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The Committee refers the Government to its observation on Convention No. 29 and notes the information sent by the Government in reply to its previous comments.

Article 1(a) of the Convention. In its previous comments the Committee referred to sections 79, 94, 99, 252 and 254 of the Penal Code, which provide for terms of imprisonment for offences relating to the exercise of the freedom of expression and assembly. By virtue of section 1 of Order No. 68-353 of 6 April 1968, these sentences involve an obligation to work. The Committee recalled that the Convention prohibits the use of any form of forced or compulsory labour as a punishment for persons holding or expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system, and requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that persons protected by the Convention may not be subjected to punishment which includes the obligation to work.

In its last report, the Government confirmed its intention of repealing Order No. 68-353 of 6 April 1968 and indicates that a bill to repeal it will be submitted to the Central Labour and Employment Council (CSTE) at its next meeting.

The Committee notes that the Government reiterates its request for ILO support in revising all the labour laws and regulations.

The Committee trusts that Order No. 68-353 of 6 April 1968 and the abovementioned provisions of the Penal Code will at last be aligned with the Convention and that the Government will shortly be in a position to report measures taken to this end.

With regard to the comments of the Federation of Autonomous Comoran Workers’ Organizations (USATC) on the application of Conventions No. 29 and 105, communicated on 12 October 2000, the Committee refers the Government to its observation on Convention No. 29.