Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Equatorial Guinea (Ratification: 1985)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received since 2000. In light of its urgent appeal to the Government in 2019, the Committee will proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal.

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy for the effective abolition of child labour. The Committee notes the adoption of Decree 69/2021 containing the Sustainable Development Strategy “Equatorial Guinea Agenda 2035”. The strategic components of the strategy include the elimination of poverty, social inclusion and lasting peace. Moreover, it establishes the Equatorial Guinea Observatory 2035 as the primary body for ensuring the participation and consultation of the public authorities, local governments, civil society, economic and social partners, the private sector and United Nations agencies. Recalling that poverty is one of the fundamental causes of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether, in the context of the Equatorial Guinea Agenda 2035, economic and social measures aimed at the progressive abolition of child labour have been adopted and, if so, to send information on these measures.

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment. Scope of application. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Equatorial Guinea, at the time of ratifying the Convention, declared 14 years as the minimum age for admission to employment or work. It also noted the Government’s indication that work in the informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention. In this regard, the Committee recalled that, at the time of ratification, the Government did not send any attached declaration, pursuant to Article 5, indicating certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings which were excluded from the scope of application of the Convention. The Committee also recalled that the Government, in its first report, also did not make use of the possibility envisaged in Article 4 to exclude limited categories of employment or work from the application of the Convention. The Committee notes the adoption of Act No. 10/2012 on the reform of the General Labour Code, section 2 of which regulates personal work for and under the supervision of an employer. Section 11(1) of the aforementioned Act provides that no person under 18 years of age may be admitted to employment or work in any occupation. The Committee also notes that section 4(5) excludes from the scope of the Act any work done by the spouse, siblings or descendants of the employer in exclusively family undertakings which occupy at least five persons, including the head of the family. The Committee requests the Government to take appropriate measures to ensure that children who work for exclusively family undertakings enjoy the protection afforded by the Convention.

Article 2(3). Age of completion of compulsory schooling. The Committee notes that Act No. 5/2007 amending Act No. 14/1995 reforming the Decree-Law on general education in Equatorial Guinea provides, in section 3, that education shall be compulsory for all citizens of Equatorial Guinea until the end of primary school and that foreign residents shall also have the right to primary education. Under section 16.2 of Act No. 5/2007, the primary level shall comprise six years of study, normally followed between six and 12 years of age. The Committee recalls the importance of adopting legislation providing for compulsory education up to the minimum age for admission to employment or work, because where there are no legal requirements establishing compulsory schooling, there is a greater likelihood that children under the minimum age will be engaged in child labour (2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 369). The Committee therefore encourages the Government to take the necessary steps to raise the minimum age for the completion of compulsory schooling to at least the minimum age for admission to employment or work declared by Equatorial Guinea, namely 14 years of age.

Article 3(1) and (2). Age for admission to hazardous work; determination of types of hazardous work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 11(4) of the General Labour Act No. 2/1990 fixed the minimum age for admission to work which is hazardous to health at 16 years.

The Committee notes that the aforementioned Act was repealed through the adoption of Act No. 10/2012 on the reform of the General Labour Code, section 11(1) of which fixed the minimum age for admission to any type of employment as 18 years. The Committee notes the preliminary draft of the General Labour Act, the text of which is available on the website of the Ministry of Labour, Employment Promotion and Social Security. While reiterating its concern at the absence of a Government report, the Committee takes due note that section 38(3) of the preliminary draft contains a non-exhaustive list of types of work which are considered dangerous and are prohibited for persons under 18 years of age. The list includes: types of work done in an unhealthy environment in which young persons (minors) are exposed to dangerous substances, agents or processes, or to temperatures, noise levels or vibrations which are harmful to health; work in the mining and hydrocarbon sector; work done in establishments where entry is prohibited for young persons; work carried out in the form of whole working days; night work or shift work which prevent school attendance or training; loading or unloading of packages, bundles and sacks which exceed 50 per cent of the maximum weight permitted for adult workers; street vending; work in construction or in other industries which is performed underground or under water, at dangerous heights or in enclosed spaces; and any other type of work which involves particularly difficult conditions for young persons and which, in the view of the labour administration, can be harmful to them. The Committee encourages the Government to take the necessary steps to adopt the list of hazardous types of work without delay, in consultation with the workers’ and employers’ organizations concerned.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. . In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for admission to training was 13 years, and it asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken to raise this age to 14 years to be in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention. The Committee notes that, under section 12 of Act No. 10/2012 on the reform of the General Labour Code, employers may hire students for placements or training of up to six months with the obligation of providing practical instruction in an occupation and the possibility of using their work, provided that the work is done under the conditions prescribed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, after consultation of the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned, and is an integral part of a course of instruction or training for which a school or training institution is primarily responsible, a programme of training mainly or entirely in an undertaking which has been approved by the competent authority, or a programme of guidance or orientation designed to facilitate the choice of an occupation or of a line of training. The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the national legislation establishes 14 years as the minimum age for work done as part of apprenticeship , in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the regulations adopted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security regarding work done as part of apprenticeship , in accordance with section 12 of Act No. 10/2012 on the reform of the General Labour Code.

Article 7. Light work. The Committee notes that, under section 11(2) of Act No. 10/2012 on the reform of the General Labour Code, persons who have reached the age of 16 years may carry out light work, after authorization by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, provided that such work is not likely to harm their health or development, their school attendance, their participation in programmes of vocational guidance or training approved by the competent authorities or the instruction that they receive. The Committee recalls that, under Article 7(3) of the Convention, the competent authority shall determine the activities in which employment in light work may be permitted and shall prescribe the number of hours during which and the conditions in which such work may be performed. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to adopt a list of types of light work permitted under section 11 of Act No. 10/2012 on the reform of the General Labour Code, and also to indicate the number of hours during which and the conditions in which such work may be performed.

Article 8. Artistic performances. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether, in practice, boys and girls under 14 years of age participate in artistic performances. If so, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged for the granting of individual permits authorizing the participation of boys and girls in such activities.

Article 9(1). Penalties. The Committee notes that section 100(3) of Act No. 10/2012 on the reform of the General Labour Code establishes a fine of 10 to 20 monthly minimum wage equivalents for any employer who employs young persons under 18 years of age in unhealthy or dangerous work or in night work, without prejudice to the economic responsibility for injury caused to the worker. In addition, section 100(4) of the above-mentioned Act provides that any employer who hires persons under the age of 16 years in violation of the law shall be liable to a fine of 15 monthly minimum wage equivalents for every young person hired. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 100(3) and (4) of Act No. 10/2012 on the reform of the General Labour Code, indicating the types of violations detected and the penalties imposed.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to take steps to impose an obligation on employers to keep registers indicating the names and ages or dates of birth of employees under 18 years of age. The Committee notes that, under section 24 of Act No. 10/2012 on the reform of the General Labour Code, employers must send information to the authorities every four months on the numbers and names of their workers, with an indication of the jobs that they perform. However, the Committee observes that this legal provision does not oblige employers to keep registers indicating the ages or dates of birth, duly certified wherever possible, of all employees under 18 years of age, in accordance with Article 9(3) of the Convention. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that employers keep a record of their employees under the age of 18 years which meets the requirements of Article 9(3) of the Convention.

Labour inspection and application of the Convention in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including up-to-date statistics on the employment of children and young persons, extracts from inspection reports and information on the number and nature of violations detected.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with deep 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. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2021, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application. In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with deep 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. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2020, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application. In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes with deep 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 1998.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application. In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

The Committee notes with deep 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 1998. The Committee also notes that the Government has 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 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application. In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

The Committee notes with deep 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.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application. In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

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

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application. In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

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 comments.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

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:

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

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:

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee had recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee had noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

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

The Committee notes with regret that, for the seventh 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 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5(2)).

The Committee had recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee had noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes with regret that, for the sixth 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 2(1) of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 4(2)).

The Committee had recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2(1), no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9(3). Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee had noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Practical application of the Convention. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

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 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4(2)), or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 4(2)).

The Committee had recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3(1) and (3)). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9, paragraph 3. Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee had noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of General Labour Act No. 2/1990 of 4 January, regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9(3) of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Practical application of the Convention. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

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 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2) or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee had recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9, paragraph 3. Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee had noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Practical application of the Convention. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

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 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2) or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee had recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9, paragraph 3. Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee had noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Practical application of the Convention. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

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 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2) or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee had recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9, paragraph 3. Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee had noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Practical application of the Convention. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

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 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2) or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee had recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9, paragraph 3. Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee had noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Practical application of the Convention. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2) or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee had recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee once again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Article 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It once again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Article 9, paragraph 3. Keeping of registers by employers. The Committee had noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. Practical application of the Convention. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

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 following matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Minimum age in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2) or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Apprenticeship (Article 6). The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. It again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Register of workers under 18 years old. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. The Committee again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

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 following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Minimum age in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee pointed out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2) or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee recalled that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalled that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Having previously noted the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee again requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s statement in it last report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It again asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Apprenticeship (Article 6). The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalled that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. It again requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Register of workers under 18 years old. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalled that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore again requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Part V of the report form. The Committee again asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

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 following matters raised in its previous direct request:

  Minimum age in the informal sector and in family undertakings. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee points out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements, i.e. the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2) or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee recalls that when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985 it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalls that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Noting the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

  Hazardous work. The Committee noted the Government’s statement in the report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

  Apprenticeship (Article 6). The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalls that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. It requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

  Register of workers under 18 years old. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalls that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

  Part V of the report form. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

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:

  Minimum age in informal sector and in family undertaking.  The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee points out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements: i.e., the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2); or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee recalls that, when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985, it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalls that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Noting the Government’s indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

  Hazardous work.  The Committee notes the Government’s statement in the report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

  Apprenticeship (Article 6).  The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalls that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. It requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

  Register of workers under 18 years old.  The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalls that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

  Point V of the report form.  The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

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

Minimum age in informal sector and in family undertaking. The Committee notes the Government's indication in its report that the employment or work in informal sector and in small family undertakings should be excluded from the application of the Convention according to Article 5 of the Convention. However, the Committee points out that the Convention applies to all kinds of employment or work regardless of the formal nature of the work, unless recourse is made to the flexibility clauses under Articles 4 and 5 to exclude limited categories of workers, or certain branches of economic activity or types of undertakings, respectively. In addition, if these flexibility clauses are to be used, there are procedural requirements: i.e., the excluded categories must be listed in the first report (Article 4, paragraph 2); or in a declaration which must be made at the time of ratification (Article 5, paragraph 2).

The Committee recalls that, when Equatorial Guinea ratified the Convention in 1985, it made no declaration to limit the scope of application by virtue of Article 5 either in its instrument of ratification, or in the declaration attached to it. The Committee also recalls that the Government stated in its first report that no use was made of Article 4 to exclude limited categories of work from its application.

In view of the above facts, the Committee again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, no person under the specified minimum age (14) should be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever, including self-employment, for instance, and to indicate such measures. Noting the Government's indication of difficulties in regulating work performed in the informal sector, the Committee requests the Government to refer to the general observation it made in 1995 in which the Committee mentioned several possible measures to apply the national policy for the effective abolition of child labour, such as facilities for education and vocational training, and economic and social measures to ensure family living standards.

Hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government's statement in the report that no dangerous work exists in the country except petrol exploitation in which minors are not allowed to work. It asks the Government to indicate the legislative provisions which ensure the prohibition of employment of minors in petrol exploitation (Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3). The Committee also requests the Government to refer to Paragraph 10(1) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), according to which in determining the types of employment or work to which Article 3 of this Convention applies, full account should be taken of relevant international labour standards, such as those concerning dangerous substances, agents or processes (including ionising radiations), the lifting of heavy weights and underground work. It further asks the Government to state whether a tripartite consultation was held before deciding that petrol exploitation was the only dangerous work in the country.

Apprenticeship (Article 6). The Committee notes the Government's indication that the minimum age for apprenticeship is 13 years. It recalls that, under the Convention, the minimum age for apprenticeship should not be less than 14 years old and it can be allowed only under conditions described in Article 6. It requests the Government to supply information on the legislative provision which fixes the minimum age for apprenticeship and on measures taken to raise this minimum age from 13 years old to 14 years old in order to be in conformity with this provision of the Convention.

Register of workers under 18 years old. The Committee notes the Government's reference to section 20 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990 of 4 January regarding the obligation of the employer to submit information on the employees to the labour authority. It recalls that Article 9, paragraph 3, of the Convention requires the keeping of the registers or other documents containing the names and ages or dates of birth of the employees under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate measures taken to include such information in the obligation under section 20 of the General Labour Act, and to supply any model document or a sample copy used under this provision.

Point V of the report form. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the young workers and the school enrolment rate, extracts from official reports and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

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 following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee recalls that the minimum age for admission to employment or work applies to all kinds of employment, including self-employment. It notes that the provisions of section 11, in conjunction with sections 2 and 3 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990, of 4 January, prohibiting work by young persons under the age of 14, applies only to work performed for, and under the direction of, an employer. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or under consideration to ensure that no person under the specified minimum age shall be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever.

Article 2, paragraph 5. The Committee draws the Government's attention to the information that it must provide under Article 2, paragraph 5(a) or (b), of the Convention and asks it to supply this information in its future reports.

Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3. Section 11, subsection 4, of the above-mentioned Act, provides that the minimum age for admission to employment which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall be 16 years. In addition to providing for prior consultations with organizations of employers and workers, the same subsection provides that the competent labour authorities are responsible for guaranteeing full protection for young persons of over 16 years of age and ensuring that they receive adequate specific vocational training in the relevant branch of activity before taking up employment. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the labour authorities exercise supervision in this respect.

Article 6. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the minimum age for admission to apprenticeship.

Article 9, paragraph 3. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the provisions under which registers or other documents containing the ages or dates of birth of persons employed in the enterprise who are less than 18 years of age, must be kept and made available by the employer. It asks the Government to provide copies of these registers or documents.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report.

Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee recalls that the minimum age for admission to employment or work applies to all kinds of employment, including self-employment. It notes that the provisions of section 11, in conjunction with sections 2 and 3 of the General Labour Act, No. 2/1990, of 4 January, prohibiting work by young persons under the age of 14, applies only to work performed for, and under the direction of, an employer. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or under consideration to ensure that no person under the specified minimum age shall be admitted to employment or work in any occupation whatsoever.

Article 2, paragraph 5. The Committee draws the Government's attention to the information that it must provide under Article 2, paragraph 5(a) or (b), of the Convention and asks it to supply this information in its future reports.

Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 3. Section 11, subsection 4, of the above-mentioned Act, provides that the minimum age for admission to employment which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to jeopardise the health, safety or morals of young persons shall be 16 years. In addition to providing for prior consultations with organisations of employers and workers, the same subsection provides, that the competent labour authorities are responsible for guaranteeing full protection for young persons of over 16 years of age and ensuring that they receive adequate specific vocational training in the relevant branch of activity before taking up employment. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the labour authorities exercise supervision in this respect.

Article 6. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the minimum age for admission to apprenticeship.

Article 9, paragraph 3. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the provisions under which registers or other documents containing the ages or dates of birth of persons employed in the enterprise who are less than 18 years of age, must be kept and made available by the employer. It asks the Government to provide copies of these registers or documents.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the Government, a Bill is now being examined, to amend the legislation in force which is not in conformity with the Convention. The Committee therefore hopes that the Bill will be enacted in the near future, giving effect to Article 2 of the Convention, under which the minimum age for admission to employment applies to all occupations and types of work; and to Article 6 which permits work done for training by persons at least 14 years of age in industrial undertakings.

The Committee asks the Government to forward the above text as soon as it has been adopted. The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government on Article 9, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Please provide a copy of the text governing penalties in this respect.