Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes that no report has been received from the Government. It must therefore repeat its previous observation on the following matters:

The Committee has for many years been drawing the Government's attention to legislation which raises difficulties, as it seems to imply the use of forced or compulsory labour in circumstances referred to in Article 1 of the Convention. In particular, it has referred to Act No. 45/AN/69 of 1969 respecting the disclosure of professional secrets and the unlawful communication of state and party documents (in connection with Article 1(a), regarding political coercion or the expression of certain views); and Decree No. 416/PRG of 1964, concerning compulsory service to overcome technical and economic underdevelopment in the Republic, and Ordinance No. 52 of 1959, also concerning compulsory military service (in connection with Article 1(b), regarding the use of labour for purposes of economic development). More generally, the Committee asked the Government to provide copies of legislation relating to criminal procedure (Act No. 64/AN/69) and other matters relevant to the Convention. The Committee has noted the Government's indications that early legislation has fallen into disuse during the Second Republic, and is to be reviewed. It would be grateful if the Government would include in its next report full information on any resort to the legislation mentioned above and on any progress made in the revision process (including revision of the Penal Code), together with information on practical application of the Convention requested in Part V of the report form approved by the Governing Body.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.