Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

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

Zimbabwe (Ratification: 1998)

The Committee takes note of the Government’s report received in 2019 and the supplementary information provided in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th Session (June 2020).

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 noted that penalties of imprisonment (involving compulsory prison labour by virtue of section 76(1) of the Prisons Act (Cap. 7:11) and section 66(1) of the Prisons (General) Regulations 1996) may be imposed under sections 64(1)(c)–(d), 72(1)–(2) and 80 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Cap. 10:27) (AIPP Act) 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. It noted the Government’s indication that the above-mentioned provisions do not criminalize any persons who, without using or advocating violence, express certain political views or opposition to the established political, social or economic system. The Committee noted that in its communication, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) stated, with reference to the AIPP Act, that expressing views contrary to the Government was at times criminalized in the country. According to the ZCTU, 150 people were arrested for criticizing the President. 

The Committee notes the Government’s information in its supplementary report that the AIPP Act was repealed in July 2020 and replaced with the Freedom of Information Act. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the Freedom of Information Act.