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Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Saint Kitts and Nevis (RATIFICATION: 2000)

Supply of legislation. The Committee has noted the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2002, as amended. It notes the Government’s indication in the report that copies of the Prison Regulations, Civil Service General Orders and other texts requested by the Committee will be forwarded under separate cover. Since the above texts have not yet been received in the ILO, the Committee hopes that the Government will not fail to provide it with its next report. It requests, in particular, that the Government provide it with a copy of the updated and consolidated text of the Criminal Code, as well as copies of the legislation in force in the following fields: the laws governing the press and other media, public assemblies, meetings and demonstrations, the law governing political parties.

Article 1(a) of the Convention. Punishment for expressing political views. The Committee previously noted that, under article 12(2) and 13(2) of the Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis of 1983, certain rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and associations, may be restricted by law in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health, or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of others. The Committee notes the Government’s explanations concerning the purposes of the above Constitutional provisions. However, it again requests the Government to describe any such restrictions, indicating sanctions which may be imposed for their violation and supplying copies of relevant texts.

Article 1(d). Punishment for having participated in strikes. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in the report that the Government is unaware of any legislation restricting the right to strike or punishing participation in strikes with any kind of sanctions. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide, with its next report, copies of the provisions governing the right to strike.