Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Bulgaria (Ratification: 1999)

Article 1(a) and (c) of the Convention. Prison sanctions involving compulsory labour as a punishment for expressing political views and for breaches of labour discipline. In response to the Committee’s previous comments on the compulsory nature of work of convicted prisoners, the Government reiterates that work performed by prisoners while serving their sentence is not compulsory. It is a voluntary act and one of the main means of their re-insertion into society. The Government indicates that persons can undertake work activities if they so wish and if possibilities to carry out such work are available. Prisoners who wish to be employed must submit a written application to the Head of the prison, who will then provide a written opinion. Prison administrations shall provide prisoners with the opportunity to participate in labour activities provided by the State Enterprise “Prison Fund” at external work sites as well as in service and utility activities within prison establishments. The list of vacancies shall be published in places accessible to the general public. The Government also refers to the possibility of inmates engaging in voluntary unpaid labour. In this case, prisoners shall indicate their willingness to undertake unpaid labour in writing and also declare their consent to the specific labour activity, in writing.

The Committee further notes the Government’s statement that the provisions of the Criminal Code referred to in its previous comments aim to sanction negative acts and are not applied in cases of the peaceful expression of political views or breaches of labour discipline. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government and has no further matters to raise in this regard.