Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Jamaica (Ratification: 1962)
Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 - Jamaica (Ratification: 2017)

In previous comments, the Committee noted that under section 155(2) of the Correctional Institution (Adult Correction Centre) Rules of 1991, no inmate may be employed in the service of, or for the private benefit of, any person, except with the authority of the Commissioner, or in pursuance of special rules.

The Committee notes from the Government's report that in practice, no inmate is hired or placed at the disposal of private individuals, companies or associations.

Referring to the explanations provided in paragraphs 97 to 101 of its General Survey of 1979 on the abolition of forced labour, the Committee hopes that on the occasion of a future amendment of the Rules, section 155(2) will be amended so as to ensure that no prisoners may work for private individuals, companies, etc., except where they do so under the conditions of a freely accepted employment relation, with their formal consent and subject to guarantees regarding the payment of normal wages, etc., and that in the meantime, the Government will report on any changes in the Rules or in the practice indicated.