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Articles 1(1) and 2(1) of the Convention. Compulsory labour in connection with the conservation of natural resources. For many years, the Committee has been referring to sections 13–18 of the Chief’s Authority Act (Cap. 128), as amended by Act No. 10 of 1997, according to which able-bodied male persons between 18 and 50 years of age may be required to perform any work or service in connection with the conservation of natural resources for up to 60 days in any year. The Committee has noted the Government’s repeated indication that the Chief’s Authority Act will be replaced by the Administrative Authority Act. The Government also states in its latest report that sections 13–18 of the Chief’s Authority Act referred to above have never been enforced and undertakes to supply a copy of the new Act, as soon as it is adopted.

The Committee expresses the firm hope that the Administrative Authority Act, which is intended to replace the Chief’s Authority Act, will soon be adopted and that the legislation will be brought into conformity with the Convention and the indicated practice. It asks the Government to supply a copy of the Administrative Authority Act, as soon as it is adopted.