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

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) - El Salvador (Ratification: 1986)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. The Government reiterates its statement to the effect that among its priority objectives is the elaboration of the national policy of vocational rehabilitation, which will permit the coordination of the activities of all national institutions in this field; it indicates that such policy shall be integrated into the global national social policy. The Government also confirms its intention to elaborate a programme of a periodical revision of the activities of all the institutions involved in the rehabilitation of the disabled. The Committee hopes that the Government will not fail to provide, in its next report, information on any progress achieved in this regard, in order to give full effect to Article 2 of the Convention. It reiterates its request to the Government to supply copies of the policy statements, as soon as they are adopted, as required by point I of the report form.

Article 3. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Decree No. 247 of 31 October 1984 which provides for certain measures with a view to promoting employment opportunities for disabled persons in the open labour market. It would be grateful if the Government would describe in more detail practical measures taken under the above-mentioned Decree, as well as any other measures taken or envisaged for the promotion of employment opportunities of this category of workers in the open labour market.

Article 5. The Committee notes brief indications in the report concerning consultations with the employers and their associations on the reintegration of disabled persons in employment, as well as the general statement to the effect that consultations take place at all levels, including consultations with associations of disabled persons. The Committee asks the Government to provide, in its next report, more detailed information on these consultations. In its previous comments the Committee noted the absence of consultation with the representative workers' organizations on the implementation of the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. The Committee reiterates its hope that appropriate measures will be taken by the Government in the near future in order to provide for such consultation with the above-mentioned organisations on the matters referred to in this Article.

Article 7. In its previous comments the Committee noted from the Government's report that the Salvadorian Social Security Institute elaborated, in 1988, the first formal Vocational Rehabilitation Project covering various aspects of vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons. The Committee asked the Government to supply a copy of this Project and indicate whether this Project has already been put into operation. It observes that the Government has supplied no new information on this point and expresses the hope that the Government will not fail to provide the information requested in its next report. The Committee also reiterates its request to the Government to indicate any other action at the national level for the development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled person, as required by this Article.

Article 8. The Government indicates that the Salvadorian Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (ISRI) is planning to provide vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe in more detail measures taken to promote the establishment and development of these services in rural areas and remote communities.

Point V of the report form. The Committee hopes that the Government will not fail to supply statistical information, as soon as it is available, as well as extracts from reports, studies and inquiries concerning matters covered by the Convention.