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

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Saint Kitts and Nevis (Ratification: 2000)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

The Committee requests the Government to supply, with its next report, copies of the updated and consolidated text of the Criminal Code and Prison Regulations (and any other provisions governing prison labour), as well as copies of the legislation in force in the following fields: the laws governing the press and other media, public assemblies, meetings and demonstrations; the law governing political parties; the laws and regulations governing the public service, including disciplinary provisions applicable to public officers; and any provisions governing labour discipline in merchant shipping. Please also provide additional information on the following points.

Article 1(a) of the Convention. Punishment for expressing political views. The Committee notes that, under articles 12(2) and 13(2) of the Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis of 1983, certain rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and associations, may be restricted by law in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health, or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of others. The Committee requests the Government to describe any such restrictions, indicating sanctions which may be imposed for their violation and supplying copies of relevant texts.

Article 1(d). Punishment for having participated in strikes. Please provide information on provisions restricting the right to strike, indicating, in particular, whether such provisions are enforceable with penal sanctions and supplying copies of relevant texts, as well as information on their application in practice.