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Repetition

Article 2(2)(a) of the Convention. Work of general interest imposed in the context of compulsory military service. For many years, the Committee has been requesting the Government to take measures to amend the legislation on compulsory military service to ensure its conformity with Article 2(2)(a) of the Convention. The Committee noted previously that, according to section 14 of Ordinance No. 001/PCE/CEDNACVG/91 reorganizing the armed forces within the framework of compulsory military service, conscripts who are fit for service are classified into two categories: the first, the size of which is determined each year by decree, is incorporated and compelled to perform active service; the second remains at the disposal of the military authorities for two years and may be called upon to perform work of general interest by order of the Government. However, to be excluded from the scope of the Convention and not considered to be forced labour, any work or service exacted in virtue of compulsory military service laws must be of a purely military character. In its report, the Government indicates that it will take the necessary measures to bring the provisions of section 14 of Ordinance No. 001/PCE/CEDNACVG/91 into conformity with the Convention. The Committee takes due note of this information and hopes that the provisions of section 14 of the Ordinance reorganizing the armed forces of 1991 will be amended in the very near future so as to ensure that work exacted within the framework of compulsory military service is of a purely military character.

Article 2(2)(c). Work imposed by an administrative authority. For many years, the Committee has been drawing the Government’s attention to the need to amend or repeal section 2 of Act No. 14 of 13 November 1959 authorizing the Government to take administrative measures for the relocation, internment or expulsion of persons whose activities constitute a danger for public order and security, under which persons convicted of penal offences involving prohibition of residence may be used for work in the public interest for a period, the duration of which is to be determined by order of the Prime Minister. This provision allows the administrative authorities to impose work on persons subject to a prohibition of residence once they have completed their sentence. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will take the necessary measures to amend or repeal section 2 of Act No. 14 of 1959 referred to above. Taking into account the fact that this matter has been the subject of comments by the Committee for many years and that the Government has already referred in the past to a draft text to repeal this provision, the Committee trusts that the Government will indicate in its next report the progress achieved in this respect.