Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Rwanda (Ratification: 1962)

Article 1(a) of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under section 9(1) and (2) of Act No. 33/91 of 5 August 1991 concerning demonstrations on public thoroughfares and public meetings, any person who organizes an unauthorized demonstration or meeting shall be liable to a sentence of imprisonment. Also noting that, under section 39 of the Penal Code and section 40 of Ordinance No. 111/127 of 20 May 1961 concerning the prison system, work is compulsory for all convicted prisoners, the Committee requested the Government to ensure that persons who hold or express - by means or methods that neither use violence nor incite to violence - an opinion opposed to the established political, social or economic system do not incur prison sentences including the obligation to work. In its last report the Government indicated that a seminar on international labour standards was due to take place, and that on this occasion the comments of the Committee of Experts would be examined so that a reply could be made to them. The Committee hopes that, further to this seminar, appropriate measures will have been taken to ensure the respect of Article 1(a) of the Convention, which prohibits the recourse to any form of forced or compulsory labour, including compulsory labour in prison, as a means of political coercion or education or as a punishment for holding or expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system.

The Committee is also addressing a request regarding certain points directly to the Government.