Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2004, publiée 93ème session CIT (2005)

The Committee notes the Government’s reply to its earlier comments.

Articles 1(1) and 2(1) of the Convention. Compulsory cultivation. Since 1964, the Committee has been referring to section 8(h) of the Chiefdom Councils Act (Cap. 61), under which compulsory cultivation may be imposed on "natives", and requested the Government to repeal or amend this provision. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement that the abovementioned section is not in conformity with article 9 of the Constitution and would be held unenforceable.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that section 8(h) is not applicable in practice and that information on any amendment of this section would be communicated to the ILO in the near future.

As the Government, as far back as 1964, has indicated that the legislation would be amended, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the necessary measures will be taken in the near future in order to bring section 8(h) of the Chiefdom Councils Act into conformity with the Convention and the indicated practice, and that the Government will provide, in its next report, information on the progress made in this regard.

The Committee is also addressing a request on certain other points directly to the Government.