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

Article 1(b) of the Convention. In its last report received in November 1992 the Government refers to section 5 of the Labour Code and indicates that the term "forced labour" does not apply to the use of labour for the purpose of economic development or to any work which is in the public interest, or recognized as such, and whose purpose is to establish a national service.

The Committee notes that in its report on the application of Convention No. 29 the Government refers to article 19 of the Constitution of 25 February 1992, which stipulates that work is a duty for all citizens, but specific jobs may only be imposed for the performance of an exceptional service in the general interest, equal for all, under conditions determined by law. It adds that such a service is excluded by the Labour Code from the definition of forced or compulsory labour. The Government refers to the National Youth Service (established by Act No. 83-27/AN-RM of 15 August 1983), and indicates that young people have not regarded the tasks and duties required of them as forced labour.

The Committee observes that, on ratifying the Convention, States undertake to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a means of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

The Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of Act No. 83-27 of 15 August 1983 together with particulars of the objectives and organization of the National Youth Service, in particular the number of young people recruited, the nature and duration of the tasks performed, the sanctions imposed for infringements and any other information it deems useful in the light of the provisions of the Convention.

In this connection, the Government will no doubt wish to refer to the provisions of the Special Youth Schemes Recommendation (No. 136) which provides a number of clarifications on the relationship between programmes enabling young people to contribute to their countries' economic development and the Conventions on forced labour. The Committee gave more detailed information on this matter in paragraphs 24 to 33 and 49 to 62 of its General Survey of 1979 on the Abolition of Forced Labour.

The Committee also asks the Government to provide a copy of the new Labour Code.