Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Lao People's Democratic Republic (Ratification: 1964)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request.

1. The Committee noted the text of the Labour Act of 1994 (Act No. 002/NA of 14 March 1994) which repealed and replaced the Labour Act of 1990, section 4 of which establishes the general prohibition of forced labour.

2. The Committee noted that the same section allows for exceptions to which the expression "forced labour" shall not apply. One of them is any work performed in accordance with a resolution adopted by local authorities, organizations or associations of which the workers concerned are members, where such work constitutes an obligation on all citizens in the common interest of the nation. Please provide examples of any such instances, as well as information on any regulation adopted on the matter by the labour administration under section 62 of the Act, or any resolution by any other competent authority, and provide copies of any such resolution or regulation.

3. Article 25 of the Convention. The Committee also noted that under section 60 of the Act, contraventions are punishable in accordance with the law. Please indicate what sanctions would be applicable in case of contravention of the prohibition of forced labour (section 4 of the Act).

4. In its earlier comments the Committee asked the Government to supply a copy of the Penal Code currently in force, as well as a copy of the legislation governing the public service. Please send a copy of these texts with the next report.