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

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Jamaica (Ratification: 1962)

Article 1(c) and (d) of the Convention. In comments made for many years, the Committee referred to sections 221 to 224 and 225(1)(b), (c) and (e) of the 1894 United Kingdom Merchant Shipping Act which provide for the punishment of various disciplinary offences with imprisonment (involving an obligation to perform labour) and for the forcible conveyance of seamen on board ship to perform their duties.

The Government previously reported that the questions raised in relation to the Merchant Shipping Act were being studied and that the final draft of a Jamaican Bill on merchant shipping was under review but had not yet been submitted to Parliament.

The Committee notes the Government's indication in its latest report that the first draft of the Bill has been prepared which, it is hoped, will be enacted before the end of the current legislative year.

The Committee hopes that the necessary amendments will soon be adopted and that the Government will report on progress made and provide a copy of the new merchant shipping legislation when enacted.