Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Mali (Ratification: 1962)

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

Article 1(a) of the Convention. Sentences involving compulsory labour as a punishment for holding or expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system. The Committee notes that section 21 of Act No. 01-003 of 27 February 2001 on the prison system and supervised education provides that prisoners sentenced to criminal or correctional penalties may be required to work. It also notes that Act No. 2024-028 of 13 December 2024 on the Code of Criminal Procedure provides that suspects, defendants and accused persons in pretrial detention are not required to work (section 1207), while providing that persons sentenced to custodial sentences for offences classified as crimes or offences under ordinary law must have the possibility to work, and that any prisoner may be exempted from work on medical grounds (section 1210). The Committee requests the Government to confirm that the provisions of Act No. 01-003 of 27 February 2001 on the prison system and supervised education, which provide that convicted prisoners may be required to work, are still in force.

In the meantime, the Committee notes that several provisions of the national legislation provide for the possibility of imposing of a prison sentence in circumstances that may fall under Article 1(a) of the Convention. It notes, in particular, the following provisions:

• Criminal Code (Act No. 2024-027 of 13 December 2024): section 242-1 (regionalist propaganda and dissemination of news aimed at undermining the credibility of the State); 242-9 (organization of and participation in an unlawful demonstration); 242-40 (opposition to the exercise of legitimate authority or wilful abstention, undermining or attempting to undermine public order); 242-54 to 242-56 (insulting the head of State and contempt of the authorities or law enforcement officers); 242-74 (spreading fake news likely to undermine public confidence in the credibility of the State, local authorities and public institutions); 512-18 (insults committed through an information system – provision also included in section 21 of Act No. 2019-056 of 5 December 2019 on the suppression of cybercrime); and 512-51 (press offences committed through information and communication technologies – provision also included in section 21 of Act No. 2019-056 of 5 December 2019 on the suppression of cybercrime);
• Act No. 00-046 of 7 July 2000 on the press and press-related offences: sections 36, 46 and 47 (insulting the head of State or the presidents of other institutions of the Republic and contempt of public representatives); 37 (publication of fake news or falsified documents when this disturbs public peace); 38 to 42 (defamation and insults against institutions and their members or individuals).

The Committee also notes the adoption of Decree No. 2025-0339/PT-RM dissolving political parties and political organizations in the Republic of Mali on 13 May 2025. This text provides for the dissolution of the aforementioned parties and organizations (section 1) and prohibits any meetings or activities that are political or of a political nature by the dissolved organizations (section 2). Any violation of this Decree exposes the perpetrators and accomplices to the penalties provided for by the laws and regulations in force (section 3).

The Committee further notes that the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) and several United Nations agencies have reported arrests, detentions, prosecutions and/or convictions of several political actors, media professionals and members of civil society for acts that appear to fall within the legitimate exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom of expression (2023 report of the CNDH; statement by the CNDH to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights of May 2025; reports A/HRC/55/79 of 13 February 2024 and A/HRC/58/79 of 6 March 2025 of the United Nations Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali; and press release of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights of 4 September 2025).

The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the fact that Article 1(a) of the Convention prohibits the use of forced or compulsory labour, including compulsory prison labour, as a punishment for holding or expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how the aforementioned provisions of the Criminal Code and the Act on the press and press-related offences are applied in practice, specifying the number of prosecutions initiated and penalties handed down, as well as the facts giving rise to the convictions.It also requests the Government to indicate the penalties applicable for contravening the provisions of Decree No. 2025-0339/PT-RM of 13 May 2025.

Article 1(b). Work or service required for purposes of economic development. The Committee previously noted that, under Act No. 2016-038 of 7 July 2016 introducing national service for young persons (SNJ) and its implementing decree, the SNJ is compulsory and may include activities contributing to the country’s economic development. It noted the Government’s indication that the SNJ is voluntary in practice and requested the Government to amend its legislation accordingly.

The Committee recalls, as highlighted by the Government, that according to section 2 of Act No. 2016-038, the SNJ’s mission is to contribute to improving the education and physical, civic and vocational training of young people with a view to their effective and full participation in the country’s economic, social and cultural development and their mobilization for the needs of national defence. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the duration of the SNJ is 6 months of military training for those admitted to the public service and 18 months of voluntary training for non-officials (including 6 months of military training, 10 months of vocational training and 2 months of retraining). The Government specifies that, according to the regulations governing the SNJ, the latter is compulsory only for new officials and voluntary for other citizens aged 18 to 35. The Committee nevertheless notes that, according to section 6 of Act No. 2016-038, the SNJ is compulsory for all young people.

The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to amend Act No. 2016-038 and its implementing decree, for example, by limiting compulsory participation in the SNJ to military training alone, or by making participation in the SNJ voluntary, as appears to be the case in practice, so as to bring the legislation on the SNJ into line with Article 1(b) of the Convention. Please provide information on the progress made in this regard.

Furthermore, the Committee takes due note of the information provided by the Government on the legislation referred to in section L6 of the Labour Code, according to which forced or compulsory labour does not include “work in the public interest, as defined by the legislation on civic obligations”. It notes that this legislation concerns, for example, national defence and situations of disaster.

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

The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Workers’ Unions of Mali (CSTM), transmitted with the Government’s report.

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Work or service exacted for the purpose of participation in economic development. The Committee previously requested the Government to amend Act No. 2016-038 of 7 July 2016 introducing national service for young persons (SNJ) and its implementing decree, which provide that national service is compulsory and includes both military activities and activities contributing to the country’s economic development. The Committee also requested the Government to provide information on “the legislation regarding civic obligations” to which section L6(2) of the Labour Code refers when it states that forced or compulsory labour does not include “work in the public interest, as defined by the legislation on civic obligations”.

In its report, the Government reiterates its statement that national service for young persons is not compulsory in any way and is essentially of a military nature. The Committee notes that in its observations, the CSTM considers national service to be voluntary, whereas the law indicates that it is compulsory. The Committee therefore encourages the Government to take the necessary steps tobring the legislation into line with the practice indicated such that the voluntary nature of national service for young people is clearly reflected and thereby to ensure the full conformity of the legislation both with Article 1(b) of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on progress made in this regard and to continue to provide information on the implementation of national service for young people in practice. Furthermore, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate which are the laws on civic obligations to which section L6(2) of the Labour Code refers under which work in the public interest could be imposed.

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

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Work or service exacted for the purpose of participation in economic development. The Committee previously noted that section L6(2) of the Labour Code, under which “work required in the public interest by legislative provisions relating to participation in development” is not regarded as forced or compulsory labour, was not in conformity with Article 1(b) of the Convention, which prohibits the use of forced labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development. The Committee also noted that the Government planned to re-establish national service for young persons.

The Committee notes that the Government reports the adoption of Act No. 2016-038 of 7 July 2016 repealing and replacing Act No. 83-27/AN-RM of 15 August 1983 introducing national service for young persons. The Committee notes that, under the provisions of this Act, the purpose of national service for young persons is to contribute to advancing the education and physical, civic and vocational training of young persons with a view to their full and effective participation in the economic, social and cultural development of the country and their mobilization for national defence purposes. The Act establishes that national service of 18 months is compulsory for all young persons who are required to work on national worksites. According to Decree No. 2016-0537/P-RM of 3 August 2016 implementing Act No. 2016-038, national service for young persons comprises vocational training that cannot exceed ten months, eight months of military training and concurrent civic training. Furthermore, according to the implementing Decree, recruitment to national service for young persons “may be conducted by means of voluntary engagement” (section 7). In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that national service for young persons is in practice entirely optional and is essentially of an exclusively military nature. It specifies that the first wave of recruitment, which took place in 2017, was conducted in response to a call for applications and led to the recruitment of 600 young people.

The Committee also notes the adoption on 12 June 2017 of Act No. 2017-021 amending Act No. 92-020 of 23 September 1992 issuing the Labour Code in the Republic of Mali, which amends the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code, namely by removing, as an exception to forced or compulsory labour, work in the public interest required under legal provisions for participation in development. The Committee also notes that, under the newly adopted section L6, forced or compulsory labour does not include “work in the public interest, as defined by the legislation on civic obligations”.

The Committee recalls that any legislation that provides for the compulsory participation of young persons, as part of compulsory military service or to replace such service, in activities for the economic development of the country is incompatible with Article 1(b) of the Convention, and with Article 2(a) of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29). Noting that Act No. 2016-038 establishing national service for young persons makes participation in that service compulsory and the work carried out as part of that service is not limited to work of a purely military nature, for example in national worksites, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to review Act No. 2016-038 and implementing Decree No. 2016-0537 in order to align the legislation with the practice indicated above and thus make participation in national service for young people voluntary or limit compulsory participation to the duration of military training. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the legislation regarding civic obligations covered by section L6 of Act No. 2017-021, under which work in the public interest can be imposed.

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

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Work or service exacted for the purpose of participation in economic development. The Committee previously drew the Government’s attention to the need to amend section L6(2) of the Labour Code, under the terms of which “work required in the public interest by legislative provisions relating to participation in development” is not regarded as forced or compulsory labour. This provision is not in conformity with Article 1(b) of the Convention, which prohibits the use of forced labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Bill to amend the Labour Code is still under consultation between the Government and the social partners, and has therefore still not been adopted. The Committee also notes that, in its report on the application of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), the Government indicates that it plans to re-establish national service for young persons. The Committee notes in this regard, according to the communiqué of the Council of Ministers of 2 December 2015, which is available on the Government’s official website, that the Council of Ministers adopted a Bill to repeal and replace Act No. 83-27/AN-RM of 15 August 1983 introducing national service for young persons. The communiqué specifies that the introduction of national service for young persons will contribute to completing the education and physical, civic and vocational training of young persons with a view to their effective and full participation in the economic, social and cultural development of the country and their mobilization for the needs of national defence. This service will be compulsory for all young persons in Mali.

The Committee recalls that any legislation which provides for the compulsory participation of young persons, within the framework of compulsory military service or in place of such service, in activities for the economic development of the country is incompatible with Article 1(b) of this Convention, and with Article 2(a) of Convention No. 29. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the Act to repeal and replace Act No. 83-27/AN-RM of 15 August 1983 introducing the national service for young persons. It requests it to: provide detailed information on the operation of the national service for young persons; specify the number of persons recruited, the nature and duration of their compulsory service; describe the manner in which the obligations are articulated in relation to the needs of national defence and those relating to participation in the economic development of the country; and indicate the penalties imposed in the event of refusal to fulfil the obligations related to the national service for young persons. The Committee also requests the Government to take the necessary measures for the amendment of section L6(2) of the Labour Code so as to ensure its conformity with Article 1(b) of the Convention, which does not allow the use of forced labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

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

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Labour or services exacted for purposes of participation in economic development. The Committee recalls that, under the terms of section L6(2) of the Labour Code, work required in the public interest by legislative provisions on participation in development is not considered to be forced or compulsory labour. It previously emphasized that this provision is contrary to Article 1(b) of the Convention, which prohibits the exaction of labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Council of Ministers adopted a Bill on 8 May 2013 to amend the Labour Code with a view to bringing its provisions into conformity with the international standards ratified. The Bill has to be adopted by the National Assembly and promulgated by the President of the Republic. The Committee hopes that the Bill to amend the Labour Code will soon be adopted with a view to amending section L6(2) of the Labour Code, thereby ensuring the conformity of this provision with the Convention, which prohibits the exaction of labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. 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 matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Labour or services exacted for purposes of economic development. In its previous comments, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that section L6(2) of the Labour Code was not in conformity with the Convention. According to this provision, “work required in the public interest by legislative provisions on … participation in development” is not considered to be forced or compulsory labour. In accordance with Article 1(b) of the Convention, the State undertakes to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development. In previous reports, the Government indicated that the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code had never been applied in practice and that no decree or order had been adopted to give effect to them. It indicated that it would take steps, in the context of a review of the Labour Code, to ensure compliance with the Convention on this point.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the provisions concerned have been removed from the draft revision of the Labour Code. The Committee trusts that the draft will be adopted in the near future and that the Government will be able to supply information on the progress made in its next report. Please provide a copy of the text amending the Labour Code.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. 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 matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Labour or services exacted for purposes of economic development. In its previous comments, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that section L6(2) of the Labour Code was not in conformity with the Convention. According to this provision, “work required in the public interest by legislative provisions on … participation in development” is not considered to be forced or compulsory labour. In accordance with Article 1(b) of the Convention, the State undertakes to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development. In previous reports, the Government indicated that the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code had never been applied in practice and that no decree or order had been adopted to give effect to them. It indicated that it would take steps, in the context of a review of the Labour Code, to ensure compliance with the Convention on this point.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the provisions concerned have been removed from the draft revision of the Labour Code. The Committee trusts that the draft will be adopted in the near future and that the Government will be able to supply information on the progress made in its next report. Please provide a copy of the text amending the Labour Code.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. 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 matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Labour or services exacted for purposes of economic development. In its previous comments, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that section L6(2) of the Labour Code was not in conformity with the Convention. According to this provision, “work required in the public interest by legislative provisions on … participation in development” is not considered to be forced or compulsory labour. In accordance with Article 1(b) of the Convention, the State undertakes to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development. In previous reports, the Government indicated that the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code had never been applied in practice and that no decree or order had been adopted to give effect to them. It indicated that it would take steps, in the context of a review of the Labour Code, to ensure compliance with the Convention on this point.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the provisions concerned have been removed from the draft revision of the Labour Code. The Committee trusts that the draft will be adopted in the near future and that the Government will be able to supply information on the progress made in its next report. Please provide a copy of the text amending the Labour Code.

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

Article 1, subparagraph b, of the Convention. Labour or services exacted for purposes of economic development. In its previous comments, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that section L6(2) of the Labour Code was not in conformity with the Convention. According to this provision, “work required in the public interest by legislative provisions on … participation in development” is not considered to be forced or compulsory labour. In accordance with Article 1(b) of the Convention, the State undertakes to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development. In previous reports, the Government indicated that the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code had never been applied in practice and that no decree or order had been adopted to give effect to them. It indicated that it would take steps, in the context of a review of the Labour Code, to ensure compliance with the Convention on this point.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest report that the provisions concerned have been removed from the draft revision of the Labour Code. The Committee trusts that the draft will be adopted in the near future and that the Government will be able to supply information on the progress made in its next report. Please provide a copy of the text amending the Labour Code.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. 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:

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Labour or services exacted for purposes of economic development. In its previous comments, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that section L6(2) of the Labour Code was not in conformity with the Convention. According to this provision “all work required in the public interest by legislative provisions on … participation in development” is not considered to be forced or compulsory labour. Pursuant to Article 1(b) of the Convention, the State undertakes to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

In its last report, the Government reaffirms that the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code have never been applied in practice and that no decree or order has been adopted to give effect to them. It states that the announced review of the Labour Code has not yet taken place but that, during the course of a review in the near future, it will do everything possible to ensure compliance with the Convention on this point. The Committee takes note of this information. It hopes that, in the near future, the Government will take all the necessary steps to amend the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code in order to ensure their compliance with the Convention. Please provide copies of any texts adopted to this end.

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

Article 1(b) of the Convention. Labour or services exacted for purposes of economic development. In its previous comments, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that section L6(2) of the Labour Code was not in conformity with the Convention. According to this provision "all work required in the public interest by legislative provisions on … participation in development" is not considered to be forced or compulsory labour. Pursuant to Article 1(b) of the Convention, the State undertakes to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

In its last report, the Government reaffirms that the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code have never been applied in practice and that no decree or order has been adopted to give effect to them. It states that the announced review of the Labour Code has not yet taken place but that, during the course of a review in the near future, it will do everything possible to ensure compliance with the Convention on this point. The Committee takes note of this information. It hopes that, in the near future, the Government will take all the necessary steps to amend the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code in order to ensure their compliance with the Convention. Please provide copies of any texts adopted to this end.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

 

1. Article 1(b) of the Convention. Participation in development. The Committee notes that section L6 of the Labour Code establishes an unqualified prohibition of forced or compulsory labour. However, pursuant to subsection 2, the prohibition does not include "all work required in the public interest by legislative provisions on … participation in development". The Committee previously drew the Government’s attention to the fact that this provision of the Labour Code was inconsistent with the Convention. A State which ratifies the Convention undertakes, pursuant to Article 1(b), to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a method of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

In its report sent in 2002, the Government undertakes to do its utmost, in the course of a forthcoming re-reading of the Labour Code, to secure observance of the Convention on this point. The Government adds that, in practice, the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code have never been applied and that no decree or order has been adopted to regulate them. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on any progress made in harmonizing the provisions of section L6(2) of the Labour Code with the Convention and to send copies of any texts adopted to this end.

2. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the abolition of national service for young people.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

1. Article 1(b) of the Convention. National Youth Service. The Committee noted earlier that, according to the Government, Act No. 82-87 of 15 August 1983 concerning the National Youth Service had been repealed and requested the Government to supply a copy of the text repealing the Act. The Committee notes that no such text was attached to the Government’s latest report and requests the Government to supply a copy of the repealing text so that it can ensure conformity of national legislation with the Convention on this matter.

2. Participation in development. In its previous comments, the Committee referred to section L6.2 of the Labour Code under which the expression "forced labour" does not include work of public interest required by virtue of legislative provisions concerning the organization of defence, establishment of a national service or participation in development. The Committee noted that in ratifying the Convention the State undertakes to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a means of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to ensure compliance with the Convention on this matter.

The Committee also requests the Government to supply information on the implementing texts of section L6.2 of the Labour Code and in particular on the requirements concerning labour imposed for purposes of economic development, the forms of such participation and the number of persons concerned.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

With reference to its previous comments on youth national service, established under Act No. 83-27 of 15 August 1983, the Committee takes due note of the Government's statement in its report that this service, which is covered by the above Act, no longer exists, that the Government took the decision in 1992 to abolish the system and that since then young graduates have been recruited by the public service and made available to the respective departments in accordance with the general conditions of service of the public service. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the text repealing the above Act.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. 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 matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

With reference to its previous comments on the National Youth Service established by Act No. 83-27 of 15 August 1983, the Committee notes that, according to the Government's report, the National Youth Service has not been operating in the same way since 1991, that the Service now forms part of the structures of the national armed forces and that this form of the use of young workers contributes less to development work than to national defence.

The Committee notes this information, as well as section 5 of the Labour Code of 1992, under which the term forced or compulsory labour does not include "any work of public interest exacted under legal provisions respecting the organization of the defence, the establishment of a national service or participation in development".

The Committee notes once again that, on ratifying the Convention, States undertake to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a means of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of Act No. 83-27 of 15 August 1983 respecting the National Youth Service and to provide information on the objectives and organization of the Service, and particularly the number of persons recruited, the nature and duration of the work performed and the penalties imposed in cases of violations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. 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 matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

With reference to its previous comments on the National Youth Service established by Act No. 83-27 of 15 August 1983, the Committee notes that, according to the Government's report, the National Youth Service has not been operating in the same way since 1991, that the Service now forms part of the structures of the national armed forces and that this form of the use of young workers contributes less to development work than to national defence.

The Committee notes this information, as well as section 5 of the Labour Code of 1992, under which the term forced or compulsory labour does not include "any work of public interest exacted under legal provisions respecting the organization of the defence, the establishment of a national service or participation in development".

The Committee notes once again that, on ratifying the Convention, States undertake to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a means of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of Act No. 83-27 of 15 August 1983 respecting the National Youth Service and to provide information on the objectives and organization of the Service, and particularly the number of persons recruited, the nature and duration of the work performed and the penalties imposed in cases of violations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

With reference to its previous comments on the National Youth Service established by Act No. 83-27 of 15 August 1983, the Committee notes that, according to the Government's report, the National Youth Service has not been operating in the same way since 1991, that the Service now forms part of the structures of the national armed forces and that this form of the use of young workers contributes less to development work than to national defence.

The Committee notes this information, as well as section 5 of the Labour Code of 1992, under which the term forced or compulsory labour does not include "any work of public interest exacted under legal provisions respecting the organization of the defence, the establishment of a national service or participation in development".

The Committee notes once again that, on ratifying the Convention, States undertake to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a means of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of Act No. 83-27 of 15 August 1983 respecting the National Youth Service and to provide information on the objectives and organization of the Service, and particularly the number of persons recruited, the nature and duration of the work performed and the penalties imposed in cases of violations.

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

Article 1(b) of the Convention. In its last report received in November 1992 the Government refers to section 5 of the Labour Code and indicates that the term "forced labour" does not apply to the use of labour for the purpose of economic development or to any work which is in the public interest, or recognized as such, and whose purpose is to establish a national service.

The Committee notes that in its report on the application of Convention No. 29 the Government refers to article 19 of the Constitution of 25 February 1992, which stipulates that work is a duty for all citizens, but specific jobs may only be imposed for the performance of an exceptional service in the general interest, equal for all, under conditions determined by law. It adds that such a service is excluded by the Labour Code from the definition of forced or compulsory labour. The Government refers to the National Youth Service (established by Act No. 83-27/AN-RM of 15 August 1983), and indicates that young people have not regarded the tasks and duties required of them as forced labour.

The Committee observes that, on ratifying the Convention, States undertake to suppress and not to make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a means of mobilizing and using labour for purposes of economic development.

The Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of Act No. 83-27 of 15 August 1983 together with particulars of the objectives and organization of the National Youth Service, in particular the number of young people recruited, the nature and duration of the tasks performed, the sanctions imposed for infringements and any other information it deems useful in the light of the provisions of the Convention.

In this connection, the Government will no doubt wish to refer to the provisions of the Special Youth Schemes Recommendation (No. 136) which provides a number of clarifications on the relationship between programmes enabling young people to contribute to their countries' economic development and the Conventions on forced labour. The Committee gave more detailed information on this matter in paragraphs 24 to 33 and 49 to 62 of its General Survey of 1979 on the Abolition of Forced Labour.

The Committee also asks the Government to provide a copy of the new Labour Code.