Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Guyana (RATIFICATION: 2001)

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Previous comment

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in its report, that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act was not reviewed to introduce a provision prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production or trafficking of drugs, but that it will keep the Office informed when such a review and amendments have been completed. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of the revision of the 1998 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and to provide a copy of the respective amendments once adopted.

Article 4(3). Periodic examination and revision of the list of hazardous work. The Committee notes, from the Government’s report under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), that it is considering revising its list of hazardous work and that it has sought ILO technical assistance in this regard. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the progress made towards the revision of the list of hazardous work prohibited for children under the age of 18 years and to supply a copy of the new list once adopted.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. Trafficking of children. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in the framework of the National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons, between 2017 and 2021, it conducted a series of training and awareness activities for immigration officers, police officers, diplomats, medical practitioners, prosecutors, media personnel, labour officers and recruitment agents. The Government indicates that it will continue to invest resources to enhance capacity in the areas of investigation and prosecution, and that further awareness-raising activities will be held in schools. With regard to the amendments to the 2005 Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act, previously referred to by the Government, the Committee notes that consultations were held, and proposed legislative amendments have been presented to the Attorney General Chambers for review and finalization. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the concrete measures taken or envisaged to eliminate the trafficking of children under the age of 18 years, including within the framework of the new National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons. It also requests the Government to keep it informed on the measures taken to enhance the capacity of authorities to detect, investigate and prosecute trafficking in children, and to provide information on the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties applied, specifically in cases of child trafficking. The Committee again requests the Government to provide information on any proposed or adopted amendments to the 2005 Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes, from the Government’s report under Convention No. 138: (1) the implementation of the Because We Care Cash Grant which offers direct cash transfers and school uniform vouchers to parents of children enrolled in both public and private schools. In 2021, a total of US$ 3.6 billion was spent under this programme, benefitting a total of 192,000 children; (2) that school uniform vouchers also benefitted students of all ages, from nursery to secondary, in both public and private schools across the country; (3) the implementation of the Hinterland Community-based School Feeding Programme, aimed at promoting community participation, student attendance, academic performance, and the nutrition of primary school children; and (4) that 11,156 persons benefited from the Government’s Guyana Online Academy (GOAL) Scholarship programme between 2021 and 2022.

The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that, in the framework of the National Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System, between 2018 and 2021, 58 adolescent mothers were reintegrated into the formal education system and 348 into an alternative education programme. The Government adds that from January to March 2022, 54 adolescent mothers benefitted from this policy.

The Committee further notes, from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-2020, published by the Government, the Guyana Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF: (1) attendance rates were 96.6 per cent for primary school and 88.6 per cent for lower secondary school. However, 83 per cent of Amerindian children attended lower secondary school, compared to 93.7 per cent of African/Black children and 87 per cent of East Indian and mixed raced children; and (2) completion rates were 97.6 per cent for primary school and 82.2 per cent for lower secondary school. The Committee further notes, from the Government’s report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), that the enrolment rate at the primary school level reached 97.1 per cent (an increase from 92.71 per cent in 2017–18) (CCPR/C/GUY/3, 31 May 2022, paragraph 273). The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure access to free basic education for all children, particularly for children of Amerindian communities, and to provide information on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that: (1) the Childcare and Protection Agency collaborates with the Countertrafficking in Persons Unit to provide victims with all the necessary support; (2) children rescued from sexual exploitation receive direct assistance by the Childcare and Protection Agency through the State Child Care Facilities, in the form of psychosocial support, trauma focus counselling, and the opportunity for educational pursuits and skills building; (3) the Childcare and Protection Agency will seek to reunite the children with their families if it is in their best interest and welfare to do so. If it is deemed not to be in their best interest, Permanence Planning will have to be conducted to provide them with a family through the Foster Care Programme or the Adoption Service, depending on the age of the child; and (4) the previously planned study on assessment of the problems of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Guyana was not conducted and the Government will provide an update once it becomes available. The Committee further notes, from the Government’s report under Convention No. 138, that: (1) the Childcare and Protection Agency is also responsible for conducting regular inspections of all children’s homes and orphanages and offering technical assistance to those that need to achieve the desired standards; and (2) there are also three Government Care Centres (safe houses) for children in extremely vulnerable situations which are managed and operated by the Childcare and Protection Agency. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee also again requests the Government to provide information on the results of the study assessing the problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Guyana envisaged by the Government.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk.Children in street situations and Amerindian children. With respect to children in street situations and children belonging to Amerindian communities, the Government indicates that the Childcare and Protection Agency has launched a campaign titled “Every Child Safe”, aimed at working with key members of communities across Guyana to keep children safe. This includes removing children from the streets and other places that put them at risk and providing psychological and other support for vulnerable children and families. The Government indicates that the objective of the campaign is to foster change in communities by reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors for children’s wellbeing and generally developing caring and child-friendly communities. The Committee further notes, from the 2019–20 MICS Survey, that 16.7 per cent of Amerindian children are engaged in hazardous work. Recalling that children in street situations and children of Amerindian communities are at particular risk of becoming engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour and to provide information on results achieved.

HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there is a National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) within the Ministry of Health that provides support for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The NAPS links all adolescents to a support programme that offers extensive counselling, training for jobs, and linkages to job fairs and placement in jobs. The Government adds that the NAPS has implemented and will continue to implement the following measures: (1) each client is linked to a social worker for guidance; (2) collaboration with civil society organizations to build the capacity of the youth through peer education training and youth camps; (3) the provision of public assistance to all HIV persons; (4) Food Bank hampers for all persons who are financially challenged; and (5) frequent medical checks. The Committee notes with interest that, between 2021 and July 2022, 825 children benefited from the services offered by the NAPS. It also notes the Government’s commitment to continue implementing measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the 1998 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act provides for penal sanctions for supplying narcotics to persons under the age of 18 years, but observed the absence of legislative provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of children for illicit activities, including the production or trafficking of drugs. The Committee notes that the Government indicates in its report that one of the activities envisaged under the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2019 - 2025), is to amend the 1998 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act in order to introduce a provision prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production or trafficking of drugs.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of the revision of the 1998 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act envisaged by the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour, and to provide a copy of the respective amendments once adopted.

Clause (d) and Article 7(1). Hazardous work and penalties. The Committee previously requested the Government to ensure the application of sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties for the employment of children in hazardous work. In this respect, the Committee notes that the Government indicates that there is no known case of children under the age of eighteen employed in a hazardous workplace. It notes that the Government recognizes that many of the penalties for violations of the labour legislation may no longer be dissuasive and therefore the Government intends to initiate a comprehensive review of that legislation to ensure that penalties are effective, dissuasive and harmonious. The Committee observes that, in its 2018 concluding observations for Guyana, the United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families refers to reports of migrant children performing hazardous work in the construction, logging, farming, fishing, manufacturing and mining industries (CMW/C/GUY/CO/1 paragraph 32).The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures, without delay, to ensure that the amended labour legislation will contain effective and dissuasive penalties for engaging children under the age of 18 years in hazardous work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard in its next report.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. Trafficking of children. In reply to the Committee’s request for information on the measures taken towards the elimination of trafficking of children, the Government indicates that a new National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons has been drafted. The new Plan shall focus on: increasing the capacity of law enforcement bodies to detect, investigate and prosecute cases of trafficking; providing comprehensive direct assistance to the victims; and enhancing public-private partnerships in combating trafficking in persons. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that the Ministerial Task Force for combating trafficking in persons, created in 2007, remains active. It further notes the Government’s indication that the 2005 Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act has been re-drafted and that it will be sent to the Parliament for debate.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken or envisaged to eliminate the trafficking of children under the age of 18 years, including within the framework of the new National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any proposed or adopted amendments to the 2005 Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. In reply to the Committee’s request for information on measures taken to promote access to primary and secondary education for all children, including pregnant teenagers, the Committee notes the adoption of the Education Sector Plan 2021–2025, which seeks to develop coherent national policies towards improving the provision of education services and ensure that all children complete secondary school. It notes with interestthe adoption, in 2018, of the National Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System. The aim of the policy is to outline the process that will facilitate the reintegration of adolescent mothers into the formal school system and the conditions under which the re-entry should take place. In the context of this policy, the Ministry of Education can put in place measures such as continuous public education and awareness programmes; sensitization of teachers, students and general school staff of the needs of pregnant adolescents; an effective tracking system to capture progress on school attendance; counselling and psychosocial support service; and post-natal services and daily care systems. The Committee notes that, according to the statistical information contained in the Education Sector Plan, the national net enrolment rate at primary level for the school year 2017–18 was 92.71 per cent for boys and 91.52 for girls. The national net enrolment rate at secondary level in the same school year was 59.08 per cent for male students and 65.61 for female students (pages 41 and 24 of the Plan). The regions with the highest out-of-school rates among primary school age children were Potaro-Siparuni (5.8 per cent) and Pomeroon-Supenaam (3.6 per cent); whereas the regions with the highest out-of-school rates among lower secondary school age children were Pomeroon-Supenaam (12.8 per cent) and Cuyuni - Mazaruni (12.3 per cent) (pages 48 and 50 of the Plan).Considering that education is key in preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure access to free basic education for all children, particularly in regions with the highest out-of-school rates, and to provide information on the results achieved. Please also provide information on the implementation of the National Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System, including information on the number of pregnant teenagers and adolescent mothers that have benefited from this policy.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee previously took note of information concerning the prevalence of commercial sexual exploitation of children in the country and requested the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide direct assistance for the removal of the victims of this practice and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that different agencies have conducted training activities in hinterland areas to sensitize citizens on the issue of the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The Government adds that it has established safe havens for the rehabilitation of victims, and made accessible free education and vocational training programmes to victims. The Committee takes due note that the Government indicates that a study may have to be undertaken to ascertain the current situation and to guide the formulation of any measure that can be implemented. Finally, the Committee observes that, in its 2018 concluding observations for Guyana, the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families refers to reports of commercial sexual exploitation of migrant children (CMW/C/GUY/CO/1 paragraph 32).The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the results of the study assessing the problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Guyana envisaged by the Government.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee previously observed that street children and children belonging to Amerindian communities are at particular risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that, the Government indicates that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection have put in place initiatives to remove children from the streets and place them in safe homes. It adds that the Child Care and Protection Agency is in charge of managing state care centres to provide protection to vulnerable children and placing children in foster homes. As regards to the situation of Amerindian children, the Committee notes that, according to the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2019 - 2025), by 2014, 34 percent of Amerindian children between the ages of 5 to 17 years were engaged in hazardous work. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that the situation of street children and Amerindian children will be raised within the National Child Labour Prevention and Elimination Committee in charge of coordinating the implementation of the National Action Plan.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken, including under the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour, to protect street children and children belonging to Amerindian communities from the worst forms of child labour and their results.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee previously encouraged the Government to continue taking measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there are twenty-three orphanages in Guyana and that approximately six hundred and ninety orphans have been reached through various initiatives. The Government adds that it will continue to undertake measures with local and international partners to ensure that HIV/AIDS orphans are protected from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that according to UNAIDS, the number of orphans due to AIDS (aged 0 to 17 years) was estimated at 1,700 children.The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the measures taken to protect HIV/AIDS orphans from the worst forms of child labour.

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Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the 1998 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act provides for penal sanctions for supplying narcotics to persons under the age of 18 years, but observed the absence of legislative provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of children for illicit activities, including the production or trafficking of drugs. The Committee notes that the Government indicates in its report that one of the activities envisaged under the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2019 - 2025), is to amend the 1998 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act in order to introduce a provision prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production or trafficking of drugs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of the revision of the 1998 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act envisaged by the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour, and to provide a copy of the respective amendments once adopted.

Clause (d) and Article 7(1). Hazardous work and penalties. The Committee previously requested the Government to ensure the application of sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties for the employment of children in hazardous work. In this respect, the Committee notes that the Government indicates that there is no known case of children under the age of eighteen employed in a hazardous workplace. It notes that the Government recognizes that many of the penalties for violations of the labour legislation may no longer be dissuasive and therefore the Government intends to initiate a comprehensive review of that legislation to ensure that penalties are effective, dissuasive and harmonious. The Committee observes that, in its 2018 concluding observations for Guyana, the United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families refers to reports of migrant children performing hazardous work in the construction, logging, farming, fishing, manufacturing and mining industries (CMW/C/GUY/CO/1 paragraph 32). The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures, without delay, to ensure that the amended labour legislation will contain effective and dissuasive penalties for engaging children under the age of 18 years in hazardous work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard in its next report.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. Trafficking of children. In reply to the Committee’s request for information on the measures taken towards the elimination of trafficking of children, the Government indicates that a new National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons has been drafted. The new Plan shall focus on: increasing the capacity of law enforcement bodies to detect, investigate and prosecute cases of trafficking; providing comprehensive direct assistance to the victims; and enhancing public-private partnerships in combating trafficking in persons. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that the Ministerial Task Force for combating trafficking in persons, created in 2007, remains active. It further notes the Government’s indication that the 2005 Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act has been re-drafted and that it will be sent to the Parliament for debate. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken or envisaged to eliminate the trafficking of children under the age of 18 years, including within the framework of the new National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any proposed or adopted amendments to the 2005 Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. In reply to the Committee’s request for information on measures taken to promote access to primary and secondary education for all children, including pregnant teenagers, the Committee notes the adoption of the Education Sector Plan 2021–2025, which seeks to develop coherent national policies towards improving the provision of education services and ensure that all children complete secondary school. It notes with interest the adoption, in 2018, of the National Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System. The aim of the policy is to outline the process that will facilitate the reintegration of adolescent mothers into the formal school system and the conditions under which the re-entry should take place. In the context of this policy, the Ministry of Education can put in place measures such as continuous public education and awareness programmes; sensitization of teachers, students and general school staff of the needs of pregnant adolescents; an effective tracking system to capture progress on school attendance; counselling and psychosocial support service; and post-natal services and daily care systems. The Committee notes that, according to the statistical information contained in the Education Sector Plan, the national net enrolment rate at primary level for the school year 2017–18 was 92.71 per cent for boys and 91.52 for girls. The national net enrolment rate at secondary level in the same school year was 59.08 per cent for male students and 65.61 for female students (pages 41 and 24 of the Plan). The regions with the highest out-of-school rates among primary school age children were Potaro-Siparuni (5.8 per cent) and Pomeroon-Supenaam (3.6 per cent); whereas the regions with the highest out-of-school rates among lower secondary school age children were Pomeroon-Supenaam (12.8 per cent) and Cuyuni - Mazaruni (12.3 per cent) (pages 48 and 50 of the Plan). Considering that education is key in preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure access to free basic education for all children, particularly in regions with the highest out-of-school rates, and to provide information on the results achieved. Please also provide information on the implementation of the National Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System, including information on the number of pregnant teenagers and adolescent mothers that have benefited from this policy.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee previously took note of information concerning the prevalence of commercial sexual exploitation of children in the country and requested the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide direct assistance for the removal of the victims of this practice and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that different agencies have conducted training activities in hinterland areas to sensitize citizens on the issue of the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The Government adds that it has established safe havens for the rehabilitation of victims, and made accessible free education and vocational training programmes to victims. The Committee takes due note that the Government indicates that a study may have to be undertaken to ascertain the current situation and to guide the formulation of any measure that can be implemented. Finally, the Committee observes that, in its 2018 concluding observations for Guyana, the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families refers to reports of commercial sexual exploitation of migrant children (CMW/C/GUY/CO/1 paragraph 32). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the results of the study assessing the problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Guyana envisaged by the Government.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee previously observed that street children and children belonging to Amerindian communities are at particular risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that, the Government indicates that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection have put in place initiatives to remove children from the streets and place them in safe homes. It adds that the Child Care and Protection Agency is in charge of managing state care centres to provide protection to vulnerable children and placing children in foster homes. As regards to the situation of Amerindian children, the Committee notes that, according to the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2019 - 2025), by 2014, 34 percent of Amerindian children between the ages of 5 to 17 years were engaged in hazardous work. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that the situation of street children and Amerindian children will be raised within the National Child Labour Prevention and Elimination Committee in charge of coordinating the implementation of the National Action Plan. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken, including under the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour, to protect street children and children belonging to Amerindian communities from the worst forms of child labour and their results.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee previously encouraged the Government to continue taking measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there are twenty-three orphanages in Guyana and that approximately six hundred and ninety orphans have been reached through various initiatives. The Government adds that it will continue to undertake measures with local and international partners to ensure that HIV/AIDS orphans are protected from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that according to UNAIDS, the number of orphans due to AIDS (aged 0 to 17 years) was estimated at 1,700 children. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the measures taken to protect HIV/AIDS orphans from the worst forms of child labour.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted that the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988 contains provisions penalizing any person for the offences related to the possession or trafficking in narcotics as well as supply of narcotics to children and young persons. The Committee observed, however, that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. It requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee notes from the information provided by the Government in its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 136, 12 August 2010) that the Government has adopted a National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and its impact on the elimination of trafficking in children under the age of 18 years. Article 7(1). Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act (EYPC Act) provides for penalties for the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. It had also noted that according to section 3 of Part II of the Schedule to the EYPC Act, the minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances by which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years. The Committee observes that section 5(1) of the EYPC Act covers only young persons between 15 and 16 years of age and section 3 of Part III of the EYPC Act does not provide for any penalties for its violation. Noting that the Government report has not provided any information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are provided for the infringement of section 3, Part II of the Schedule of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, prohibiting the employment of children under 18 years in hazardous work.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that Guyana is taking part in the ILO–IPEC Tackle Child Labour through Education (TACKLE) project. It notes that according to the information available in the ILO–IPEC project report, through this programme over 300 school children residing along the Linden/Soesdyke highway, no longer have to trek the 4 kilometres to and from school as they are now provided with free transport. The programme also has a nutrition enhancement component, providing a daily hot meal, an after-care programme which provides children with homework, and parenting workshops and psychosocial support for both parents and students. The Committee also notes from the ILO–IPEC report that since the project began, school attendance has increased from 64 per cent to 94 per cent in the target areas. The ILO–IPEC report further indicates that with the technical support of the TACKLE project, the Education Ministry is implementing a programme in five schools in three regions of Guyana targeting 3,500 children in secondary school with the objective of enabling them to complete secondary education.

The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 192–195) that in 2009–10, the Government introduced and expanded social safety net programmes for poor and vulnerable groups, such as school feeding programmes, school uniform programmes and single parent assistance programmes. As a result of these programmes, the primary school enrolment rate and completion rate increased to over 90 per cent, and the repetition and drop-out rates decreased to 1 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. The enrolment rate at the secondary level also indicated an increase from 45 per cent in 1992 to 75 per cent in 2009–10 while the completion rate rose to 60 per cent. The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW that Guyana has achieved gender parity in primary education at the national level with near universal access to primary education. The Committee notes, however, that according to the list of issues concerning the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/GUY/Q/2-4, paragraph 10, 18 July 2012) the CRC requested the Government to ensure quality education in all schools, including in remote areas, increase the enrolment rate and reduce the drop-out rates both in primary and secondary education, especially for boys, and to ensure that pregnant teenagers are given the opportunity to continue their education. The Committee takes due note of the measures taken by the Government, and encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to promote access to primary and secondary education for all children, particularly boys and pregnant teenagers. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken in this regard, and on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) indicated that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and that there was a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There was evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted the Rapid Assessment Study which stated that child prostitution was one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana. The Committee further noted from the Rapid Assessment Study that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue.

The Committee notes that according to the information available on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), child prostitution is a problem in Guyana, including around the country’s mining industry. Girls are trafficked internally for commercial sex work, often from coastal areas and Amerindian communities to towns near mines. There are reports of girls as young as 12 years old working as prostitutes. The Committee also notes that the CRC in its list of issues of July 2012 asked the Government to indicate if any study on the scale and root causes of sexual exploitation of children, which is reported to be high in the country, has been conducted (CRC/C/GUY/2-4, paragraph 12). The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report concerning the situation of children involved in commercial sexual exploitation in the country. The Committee expresses its concern at the apparent prevalence of this worst form of child labour in the country, and urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years of age from commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken in this respect.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee had previously noted that the Guyana national plan of action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW, that Guyana is home to more than 50,000 Amerindian people (9.2 per cent of the population) belonging to nine different groups, living mainly in the hinterland and riverain areas of Guyana (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 59). The Committee notes that according to the information available from the UNHCR website, Amerindian girls are particularly vulnerable and are often trafficked to work in prostitution or domestic service. It also notes from the report that many Guyanese children work in domestic service and on the streets, typically as vendors or beggars. Observing that street children and children belonging to the Amerindian community which constitute 9.2 per cent of the population are at particular risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard and the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes that according to the information available from a report on UNICEF activities in Guyana, the Government of Guyana together with UNICEF has initiated a number of programmes aimed at the care and protection of orphans and other vulnerable children. It has also adopted mechanisms to strengthen the families of such children as well as to provide for the reintegration of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of orphans who have been reached through the various initiatives taken by the Government along with UNICEF. It also encourages the Government to continue to take measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Ministry of Labour, through the inspectorate department, conducts labour inspections at various work sites in Guyana, as well as investigates and prosecutes individuals found in violation of labour laws pertaining to children. The Committee also notes the statistical data on trafficking investigations contained in the Government’s report to the CEDAW. According to this report, in 2007, the National Task Force for Combating Trafficking in Persons registered eight cases of trafficking in persons involving ten victims under the age of 18 years of which nine were females. The Government report to CEDAW further indicated that the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit established under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security received nine cases of human trafficking in 2008, and six cases in 2009 (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 132–134). The Committee notes, however, that there is very limited data available on children engaged in the worst forms of child labour, particularly commercial sexual exploitation and hazardous work. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Government is in the process of setting up a baseline survey of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the report of the proposed child labour survey, once it has been made available. It also requests the Government to provide information on the findings of the labour inspectorate with regard to the number of violations detected and investigated concerning the employment of children in hazardous work.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted that the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988 contains provisions penalizing any person for the offences related to the possession or trafficking in narcotics as well as supply of narcotics to children and young persons. The Committee observed, however, that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. It requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee notes from the information provided by the Government in its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 136, 12 August 2010) that the Government has adopted a National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and its impact on the elimination of trafficking in children under the age of 18 years. Article 7(1). Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act (EYPC Act) provides for penalties for the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. It had also noted that according to section 3 of Part II of the Schedule to the EYPC Act, the minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances by which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years. The Committee observes that section 5(1) of the EYPC Act covers only young persons between 15 and 16 years of age and section 3 of Part III of the EYPC Act does not provide for any penalties for its violation. Noting that the Government report has not provided any information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are provided for the infringement of section 3, Part II of the Schedule of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, prohibiting the employment of children under 18 years in hazardous work.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that Guyana is taking part in the ILO–IPEC Tackle Child Labour through Education (TACKLE) project. It notes that according to the information available in the ILO–IPEC project report, through this programme over 300 school children residing along the Linden/Soesdyke highway, no longer have to trek the 4 kilometres to and from school as they are now provided with free transport. The programme also has a nutrition enhancement component, providing a daily hot meal, an after-care programme which provides children with homework, and parenting workshops and psychosocial support for both parents and students. The Committee also notes from the ILO–IPEC report that since the project began, school attendance has increased from 64 per cent to 94 per cent in the target areas. The ILO–IPEC report further indicates that with the technical support of the TACKLE project, the Education Ministry is implementing a programme in five schools in three regions of Guyana targeting 3,500 children in secondary school with the objective of enabling them to complete secondary education.

The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 192–195) that in 2009–10, the Government introduced and expanded social safety net programmes for poor and vulnerable groups, such as school feeding programmes, school uniform programmes and single parent assistance programmes. As a result of these programmes, the primary school enrolment rate and completion rate increased to over 90 per cent, and the repetition and drop-out rates decreased to 1 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. The enrolment rate at the secondary level also indicated an increase from 45 per cent in 1992 to 75 per cent in 2009–10 while the completion rate rose to 60 per cent. The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW that Guyana has achieved gender parity in primary education at the national level with near universal access to primary education. The Committee notes, however, that according to the list of issues concerning the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/GUY/Q/2-4, paragraph 10, 18 July 2012) the CRC requested the Government to ensure quality education in all schools, including in remote areas, increase the enrolment rate and reduce the drop-out rates both in primary and secondary education, especially for boys, and to ensure that pregnant teenagers are given the opportunity to continue their education. The Committee takes due note of the measures taken by the Government, and encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to promote access to primary and secondary education for all children, particularly boys and pregnant teenagers. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken in this regard, and on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) indicated that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and that there was a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There was evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted the Rapid Assessment Study which stated that child prostitution was one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana. The Committee further noted from the Rapid Assessment Study that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue.

The Committee notes that according to the information available on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), child prostitution is a problem in Guyana, including around the country’s mining industry. Girls are trafficked internally for commercial sex work, often from coastal areas and Amerindian communities to towns near mines. There are reports of girls as young as 12 years old working as prostitutes. The Committee also notes that the CRC in its list of issues of July 2012 asked the Government to indicate if any study on the scale and root causes of sexual exploitation of children, which is reported to be high in the country, has been conducted (CRC/C/GUY/2-4, paragraph 12). The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report concerning the situation of children involved in commercial sexual exploitation in the country. The Committee expresses its concern at the apparent prevalence of this worst form of child labour in the country, and urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years of age from commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken in this respect.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee had previously noted that the Guyana national plan of action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW, that Guyana is home to more than 50,000 Amerindian people (9.2 per cent of the population) belonging to nine different groups, living mainly in the hinterland and riverain areas of Guyana (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 59). The Committee notes that according to the information available from the UNHCR website, Amerindian girls are particularly vulnerable and are often trafficked to work in prostitution or domestic service. It also notes from the report that many Guyanese children work in domestic service and on the streets, typically as vendors or beggars. Observing that street children and children belonging to the Amerindian community which constitute 9.2 per cent of the population are at particular risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard and the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes that according to the information available from a report on UNICEF activities in Guyana, the Government of Guyana together with UNICEF has initiated a number of programmes aimed at the care and protection of orphans and other vulnerable children. It has also adopted mechanisms to strengthen the families of such children as well as to provide for the reintegration of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of orphans who have been reached through the various initiatives taken by the Government along with UNICEF. It also encourages the Government to continue to take measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Ministry of Labour, through the inspectorate department, conducts labour inspections at various work sites in Guyana, as well as investigates and prosecutes individuals found in violation of labour laws pertaining to children. The Committee also notes the statistical data on trafficking investigations contained in the Government’s report to the CEDAW. According to this report, in 2007, the National Task Force for Combating Trafficking in Persons registered eight cases of trafficking in persons involving ten victims under the age of 18 years of which nine were females. The Government report to CEDAW further indicated that the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit established under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security received nine cases of human trafficking in 2008, and six cases in 2009 (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 132–134). The Committee notes, however, that there is very limited data available on children engaged in the worst forms of child labour, particularly commercial sexual exploitation and hazardous work. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Government is in the process of setting up a baseline survey of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the report of the proposed child labour survey, once it has been made available. It also requests the Government to provide information on the findings of the labour inspectorate with regard to the number of violations detected and investigated concerning the employment of children in hazardous work.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2012.

Repetition

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted that the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988 contains provisions penalizing any person for the offences related to the possession or trafficking in narcotics as well as supply of narcotics to children and young persons. The Committee observed, however, that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. It requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee notes from the information provided by the Government in its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 136, 12 August 2010) that the Government has adopted a National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and its impact on the elimination of trafficking in children under the age of 18 years.

Article 7(1). Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act (EYPC Act) provides for penalties for the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. It had also noted that according to section 3 of Part II of the Schedule to the EYPC Act, the minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances by which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years. The Committee observes that section 5(1) of the EYPC Act covers only young persons between 15 and 16 years of age and section 3 of Part III of the EYPC Act does not provide for any penalties for its violation. Noting that the Government report has not provided any information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are provided for the infringement of section 3, Part II of the Schedule of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, prohibiting the employment of children under 18 years in hazardous work.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that Guyana is taking part in the ILO–IPEC Tackle Child Labour through Education (TACKLE) project. It notes that according to the information available in the ILO–IPEC project report, through this programme over 300 school children residing along the Linden/Soesdyke highway, no longer have to trek the 4 kilometres to and from school as they are now provided with free transport. The programme also has a nutrition enhancement component, providing a daily hot meal, an after-care programme which provides children with homework, and parenting workshops and psychosocial support for both parents and students. The Committee also notes from the ILO–IPEC report that since the project began, school attendance has increased from 64 per cent to 94 per cent in the target areas. The ILO–IPEC report further indicates that with the technical support of the TACKLE project, the Education Ministry is implementing a programme in five schools in three regions of Guyana targeting 3,500 children in secondary school with the objective of enabling them to complete secondary education.

The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 192–195) that in 2009–10, the Government introduced and expanded social safety net programmes for poor and vulnerable groups, such as school feeding programmes, school uniform programmes and single parent assistance programmes. As a result of these programmes, the primary school enrolment rate and completion rate increased to over 90 per cent, and the repetition and drop-out rates decreased to 1 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. The enrolment rate at the secondary level also indicated an increase from 45 per cent in 1992 to 75 per cent in 2009–10 while the completion rate rose to 60 per cent. The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW that Guyana has achieved gender parity in primary education at the national level with near universal access to primary education. The Committee notes, however, that according to the list of issues concerning the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/GUY/Q/2-4, paragraph 10, 18 July 2012) the CRC requested the Government to ensure quality education in all schools, including in remote areas, increase the enrolment rate and reduce the drop-out rates both in primary and secondary education, especially for boys, and to ensure that pregnant teenagers are given the opportunity to continue their education. The Committee takes due note of the measures taken by the Government, and encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to promote access to primary and secondary education for all children, particularly boys and pregnant teenagers. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken in this regard, and on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) indicated that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and that there was a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There was evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted the Rapid Assessment Study which stated that child prostitution was one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana. The Committee further noted from the Rapid Assessment Study that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue.

The Committee notes that according to the information available on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), child prostitution is a problem in Guyana, including around the country’s mining industry. Girls are trafficked internally for commercial sex work, often from coastal areas and Amerindian communities to towns near mines. There are reports of girls as young as 12 years old working as prostitutes. The Committee also notes that the CRC in its list of issues of July 2012 asked the Government to indicate if any study on the scale and root causes of sexual exploitation of children, which is reported to be high in the country, has been conducted (CRC/C/GUY/2-4, paragraph 12). The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report concerning the situation of children involved in commercial sexual exploitation in the country. The Committee expresses its concern at the apparent prevalence of this worst form of child labour in the country, and urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years of age from commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken in this respect.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee had previously noted that the Guyana national plan of action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW, that Guyana is home to more than 50,000 Amerindian people (9.2 per cent of the population) belonging to nine different groups, living mainly in the hinterland and riverain areas of Guyana (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 59). The Committee notes that according to the information available from the UNHCR website, Amerindian girls are particularly vulnerable and are often trafficked to work in prostitution or domestic service. It also notes from the report that many Guyanese children work in domestic service and on the streets, typically as vendors or beggars. Observing that street children and children belonging to the Amerindian community which constitute 9.2 per cent of the population are at particular risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard and the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes that according to the information available from a report on UNICEF activities in Guyana, the Government of Guyana together with UNICEF has initiated a number of programmes aimed at the care and protection of orphans and other vulnerable children. It has also adopted mechanisms to strengthen the families of such children as well as to provide for the reintegration of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of orphans who have been reached through the various initiatives taken by the Government along with UNICEF. It also encourages the Government to continue to take measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Ministry of Labour, through the inspectorate department, conducts labour inspections at various work sites in Guyana, as well as investigates and prosecutes individuals found in violation of labour laws pertaining to children. The Committee also notes the statistical data on trafficking investigations contained in the Government’s report to the CEDAW. According to this report, in 2007, the National Task Force for Combating Trafficking in Persons registered eight cases of trafficking in persons involving ten victims under the age of 18 years of which nine were females. The Government report to CEDAW further indicated that the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit established under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security received nine cases of human trafficking in 2008, and six cases in 2009 (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 132–134). The Committee notes, however, that there is very limited data available on children engaged in the worst forms of child labour, particularly commercial sexual exploitation and hazardous work. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Government is in the process of setting up a baseline survey of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the report of the proposed child labour survey, once it has been made available. It also requests the Government to provide information on the findings of the labour inspectorate with regard to the number of violations detected and investigated concerning the employment of children in hazardous work.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2012. The Committee also notes that the Government had been requested to provide information to the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference for failure to supply reports and information on the application of ratified Conventions.

Repetition

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted that the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988 contains provisions penalizing any person for the offences related to the possession or trafficking in narcotics as well as supply of narcotics to children and young persons. The Committee observed, however, that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. It requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee notes from the information provided by the Government in its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 136, 12 August 2010) that the Government has adopted a National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and its impact on the elimination of trafficking in children under the age of 18 years.

Article 7(1). Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act (EYPC Act) provides for penalties for the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. It had also noted that according to section 3 of Part II of the Schedule to the EYPC Act, the minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances by which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years. The Committee observes that section 5(1) of the EYPC Act covers only young persons between 15 and 16 years of age and section 3 of Part III of the EYPC Act does not provide for any penalties for its violation. Noting that the Government report has not provided any information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are provided for the infringement of section 3, Part II of the Schedule of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, prohibiting the employment of children under 18 years in hazardous work.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that Guyana is taking part in the ILO–IPEC Tackle Child Labour through Education (TACKLE) project. It notes that according to the information available in the ILO–IPEC project report, through this programme over 300 school children residing along the Linden/Soesdyke highway, no longer have to trek the 4 kilometres to and from school as they are now provided with free transport. The programme also has a nutrition enhancement component, providing a daily hot meal, an after-care programme which provides children with homework, and parenting workshops and psychosocial support for both parents and students. The Committee also notes from the ILO–IPEC report that since the project began, school attendance has increased from 64 per cent to 94 per cent in the target areas. The ILO–IPEC report further indicates that with the technical support of the TACKLE project, the Education Ministry is implementing a programme in five schools in three regions of Guyana targeting 3,500 children in secondary school with the objective of enabling them to complete secondary education.

The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 192–195) that in 2009–10, the Government introduced and expanded social safety net programmes for poor and vulnerable groups, such as school feeding programmes, school uniform programmes and single parent assistance programmes. As a result of these programmes, the primary school enrolment rate and completion rate increased to over 90 per cent, and the repetition and drop-out rates decreased to 1 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. The enrolment rate at the secondary level also indicated an increase from 45 per cent in 1992 to 75 per cent in 2009–10 while the completion rate rose to 60 per cent. The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW that Guyana has achieved gender parity in primary education at the national level with near universal access to primary education. The Committee notes, however, that according to the list of issues concerning the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/GUY/Q/2-4, paragraph 10, 18 July 2012) the CRC requested the Government to ensure quality education in all schools, including in remote areas, increase the enrolment rate and reduce the drop-out rates both in primary and secondary education, especially for boys, and to ensure that pregnant teenagers are given the opportunity to continue their education. The Committee takes due note of the measures taken by the Government, and encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to promote access to primary and secondary education for all children, particularly boys and pregnant teenagers. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken in this regard, and on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) indicated that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and that there was a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There was evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted the Rapid Assessment Study which stated that child prostitution was one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana. The Committee further noted from the Rapid Assessment Study that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue.

The Committee notes that according to the information available on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), child prostitution is a problem in Guyana, including around the country’s mining industry. Girls are trafficked internally for commercial sex work, often from coastal areas and Amerindian communities to towns near mines. There are reports of girls as young as 12 years old working as prostitutes. The Committee also notes that the CRC in its list of issues of July 2012 asked the Government to indicate if any study on the scale and root causes of sexual exploitation of children, which is reported to be high in the country, has been conducted (CRC/C/GUY/2-4, paragraph 12). The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report concerning the situation of children involved in commercial sexual exploitation in the country. The Committee expresses its concern at the apparent prevalence of this worst form of child labour in the country, and urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years of age from commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken in this respect.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee had previously noted that the Guyana national plan of action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW, that Guyana is home to more than 50,000 Amerindian people (9.2 per cent of the population) belonging to nine different groups, living mainly in the hinterland and riverain areas of Guyana (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 59). The Committee notes that according to the information available from the UNHCR website, Amerindian girls are particularly vulnerable and are often trafficked to work in prostitution or domestic service. It also notes from the report that many Guyanese children work in domestic service and on the streets, typically as vendors or beggars. Observing that street children and children belonging to the Amerindian community which constitute 9.2 per cent of the population are at particular risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard and the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes that according to the information available from a report on UNICEF activities in Guyana, the Government of Guyana together with UNICEF has initiated a number of programmes aimed at the care and protection of orphans and other vulnerable children. It has also adopted mechanisms to strengthen the families of such children as well as to provide for the reintegration of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of orphans who have been reached through the various initiatives taken by the Government along with UNICEF. It also encourages the Government to continue to take measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Ministry of Labour, through the inspectorate department, conducts labour inspections at various work sites in Guyana, as well as investigates and prosecutes individuals found in violation of labour laws pertaining to children. The Committee also notes the statistical data on trafficking investigations contained in the Government’s report to the CEDAW. According to this report, in 2007, the National Task Force for Combating Trafficking in Persons registered eight cases of trafficking in persons involving ten victims under the age of 18 years of which nine were females. The Government report to CEDAW further indicated that the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit established under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security received nine cases of human trafficking in 2008, and six cases in 2009 (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 132–134). The Committee notes, however, that there is very limited data available on children engaged in the worst forms of child labour, particularly commercial sexual exploitation and hazardous work. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Government is in the process of setting up a baseline survey of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the report of the proposed child labour survey, once it has been made available. It also requests the Government to provide information on the findings of the labour inspectorate with regard to the number of violations detected and investigated concerning the employment of children in hazardous work.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted that the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988 contains provisions penalizing any person for the offences related to the possession or trafficking in narcotics as well as supply of narcotics to children and young persons. The Committee observed, however, that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. It requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee notes from the information provided by the Government in its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 136, 12 August 2010) that the Government has adopted a National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and its impact on the elimination of trafficking in children under the age of 18 years.

Article 7(1). Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act (EYPC Act) provides for penalties for the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. It had also noted that according to section 3 of Part II of the Schedule to the EYPC Act, the minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances by which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years. The Committee observes that section 5(1) of the EYPC Act covers only young persons between 15 and 16 years of age and section 3 of Part III of the EYPC Act does not provide for any penalties for its violation. Noting that the Government report has not provided any information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are provided for the infringement of section 3, Part II of the Schedule of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, prohibiting the employment of children under 18 years in hazardous work.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that Guyana is taking part in the ILO–IPEC Tackle Child Labour through Education (TACKLE) project. It notes that according to the information available in the ILO–IPEC project report, through this programme over 300 school children residing along the Linden/Soesdyke highway, no longer have to trek the 4 kilometres to and from school as they are now provided with free transport. The programme also has a nutrition enhancement component, providing a daily hot meal, an after-care programme which provides children with homework, and parenting workshops and psychosocial support for both parents and students. The Committee also notes from the ILO–IPEC report that since the project began, school attendance has increased from 64 per cent to 94 per cent in the target areas. The ILO–IPEC report further indicates that with the technical support of the TACKLE project, the Education Ministry is implementing a programme in five schools in three regions of Guyana targeting 3,500 children in secondary school with the objective of enabling them to complete secondary education.

The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 192–195) that in 2009–10, the Government introduced and expanded social safety net programmes for poor and vulnerable groups, such as school feeding programmes, school uniform programmes and single parent assistance programmes. As a result of these programmes, the primary school enrolment rate and completion rate increased to over 90 per cent, and the repetition and drop-out rates decreased to 1 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. The enrolment rate at the secondary level also indicated an increase from 45 per cent in 1992 to 75 per cent in 2009–10 while the completion rate rose to 60 per cent. The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW that Guyana has achieved gender parity in primary education at the national level with near universal access to primary education. The Committee notes, however, that according to the list of issues concerning the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/GUY/Q/2-4, paragraph 10, 18 July 2012) the CRC requested the Government to ensure quality education in all schools, including in remote areas, increase the enrolment rate and reduce the drop-out rates both in primary and secondary education, especially for boys, and to ensure that pregnant teenagers are given the opportunity to continue their education. The Committee takes due note of the measures taken by the Government, and encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to promote access to primary and secondary education for all children, particularly boys and pregnant teenagers. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken in this regard, and on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) indicated that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and that there was a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There was evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted the Rapid Assessment Study which stated that child prostitution was one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana. The Committee further noted from the Rapid Assessment Study that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue.

The Committee notes that according to the information available on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), child prostitution is a problem in Guyana, including around the country’s mining industry. Girls are trafficked internally for commercial sex work, often from coastal areas and Amerindian communities to towns near mines. There are reports of girls as young as 12 years old working as prostitutes. The Committee also notes that the CRC in its list of issues of July 2012 asked the Government to indicate if any study on the scale and root causes of sexual exploitation of children, which is reported to be high in the country, has been conducted (CRC/C/GUY/2-4, paragraph 12). The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report concerning the situation of children involved in commercial sexual exploitation in the country. The Committee expresses its concern at the apparent prevalence of this worst form of child labour in the country, and urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years of age from commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken in this respect.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee had previously noted that the Guyana national plan of action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW, that Guyana is home to more than 50,000 Amerindian people (9.2 per cent of the population) belonging to nine different groups, living mainly in the hinterland and riverain areas of Guyana (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 59). The Committee notes that according to the information available from the UNHCR website, Amerindian girls are particularly vulnerable and are often trafficked to work in prostitution or domestic service. It also notes from the report that many Guyanese children work in domestic service and on the streets, typically as vendors or beggars. Observing that street children and children belonging to the Amerindian community which constitute 9.2 per cent of the population are at particular risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard and the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes that according to the information available from a report on UNICEF activities in Guyana, the Government of Guyana together with UNICEF has initiated a number of programmes aimed at the care and protection of orphans and other vulnerable children. It has also adopted mechanisms to strengthen the families of such children as well as to provide for the reintegration of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of orphans who have been reached through the various initiatives taken by the Government along with UNICEF. It also encourages the Government to continue to take measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Ministry of Labour, through the inspectorate department, conducts labour inspections at various work sites in Guyana, as well as investigates and prosecutes individuals found in violation of labour laws pertaining to children. The Committee also notes the statistical data on trafficking investigations contained in the Government’s report to the CEDAW. According to this report, in 2007, the National Task Force for Combating Trafficking in Persons registered eight cases of trafficking in persons involving ten victims under the age of 18 years of which nine were females. The Government report to CEDAW further indicated that the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit established under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security received nine cases of human trafficking in 2008, and six cases in 2009 (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 132–134). The Committee notes, however, that there is very limited data available on children engaged in the worst forms of child labour, particularly commercial sexual exploitation and hazardous work. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Government is in the process of setting up a baseline survey of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the report of the proposed child labour survey, once it has been made available. It also requests the Government to provide information on the findings of the labour inspectorate with regard to the number of violations detected and investigated concerning the employment of children in hazardous work.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted that the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988 contains provisions penalizing any person for the offences related to the possession or trafficking in narcotics as well as supply of narcotics to children and young persons. The Committee observed, however, that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. It requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee notes from the information provided by the Government in its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 136, 12 August 2010) that the Government has adopted a National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and its impact on the elimination of trafficking in children under the age of 18 years.

Article 7(1). Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act (EYPC Act) provides for penalties for the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. It had also noted that according to section 3 of Part II of the Schedule to the EYPC Act, the minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances by which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years. The Committee observes that section 5(1) of the EYPC Act covers only young persons between 15 and 16 years of age and section 3 of Part III of the EYPC Act does not provide for any penalties for its violation. Noting that the Government report has not provided any information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are provided for the infringement of section 3, Part II of the Schedule of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, prohibiting the employment of children under 18 years in hazardous work.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that Guyana is taking part in the ILO–IPEC Tackle Child Labour through Education (TACKLE) project. It notes that according to the information available in the ILO–IPEC project report, through this programme over 300 school children residing along the Linden/Soesdyke highway, no longer have to trek the 4 kilometres to and from school as they are now provided with free transport. The programme also has a nutrition enhancement component, providing a daily hot meal, an after-care programme which provides children with homework, and parenting workshops and psychosocial support for both parents and students. The Committee also notes from the ILO–IPEC report that since the project began, school attendance has increased from 64 per cent to 94 per cent in the target areas. The ILO–IPEC report further indicates that with the technical support of the TACKLE project, the Education Ministry is implementing a programme in five schools in three regions of Guyana targeting 3,500 children in secondary school with the objective of enabling them to complete secondary education.

The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 192–195) that in 2009–10, the Government introduced and expanded social safety net programmes for poor and vulnerable groups, such as school feeding programmes, school uniform programmes and single parent assistance programmes. As a result of these programmes, the primary school enrolment rate and completion rate increased to over 90 per cent, and the repetition and drop-out rates decreased to 1 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. The enrolment rate at the secondary level also indicated an increase from 45 per cent in 1992 to 75 per cent in 2009–10 while the completion rate rose to 60 per cent. The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW that Guyana has achieved gender parity in primary education at the national level with near universal access to primary education. The Committee notes, however, that according to the list of issues concerning the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/GUY/Q/2-4, paragraph 10, 18 July 2012) the CRC requested the Government to ensure quality education in all schools, including in remote areas, increase the enrolment rate and reduce the drop-out rates both in primary and secondary education, especially for boys, and to ensure that pregnant teenagers are given the opportunity to continue their education. The Committee takes due note of the measures taken by the Government, and encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to promote access to primary and secondary education for all children, particularly boys and pregnant teenagers. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken in this regard, and on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) indicated that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and that there was a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There was evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted the Rapid Assessment Study which stated that child prostitution was one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana. The Committee further noted from the Rapid Assessment Study that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue.

The Committee notes that according to the information available on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), child prostitution is a problem in Guyana, including around the country’s mining industry. Girls are trafficked internally for commercial sex work, often from coastal areas and Amerindian communities to towns near mines. There are reports of girls as young as 12 years old working as prostitutes. The Committee also notes that the CRC in its list of issues of July 2012 asked the Government to indicate if any study on the scale and root causes of sexual exploitation of children, which is reported to be high in the country, has been conducted (CRC/C/GUY/2-4, paragraph 12). The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report concerning the situation of children involved in commercial sexual exploitation in the country. The Committee expresses its concern at the apparent prevalence of this worst form of child labour in the country, and urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years of age from commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken in this respect.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee had previously noted that the Guyana national plan of action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW, that Guyana is home to more than 50,000 Amerindian people (9.2 per cent of the population) belonging to nine different groups, living mainly in the hinterland and riverain areas of Guyana (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 59). The Committee notes that according to the information available from the UNHCR website, Amerindian girls are particularly vulnerable and are often trafficked to work in prostitution or domestic service. It also notes from the report that many Guyanese children work in domestic service and on the streets, typically as vendors or beggars. Observing that street children and children belonging to the Amerindian community which constitute 9.2 per cent of the population are at particular risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard and the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes that according to the information available from a report on UNICEF activities in Guyana, the Government of Guyana together with UNICEF has initiated a number of programmes aimed at the care and protection of orphans and other vulnerable children. It has also adopted mechanisms to strengthen the families of such children as well as to provide for the reintegration of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of orphans who have been reached through the various initiatives taken by the Government along with UNICEF. It also encourages the Government to continue to take measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Ministry of Labour, through the inspectorate department, conducts labour inspections at various work sites in Guyana, as well as investigates and prosecutes individuals found in violation of labour laws pertaining to children. The Committee also notes the statistical data on trafficking investigations contained in the Government’s report to the CEDAW. According to this report, in 2007, the National Task Force for Combating Trafficking in Persons registered eight cases of trafficking in persons involving ten victims under the age of 18 years of which nine were females. The Government report to CEDAW further indicated that the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit established under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security received nine cases of human trafficking in 2008, and six cases in 2009 (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 132–134). The Committee notes, however, that there is very limited data available on children engaged in the worst forms of child labour, particularly commercial sexual exploitation and hazardous work. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Government is in the process of setting up a baseline survey of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the report of the proposed child labour survey, once it has been made available. It also requests the Government to provide information on the findings of the labour inspectorate with regard to the number of violations detected and investigated concerning the employment of children in hazardous work.

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Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously observed that sections 73, 84, 85 and 89 of the Criminal Law Offences Act covered only trafficking of females for sexual exploitation. It noted the Government’s indication that the newly enacted Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act provides comprehensive measures to combat trafficking in persons, including for the purposes of labour exploitation.

The Committee notes with interest that according to section 3 of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005 (Trafficking in Persons Act), whoever engages in or conspires to engage in or attempts to engage in, or assist another person to engage in or organizes or directs other persons to engage in trafficking in persons shall be punished. For the purposes of this section, the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of any child (defined as persons under 18 years of age) or the giving of payments or benefits to obtain the consent of a person having control of a child for the purpose of exploitation shall constitute trafficking in persons irrespective of whether any means of use of force, coercion or threat have been established. Furthermore, according to section 5(2)(c) of the Trafficking in Persons Act, transporting a child for prostitution constitutes an aggravated offence and shall be punishable with imprisonment for up to five years and a fine.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted that the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988 contains provisions penalizing any person for the offences related to the possession or trafficking in narcotics as well as supply of narcotics to children and young persons. The Committee observed, however, that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. It requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee notes from the information provided by the Government in its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 136, 12 August 2010) that the Government has adopted a National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and its impact on the elimination of trafficking in children under the age of 18 years.

Article 7(1). Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act (EYPC Act) provides for penalties for the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. It had also noted that according to section 3 of Part II of the Schedule to the EYPC Act, the minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances by which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years. The Committee observes that section 5(1) of the EYPC Act covers only young persons between 15 and 16 years of age and section 3 of Part III of the EYPC Act does not provide for any penalties for its violation. Noting that the Government report has not provided any information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are provided for the infringement of section 3, Part II of the Schedule of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, prohibiting the employment of children under 18 years in hazardous work.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that Guyana is taking part in the ILO–IPEC Tackle Child Labour through Education (TACKLE) project. It notes that according to the information available in the ILO–IPEC project report, through this programme over 300 school children residing along the Linden/Soesdyke highway, no longer have to trek the 4 kilometres to and from school as they are now provided with free transport. The programme also has a nutrition enhancement component, providing a daily hot meal, an after-care programme which provides children with homework, and parenting workshops and psychosocial support for both parents and students. The Committee also notes from the ILO–IPEC report that since the project began, school attendance has increased from 64 per cent to 94 per cent in the target areas. The ILO–IPEC report further indicates that with the technical support of the TACKLE project, the Education Ministry is implementing a programme in five schools in three regions of Guyana targeting 3,500 children in secondary school with the objective of enabling them to complete secondary education.

The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 192–195) that in 2009–10, the Government introduced and expanded social safety net programmes for poor and vulnerable groups, such as school feeding programmes, school uniform programmes and single parent assistance programmes. As a result of these programmes, the primary school enrolment rate and completion rate increased to over 90 per cent, and the repetition and drop-out rates decreased to 1 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. The enrolment rate at the secondary level also indicated an increase from 45 per cent in 1992 to 75 per cent in 2009–10 while the completion rate rose to 60 per cent. The Committee further notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW that Guyana has achieved gender parity in primary education at the national level with near universal access to primary education. The Committee notes, however, that according to the list of issues concerning the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/GUY/Q/2-4, paragraph 10, 18 July 2012) the CRC requested the Government to ensure quality education in all schools, including in remote areas, increase the enrolment rate and reduce the drop-out rates both in primary and secondary education, especially for boys, and to ensure that pregnant teenagers are given the opportunity to continue their education. The Committee takes due note of the measures taken by the Government, and encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to promote access to primary and secondary education for all children, particularly boys and pregnant teenagers. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken in this regard, and on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) indicated that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and that there was a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There was evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted the Rapid Assessment Study which stated that child prostitution was one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana. The Committee further noted from the Rapid Assessment Study that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue.

The Committee notes that according to the information available on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), child prostitution is a problem in Guyana, including around the country’s mining industry. Girls are trafficked internally for commercial sex work, often from coastal areas and Amerindian communities to towns near mines. There are reports of girls as young as 12 years old working as prostitutes. The Committee also notes that the CRC in its list of issues of July 2012 asked the Government to indicate if any study on the scale and root causes of sexual exploitation of children, which is reported to be high in the country, has been conducted (CRC/C/GUY/2-4, paragraph 12). The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report concerning the situation of children involved in commercial sexual exploitation in the country. The Committee expresses its concern at the apparent prevalence of this worst form of child labour in the country, and urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to provide the necessary direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years of age from commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken in this respect.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee had previously noted that the Guyana national plan of action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW, that Guyana is home to more than 50,000 Amerindian people (9.2 per cent of the population) belonging to nine different groups, living mainly in the hinterland and riverain areas of Guyana (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 59). The Committee notes that according to the information available from the UNHCR website, Amerindian girls are particularly vulnerable and are often trafficked to work in prostitution or domestic service. It also notes from the report that many Guyanese children work in domestic service and on the streets, typically as vendors or beggars. Observing that street children and children belonging to the Amerindian community which constitute 9.2 per cent of the population are at particular risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard and the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes that according to the information available from a report on UNICEF activities in Guyana, the Government of Guyana together with UNICEF has initiated a number of programmes aimed at the care and protection of orphans and other vulnerable children. It has also adopted mechanisms to strengthen the families of such children as well as to provide for the reintegration of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of orphans who have been reached through the various initiatives taken by the Government along with UNICEF. It also encourages the Government to continue to take measures to ensure that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children are protected from the worst forms of child labour.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee notes from the Government’s report to the CEDAW that at the bilateral level, it has established cooperation among relevant actors in countries of origin and destination that play a critical role in the prevention of trafficking in persons, victim return and reintegration programmes (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraph 145). These include Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The Government has also engaged in discussion with state officials from Brazil and Suriname on information exchange on criminal matters involving trafficking in persons as well as for legal, judicial and law enforcement cooperation in the fight against cross-border crime, including trafficking in persons.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Ministry of Labour, through the inspectorate department, conducts labour inspections at various work sites in Guyana, as well as investigates and prosecutes individuals found in violation of labour laws pertaining to children. The Committee also notes the statistical data on trafficking investigations contained in the Government’s report to the CEDAW. According to this report, in 2007, the National Task Force for Combating Trafficking in Persons registered eight cases of trafficking in persons involving ten victims under the age of 18 years of which nine were females. The Government report to CEDAW further indicated that the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit established under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security received nine cases of human trafficking in 2008, and six cases in 2009 (CEDAW/C/GUY/7-8, paragraphs 132–134). The Committee notes, however, that there is very limited data available on children engaged in the worst forms of child labour, particularly commercial sexual exploitation and hazardous work. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Government is in the process of setting up a baseline survey of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the report of the proposed child labour survey, once it has been made available. It also requests the Government to provide information on the findings of the labour inspectorate with regard to the number of violations detected and investigated concerning the employment of children in hazardous work.

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The Committee notes with regret that, for the fourth consecutive year, the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. The Committee took note of the Government’s information that a Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act was enacted in April 2005 prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children, and the use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution and pornography. However, the Committee had not received a copy of the Act. It accordingly requests the Government to provide a copy of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act along with its next report.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee took note of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act. However, referring to its previous comments, the Committee noted that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government’s statement that, unless the worst forms of child labour are identified, there cannot be any action plan. Reminding the Government that Article 6(1) of the Convention requires that each Member design and implement programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour, the Committee had requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged in this regard. The Committee noted with interest the Pilot Programme of Action being implemented in Parika, with the involvement of relevant stakeholders. It further noted that steps have been taken, with the assistance of the ILO, to engage participants in the identification of a strategy to combat child labour and elaborate a National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour. A draft outline of a Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour has been drafted, and will be further developed into a more detailed National Plan of Action. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour and the Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour once they have been finalized, as well as information on their implementation and their impact on eliminating the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide the results of the pilot project when they become available.

Article 7(1). Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act only covers the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. The Committee therefore requested the Government to indicate the measures taken, including sanctions, to secure the prohibition of employment of all children (girls and boys) under 18 years not only in industrial undertakings but in all hazardous work. The Committee noted the Government’s information that an amendment to the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act has been drafted to address this issue. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the draft amendments to the Act once they have been enacted.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that the schools’ welfare division of the Ministry of Education and Social Security work to ensure that children attend school, and requested the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the different services to ensure that children attend school. The Committee noted the Government’s information that this exercise is an ongoing one, and children found out of school are returned and parents reprimanded. The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that no specific data are available. The Committee requests the Government to provide further data on the results achieved to ensure that children attend school, and thereby prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, as soon as they become available.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the ICFTU indicates that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and there is a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There is evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that child prostitution is one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana, foremost among them being the 1996 UNICEF study. This study found that, out of 1,024 children, 26 per cent knew female students who accept gifts and money in exchange for sexual favours, and 17 per cent knew male students who accept money and gifts for sexual favours. The study stated that a conclusion could be drawn that there is an alarming degree of prostitution within the secondary school system. The Committee further noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue. The Committee observed that, in its Concluding Observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that Guyana undertake a comprehensive study of children involved in the commercial sex industry and use the data to design policies and programmes to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, including through the development of a National Plan of Action on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children as agreed at the First and Second World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in 1996 and 2001; and also to train law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute complaints in a child-sensitive manner (CRC/C/15/Add.224, paragraph 54). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that surveys and investigations would be carried out to determine the extent of the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, and child labour in general. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that it has undertaken no specific studies relating to commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee took further note of the Government’s information that preliminary results of a recent study on the worst forms of child labour in a pilot community have not revealed any instances of this. Given the urgency of the current state of child prostitution in Guyana, the Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation, and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Pilot rehabilitation programme in Parika. The Committee noted with interest the implementation of an Action Programme on the Rehabilitation of Child Labourers and the Prevention of Child Labour in Parika, WCD, Guyana, as part of the ILO/AIDS regional child labour project in 2004, which is attempting to withdraw child labourers engaged in the worst forms of child labour and offer them alternative options such as education enhancement, counselling and other rehabilitative support. The Committee also noted from the report on the Programme that at least 200 children who are at risk of becoming involved in hazardous child labour are enrolled in school and have been exposed to awareness-raising activities on the dangers of child labour and the importance of schooling (RLA/03/P02/CAN, page 9). The Committee requests the Government to provide data and statistics on the achievements and results of the pilot project when it becomes available, and its impact with regard to removing children from the worst forms of child labour, and providing for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee previously noted that the Guyana National Plan of Action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children. It further noted that, in its concluding observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern at the situation of street children and at the lack of adequate and sufficient measures to address this situation. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended to the Government to strengthen its efforts to assist street children, including reintegration into their families as well as taking preventive measures (CRC/C/15/Add.24, paragraph 52). The Committee requested the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect Amerindian and street children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee took note of the Government’s information that it awaits the conclusion of the pilot project in Parika to guide its future interventions on a wider level, which will meet the needs of all children, especially Amerindian and street children, to protect them from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the results of the pilot project as soon as they become available, as well as to indicate initiatives to identify and reach out to children at special risk based on these results.

2. Orphan children. The Committee noted that, according to the Guyana Presidential Commission on HIV/AIDS Country Report, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to result in increasing numbers of children being orphaned and made vulnerable by the disease. Currently, there are an estimated 4,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Guyana. Orphans are defined as children, under 18 years, of whom at least one or both their biological parents have died through causes such as HIV/AIDS, other illnesses, violence, suicide or other causes. Vulnerable children include those living without one or both parents because of long-term or permanent (national or international) migration or chronic illness, and those who are living without any caregivers at all. The Committee noted the report’s information that policy and planning efforts on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are reflected through the initiation of a National OVC Policy Document as well as a National Plan of Action for OVC by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services, and Social Security in 2005 (Government of Guyana/United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS 2005, page 16). The Committee observed that orphans and vulnerable children might more easily engage in the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged through the National Plan of Action for OVC to address the situation of orphan children engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). The special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on actions taken or envisaged to take account of the special situation of girls. The Committee noted the Government’s information that the special situation of girls is taken into account in all action. It requests the Government to provide more information on the manner in which it took account of the special situation of girls, particularly with respect to the new Plan of Action to Eliminate Child Labour.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee previously noted that the Subregional Office for the Caribbean is providing support to member States in their fight against child labour and in the effective implementation of the Convention through technical assistance and capacity building in the areas of child labour research, policy formulation and intervention strategies. The Committee noted the Government’s information that Guyana has not directly assisted other member States but has been cooperating. For example, students from other countries have been given assistance in the area of child labour research. The Committee also noted that, commencing in July 2006, Guyana will receive US$322 million from the World Bank in debt relief, which will help the Government to implement the Millennium Development Goals, including health, education and poverty eradication programmes. The Committee took note of the PRSP Progress Report of December 2004, and requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to eliminate the worst forms of child labour through its partnership with the World Bank.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee noted the Government’s information that labour inspectors are continuing the fight against child labour, and further noted that the recent integration of the Occupational Health and Safety Department with the Labour Inspectorate will see a more coordinated approach as well as a more efficient use of the human resource element in this effort. The Committee also noted the Government’s information that penalties are imposed by the courts. The Committee observes that there has been one violation detected, which is currently engaging the attention of the court. It requests the Government to provide details of the case that is currently with the courts, including the nature of the infringement and possible penalties.

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The Committee notes with regret that, for the third consecutive year, the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. The Committee took note of the Government’s information that a Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act was enacted in April 2005 prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children, and the use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution and pornography. However, the Committee had not received a copy of the Act. It accordingly requests the Government to provide a copy of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act along with its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that sections 73, 84, 85 and 89 of the Criminal Law Offences Act only cover the trafficking of females (girls) for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and that there does not appear to be specific legislation prohibiting trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. The Committee requested the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of both boys and girls under 18 for the purposes of labour exploitation. The Committee noted the Government’s information that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act provides comprehensive measures to combat trafficking in persons, and that the Act also prohibits trafficking for the purposes of labour exploitation.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously observed in its comments that sections 72, 73 and 86 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, which relate to prostitution, apply only to women and girls. The Committee noted the Government’s information that, under the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, “child” is defined as any person under the age of 18. The Government also indicated that the Act makes it an offence to compel a person to perform any service.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 350(1) of the Criminal Law Offences Act and section 157 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, which deal with pornography, do not specifically establish offences related to pornography or pornographic performances by a child under 18 years of age. The Committee also observed from the 2002 ILO Rapid Assessment Study for Guyana entitled “The situation of children in the worst forms of child labour” (page 20) that, according to the UNICEF study of 1996, there are pornographic pickneys in Guyana, which refer to children who are videotaped or filmed for commercial sex purposes. The Committee noted the Government’s information that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act makes child pornography an offence.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee took note of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act. However, referring to its previous comments, the Committee noted that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government’s statement that, unless the worst forms of child labour are identified, there cannot be any action plan. Reminding the Government that Article 6(1) of the Convention requires that each Member design and implement programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour, the Committee had requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged in this regard. The Committee noted with interest the Pilot Programme of Action being implemented in Parika, with the involvement of relevant stakeholders. It further noted that steps have been taken, with the assistance of the ILO, to engage participants in the identification of a strategy to combat child labour and elaborate a National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour. A draft outline of a Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour has been drafted, and will be further developed into a more detailed National Plan of Action. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour and the Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour once they have been finalized, as well as information on their implementation and their impact on eliminating the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide the results of the pilot project when they become available.

Article 7(1). Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act only covers the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. The Committee therefore requested the Government to indicate the measures taken, including sanctions, to secure the prohibition of employment of all children (girls and boys) under 18 years not only in industrial undertakings but in all hazardous work. The Committee noted the Government’s information that an amendment to the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act has been drafted to address this issue. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the draft amendments to the Act once they have been enacted.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that the schools’ welfare division of the Ministry of Education and Social Security work to ensure that children attend school, and requested the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the different services to ensure that children attend school. The Committee noted the Government’s information that this exercise is an ongoing one, and children found out of school are returned and parents reprimanded. The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that no specific data are available. The Committee requests the Government to provide further data on the results achieved to ensure that children attend school, and thereby prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, as soon as they become available.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration.
1. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the ICFTU indicates that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and there is a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There is evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that child prostitution is one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana, foremost among them being the 1996 UNICEF study. This study found that, out of 1,024 children, 26 per cent knew female students who accept gifts and money in exchange for sexual favours, and 17 per cent knew male students who accept money and gifts for sexual favours. The study stated that a conclusion could be drawn that there is an alarming degree of prostitution within the secondary school system. The Committee further noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue. The Committee observed that, in its Concluding Observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that Guyana undertake a comprehensive study of children involved in the commercial sex industry and use the data to design policies and programmes to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, including through the development of a National Plan of Action on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children as agreed at the First and Second World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in 1996 and 2001; and also to train law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute complaints in a child-sensitive manner (CRC/C/15/Add.224, paragraph 54). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that surveys and investigations would be carried out to determine the extent of the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, and child labour in general. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that it has undertaken no specific studies relating to commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee took further note of the Government’s information that preliminary results of a recent study on the worst forms of child labour in a pilot community have not revealed any instances of this. Given the urgency of the current state of child prostitution in Guyana, the Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation, and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

2. Pilot rehabilitation programme in Parika. The Committee noted with interest the implementation of an Action Programme on the Rehabilitation of Child Labourers and the Prevention of Child Labour in Parika, WCD, Guyana, as part of the ILO/AIDS regional child labour project in 2004, which is attempting to withdraw child labourers engaged in the worst forms of child labour and offer them alternative options such as education enhancement, counselling and other rehabilitative support. The Committee also noted from the report on the Programme that at least 200 children who are at risk of becoming involved in hazardous child labour are enrolled in school and have been exposed to awareness-raising activities on the dangers of child labour and the importance of schooling (RLA/03/P02/CAN, page 9). The Committee requests the Government to provide data and statistics on the achievements and results of the pilot project when it becomes available, and its impact with regard to removing children from the worst forms of child labour, and providing for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk.
1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee previously noted that the Guyana National Plan of Action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children. It further noted that, in its concluding observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern at the situation of street children and at the lack of adequate and sufficient measures to address this situation. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended to the Government to strengthen its efforts to assist street children, including reintegration into their families as well as taking preventive measures (CRC/C/15/Add.24, paragraph 52). The Committee requested the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect Amerindian and street children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee took note of the Government’s information that it awaits the conclusion of the pilot project in Parika to guide its future interventions on a wider level, which will meet the needs of all children, especially Amerindian and street children, to protect them from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the results of the pilot project as soon as they become available, as well as to indicate initiatives to identify and reach out to children at special risk based on these results.

2. Orphan children. The Committee noted that, according to the Guyana Presidential Commission on HIV/AIDS Country Report, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to result in increasing numbers of children being orphaned and made vulnerable by the disease. Currently, there are an estimated 4,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Guyana. Orphans are defined as children, under 18 years, of whom at least one or both their biological parents have died through causes such as HIV/AIDS, other illnesses, violence, suicide or other causes. Vulnerable children include those living without one or both parents because of long-term or permanent (national or international) migration or chronic illness, and those who are living without any caregivers at all. The Committee noted the report’s information that policy and planning efforts on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are reflected through the initiation of a National OVC Policy Document as well as a National Plan of Action for OVC by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services, and Social Security in 2005 (Government of Guyana/United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS 2005, page 16). The Committee observed that orphans and vulnerable children might more easily engage in the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged through the National Plan of Action for OVC to address the situation of orphan children engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). The special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on actions taken or envisaged to take account of the special situation of girls. The Committee noted the Government’s information that the special situation of girls is taken into account in all action. It requests the Government to provide more information on the manner in which it took account of the special situation of girls, particularly with respect to the new Plan of Action to Eliminate Child Labour.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee previously noted that the Subregional Office for the Caribbean is providing support to member States in their fight against child labour and in the effective implementation of the Convention through technical assistance and capacity building in the areas of child labour research, policy formulation and intervention strategies. The Committee noted the Government’s information that Guyana has not directly assisted other member States but has been cooperating. For example, students from other countries have been given assistance in the area of child labour research. The Committee also noted that, commencing in July 2006, Guyana will receive US$322 million from the World Bank in debt relief, which will help the Government to implement the Millennium Development Goals, including health, education and poverty eradication programmes. The Committee took note of the PRSP Progress Report of December 2004, and requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to eliminate the worst forms of child labour through its partnership with the World Bank.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee noted the Government’s information that labour inspectors are continuing the fight against child labour, and further noted that the recent integration of the Occupational Health and Safety Department with the Labour Inspectorate will see a more coordinated approach as well as a more efficient use of the human resource element in this effort. The Committee also noted the Government’s information that penalties are imposed by the courts. The Committee observes that there has been one violation detected, which is currently engaging the attention of the court. It requests the Government to provide details of the case that is currently with the courts, including the nature of the infringement and possible penalties.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that relevant agencies decided to set up a National Steering Committee on Child Labour in order to formulate a draft national plan that would include recommendations for research, awareness raising, policy and legislation. It also noted from the report submitted by the Government to the Committee on the Rights of the Child that a National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), approved in 1996, is being drafted for the period up to 2007 (CRC/C/8/Add.47, paragraph 11). The Committee requested the Government to indicate any developments with regard to the work of the National Steering Committee, as well as the implementation of the NPAC relating to the worst forms of child labour, and the results attained. The Committee notes from the Government’s report, a list of achievements attained by the National Steering Committee, including the training of labour inspectors, public awareness and sensitization on child labour issues, and the production of reports on child labour laws. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that the National Steering Committee has provided critical support in ensuring that child labour remains high on the country’s agenda, and hopes to use the experiences obtained from a pilot project in Parika and its recent training from the ILO (such as a Strategic Planning Workshop) to advise, with regard to policy measures, on the effective prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a broad-based initiative.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. The Committee takes note of the Government’s information that a Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act was enacted in April 2005 prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children, and the use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution and pornography. However, the Committee has not received a copy of the Act. It accordingly requests the Government to provide a copy of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act along with its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that sections 73, 84, 85 and 89 of the Criminal Law Offences Act only cover the trafficking of females (girls) for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and that there does not appear to be specific legislation prohibiting trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. The Committee requested the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of both boys and girls under 18 for the purposes of labour exploitation. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act provides comprehensive measures to combat trafficking in persons, and that the Act also prohibits trafficking for the purposes of labour exploitation.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously observed in its comments that sections 72, 73 and 86 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, which relate to prostitution, apply only to women and girls. The Committee notes the Government’s information that, under the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, “child” is defined as any person under the age of 18. The Government also provides that the Act makes it an offence to compel a person to perform any service.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 350(1) of the Criminal Law Offences Act and section 157 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, which deal with pornography, do not specifically establish offences related to pornography or pornographic performances by a child under 18 years of age. The Committee also observed from the 2002 ILO Rapid Assessment Study for Guyana entitled “The situation of children in the worst forms of child labour” (page 20) that, according to the UNICEF study of 1996, there are pornographic pickneys in Guyana, which refer to children who are videotaped or filmed for commercial sex purposes. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act makes child pornography an offence.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee takes note of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act. However, referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2. Determination and identification of hazardous work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the 2002 Rapid Assessment Study (page 19), qualitative and quantitative data reveal that children in Guyana are found to work in unhealthy environments where they are exposed to toxic chemicals, work with dangerous machinery, fetching heavy loads and unreasonable confinement while working as domestics or in stores. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to determine the types of work to be considered as hazardous and which are to be prohibited for children under 18 years of age, taking into particular consideration Paragraph 3 of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation, 1999 (No. 190). The Committee notes with interest the Government’s information that a list of hazardous occupations prohibited to children under 18 years of age was developed in January 2004 at a national meeting on combating child labour organized by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the ILO, and that a copy of the list has been provided along with the Government’s report.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government’s statement that, unless the worst forms of child labour are identified, there cannot be any action plan. Reminding the Government that Article 6(1) of the Convention requires that each Member design and implement programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour, the Committee had requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged in this regard. The Committee notes with interest the Pilot Programme of Action being implemented in Parika, with the involvement of relevant stakeholders. It further notes that steps have been taken, with the assistance of the ILO, to engage participants in the identification of a strategy to combat child labour and elaborate a National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour. A draft outline of a Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour has been drafted, and will be further developed into a more detailed National Plan of Action. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour and the Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour once they have been finalized, as well as information on their implementation and their impact on eliminating the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide the results of the pilot project when they become available.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act only covers the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. The Committee therefore requested the Government to indicate the measures taken, including sanctions, to secure the prohibition of employment of all children (girls and boys) under 18 years not only in industrial undertakings but in all hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s information that an amendment to the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act has been drafted to address this issue. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the draft amendments to the Act once they have been enacted.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that the schools’ welfare division of the Ministry of Education and Social Security work to ensure that children attend school, and requested the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the different services to ensure that children attend school. The Committee notes the Government’s information that this exercise is an ongoing one, and children found out of school are returned and parents reprimanded. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that no specific data are available. The Committee requests the Government to provide further data on the results achieved to ensure that children attend school, and thereby prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, as soon as they become available.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration.
1. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the ICFTU indicates that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and there is a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There is evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that child prostitution is one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana, foremost among them being the 1996 UNICEF study. This study found that, out of 1,024 children, 26 per cent knew female students who accept gifts and money in exchange for sexual favours, and 17 per cent knew male students who accept money and gifts for sexual favours. The study stated that a conclusion could be drawn that there is an alarming degree of prostitution within the secondary school system. The Committee further noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue. The Committee observed that, in its Concluding Observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that Guyana undertake a comprehensive study of children involved in the commercial sex industry and use the data to design policies and programmes to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, including through the development of a National Plan of Action on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children as agreed at the First and Second World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in 1996 and 2001; and also to train law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute complaints in a child-sensitive manner (CRC/C/15/Add.224, paragraph 54). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that surveys and investigations would be carried out to determine the extent of the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, and child labour in general. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it has undertaken no specific studies relating to commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee takes further note of the Government’s information that preliminary results of a recent study on the worst forms of child labour in a pilot community have not revealed any instances of this. Given the urgency of the current state of child prostitution in Guyana, the Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation, and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

2. Pilot rehabilitation programme in Parika. The Committee notes with interest the implementation of an Action Programme on the Rehabilitation of Child Labourers and the Prevention of Child Labour in Parika, WCD, Guyana, as part of the ILO/AIDS regional child labour project in 2004, which is attempting to withdraw child labourers engaged in the worst forms of child labour and offer them alternative options such as education enhancement, counselling and other rehabilitative support. The Committee also notes from the report on the Programme that at least 200 children who are at risk of becoming involved in hazardous child labour are enrolled in school and have been exposed to awareness-raising activities on the dangers of child labour and the importance of schooling (RLA/03/P02/CAN, page 9). The Committee requests the Government to provide data and statistics on the achievements and results of the pilot project when it becomes available, and its impact with regard to removing children from the worst forms of child labour, and providing for their rehabilitation and social integration

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk.
1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee previously noted that the Guyana National Plan of Action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children. It further notes that, in its concluding observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern at the situation of street children and at the lack of adequate and sufficient measures to address this situation. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended to the Government to strengthen its efforts to assist street children, including reintegration into their families as well as taking preventive measures (CRC/C/15/Add.24, paragraph 52). The Committee requested the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect Amerindian and street children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee takes note of the Government’s information that it awaits the conclusion of the pilot project in Parika to guide its future interventions on a wider level, which will meet the needs of all children, especially Amerindian and street children, to protect them from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the results of the pilot project as soon as they become available, as well as to indicate initiatives to identify and reach out to children at special risk based on these results.

2. Orphan children. The Committee notes that, according to the Guyana Presidential Commission on HIV/AIDS Country Report, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to result in increasing numbers of children being orphaned and made vulnerable by the disease. Currently, there are an estimated 4,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Guyana. Orphans are defined as children, under 18 years, of whom at least one or both their biological parents have died through causes such as HIV/AIDS, other illnesses, violence, suicide or other causes. Vulnerable children include those living without one or both parents because of long-term or permanent (national or international) migration or chronic illness, and those who are living without any caregivers at all. The Committee notes the report’s information that policy and planning efforts on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are reflected through the initiation of a National OVC Policy Document as well as a National Plan of Action for OVC by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services, and Social Security in 2005 (Government of Guyana/United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS 2005, page 16). The Committee observes that orphans and vulnerable children might more easily engage in the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged through the National Plan of Action for OVC to address the situation of orphan children engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). The special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on actions taken or envisaged to take account of the special situation of girls. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the special situation of girls is taken into account in all action. It requests the Government to provide more information on the manner in which it takes account of the special situation of girls, particularly with respect to the new Plan of Action to Eliminate Child Labour.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Competent authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to this Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that it is the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security that is responsible for the provisions giving effect to this Convention.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee previously noted that the Subregional Office for the Caribbean is providing support to member States in their fight against child labour and in the effective implementation of the Convention through technical assistance and capacity building in the areas of child labour research, policy formulation and intervention strategies. The Committee notes the Government’s information that Guyana has not directly assisted other member States but has been cooperating. For example, students from other countries have been given assistance in the area of child labour research. The Committee also notes that, commencing in July 2006, Guyana will receive US$322 million from the World Bank in debt relief, which will help the Government to implement the Millennium Development Goals, including health, education and poverty eradication programmes. The Committee takes note of the PRSP Progress Report of December 2004, and requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to eliminate the worst forms of child labour through its partnership with the World Bank.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that labour inspectors are continuing the fight against child labour, and further notes that the recent integration of the Occupational Health and Safety Department with the Labour Inspectorate will see a more coordinated approach as well as a more efficient use of the human resource element in this effort. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that penalties are imposed by the courts. The Committee observes that there has been one violation detected, which is currently engaging the attention of the court. It requests the Government to provide details of the case that is currently with the courts, including the nature of the infringement and possible penalties.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that relevant agencies decided to set up a National Steering Committee on Child Labour in order to formulate a draft national plan that would include recommendations for research, awareness raising, policy and legislation. It also noted from the report submitted by the Government to the Committee on the Rights of the Child that a National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), approved in 1996, is being drafted for the period up to 2007 (CRC/C/8, Add.47, paragraph 11). The Committee requested the Government to indicate any developments with regard to the work of the National Steering Committee, as well as the implementation of the NPAC relating to the worst forms of child labour, and the results attained. The Committee notes from the Government’s report, a list of achievements attained by the National Steering Committee, including the training of labour inspectors, public awareness and sensitization on child labour issues, and the production of reports on child labour laws. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that the National Steering Committee has provided critical support in ensuring that child labour remains high on the country’s agenda, and hopes to use the experiences obtained from a pilot project in Parika and its recent training from the ILO (such as a Strategic Planning Workshop) to advise, with regard to policy measures, on the effective prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a broad-based initiative.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. The Committee takes note of the Government’s information that a Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act was enacted in April 2005 prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children, and the use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution and pornography. However, the Committee has not received a copy of the Act. It accordingly requests the Government to provide a copy of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act along with its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that sections 73, 84, 85 and 89 of the Criminal Law Offences Act only cover the trafficking of females (girls) for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and that there does not appear to be specific legislation prohibiting trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. The Committee requested the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of both boys and girls under 18 for the purposes of labour exploitation. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act provides comprehensive measures to combat trafficking in persons, and that the Act also prohibits trafficking for the purposes of labour exploitation.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously observed in its comments that sections 72, 73 and 86 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, which relate to prostitution, apply only to women and girls. The Committee notes the Government’s information that, under the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, “child” is defined as any person under the age of 18. The Government also provides that the Act makes it an offence to compel a person to perform any service.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 350(1) of the Criminal Law Offences Act and section 157 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, which deal with pornography, do not specifically establish offences related to pornography or pornographic performances by a child under 18 years of age. The Committee also observed from the 2002 ILO Rapid Assessment Study for Guyana entitled “The situation of children in the worst forms of child labour” (page 20) that, according to the UNICEF study of 1996, there are pornographic pickneys in Guyana, which refer to children who are videotaped or filmed for commercial sex purposes. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act makes child pornography an offence.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee takes note of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act. However, referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2. Determination and identification of hazardous work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the 2002 Rapid Assessment Study (page 19), qualitative and quantitative data reveal that children in Guyana are found to work in unhealthy environments where they are exposed to toxic chemicals, work with dangerous machinery, fetching heavy loads and unreasonable confinement while working as domestics or in stores. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to determine the types of work to be considered as hazardous and which are to be prohibited for children under 18 years of age, taking into particular consideration Paragraph 3 of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation, 1999 (No. 190). The Committee notes with interest the Government’s information that a list of hazardous occupations prohibited to children under 18 years of age was developed in January 2004 at a national meeting on combating child labour organized by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the ILO, and that a copy of the list has been provided along with the Government’s report.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government’s statement that, unless the worst forms of child labour are identified, there cannot be any action plan. Reminding the Government that Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention requires that each Member design and implement programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour, the Committee had requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged in this regard. The Committee notes with interest the Pilot Programme of Action being implemented in Parika, with the involvement of relevant stakeholders. It further notes that steps have been taken, with the assistance of the ILO, to engage participants in the identification of a strategy to combat child labour and elaborate a National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour. A draft outline of a Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour has been drafted, and will be further developed into a more detailed National Plan of Action. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour and the Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour once they have been finalized, as well as information on their implementation and their impact on eliminating the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide the results of the pilot project when they become available.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act only covers the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. The Committee therefore requested the Government to indicate the measures taken, including sanctions, to secure the prohibition of employment of all children (girls and boys) under 18 years not only in industrial undertakings but in all hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s information that an amendment to the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act has been drafted to address this issue. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the draft amendments to the Act once they have been enacted.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that the schools’ welfare division of the Ministry of Education and Social Security work to ensure that children attend school, and requested the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the different services to ensure that children attend school. The Committee notes the Government’s information that this exercise is an ongoing one, and children found out of school are returned and parents reprimanded. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that no specific data are available. The Committee requests the Government to provide further data on the results achieved to ensure that children attend school, and thereby prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, as soon as they become available.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. 1. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the ICFTU indicates that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and there is a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There is evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that child prostitution is one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana, foremost among them being the 1996 UNICEF study. This study found that, out of 1,024 children, 26 per cent knew female students who accept gifts and money in exchange for sexual favours, and 17 per cent knew male students who accept money and gifts for sexual favours. The study stated that a conclusion could be drawn that there is an alarming degree of prostitution within the secondary school system. The Committee further noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue. The Committee observed that, in its Concluding Observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that Guyana undertake a comprehensive study of children involved in the commercial sex industry and use the data to design policies and programmes to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, including through the development of a National Plan of Action on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children as agreed at the First and Second World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in 1996 and 2001; and also to train law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute complaints in a child-sensitive manner (CRC/C/15/Add.224, paragraph 54). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that surveys and investigations would be carried out to determine the extent of the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, and child labour in general. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it has undertaken no specific studies relating to commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee takes further note of the Government’s information that preliminary results of a recent study on the worst forms of child labour in a pilot community have not revealed any instances of this. Given the urgency of the current state of child prostitution in Guyana, the Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation, and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

2. Pilot rehabilitation programme in Parika. The Committee notes with interest the implementation of an Action Programme on the Rehabilitation of Child Labourers and the Prevention of Child Labour in Parika, WCD, Guyana, as part of the ILO/AIDS regional child labour project in 2004, which is attempting to withdraw child labourers engaged in the worst forms of child labour and offer them alternative options such as education enhancement, counselling and other rehabilitative support. The Committee also notes from the report on the Programme that at least 200 children who are at risk of becoming involved in hazardous child labour are enrolled in school and have been exposed to awareness-raising activities on the dangers of child labour and the importance of schooling (RLA/03/P02/CAN, page 9). The Committee requests the Government to provide data and statistics on the achievements and results of the pilot project when it becomes available, and its impact with regard to removing children from the worst forms of child labour, and providing for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee previously noted that the Guyana National Plan of Action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children. It further notes that, in its Concluding Observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern at the situation of street children and at the lack of adequate and sufficient measures to address this situation. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended to the Government to strengthen its efforts to assist street children, including reintegration into their families as well as taking preventive measures (CRC/C/15/Add.24, paragraph 52). The Committee requested the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect Amerindian and street children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee takes note of the Government’s information that it awaits the conclusion of the pilot project in Parika to guide its future interventions on a wider level, which will meet the needs of all children, especially Amerindian and street children, to protect them from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the results of the pilot project as soon as they become available, as well as to indicate initiatives to identify and reach out to children at special risk based on these results.

2. Orphan children. The Committee notes that, according to the Guyana Presidential Commission on HIV/AIDS Country Report, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to result in increasing numbers of children being orphaned and made vulnerable by the disease. Currently, there are an estimated 4,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Guyana. Orphans are defined as children, under 18 years, of whom at least one or both their biological parents have died through causes such as HIV/AIDS, other illnesses, violence, suicide or other causes. Vulnerable children include those living without one or both parents because of long-term or permanent (national or international) migration or chronic illness, and those who are living without any caregivers at all. The Committee notes the report’s information that policy and planning efforts on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are reflected through the initiation of a National OVC Policy Document as well as a National Plan of Action for OVC by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services, and Social Security in 2005 (Government of Guyana/United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS 2005, page 16). The Committee observes that orphans and vulnerable children might more easily engage in the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged through the National Plan of Action for OVC to address the situation of orphan children engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). The special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on actions taken or envisaged to take account of the special situation of girls. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the special situation of girls is taken into account in all action. It requests the Government to provide more information on the manner in which it takes account of the special situation of girls, particularly with respect to the new Plan of Action to Eliminate Child Labour.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Competent authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to this Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that it is the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security that is responsible for the provisions giving effect to this Convention.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee previously noted that the Subregional Office for the Caribbean is providing support to member States in their fight against child labour and in the effective implementation of the Convention through technical assistance and capacity building in the areas of child labour research, policy formulation and intervention strategies. The Committee notes the Government’s information that Guyana has not directly assisted other member States but has been cooperating. For example, students from other countries have been given assistance in the area of child labour research. The Committee also notes that, commencing in July 2006, Guyana will receive US$322 million from the World Bank in debt relief, which will help the Government to implement the Millennium Development Goals, including health, education and poverty eradication programmes. The Committee takes note of the PRSP Progress Report of December 2004, and requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to eliminate the worst forms of child labour through its partnership with the World Bank.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that labour inspectors are continuing the fight against child labour, and further notes that the recent integration of the Occupational Health and Safety Department with the Labour Inspectorate will see a more coordinated approach as well as a more efficient use of the human resource element in this effort. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that penalties are imposed by the courts. The Committee observes that there has been one violation detected, which is currently engaging the attention of the court. It requests the Government to provide details of the case that is currently with the courts, including the nature of the infringement and possible penalties.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It requests the Government to provide further information on the following points.

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that relevant agencies decided to set up a National Steering Committee on Child Labour in order to formulate a draft national plan that would include recommendations for research, awareness raising, policy and legislation. It also noted from the report submitted by the Government to the Committee on the Rights of the Child that a National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), approved in 1996, is being drafted for the period up to 2007 (CRC/C/8, Add.47, paragraph 11). The Committee requested the Government to indicate any developments with regard to the work of the National Steering Committee, as well as the implementation of the NPAC relating to the worst forms of child labour, and the results attained. The Committee notes from the Government’s report, a list of achievements attained by the National Steering Committee, including the training of labour inspectors, public awareness and sensitization on child labour issues, and the production of reports on child labour laws. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that the National Steering Committee has provided critical support in ensuring that child labour remains high on the country’s agenda, and hopes to use the experiences obtained from a pilot project in Parika and its recent training from the ILO (such as a Strategic Planning Workshop) to advise, with regard to policy measures, on the effective prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a broad-based initiative.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. The Committee takes note of the Government’s information that a Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act was enacted in April 2005 prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children, and the use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution and pornography. However, the Committee has not received a copy of the Act. It accordingly requests the Government to provide a copy of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act along with its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that sections 73, 84, 85 and 89 of the Criminal Law Offences Act only cover the trafficking of females (girls) for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and that there does not appear to be specific legislation prohibiting trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. The Committee requested the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of both boys and girls under 18 for the purposes of labour exploitation. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act provides comprehensive measures to combat trafficking in persons, and that the Act also prohibits trafficking for the purposes of labour exploitation.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring, or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously observed in its comments that sections 72, 73 and 86 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, which relate to prostitution, apply only to women and girls. The Committee notes the Government’s information that, under the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, “child” is defined as any person under the age of 18. The Government also provides that the Act makes it an offence to compel a person to perform any service.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 350(1) of the Criminal Law Offences Act and section 157 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, which deal with pornography, do not specifically establish offences related to pornography or pornographic performances by a child under 18 years of age. The Committee also observed from the 2002 ILO Rapid Assessment Study for Guyana entitled “The situation of children in the worst forms of child labour” (page 20) that, according to the UNICEF study of 1996, there are pornographic pickneys in Guyana, which refer to children who are videotaped or filmed for commercial sex purposes. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act makes child pornography an offence.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee takes note of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act. However, referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that this Act does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities such as the production or trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2. Determination and identification of hazardous work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the 2002 Rapid Assessment Study (page 19), qualitative and quantitative data reveal that children in Guyana are found to work in unhealthy environments where they are exposed to toxic chemicals, work with dangerous machinery, fetching heavy loads and unreasonable confinement while working as domestics or in stores. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to determine the types of work to be considered as hazardous and which are to be prohibited for children under 18 years of age, taking into particular consideration Paragraph 3 of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation, 1999 (No. 190). The Committee notes with interest the Government’s information that a list of hazardous occupations prohibited to children under 18 years of age was developed in January 2004 at a national meeting on combating child labour organized by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the ILO, and that a copy of the list has been provided along with the Government’s report.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government’s statement that, unless the worst forms of child labour are identified, there cannot be any action plan. Reminding the Government that Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention requires that each Member design and implement programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour, the Committee had requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged in this regard. The Committee notes with interest the Pilot Programme of Action being implemented in Parika, with the involvement of relevant stakeholders. It further notes that steps have been taken, with the assistance of the ILO, to engage participants in the identification of a strategy to combat child labour and elaborate a National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour. A draft outline of a Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour has been drafted, and will be further developed into a more detailed National Plan of Action. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the National Plan for the Eradication of Child Labour and the Plan of Action to Eliminate and Prevent Child Labour once they have been finalized, as well as information on their implementation and their impact on eliminating the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide the results of the pilot project when they become available.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act only covers the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16) in limited situations. The Committee therefore requested the Government to indicate the measures taken, including sanctions, to secure the prohibition of employment of all children (girls and boys) under 18 years not only in industrial undertakings but in all hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s information that an amendment to the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act has been drafted to address this issue. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the draft amendments to the Act once they have been enacted.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that the schools’ welfare division of the Ministry of Education and Social Security work to ensure that children attend school, and requested the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the different services to ensure that children attend school. The Committee notes the Government’s information that this exercise is an ongoing one, and children found out of school are returned and parents reprimanded. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that no specific data are available. The Committee requests the Government to provide further data on the results achieved to ensure that children attend school, and thereby prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, as soon as they become available.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. 1. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the ICFTU indicates that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and there is a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There is evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that child prostitution is one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana, foremost among them being the 1996 UNICEF study. This study found that, out of 1,024 children, 26 per cent knew female students who accept gifts and money in exchange for sexual favours, and 17 per cent knew male students who accept money and gifts for sexual favours. The study stated that a conclusion could be drawn that there is an alarming degree of prostitution within the secondary school system. The Committee further noted that the Rapid Assessment Study states that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue. The Committee observed that, in its Concluding Observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that Guyana undertake a comprehensive study of children involved in the commercial sex industry and use the data to design policies and programmes to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, including through the development of a National Plan of Action on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children as agreed at the First and Second World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in 1996 and 2001; and also to train law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute complaints in a child-sensitive manner (CRC/C/15/Add.224, paragraph 54). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that surveys and investigations would be carried out to determine the extent of the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, and child labour in general. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it has undertaken no specific studies relating to commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee takes further note of the Government’s information that preliminary results of a recent study on the worst forms of child labour in a pilot community have not revealed any instances of this. Given the urgency of the current state of child prostitution in Guyana, the Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation, and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

2. Pilot rehabilitation programme in Parika. The Committee notes with interest the implementation of an Action Programme on the Rehabilitation of Child Labourers and the Prevention of Child Labour in Parika, WCD, Guyana, as part of the ILO/AIDS regional child labour project in 2004, which is attempting to withdraw child labourers engaged in the worst forms of child labour and offer them alternative options such as education enhancement, counselling and other rehabilitative support. The Committee also notes from the report on the Programme that at least 200 children who are at risk of becoming involved in hazardous child labour are enrolled in school and have been exposed to awareness-raising activities on the dangers of child labour and the importance of schooling (RLA/03/P02/CAN, page 9). The Committee requests the Government to provide data and statistics on the achievements and results of the pilot project when it becomes available, and its impact with regard to removing children from the worst forms of child labour, and providing for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Street children and Amerindian children. The Committee previously noted that the Guyana National Plan of Action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk and particularly children in difficult circumstances. The Committee also noted that the Rapid Assessment Study found that the worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children. It further notes that, in its Concluding Observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern at the situation of street children and at the lack of adequate and sufficient measures to address this situation. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended to the Government to strengthen its efforts to assist street children, including reintegration into their families as well as taking preventive measures (CRC/C/15/Add.24, paragraph 52). The Committee requested the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect Amerindian and street children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee takes note of the Government’s information that it awaits the conclusion of the pilot project in Parika to guide its future interventions on a wider level, which will meet the needs of all children, especially Amerindian and street children, to protect them from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the results of the pilot project as soon as they become available, as well as to indicate initiatives to identify and reach out to children at special risk based on these results.

2. Orphan children. The Committee notes that, according to the Guyana Presidential Commission on HIV/AIDS Country Report, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to result in increasing numbers of children being orphaned and made vulnerable by the disease. Currently, there are an estimated 4,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Guyana. Orphans are defined as children, under 18 years, of whom at least one or both their biological parents have died through causes such as HIV/AIDS, other illnesses, violence, suicide or other causes. Vulnerable children include those living without one or both parents because of long-term or permanent (national or international) migration or chronic illness, and those who are living without any caregivers at all. The Committee notes the report’s information that policy and planning efforts on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are reflected through the initiation of a National OVC Policy Document as well as a National Plan of Action for OVC by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services, and Social Security in 2005 (Government of Guyana/United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS 2005, page 16). The Committee observes that orphans and vulnerable children might more easily engage in the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged through the National Plan of Action for OVC to address the situation of orphan children engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). The special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on actions taken or envisaged to take account of the special situation of girls. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the special situation of girls is taken into account in all action. It requests the Government to provide more information on the manner in which it takes account of the special situation of girls, particularly with respect to the new Plan of Action to Eliminate Child Labour.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Competent authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to this Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that it is the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security that is responsible for the provisions giving effect to this Convention.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee previously noted that the Subregional Office for the Caribbean is providing support to member States in their fight against child labour and in the effective implementation of the Convention through technical assistance and capacity building in the areas of child labour research, policy formulation and intervention strategies. The Committee notes the Government’s information that Guyana has not directly assisted other member States but has been cooperating. For example, students from other countries have been given assistance in the area of child labour research. The Committee also notes that, commencing in July 2006, Guyana will receive US$322 million from the World Bank in debt relief, which will help the Government to implement the Millennium Development Goals, including health, education and poverty eradication programmes. The Committee takes note of the PRSP Progress Report of December 2004, and requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to eliminate the worst forms of child labour through its partnership with the World Bank.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information that labour inspectors are continuing the fight against child labour, and further notes that the recent integration of the Occupational Health and Safety Department with the Labour Inspectorate will see a more coordinated approach as well as a more efficient use of the human resource element in this effort. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that penalties are imposed by the courts. The Committee observes that there has been one violation detected, which is currently engaging the attention of the court. It requests the Government to provide details of the case that is currently with the courts, including the nature of the infringement and possible penalties.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s first report. It also takes note of the communication dated 29 October 2003 from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU). Copy of the communication was forwarded to the Government for any comments it might wish to make on the matters raised therein. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the following points.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the ILO conducted a Rapid Assessment Study in October 2002 on the worst forms of child labour. The Committee observes that relevant agencies decided to set up a Steering Committee in order to formulate a draft national plan that would include recommendations for research, awareness raising, policy and legislation. The Committee also notes that the Government, in its initial report submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 2002 (CRC/C/8/Add.47, paragraph 4) indicated its intention to adopt a new Education Act and to introduce a Children’s Bill and a Family Court and Status of Children’s Bill. The Committee also notes from the report submitted by the Government to the Committee on the Rights of the Child that a National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC) approved in 1996 is being drafted for the period up to 2007 (CRC/C/8/Add.47, paragraph 11). The Committee consequently requests the Government to continue providing information on the national policy measures taken or envisaged to effectively prohibit and eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In particular, the Committee asks the Government to indicate any developments with regard to the work of the Steering Committee, as well as the implementation of the NPAC relating to the worst forms of child labour, and the results attained.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee notes that there appear to be no legal provisions specifically prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children. The Committee, however, notes that by virtue of sections 84, 85 and 89 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, penalties are set out for the abduction and forcible abduction of any female or unmarried girl under the age of 18 years for marriage or for unlawful carnal knowledge. The Committee notes, moreover, that section, 73 of the Criminal Law Offences Act holds liable any person who procures or attempts to procure any female under the age of 21 years to leave Guyana or her place of abode for the purposes of prostitution either within or outside Guyana. The Committee notes, however, that these provisions only cover the trafficking of females (girls) for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Moreover, there is no specific legislation prohibiting trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. In this regard, the Committee draws to the Government’s attention its obligation under Article 1 of the Convention to take immediate measures to secure the prohibition of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the trafficking of boys under the age of 18 years for purposes of sexual exploitation. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of both boys and girls under 18 for purposes of labour exploitation.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that there is no incidence of slavery, debt bondage, forced or compulsory labour including the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes that article 140(1) of the Constitution stipulates that no person shall be held in slavery and servitude, and article 140(2) of the Constitution provides that no person shall be required to perform forced labour.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes that according to section 73 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, anyone who: (a) procures or attempts to procure any female under 21 years of age to have any unlawful carnal connection, either within or outside Guyana, with any other person; or (b) procures or attempts to procure any female to become, either within or outside Guyana, a common prostitute; or (c) procures or attempts to procure any female to leave Guyana with intent that she may become an inmate of a brothel elsewhere; or (d) procures or attempts to procure any female to leave her usual place of abode in Guyana with intent that she may, for the purposes of prostitution, become an inmate of a brothel either within or outside Guyana, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour. The Committee notes moreover that section 72 of the Criminal Law Offences Act punishes everyone who: (a) by any threat or intimidation, procures any female to have unlawful carnal connection, either within or outside Guyana; (b) by any fraudulent means, procures any female, not being a  common prostitute, to have any unlawful carnal connection either within or outside Guyana; or (c) applies, administers any drug to any female, so as thereby to enable any person to have unlawful carnal connection with her. The Committee further notes that under section 86 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, everyone who detains any female, against her will in or upon any premises, with intent to unlawfully and carnally know her or to cause her to be unlawfully and carnally known by any other person; or in any brothel, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment. The Committee notes that according to section 165 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, any person who keeps, manages, acts or assists in the management of a brothel, or being the tenant, lessee, occupier, lessor or landlord or person in charge of any premises knowingly permits such premises or a part of it to be used as a brothel shall be liable to a fine and imprisonment. The Committee observes that the abovementioned provisions related to prostitution under the Criminal Law Offences Act, apply only to women and girls. The Committee reminds the Government that Article 3(b) of the Convention prohibits the use, procuring or offering of both boys and girls under 18 years of age for prostitution. It therefore requests the Government to indicate how boys under the age of 18 years are protected from being used, procured or offered for prostitution, and to indicate any measures taken or envisaged to amend the legislation as necessary.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes that section 350(1) of the Criminal Law Offences Act states that everyone who knowingly and without lawful justification or excuse publicly sells or exposes, for public sale or to public view, any obscene book, pamphlet, newspaper or other printed or written matter, or any picture, print, engraving, photograph, model or other object tending to corrupt public morals; or publicly exhibits any disgusting object, or any indecent show, or publishes any obscene libel shall be guilty of a misdemeanour. According to section 157 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, everyone who, for the purposes or by way of trade, or for distribution or public exhibition, makes or produces, or has in his possession, or imports, conveys, or exports, or causes to be imported, conveyed or exported, or in any manner whatsoever puts into circulation any obscene writing, drawing, print, painting, printed matter, picture, poster, emblem, photograph, cinematograph film, or any other obscene object; or carries or take part in the business concerned with obscene matters or things; or advertises or makes known by any means in view of assisting the circulation or traffic of such obscene things shall be liable to a fine or to imprisonment. The Committee notes, however, that the legislation does not specifically establish offences related to pornography or pornographic performances by a child under 18 years. The Committee also observes from the Rapid Assessment Study (page 20) that according to the UNICEF study of 1996, there are pornographic pickneys in Guyana, which refer to children who are videotaped or filmed for commercial sex purposes. The Committee reminds the Government that, under Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and that, under the terms of Article 1 of the Convention, each member State which ratifies this Convention must take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, as well as the penalties envisaged.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee notes the Government’s statement according to which though the production and trafficking of drugs have led to many arrests, there has been no case of any child being arrested, and that there is no evidence to suggest the use of children in the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee notes that in its report submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Government refers to the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, 1988 as prohibiting the illicit use of all narcotics and psychotropic substances (CRC/C/8/Add.47, paragraph 411). The Committee notes, however, that the legislation does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. It asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years for illicit activities such as the production and trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention, and to supply a copy of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s statement according to which the occupational and safety inspectors are constantly on the look out for circumstances that are likely to harm the health, safety and morals of children. It also notes that according to section 3 of Part II of the Schedule to the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, the minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances by which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years.

Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2. Determination and identification of hazardous work. Furthermore, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government according to which discussions have been held on determining and identifying hazardous work but no concrete decisions have been made, and that the parties hope to use the information provided by the Rapid Assessment Study to inform their deliberations. The Committee notes in this regard that according to the Rapid Assessment Study (page 19), qualitative and quantitative data reveal that children in Guyana are to be found exposed to the worst forms of child labour, including work in unhealthy environments where they are exposed to toxic chemicals, work with dangerous machinery, fetching heavy loads and unreasonable confinement while working as domestics or in stores. The Committee reminds the Government that, by virtue of Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the types of hazardous work referred to under Article 3(d) shall be determined by national laws or regulations or by the competent authority, after consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, taking into consideration relevant international standards, in particular Paragraph 3 of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation, 1999 (No. 190). This Paragraph states that in determining the types of such hazardous work, consideration should be given, inter alia, to: (a) work which exposes children to physical, psychological or sexual abuse; (b) work underground, underwater, at dangerous heights or in confined spaces; (c) work with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools, or which involves the manual handling or transport of heavy loads; (d) work in an unhealthy environment which may, for example, expose children to hazardous substances, agents or processes, or to temperatures, noise levels, or vibrations damaging to the health; (e) work under particularly difficult conditions such as work for long hours or during the night or work where the child is unreasonably confined to the premises of the employer. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to determine the types of work to be considered as hazardous and which are to be prohibited for children under 18 years of age. In determining the types of work to be considered as hazardous, the Committee trusts that due consideration will be given to Paragraph 3 of Recommendation No. 190 in this regard. The Committee also asks the Government to communicate information on consultations held on this matter with the organizations of employers and workers concerned.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information regarding this point. The Committee notes that section 9 of the Factories Act establishes that the inspection of all factories and machinery in Guyana shall be monitored by the labour authority or by an inspector. Section 10 of the same Act spells out the powers of the labour authority or the Inspector for the purposes of inspection. Accordingly, the labour authority or the inspector is empowered to enter, inspect and examine any factory where any person is employed, at all reasonable times whether by day or night: to require the production of the registers, certificates or documents; to require any person whom he finds in the factory to give such necessary information; to make such examination and inquiry as may be necessary to ascertain that the provisions of this Act are being complied with; and to exercise such powers, duties and functions as may be necessary to carry this Act into full effect. The Committee also notes that the School Welfare Department of the Ministry of Education has an ongoing truancy campaign to round up children who are not in school. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide further information on the functioning of the labour inspectorate, and the other mechanisms established for the monitoring of the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention, and to provide extracts of the inspection reports specifying the extent and nature of violations detected involving children and young persons.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate, as a priority, the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that unless the worst forms of child labour are identified, there cannot be any action plan. The Committee notes the Government’s indication under Article 4 of the Convention, however, that consultations are being held in this regard, and that the parties hope to use the information provided by the Rapid Assessment Study to inform their deliberations. The Committee reminds the Government that Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention requires that each Member design and implement programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention states that such programmes of action must be designed and implemented in consultation with relevant government institutions and employers’ and workers’ organizations, taking into consideration the views of other concerned groups, as appropriate. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to design programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour pursuant to deliberations on their identification, and to indicate the consultations held thereon with the relevant government institutions and employers’ and workers’ organizations.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes that according to section 73 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, any person who has committed procuration of any female for having unlawful carnal connection with any other person, is guilty of a misdemeanour, and liable to imprisonment for two years. It also notes that by virtue of section 165 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, any person who keeps, manages, acts or assists in the management of a brothel, or being the tenant, lessee, occupier, lessor or landlord or person in charge of any premises knowingly permits such premises or a part of it to be used as a brothel shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for six months and to a fine of 1,000 dollars, and for a second or subsequent conviction to 12 months’ imprisonment and to a fine of 2,000 dollars. The Committee also notes that, according to section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, as amended, any person who employs a child (i.e. under 15) in any occupation or work, or a young person (i.e. between 15 and 16), in any industrial undertaking in contravention of this Act, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of 10,000 dollars, or in case of a second or subsequent offence, of 15,000 dollars. The Committee notes that with regard to the penalties for employing children and young persons, the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act only covers the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16), in limited situations. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures taken, including sanctions, to secure the prohibition of employment of all children, girls and boys under 18 years, not only in industrial undertakings but in all hazardous work. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the practical application of the penalties laid down in the relevant provisions.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report on the measures taken to: (e) take account of the special situation of girls. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on actions taken or envisaged, as required under Article 7(2)(e) of the Convention.

Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that primary education in Guyana is free and compulsory for six years, beginning at the age of 5 years and 9 months. According to the Education Act of 1999, the age of completion of compulsory school is 15 years. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the school’s welfare division of the Ministry of Education and the Children Services Unit of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security work to ensure that children attend school. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the different services to ensure that children attend school and thereby prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (b). Provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. In its comments, the ICFTU indicates that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and there is a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There is evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that there has been no reported case of procuring or offering a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and that such incidents that may exist are of self-making, and are not reported. The Committee notes however that, according to the Rapid Assessment Study (page 19), child prostitution is one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana foremost among them being the 1996 UNICEF study. This study found that, out of 1,024 children, 26 per cent knew female students who accept gifts and money in exchange for sexual favours; 17 per cent knew male students who accept money and gifts for sexual favours. The study stated that conclusion could be drawn that there is alarming prostitution behaviour within the secondary school system. The Committee further notes that the Rapid Assessment Study states that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue. The Committee observes that in its concluding observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that Guyana undertake a comprehensive study of children involved in the commercial sex industry and use the data to design policies and programmes to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, including through the development of a National Plan of Action on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children as agreed at the First and Second World Congresses Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in 1996 and 2001; and also to train law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute complaints in a child-sensitive manner (CRC/C/15/Add.224, paragraph 54). It also notes the Government’s indication that surveys and investigations would be carried out to determine the extent of the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and child labour in general. Assistance and rehabilitation programmes would be initiated depending on the existence of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to undertake a comprehensive study of children involved in the commercial sex industry and the use of its results in order to design policies and programmes to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children. It also requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation, and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. The Committee notes that the Guyana National Plan of Action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk particularly children in especially difficult circumstances. The Committee also notes that the Rapid Assessment Study found that worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children. It further notes that in its Concluding Observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern at the situation of street children and at the lack of adequate and sufficient measures to address this situation. It recommended to the State party to strengthen its efforts to assist street children, including reintegration into their families as well as taking preventive measures (CRC/C/15/Add.224, paragraph 52). The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect Amerindian children and street children from the worst forms of child labour.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Competent authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to this Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information on this point. It asks the Government to communicate information concerning the authorities responsible for the implementation of the penal provisions giving effect to this Convention and the methods used for the supervision of such implementation.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and/or assistance. The Committee notes that the Subregional Office for the Caribbean is providing support to member States in their fight against child labour and in the effective implementation of the Convention through technical assistance and capacity building in the areas of child labour research, policy formulation and intervention strategies. It also notes that Guyana is a member State of INTERPOL, and that it ratified the Convention on the rights of the child in 1991. The Committee asks the Government to provide further concrete information on any steps taken to assist other member States in giving effect to the provisions of the Convention through enhanced international cooperation and assistance, including support for social and economic development, poverty eradication programmes and universal education, in conformity with these provisions of the Convention.

Part III of the report form. The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information on this point. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on whether courts of law or other tribunals have given decisions involving questions of principle relating to the application of the Convention, and if so, to supply a copy of the texts of these decisions.

Parts IV and V. The Committee notes the Rapid Assessment Study according to which data reveal that children in Guyana are to be found to be exposed to the worst forms of child labour (page 19). The Rapid Assessment Study indicates that street children must work to survive. The Committee also notes that according to the Study, the occupations of child labourers are, among others, farmhands/farmers (30 per cent), bus conductors (4 per cent), sawmill operators (2 per cent), vulcanizing assistants (2 per cent), victims of prostitution (3 per cent), gold miners (1 per cent), domestic (4 per cent).

The Committee requests the Government to supply copies or extracts from official documents including studies and inquiries and to provide information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions and convictions and penal sanctions. The Committee requests the Government to communicate the results of the ongoing survey. To the extent possible, all information provided should be disaggregated by sex.

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The Committee notes the Government’s first report. It also takes note of the communication dated 29 October 2003 from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU). Copy of the communication was forwarded to the Government for any comments it might wish to make on the matters raised therein. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the following points.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the ILO conducted a Rapid Assessment Study in October 2002 on the worst forms of child labour. The Committee observes that relevant agencies decided to set up a Steering Committee in order to formulate a draft national plan that would include recommendations for research, awareness raising, policy and legislation. The Committee also notes that the Government, in its initial report submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 2002 (CRC/C/8/Add.47, paragraph 4) indicated its intention to adopt a new Education Act and to introduce a Children’s Bill and a Family Court and Status of Children’s Bill. The Committee also notes from the report submitted by the Government to the Committee on the Rights of the Child that a National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC) approved in 1996 is being drafted for the period up to 2007 (CRC/C/8/Add.47, paragraph 11). The Committee consequently requests the Government to continue providing information on the national policy measures taken or envisaged to effectively prohibit and eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In particular, the Committee asks the Government to indicate any developments with regard to the work of the Steering Committee, as well as the implementation of the NPAC relating to the worst forms of child labour, and the results attained.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee notes that there appear to be no legal provisions specifically prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children. The Committee, however, notes that by virtue of sections 84, 85 and 89 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, penalties are set out for the abduction and forcible abduction of any female or unmarried girl under the age of 18 years for marriage or for unlawful carnal knowledge. The Committee notes, moreover, that section, 73 of the Criminal Law Offences Act holds liable any person who procures or attempts to procure any female under the age of 21 years to leave Guyana or her place of abode for the purposes of prostitution either within or outside Guyana. The Committee notes, however, that these provisions only cover the trafficking of females (girls) for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Moreover, there is no specific legislation prohibiting trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. In this regard, the Committee draws to the Government’s attention its obligation under Article 1 of the Convention to take immediate measures to secure the prohibition of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the trafficking of boys under the age of 18 years for purposes of sexual exploitation. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of both boys and girls under 18 for purposes of labour exploitation.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that there is no incidence of slavery, debt bondage, forced or compulsory labour including the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes that article 140(1) of the Constitution stipulates that no person shall be held in slavery and servitude, and article 140(2) of the Constitution provides that no person shall be required to perform forced labour.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes that according to section 73 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, anyone who: (a) procures or attempts to procure any female under 21 years of age to have any unlawful carnal connection, either within or outside Guyana, with any other person; or (b) procures or attempts to procure any female to become, either within or outside Guyana, a common prostitute; or (c) procures or attempts to procure any female to leave Guyana with intent that she may become an inmate of a brothel elsewhere; or (d) procures or attempts to procure any female to leave her usual place of abode in Guyana with intent that she may, for the purposes of prostitution, become an inmate of a brothel either within or outside Guyana, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour. The Committee notes moreover that section 72 of the Criminal Law Offences Act punishes everyone who: (a) by any threat or intimidation, procures any female to have unlawful carnal connection, either within or outside Guyana; (b) by any fraudulent means, procures any female, not being a  common prostitute, to have any unlawful carnal connection either within or outside Guyana; or (c) applies, administers any drug to any female, so as thereby to enable any person to have unlawful carnal connection with her. The Committee further notes that under section 86 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, everyone who detains any female, against her will in or upon any premises, with intent to unlawfully and carnally know her or to cause her to be unlawfully and carnally known by any other person; or in any brothel, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment. The Committee notes that according to section 165 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, any person who keeps, manages, acts or assists in the management of a brothel, or being the tenant, lessee, occupier, lessor or landlord or person in charge of any premises knowingly permits such premises or a part of it to be used as a brothel shall be liable to a fine and imprisonment. The Committee observes that the abovementioned provisions related to prostitution under the Criminal Law Offences Act, apply only to women and girls. The Committee reminds the Government that Article 3(b) of the Convention prohibits the use, procuring or offering of both boys and girls under 18 years of age for prostitution. It therefore requests the Government to indicate how boys under the age of 18 years are protected from being used, procured or offered for prostitution, and to indicate any measures taken or envisaged to amend the legislation as necessary.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes that section 350(1) of the Criminal Law Offences Act states that everyone who knowingly and without lawful justification or excuse publicly sells or exposes, for public sale or to public view, any obscene book, pamphlet, newspaper or other printed or written matter, or any picture, print, engraving, photograph, model or other object tending to corrupt public morals; or publicly exhibits any disgusting object, or any indecent show, or publishes any obscene libel shall be guilty of a misdemeanour. According to section 157 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, everyone who, for the purposes or by way of trade, or for distribution or public exhibition, makes or produces, or has in his possession, or imports, conveys, or exports, or causes to be imported, conveyed or exported, or in any manner whatsoever puts into circulation any obscene writing, drawing, print, painting, printed matter, picture, poster, emblem, photograph, cinematograph film, or any other obscene object; or carries or take part in the business concerned with obscene matters or things; or advertises or makes known by any means in view of assisting the circulation or traffic of such obscene things shall be liable to a fine or to imprisonment. The Committee notes, however, that the legislation does not specifically establish offences related to pornography or pornographic performances by a child under 18 years. The Committee also observes from the Rapid Assessment Study (page 20) that according to the UNICEF study of 1996, there are pornographic pickneys in Guyana, which refer to children who are videotaped or filmed for commercial sex purposes. The Committee reminds the Government that, under Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and that, under the terms of Article 1 of the Convention, each member State which ratifies this Convention must take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, as well as the penalties envisaged.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee notes the Government’s statement according to which though the production and trafficking of drugs have led to many arrests, there has been no case of any child being arrested, and that there is no evidence to suggest the use of children in the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee notes that in its report submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Government refers to the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, 1988 as prohibiting the illicit use of all narcotics and psychotropic substances (CRC/C/8/Add.47, paragraph 411). The Committee notes, however, that the legislation does not specifically establish offences related to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. It asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years for illicit activities such as the production and trafficking of drugs, pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention, and to supply a copy of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s statement according to which the occupational and safety inspectors are constantly on the look out for circumstances that are likely to harm the health, safety and morals of children. It also notes that according to section 3 of Part II of the Schedule to the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, the minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances by which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 18 years.

Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2. Determination and identification of hazardous work. Furthermore, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government according to which discussions have been held on determining and identifying hazardous work but no concrete decisions have been made, and that the parties hope to use the information provided by the Rapid Assessment Study to inform their deliberations. The Committee notes in this regard that according to the Rapid Assessment Study (page 19), qualitative and quantitative data reveal that children in Guyana are to be found exposed to the worst forms of child labour, including work in unhealthy environments where they are exposed to toxic chemicals, work with dangerous machinery, fetching heavy loads and unreasonable confinement while working as domestics or in stores. The Committee reminds the Government that, by virtue of Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the types of hazardous work referred to under Article 3(d) shall be determined by national laws or regulations or by the competent authority, after consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, taking into consideration relevant international standards, in particular Paragraph 3of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation, 1999 (No. 190). This Paragraph states that in determining the types of such hazardous work, consideration should be given, inter alia, to: (a) work which exposes children to physical, psychological or sexual abuse; (b) work underground, underwater, at dangerous heights or in confined spaces; (c) work with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools, or which involves the manual handling or transport of heavy loads; (d) work in an unhealthy environment which may, for example, expose children to hazardous substances, agents or processes, or to temperatures, noise levels, or vibrations damaging to the health; (e) work under particularly difficult conditions such as work for long hours or during the night or work where the child is unreasonably confined to the premises of the employer. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to determine the types of work to be considered as hazardous and which are to be prohibited for children under 18 years of age. In determining the types of work to be considered as hazardous, the Committee trusts that due consideration will be given to Paragraph 3 of Recommendation No. 190 in this regard. The Committee also asks the Government to communicate information on consultations held on this matter with the organizations of employers and workers concerned.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information regarding this point. The Committee notes that section 9 of the Factories Act establishes that the inspection of all factories and machinery in Guyana shall be monitored by the labour authority or by an inspector. Section 10 of the same Act spells out the powers of the labour authority or the Inspector for the purposes of inspection. Accordingly, the labour authority or the inspector is empowered to enter, inspect and examine any factory where any person is employed, at all reasonable times whether by day or night: to require the production of the registers, certificates or documents; to require any person whom he finds in the factory to give such necessary information; to make such examination and inquiry as may be necessary to ascertain that the provisions of this Act are being complied with; and to exercise such powers, duties and functions as may be necessary to carry this Act into full effect. The Committee also notes that the School Welfare Department of the Ministry of Education has an ongoing truancy campaign to round up children who are not in school. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide further information on the functioning of the labour inspectorate, and the other mechanisms established for the monitoring of the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention, and to provide extracts of the inspection reports specifying the extent and nature of violations detected involving children and young persons.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate, as a priority, the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that unless the worst forms of child labour are identified, there cannot be any action plan. The Committee notes the Government’s indication under Article 4 of the Convention, however, that consultations are being held in this regard, and that the parties hope to use the information provided by the Rapid Assessment Study to inform their deliberations. The Committee reminds the Government that Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention requires that each Member design and implement programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention states that such programmes of action must be designed and implemented in consultation with relevant government institutions and employers’ and workers’ organizations, taking into consideration the views of other concerned groups, as appropriate. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to design programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour pursuant to deliberations on their identification, and to indicate the consultations held thereon with the relevant government institutions and employers’ and workers’ organizations.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes that according to section 73 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, any person who has committed procuration of any female for having unlawful carnal connection with any other person, is guilty of a misdemeanour, and liable to imprisonment for two years. It also notes that by virtue of section 165 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, any person who keeps, manages, acts or assists in the management of a brothel, or being the tenant, lessee, occupier, lessor or landlord or person in charge of any premises knowingly permits such premises or a part of it to be used as a brothel shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for six months and to a fine of 1,000 dollars, and for a second or subsequent conviction to 12 months’ imprisonment and to a fine of 2,000 dollars. The Committee also notes that, according to section 5(1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act, as amended, any person who employs a child (i.e. under 15) in any occupation or work, or a young person (i.e. between 15 and 16), in any industrial undertaking in contravention of this Act, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of 10,000 dollars, or in case of a second or subsequent offence, of 15,000 dollars. The Committee notes that with regard to the penalties for employing children and young persons, the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act only covers the offences related to the employment of children (under 15) and young persons (between 15 and 16), in limited situations. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures taken, including sanctions, to secure the prohibition of employment of all children, girls and boys under 18 years, not only in industrial undertakings but in all hazardous work. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the practical application of the penalties laid down in the relevant provisions.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report on the measures taken to: (e) take account of the special situation of girls. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on actions taken or envisaged, as required under Article 7(2)(e) of the Convention.

Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that primary education in Guyana is free and compulsory for six years, beginning at the age of 5 years and 9 months. According to the Education Act of 1999, the age of completion of compulsory school is 15 years. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the school’s welfare division of the Ministry of Education and the Children Services Unit of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security work to ensure that children attend school. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved by the different services to ensure that children attend school and thereby prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (b). Provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. In its comments, the ICFTU indicates that child labour exists particularly in the commercial sex trade, and there is a lack of enforcement of legislation by inspectors. There is evidence of forced prostitution of women and girls, and reports of child prostitution in cities and in remote gold mining areas. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that there has been no reported case of procuring or offering a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and that such incidents that may exist are of self-making, and are not reported. The Committee notes however that, according to the Rapid Assessment Study (page 19), child prostitution is one of the worst forms of child labour identified by several studies in Guyana foremost among them being the 1996 UNICEF study. This study found that, out of 1,024 children, 26 per cent knew female students who accept gifts and money in exchange for sexual favours; 17 per cent knew male students who accept money and gifts for sexual favours. The study stated that conclusion could be drawn that there is alarming prostitution behaviour within the secondary school system. The Committee further notes that the Rapid Assessment Study states that the sexual exploitation of the girl child in Guyana is a common, widespread and serious social problem that is not addressed as a public issue. The Committee observes that in its concluding observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that Guyana undertake a comprehensive study of children involved in the commercial sex industry and use the data to design policies and programmes to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, including through the development of a National Plan of Action on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children as agreed at the First and Second World Congresses Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in 1996 and 2001; and also to train law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute complaints in a child-sensitive manner (CRC/C/15/Add.224, paragraph 54). It also notes the Government’s indication that surveys and investigations would be carried out to determine the extent of the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and child labour in general. Assistance and rehabilitation programmes would be initiated depending on the existence of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to undertake a comprehensive study of children involved in the commercial sex industry and the use of its results in order to design policies and programmes to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children. It also requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation, and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. The Committee notes that the Guyana National Plan of Action for children for the year 2000 highlighted six major areas for specific actions, including children at risk particularly children in especially difficult circumstances. The Committee also notes that the Rapid Assessment Study found that worst forms of child labour involve Amerindian children. It further notes that in its Concluding Observations, the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern at the situation of street children and at the lack of adequate and sufficient measures to address this situation. It recommended to the State party to strengthen its efforts to assist street children, including reintegration into their families as well as taking preventive measures (CRC/C/15/Add.224, paragraph 52). The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect Amerindian children and street children from the worst forms of child labour.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Competent authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to this Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information on this point. It asks the Government to communicate information concerning the authorities responsible for the implementation of the penal provisions giving effect to this Convention and the methods used for the supervision of such implementation.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and/or assistance. The Committee notes that the Subregional Office for the Caribbean is providing support to member States in their fight against child labour and in the effective implementation of the Convention through technical assistance and capacity building in the areas of child labour research, policy formulation and intervention strategies. It also notes that Guyana is a member State of INTERPOL, and that it ratified the Convention on the rights of the child in 1991. The Committee asks the Government to provide further concrete information on any steps taken to assist other member States in giving effect to the provisions of the Convention through enhanced international cooperation and assistance, including support for social and economic development, poverty eradication programmes and universal education, in conformity with these provisions of the Convention.

Part III of the report form. The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information on this point. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on whether courts of law or other tribunals have given decisions involving questions of principle relating to the application of the Convention, and if so, to supply a copy of the texts of these decisions.

Parts IV and V. The Committee notes the Rapid Assessment Study according to which data reveal that children in Guyana are to be found to be exposed to the worst forms of child labour (page 19). The Rapid Assessment Study indicates that street children must work to survive. The Committee also notes that according to the Study, the occupations of child labourers are, among others, farmhands/farmers (30 per cent), bus conductors (4 per cent), sawmill operators (2 per cent), vulcanizing assistants (2 per cent), victims of prostitution (3 per cent), gold miners (1 per cent), domestic (4 per cent).

The Committee requests the Government to supply copies or extracts from official documents including studies and inquiries and to provide information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions and convictions and penal sanctions. The Committee requests the Government to communicate the results of the ongoing survey. To the extent possible, all information provided should be disaggregated by sex.