Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Lebanon (Ratification: 1977)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 164 of 2011, punishing the crime of trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that, during the period of 2014–15, 42 persons were identified as victims of trafficking in persons and a certain number of criminal cases were opened under Act No. 164 of 2011 against 67 traffickers for purposes of sexual and labour exploitation, and their trial is still ongoing. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 164 of 2011, including the prosecutions and convictions related to trafficking in persons, both for purposes of sexual or labour exploitation, as well as the specific penalties applied to those convicted. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any measures adopted in order to prevent trafficking in persons, as well as measures taken to ensure that victims of trafficking are provided with appropriate protection and services.

Article 2(2)(c). Work of prisoners for private individuals, companies or associations. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that according to section 59 of Decree No. 14310/K of 11 February 1949 on prison regulations, persons sentenced to detention or to imprisonment may be required to work outside the prison only for activities of public utility and with their consent. The Committee requested the Government to provide further clarification on work performed by prisoners for the benefit of private entities. The Committee also sought information on conditions under which prisoners work for private individuals, companies or associations when placed in the system of probationary release (section 87 of the Penal Code).

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it referred the question to the Penitentiary Directorate which could not provide any relevant information in this regard. The Committee recalls that, according to Article 2(2)(c) of the Convention, work by prisoners for private entities can be held compatible with the Convention only where the necessary safeguards exist to ensure that the prisoners concerned accept such work voluntarily, without being subjected to pressure or the menace of any penalty, and that the conditions of such work approximate those of a free labour relationship. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the work performed by prisoners under section 59 of the 1949 Decree, indicating whether such work may be for the benefit of private entities, and the guarantees provided for in such a case. Referring to section 87 of the Penal Code, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the conditions under which prisoners work for private entities when placed in the system of probationary release.