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

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Uruguay (Ratification: 1989)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's first and subsequent reports and the attached legislative texts.

1. Promotion of equality on the basis of race, colour, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin. The Committee notes that article 8 of the 1967 Constitution generally stipulates that "All persons are equal before the law, no other distinctions being recognized among them save those of talent and virtue" and that Act No. 16045 of 2 June 1989 prohibits any discrimination which violates the principle of equality of treatment and opportunity for both sexes in employment, but that otherwise there is no statutory provision prohibiting discrimination or guaranteeing equality in employment and occupation on the grounds of race, colour, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin. It requests the Government to provide information on legislative and other measures which have been taken or contemplated to prohibit discrimination and promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation with respect to those grounds in accordance with the Convention.

2. Promotion of equality of women. (a) The Committee notes that sections 4 and 5 of Act No. 16045 and Act No. 15903 of 10 November 1987 provide an enforcement mechanism through complaint procedures for workers alleging discrimination based on sex. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical application of these procedures.

(b) The Committee asks the Government to supply detailed information on the education campaigns which have been undertaken pursuant to section 6 of Act No. 16045 to further promote acceptance and observance of the anti-discrimination policy on the ground of sex.

(c) Noting that section 7 of Act No. 16045 repeals all provisions which are inconsistent with that Act, the Committee requests detailed information on whether studies have been carried out or are envisaged so as to identify any inconsistent provisions and whether there has been amendment of administrative practices or repeal of statutory provisions that have been found to be inconsistent with the policy of non-discrimination on the ground of sex.

(d) The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures (including affirmative action) taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women in the public service and to ensure the application of the policy of non-discrimination in the activities of vocational guidance, vocational training and placement services.

3. Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on any legislative or administrative provisions applicable to activities prejudicial to the security of the State and the right of appeal for the persons envisaged under Article 4.