Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Cuba (Ratification: 1958)

The Committee takes note of the observation submitted by the Independent Trade Union Coalition of Cuba (CSIC), received on 1 September 2014. The CSIC refers to labour imposed on prisoners in work camps, referred to as “centres for study and municipal work” (CETEM). It lists a number of political prisoners and a trade union official serving their prison sentences in these camps. The Committee recalls that Article 1(a) of the Convention protects persons expressing political views or peacefully opposing the established political, social or economic system from being subjected to any form of forced labour, and particularly forced prison labour. The Committee notes that, in its response to the above allegations, received on 24 November 2014, the Government indicates that both the Penal Code and the prison regulations provide for the voluntary character of prison labour. The Government stresses that work performed by convicts, either inside or outside prison premises is carried out voluntarily, and that prisoners are remunerated for the work performed and are entitled to certain social security benefits. The Government also indicates that the prisoners mentioned by the CSIC were convicted for ordinary offences (non-political) and were not forced to work. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how, in practice, the consent of persons sentenced to prison or requested to do prison work is obtained.