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Repetition

Articles 1(1) and 2(1) of the Convention. Compulsory labour in connection with the conservation of natural resources. For a number of 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 previously noted the Government’s indication that sections 13–18 of the Chief’s Authority Act referred to above had never been enforced and that the Chief’s Authority Act would be replaced by the Administrative Authority Act. The Government states in its latest report that the Administrative Authority Bill which is intended to replace the Chief’s Authority Act has been published and submitted to Parliament for debate and enactment. It also undertakes to communicate a copy of the new Act, once it is approved.

The Committee trusts that the Administrative Authority Act, which is intended to replace the Chief’s Authority Act, will be adopted in the near future 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.