Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Zambia (Ratification: 1964)

Articles 1(1) and 2(1) of the Convention. 1. National service obligations. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to certain provisions of the National Service Act, 1971, concerning compulsory national service. The Committee noted the Government’s repeated statement in its reports that there had been no compulsion to serve in the National Service or to enlist for service by compulsion. The Committee also noted the Government’s indication in its 2006 report that measures had been taken to repeal the National Service Act, 1971. Since the Government’s latest report contains no new information on this issue, the Committee reiterates its hope that the 1971 Act will soon be repealed and the legislation will be brought into conformity with the Convention and the indicated practice.

2. Community development schemes. In its earlier comments the Committee noted that, pursuant to paragraph 20 of the Second Schedule (section 61) of the Local Government Act (No. 22 of 1991), schemes for the encouragement of and participation in community development may be prepared and administered by a city, municipal or district council. The Committee also noted previously the Government’s repeated indications that such schemes, from which communities derive direct benefit, are adopted in consultation with the communities concerned.

In its latest report, the Government reiterates that any project conducted in the communities is implemented only on a voluntary basis. It also indicates that a project called Community Development Fund is currently being implemented and that, although there are guidelines on its implementation, there are no legal documents establishing the project.

While noting these indications, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the guidelines concerning the project referred to above, as well as the information on its application in practice.