New ITUC report: Effective enforcement of ILO conventions urgently needed in Chad

Persistent irregularities in the application and implementation of labour standards in Chad are highlighted in a new ITUC report on respect for core labour standards in Chad.


New ITUC report: Effective enforcement of ILO conventions urgently needed in Chad

Brussels, 22 January 2007 (ITUC Online): Persistent irregularities in the application and implementation of labour standards in Chad are highlighted in a new ITUC report on respect for core labour standards in Chad. The document, published to coincide with the WTO review of the country this week, places particular emphasis on discrimination in employment, child labour and forced labour.

The ITUC report points out that whilst the principle of the right to form and join trade unions in recognised by national law, it is not enforced effectively throughout the country. The right to strike, a crucial and legitimate means of pressure available to workers, is limited in the public sector and police violence has been used against trade unionists engaged in peaceful and legitimate protest. Collective bargaining is recognised, but the government is entitled to intervene under certain circumstances.

The document published today by the ITUC highlights the issue of discrimination. Although this phenomenon persists, it is not adequately addressed by law. Women do most of the agricultural labour and are discouraged from seeking formal schooling. Sexual harassment is not prohibited.

“Furthermore,” said Guy Ryder, ITUC General Secretary, “given the degree of forced labour in many part of the country – including child slavery - it seems clear that the measures taken by the country’s authorities are wholly insufficient to achieve any improvement.” In the cities, approximately 1 out of every 5 children between the ages of 6 and 18 work in urban informal activities. Children throughout the country work in agriculture and herding. The report urges the Chad government to improve the action taken against child labour as well as against forced labour.

To read the full report:
ITUC Report for the WTO General Council Review of the Trade Policies of Chad

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