Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Central African Republic (Ratification: 1964)

The Committee notes the Government's report.

Article 1(a) of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee drew the Government's attention to the provisions of Act No. 60/169 (dissemination of prohibited publications) and of Order No. 3-MI of 25 April 1969 (dissemination of periodicals or news that has not been approved by the censorship authority) which provides for terms of imprisonment -- including compulsory work -- for the expression of political opinions. It noted with interest the entry into force in 1995 of the new Constitution which guarantees freedom of the press (article 13) and asked the Government to indicate whether Act No. 60/169 and Order No. 3-MI had been repealed or amended.

The Committee notes that the last report of the Government, which was received in 1997, contained no reply on this point. However, it notes the information according to which persons who express political opinions or their ideological opposition to the established political, social or economic order cannot be compelled to do forced or compulsory labour under the terms of the new Constitution of 14 January 1995.

The Committee hopes that the Government in its next report will state whether Act No. 60/169 and Order No. 3-MI have been amended or repealed and that it will communicate, as appropriate, a copy of any new provisions that have been adopted.