CMNT_TITLE

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Cameroon (RATIFICATION: 1962)

Article 1(c) and (d) of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, by virtue of sections 226, 229, 242, 259 and 261 of the Merchant Shipping Code, various forms of breach of discipline may be punished by penalties of imprisonment, involving the obligation to work, even where these breaches have not endangered the safety of the vessel or of persons. The Government indicated that it would take the Committee's observations into account when the revision of the Merchant Shipping Code was undertaken.

The Committee notes the Government's indication in its latest report that no new legislative or regulatory provisions have been adopted, but that studies are being conducted with a view to harmonising national legislation and practice with the provisions of the Convention. In view of the fact that the Government has been referring to the envisaged repeal of the provisions in question since its report for 1972-73, the Committee trusts that the necessary measures will be taken rapidly to ensure that, in accordance with the Convention, no penalty involving compulsory labour can be inflicted on a seaman for breaches of discipline or participation in a strike, except for offences which are likely to endanger the safety of the vessel or of persons.