Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (d). Hazardous work. Camel jockeys. In its previous comments, the Committee expressed concern for the health and safety of children under 18 years of age involved in camel racing. The Committee noted that the Regulations on holding and organizing camel races in the Sultanate of Oman (Camel Race Regulations), issued by the Oman Equestrian and Camel Federation on 7 August 2005, stated that no jockey under 18 years of age would be allowed to take part in camel races. However, it also noted that section 2 of these Regulations stated that this minimum age would be reached progressively starting from a minimum age of 14 years, over four years starting from the 2005–06 season. In this regard, the Committee expressed the firm hope that the targeted minimum age of 18 years would be reached in the 2009–10 season, and that this age limit would be strictly and effectively enforced.

The Committee notes with satisfaction that, pursuant to the Camel Race Regulations of 2005, children under 18 years of age are not allowed to participate in camel races. Moreover, the Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that new regulations were adopted, by virtue of Order No. 7 of 2009, on 18 September 2009. The Government indicates that section 9 of Order No. 7 of 2009 specifies that no camel jockey under 18 shall participate in a camel race and that the jockey must show an identity card prior to the race. The Committee further notes the information in the Government’s report that the use of robot camel jockeys was approved on 17 September 2009. The Government indicates that all camel races have since adopted the use of robot jockeys. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the regulations issued by virtue of Order No. 7 of 2009, with its next report.

Article 4. Determination of types of hazardous work. The Committee previously noted that Omani law provides that juveniles under the age of 18 may not be employed in mines and quarries or in hazardous work. The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that a list of hazardous occupations prohibited to persons under the age of 18 was being prepared, in consultation with the social partners. The Committee expressed the firm hope that this list would be adopted as soon as possible.

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that the Ministry of Manpower has prepared, in collaboration with the social partners and other competent bodies, a list of hazardous types of work prohibited for persons under the age of 18. The Government indicates that this list is currently being revised for submission to the competent bodies. Noting that the Government has been referring to the pending adoption of this list since 2006, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that a list determining the types of hazardous work prohibited to persons under the age of 18 is adopted in the near future. It requests the Government to provide a copy of this list, once adopted.

Article 7(1). Penalties. The Committee previously noted that Decision No. 30-2002 of 8 August 2005, of the Oman Equestrian and Camel Federation states that any person who violates the Camel Race Regulations shall be convicted by the courts. It also noted the Government’s statement that the relevant bodies would promulgate regulations and a statute on penalties with regard to the use of under-age racing before the 2009–10 season.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that sanctions imposed on persons who are in violation of the prohibition of persons under 18 participating in camel races consist of a warning as well as depriving a person found in violation from participating in all races for one year. The Government indicates that if a second offence is committed, the sanction shall be doubled.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.