Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Belize (Ratification: 1983)

Article 1(c) and (d) of the Convention. Disciplinary measures applicable to seafarers. For a number of years, the Committee has been referring to certain provisions of the merchant shipping legislation, under which penalties of imprisonment (involving compulsory prison labour, by virtue of section 66 of the Prison Rules) may be imposed for breaches of discipline such as desertion or absence without leave and disobedience, and deserted seafarers may be forcibly returned on board ship (section 60(1) and (3) of the Harbours and Merchant Shipping Act, Chapter 234, revised edition, 2000).

The Committee notes the Government’s indications that the ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), by Belize is under consideration and that necessary measures will be taken in order to bring merchant shipping legislation into conformity with the Convention. The Government also indicates that maritime issues form a part of the agenda of the Labour Advisory Board which is in charge of the revision of the national legislation. The Committee trusts that the necessary measures will be soon taken in order to bring the merchant shipping legislation into conformity with the Convention.