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Article 25 of the Convention. Penal sanctions for the illegal exaction of forced or compulsory labour. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to section 7(1) and (2) of the Labour Code Order, 1992, under which penal sanctions can be imposed on any person who exacts forced labour for the benefit of any private individual, association or body, and on any chief or public officer who puts constraint upon the population or any member thereof to work for any private individual, company, association or other such body. The Committee requested the Government to take measures in order to provide for similar sanctions for any imposition of forced labour as defined in section 3 of the Order, also if imposed for the benefit of a public entity.

The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the National Advisory Committee on Labour had decided to review the Labour Code, and that the Committee’s concerns would be taken into account in the course of the revision. It also noted from the Government’s 2008 report that the matter was considered during the labour law review exercise, but the draft bill containing the proposed amendment had not yet been discussed by Parliament. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its latest report on the application of Convention No. 105, likewise ratified by Lesotho, that the Government’s intention is to table the draft bill before Parliament at the earliest convenience. The Committee reiterates the firm hope that the bill will soon be adopted and the legislation will be brought into compliance with the Convention on this point. It requests the Government to provide a copy of the new law, as soon as it is adopted.