Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Jordan (Ratification: 1966)

Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention. Prison labour. The Committee previously noted that, under section 21(a) of Act No. 9 of 2004, a person sentenced to hard labour may work either inside or outside the centre and may be assigned any task decided upon by the director. It has also noted that, under section 8(c) of the Act, inmates who have not been sentenced to hard labour shall not be assigned any task and may perform labour only for rehabilitation purposes. Under section 11(i) of the Instructions concerning the Administration of the Reformatory and Rehabilitation Centres, the guarding of inmates and the protection of their rights of 2001, supplied by the Government with its report, inmates performing labour for rehabilitation purposes shall enjoy conditions of work similar to those of free workers and shall receive remuneration. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indications in the report that there is no link between private individuals, companies or associations and the work of prisoners in the rehabilitation centres, and that article 13 of the Constitution prohibits that convicted persons are hired to or placed at the disposal of any persons, companies, societies or public bodies.

While having duly noted this information, the Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information about the organization of work of prisoners sentenced to hard labour, under section 21(a) of Act No. 9 of 2004, both inside and outside the centre, as well as any information on the activities of the High Rehabilitation Committee (sections 31 and 32 of Act No. 9 of 2004) as regards the organization of such work, including copies of relevant reports and policy documents. Please also supply a copy of regulations made under section 42 of Act No. 9 of 2004, as soon as such regulations are adopted.