Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Gabon (Ratification: 1961)

Article 1(c) and (d) of the Convention. In the comments that it has been making for many years, the Committee noted that under section 153, subsections 1, 4, 5 and 9 (read in conjunction with section 156), and sections 169, 186 and 188 of the Merchant Shipping Code (Act No. 10/63 of 12 January 1963) certain breaches of discipline by seafarers are punishable by imprisonment involving compulsory labour by virtue of Act No. 22/84 of 29 December 1984 to organise prison labour.

The Committee notes the Government's reiterated statement that the procedure for the amendment of the above provisions is well under way. The Committee once again expresses the hope that the draft texts being prepared will ensure that sentences of imprisonment involving compulsory labour cannot be inflicted on seafarers for breaches of discipline that do not endanger the safety of the vessel or of persons, and that the Government will soon report that the legislation has been thus amended.