Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Zimbabwe (Ratification: 1998)

Article 1(a) of the Convention. Penal sanctions involving compulsory labour as a punishment for the expression of views opposed to the established political, social or economic system. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to sections 64(1)(c), (d), 72(1), (2) and 80 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Cap. 10:27), under which penalties of imprisonment (involving compulsory prison labour) may be imposed for the abuse of freedom of expression, operating a mass media service without a registration certificate, falsification or fabrication of information or contravention of any other provision of the Act.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the revision of the Act is currently under discussion and that the Ministry of Labour is in consultation with the relevant ministry regarding this matter. Referring to its observation addressed to the Government under the Convention, the Committee hopes that the Government will soon take the necessary measures to ensure that the above provisions of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act are in compliance with the Convention. The Committee invites the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the progress made in this regard. Pending such measures, the Committee requests the Government to supply, with its next report, information on the application of the Act in practice.