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

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Liberia (Ratification: 1931)

Referring to its observation under the Convention, the Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information in reply to its previous direct request. It hopes that the Government will supply a detailed report for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request.

Articles 1(1) and 2(1) of the Convention. 1. Resignation from service by state officials and career military personnel. Please indicate the provisions governing the resignation from service by state officials and career military personnel, and communicate copies of the relevant texts.

2. Legislation concerning compulsory national service. Please indicate any law establishing a compulsory national service, and supply a copy thereof.

3. Trafficking in persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the measures taken, both in legislation and in practice, in order to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation, including information on the activities of the National Anti-Trafficking Task Force appointed in 2006.

Article 2(2)(c). Prison labour. Please indicate the provisions of laws, rules and regulations governing prison labour and provide copies thereof. Please also specify the present position in law and practice as regards:

(i)    whether there are prisons administered by private concerns, profit-making or otherwise;

(ii)   whether any private prison contractors deploy prisoners to work either inside or outside prison premises;

(iii) whether private parties are admitted by the prison authorities into prison premises of any kind for the purpose of engaging prisoners in employment;

(iv)  whether employment or prisoners outside prison premises, either for a public authority or for a private enterprise, is allowed;

(v)   the conditions in which employment under any of the above conditions takes place, in respect of remuneration (indicating the level and comparing it with any minimum wage normally applicable to such work), benefits accruing (such as pension rights and workers’ compensation), observance of occupational safety and health legislation and other conditions of employment (e.g. through labour inspection), and how those conditions are determined;

(vi)  whether and how the consent of the prisoners concerned to work for private enterprises is guaranteed.

Article 2(2)(d). Legislation concerning emergencies. Please supply copies of any statutory instruments governing work or service exacted in cases of emergencies.

Article 2(2)(e). Minor communal services. Please indicate any legal provisions applicable to local public works, self-help projects and minor communal services and indicate the actual practice in the matter.