Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Aruba

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes, in particular, the information on provisions concerning the freedom of workers, including public servants, to leave their employment by giving notice of reasonable length. The Committee also notes the Government’s reply to its general observation of 2000 concerning measures to combat trafficking in persons.

Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention. The Committee previously asked the Government to provide a copy of the new Ordinance and regulations regarding prison services. It notes the Government’s statement in the report that the draft Ordinance and regulations are currently in the Parliament for approval and hopes that the Government will supply a copy as soon as they are adopted.

Article 25. In its earlier comments, the Committee requested information on cases of practical application of sanctions for the illegal imposition of forced labour, having regard especially to the question of foreign workers. It notes the Government=s indication in the report that there have been no accounts of forced or compulsory labour registered over the reporting period. The Government states, however, that the true extent of forced labour in Aruba is not known, which is a major obstacle in developing policies directed explicitly to combat it, and that both the Labour Department and the Department of General and Judicial Affairs must work together in this effort. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide, in its next report, information on the measures taken or envisaged in this direction. Please also continue to supply information regarding complaints related to forced labour submitted to the Labour Department, including extracts of relevant court decisions.