Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Türkiye (RATIFICATION: 1998)

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The Committee takes note of the Government’s report and the supplementary information provided in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th Session (June 2020).

The Committee notes the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TİSK) received on 29 September 2020.

Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention. Work of prisoners for private entities. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to section 20 of the Regulation on the administration and bidding of penitentiaries and work centres of detention institutions of 2005, detainees might be asked to work, but should not be obliged to do so. It also noted that, pursuant to this Regulation and the Regulation on administration of penitentiaries and execution of sentences of 2006, conditions of work of the prisoners might be considered as approximating those of a free labour relationship. The Government indicated that the Circular on Implementation of Work Centres No. 137/7 determined the conditions of work of prisoners. It also indicated that the Supreme Council of Prison Workshops ended the work of prisoners in private workplaces outside the prison workshops. A standard protocol is signed by the private enterprises and prison workshops regarding the work of the prisoners within the framework of vocational training and rehabilitation run by private enterprises inside the prison workshops. The Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that formal, freely given and informed consent was required for the work of prisoners within the framework of vocational training and rehabilitation run by private enterprises, with such consent being authenticated by conditions of work approximating those of a free labour relationship.

The Government indicates that, according to the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Security Measures No. 5275 and its corresponding regulations, prisoners, including those working within the framework of vocational training and rehabilitation carried out by private enterprises, are employed with a daily wage determined by the Supreme Council of Prison Work Places. The Government also indicates that they are partially insured, that they receive a dividend at the end of the year, that the subsistence fees received from all convicts after their release are not collected from those working in prison workplaces, and that working hours are determined. In addition, precautionary measures, including training, are taken against occupational accidents. Prisoners and convicted persons who do not work are eligible for internships at their request. The Committee takes due note of the information provided by the Government, but observes once again that the legislation does not appear to require the free, informed and formal consent of prisoners to work for private enterprises. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay to include, in its legislation, provisions requiring prisoners who work for private entities, including in the framework of vocational training and rehabilitation, to give their written, freely given and informed consent to enter into such an employment relationship. It requests the Government to provide information in this regard.

Article 2(2)(d). Powers to call up labour in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which could be declared under Article 119 of the Constitution in the event of “serious economic crisis”, were exempt from the definition of forced labour. It noted the Government’s indication that, according to section 10(1) of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983), in the event of serious economic crises, the Council of Ministers might issue decrees to determine measures and obligations in relation to labour. However, the Government indicated that this section did not imply compulsory labour. The Committee further noted that section 8(1) of the State of Emergency Act provided that under the state of emergency declared due to a natural disaster or dangerous epidemic disease, all citizens between 18 and 60 years of age, who are resident within the region where the state of emergency is declared, were obliged to perform duties imposed on them. The Committee requested the Government to clarify the implication of “measures and obligations in relation to labour” under section 10(1) of the State of Emergency Act and to provide information on the application of the state of emergency in practice.

The Government indicates that Turkey has not resorted to extraordinary measures for economic reasons. The Committee takes note of the information provided within the framework of the application of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), according to which a state of emergency was declared in Turkey between July 2016 and July 2018 in the aftermath of a coup attempt. It also takes note that, in this context, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) indicated that the Government continues to uphold state of emergency laws. While taking due note of the Government’s information, the Committee requests it to take the necessary measures to amend the legislation in order to remove the possibility of imposing work in situations of “serious economic crisis”, in conformity with Article 2(2)(d) of the Convention. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether the power to call up labour has been used during states of emergency declared under Article 119 of the Constitution, for example between July 2016 and July 2018 and, if so, to provide indications of the duration and extent of the services required from citizens.

Article 2(2)(e). Minor communal services. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Village Affairs Act No. 442 of 1924 provided for “mandatory works for villagers”, including building and repairing roads and building bridges (section 13 of the Village Affairs Act). The Government indicated that the Village Affairs Act was outdated and that many provisions were not functional. It further indicated that the types of work listed in section 13 of the Village Affairs Act were now carried out by the Special Provincial Administrations and the Central Administration. The Committee therefore requested the Government to amend the Village Affairs Act in order to bring it into conformity with the Convention, and to provide information on the application in practice of section 13 by the Special Provincial Administrations and the Central Administration.

The Government indicates that no amendments have been made to the Village Affairs Act of 1924, and reiterates that a number of its provisions are now obsolete. The Committee therefore expresses the firm hope that the Village Affairs Act of 1924 will be amended, in line with the indicated practice, to ensure that “minor services” can only be performed in the direct interest of the community, and following consultation with the said community. In the meantime, it once again requests the Government to provide information on the work listed in section 13 of the Village Affairs Act which is carried out by the Special Provincial Administrations and the Central Administration.

Article 25. Penal sanctions for the exaction of forced or compulsory labour. The Committee previously noted that section 117(2) of the Penal Code prohibited the employment of homeless, helpless or dependant persons without payment or for substandard wages or to forcibly subject them to inhumane working and living conditions. It noted that, according to the Government’s information, the number of offences recorded decreased from 55 in 2013 to 19 in 2015, and the number of convictions increased. The Committee requested the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of section 117(2) of the Penal Code, including the specific penalties applied.

The Government indicates that, under section 117(2) of the Penal Code, seven cases resulted in acquittal in 2017, four cases in 2018, one case in 2019, and one case in the first half of 2020. In addition, the Committee notes the Government’s supplementary information that in the first half of 2020, one conviction was handed down under section 117(2) of the Penal Code. The Government further indicates that, between 2016 and 2019, seven cases of forced labour were registered, and 12 suspects were arrested. Recalling that, pursuant to Article 25 of the Convention, penalties for the illegal exaction of forced or compulsory labour shall be strictly enforced, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the offences of violation of freedom of work and labour under section 117(2) of the Penal Code are adequately punished. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the practical application of section 117(2) of the Penal Code, including the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions, acquittals and the specific penalties imposed. It also requests the Government to provide information on the convictions of the seven cases of forced labour registered between 2016 and 2019.

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The Committee takes note of the Government’s report and the supplementary information provided in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th Session (June 2020).

The Committee notes the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TİSK) communicated with the Government’s report.

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. 1. Law enforcement measures. The Committee previously noted the TISK’s 2014 observations, according to which Turkey was as destination and transit country for trafficked women, men and children. It noted that section 80 of the Penal Code prohibited trafficking in persons both for the purposes of sexual and labour exploitation. It noted that, in 2015, out of 514 suspects involved in adjudicated cases under section 80 of the Penal Code, 330 were acquitted and that in the first quarter of 2016, out of 148 suspects involved in adjudicated cases, 118 were acquitted. The Committee noted with concern the low number of convictions relating to trafficking in persons, despite the significant number of cases brought to justice. The Committee urged the Government to strengthen its efforts to ensure that all persons who engage in trafficking are subject to prosecution and that in practice, sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties of imprisonment are imposed.

The Government indicates in its report that Turkey is a transit and destination country for the crime of trafficking in persons, especially for the exploitation of women and children. The Government states that the General Command of the Gendarmerie has taken steps to combat trafficking in persons, including: (i) the issuance of detailed application orders for 81 Provincial Commands of the Gendarmerie explaining the changes in the fight against trafficking in persons; (ii) the continuation of the activities of the anti-trafficking groups established by the Command of the Gendarmerie in 33 provinces; (iii) the inclusion, in the curriculum of the Gendarmerie Coast Guard Academy, of training on combating trafficking in persons; and (iv) the launch of an eight-month project on increasing efficiency of anti-trafficking activities of the General Command of the Gendarmerie on 30 October 2018, which included training of staff on combating trafficking in persons. The Government adds in its supplementary information that training on combating trafficking in persons was also provided to 210 staff members of the General Directorate of Security between May 2019 and July 2020.

The Government further indicates that, under section 80 of the Penal Code, 26 cases of trafficking for prostitution were identified in 2017, 61 persons were arrested and 13 were imprisoned; in 2018, 16 cases of trafficking for prostitution were identified, 128 persons were arrested and 35 were imprisoned; and from January to May 2019, seven cases of trafficking for prostitution were identified, 60 persons were arrested and three were imprisoned. The Committee notes the Government’s information but observes that it has not provided any information regarding the penalties applied in these cases. The Committee further notes that the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings of the Council of Europe (GRETA) noted, in its report adopted on 10 July 2019 concerning the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings in Turkey, the Government’s information that in 2016, 72 cases of trafficking in persons were initiated, 42 persons were convicted, and 266 persons were acquitted; in 2017, 42 cases were initiated, 45 persons were convicted, and 96 persons were acquitted; and in 2018, 82 cases were initiated, 77 persons were convicted, and 305 persons were acquitted (paragraph 222). The Committee also notes the Government’s supplementary information according to which, between October 2019 and March 2020, 19 persons were convicted for trafficking in persons and 102 persons were acquitted. Of the 19 persons convicted, the Committee notes that one person was sentenced to a fine and 18 persons were sentenced to imprisonment and a fine.

The Committee also notes GRETA’s indication that, following the removal from office of some 4,500 judges and prosecutors after July 2016, newly appointed staff had not received sufficient training to efficiently investigate and adjudicate complex criminal cases, including trafficking in persons (paragraph 219). GRETA also indicated that there were practical difficulties in adjudicating trafficking in persons cases and distinguishing between trafficking in persons and certain other offences, such as prostitution (section 227 of the Penal Code) and violation of freedom of work and labour (section 117 of the Penal Code). Representatives of the judiciary indicated that cases initiated as trafficking in persons were sometimes requalified at the stage of court proceedings as other offences, usually prostitution, which are punishable by lesser penalties (paragraph 224). While acknowledging the measures taken by the Government to combat trafficking in persons, the Committee urges it to continue to take the necessary measures to ensure that thorough investigations and prosecutions are carried out against all persons engaged in trafficking in persons both for the purposes of sexual and labour exploitation, and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are applied in practice. In this regard, it requests the Government to continue to provide information on the practical application of section 80 of the Penal Code, including the number of prosecutions, convictions and the specific penalties imposed, as well as the facts that led to sentences of fines only. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts to provide training to law enforcement officers, including judges and prosecutors, to ensure that perpetrators of trafficking in persons are appropriately prosecuted and sanctioned under the offence of trafficking in persons, and to provide information in this regard.

2. Protection and assistance for victims. The Committee previously noted the enactment of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458) 2013, which systematized victim identification procedures. It also noted the adoption of the Regulation on Combating Human Trafficking and Protection of Victims in 2016, setting forth the procedures and principles for the prevention of trafficking in persons and the protection of victims, including the granting of residence permits for foreign victims. The Committee further took note of the Voluntary and Safe Return Programme for victims wishing to leave Turkey, as well as the Victim Support Programmes, which include the provision of shelter homes or safe houses, health services, psychosocial help and legal assistance. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the practical application of the new above-mentioned Law and Regulation with regard to the identification of victims and the provision of protection and assistance provided to them.

The Government indicates that, between July 2019 and March 2020, the most prevalent countries of origin of victims of trafficking in persons were Uzbekistan, Turkey and Moldova. The Government states that in 2017, 303 persons were identified as victims of trafficking by the Provincial Directorates of Migration Management, and 134 persons in 2018. It adds that in 2019, 215 persons were identified as victims of trafficking, and 79 in the first half of 2020, mainly women. The victims who stayed in Turkey benefited from the Victim Support Programmes (24 out of the 134 victims in 2018, 35 in 2019 and 42 in the first half of 2020), while some victims who preferred to leave the country benefited from the Voluntary and Safe Return Programme (101 victims in 2018, 153 in 2019 and 22 in the first half of 2020). The capacity of shelters for victims of trafficking has increased to 42 places. The opening of a third shelter is under consideration. Each victim admitted to a shelter has an individualized support programme, which has included, in recent years, services such as monthly financial aid, health services, psychological support, vocational training, and access to the labour market, legal assistance and leisure activities.

The Government further indicates that it has established a Department of legal support and victim rights within the General Directorate of Criminal Affairs (Ministry of Justice), which aims to inform all victims of crime, including victims of trafficking, of their rights and the assistance and support services available to them, as well as to support victims in the judicial process and to facilitate their access to justice. In addition, Forensic Support and Victim Services Directorates have been established in several courthouses to provide victims, including victims of trafficking in persons, with legal aid and support services, such as measures to prevent re-trafficking for victims of trafficking, accompanying victims of trafficking during court hearings, and referring victims to relevant institutions for psychological support, if necessary. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that a guidebook on approaching victims, with a specific headline on victims of trafficking and foreign victims, has been prepared for professionals who provide services to victims of crime, especially law enforcement, health professionals and judicial workers.

The Committee notes the statement in the communication of the TISK that in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, the urgent helpline 157 was established for potential victims of trafficking in persons, with operators providing services in Russian, Romanian, English and Turkish. The TISK further states that the Coordination Commission on combating human trafficking was established under the Regulation on combating human trafficking and protection of victims, and held its first meeting in 2017 to develop measures on inter-institutional cooperation, awareness activities, and training materials for personnel. The Committee further notes in this regard the Government’s supplementary information that the Coordination Commission on combating human trafficking aims at conducting studies, formulating policies and strategies, developing an action plan and ensuring cooperation to prevent and combat trafficking in persons. The Commission met in 2017, 2018 and 2019, resulting, inter alia, in: (i) the designation of provincial human trafficking liaison officers in 36 provinces; (ii) awareness-raising activities for the general public; and (iii) the training of more than 1,000 professionals from public institutions and non-governmental organizations on combating trafficking in persons in 2019.

The Committee takes notes of GRETA’s indication, in its 2019 report, according to which trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation prevails (paragraph 13). GRETA also indicated that the Directorate General of Migration Management, which has been coordinating national action against trafficking in persons since 2013, has a Department of protection of victims of human trafficking (paragraph 26). The Committee notes that GRETA pointed out the limited capacity of specialized shelters for victims of trafficking, as well as the fact that only a few victims remained in Turkey and took part in victim assistance programmes. GRETA was also concerned at the lack of specialized assistance for Turkish victims of trafficking and male victims of trafficking (paragraph 169). While welcoming the efforts of the Government, the Committee requests it to continue to take measures in order to improve the identification of and assistance for victims of trafficking in persons, and to provide information in this regard. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures that have been developed by the Coordination Commission on Combating Human Trafficking to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, as well as to indicate the activities of the Department of Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking of the Directorate General of Migration Management. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the number of victims of trafficking in persons identified and provided with protection and assistance, through the various programmes, directorates and departments mentioned above that support victims of trafficking in persons.

Article 2(2)(a). Compulsory military service. The Committee previously requested the Government to repeal section 10 of Act No. 1111 on military service, according to which conscripts in the surplus reserve might be assigned to work for public bodies and institutions.

The Committee notes the observations of the TISK according to which Act No. 7179 on military recruitment is a positive development with regard to bringing the national legislation in line with the Convention.

The Committee notes with satisfaction the entry into force of the Act No. 7179 on military recruitment on 26 June 2019, which replaces Act No. 1111 on military service and does not contain any provision regarding the fulfilment of military service obligations in public institutions and organizations.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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Article 2(2)(a) of the Convention. Compulsory military service. The Committee notes the Government’s information in its report submitted under the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) that, pursuant to section 10 of the Military Service No. 1111, as amended by Act No. 3358, in case the number of conscripts is higher than that required by the Office of the Chief of General Staff, the surplus conscripts are considered to have fulfilled their military service by making a payment or working in a public institution or organization, following their basic military training. The Government further indicates that, this provision has not been implemented since 1991, due to insufficient coverage ratio of the resources for the need of the armed forces.

The Committee reminds the Government that compulsory military service is excluded from the scope of the Convention, provided that it is used for work of a purely military character, and that the condition is aimed specifically at preventing the call-up of conscripts for public works and has its corollary in Article 1(b) of Convention No. 105, which prohibits the use of forced or compulsory labour as a mean of mobilizing and using labour for purpose of economic development (see General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 274). The Committee therefore requests the Government to take the necessary measures to repeal section 10 of the Military Service Act, No. 1111, regarding assigning conscripts in the surplus reserve to work for public bodies and institutions to bring national legislation in line with the Convention and indicated practice, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 2(2)(c). Work of prisoners for private entities. The Committee previously noted that section 20 of the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions of 2005 states that detainees may be asked to work, but shall not be obliged to do so. It noted that, pursuant to this Regulation and the Regulation on Administration of Penitentiaries and Execution of Sentences of 2006, prisoners’ conditions of work may be considered as approximating those of a free labour relationship. The Committee nonetheless observed that the legislation did not appear to require the free, informed and formal consent of prisoners to work for private enterprises. In response, the Government indicated that it was not possible to employ prisoners without their consent or without a request from the prisoner. The Government indicated that the Circular on Implementation of Work Centres No. 137/3 (published by the Supreme Council of Prison Workshops) determines the conditions of work of prisoners, both within and outside of prisons and that this Circular included a standard contract regulating a prisoner’s employment.

The Committee notes the Government’s information in its report that, prisoners who want to work need to submit a written application indicating their formal consent. Moreover, the Supreme Council of Prison Workshops ended the work of prisoners in the private workplaces outside the prison workshops by its Decision No. 2011/17 of 2014. The Government also indicates that, regarding the work of the prisoners within the framework of vocational training and rehabilitation run by private enterprises inside the prison workshops, the standard protocol annexed to the Circular No. 137/3 is signed by the private enterprises and prison workshops, and that concerned parties have no right to make changes in its provisions and this is supervised by the Department of Prison Workshops of the Ministry of Justice. The Committee recalls that in the absence of an employment contract and outside the scope of the labour law, it seems difficult or even impossible to exactly replicate the conditions of a free working relationship, particularly in the prison context (see General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 279). The Committee therefore requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that formal, freely given and informed consent is required for the work of prisoners within the framework of vocational training and rehabilitation run by private enterprises, with such consent being authenticated by conditions of work approximating those of a free labour relationship. It also requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 2(2)(d). Powers to call up labour in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution the term “forced labour” does not include services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which may be declared, under article 119 of the Constitution, in the event, among other things, of a “serious economic crisis”. It also noted that under the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983), the Council of Ministers may issue decrees to determine obligations and measures to be taken in the event of serious economic crises, which may concern, inter alia, labour issues. In this regard, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that Turkey has experienced economic crises in the past but that no state of emergency was called. The Government also indicated that the states of emergency referred to in article 119 of the Constitution relate to conditions obstructing life in the country and, even under these conditions, this does not allow for the exaction of forced labour, as article 18 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits forced labour.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, section 10(1) of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983) referring to “measures and obligations in relation to labour” does not imply compulsory labour. The Committee also notes that, according to section 8(1) of the State of Emergency Act, under the state of emergency declared due to a natural disaster or dangerous epidemic disease, all citizens between 18 and 60 years of age, who are resident within the region where the state of emergency is declared, are obliged to perform duties imposed on them. The Committee recalls that the exception of “emergency situations” shall apply in restricted circumstances where a calamity or threatened calamity endangers the existence or well-being of the whole or part of the population, as described in Article 2(2)(d) of the Convention. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify the implication of “measures and obligations in relation to labour” under section 10(1) of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983), and continue to provide information on the application of the State of Emergency Act and article 119 of the Constitution in practice.

Article 2(2)(e). Minor communal services. The Committee previously noted that sections 12 and 13 of the Village Affairs Act, No. 442, of 18 March 1924, provided for “mandatory works for villagers”, and that failure to perform this work shall be penalized. It noted that some of the work listed in section 13 as “mandatory for villagers” (including building and repairing roads leading from the village to the government centre or neighbouring villages, or building bridges over such roads, etc.) did not seem to meet the criteria of “minor services” or “communal services”, and that there was no provision for consultation regarding these works or services. In this regard, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the task of village administration had changed significantly since the enactment of the Village Affairs Act in 1924.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that, the Village Act No. 442 is outdated and many provisions are not functional. Moreover, the types of work listed in section 13 of the Village Act are now carried out by the Special Provincial Administrations which are the units of local administration as well as by the central administration. The Committee recalls that minor communal services may be excluded from the scope of the Convention only if the services are “minor services” and performed in the direct interest of the community, following consultation with the said community, by virtue of Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take the necessary measures to amend the Village Act 1924 to bring it into conformity with the Convention, and to provide information on the application of its section 13 in practice by the Special Provincial Administrations and the Central Administration.

Article 25. Penal sanctions for the exaction of forced or compulsory labour. The Committee previously requested information concerning the application in practice of section 117(2) of the Penal Code (prohibiting the employment of homeless, helpless or dependent persons without payment or for substandard wages or forcibly subjecting them to inhumane working and living conditions). In this regard, the Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that there were 26 cases opened pursuant to section 117(2) in 2011, and 141 such cases in 2012. The Government indicated that of the 34 verdicts passed down in 2011, there were zero convictions, and of the 45 such verdicts in 2012, there were eight convictions.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that there were 12 convictions out of 35 court decisions in 2015, nine convictions out of 32 court decisions in 2014 and six convictions out of 43 court decisions in 2013 pursuant to section 117(2). The Government also indicates that 19 offences were recorded in 2015, while 42 were recorded in 2014 and 55 were recorded in 2013. Noting the significant decrease in the number of offences recorded since 2012, as well as the increased rate of convictions, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of section 117(2) of the Penal Code, including information on the number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the specific penalties applied in this regard.

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The Committee notes the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TİSK) received on 8 August 2016.

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. 1. Law enforcement measures. The Committee previously noted the information from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) that most of the trafficking cases occurring in the country related to prostitution of women from Eastern Europe and forced labour of persons from Central Asia. The Committee also noted the indication of TİSK that progress had been achieved with regard to bring traffickers to court and reducing the acquittal rate. The Committee also noted the Government’s information regarding the application of section 227(3) of the Penal Code (prohibiting sending a person in or out of the country for the purpose of prostitution) that out of the 177 decisions handed down in 2011 and 2012, 23 persons were convicted. The Government also indicated that from the 166 cases concluded under section 80 of the Penal Code (on human trafficking) in 2011 and 2012, involving 912 suspects, 70 persons were sentenced to imprisonment. The Committee further noted that the UN Human Rights Committee expressed its concern that only a few cases of human trafficking had resulted in investigations, prosecution and sentences.

The Committee notes the statement in the communication of TİSK that the Government has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings in 2016. TİSK also indicates that Turkey has signed cooperation protocols in the field of combatting human trafficking with Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

The Committee notes the Government information in its report that under section 80 of the Penal Code, in 2013, out of 564 suspects involved in 126 adjudicated cases, 331 were acquitted; in 2014, out of 394 suspects involved in 91 adjudicated cases, 292 were acquitted; in 2015, out of 514 suspects involved in 119 adjudicated cases, 330 were acquitted; and in the first quarter of 2016, out of 148 suspects involved in 28 adjudicated cases, 118 were acquitted. The Committee further notes that, pursuant to section 227(3) of the Penal Code, in 2014, there were ten convictions out of 52 court decisions given; while in 2013, there were only three convictions out of 18 court decisions given. The Government also indicates that, the Turkish National Police (Directorate General of Security) and the General Command of Gendarmerie have both set up in their organizational structure a special department to “combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking”, and that this subject is included in the training programs of their recruits and personnel. The Committee further notes that the UN Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW) expresses its concern at the limited capacity and inter-institutional coordination of anti-trafficking efforts in its concluding observations of 31 May 2016 (CMW/C/TUR/CO/1, paragraph 83). The Committee notes with concern the low number of convictions regarding trafficking in persons, despite the significant number of cases brought to justice. The Committee accordingly urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to ensure that all persons who engage in trafficking are subject to prosecution and that in practice, sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties of imprisonment are imposed. The Committee further requests the Government to continue providing information on measures taken in this regard, including training and capacity building of law enforcement authorities, as well as on the results achieved. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on the number of prosecutions, convictions and specific penalties applied pursuant to sections 80 and 227(3) of the Penal Code.

2. Protection and assistance for victims. The Committee previously noted the information from the ITUC that law enforcement officials make insufficient use of trafficking victim identification procedures and that many such victims are detained and deported. The ITUC also indicated that the Government does not operate any victim shelters and does not provide adequate resources to non governmental centres that offer assistance and services. The Committee also noted the statement in the communication of TİSK that the Government had adopted a victims-focused approach to addressing trafficking by taking legislative and administrative measures to combat this crime. TİSK indicated that shelters for human trafficking victims were operating in Ankara and Istanbul, as well as a hostel for this purpose in Antalya. In this regard, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had provided funding to these shelters for the period of 2014–16. The Government also stated that victims of human trafficking were provided with humanitarian visas for a period of six months. The safe and voluntary return of victims was ensured through cooperation between the police, the International Organization for Migration, liaison agencies in countries of origin and non-governmental organizations.

The Committee notes the statement in the communication of TİSK that joint operations are held in the framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and countries that are source countries for human trafficking. TİSK also indicates that bilateral cooperation protocols have been signed by the Directorate General for Security in the Ministry of Interior with civil society organizations regarding the identification of victims and the follow-up process.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that, victim identification procedures are systematized anew with the enactment of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458) 2013. Moreover, the Regulation of Combatting Human Trafficking and Protection of Victims was adopted in 2016, setting forth the procedures and principles for the prevention of human trafficking and protection of victims regardless of their nationality. Accordingly, foreign victims are provided with residence permits for a duration of six months, extendable up to three years, and those who wish to leave Turkey are repatriated to their country of origin or to a safe third country under the “Voluntary and Safe Return Programme”. Victims are also provided supporting services through “Victim Support Programmes”, including the provision of shelter homes or safe houses, health services, psychosocial help and legal assistance, among others. The Committee also notes that, a committee on the coordination of combatting human trafficking and affiliated provincial committees are monitoring mechanisms under the Regulation 2016. The Committee further notes that, 102 victims were identified from 1 January to 14 July 2016, while 108 were identified in 2015. Additional, 87 victims were sheltered from 1 January to 14 July 2016, and 69 were sheltered in 2015, either in special shelter houses of the Directorate-General of Migration Management for human trafficking victims, or in shelters located in provinces run by the Ministry of Family and Social Policies. Noting the number of victims of trafficking identified in the country, and the various measures taken by the Government to protect them, the Committee welcomes the enactment of new laws in this regard, and requests the Government to provide information on their application in practice with regard to the identification of victims and the provision of protection and assistance to such victims, including the number of persons benefiting from related services.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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Article 2(2)(c). Work of prisoners for private entities. In previous comments, the Committee noted that section 20 of the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions of 2005 states that detainees may be asked to work, but shall not be obliged to do so. It noted that, pursuant to this Regulation and the Regulation on Administration of Penitentiaries and Execution of Sentences of 2006, prisoners’ conditions of work may be considered as approximating those of a free labour relationship. The Committee nonetheless observed that the legislation did not appear to require the free, informed and formal consent of prisoners to work for private enterprises. In response, the Government indicated that it was not possible to employ prisoners without their consent or without a request from the prisoner. The Government indicated that the Circular on Implementation of Work Centres No. 137/3 (published by the Supreme Council of Work Centres) determines the conditions of work of prisoners, both within and outside of prisons and that this Circular included a standard contract regulating a prisoner’s employment.

The Committee notes the copy of the Circular No. 137/3, submitted with the Government’s report, but observes that this Circular does not provide that a contract regulating a prisoner’s employment must be signed between the prisoner and the employer. Noting the Government’s previous indication that it is not possible to employ prisoners without their consent, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that a prisoner’s consent to work for private enterprises, either within or outside of prisons, is provided formally, and that such consent is informed, free from the menace of any penalty. In this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide examples of signed contracts concluded between prisoners and employers.

Article 2(2)(d). Powers to call up labour in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which may be declared, under article 119 of the Constitution, in the event, among other things, of a “serious economic crisis”. It also noted that under the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983), the Council of Ministers may issue decrees to determine obligations and measures to be taken in the event of serious economic crises, which may concern, inter alia, labour issues. In this regard, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that Turkey has experienced economic crises in the past but that no state of emergency was called. The states of emergency referred to in article 119 of the Constitution relate to conditions obstructing life in the country and, even under these conditions, this does not allow for the exaction of forced labour, as article 18 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits forced labour.

While noting the Government’s previous indications regarding the application of these provisions in practice, the Committee recalls that the notion of “serious economic crises” does not appear to satisfy the criteria for the exception of “emergency situations” in the strict sense of the term, described in Article 2(2)(d) (that is, to the events of war or of a calamity or threatened calamity). The Committee therefore hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures in order to limit the exaction of compulsory work or service in cases of emergency to the strict minimum allowed by the Convention, in line with the current practice. Pending the adoption of such measures, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983) and article 119 of the Constitution in practice.

Articles 2(2)(b) and (e). Minor communal services. The Committee previously noted that sections 12 and 13 of the Village Affairs Act, No. 442, of 18 March 1924, provided for “mandatory works for villagers”, and that failure to perform this work shall be penalized. It noted that some of the work listed in section 13 as “mandatory for villagers” (including building and repairing roads leading from the village to the government centre or neighbouring villages, or building bridges over such roads, etc.) did not seem to meet the criteria of “minor services” or “communal services”, and that there was no provision for consultation regarding these works or services. In this regard, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the task of village administration has changed significantly since the enactment of the Village Affairs Act in 1924 and that a new draft Village Affairs Bill had been developed, taking into consideration the views of concerned parties.

Noting an absence of information on this point in the Government’s report, the Committee recalls that minor communal services may be excluded from the scope of the Convention only if certain criteria are met: (i) the services must be “minor services”, i.e. relating primarily to maintenance work and, in exceptional cases, to the erection of certain buildings intended to improve the social conditions of the population of the community itself; (ii) the services must be performed in the direct interest of the community and not relate to the execution of works intended to benefit a wider group; and (iii) the members of the community itself, i.e. the community which has to perform the services, or their “direct” representative (e.g. the village council) must have the right to be consulted in regard to the need for such services (General Survey of 2012, paragraph 281). The Committee accordingly requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Village Affairs Bill only permits minor communal services performed in the direct interest of the community, following consultation with the said community, in conformity with Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide a copy of the Village Affairs Bill, once it has been adopted.

Article 25. Penal sanctions for the exaction of forced or compulsory labour. The Committee previously requested information concerning the application in practice of section 117(2) of the Penal Code (prohibiting the employment of homeless, helpless or dependent persons without payment or for substandard wages or forcibly subjecting them to inhumane working and living conditions). In this regard, the Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that there were 26 cases opened pursuant to section 117(2) in 2011, and 141 such cases in 2012. The Government indicates that of the 34 verdicts passed down in 2011, there were zero convictions, and of the 45 such verdicts in 2012, there were eight convictions. Noting the significant increase in the number of offences recorded in 2012, as well as the relatively low rate of convictions, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of section 117(2) of the Penal Code, including information on the number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions, as well as any difficulties encountered in applying this provision. It requests the Government to provide information on the specific penalties applied to those convicted.

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The Committee notes the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TİSK) received on 2 January 2014.

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. (a) Law enforcement measures. The Committee previously noted the information from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) that trafficking in persons occurs in the country, with most of the trafficking cases relating to prostitution of women from Eastern Europe and forced labour of persons from Central Asia.

The Committee notes the statement in the communication of the TİSK that Turkey is a destination and transit country for trafficked women, men and children. The TİSK indicates that the Government has devoted serious attention to trafficking in persons, and that noteworthy progress has been achieved with regard to bringing traffickers to court and reducing the acquittal rate in cases involving defendants charged with the offence.

The Committee also notes the information in the Government’s report regarding the application of section 227(3) of the Penal Code (prohibiting sending a person in or out of the country for the purpose of prostitution) that out of the 177 decisions handed down in 2011 and 2012, 23 persons were convicted. The Government also indicates that in 2011, there were 77 new cases brought under section 80 of the Penal Code (on human trafficking), involving 678 suspects, and 86 new cases brought in 2012, involving 560 suspects. From the 166 cases concluded in 2011 and 2012, involving 912 suspects, 70 persons were sentenced to imprisonment.

The Committee notes that the UN Human Rights Committee, in its concluding observations of 13 November 2012, expressed concern at the number of cases of trafficking in persons, and at the fact that only a few cases have resulted in investigations, prosecution and sentences (CCPR/C/TUR/CO/1, paragraph 15). Noting the significant number of cases brought to justice regarding trafficking in persons, the Committee encourages the Government to strengthen its efforts to ensure that all persons who engage in trafficking are subject to prosecution and that in practice, sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties of imprisonment are imposed. It requests the Government to provide information on measures taken in this regard, including training and capacity building of law enforcement authorities, as well as on the results achieved. Please also provide information on the number of prosecutions, convictions and specific penalties applied pursuant to sections 80 and 227(3) of the Penal Code.

(b) Protection and assistance for victims. The Committee previously noted the information from the ITUC that law enforcement officials make insufficient use of trafficking victim identification procedures and that many such victims are detained and deported. The ITUC also indicated that the Government does not operate any victim shelters and does not provide adequate resources to non-governmental centres that offer assistance and services. The Committee further noted the information from the UN country team in Turkey, in a 2010 report compiled by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights for the Universal Periodic Review, that access to justice for victims of trafficking in persons remained limited and that redress and compensation mechanisms are not yet supported by the provision of sustainable public funding (A/HRC/WG.6/8/TUR/2, paragraph 42).

The Committee notes the statement in the communication of TİSK that the Government has adopted a victims-focused approach to addressing trafficking by taking legislative and administrative measures to combat this crime. The TİSK indicates that shelters for human trafficking victims are now operating in Ankara and Istanbul, as well as a hostel for this purpose in Antalya. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided funding to these shelters for the period of 2014–16, and that it has constituted a sustainable funding mechanism for these shelters. The Government also states that victims of human trafficking are provided with humanitarian visas for a period of six months. The safe and voluntary return of victims is ensured through cooperation between the police, the International Organization for Migration, liaison agencies in countries of origin and non-governmental organizations. The Committee further notes the information in the Government’s report that the new cases brought regarding human trafficking in 2011 and 2012 involved 1,117 victims. Noting the number of victims of trafficking identified in the country, and the various measures taken by the Government to protect them, the Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts with regard to the identification of victims, and to provide protection and assistance (including medical, psychological and legal assistance) to such victims, as well as to provide information on the number of persons benefiting from these services.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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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 2(2)(b) of the Convention. Work exacted as normal civic obligations of citizens. The Committee refers to its comments made under Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention.

Article 2(2)(c). Work of prisoners for private employers. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that there appeared to be no provisions in the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Security Measures (No. 5275 of December 2004) or in the corresponding regulations under which the employment of prisoners at private sector worksites is subject to their formal written consent. However, the Committee noted that, pursuant to the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions in 2005 and the Regulation on Administration of Penitentiaries and Execution of Sentences in 2006, prisoners’ conditions of work may be considered as approximating those of a free labour relationship. Nonetheless, the Committee observed that, under the legislation in force, the free informed, formal consent of prisoners to work for private enterprises does not appear to be asked for, and requested the Government to indicate how this consent was guaranteed, free from the menace of any penalty, including the loss of rights or privileges.

The Committee notes the information from the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK) in its observations of 2011, that the conditions of work for prisoners approximates that of free labourers, particularly with regard to minimum wages, social security premium deductions and working hours.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is not possible to employ prisoners without their consent or, more particularly, without a request from the prisoner. Assessments carried out between 2009 and 2011 indicated that there were 1,000 prisoners in closed penitentiaries and 7,000 prisoners in open penitentiaries who were provided the opportunity to work in workshops and work centres. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that section 96 of the Regulation on Administration of Penitentiaries and Execution of Sentences of 2006 and section 20 of the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions of 2005 state that prisoners who are determined by the institution doctor to be mentally and physically fit and who are willing to work may be employed in workshops in return for such wages as shall be fixed according to the means of the institution. Moreover, the Committee notes that section 20 of the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions of 2005 further states that detainees may be asked to work, but shall not be obliged to do so. In this regard, the Government states that employment of the prisoners is rendered at the request of the prisoner. The Committee further notes the Government’s statement that Circular on Implementation of Work Centres No. 137/3 (published by the Supreme Council of Work Centres) determines the conditions of work of prisoners, both within and outside of prisons and that this Circular includes a standard contract regulating a prisoner’s employment. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the Circular on Implementation of Work Centres No. 137/3 with its next report, as well as examples of signed contracts between prisoners and employers, concluded pursuant to this Circular.

Article 2(2)(d). Powers to call up labour in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which may be declared, under article 119 of the Constitution, in the event, among other things, of a “serious economic crisis”. It also noted that under the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983), the Council of Ministers may issue decrees to determine obligations and measures to be taken in the event of serious economic crises, which may concern, inter alia, labour issues. The Committee therefore requested the Government to limit the above provisions to a strict minimum allowed by the Convention, so that recourse to compulsory labour under emergency situations did not develop into mobilization for purposes of economic development.

The Committee once again notes the Government’s indication that Turkey has experienced economic crises in the past but that no state of emergency was called. The Government indicates that the states of emergency referred to in article 119 of the Constitution relate to conditions obstructing life in the country and that, even under these conditions, this does not allow for the exaction of forced labour, as article 18 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits forced labour.

While noting the Government’s indication regarding the application of these provisions in practice, the Committee recalls that the notion of “serious economic crises” does not appear to satisfy the criteria for the exception of “emergency situations” in the strict sense of the term, described in Article 2(2)(d) (that is, to the events of war or of a calamity or threatened calamity). The Committee therefore hopes that the Government will take measures in order to limit the exaction of compulsory work or service in cases of emergency to the strict minimum allowed by the Convention, in line with the current practice. Pending the adoption of such measures, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983) and article 119 of the Constitution in practice.

Article 2(2)(e). Minor communal services. The Committee previously noted that sections 12 and 13 of Village Affairs Act No. 442, of 18 March 1924, provided for “mandatory works for villagers”, and that failure to perform this work shall be penalized. It noted that some of the work listed in section 13 as “mandatory for villagers” (including building and repairing roads leading from the village to the government centre or neighbouring villages, or building bridges over such roads, etc.) did not seem to meet the criteria of “minor services” or “communal services”, and that there was no provision for consultation regarding these works or services. However, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that sections 12 and 13 of the Village Affairs Act were no longer applied in practice and that an amendment of the Act was being considered. The Committee further noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include physical or intellectual work necessitated by the requirements of the country as a civic obligation. Noting the Government’s indication that civic obligations included community cooperation, the Committee requested information on the types of physical or intellectual work which may be exacted for the purpose of community cooperation.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the civic obligation of “community cooperation” are those obligations codified in sections 13, 14, 15 and 44 of the Village Affairs Act of 1924. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that the task of village administration has changed significantly since the enactment of the Village Affairs Act in 1924 and that a new draft Village Affairs Bill has been developed, taking into consideration the views of concerned parties.

In this regard, the Committee recalls that minor communal services may be excluded from the scope of the Convention only if certain criteria are met: (i) the services must be “minor services”, i.e. relating primarily to maintenance work and, in exceptional cases, to the erection of certain buildings intended to improve the social conditions of the population of the community itself; (ii) the services must be performed in the direct interest of the community and not relate to the execution of works intended to benefit a wider group; and (iii) the members of the community itself, i.e. the community which has to perform the services, or their “direct” representative (e.g. the village council) must have the right to be consulted in regard to the need for such services (General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 281). The Committee accordingly requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Village Affairs Bill only permits minor communal services performed in the direct interest of the community, following consultation with the community, in conformity with Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide a copy of the Village Affairs Bill, once it has been adopted.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes 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. 1. Law enforcement measures. The Committee previously requested information concerning the application in practice of sections 80 (prohibiting trafficking in persons for the purpose of both forced labour and prostitution), 117(2) (prohibiting the employment of homeless, helpless or dependent persons without payment or for substandard wages or forcibly subjecting them to inhumane working and living conditions), and 227(3) (prohibiting sending a person in or out of the country for the purpose of prostitution) of the Penal Code.

The Committee notes the information in a report from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) entitled “Internationally Recognized Core Labour Standards in Turkey: Report for the WTO General Council Review of the Trade Policies of Turkey” of 21 and 23 February 2012 that trafficking in persons occurs in the country, with most of the trafficking cases relating to prostitution of women from Eastern Europe and forced labour of persons from Central Asia. This ITUC report indicates that the authorities have prosecuted several hundred individuals for trafficking in recent years. However, this report states that while authorities have prosecuted police officers for collaborating with traffickers before, uncorroborated reports indicate that complicity in trafficking remains a problem.

The Committee notes the detailed information in the Government’s report concerning the application in practice of the Penal Code. Concerning section 227(3) of the Penal Code, the Government indicates that 37 persons were convicted of this offence, and 21 persons acquitted in 2009, while 65 persons were convicted and 32 persons were acquitted in 2010. Concerning the application of section 117(2), nine persons were convicted of this offence, and five persons acquitted in 2009, while three persons were convicted and ten persons were acquitted in 2010. With regard to the application of section 80 of the Penal Code, the Government indicates that there were 256 cases brought in 2009, involving 1,314 defendants, and 282 such cases brought in 2010, involving 1,827 defendants. The Committee also notes the information in the Government’s report submitted under the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), that 12 law enforcement officers suspected to be involved in cases of trafficking were identified in 2009, and eight in 2010. The Government further indicates that, through a project entitled “Supporting Turkey’s struggle against Human Trafficking and Trafficking Victims Access to Justice”, carried out in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2009, 135 officials attended courses on combating trafficking in persons. The Government further indicates that a seminar was held in 2011 on combating trafficking in persons, in cooperation with the UN High Commissioner of Refugees and the IOM, with the participation of more than 130 inspectors of the Board of Inspection. The Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts to prevent, suppress and combat trafficking in persons, and to continue to provide information on the measures taken. It also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of sections 80, 117(2) and 227(3) of the Penal Code, particularly the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and the specific penalties applied. Lastly, it requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that governmental officials complicit with human traffickers are prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive criminal penalties are imposed in practice.

2. Protection and assistance for victims of trafficking in persons. The Committee notes the statement in the abovementioned ITUC report that law enforcement officials make insufficient use of trafficking victim identification procedures and that many such victims are detained and deported. This report states that the Government does not operate any victim shelters and does not provide adequate resources to NGO centres that offer assistance and services.

The Committee also notes the statement by the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK), in its observations of 2011, that a Memorandum of the General Directorate for Social Assistance and Solidarity (in the Office of the Prime Minister) of 20 May 2009 makes provisions enabling victims of human trafficking to benefit from free health services. The TİSK indicates that in 2010, 37 victims of trafficking received assistance. The TİSK also indicates that the General Directorate for Social Assistance and Solidarity signed an agreement to provide funding to civil society organizations for shelters for victims of trafficking in persons in both Ankara and Istanbul. The TİSK further indicates that coordination between various institutions for the identification of victims of trafficking occurs within the framework of the National Referral Mechanism, and that a telephone hotline for victims of trafficking has been established. In addition, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, within a project entitled “Consolidating Capacity of Local Administration and Law Enforcement to Identify Victims of Human Trafficking” organized in collaboration with the IOM, 28 persons were trained. Through this project, a “human trafficking victim identification form” was prepared by the General Directorate of Security and 6,000 copies were distributed to provincial police commands, particularly in areas where trafficking occurs.

Lastly, the Committee notes the information from the UN country team in Turkey, in a report compiled by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights for the Universal Periodic Review of 19 February 2010, that access to justice for victims of trafficking in persons remained limited and that redress and compensation mechanisms are not yet supported by the provision of sustainable public funding (A/HRC/WG.6/8/TUR/2, paragraph 42). The Committee requests the Government to continue to take measures to strengthen mechanisms for the identification of victims of trafficking in persons. It also requests the Government to intensify its efforts to provide protection and assistance (including medical, psychological and legal assistance), to victims of trafficking, and to provide information on the number of persons benefiting from these services. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that victims are able to assert their rights.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the comments made by the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TÏSK) dated 8 November 2011, as well as the Government’s report.

Article 2(2)(b) of the Convention. Work exacted as normal civic obligations of citizens. The Committee refers to its comments made under Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention.

Article 2(2)(c). Work of prisoners for private employers. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that there appeared to be no provisions in the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Security Measures (No. 5275 of December 2004) or in the corresponding regulations under which the employment of prisoners at private sector worksites is subject to their formal written consent. However, the Committee noted that, pursuant to the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions in 2005 and the Regulation on Administration of Penitentiaries and Execution of Sentences in 2006, prisoners’ conditions of work may be considered as approximating those of a free labour relationship. Nonetheless, the Committee observed that, under the legislation in force, the free informed, formal consent of prisoners to work for private enterprises does not appear to be asked for, and requested the Government to indicate how this consent was guaranteed, free from the menace of any penalty, including the loss of rights or privileges.

The Committee notes the information from TÏSK that the conditions of work for prisoners approximates that of free labourers, particularly with regard to minimum wages, social security premium deductions and working hours.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is not possible to employ prisoners without their consent or, more particularly, without a request from the prisoner. Assessments carried out between 2009 and 2011 indicated that there were 1,000 prisoners in closed penitentiaries and 7,000 prisoners in open penitentiaries who were provided the opportunity to work in workshops and work centres. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that section 96 of the Regulation on Administration of Penitentiaries and Execution of Sentences of 2006 and section 20 of the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions of 2005 state that prisoners who are determined by the institution doctor to be mentally and physically fit and who are willing to work may be employed in workshops in return for such wages as shall be fixed according to the means of the institution. Moreover, the Committee notes that section 20 of the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions of 2005 further states that detainees may be asked to work, but shall not be obliged to do so. In this regard, the Government states that employment of the prisoners is rendered at the request of the prisoner. The Committee further notes the Government’s statement that Circular on Implementation of Work Centres No. 137/3 (published by the Supreme Council of Work Centres) determines the conditions of work of prisoners, both within and outside of prisons and that this Circular includes a standard contract regulating a prisoner’s employment. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the Circular on Implementation of Work Centres No. 137/3 with its next report, as well as examples of signed contracts between prisoners and employers, concluded pursuant to this Circular.

Article 2(2)(d). Powers to call up labour in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which may be declared, under article 119 of the Constitution, in the event, among other things, of a “serious economic crisis”. It also noted that under the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983), the Council of Ministers may issue decrees to determine obligations and measures to be taken in the event of serious economic crises, which may concern, inter alia, labour issues. The Committee therefore requested the Government to limit the above provisions to a strict minimum allowed by the Convention, so that recourse to compulsory labour under emergency situations did not develop into mobilization for purposes of economic development.

The Committee once again notes the Government’s indication that Turkey has experienced economic crises in the past but that no state of emergency was called. The Government indicates that the states of emergency referred to in article 119 of the Constitution relate to conditions obstructing life in the country and that, even under these conditions, this does not allow for the exaction of forced labour, as article 18 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits forced labour.

While noting the Government’s indication regarding the application of these provisions in practice, the Committee recalls that the notion of “serious economic crises” does not appear to satisfy the criteria for the exception of “emergency situations” in the strict sense of the term, described in Article 2(2)(d) (that is, to the events of war or of a calamity or threatened calamity). The Committee therefore hopes that the Government will take measures in order to limit the exaction of compulsory work or service in cases of emergency to the strict minimum allowed by the Convention, in line with the current practice. Pending the adoption of such measures, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983) and article 119 of the Constitution in practice.

Article 2(2)(e). Minor communal services. The Committee previously noted that sections 12 and 13 of Village Affairs Act No. 442, of 18 March 1924, provided for “mandatory works for villagers”, and that failure to perform this work shall be penalized. It noted that some of the work listed in section 13 as “mandatory for villagers” (including building and repairing roads leading from the village to the government centre or neighbouring villages, or building bridges over such roads, etc.) did not seem to meet the criteria of “minor services” or “communal services”, and that there was no provision for consultation regarding these works or services. However, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that sections 12 and 13 of the Village Affairs Act were no longer applied in practice and that an amendment of the Act was being considered. The Committee further noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include physical or intellectual work necessitated by the requirements of the country as a civic obligation. Noting the Government’s indication that civic obligations included community cooperation, the Committee requested information on the types of physical or intellectual work which may be exacted for the purpose of community cooperation.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the civic obligation of “community cooperation” are those obligations codified in sections 13, 14, 15 and 44 of the Village Affairs Act of 1924. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that the task of village administration has changed significantly since the enactment of the Village Affairs Act in 1924 and that a new draft Village Affairs Bill has been developed, taking into consideration the views of concerned parties.

In this regard, the Committee recalls that minor communal services may be excluded from the scope of the Convention only if certain criteria are met: (i) the services must be “minor services”, i.e. relating primarily to maintenance work and, in exceptional cases, to the erection of certain buildings intended to improve the social conditions of the population of the community itself; (ii) the services must be performed in the direct interest of the community and not relate to the execution of works intended to benefit a wider group; and (iii) the members of the community itself, i.e. the community which has to perform the services, or their “direct” representative (e.g. the village council) must have the right to be consulted in regard to the need for such services (General Survey of 2012 on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 281). The Committee accordingly requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Village Affairs Bill only permits minor communal services performed in the direct interest of the community, following consultation with the community, in conformity with Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide a copy of the Village Affairs Bill, once it has been adopted.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the comments made by the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TİSK) dated 8 November 2011, as well as the Government’s report.

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. 1. Law enforcement measures. The Committee previously requested information concerning the application in practice of sections 80 (prohibiting trafficking in persons for the purpose of both forced labour and prostitution), 117(2) (prohibiting the employment of homeless, helpless or dependent persons without payment or for substandard wages or forcibly subjecting them to inhumane working and living conditions), and 227(3) (prohibiting sending a person in or out of the country for the purpose of prostitution) of the Penal Code.

The Committee notes the information in a report from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) entitled “Internationally Recognized Core Labour Standards in Turkey: Report for the WTO General Council Review of the Trade Policies of Turkey” of 21 and 23 February 2012 that trafficking in persons occurs in the country, with most of the trafficking cases relating to prostitution of women from Eastern Europe and forced labour of persons from Central Asia. This ITUC report indicates that the authorities have prosecuted several hundred individuals for trafficking in recent years. However, this report states that while authorities have prosecuted police officers for collaborating with traffickers before, uncorroborated reports indicate that complicity in trafficking remains a problem.

The Committee notes the detailed information in the Government’s report concerning the application in practice of the Penal Code. Concerning section 227(3) of the Penal Code, the Government indicates that 37 persons were convicted of this offence, and 21 persons acquitted in 2009, while 65 persons were convicted and 32 persons were acquitted in 2010. Concerning the application of section 117(2), nine persons were convicted of this offence, and five persons acquitted in 2009, while three persons were convicted and ten persons were acquitted in 2010. With regard to the application of section 80 of the Penal Code, the Government indicates that there were 256 cases brought in 2009, involving 1,314 defendants, and 282 such cases brought in 2010, involving 1,827 defendants. The Committee also notes the information in the Government’s report submitted under the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) that 12 law enforcement officers suspected to be involved in cases of trafficking were identified in 2009, and eight in 2010. The Government further indicates that through a project entitled “Supporting Turkey’s struggle against Human Trafficking and Trafficking Victims Access to Justice”, carried out in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2009, 135 officials attended courses on combating trafficking in persons. The Government further indicates that a seminar was held in 2011 on combating trafficking in persons, in cooperation with the UN High Commissioner of Refugees and the IOM, with the participation of more than 130 inspectors of the Board of Inspection. The Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts to prevent, suppress and combat trafficking in persons, and to continue to provide information on the measures taken. It also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of sections 80, 117(2) and 227(3) of the Penal Code, particularly the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and the specific penalties applied. Lastly, it requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that governmental officials complicit with human traffickers are prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive criminal penalties are imposed in practice.

2. Protection and assistance for victims of trafficking in persons. The Committee notes the statement in the abovementioned ITUC report that law enforcement officials make insufficient use of trafficking victim identification procedures and that many such victims are detained and deported. This report states that the Government does not operate any victim shelters and does not provide adequate resources to NGO centres that offer assistance and services.

The Committee also notes the statement by the TİSK that a Memorandum of the General Directorate for Social Assistance and Solidarity (in the Office of the Prime Minister) of 20 May 2009 makes provisions enabling victims of human trafficking to benefit from free health services. The TİSK indicates that in 2010, 37 victims of trafficking received assistance. The TİSK also indicates that the General Directorate for Social Assistance and Solidarity signed an agreement to provide funding to civil society organizations for shelters for victims of trafficking in persons in both Ankara and Istanbul. The TİSK further indicates that coordination between various institutions for the identification of victims of trafficking occurs within the framework of the National Referral Mechanism, and that a telephone hotline for victims of trafficking has been established. In addition, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, within a project entitled “Consolidating Capacity of Local Administration and Law Enforcement to Identify Victims of Human Trafficking” organized in collaboration with the IOM, 28 persons were trained. Through this project, a “human trafficking victim identification form” was prepared by the General Directorate of Security and 6,000 copies were distributed to provincial police commands, particularly in areas where trafficking occurs.

Lastly, the Committee notes the information from the UN country team in Turkey, in a report compiled by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights for the Universal Periodic Review of 19 February 2010, that access to justice for victims of trafficking in persons remained limited and that redress and compensation mechanisms are not yet supported by the provision of sustainable public funding (A/HRC/WG.6/8/TUR/2, paragraph 42). The Committee requests the Government to continue to take measures to strengthen mechanisms for the identification of victims of trafficking in persons. It also requests the Government to intensify its efforts to provide protection and assistance (including medical, psychological and legal assistance), to victims of trafficking, and to provide information on the number of persons benefiting from these services. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that victims are able to assert their rights.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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Article 2(2)(a) of the Convention. Use of conscripts for non-military purposes. The Committee refers to its observation on this point made under Convention No. 105.

Article 2(2)(b). Work exacted as normal civic obligations of citizens. In its previous comments the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include physical or intellectual work necessitated by the requirements of the country as a civic obligation. It requested the Government to specify the types of “physical or intellectual work” which may be exacted “as a civic obligation”.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that, under article 18 of the Constitution, civic obligations include military service, obligation to pay taxes, community cooperation, census and duty to assist in public elections. The Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding the abovementioned “community cooperation”, specifying any types of physical or intellectual work which may be exacted for this purpose, including information on the selection of participants, duration of the services and consultation with the local community or its representatives regarding the need for such services. Please also provide information regarding the possibility of refusal by the persons concerned to perform such services, including information on any sanctions applied in case of refusal.

Article 2(2)(c). Work of prisoners for private employers. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that there appeared to be no provisions in the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Security Measures (No. 5275 of December 2004) or in the corresponding regulations under which the employment of prisoners at private sector worksites is subject to their formal written consent.

The Committee recalls, referring also to paragraphs 59–60 and 114–117 of its 2007 General Survey on the eradication of forced labour, that in cases where work is performed for private enterprises, the worker’s consent needs to be authenticated, so as to ensure that it is free and informed, and the most reliable indicator of the voluntariness of labour and of freely given consent in such circumstances is work that is performed under conditions which approximate a free labour relationship. This, in turn, entails consideration of such factors as the wage levels, social security benefits, and occupational safety and health provisions of the employed prisoners and of how closely such conditions resemble those enjoyed by workers in the free labour market.

Referring to its observation under the Convention, the Committee notes the adoption of the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions in 2005 and the Regulation on Administration of Penitentiaries and Execution of Sentences in 2006, which govern the employment of prisoners.

While noting that, under the above regulations, prisoners’ conditions of work may be considered as approximating those of a free labour relationship, the Committee observes that, under the legislation in force, the informed, formal consent of prisoners to work for private enterprises does not appear to be asked for. The Committee asks the Government to indicate, in its next report, how the free and informed consent of prisoners to work for private companies is guaranteed free from the menace of any penalty, including the loss of rights or privileges.

Sentences of community work. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments concerning the application of alternative sanctions of community work. It notes, in particular, the definition of “community service” given by the Constitutional Court, as well as the Government's detailed explanations in its report concerning the new Regulation for Probation and Help Services and Protection Boards, adopted in 2007, which provides for the methods and principles of application of the sentence of community work (sections 46–61).

Article 2(2)(d). Powers to call up labour in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which may be declared, under article 119 of the Constitution, in the event, among other things, of a “serious economic crisis”. It had also noted that under the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 1983), the Council of Ministers may issue decrees to determine obligations and measures to be taken in the event of serious economic crises, which may concern, inter alia, labour issues. The Committee has therefore requested the Government to limit the above provisions to a strict minimum allowed by the Convention, so that recourse to compulsory labour under emergency situations does not develop into mobilization for purposes of economic development.

The Committee notes the indication in the Government’s report that Turkey experienced economic crises in the past without, however, having any records of a state of emergency being declared as a consequence of it. It also notes the Government’s statement that no complaints regarding forced labour have been brought to the attention of the authorities either in periods of state of emergency or during economic crises.

The Committee further notes the Government’s information that the state of emergency referred to in the Constitution relates to exceptional conditions obstructing life in the country and that, even under these conditions, the reference to “all kinds of measures regarding working” does not allow for the exaction of forced labour, once article 18 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits forced labour. While noting these indications, the Committee recalls that the notion of “serious economic crises” does not seem to satisfy the criteria for the exception of “emergency situations” allowed under Article 2(2)(d) of the Convention and, therefore, requests the Government, once again, to take the necessary measures in order to limit the above provisions concerning the exaction of compulsory work or service in cases of emergency to a strict minimum allowed by the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the action taken to this end.

Article 2(2)(e). Minor communal services. The Committee previously noted that sections 12 and 13 of the Village Affairs Act No. 442, of 18 March 1924 provided for “mandatory works for villagers”. The Committee further noted the Government’s indication in its 2005 report that sections 12 and 13 of the Village Affairs Act were no longer applied in practice and that services such as building and repairing village roads were organized at the central or provincial government levels. It also noted the Government’s information that studies concerning the amendment of the Village Affairs Act were still being carried out and that the requirements of the Convention were to be taken into consideration in this reform process.

The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication in its 2007 report that the village services that did not qualify as “communal services” under the Village Affairs Act were, in fact, governed by the general management of village services (Law No. 3202 of 9 May 1985), which had been abolished by Law No. 5286 of 13 January 2005. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that some services continued to be provided during a transitional period. Noting that the Government’s report contains no new information on this issue, the Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, updated information concerning communal services during the mentioned transitional period. Please also provide information as regards the amendment of the Village Affairs Act.

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The Committee notes with satisfaction that the 1998 “Regulations on the administration of penitentiaries and work centres of detention centres and administration, accounting and bidding of work centres” and the 1967 “Regulations pertaining to the administration of penitentiaries and detention centres and to the execution of sentences”, under which prison labour was compulsory for both convicted and remand prisoners, were repealed, respectively, by the Regulation on the Administration and Bidding of Penitentiaries and Work Centres of Detention Institutions, adopted in December 2005 and the Regulation on Administration of Penitentiaries and Execution of Sentences, adopted in 2006.

The Committee had previously noted the adoption of section 114 of the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Security Measures (No. 5275 of December 2004), under which prisoners awaiting trial or detained without trial may not be compelled to work.

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. In its previous comments, the Committee noted a communication received from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) (now the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)), which pointed out the gravity and extent of the practice of trafficking in persons in Turkey. The Committee had also noted the information provided by the Government on measures adopted to combat this phenomenon. The Committee requested the Government to provide further information on measures taken to strengthen action against trafficking in persons, particularly with regard to prevention and protection measures, supplying information on intergovernmental cooperation, police training and other efforts to improve law enforcement, as well as on convictions and sentences imposed.

The Committee notes the comments on the application of the Convention by Turkey, made by the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TÏSK), which concerned, inter alia, the measures taken by the Government to combat trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications in its report concerning the amendments made to certain legislative acts, such as the Work Permit for Foreign Workers Act (No. 4817 of 2003), the Citizenship Law and the Highway Transportation Law, which introduced certain measures aiming at the prevention of trafficking as an organized crime.

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report concerning other measures it has taken, which include, inter alia, the following:

–      training and awareness-raising activities for law enforcement officers, organized in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM);

–      implementation, in collaboration with the European Union, of a project on “Strengthening the institutional capacity with a view to combating trafficking in human beings”, that resulted in an action plan determining the activities and targets for the beneficiary institutions and organizations in the short-, medium- and long-term perspective; and which is waiting to be signed for approval;

–      bilateral agreements to combat human trafficking in cooperation with source countries such as Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Kyrgyzstan;

–      bilateral “cooperation protocols” signed by the General Directorate of Security and national NGOs, aiming at improving the capacity to identify and provide assistance to potential sex trafficking victims, and establishing “victims’ shelter houses” in various municipalities;

–      the launching in 2009 of a project, within the framework of financial cooperation with the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), with a view to building the capacity of local NGOs at the provincial level to improve victims’ identification, and contributing to the implementation of a national action plan.

The Committee further notes the information provided by the Government in its report concerning the amendment of section 80 of the Turkish Penal Code in 2006 so as to include forced prostitution in the human trafficking definition. It also notes the information in the Government’s report on recent law enforcement efforts, including the references to judicial cases involving the arrest, prosecution and punishment of perpetrators. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide information on progress on the above measures, as well as information on any other measures taken or contemplated to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons. In particular, please continue to provide information concerning the application in practice of sections 80, 117(2) and 227(3) of the Penal Code, including information on convictions, and supplying sample copies of the relevant court decisions.

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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:

Article 2, paragraph 2(a), of the Convention. Use of conscripts for non-military purposes. The Committee refers to its observation on this point made under Convention No. 105.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). Work exacted as normal civic obligations of citizens. The Committee previously noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include physical or intellectual work necessitated by the requirements of the country as a civic obligation, and it sought clarification of this provision. In the absence of a reply on this point, the Committee requests the Government to indicate examples of specific types of “physical or intellectual work” which may be exacted “as a civic obligation” under article 18 of the Constitution.

Article 2, paragraph 2(c). Work of prisoners detained without conviction. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include work required of an individual while serving a court sentence or under detention. It also noted that, under section 198 of the 1967 Regulations pertaining to the administration of penitentiaries and detention centres and to the execution of sentences, as amended in 1987 (hereinafter referred to as the “APES Regulations”), prison labour shall be compulsory for convicts and remand prisoners. The Committee recalled that compulsory prison labour is excluded from the scope of the Convention only if such labour is imposed as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law.

The Committee notes the adoption of section 114 of the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Security Measures (No. 5275 of December 2004) (“ESSMA”), under which prisoners awaiting trial or detained without trial may not be compelled to work. The Committee notes, however, that section 198 of the APES regulations, referred to above, and section 20 of the 1998 Regulations on the administration of penitentiaries and work centres of detention centres and administration, accounting and bidding of work centres (hereinafter referred to as the “APWC Regulations”), under which prison labour is compulsory for both convicted and remand prisoners, conflict with section 114 of the ESSMA. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to amend these regulations in order to bring them into conformity with the Convention on this point.

Articles 2 (paragraph 1), and 2 (paragraph 2)(c). Work of prisoners for private employers. The Committee has previously noted that, pursuant to sections 198 and 200 of the APES Regulations, certain categories of prisoners (such as, for example, those incarcerated in low-security and medium-security prisons or convicts in maximum-security penitentiaries who have no more than two years to serve before being released, etc.) are employed outside prison institutions at worksites in both the public and private sectors. The Committee notes that this policy is also reflected in sections 6 and 7 of the 1983 Regulations pertaining to the employment of convicts detained in penal institutions at places of employment outside those prisons (hereinafter referred to as the “ECOP Regulations”), which are referred to in section 198 of the APES Regulations. The Committee further notes that sections 198 and 200 of the APES Regulations are also closely replicated in sections 20 and 21 of the APWC Regulations.

The Committee recalls that, under Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention, work or service exacted from any person as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law is excluded from the scope of the Convention if two conditions are met, namely: “... that the said work or service is carried out under the supervision and control of a public authority and that the said person is not hired to or placed at the disposal of private individuals, companies or associations”. The Committee refers to its 2007 General Survey on the eradication of forced labour, in which it has explained that both conditions are necessary and each must be observed independently of the other (paragraph 105). With regard to the second condition, the Committee has observed that the terms “hired to” and “placed at the disposal of” (a private employer) both imply that the prisoner has not given his or her agreement to the arrangement (paragraph 56). Prisoners whose private sector employment is governed by a triangular relationship, involving a contract concluded directly between the public authority and a private company, the subject of which is the prisoners’ labour, may be considered as being “hired out” to the private company, a situation that corresponds to what is referred to in Article 2(2)(c), as being incompatible with the Convention (paragraph 108). It is difficult to consider the situation of prisoners performing work for private companies under such circumstances as falling within the exclusion in Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention (paragraph 113).

The Committee notes that the APES, APWC and ECOP Regulations provide that convicted prisoners shall be employed by both public and private sector entities outside the prison, that such work shall be carried out on a group basis and not by individual prisoners, and that it shall be performed “in accordance with the provisions of a protocol drawn up on behalf of the institution, between the workshop representative or, where there is no workshop, the local public prosecutor and the employer and approved by the Ministry of Justice” (APES Regulations, section 200; APWC Regulations, section 21; ECOP Regulations, section 6). The Committee considers that under these conditions prisoners employed outside prison institutions by private sector employers are “hired to” private sector employers, and that therefore the prison regulations do not fall within the exclusion of Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention.

It remains to be considered whether the prisoners concerned offer themselves voluntarily to perform work in the private sector, without being subjected to pressure or the menace of any penalty, such that their work may be considered as falling outside the overall definition of forced labour under Article 2(1) of the Convention. The Committee, referring once again to its General Survey of 2007, has considered that in situations involving prisoners and their captive circumstances, it is necessary to obtain prisoners’ formal written consent in cases where work is performed for private enterprises (paragraph 115). That consent, however, needs to be authenticated, so as to ensure that it is free and informed, and the most reliable indicator of the voluntariness of labour and of freely given consent in such circumstances is work that is performed under conditions which approximate a free labour relationship (paragraph 116). This, in turn, entails consideration of such factors as the wage levels, social security benefits, and occupational safety and health provisions of the employed prisoners and of how closely such conditions resemble analogous conditions enjoyed by workers in the free labour market (paragraph 116).

The Committee notes that there appears to be no provision in the ESSMA or in the corresponding regulations under which the employment of prisoners at private sector worksites is subject to their formal written consent. With regard to the question of how closely the conditions of work of prisoners in the private sector approximate those of workers in a free labour relationship, which it considers to be the most reliable indicator of voluntariness and free consent, the Committee notes the following provisions:

–      the working conditions of prisoners employed outside prison institutions are governed by regulation (ESSMA, section 30(5));

–      convicted prisoners (with certain exceptions) may be employed outside prison institutions in the public and private sectors, in groups, and under the supervision and protection of members of the prison personnel; individual work shall not be allowed (APES Regulations, sections 199, 200);

–      prisoners may be employed in places of employment in both the public and private sectors “in compliance with the Labour Act” (APES Regulations, section 200; APWC Regulations, section 21);

–      work carried out outside the prison institution shall be carried out “in accordance with the provisions of a protocol drawn up on behalf of the institution, between the workshop representative or, where there is no workshop, the local public prosecutor and the employer and approved by the Ministry of Justice” (ECOP Regulations, section 6; APES Regulations, section 200; APWC Regulations, section 21);

–      the manner and conditions of employment of prisoners at places of employment outside the prison shall be defined in the protocol to be drawn up. The model protocol developed by the Ministry of Justice shall serve as the basis for drafting that protocol (ECOP Regulations, section 10);

–      the manner in which employed prisoners enjoy social rights and benefits shall be determined by protocol (ECOP Regulations, section 21);

–      safety at work must be ensured by the employer in accordance with the Labour Act, No. 1475 (ECOP Regulations, section 22);

–      the amount of the wages to be paid “shall be laid down in the protocol to be drawn up. However, the wages to be paid shall not be less than the minimum wage in effect on the date on which they perform the work” (ECOP Regulations, section 9);

–      working time shall be governed by the internal regulations of the prison institution, consistent with applicable provisions of the Labour Act, No. 1475 (APES Regulations, section 201; APWC Regulations, section 24);

–      prisoners may be required to work in excess of normal working hours prescribed by the Labour Act, where there is a need to increase productivity, to improve the quality of production, or to serve the general needs of the national economy (APWC Regulations, section 24).

The Committee asks that in its next report the Government supply detailed information to clarify the following matters:

–      indicate whether, as a matter of law, policy or practice, prison authorities seek the formal written consent of prisoners when they are employed in the private sector outside the prison institutions; and if so, to supply copies of the texts of relevant provisions, policy directives, or other information to substantiate such a practice;

–      specify the provisions of the Labour Act, as referred to in section 200 of the APES Regulations and section 21 of the APWC Regulations, which govern the conditions of employment of prisoners in the private sector outside prison institutions;

–      indicate whether and to what extent section 201 of the APES Regulations and section 24 of the APWC Regulations on working time apply to the private sector employment of prisoners outside the prison institutions; and

–      indicate the extent to which conditions of employment in the private sector that are determined by protocol (such as social rights and benefits), as referred to in section 6 of the ECOP Regulations, section 200 of the APES Regulations, and section 21 of the APWC Regulations, or by rules or regulations of the Ministry of Justice (for example, daily wages and overtime bonuses), approximate the conditions of employment of workers in the free labour market.

The Committee asks the Government in its next report to supply a copy of the model protocol drawn up by the Ministry of Justice and copies of actual protocols that have been drawn up on the basis of the model protocol to govern the outside employment of prisoners by employers in the private sector, as well as copies of any applicable internal rules or regulations of the Ministry of Justice.

In addition, the Committee asks the Government to supply information about any recent amendments to these regulations as they relate to the points raised above, and to supply copies of the texts of any such amendments. The Committee notes the Government’s reference in its 2007 report to Decree No. 2006/10218 on the administration of houses of detention and the execution of penal and security provisions, and its statement that certain provisions of this Decree, particularly sections 96–100, concern the labour of convicted persons and their salaries and social rights. The Committee defers its consideration of this point pending receipt of a translation of the relevant texts.

Sentences of community work

The Committee notes that section 50(f) of the Penal Code, No. 5237 of 2005, provides that for certain convicted offenders sentences of imprisonment may, with their consent, be substituted by sentences involving terms of work in the community having a public benefit, and further that, under section 105 of the ESSMA, the second half of short prison sentences for certain prisoners may, with their consent, be converted to community service work having a public benefit. The Committee notes that these provisions, as well as section 51 of the Penal Code, appear to provide that such alternative sentences of public interest work may include work placements carried out for, and under the supervision of, private enterprises or establishments engaged in a public service.

The Committee recalls paragraphs 126 to 128 of its 2007 General Survey on the eradication of forced labour, in which it considered that where community work may be performed for private institutions such as charitable bodies or other private entities, the Committee seeks assurances, first, that the person sentenced formally consents to doing such work, and second, that the work genuinely serves the public interest and is not carried out for economic gain or as a profit-making venture. Elements that are relevant to such a determination may include the circumstances in which the work is structured and monitored (paragraph 126), the practical arrangements for the work; judicial conditions under which the sentence is carried out; and the criteria adopted by the courts to allow associations to provide such work (paragraph 128). The Committee asks that in its next report the Government supply information clarifying whether sections 50(f) and 51 of the Penal Code and section 105 of the ESSMA, allow for work placements carried out for, and under the supervision of, private enterprises or establishments, and if so, information about the application of these provisions in practice, including information describing actual work assignments for private entities that have been made. Further, the Government is asked to provide information on these elements to substantiate that work for private entities assigned under these provisions are genuinely carried out for a public interest and not for private economic gain of the employer. In addition, the Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of an official list of names of authorized associations or institutions for work assignments under these provisions, noting the reference to such a list in section 105 of the ESSMA, and also to provide examples of the types of work performed by prisoners assigned, with their consent, to private enterprises engaged in public services.

Article 2, paragraph 2(d). Powers to call up labour in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which may be declared, under article 119 of the Constitution, in the event of natural disaster, dangerous epidemic diseases or a “serious economic crisis”. It also noted that, under section 10 of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 25 October 1983), the Council of Ministers may issue decrees to determine obligations and measures to be taken in the event of serious economic crisis, which may concern, inter alia, labour issues. The Committee recalled that the concept of emergency – as indicated by the enumeration of examples in Article 2(2)(d) of the Convention – involves a sudden, unforeseen happening calling for instant countermeasures, and it considered the notion of a “serious economic crisis”, referred to in the above provisions, does not seem to satisfy these criteria.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its 2005 report that the Turkish Constitution was amended in 2005 by section 7 of Law No. 5170, which provides that conflicts in the law on a given issue should be resolved in favour of provisions of international treaties which are to take precedence over inconsistent national laws. While noting this indication, the Committee reiterates its hope that the necessary measures will be taken in order to limit the above provisions concerning the exaction of compulsory work or service in cases of emergency to a strict minimum allowed by the Convention, so that recourse to compulsory call-up of labour under emergency powers does not develop into mobilization of labour for purposes of economic development, and that the legislation will be brought into conformity with the Convention and the indicated practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the action taken to this end.

Article 2, paragraph 2(e). Minor communal services. The Committee previously noted the provisions of the Village Affairs Act No. 442, of 18 March 1924, according to which village affairs are divided into two categories: matters of a mandatory nature and matters subject to the request of the villagers; failure to perform mandatory action shall be penalized (section 12). The Committee recalled, referring to paragraph 37 of its General Survey of 1979 on the abolition of forced labour, that the exception of “minor communal services” allowed under Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention must satisfy certain criteria which determine the limits of this exception and serve to distinguish it from other forms of compulsory services which must be abolished (such as forced labour for general or local public works). The Committee observed that certain kinds of work listed under section 13 of the abovementioned Act as “mandatory for villagers” (such as, for example, building and repairing roads leading from the village to the government centre or neighbouring villages, or building bridges over such roads, etc.) do not seem to meet the criteria of “minor services” or “communal services”. Moreover, there is no provision for consultation in regard to the need of works or services exacted under section 13.

The Committee noted the Government’s indications in the report that studies were still being carried out in order to bring the national legislation into conformity with the ILO Conventions and that, in line with the provisions of the Emergency Action Plan launched by the Government in January 2003, the necessary work was under way primarily in the field of democratization and law reform and in the domain of fundamental rights and liberties.

The Committee notes that in its 2005 report the Government indicated that sections 12 and 13 of the Village Affairs Act are no longer applied in practice, and that services such as building and repairing village roads are now organized at the central or provincial government levels. The Government indicated once again that studies concerning amendment of the Village Affairs Act were still being carried out and that the requirements of the Convention were to be taken into consideration in this reform process. The Committee reiterates its hope that the necessary measures will be taken with a view to amending the above provisions of the Village Affairs Act in order to bring it into conformity with the Convention and the indicated practice, and that the Government will soon be able to report on the action taken to this end. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its 2007 report that village services that do not qualify as “minor services” or “communal services” under the Village Affairs Act are, in fact, not governed by that Act but fall instead under the jurisdiction of the General Management of village services by virtue of Law No. 3202 of 9 May 1985; and that the General Management of village services was itself abolished by Law No. 5286 on 13 January 2005 but has continued to provide services during a transitional period. The Government has supplied a table of specific services and activities carried out under the General Management during the year 2006. The Committee defers its examination of this point pending the receipt of translations of the relevant texts.

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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 (paragraph 1), 2 (paragraph 1), and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The Committee previously noted a communication received in December 2003 from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) (now the International Trade Union Confederation). In that communication, the ICFTU focused its concern on the trafficking of women and children. It observed that:

–      Turkey is both a transit and a destination country for trafficked persons;

–      most women and girls whose destination is Turkey come from the Russian Federation, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan;

–      Turkey provides transit mainly for women from Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East and former Yugoslavia to other countries in Europe; and

–      most victims of trafficking find themselves forced into prostitution and some into debt bondage.

The Committee notes, under the new Penal Code (Act No. 5237 of 2004), that:

–      trafficking in persons for the purpose of subjecting them to forced labour or to slave-like conditions is punishable with a sentence of imprisonment of eight to 12 years (section 80);

–      the employment of homeless, helpless or dependent persons without payment or for substandard wages or forcibly subjecting them to inhumane working and living conditions is punishable by a term of imprisonment of six months to three years (section 117(2)); and

–      trafficking for the purpose of prostitution is punishable by a term of two to four years’ imprisonment (section 227(3)).

The Committee asks the Government in its next report to supply information concerning the application and enforcement of sections 80, 117(2), and 227(3) of the Penal Code, including statistical data and other information about investigations and prosecutions, as well as convictions and sentencing outcomes in cases of convictions.

The Committee notes the reference by the Government to other measures it has taken, including among other things:

–      training and awareness-raising seminars for law enforcement officers, organized in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM);

–      implementation, within the framework of financial cooperation between Turkey and the European Union and under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security, a “Project for enhancement of the institutional capacity with a view to combating trafficking in human beings”;

–      the conclusion on 24 September 2004 of a bilateral “Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the struggle against human trafficking and illegal migration” with the Republic of Belarus as a source country; and

–      the launching of a national emergency hotline and call service for use by victims of trafficking, as well as initiatives to establish women’s trafficking shelters in Ankara and other cities.

The Committee asks the Government to supply information in its next report on the progress of these measures and information on any more recent measures taken or contemplated to combat trafficking in persons for purposes of sexual exploitation or other forms of forced labour, including updated information on police training and other efforts to improve law enforcement capacity in relation to trafficking; as well as on efforts to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation on trafficking cases, particularly with source countries.

The Committee notes the indication of the Government that application of the regulations implementing the Work Permit for Foreign Workers Act (No. 4817 of 2003), particularly sections 7, 12, and 22 of the Act, has entailed the imposition of new obligations that are aimed at combating trafficking in persons. The Government indicated that copies of these provisions were attached to the report in an “Annex 2”; however, the annex does not appear to have been included, and the Committee asks the Government to supply a copy with its next report.

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

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1. The Committee has noted the Government’s reply to its earlier comments, as well as observations made by the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DISK) and by the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TISK) annexed to the Government’s report. The Committee notes, in particular, the Government’s explanation concerning the right of career military service personnel to leave their service.

2. Article 2(2)(a) of the Convention. Use of conscripts for non-military purposes. The Committee has noted the Government’s reply to its earlier comments in its 2005 reports on the application of Convention No. 29 and Convention No. 105 and refers to its observation on this point made under Convention No. 105.

3. Article 2(2)(b). Work exacted as normal civic obligations of citizens. The Committee previously noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include physical or intellectual work necessitated by the requirements of the country as a civic obligation, and it sought clarification of this provision. In the absence of a reply on this point, the Committee requests the Government to indicate examples of specific types of “physical or intellectual work” which may be exacted “as a civic obligation” under article 18 of the Constitution.

4. Article 2(2)(c). Work of prisoners detained without conviction. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include work required of an individual while serving a court sentence or under detention. It also noted that, under section 198 of the 1967 Regulations pertaining to the administration of penitentiaries and detention centres and to the execution of sentences, as amended in 1987 (hereinafter referred to as the “APES Regulations”), prison labour shall be compulsory for convicts and remand prisoners. The Committee recalled that compulsory prison labour is excluded from the scope of the Convention only if such labour is imposed as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law.

5. The Committee notes the adoption of section 114 of the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Security Measures (No. 5275 of December 2004) (“ESSMA”), under which prisoners awaiting trial or detained without trial may not be compelled to work. The Committee notes, however, that section 198 of the APES regulations, referred to above, and section 20 of the 1998 Regulations on the administration of penitentiaries and work centres of detention centres and administration, accounting and bidding of work centres (hereinafter referred to as the “APWC Regulations”), under which prison labour is compulsory for both convicted and remand prisoners, conflict with section 114 of the ESSMA. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to amend these regulations in order to bring them into conformity with the Convention on this point.

6. Articles 2(1) and 2(2)(c). Work of prisoners for private employers. The Committee has previously noted that, pursuant to sections 198 and 200 of the APES Regulations, certain categories of prisoners (such as, for example, those incarcerated in low-security and medium-security prisons or convicts in maximum-security penitentiaries who have no more than two years to serve before being released, etc.) are employed outside prison institutions at worksites in both the public and private sectors. The Committee notes that this policy is also reflected in sections 6 and 7 of the 1983 Regulations pertaining to the employment of convicts detained in penal institutions at places of employment outside those prisons (hereinafter referred to as the “ECOP Regulations”), which are referred to in section 198 of the APES Regulations. The Committee further notes that sections 198 and 200 of the APES Regulations are also closely replicated in sections 20 and 21 of the APWC Regulations.

7. The Committee recalls that, under Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention, work or service exacted from any person as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law is excluded from the scope of the Convention if two conditions are met, namely: “... that the said work or service is carried out under the supervision and control of a public authority and that the said person is not hired to or placed at the disposal of private individuals, companies or associations”. The Committee refers to its 2007 General Survey on the eradication of forced labour, in which it has explained that both conditions are necessary and each must be observed independently of the other (paragraph 105). With regard to the second condition, the Committee has observed that the terms “hired to” and “placed at the disposal of” (a private employer) both imply that the prisoner has not given his or her agreement to the arrangement (paragraph 56). Prisoners whose private sector employment is governed by a triangular relationship, involving a contract concluded directly between the public authority and a private company, the subject of which is the prisoners’ labour, may be considered as being “hired out” to the private company, a situation that corresponds to what is referred to in Article 2(2)(c), as being incompatible with the Convention (paragraph 108). It is difficult to consider the situation of prisoners performing work for private companies under such circumstances as falling within the exclusion in Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention (paragraph 113).

8. The Committee notes that the APES, APWC and ECOP Regulations provide that convicted prisoners shall be employed by both public and private sector entities outside the prison, that such work shall be carried out on a group basis and not by individual prisoners, and that it shall be performed “in accordance with the provisions of a protocol drawn up on behalf of the institution, between the workshop representative or, where there is no workshop, the local public prosecutor and the employer and approved by the Ministry of Justice” (APES Regulations, section 200; APWC Regulations, section 21; ECOP Regulations, section 6). The Committee considers that under these conditions prisoners employed outside prison institutions by private sector employers are “hired to” private sector employers, and that therefore the prison regulations do not fall within the exclusion of Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention.

9. It remains to be considered whether the prisoners concerned offer themselves voluntarily to perform work in the private sector, without being subjected to pressure or the menace of any penalty, such that their work may be considered as falling outside the overall definition of forced labour under Article 2(1) of the Convention. The Committee, referring once again to its General Survey of 2007, has considered that in situations involving prisoners and their captive circumstances, it is necessary to obtain prisoners’ formal written consent in cases where work is performed for private enterprises (paragraph 115). That consent, however, needs to be authenticated, so as to ensure that it is free and informed, and the most reliable indicator of the voluntariness of labour and of freely given consent in such circumstances is work that is performed under conditions which approximate a free labour relationship (paragraph 116). This, in turn, entails consideration of such factors as the wage levels, social security benefits, and occupational safety and health provisions of the employed prisoners and of how closely such conditions resemble analogous conditions enjoyed by workers in the free labour market (paragraph 116).

10. The Committee notes that there appears to be no provision in the ESSMA or in the corresponding regulations under which the employment of prisoners at private sector worksites is subject to their formal written consent. With regard to the question of how closely the conditions of work of prisoners in the private sector approximate those of workers in a free labour relationship, which it considers to be the most reliable indicator of voluntariness and free consent, the Committee notes the following provisions:

–           the working conditions of prisoners employed outside prison institutions are governed by regulation (ESSMA, section 30(5));

–      convicted prisoners (with certain exceptions) may be employed outside prison institutions in the public and private sectors, in groups, and under the supervision and protection of members of the prison personnel; individual work shall not be allowed (APES Regulations, sections 199, 200);

–      prisoners may be employed in places of employment in both the public and private sectors “in compliance with the Labour Act” (APES Regulations, section 200; APWC Regulations, section 21);

–      work carried out outside the prison institution shall be carried out “in accordance with the provisions of a protocol drawn up on behalf of the institution, between the workshop representative or, where there is no workshop, the local public prosecutor and the employer and approved by the Ministry of Justice” (ECOP Regulations, section 6; APES Regulations, section 200; APWC Regulations, section 21);

–      the manner and conditions of employment of prisoners at places of employment outside the prison shall be defined in the protocol to be drawn up. The model protocol developed by the Ministry of Justice shall serve as the basis for drafting that protocol (ECOP Regulations, section 10);

–      the manner in which employed prisoners enjoy social rights and benefits shall be determined by protocol (ECOP Regulations, section 21);

–      safety at work must be ensured by the employer in accordance with the Labour Act, No. 1475 (ECOP Regulations, section 22);

–      the amount of the wages to be paid “shall be laid down in the protocol to be drawn up. However, the wages to be paid shall not be less than the minimum wage in effect on the date on which they perform the work” (ECOP Regulations, section 9);

–      working time shall be governed by the internal regulations of the prison institution, consistent with applicable provisions of the Labour Act, No. 1475 (APES Regulations, section 201; APWC Regulations, section 24);

–      prisoners may be required to work in excess of normal working hours prescribed by the Labour Act, where there is a need to increase productivity, to improve the quality of production, or to serve the general needs of the national economy (APWC Regulations, section 24).

11. The Committee asks that in its next report the Government supply detailed information to clarify the following matters:

–      indicate whether, as a matter of law, policy or practice, prison authorities seek the formal written consent of prisoners when they are employed in the private sector outside the prison institutions; and if so, to supply copies of the texts of relevant provisions, policy directives, or other information to substantiate such a practice;

–      specify the provisions of the Labour Act, as referred to in section 200 of the APES Regulations and section 21 of the APWC Regulations, which govern the conditions of employment of prisoners in the private sector outside prison institutions;

–      indicate whether and to what extent section 201 of the APES Regulations and section 24 of the APWC Regulations on working time apply to the private sector employment of prisoners outside the prison institutions; and

–      indicate the extent to which conditions of employment in the private sector that are determined by protocol (such as social rights and benefits), as referred to in section 6 of the ECOP Regulations, section 200 of the APES Regulations, and section 21 of the APWC Regulations, or by rules or regulations of the Ministry of Justice (for example, daily wages and overtime bonuses), approximate the conditions of employment of workers in the free labour market.

The Committee asks the Government in its next report to supply a copy of the model protocol drawn up by the Ministry of Justice and copies of actual protocols that have been drawn up on the basis of the model protocol to govern the outside employment of prisoners by employers in the private sector, as well as copies of any applicable internal rules or regulations of the Ministry of Justice.

In addition, the Committee asks the Government to supply information about any recent amendments to these regulations as they relate to the points raised above, and to supply copies of the texts of any such amendments. The Committee notes the Government’s reference in its 2007 report to Decree No. 2006/10218 on the administration of houses of detention and the execution of penal and security provisions, and its statement that certain provisions of this Decree, particularly sections 96–100, concern the labour of convicted persons and their salaries and social rights. The Committee defers its consideration of this point pending receipt of a translation of the relevant texts.

Sentences of community work

12. The Committee notes that section 50(f) of the Penal Code, No. 5237 of 2005, provides that for certain convicted offenders sentences of imprisonment may, with their consent, be substituted by sentences involving terms of work in the community having a public benefit, and further that, under section 105 of the ESSMA, the second half of short prison sentences for certain prisoners may, with their consent, be converted to community service work having a public benefit. The Committee notes that these provisions, as well as section 51 of the Penal Code, appear to provide that such alternative sentences of public interest work may include work placements carried out for, and under the supervision of, private enterprises or establishments engaged in a public service.

13. The Committee recalls paragraphs 126 to 128 of its 2007 General Survey on the eradication of forced labour, in which it considered that where community work may be performed for private institutions such as charitable bodies or other private entities, the Committee seeks assurances, first, that the person sentenced formally consents to doing such work, and second, that the work genuinely serves the public interest and is not carried out for economic gain or as a profit-making venture. Elements that are relevant to such a determination may include the circumstances in which the work is structured and monitored (paragraph 126), the practical arrangements for the work; judicial conditions under which the sentence is carried out; and the criteria adopted by the courts to allow associations to provide such work (paragraph 128). The Committee asks that in its next report the Government supply information clarifying whether sections 50(f) and 51 of the Penal Code and section 105 of the ESSMA, allow for work placements carried out for, and under the supervision of, private enterprises or establishments, and if so, information about the application of these provisions in practice, including information describing actual work assignments for private entities that have been made. Further, the Government is asked to provide information on these elements to substantiate that work for private entities assigned under these provisions are genuinely carried out for a public interest and not for private economic gain of the employer. In addition, the Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of an official list of names of authorized associations or institutions for work assignments under these provisions, noting the reference to such a list in section 105 of the ESSMA, and also to provide examples of the types of work performed by prisoners assigned, with their consent, to private enterprises engaged in public services.

14. Article 2(2)(d). Powers to call up labour in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term “forced labour” does not include services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which may be declared, under article 119 of the Constitution, in the event of natural disaster, dangerous epidemic diseases or a “serious economic crisis”. It also noted that, under section 10 of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935 of 25 October 1983), the Council of Ministers may issue decrees to determine obligations and measures to be taken in the event of serious economic crisis, which may concern, inter alia, labour issues. The Committee recalled that the concept of emergency – as indicated by the enumeration of examples in Article 2(2)(d) of the Convention – involves a sudden, unforeseen happening calling for instant countermeasures, and it considered the notion of a “serious economic crisis”, referred to in the above provisions, does not seem to satisfy these criteria.

15. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its 2005 report that the Turkish Constitution was amended in 2005 by section 7 of Law No. 5170, which provides that conflicts in the law on a given issue should be resolved in favour of provisions of international treaties which are to take precedence over inconsistent national laws. While noting this indication, the Committee reiterates its hope that the necessary measures will be taken in order to limit the above provisions concerning the exaction of compulsory work or service in cases of emergency to a strict minimum allowed by the Convention, so that recourse to compulsory call-up of labour under emergency powers does not develop into mobilization of labour for purposes of economic development, and that the legislation will be brought into conformity with the Convention and the indicated practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the action taken to this end.

16. Article 2(2)(e). Minor communal services. The Committee previously noted the provisions of the Village Affairs Act No. 442, of 18 March 1924, according to which village affairs are divided into two categories: matters of a mandatory nature and matters subject to the request of the villagers; failure to perform mandatory action shall be penalized (section 12). The Committee recalled, referring to paragraph 37 of its General Survey of 1979 on the abolition of forced labour, that the exception of “minor communal services” allowed under Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention must satisfy certain criteria which determine the limits of this exception and serve to distinguish it from other forms of compulsory services which must be abolished (such as forced labour for general or local public works). The Committee observed that certain kinds of work listed under section 13 of the abovementioned Act as “mandatory for villagers” (such as, for example, building and repairing roads leading from the village to the government centre or neighbouring villages, or building bridges over such roads, etc.) do not seem to meet the criteria of “minor services” or “communal services”. Moreover, there is no provision for consultation in regard to the need of works or services exacted under section 13.

17. The Committee noted the Government’s indications in the report that studies were still being carried out in order to bring the national legislation into conformity with the ILO Conventions and that, in line with the provisions of the Emergency Action Plan launched by the Government in January 2003, the necessary work was under way primarily in the field of democratization and law reform and in the domain of fundamental rights and liberties.

18. The Committee notes that in its 2005 report the Government indicated that sections 12 and 13 of the Village Affairs Act are no longer applied in practice, and that services such as building and repairing village roads are now organized at the central or provincial government levels. The Government indicated once again that studies concerning amendment of the Village Affairs Act were still being carried out and that the requirements of the Convention were to be taken into consideration in this reform process. The Committee reiterates its hope that the necessary measures will be taken with a view to amending the above provisions of the Village Affairs Act in order to bring it into conformity with the Convention and the indicated practice, and that the Government will soon be able to report on the action taken to this end. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its 2007 report that village services that do not qualify as “minor services” or “communal services” under the Village Affairs Act are, in fact, not governed by that Act but fall instead under the jurisdiction of the General Management of village services by virtue of Law No. 3202 of 9 May 1985; and that the General Management of village services was itself abolished by Law No. 5286 on 13 January 2005 but has continued to provide services during a transitional period. The Government has supplied a table of specific services and activities carried out under the General Management during the year 2006. The Committee defers its examination of this point pending the receipt of translations of the relevant texts.

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Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The Committee previously noted a communication received in December 2003 from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) (now the International Trade Union Confederation). In that communication, the ICFTU focused its concern on the trafficking of women and children. It observed that:

–           Turkey is both a transit and a destination country for trafficked persons;

–           most women and girls whose destination is Turkey come from the Russian Federation, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan;

–           Turkey provides transit mainly for women from Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East and former Yugoslavia to other countries in Europe; and

–           most victims of trafficking find themselves forced into prostitution and some into debt bondage.

The Committee notes, under the new Penal Code (Act No. 5237 of 2004), that:

–           trafficking in persons for the purpose of subjecting them to forced labour or to slave-like conditions is punishable with a sentence of imprisonment of eight to 12 years (section 80);

–           the employment of homeless, helpless or dependent persons without payment or for substandard wages or forcibly subjecting them to inhumane working and living conditions is punishable by a term of imprisonment of six months to three years (section 117(2)); and

–           trafficking for the purpose of prostitution is punishable by a term of two to four years’ imprisonment (section 227(3)).

The Committee asks the Government in its next report to supply information concerning the application and enforcement of sections 80, 117(2), and 227(3) of the Penal Code, including statistical data and other information about investigations and prosecutions, as well as convictions and sentencing outcomes in cases of convictions.

The Committee notes the reference by the Government to other measures it has taken, including among other things:

–           training and awareness-raising seminars for law enforcement officers, organized in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM);

–           implementation, within the framework of financial cooperation between Turkey and the European Union and under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security, a “Project for enhancement of the institutional capacity with a view to combating trafficking in human beings”;

–           the conclusion on 24 September 2004 of a bilateral “Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the struggle against human trafficking and illegal migration” with the Republic of Belarus as a source country; and

–           the launching of a national emergency hotline and call service for use by victims of trafficking, as well as initiatives to establish women’s trafficking shelters in Ankara and other cities.

The Committee asks the Government to supply information in its next report on the progress of these measures and information on any more recent measures taken or contemplated to combat trafficking in persons for purposes of sexual exploitation or other forms of forced labour, including updated information on police training and other efforts to improve law enforcement capacity in relation to trafficking; as well as on efforts to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation on trafficking cases, particularly with source countries.

The Committee notes the indication of the Government that application of the regulations implementing the Work Permit for Foreign Workers Act (No. 4817 of 2003), particularly sections 7, 12, and 22 of the Act, has entailed the imposition of new obligations that are aimed at combating trafficking in persons. The Government indicated that copies of these provisions were attached to the report in an “Annex 2”; however, the annex does not appear to have been included, and the Committee asks the Government to supply a copy with its next report.

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The Committee has noted the Government’s reply to its previous direct request, as well as comments made by the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TISK) annexed to the Government’s report.

Article 1(1) and Article 2(1) and (2)(a) of the Convention. 1. Use of conscripts for non-military purposes. In its previous direct request, the Committee referred to its comments made under the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), also ratified by Turkey, where it noted certain provisions under which conscripts in excess of the needs of the military can be obliged to work in public undertakings in lieu of military service, without their consent and under military discipline. The Committee has noted the Government’s reply in its 2003 reports on the application of Convention No. 29 and Convention No. 105 and refers to its observation made under Convention No. 105.

2. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate any provisions applicable to military officers and other career military servicemen, as regards their right to leave the service, in time of peace, at their own request, either at certain reasonable intervals or by means of notice of reasonable length.

Article 2(2)(b). The Committee previously noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term "forced labour" does not include physical or intellectual work necessitated by the requirements of the country as a civic obligation, and sought clarification of this provision. In the absence of the Government’s reply, the Committee again requests the Government to describe such "physical or intellectual work" which may be exacted "as a civic obligation" and to supply copies of relevant provisions.

Article 2(2)(c). 1. Work of prisoners detained without conviction. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term "forced labour" does not include work required of an individual while serving a court sentence or under detention. It also noted that, under section 17 of the Enforcement of Sentences Act (No. 647 of 13 July 1965) and section 198 of the Regulations pertaining to the Administration of Penitentiaries and Detention Centres and to the Execution of Sentences adopted by decision of the Council of Ministers of 5 July 1967, No. 6/8517, as amended, prison labour shall be compulsory for convicts and remand prisoners. The Committee recalled that compulsory prison labour is excluded from the scope of the Convention only if such labour is imposed as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law.

The Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication in the report that a draft Bill on the execution of sentences has been prepared by a commission established in the Ministry of Justice with the objective of bringing the above provisions into conformity with the Convention, and that the Committee’s comments have been taken into consideration by the said commission. The Committee therefore hopes that the above Bill will soon be adopted and the legislation will be amended, so as to ensure that prisoners awaiting trial or detained without trial (such as remand prisoners or prisoners remanded by court decision, as referred to in section 198) are not obliged to perform labour, in order to bring legislation into conformity with the Convention on this point. It requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the progress made in this regard.

2. Work of prisoners for private employers. The Committee previously noted that, under section 17 of the Enforcement of Sentences Act referred to above, and under sections 198 and 200 of the Regulation No. 6/8517 referred to above, certain categories of convicts (such as e.g. convicts in low-security and medium-security prisons or convicts in maximum-security penitentiaries who have no more than two years to serve before being released, etc.) may be employed in places of employment in both the public and private sector. The Committee recalled that, under Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention, work or service exacted from any person as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law is excluded from the scope of the Convention if two conditions are met, namely: "… that the said work or service is carried out under the supervision and control of a public authority and that the said person is not hired to or placed at the disposal of private individuals, companies or associations".

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in the report that a draft Bill on the execution of sentences referred to above contains provisions governing the employment of convicts, both inside and outside prison premises. It hopes that these provisions will be drafted in such a way as to ensure that any work or service by prisoners for private persons is performed in conditions approximating a free employment relationship, including the formal consent of the person concerned, as well as - given the absence of alternative access to the free labour market - further guarantees and safeguards covering the essential elements of a free labour relationship, such as wages and social security. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the progress achieved in this regard and to supply a copy of the new law on the execution of sentences, as soon as it is adopted.

Article 2(2)(d). Powers to call up labour in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term "forced labour" does not include services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which may be declared, under article 119 of the Constitution, in the event of natural disaster, dangerous epidemic diseases or a serious economic crisis. It also noted that, under section 10 of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935, of 25 October 1983), the Council of Ministers may issue decrees to determine obligations and measures to be taken in the event of serious economic crisis, which may concern, inter alia, labour issues. The Committee recalled that the concept of emergency - as indicated by the enumeration of examples in Article 2(2)(d) of the Convention - involves a sudden, unforeseen happening calling for instant countermeasures. The notion of a "serious economic crisis", referred to in the above provisions, does not seem to satisfy these criteria.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in the report that, in spite of the fact that the country has lived serious economic crises at times, no government in Turkey has resorted to the declaration of a state of emergency and no one has been subjected to the exaction of compulsory or forced labour during such a crisis.

While noting this indication, the Committee hopes that the necessary measures will be taken in order to limit the above provisions concerning the exaction of compulsory work or service in cases of emergency to a strict minimum allowed by the Convention, so that recourse to compulsory call-up of labour under emergency powers does not develop into mobilization of labour for purposes of economic development, and that the legislation will be brought into conformity with the forced labour Conventions and the indicated practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the action taken to this end.

Article 2(2)(e). Minor communal services. The Committee previously noted the provisions of the Village Affairs Act No. 442, of 18 March 1924, according to which village affairs are divided into two categories: matters of a mandatory nature and matters subject to the request of the villagers; failure to perform mandatory action shall be penalized (section 12). The Committee recalled, referring to paragraph 37 of its 1979 General Survey on the abolition of forced labour, that the exception of "minor communal services" allowed under Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention must satisfy certain criteria which determine the limits of this exception and serve to distinguish it from other forms of compulsory services which must be abolished (such as forced labour for general or local public works). The Committee observed that certain kinds of work listed under section 13 of the abovementioned Act as "mandatory for villagers" (such as e.g. building and repairing roads leading from the village to the government centre or neighbouring villages, or building bridges over such roads, etc.) do not seem to meet the criteria of "minor services" or "communal services". Moreover, there is no provision for consultation in regard to the need of works or services exacted under section 13.

The Committee notes the Government’s explanations concerning measures taken to meet the requirements and needs of the villagers in the course of the exaction of such works. It also notes the Government’s indications in the report that the studies are still being carried out in order to bring the national legislation into conformity with the ILO Conventions and that, in line with the provisions of the Emergency Action Plan launched by the Government in January 2003, the necessary work is under way primarily in the field of democratization and law reform and in the domain of fundamental rights and liberties.

While noting this information with interest, the Committee reiterates its hope that the necessary measures will be taken with a view to amending the above provisions of the Village Affairs Act in order to bring it into conformity with the Convention, and that the Government will soon be able to report on the action taken to this end.

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The Committee has noted the Government’s reply to its earlier comments, as well as observations made by the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TISK) and the Turkish Confederation of Public Worker Associations, communicated by the Government with its report. It has also noted a communication received in December 2003 from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), which contains observations concerning the application of the Convention by Turkey. It has noted that this communication was sent to the Government in March 2004, for any comments it might wish to make on the matters raised therein. Since no reply has been received from the Government so far, the Committee hopes that the Government’s comments will be supplied with its next report, so as to enable the Committee to examine them at its next session.

Trafficking of women and children for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. In the communication referred to above the ICFTU expressed its concern on trafficking of women and children which occurs in Turkey. The ICFTU alleged that Turkey is both a transit and a destination country for trafficked people; most women and girls whose destination is Turkey come from the Russian Federation, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan; Turkey provides transit mainly for women from Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East and former Yugoslavia to other countries in Europe; most of them saw themselves forced into prostitution and some of them are forced into debt bondage.

Referring to its 2000 general observation concerning trafficking, the Committee asks the Government to respond to the allegations by the ICFTU and to provide, in its next report, information on measures taken or contemplated to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation and to protect the victims of trafficking. 

As regards trafficking of children, the Committee notes that Turkey has ratified the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), and the Government has already provided its first report on the application of that Convention. In so far as Article 3(a) of Convention No. 182 provides that the worst forms of child labour include "all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour", the Committee is of the view that the problem of the trafficking of children for the purpose of exploiting their labour can be examined more specifically under Convention No. 182. The protection of children is enhanced by the fact that Convention No. 182 requires States which ratify it to take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee accordingly asks the Government to refer to its comments on the application of Convention No. 182.

The Committee is also addressing a direct request to the Government on certain other points.

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The Committee has noted with interest the information provided by the Government in its first and second reports on the application of the Convention, as well as comments made by the Confederation of Trade Unions of Turkey (TÜRK-IŞ) and the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TISK) annexed to the Government’s reports. It requests the Government to provide, in its next report, additional information on the following points.

Article 1(1) and Article 2(1) and (2)(a) of the Convention. 1. The Committee refers to its comments made under the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), also ratified by Turkey, where it noted the observations of TÜRK-IŞ that Council of Ministers Resolution No. 87/11945 of 12 July 1987 provides that conscripts in excess of the needs of the military can be obliged to work in public undertakings in lieu of military service, without their consent and under military discipline. The Committee also noted the provisions of section 10 of the Military Service Act, No. 1111, as amended by Act No. 3358, as well as the Council of Ministers Resolutions No. 86/10266 of 17 January 1986 and No. 87/11945 of 12 July 1987, which lay down principles and procedures relating to the surplus reserves. The Committee referred to paragraphs 49 to 54 of its 1979 General Survey on the abolition of forced labour, where it pointed out that "the Conference has rejected the practice of making young people participate in development activities as part of their compulsory military service or instead of it, as being incompatible with the forced labour Conventions".

The Committee hopes that the necessary measures will soon be taken with a view to repealing the above provisions in order to bring legislation into conformity both with the Convention No. 105 and the present Convention, and that the Government will provide information on the action taken to this end.

2. Please indicate any provisions applicable to military officers and other career military servicemen, as regards their right to leave the service, in time of peace, at their own request, either at certain reasonable intervals or by means of notice of reasonable length.

Article 2(2)(b). The Committee has noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term "forced labour" does not include physical or intellectual work necessitated by the requirements of the country as a civic obligation. Please describe such "physical or intellectual work" which may be exacted "as a civic obligation" and supply copies of relevant provisions.

Article 2(2)(c). 1. The Committee has noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term "forced labour" does not include work required of an individual while serving a court sentence or under detention. It has also noted that, under section 17 of the Enforcement of Sentences Act (No. 647, of 13 July 1965) and section 198 of the Regulations pertaining to the Administration of Penitentiaries and Detention Centres and to the Execution of Sentences adopted by decision of the Council of Ministers of 5 July 1967, No. 6/8517, as amended, prison labour shall be compulsory for convicts and remand prisoners. The Committee recalls that compulsory prison labour is excluded from the scope of the Convention only if such labour is imposed as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law. It draws the Government’s attention to the explanations contained in paragraphs 35, and 89 to 96, of its 1979 General Survey on the abolition of forced labour, where it pointed out that:

... persons who are in detention but have not been convicted - such as prisoners awaiting trial or persons detained without trial - should not be obliged to perform labour (as distinct from certain limited obligations intended merely to ensure cleanliness). The Convention does not of course prevent work from being made available to such prisoners at their own request, to be performed on a purely voluntary basis. It also follows from the term "conviction" that the person concerned must have been found guilty of an offence. In the absence of such a finding of a guilt, compulsory labour may not be imposed, even as a result of a decision by a court of law.

The Committee hopes that the necessary measures will be adopted to amend the abovementioned provisions, so as to ensure that prisoners awaiting trial or detained without trial (such as remand prisoners or prisoners remanded by a court decision, as referred to in section 198) are not obliged to perform labour, in order to bring legislation into conformity with the Convention on this point. It requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the action taken in this regard.

2. The Committee has noted that, under section 17 of the Enforcement of Sentences Act referred to above, and under sections 198 and 200 of the Regulation No. 6/8517 referred to above, certain categories of convicts (such as, e.g., convicts in low-security and medium-security prisons or convicts in maximum-security penitentiaries who have no more than two years to serve before being released, etc.) may be employed in places of employment in both the public and private sector.

The Committee recalls that, under Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention, work or service exacted from any person as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law is excluded from the scope of the Convention if two conditions are met, namely: "… that the said work or service is carried out under the supervision and control of a public authority and that the said person is not hired to or placed at the disposal of private individuals, companies or associations".

The Committee has always made it clear that the two conditions are cumulative and apply independently; i.e., the fact that the prisoner remains at all times under the supervision and control of a public authority does not in itself dispense the Government from fulfilling the second condition, namely that the person is not hired to or placed at the disposal of private individuals, companies or associations (see paragraph 119 of the Committee’s General report to the 89th Session of the International Labour Conference, 2001). As the Committee repeatedly pointed out, it is only when work or service is performed in conditions approximating a free employment relationship that work by prisoners for private companies can be held compatible with the explicit prohibition of the Convention (ibid., paragraphs 128 to 143).

The Committee therefore requests the Government to describe the organization of prisoners’ work for private employers, both inside and outside prison premises, and to supply specimen copies of protocols concluded between prison authorities and private users of prison labour pursuant to sections 6, and 10 to 14, of the Regulations pertaining to the Employment of Convicts Detained in Penitentiary Institutions at Places of Employment Outside Prisons (No. 83/7041, of 26 August 1983), which lay down conditions of employment of prisoners working outside prison premises. The Government is also requested to indicate any measures taken to ensure that any work or service by prisoners for private persons is performed in conditions approximating a free employment relationship; such measures should include the formal consent of the person concerned, as well as - given the absence of alternative access to the free labour market - further guarantees and safeguards covering the essential elements of a free labour relationship, such as wages and social security.

Article 2(2)(d). The Committee has noted that, under article 18 of the Constitution of Turkey, the term "forced labour" does not include services required from citizens during a state of emergency, which may be declared, under article 119 of the Constitution, in the event of natural disaster, dangerous epidemic diseases or a serious economic crisis. It also notes that, under section 10 of the State of Emergency Act (No. 2935, of 25 October 1983), the Council of Ministers may issue decrees to determine obligations and measures to be taken in the event of serious economic crisis, which may concern, inter alia, labour issues.

The Committee recalls that the concept of emergency - as indicated by the enumeration of examples in Article 2(2)(d) of the Convention - involves a sudden, unforeseen happening calling for instant countermeasures. The notion of a "serious economic crisis" referred to in the above provisions does not seem to satisfy these criteria. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the explanations given in paragraphs 36, and 63 to 66, where it pointed out that:

In order to ensure that recourse to compulsory call-up of labour under emergency powers remains within the limits laid down in the forced labour Convention and does not develop into mobilization of labour for purposes of economic development, certain conditions should be observed. In order to avoid any uncertainty as to the compatibility of national provisions with the applicable international standards, it should be clear from the legislation itself that the power to exact labour is to be limited to what is strictly required in order to cope with circumstances endangering the existence or well-being of the whole or part of the population.

The Committee hopes that the necessary measures will be taken in order to limit the above provisions concerning the exaction of compulsory work or service in cases of emergency to a strict minimum allowed by the Convention, and that the Government will provide information on the action taken to this end.

Article 2(2)(e). The Committee has noted the provisions of the Village Affairs Act No. 442, of 18 March 1924, according to which village affairs are divided into two categories: matters of a mandatory nature and matters subject to the request of the villagers; failure to perform mandatory action shall be penalized (section 12). The Committee recalls, referring to paragraph 37 of its 1979 General Survey on the abolition of forced labour, that the exception of "minor communal services" allowed under Article 2(2)(e) of the Convention must satisfy certain criteria which determine the limits of this exception and serve to distinguish it from other forms of compulsory services which must be abolished (such as forced labour for general or local public works). These criteria are as follows:

-           the services must be "minor services", i.e., related primarily to maintenance work and - in exceptional cases - to the erection of certain buildings intended to improve the social conditions of the population of the community itself (a small school, a medical consultation and treatment room, etc.);

-           the services must be "communal services" performed "in the direct interest of the community", and not relate to the execution of works intended to benefit a wider group;

-           the "members of the community" (i.e., the community which has to perform the services) or their "direct representatives" (e.g., the village council) must "have the right to be consulted in regard to the need for such services".

The Committee observes that certain kinds of work listed under section 13 of the abovementioned Act as "mandatory for villagers" (such as, e.g., building and repairing roads leading from the village to the government centre or neighbouring villages, or building bridges over such roads, etc.) do not seem to meet the criteria of "minor services" or "communal services" referred to above. Moreover, there is no provision for consultation in regard to the need of works or services exacted under section 13.

The Committee hopes that the necessary measures will be taken with a view to amending the above provisions of the Village Affairs Act in order to bring it into conformity with the Convention, and that the Government will report on the action taken in this regard.