Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Gabon (Ratification: 1961)

Article 1(c) of the Convention. Imposition of a sentence of imprisonment involving the obligation to work as a means of labour discipline. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to amend certain provisions of the Merchant Shipping Code (Act No. 10/63 of 12 January 1963), under which breaches of discipline were punishable by imprisonment even where they did not endanger the safety of the vessel or the life or health of persons. In its last report, the Government indicates that the Community Merchant Shipping Code, adopted by the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC) and in force in Gabon, repeals all national and community provisions that are inconsistent, thereby cancelling the provisions of the 1963 Merchant Shipping Code of Gabon. The Committee takes note of this information and notes with satisfaction that under the Community Merchant Shipping Code, breaches of discipline are not punishable by imprisonment.