized office for complaints as well as a hotline to provide direct assistance to migrant domestic workers. The Government further indicates that bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of States on the protection of migrant workers and negotiations are being carried out with labour-exporting States to conclude agreements on protecting the rights of female domestic workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to prevent abuses of migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on measures taken to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of SMEs, including the adoption of the “Lebanon SME Strategy: A Roadmap to 2020” and publication of an SME guide. The Government also refers to the ILO-led project entitled “Enhancing SME productivity and competitiveness in Jordan and Lebanon through responsible workplace practices. The project promotes collaboration between, among other actors, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the National Federation of Employees and Workers in Lebanon, and aims to build the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations to provide workplace improvement and business management training sessions as well as improve SME workers’ skills. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the effectiveness of measures and programmes implemented in support of SMEs and their impact in terms of improving the SME business environment, enhancing workers’ skills and creating decent jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and create new small and microenterprises.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that, on 2 April 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding launching the Lebanon Decent Work Country Programme was signed by the Minister of Labour, the President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the ILO. The Programme aims to strengthen policy coherence, with a focus on labour administration and labour inspection systems; improve conditions of decent work in Lebanon; enhance productive employment opportunities with a focus on Lebanese youth; improve the provision of social security and institute a minimum level of social protection; and improve the governance and regulation of labour migration. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the manner in which the views of the social partners – in particular representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken – are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

Repetition

The Committee notes the observations from the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), received on 5 September 2017, which call on the Government to support the National Employment Office (NEO), protect Lebanese workers and promote youth employment. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the “First job for youth” programme has been discontinued. The Government adds that the NEO, in cooperation with the Beirut Traders Association and the Société Générale de Banque au Liban, has conducted a study on the workforce in commercial and service enterprises, with a view to highlighting weaknesses and strengths in the commercial sector, to better understand the professional and economic situation of workers, assess the sector’s manpower needs and determine how to meet these. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the reasons underlying the discontinuation of the “First job for youth” programme and to provide information as to the nature and outcome of any alternative programmes established or other measures taken to promote youth employment. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the National Employment Office study on the creation of decent and lasting employment as well as on the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers. The Government is also requested to report on progress made through its first labour force survey with respect to the compilation and dissemination of labour market data, and to indicate the manner in which the collected data is taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.

Employment promotion through technical vocational education and training (TVET) for young persons. The Government indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training currently offers training in four specializations (electronics, heating and refrigeration, computing and beauty) and additional training courses are organized for Lebanese citizens and non-nationals, in collaboration with the European Institution for Cooperation and Development (IECD) in the fields of air-conditioning, refrigeration and electrical wiring. The Government adds that, under a joint ILO/UNICEF programme entitled “Towards improved formal and non-formal technical vocational and educational training in Lebanon”, the Board of the National Centre for Vocational Training is engaged in a project to modernize the Centre, update its educational programmes and organize training programmes for 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of the training programmes implemented on securing full, productive, freely chosen and lasting sustainable employment. In addition, noting that all trainees in the electronics, heating and refrigeration fields are men and all trainees in the beauty specialization are women, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address gender-based occupational segregation, particularly in education and training programmes aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that technical vocational education and training curricula and programmes are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.

Migrant workers. In response to its previous comments in respect of measures adopted in the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in the country, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken a series of measures to prevent the abuse of migrant domestic workers. The Government reports that a Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Moreover, a Steering Committee composed of 25 bodies, including relevant ministerial departments, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon, non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and concerned embassies, has been established to deal with issues of specific relevance to female migrant domestic workers, leading to the formulation of a Standard Unified Contract (SUC) for migrant domestic workers (both male and female) and publication of a guide to inform female domestic migrant workers of their labour rights. The guide and the SUC have been transmitted to the embassies of labour-exporting countries and are distributed to each female worker upon her arrival in Lebanon. The Ministry of Labour has also taken measures to restructure offices engaged in recruiting female domestic migrant workers according to international standards for the respect of human rights and the combating of human trafficking and has set up a specialized office for complaints as well as a hotline to provide direct assistance to migrant domestic workers. The Government further indicates that bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of States on the protection of migrant workers and negotiations are being carried out with labour-exporting States to conclude agreements on protecting the rights of female domestic workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in relation to the Bill regulating decent work for domestic workers and to provide a copy once it is adopted. The Government is also requested to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to prevent abuses of migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on measures taken to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of SMEs, including the adoption of the “Lebanon SME Strategy: A Roadmap to 2020” and publication of an SME guide. The Government also refers to the ILO-led project entitled “Enhancing SME productivity and competitiveness in Jordan and Lebanon through responsible workplace practices. The project promotes collaboration between, among other actors, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the National Federation of Employees and Workers in Lebanon, and aims to build the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations to provide workplace improvement and business management training sessions as well as improve SME workers’ skills. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the effectiveness of measures and programmes implemented in support of SMEs and their impact in terms of improving the SME business environment, enhancing workers’ skills and creating decent jobs. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and create new small and microenterprises.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that, on 2 April 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding launching the Lebanon Decent Work Country Programme was signed by the Minister of Labour, the President of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the ILO. The Programme aims to strengthen policy coherence, with a focus on labour administration and labour inspection systems; improve conditions of decent work in Lebanon; enhance productive employment opportunities with a focus on Lebanese youth; improve the provision of social security and institute a minimum level of social protection; and improve the governance and regulation of labour migration. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated and detailed information on the manner in which the views of the social partners – in particular representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken – are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Application of an active employment policy. The Government indicates in its report the establishment, within the National Employment Office (NEO), of a programme entitled “New Entrants to Work”. The Government adds that the ILO will be kept informed of all efforts to promote the application of the Convention. The Committee recalls that Article 1(1) of the Convention requires the State to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The policy has to be coordinated with other major decisions taken in the economic and social field. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to declare an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It once again requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved through the measures implemented by the NEO in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. Please also provide statistics and other relevant data on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers.

Employment promotion through education and vocational training for young persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the vocational education and training programmes implemented and to indicate the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.

Migrant workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted within the framework of an active employment policy to prevent abuse in the recruitment of foreign workers resident in Lebanon (see Part X of Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in order to “create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see the Job Creation in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189), Paragraph 5).

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the social partners on matters relating to employment policy. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of representatives of those working in the rural and the informal economy are taken into account.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in December 2011. The Government included in its report statistics on the job vacancies and job applications at the National Employment Office (NEO) in 2010, as well as on the number of persons with disabilities benefiting from training and financial support. The Committee notes that the NEO continued to implement measures to promote employment, training and vocational guidance. In this regard, the ILO project “Support to Public Employment Services in Lebanon” carried out between 2009 and 2012 aimed at increasing the capacity of the NEO to assist the unemployed and underemployed, ensuring efficient provision of employment services, developing a labour market information system and enhancing self-employment opportunities through skills training. As a major result of this project, NEO employees received training and 41 new staff members were recruited. Moreover, in the framework of this project, a study was conducted by the NEO to assess the employment needs of more than 600 enterprises, hotels and restaurants that employ over 13,000 workers across Lebanon. The Committee recalls that Article 1(1) of the Convention requires States to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. Measures of employment policy should be coordinated with other major decisions in the sphere of economic and social policy. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the steps taken to declare an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, within a framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the measures implemented by the National Employment Office in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide in its next report statistics and other relevant data on the situation and trends concerning employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers.

Promotion of employment through education and vocational training for young persons. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the programmes established in the context of the National Education for All Plan (2006–15) intend to provide young persons with education and training focusing on the acquisition of the necessary qualifications for economic development. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the education and training programmes implemented, with an indication of the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.

Migrant workers. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that there are no abuses during the recruitment of foreign workers living in Lebanon, since the employment of these workers is subject to laws and regulations. Moreover, foreign workers in domestic services are employed under a standard employment contract. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken in the context of an active employment policy with a view to preventing abuse during the recruitment stage of foreign workers in Lebanon (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee recalls that the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Association of Banks in Lebanon adopted measures to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. It requests again the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the activities of the tripartite Labour Cooperation and Coordination Board, with an indication of the manner in which it is consulted on the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of representatives of those working in the rural and the informal economy are taken into account.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in December 2011. The Government included in its report statistics on the job vacancies and job applications at the National Employment Office (NEO) in 2010, as well as on the number of persons with disabilities benefiting from training and financial support. The Committee notes that the NEO continued to implement measures to promote employment, training and vocational guidance. In this regard, the ILO project “Support to Public Employment Services in Lebanon” carried out between 2009 and 2012 aimed at increasing the capacity of the NEO to assist the unemployed and underemployed, ensuring efficient provision of employment services, developing a labour market information system and enhancing self-employment opportunities through skills training. As a major result of this project, NEO employees received training and 41 new staff members were recruited. Moreover, in the framework of this project, a study was conducted by the NEO to assess the employment needs of more than 600 enterprises, hotels and restaurants that employ over 13,000 workers across Lebanon. The Committee recalls that Article 1(1) of the Convention requires States to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. Measures of employment policy should be coordinated with other major decisions in the sphere of economic and social policy. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the steps taken to declare an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, within a framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the measures implemented by the National Employment Office in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of unemployment and underemployment. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide in its next report statistics and other relevant data on the situation and trends concerning employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young workers.

Promotion of employment through education and vocational training for young persons. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the programmes established in the context of the National Education for All Plan (2006–15) intend to provide young persons with education and training focusing on the acquisition of the necessary qualifications for economic development. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the education and training programmes implemented, with an indication of the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.

Migrant workers. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that there are no abuses during the recruitment of foreign workers living in Lebanon, since the employment of these workers is subject to laws and regulations. Moreover, foreign workers in domestic services are employed under a standard employment contract. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken in the context of an active employment policy with a view to preventing abuse during the recruitment stage of foreign workers in Lebanon (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee recalls that the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Association of Banks in Lebanon adopted measures to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. It requests again the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the activities of the tripartite Labour Cooperation and Coordination Board, with an indication of the manner in which it is consulted on the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of representatives of those working in the rural and the informal economy are taken into account.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report received in October 2008, in reply to the 2007 direct request. The Committee notes that a workplan was submitted by the National Employment Agency to the Ministry of Labour in 2008 with a view to addressing the challenges arising out of the economic crisis at the national level. New employment offices have accordingly been opened in the regions of the North, Bekaa and the South in order to address the employment and training needs of these regions more effectively and respond to them through appropriate measures. During the year 2007–08, some 300 persons with disabilities and 2,154 trainees benefited from accelerated vocational training contracts. The National Employment Agency is also planning the preparation of a guide of the legal and administrative measures intended for jobseekers wishing to set up an enterprise. The Committee notes the Government’s economic reform plan, submitted at the International Conference on Support for Lebanon in 2007. It notes that the plan is based on three principal components: structural reforms to stimulate growth and create more jobs, budgetary adjustments to free up income and promote the effective use of public resources and special programmes for the poorest and most vulnerable categories. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the manner in which a policy is applied to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee would be grateful to be able to examine the results achieved by the measures adopted by the National Employment Agency in terms of the creation of lasting employment and the reduction of underemployment. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide statistics in its next report on the situation and trends with regard to employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to women and young persons.

Promotion of employment through education and vocational training for young persons. The Committee notes the programmes established in the context of the National Education for All Plan (2006–15), which targets young persons and is intended to provide them with education and training focused on the acquisition of the qualifications necessary for economic development. The Committee refers to its comment on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), and invites the Government to continue providing information in its reports on Convention No. 122 on the education and training programmes implemented, with an indication of the results achieved in terms of the integration of the beneficiaries, and particularly women and young persons, into lasting employment.

Migrant workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the context of an active employment policy with a view to preventing abuse during the recruitment stage of foreign workers established in Lebanon.

Promotion of small and micro-enterprises. The Government describes the measures adopted by the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Association of Banks in Lebanon to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. A guarantee fund “KAFALAT” has been established to help small and medium-sized enterprises to gain access to finance from commercial banks. The fund provides them with support by offering loan guarantees based on feasibility studies of business plans demonstrating the viability of the proposed economic activity. The Economic and Social Fund Development has also focused its attention on the least-developed regions with a view to creating new job opportunities by granting microcredit to individuals and small enterprises. The Committee invites the Government to provide additional information in its next report on the measures adopted “in order to create an environment conducive to the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises” (see Paragraph 5 of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Government indicates in its report that the Labour Cooperation and Coordination Board, which is a tripartite body under the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour, has dealt with collective dismissals and disputes between the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of this tripartite body, with an indication of the manner in which it is consulted on the formulation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also indicate the manner in which the views are taken into account of “representatives of other sectors of the economically active population”, and particularly those working in the rural and the informal economy, with a view to securing their full cooperation in the formulation of employment policies and enlisting support for the measures adopted in this respect.

Part V of the report form. Technical cooperation with the ILO. The Government refers to the projects financed by international partners, as well as the measures adopted as a result of the technical assistance provided by the Office. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any factors which may have prevented or delayed the implementation of the technical assistance provided by the ILO. It invites the Government to provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical assistance received from the ILO with a view to ensuring the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.