Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

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

Article 1(a) of the Convention. Imposition of sentences of imprisonment involving an obligation to work as a punishment for expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system. The Committee notes the adoption of Act No. 2001-21 of 21 February 2003 issuing the Political Parties’ Charter. It notes that under Title VI of the Act “Penal Provisions”, prison sentences may be imposed as punishment for founding, directing or administering a political party in breach of the Political Parties’ Charter (particularly certain provisions) or for directing or administering a political party that is maintained or reconstituted during its suspension or after its dissolution. The Committee refers to its observation, in which it points out that the Convention covers prison sentences involving compulsory labour where such sentences may be imposed for expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system. It observes that prison sentences do involve an obligation to work under section 67 of Decree No. 73-293 of 15 September 1973 establishing the prison regime. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the provisions of Title VI of the Act have already been applied in practice. It also requests the Government to provide copies of any judicial decisions handed down so that it may assess the scope of the provisions of the abovementioned Act.