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The Committee notes that the draft Bill, to which the Government has been referring for over ten years, to repeal and amend the provisions of the Administrative Code (sections 873, 878, 882, 884 and 887) and Act No. 112 of 1974, under which police chiefs are empowered as administrative authorities to impose sentences, including labour on public works and detention, has not yet been adopted.

In accordance with Article 2, paragraph 2(c), of the Convention, work can only be exacted as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law; the imposition of compulsory labour by administrative authorities is not therefore compatible with the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures without delay to ensure that the provisions of the Convention on this point are respected.

[The Government is asked to supply full particulars to the Conference at its 82nd Session.]