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

Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards) Convention, 1962 (No. 117) - Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ratification: 1967)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government has not provided information on the application of the Convention since its first report received in June 2002. Major changes have occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In recent years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has received technical assistance from the ILO and has been a recipient of aid from international financial institutions and other international partners assisting in the country’s transitional process towards political and economic stability.

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee recalls that Article 1 provides that all policies shall be primarily directed to the well-being and development of the population and to the promotion of its desire for social progress. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information on how the provisions of Parts I and II have been taken into account in the formulation and implementation of the measures adopted in the context of the current economic reforms.

Part VI. Education and training. The Committee recalls its previous comments indicating that the Government referred to the national education plan “Education for all by 2015” to ensure that children are able to profit from facilities for education. The Committee trusts that the Government will provide information on how it gives effect to Part VI.

The Committee notes that the preparation of a detailed report, including the indications requested in this observation, will certainly provide the Government and the social partners with an opportunity to ensure the effective implementation of the Convention. In this regard, the Government might wish to request further technical assistance from the relevant units of the ILO to address obstacles in reporting on compliance with the Convention.