Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee has noted the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments in its reports of 2001 and 2002 and, in particular, the information on provisions governing the work of prisoners for private employers, including those concerning the prisoners’ consent to work for a private employer and their conditions of work. It also notes the Government’s reply to the Committee’s 2000 general observation concerning trafficking in persons, annexed to the Government’s 2002 report.

The Committee has also noted a communication received from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) in October 2001 which contains comments concerning the application of the Convention by the Czech Republic, as well as the Government’s reply to these comments.

In its comments, the ICFTU points out that trafficking of women and children into the country for the purposes of prostitution, and the forced prostitution of women and children are serious problems that are increasing. According to the ICFTU, women are trafficked to the Czech Republic primarily from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, and Czech women and children are trafficked into Western Europe, though precise figures are not generally known.

The Government indicates in its reply that the number of crimes connected with child prostitution has decreased recently, and the national plan against commercial sexual exploitation of children was adopted by Decision No. 698 of 12 July 2000 with a view to eradicate child prostitution, pornography and child trafficking. It further states that activities carried out are targeted mainly on awareness-raising, preventive actions among youth and international cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Referring to its 2000 general observation on the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of the national provisions aimed at the punishment of trafficking in persons and the exploitation of the prostitution of others, as well as on measures taken to ensure that penal provisions punishing those responsible are strictly enforced. Please supply also a copy of the national plan against commercial sexual exploitation of children referred to in the Government’s reports.