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

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

Article 7(2), of the Convention. Effective and time-bound measures. 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 noted the Government’s indication that Childhood Care Residences, attached to the Public Department for Family Development of the Ministry of Social Development, provide accommodation to orphans and children in need of temporary care and welfare, including the provision of food, clothes, facilities, medical and psychological care, educational opportunities and social activities. However, it also noted the information in the “Report of the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; Mission to Bahrain, Qatar and Oman” of 25 April 2007, that the Government did not run a shelter for victims of abuse and exploitation (A/HRC/4/23/Add.2, paragraph 34).

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that a shelter centre which is connected with the Omani Police Force shall be inaugurated shortly to accommodate victims of human trafficking. The Government states that, although no cases of child trafficking have been registered, any victims identified could also be accommodated at the Childhood Care Residences of the Ministry of Social Development. The Committee also notes the information in the Government’s report to the UN Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review of 18 November 2010 that the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (established in 2009) has prepared a national plan establishing procedures for providing assistance to the victims of trafficking. The Government further states in this report that victims of human trafficking enjoy free medical and legal care, shelter and social assistance (A/HRC/WG.6/10/OMN/1, paragraphs 20 and 21).

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee previously noted that the Report of the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, expressed concern with regard to the lack of research and data on the prevalence of child trafficking (A/HRC/4/23/Add.2, paragraphs 35 and 80). The Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficient data on the situation of child victims of trafficking were available.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that no cases of child trafficking have been registered in the country.