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Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Belize (RATIFICATION: 1983)

Article 1(c) and (d) of the Convention. Disciplinary measures applicable to seafarers. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to sections 221 and 225(1)(b), (c) and (e) of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, under which penalties of imprisonment (involving, by virtue of section 66 of the Prison Rules, an obligation to perform labour) may be imposed for breaches of discipline such as desertion and absence without leave and disobedience, and to sections 222–224 and 238 of the same Act which provide for the forcible return of seafarers on board ship. The Committee has noted that the Harbours and Merchant Shipping Act (Chapter 234), Revised Edition (2000), a copy of which has been communicated by the Government with its report, contains similar provisions (section 60(1) and (3)).

Referring to the explanations provided in paragraphs 179–181 of its 2007 General Survey on the eradication of forced labour, the Committee points out once again that, under the Convention, the imposition of sanctions involving compulsory labour in relation to disciplinary offences or strikes should be limited to acts tending to endanger the ship or the life or health of persons. The Committee expresses firm hope that the necessary measures will be taken with a view to bringing the merchant shipping legislation into conformity with the Convention, and that the Government will provide, in its next report, information on the action taken to this end.