Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Guyana (Ratification: 1966)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. 1. Trafficking in persons. (a) National Action Plan. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee welcomes the measures taken by the Government to continue strengthening the legal and institutional framework to combat trafficking in persons. The Committee notes in particular: (1) the adoption of the Combating and Trafficking in Persons Act No. 7 of 2023, repealing the Combating Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005, which among other things increases the penalties applicable to trafficking offences, extends the criminal liability of corporate bodies and provides for victim immunity from prosecution for migration related offences, prostitution or any other criminal offence that was a direct result of being trafficked; and (2) the adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) for 2021-2025 which covers and sets objectives in the following areas: (i) awareness raising; (ii) prevention; (iii) appropriate assistance to victims, (iv) detection, investigation, and prosecution; (v) cooperation; and (vi) strengthening public-private partnerships.

The Committee also notes the Government’s indication in its report that between 2017 and 2022, the Secretariat of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons and the Ministry of Home Affairs conducted a series of training and awareness-raising activities, including: (i) training activities for immigration officers, police groups, wardens, and other officials; (ii) the development of a standard operating procedure for trafficking in persons investigations; and (iii) the development of a gender responsive training manual. The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including within the framework of the National Action Plan for 2021–25. In this regard, it requests the Government to provide information on the monitoring of the implementation of the National Action Plan undertaken by the Ministerial Task Force, indicating the results achieved, the challenges identified, and the measures envisaged to overcome them.

(b) Identification and protection of victims. The Committee notes that Act No. 7 of 2023 provides for the creation of a counter-trafficking in persons unit within the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, which is tasked with the protection and assistance of victims of trafficking. Furthermore, the Act provides that the court shall order the perpetrator to pay restitution to the victim (section 7.1); that victims and their dependent children shall be granted visas to permit them to remain in Guyana (section 27.1) as well as appropriate services (including housing, medical assistance, training opportunities, legal assistance), and any other support as required. It also stipulates that the competent Ministries and authorities shall collaborate to develop measures for the safe return of victims to their countries of citizenship or residence (section art. 30). The Committee requests the Government to continue taking measures to ensure the proper identification and protection of victims of trafficking in persons, and to specify the activities undertaken by the counter-trafficking in persons unit in this regard. It also requests the Government to provide statistical data on the number, gender, age and characteristics of persons identified as victims and the type of assistance provided in accordance with Act No. 7 of 2023.

(c) Prosecution and application of penal sanctions. The Committee takes note of the Government’s information that from 2017 to March 2022, a total of 148 reports were made to the Police Force, 81 charges were filed, of which 48 were trafficking in persons charges and there were six convictions. In 2019, an offender was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment and in 2020 another offender was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution of GY 1.5 million to the victim. The Government states that it has carried out investigations in 38 cases in 2020, involving 57 suspects, 46 for sex trafficking and 11 for labour trafficking. In 2022 the police prosecuted three suspected traffickers, one for sex trafficking and two for labour trafficking. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the cases in which the law enforcement bodies have detected situations of trafficking in persons, the investigations carried out, and the manner in which collaboration is ensured among law enforcement bodies (police authorities, labour inspection and judiciary). The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the number of judicial proceedings initiated and convictions handed down under Act No. 7 of 2023.

2. Vulnerable situation of migrant workers with regard to the exaction of forced labour. In relation to the measures taken to ensure that migrant workers are fully protected from abusive practices and conditions that amount to forced labour, the Government states that it has adopted and implemented a humanitarian approach to migrants coming from Venezuela. The Government has created a Multi-Agency Coordination Committee to address the influx of migrants from Venezuela and provide them with the necessary assistance and access to health and education service without discrimination. The Committee notes that according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, the Government has established registration and regularization services for migrants from Venezuela. According to the website, the registration process will facilitate easier access to some services that the Government of Guyana provides to the migrants from Venezuela. The Committee also notes that, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons of 2022, there has been an increase in trafficking for forced labour with Venezuelan citizens representing 56 per cent of the victims. Moreover, according to the UNHCR factsheets (January-March 2024 and April-June 2024) Guyana hosts 22,677 forcibly displaced Venezuelans. The Minister of Labour announced the development of an initiative to ensure Venezuelans living in the country receive training and certification to join the local labour force.

The Committee takes due note of the measures taken and encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to assist migrant workers and to ensure that they are provided with information on their rights, on the risks of becoming victims of abusive practices and practices amounting to forced labour, and on the mechanisms available to ascertain their rights. It requests the Government to indicate the specific measures taken to strengthen the monitoring of the conditions of work in the sectors in which migrant workers are most employed, with a view to proactively identifying any situation of forced labour, and to provide statistical data on the results of the inspections carried out. The Committee also refers to its comments under the Migration for Employment Convention, 1949 (No. 97).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. 1. Trafficking in persons. The Committee noted the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act in 2005, as well as the Government’s indication that 300 volunteers had been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee notes the Government’s statement, in its report, that a Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, made up of sixteen agencies, has been established. It notes that a specialized unit to deal with trafficking in persons has also been established. According to the Government’s statistics, respectively 32 and ten persons were charged with trafficking in persons in 2016 and 2017, and two and three were convicted. The Government indicates that while there is a low conviction rate, the Task Force continues its work relentlessly. The Committee notes that, according to the Department of Public Information website, a National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons for the period 2017–18, focusing on prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership, has been launched in January 2017. It further notes that the new Action Plan provides a victim-centred and rights-based approach in assisting, protecting and reintegrating trafficking victims into society. The Committee observes that, in its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women of 2018, the Government indicates that it has undertaken awareness and training programmes, including guidelines for interviewing victims, training programmes for police forces and public awareness campaigns on trafficking in persons (CEDAW/C/GUY/9, paragraphs 51 and 52).The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure that investigations and prosecutions are carried out against perpetrators of trafficking in persons. It requests the Government to continue providing information on the application in practice of the 2005 Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, including the number of investigations, prosecutions, and penalties imposed. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information regarding the implementation of the National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons 2017–18, indicating the results achieved in this regard.

2. Vulnerable situation of migrant workers with regard to the exaction of forced labour. The Committee observes that the United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW), in its concluding observations of 2018, noted that, as a country of origin, destination and transit for migrant workers and despite the increasing number of migrants entering the State party, particularly from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a migration policy and strategy is lacking. The CMW expressed concern at reports of exploitation of migrant workers, including domestic servitude, forced child labour and commercial sexual exploitation, and at the lack of information on measures to combat such abuses (CMW/C/GUY/CO/1, paragraphs 12 and 32).The Committee therefore requests the Government to strengthen the measures to ensure that migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers, are fully protected from abusive practices and conditions that amount to forced labour and to provide information in the regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. 1. Trafficking in persons. The Committee noted the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act in 2005, as well as the Government’s indication that 300 volunteers had been trained to identify cases of trafficking.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement, in its report, that a Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, made up of sixteen agencies, has been established. It notes that a specialized unit to deal with trafficking in persons has also been established. According to the Government’s statistics, respectively 32 and ten persons were charged with trafficking in persons in 2016 and 2017, and two and three were convicted. The Government indicates that while there is a low conviction rate, the Task Force continues its work relentlessly.

The Committee notes that, according to the Department of Public Information website, a National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons for the period 2017–18, focusing on prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership, has been launched in January 2017. It further notes that the new Action Plan provides a victim-centred and rights-based approach in assisting, protecting and reintegrating trafficking victims into society. The Committee observes that, in its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women of 2018, the Government indicates that it has undertaken awareness and training programmes, including guidelines for interviewing victims, training programmes for police forces and public awareness campaigns on trafficking in persons (CEDAW/C/GUY/9, paragraphs 51 and 52). The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure that investigations and prosecutions are carried out against perpetrators of trafficking in persons. It requests the Government to continue providing information on the application in practice of the 2005 Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, including the number of investigations, prosecutions, and penalties imposed. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information regarding the implementation of the National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons 2017–18, indicating the results achieved in this regard.

2. Vulnerable situation of migrant workers with regard to the exaction of forced labour. The Committee observes that the United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW), in its concluding observations of 2018, noted that, as a country of origin, destination and transit for migrant workers and despite the increasing number of migrants entering the State party, particularly from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a migration policy and strategy is lacking. The CMW expressed concern at reports of exploitation of migrant workers, including domestic servitude, forced child labour and commercial sexual exploitation, and at the lack of information on measures to combat such abuses (CMW/C/GUY/CO/1, paragraphs 12 and 32). The Committee therefore requests the Government to strengthen the measures to ensure that migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers, are fully protected from abusive practices and conditions that amount to forced labour and to provide information in the regard.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments initially made in 2007. The Committee also notes that the Government had been requested to provide information to the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference for failure to supply reports and information on the application of ratified Conventions.

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. The Committee has noted the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

• – the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;
• – statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;
• – any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. The Committee has noted the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

• – the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;
• – statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;
• – any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It expresses deep concern in this respect. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. The Committee has noted the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

• – the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;
• – statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;
• – any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. The Committee has noted the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

• – the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;
• – statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;
• – any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to observations received from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which contained allegations that there was evidence of trafficking for forced prostitution and for child prostitution in cities and remote gold mining areas.

The Committee has noted the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

• – the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;
• – statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;
• – any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to observations received from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which contained allegations that there was evidence of trafficking for forced prostitution and for child prostitution in cities and remote gold mining areas.

The Committee has noted the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

• –the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;
• – statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;
• – any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to observations received from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which contained allegations that there was evidence of trafficking for forced prostitution and for child prostitution in cities and remote gold mining areas.

The Committee has noted the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

• –the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;
• – statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;
• – any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to observations received from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which contained allegations that there was evidence of trafficking for forced prostitution and for child prostitution in cities and remote gold mining areas.

The Committee notes the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

–      the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;

–      statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;

–      any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 (paragraph 1), 2 (paragraph 1), and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to observations concerning the application of the Convention by Guyana received from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU, now ITUC – International Trade Union Confederation) in 2003 and forwarded to the Government on 13 January 2004, which contained allegations that there was evidence of trafficking for forced prostitution and reports of child prostitution in cities and remote gold mining areas.

The Committee notes the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

–      the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;

–      statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;

–      any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to observations concerning the application of the Convention by Guyana received from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU, now ITUC – International Trade Union Confederation) in 2003 and forwarded to the Government on 13 January 2004, which contained allegations that there was evidence of trafficking for forced prostitution and reports of child prostitution in cities and remote gold mining areas.

The Committee notes the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

–      the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;

–      statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;

–      any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to observations concerning the application of the Convention by Guyana received from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU, now ITUC – International Trade Union Confederation) in 2003 and forwarded to the Government on 13 January 2004, which contained allegations that there was evidence of trafficking for forced prostitution and reports of child prostitution in cities and remote gold mining areas.

The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2005, as well as the Government’s indication in the report that 300 volunteers have been trained to identify cases of trafficking. The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the following matters:

–           the activities of the task force to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of trafficking in persons, to which reference is made in section 30 of the above Act, supplying copies of any relevant reports, studies and inquiries, as well as a copy of the National Plan;

–           statistical data on trafficking which is collected and published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in virtue of section 31 of the Act;

–           any legal proceedings which have been instituted as a consequence of the application of section 3(1) of the 2005 Act on penalties, supplying copies of the relevant court decisions and indicating the penalties imposed, as well as the information on measures taken to ensure that this provision is strictly enforced against perpetrators, as required by Article 25 of the Convention.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes that no report has been received from the Government. It must therefore repeat its previous observation on the following matters:

The Committee has noted a communication dated 29 October 2003 received from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), which contains observations concerning the application of the Convention by Guyana. The ICFTU alleges, in particular, that there is evidence of forced prostitution and reports of child prostitution in cities and remote gold-mining areas. The Committee notes that this communication was sent to the Government on 13 January 2004 for any comments it might wish to make on the matters raised therein. The Committee observes that no such comments have been received from the Government so far and hopes that the Government will communicate its comments with its next report, so as to enable the Committee to examine them at its next session.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee has noted a communication dated 29 October 2003 received from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), which contains observations concerning the application of the Convention by Guyana. The ICFTU alleges, in particular, that there is evidence of forced prostitution and reports of child prostitution in cities and remote gold mining areas. The Committee notes that this communication was sent to the Government on 13 January 2004 for any comments it might wish to make on the matters raised therein. The Committee observes that no such comments have been received from the Government so far and hopes that the Government will communicate its comments with its next report, so as to enable the Committee to examine them at its next session.

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 2005.]

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee has noted the information and documentation supplied by the Government in answer to its previous direct request.

It hopes that in its next report, the Government will also supply copies of the statutory instruments governing (a) the Guyana National Service, (b) service in the armed forces, in particular with regard to the terms of resignation from the forces, as requested for some time.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes with regret that no report has been received from the Government. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

1. The Committee has previously referred to information provided by the Government according to which the Guyana National Service is a uniformed, paramilitary organization whose aims and objectives are among others to increase national production, develop the hinterland, produce new values, attitudes and discipline so as to create the New Guyana Man, provide the vanguard to the socialist revolution, defend the nation. It includes the Pioneer Corps, the Young Brigade and National Corps, the New Opportunity Corps and the Special Service Corps. The Government indicated that participation or service in the Guyana National Service was voluntary and that disciplinary procedures similar to those of a paramilitary organization were applicable. The Government provided a copy of the National Service Act, 1942 (Chapter 15:02), under which service is obligatory, in indicating that it had been adopted in 1942 to meet an emergency situation during the war and did not govern the existing national service.

The Committee noted the Government's information in its report for the period ending June 1992 that it is still not in a position to provide the texts establishing and governing the Guyana National Service. The Committee recalls that it has been requesting the Government for a considerable number of years to provide a copy of the provisions governing the national service as in existence. It expresses the firm hope that the Government will provide the texts in question with its next report.

2. Since a number of years the Committee has also been requesting the Government to supply copies of laws and regulations governing the service in the armed forces for commissioned and non-commissioned ranks, in particular with regard to the length of contractual periods which are required upon completion of training and on terms of resignation from the force. The Government indicated previously that career personnel of the armed forces are contracted for periods of three years and that additional periods may be required in relation to the cost and length of the training received. The Committee again requests the Government to provide copies of the provisions governing the terms of service of these personnel.

3. The Committee has previously noted the Government's information that judges and magistrates like any officers in the public service are free to leave the service by giving the required notice. The Committee, recalling that it has been asking the Government for a number of years to send a copy of the provisions governing conditions of service in the public service, again expresses the hope that the Government will send the required texts with its next report.

4. The Committee took note of the model contractual arrangement (county of Demarara) between the Government and a student to whom a scholarship is granted, which the Government has sent with its report. The Committee noted that the student agrees inter alia to report to the Public Service Ministry during the long vacation period, if so requested, and to carry out such tasks as may be assigned to him (clause 6v); to accept employment with the Government for a continuous period at such remuneration as the Government may determine (clause 6vii); to refund to the Government, in case of breach, the scholarship, other incidental expenses with a charge of 12 per cent. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on the ratio existing between the number of years of training received at the Government's expense and the length of continuous period of service normally required. It also asks the Government to provide information on the kind of tasks required from students during their holidays.

5. The Committee noted that under section 24 of the Education Act (Chapter 39:01) every child attending an industrial school may be employed in the vicinity of the school during prescribed hours in agricultural pursuits of any plantation or land or in a workshop. The Committee noted previously the Government's indication that agriculture forms part of the school curriculum as a practical subject. The Committee again requests the Government to provide a copy of the documents relating to the school curricula of these schools for the current year.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

1. The Committee has previously referred to information provided by the Government according to which the Guyana National Service is a uniformed, paramilitary organization whose aims and objectives are among others to increase national production, develop the hinterland, produce new values, attitudes and discipline so as to create the New Guyana Man, provide the vanguard to the socialist revolution, defend the nation. It includes the Pioneer Corps, the Young Brigade and National Corps, the New Opportunity Corps and the Special Service Corps. The Government indicated that participation or service in the Guyana National Service was voluntary and that disciplinary procedures similar to those of a paramilitary organization were applicable. The Government provided a copy of the National Service Act, 1942 (Chapter 15:02), under which service is obligatory, in indicating that it had been adopted in 1942 to meet an emergency situation during the war and did not govern the existing national service.

The Committee notes the Government's information in its report that it is still not in a position to provide the texts establishing and governing the Guyana National Service. The Committee recalls that it has been requesting the Government for a considerable number of years to provide a copy of the provisions governing the national service as in existence. It expresses the firm hope that the Government will provide the texts in question with its next report.

2. Since a number of years the Committee has also been requesting the Government to supply copies of laws and regulations governing the service in the armed forces for commissioned and non-commissioned ranks, in particular with regard to the length of contractual periods which are required upon completion of training and on terms of resignation from the force. The Government indicated previously that career personnel of the armed forces are contracted for periods of three years and that additional periods may be required in relation to the cost and length of the training received. The Committee again requests the Government to provide copies of the provisions governing the terms of service of these personnel.

3. The Committee has previously noted the Government's information that judges and magistrates like any officers in the public service are free to leave the service by giving the required notice. The Committee, recalling that it has been asking the Government for a number of years to send a copy of the provisions governing conditions of service in the public service, expresses the hope that the Government will send the required texts with its next report.

4. The Committee has taken note of the model contractual arrangement (county of Demarara) between the Government and a student to whom a scholarship is granted, which the Government has sent with its report. The Committee notes that the student agrees inter alia to report to the Public Service Ministry during the long vacation period, if so requested, and to carry out such tasks as may be assigned to him (clause 6v); to accept employment with the Government for a continuous period at such remuneration as the Government may determine (clause 6vii); to refund to the Government, in case of breach, the scholarship, other incidental expenses with a charge of 12 per cent. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on the ratio existing between the number of years of training received at the Government's expense and the length of continuous period of service normally required. It also asks the Government to provide information on the kind of tasks required from students during their holidays.

5. The Committee noted that under section 24 of the Education Act (Chapter 39:01) every child attending an industrial school may be employed in the vicinity of the school during prescribed hours in agricultural pursuits of any plantation or land or in a workshop. The Committee noted previously the Government's indication that agriculture forms part of the school curriculum as a practical subject. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the documents relating to the school curricula of these schools for the current year.

6. The Committee has noted the extract of the "Government of Guyana Award" sent by the Government.

The Committee has noted the texts governing the Board of Industrial Training sent by the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no answer to its previous comments. The Committee hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee previously requested the Government to supply copies of laws and regulations governing the service in the armed forces for commissioned and non-commissioned ranks, in particular with regard to the length of contractual periods, of any additional contractual periods which are required upon the completion of training and on terms of resignation from the force as well as copies of corresponding provisions applying to terms of service in the public services. The Committee had referred to information supplied by the Government in its report covering the period ending 30 June 1981 that career personnel of the armed forces are contracted in three-year bands, that additional contract periods are required depending on the cost and length of any training received, and that judges and magistrates like any officers in the public service are free to leave the service when desired on giving the required notice. The Committee requested the Government to provide copies of relevant laws and regulations on which the indications made by the Government in its earlier reports were based.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest report received in June 1988 that copies of the relevant laws and regulations mentioned in its 1981 report are currently in print and will be submitted as soon as possible. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide a copy of these laws and regulations with its next report.

2. In its comments made in 1978 the Committee had noted the provisions of the National Service Act, 1942 (Chapter 15:02), communicated by the Government with its report; in 1980 it noted the Government's indication that this Act had been adopted in 1942 to meet emergency situations during the war and did not govern the national service in existence. In 1982 the Committee took note of the detailed information supplied by the Government on the Guyana National Service: the Government has indicated that this service is a uniformed paramilitary organisation whose aims and objectives are among others to increase national production, develop the hinterland, produce new values, attitudes and discipline so as to create the New Guyana Man, provide the vanguard to the socialist revolution, defend the nation. The Government also stated that the service includes the Pioneer Corps, the Young Brigade and National Corps, the New Opportunity Corps and the Special Service Corps. It further indicated that participation or service in the Guyana National Service was voluntary and that disciplinary procedures similar to those of a paramilitary organisation were applicable.

The Committee had requested the Government to provide the texts establishing and governing the Guyana National Service. In a further comment it also requested the Government to provide information on the nature and subject of the National Service involvement in certain commercial ventures to which the Government had referred.

The Committee notes the Government's statement in its report that these enterprises are state-owned; persons are required by virtue of their educational contractual arrangements with the State, which offers free education from nursery to university levels, or, voluntarily, to join the National Service; staff members and instructors are paid wages and salaries and pioneers are provided training in the technical and vocational fields; they are all maintained at the State's expense.

The Committee takes due note of these indications. Noting also that it has been requesting the texts of the provisions establishing the Guyana National Service for several years, the Committee expresses the hope that the Government will provide with its next report a copy of the provisions in question.

The Committee would also appreciate a copy of the provisions governing contractual arrangements between the State and beneficiaries of free education, in particular at university level.

3. The Committee has noted that under section 24 of the Education Act (Cap. 39:01) every child attending an industrial school may be employed in the vicinity of the school during prescribed hours in agricultural pursuits of any plantation or lands or in any workshop: provided that the full value of any labour performed by a child after deducting the cost of the instruction and of the food (if any) supplied at the cost of the school to the child shall be paid to the parent of the child or secured for it.

The Committee requests the Government to supply copies of any laws or regulations governing attendance of industrial schools and describing the nature of such schools.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report that industrial schools are mainly in the field of vocational and technical training and, apart from three of them being owned by industrial undertakings, the others - five in all - are managed by the Government; agriculture, except for the Guyana School of Agriculture, forms part of the school curriculum as a practical subject. The Committee also notes the Government's indication that legislation governing the Board of Industrial Training is currently being printed and will be submitted when made available.

The Committee hopes that the Government will provide a copy of this legislation as well as of the provisions organising these schools.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

1. The Committee previously requested the Government to supply copies of laws and regulations governing the service in the armed forces for commissioned and non-commissioned ranks, in particular with regard to the length of contractual periods, of any additional contractual periods which are required upon the completion of training and on terms of resignation from the force as well as copies of corresponding provisions applying to terms of service in the public services. The Committee had referred to information supplied by the Government in its report covering the period ending 30 June 1981 that career personnel of the armed forces are contracted in three-year bands, that additional contract periods are required depending on the cost and length of any training received, and that judges and magistrates like any officers in the public service are free to leave the service when desired on giving the required notice. The Committee requested the Government to provide copies of relevant laws and regulations on which the indications made by the Government in its earlier reports were based.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest report received in June 1988 that copies of the relevant laws and regulations mentioned in its 1981 report are currently in print and will be submitted as soon as possible. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide a copy of these laws and regulations with its next report.

2. In its comments made in 1978 the Committee had noted the provisions of the National Service Act, 1942 (Chapter 15:02), communicated by the Government with its report; in 1980 it noted the Government's indication that this Act had been adopted in 1942 to meet emergency situations during the war and did not govern the national service in existence. In 1982 the Committee took note of the detailed information supplied by the Government on the Guyana National Service: the Government has indicated that this service is a uniformed paramilitary organisation whose aims and objectives are among others to increase national production, develop the hinterland, produce new values, attitudes and discipline so as to create the New Guyana Man, provide the vanguard to the socialist revolution, defend the nation. The Government also stated that the service includes the Pioneer Corps, the Young Brigade and National Corps, the New Opportunity Corps and the Special Service Corps. It further indicated that participation or service in the Guyana National Service was voluntary and that disciplinary procedures similar to those of a paramilitary organisation were applicable.

The Committee had requested the Government to provide the texts establishing and governing the Guyana National Service. In a further comment it also requested the Government to provide information on the nature and subject of the National Service involvement in certain commercial ventures to which the Government had referred.

The Committee notes the Government's statement in its report that these enterprises are state-owned; persons are required by virtue of their educational contractual arrangements with the State, which offers free education from nursery to university levels, or, voluntarily, to join the National Service; staff members and instructors are paid wages and salaries and pioneers are provided training in the technical and vocational fields; they are all maintained at the State's expense.

The Committee takes due note of these indications. Noting also that it has been requesting the texts of the provisions establishing the Guyana National Service for several years, the Committee expresses the hope that the Government will provide with its next report a copy of the provisions in question.

The Committee would also appreciate a copy of the provisions governing contractual arrangements between the State and beneficiaries of free education, in particular at university level.

3. The Committee has noted that under section 24 of the Education Act (Cap. 39:01) every child attending an industrial school may be employed in the vicinity of the school during prescribed hours in agricultural pursuits of any plantation or lands or in any workshop: provided that the full value of any labour performed by a child after deducting the cost of the instruction and of the food (if any) supplied at the cost of the school to the child shall be paid to the parent of the child or secured for it.

The Committee requests the Government to supply copies of any laws or regulations governing attendance of industrial schools and describing the nature of such schools.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report that industrial schools are mainly in the field of vocational and technical training and, apart from three of them being owned by industrial undertakings, the others - five in all - are managed by the Government; agriculture, except for the Guyana School of Agriculture, forms part of the school curriculum as a practical subject. The Committee also notes the Government's indication that legislation governing the Board of Industrial Training is currently being printed and will be submitted when made available.

The Committee hopes that the Government will provide a copy of this legislation as well as of the provisions organising these schools.