Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Gabon (Ratification: 1961)

The Committee notes the Government's report. It also notes the observations by the Gabon Confederation of Free Trade Unions (CGSL) concerning the application of the Convention as well as the Government's reply to these observations, which the Committee examined within the context of the application of Convention No. 29.

Article 1(c) and (d) of the Convention. In the comments that it has been making for many years, the Committee has noted that under section 153, subsections 1, 4, 5 and 9 (read in conjunction with section 156), and sections 169, 186 and 188 of the Merchant Shipping Code (Act No. 10/63 of 12 January 1963) certain breaches of discipline by seafarers are punishable by imprisonment involving compulsory labour by virtue of Act No. 22/84 of 29 December 1984 to organise prison labour.

The Committee notes the Government's repeated statement in its report to the effect that the Merchant Shipping Code is currently being revised and that the Committee's comments will be taken into account. The Committee once again hopes that the draft texts that are under examination will ensure that sentences of imprisonment involving compulsory labour cannot be inflicted on seafarers for breaches of discipline that do not endanger the safety of the vessel or of persons, and that the Government will soon report that the legislation has been thus amended.