Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Côte d'Ivoire (Ratification: 2003)

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

Articles 3(a) and 7(1) of the Convention. Sale and trafficking of children and penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010 prohibiting trafficking and the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the effect given in practice to Act No. 2010 272 of 30 September 2010.

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report concerning the results achieved through the implementation of the National Plan of Action to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour 2015–17 (PAN-PFTE 2015–17), particularly in relation to Pillar 3 on the prosecution and punishment of traffickers. According to this information, the activities of the subdirectorate of the criminal police department responsible for combating child trafficking and juvenile delinquency have resulted in the conviction of 187 traffickers. In addition, the “AKOMA” police operation, carried out in June 2015 in San Pedro, Tabou and Sassandra, with the support of International Organization for Migration (IOM) and INTERPOL, led to the arrest and conviction of 22 traffickers and the rescue of 103 child victims of trafficking and exploitation. The Committee also notes the detailed information provided by the Government in its report submitted under the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) concerning the application of Act No. 2016-1111 of 8 December 2016 on trafficking in persons. The Committee notes, inter alia, that in 2018–2019, 46 persons were prosecuted for offences in trafficking in persons and that in 2019–2020, 23 cases resulted in investigations into trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Examples provided by the Government include convictions with firm prison sentences of up to ten years for trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation, where the victims were minors.

The Committee also notes that, within the framework of the National Plan of Action to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour 2019–21 (PAN-PFTE 2019–21), provision is made to reinforce the technical and operational capacities of the subdirectorate of the criminal police department responsible for combating child trafficking and juvenile delinquency, as well as to organize six police operations to combat child trafficking and child labour. In addition, the Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report submitted under Convention No. 29, the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons (CNLTP) plans to organize a workshop to review the implementation of the National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (2016–2020), which will then enable the development and approval of a new strategy for 2021–2025. Within this framework, particular emphasis is placed on the punishment of traffickers by strengthening the operational capacities of the police tasked with combating child labour, notably the subdirectorate of the criminal police department responsible for combating child trafficking and juvenile delinquency, in particular so that it can patrol the borders with a view to intercepting child traffickers and dismantling clandestine child trafficking and exploitation networks.

The Committee notes, however, the concern expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of 12 July 2019 (CRC/C/CIV/CO/2), highlighting the limited information on convictions of perpetrators of child labour (para. 48(b)), as well as its request to Côte d’Ivoire to enforce its laws, including Act No. 2010-272, strengthen monitoring and inspection mechanisms, and prosecute perpetrators of violations related to child labour (para. 49(b)). While noting the efforts made by the Government, the Committee encourages it to intensify its efforts to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement bodies to ensure that all persons who commit child trafficking are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010 prohibiting trafficking and the worst forms of child labour, and Act No. 2016-1111 of 8 December 2016 on trafficking in persons. It also requests the Government to provide statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and criminal penalties imposed in the context of cases involving child trafficking.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the establishment in 2011 of the Inter-Ministerial Committee against the Trafficking and Exploitation of Children and Child Labour (CIM) and the National Monitoring Committee of Action to Combat Child Trafficking, Exploitation and Labour (CNS). It requested the Government to provide information on the activities of the two committees.

The Committee notes that the Government has not provided any information on this subject in its report. It notes, however, the information provided in the Government’s report submitted under Convention No. 29, according to which the CNLTP was operationalized in 2019 and that various activities have since been carried out. The Executive Secretary of the CNLTP, for example, refers victims of trafficking to the NGO, Côte d’Ivoire Prospérité, to ensure their care in a secured shelter. This care consists of medical, psychological and psychosocial assistance, food and non-food items, sanitary kits and help with repatriation. In addition, the CNLTP, in cooperation with the IOM, repatriated 45 victims of trafficking. The Government reports that 581 victims have been provided with care since 2020, 249 of whom were minors of various nationalities (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Nigeria and Togo). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of the CNLTP concerning the manner in which it contributes to enforcing the provisions of the Convention with regard to the sale or trafficking of children for the purposes of commercial or sexual exploitation and the results achieved. It also requests the Government to indicate whether the CIM and the CNS remain operational and, if so, to provide information on their activities and the results achieved.

Article 6. Programmes of action and application of the Convention in practice. PAN-PFTE . The Committee previously noted the strategic objectives of the PAN PFTE 2015–2017. It requested the Government to provide information on the results achieved in relation to the number of children removed from the worst forms of child labour.

The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in its report submitted under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), according to which the review of the implementation of the PAN-PFTE 2015–2017 helped to identify significant progress in terms of preventing the phenomenon, protecting victims, strengthening the legal framework, as well as law enforcement and follow-up evaluation. Regarding prevention, more than 70,000 stakeholders involved in the remediation system have been trained to better protect children. These persons include prefects, sub-prefects, magistrates, labour inspectors, social workers, police, gendarmes, journalists and media professionals. With regard to assistance and protection of child victims, more than 4,000 children at risk of exploitation and victims of child labour have been rescued and provided with support for family, school or occupational reintegration in specialized structures of the State and NGOs. More than 20,000 local child protection committees have been set up across the country to prevent and ensure emergency care for child victims of trafficking and exploitation at the local level.

The Committee notes that a Third National Plan of Action to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour 2019–21 (PAN-PFTE 2019–21) was launched on 25 June 2019. The PAN–PFTE 2019–2021 aims to contribute to the vision of a Côte d’Ivoire “free of child labour by 2025”, with the strategic outcome of protecting children aged 5 to 17 years against work to be abolished, including the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to continue to indicate the measures taken to combat the worst forms of child labour including within the framework of the PAN–PFTE 2019–2021. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the results achieved relating to the number of children removed from the worst forms of labour, particularly child victims of trafficking.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. 1. Clause (a). Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee previously noted the Sectoral Education/Training Plan 2015–25, showing the rise in the net and gross school enrolment rate at primary level, with the gross rate reaching 101 in 2016. The Committee observed that, according to the Sectoral Plan, this improvement in the school attendance rate has resulted at the practical level in action to increase supply (the construction of classrooms, recruitment of teachers) and a lightening of the cost to be borne by families through the free distribution of school supplies for children enrolled in public primary schools since 2013.

The Committee notes that several measures were taken as part of the implementation PAN–PFTE 2015–2017 which contributed to improving the functioning of the education system in Côte d’Ivoire. The Government indicates, for example, that access for children to basic social infrastructure has been improved by building more than 4,250 preschool and primary classrooms, ensuring civil registration of 700,000 primary school pupils, and establishing more than 258 teaching centres in cacao plantation areas and over 104 school canteens in rural schools. In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to UNICEF, the number of children of primary and lower secondary school age not in school fell by half between 2016 and 2020. The Committee further notes that in June 2021 UNICEF and the Ivorian Government launched a new cooperation cycle for the period 2021–2025 that will guide various interventions for the realization of the rights of children and adolescents in Côte d'Ivoire, including in education. Lastly, the Committee notes that, under the PAN–PFTE 2019–2021, the country intends to pursue and intensify its efforts to accelerate progress towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour through children’s access to education and includes as an indicator of success the fact that child workers or children at risk of labour to be abolished have access to quality basic education and training. Considering that education plays a key role in preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labor, the Committee requests the Government to continue to take all necessary measures to improve the functioning of the education system and to ensure free basic education. It also requests it to provide detailed information on the results achieved through both the implementation of the Sectoral Education/Training Plan 2015–25 and also the new cooperation cycle with UNICEF and the PAN–PFTE 2019–2021, particularly with regard to the rates of enrolment and completion, disaggregated by age and gender.

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

Articles 3(d) and 7(2)(a) and (b) of the Convention. Hazardous work, preventing children from being engaged in and removing them from the worst forms of child labour. Children in agriculture, in particular the cocoa sector. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption in June 2017 of Order No. 2017-017 determining the list of hazardous types of work prohibited for children under 18 years of age, prohibiting hazardous work in several agricultural branches. The Committee nonetheless noted that the National Plan of Action to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour 2015–17 (PAN-PFTE 2015–17), which refers to the 2014 report on the situation of child labour in Côte d’Ivoire, indicates that the number of children subjected to hazardous types of work in the agricultural sector is 189,427, with a total of 105,699 children between the ages of 14 and 17.

The Committee notes the review of the implementation of the PAN-PFTE 2015–2017, according to which the majority of the interventions were registered in the agriculture sector, specifically the cocoa sector, that is 64 per cent of the initiatives carried out in the context of the plan. This involves mainly programmes for supporting cocoa sustainability or productivity, certification, child labour monitoring and remediation systems, improving the living conditions of cocoa-producing communities, and improving children’s access to education. Further, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report submitted under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) that the Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (SSRTE), implemented by the cocoa and chocolate industry, is operational in Côte d’Ivoire and enables the identification and referral of children at risk or victims of labour in the cocoa agriculture sector.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the implementation of the Third National Plan of Action to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour 2019–21 (PAN-PFTE 2019–21) reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s firm commitment to intensify its efforts to combat child labour by tackling the root causes of the phenomenon, including the poverty of cocoa farming households. Specific objectives of the PAN-PFTE 2019–21include strengthening the implementation of international commitments made by Côte d’Ivoire, such as those of the 2001 Harkin-Engel Protocol, which aimed to reduce child labour in cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire by 70 per cent by 2020, and target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which calls for the elimination of child labour by 2025. The PAN-PFTE 2019–21 also envisages addressing new challenges that hamper the country’s efforts to combat child labour, including the issue of traceability of the cocoa supply chain to track the product’s route from field to market. While noting the efforts made by the Government, the Committee encourages it to intensify its efforts to prevent children under 18 years from engaging in hazardous work, in particular in the cocoa agriculture sector. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the PAN-PFTE 2019–21, particularly regarding the number of children removed from hazardous work in cocoa agriculture and subsequently rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide any data collected by the SSRTE on the number of children engaged in this worst form of child labour, disaggregated as much as possible by age and gender.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Children at special risk. Child HIV/AIDS orphans. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the 2016 estimates published by UNAIDS gave the figure of 320,000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) due to HIV/AIDS in the country and that the Government, with the support of UNAIDS, had established a National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2016–20 covering care and support for OVC and their families.

The Committee notes the Government’s information regarding the results achieved through the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2016–20, particularly: (i) the revision of the national policy document on care and support for OVC (June 2018); and (ii) the establishment of a comprehensive package of medical, psychosocial, physical, socioeconomic, legal, food and nutrition care and support services for the well-being and survival of persons living with HIV, carers and OVC. The Government also indicates several measures and strategies adopted to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country, including free antiretroviral treatment since 2008 and all measures offered to persons living with HIV since 2019. The Committee notes, however, that, according to UNAIDS estimates, the number of OVC due to HIV/AIDS stood at 340,000 in 2020. Recalling that children who are orphaned because of HIV/AIDS are at particular risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to step up its efforts to protect against the worst forms of labour, especially within the framework of the national policy on care and support for OVC, as well as other measures adopted by the Government. It requests it to continue to provide information on the measures taken in this respect and the results achieved.

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

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

Articles 3(a) and 7(1) of the Convention. Sale and trafficking of children and penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010 prohibiting trafficking and the worst forms of child labour. It noted that, within the context of the strategic component of the National Plan of Action 2012–14 to combat child trafficking, exploitation and labour (NPA), equipment and vehicles have been supplied to the sub-directorate of the criminal police responsible for combating trafficking, exploitation and juvenile delinquency, and to two police brigades. It also noted that a number of child traffickers had been arrested and convicted.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the institutional framework for action to combat trafficking has been reinforced through the establishment, among other measures, of: (i) a brigade to combat juvenile delinquency and the trafficking of children; and (ii) a child labour observation and monitoring system.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, 25 investigations have been carried out into cases of the trafficking of children, resulting in 17 convictions, including two cases of custodial prison sentences for ten years and two other cases for five years. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the effect given in practice to Act No. 2010 272 of 30 September 2010 prohibiting the trafficking of children and the worst forms of child labour. It also requests the Government to provide statistical data on the number and nature of the violations reported, investigations, convictions and penal sanctions in cases relating to the trafficking of children.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the establishment in 2011 of the two following committees: (i) the Inter-Ministerial Committee against the Trafficking and Exploitation of Children and Child Labour (CIM); and (ii) the National Monitoring Committee of Action to Combat Child Trafficking, Exploitation and Labour (CNS).

The Committee notes that, in accordance with the National Plan of Action to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour 2015–17 (PAN-PFTE 2015–17), the CNS is reinforced by the creation at the village community, sub-prefectural and prefectural levels of local committees to combat the worst forms of child labour. In total, some 698 local committees to combat the worst forms of child labour have been established since 2004. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the CIM and the CNS to ensure the follow-up of the measures taken to give effect to the Convention through the policies and programmes adopted, and the results achieved.

Article 6. Programmes of action and application of the Convention in practice. PAN-PFTE 2015–17. The Committee notes the PAN-PFTE 2015–17. It notes that this Plan of Action revises the National Plan of Action 2012–14 to combat child trafficking, exploitation and labour, which focused in particular on: (i) the training of personnel responsible for the enforcement of the legislation on combating the trafficking of children, with the training of 50 magistrates, 36 labour inspectors and 121 police officers; (ii) the removal and provision of assistance to 4,042 child victims of trafficking; and (iii) the conclusion of a cooperation agreement between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso on action to combat trans-border trafficking. The Committee also notes that the PAN-PFTE 2015–17 focuses on four strategic components: (i) prevention; (ii) protection and assistance for victims; (iii) repression; and (iv) coordination and monitoring evaluation. The Committee further notes that a number of results are expected by the end of 2017, and particularly a reduction of 20 per cent in the numbers of child victims of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken within the context of the PAN PFTE 2015–17 to combat the worst forms of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved in relation to the number of children removed from the worst forms of child labour, and particularly child victims of trafficking.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. 1. Clause (a). Preventing children from being engaged in and removing them from the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes the Sectoral Education/Training Plan 2015–25. According to the Sectoral Plan, the population of school age between 3 and 23 years of age rose from 8.7 to 12.7 million between 2000 and 2012, and is expected to rise to 14.7 million children and young persons by 2025. Moreover, according to the Sectoral Plan, analysis also indicates that, at the primary level, the gross school enrolment rate rose from 70 per cent in 2007 to 94 per cent in 2014, and then to 101 per cent in 2016, following 20 years of stagnation. The gross rate of access to the first year also improved by 30 percentage points, rising from 64 to 94 per cent between 2007 and 2014, and then to 113 per cent in 2016. The Committee observes that, according to the Sectoral Plan, this improvement in the school attendance rate has resulted at the practical level in action to increase supply (the construction of classrooms, recruitment of teachers, a campaign to encourage a return to primary school straightaway following the crisis) and a lightening of the cost to be borne by families through the free distribution of school supplies for children enrolled in public primary schools since 2013. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Sectoral Education/Training Plan 2015–25 and the results achieved in terms of the access of all children to free basic education.

2. Clauses (a) and (b). Preventing children from being engaged in and removing them from the worst forms of child labour. Children enrolled and used in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the information provided by the Government according to which a National Programme of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (PNDDR) was established following the post-electoral crisis in 2010. The stakeholders covered by the Programme developed a programme of action for the prevention, demobilization and reintegration of former child soldiers who are still minors.

The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report on this subject. However, it notes that the PNDDR established by the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) ended in June 2017. The UNOCI recorded the lowest number of cases of violations against children between 1 April 2016 and 15 January 2017 (Final progress report of the Secretary-General on the UNOCI, S/2017/89, paragraph 40).

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

Articles 3(d) and 7(2)(a) and (b) of the Convention. Hazardous work, preventing children from being engaged in and removing them from the worst forms of child labour. Children in agriculture. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the latest statistics on child labour from 2008 revealed that 1,570,103 children were economically active in the agricultural sector, frequently in cocoa plantations. It also noted that the exploitation of child labour had been noted in mining sites under concession to private individuals, even though child labour in mines is on the list of hazardous types of work prohibited for children under 18 years of age (Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005, as revised in 2012).

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the National Plan of Action to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour 2015–17 (PAN-PFTE 2015–17) is a multisectoral plan. The Committee notes the statistical data provided by the Government on child labour by sector and gender compiled by the national child labour observation and monitoring system in Côte d’Ivoire (SOSTECI) in 2016. It notes that, according to these statistics, a total of 1,559 children under 18 years of age are engaged in hazardous types of work, including in the agricultural sector, in which the number of children is 1,148, of whom 748 are boys and 400 are girls. However, the Committee notes that the PAN-PFTE 2015–17, which refers to the report on the situation of child labour in Côte d’Ivoire (SITAN 2014) indicates that the number of children subject to hazardous types of work in the agricultural sector is 189,427, with a total of 105,699 children between the ages of 14 and 17 years. Furthermore, in the context of the implementation of the PAN-PFTE 2015–17, the Committee notes the adoption in June 2017 of Order No. 2017-017 determining the list of hazardous types of work prohibited for children under 18 years of age in several agricultural branches. Concerned at the high number of children engaged in hazardous types of work in agriculture, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to prevent children under 18 years of age from being engaged in hazardous types of work, particularly in agriculture. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the effective enforcement of Order No. 2017-017 on the list of hazardous types of work. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that child victims of hazardous types of work are removed from such work and rehabilitated, particularly by ensuring their access to free basic education and vocational training.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Children at special risk. Child HIV/AIDS orphans. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) due to HIV/AIDS in the country was 380,000 and that in this context the Government had developed the National Programme for the Care of Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children due to HIV/AIDS (PNOEV), especially to ensure the access of OVCs to free basic education.

The Committee notes that the Government has not provided any information on this subject in its report. It notes that the 2016 estimates published by UNAIDS give the figure of 320,000 OVCs due to HIV/AIDS in the country and that the Government, with the support of UNAIDS, has established a National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2016–20 covering care and support for OVCs and their families. Recalling that children who have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS and other OVCs are at particular risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts, within the context of the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2016–20, to ensure that these children are protected from the worst forms of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken in this regard and the results achieved.

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

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

Articles 3(a) and 7(1) of the Convention. Sale and trafficking of children and penalties. The Committee previously took note of new legislative provisions that banned and penalized the sale and trafficking of children, but noted that this worst form of child labour constituted a problem in practice. In this respect, it noted that the police in Côte d’Ivoire demonstrated a weak understanding of trafficking in children. Furthermore, it observed that only one person had been convicted of trafficking in children and that, on two occasions, child traffickers intercepted by the police managed to escape, thereby evading conviction.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it will take the necessary measures to ensure that Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010 is strictly applied. The Committee notes the Government’s commitment to take measures to strengthen the capacities of persons involved in combating trafficking in children, and to undertake judicial proceedings against the perpetrators until such time as they have been sentenced. In this respect, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), according to which – in the context of the strategic focus of the National Plan of Action (2011–14) to combat the trafficking and worst forms of child labour (PAN), whose goal is to eliminate and punish those responsible for trafficking and the worst forms of child labour – equipment and vehicles have been supplied to the Sub-directorate to Combat the Trafficking of Children and Juvenile Delinquents of the national police, as well as to two police units. In 2013, the sub-Directorate registered eight cases of prosecution of which two resulted in penalties, the arrest of 23 traffickers and the conviction of 11 traffickers. In 2014, a police operation called “NAWA” resulted in the interception and arrest of eight persons involved in trafficking and the exploitation of children. The Committee urges the Government once again to redouble its efforts to ensure that persons engaging in the sale and trafficking of children under 18 years of age are prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are applied, under the terms of Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010. In this respect, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that thorough investigations and robust prosecutions of offenders are carried out, particularly by strengthening the capacities of the authorities responsible for the enforcement of the law. It requests the Government to continue providing information on the results achieved in this respect.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee previously noted that the National Steering Committee would be reorganized and its tasks redefined in the context of the National Plan of Action to combat the trafficking and worst forms of child labour.

The Committee notes that a new institutional framework was introduced in 2011 with a view to improving coordination between the stakeholders. The Committee also takes note that the Inter-ministerial Committee against the Trafficking and Exploitation of Children and Child Labour (CIM) was created under Decree No. 2011-365 of 3 November 2011 and is administered by the Ministries of State and Employment. This Committee is entrusted with defining and guaranteeing the implementation of the national policies; validating the partners’ projects and programmes and coordinating the activities of all the partners involved; and evaluating the implementation of the projects and programmes.

In addition, the Committee notes that the National Committee for Monitoring Actions to Combat the Trafficking and Exploitation of Children and Child Labour (CNS), which was also set up in 2011, is made up of key international organizations, non-governmental organizations, representatives of the private sector and workers, inter alia. The role of this Committee is to: provide a follow-up to the implementation of government projects and programmes, international agreements and national policies; propose measures to combat child labour and provide care for the victims; and initiate preventive measures (awareness raising) and contribute towards school reintegration. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the activities carried out by the CIM and the CNS to ensure the follow-up to the application of provisions giving effect to the Convention through the policies and programmes adopted, and on the results achieved.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (a) and (b). Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of labour and removing them from these worst forms. Children enrolled and used in armed conflict. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the Government, a National Programme of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (PNDDR) was introduced after the post-electoral crisis in 2010. The stakeholders of this programme designed it for ex-child soldiers who are still minors. The major goal of the programme is to reintegrate these children into their families and communities; they also receive psychosocial support and participate in educational activities. Through this programme, the European Community Humanitarian Aid Department provided its support to more than 4,000 children linked to armed groups and thousands of others who ran the risk of being recruited. Furthermore, in the context of the implementation of the National Social Protection Strategy (SNPS), priority is given to job creation by applying the principle of high-intensity labour, which targets former soldiers and young persons at risk of remaining in crime.

However, the Committee notes that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 15 May 2004 on children and armed conflict (A/68/878-S/2014/339), despite the ongoing peace and reconciliation process and ongoing efforts regarding the reintegration of ex-combatants, the overall child protection situation remains of concern in the light of insecurity in some areas and a lack of accountability for grave violations against children. In 2013, the United Nations documented a total of 30 grave violations against children perpetrated by the Republican Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FRCI), of which four were cases of recruitment and use of minors. The minors in question, aged between 13 and 17 years of age, were manning checkpoints in Mankono and M’bahiakro and one of them worked as a cook. The United Nations organized a series of training and capacity-building sessions on child protection for the defence and security forces. In November, the FRCI re-established a child protection cell to liaise with child protection actors and deal with child protection concerns. Furthermore, a draft national child protection policy to address violence against children, assistance to child victims and the issue of impunity is pending adoption by the Government. The Committee requests the Government to step up its efforts to eliminate entirely the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by armed forces and groups. The Committee also requests the Government to continue providing information on the time-bound measures taken to ensure that child soldiers released from armed forces and groups receive appropriate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including by reintegrating them into the school system or into vocational training, wherever appropriate.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the number of orphans and children vulnerable (OVC) due to HIV/AIDS was 430,000, and it expressed its concern at the high number of child victims of HIV/AIDS in the country and the low rate of school attendance by orphans.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will provide, in its next reports, information on the measures taken and results achieved in the context of the National Programme for the Care of Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children of HIV/AIDS (PNOEV), especially by ensuring the access of OVCs to free basic education. The Committee also notes that, according to the national report of Côte d’Ivoire of 2014 on the follow-up to the policy statement on AIDS of June 2011, considerable efforts have been made for a number of years to strengthen the national response to HIV/AIDS. In this respect, the Committee notes that estimates now put the number of OVCs as a result of HIV/AIDS at 380,000 in the country. While recalling that OVCs on account of HIV/AIDS are at an increased risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to step up its efforts to ensure that such children are protected from these worst forms of child labour. It requests the Government to continue submitting information on the effective time-bound measures taken in this respect and on the results achieved.

Article 8. International cooperation. Further to its previous comments, the Committee takes due note of the detailed information contained in the status report of the implementation of the action plan 2006–10 of the Multilateral Cooperation Agreement to Combat Child Trafficking in West Africa. The Committee also takes note of the overview report of the fourth follow-up meeting of this Multilateral Agreement, held from 27 to 29 July 2010, which contains recommendations made by the participants with a view to strengthening links, exchanges of information, and cooperation between countries in West Africa. Furthermore, the Committee notes the Government’s indication, in its report submitted under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), that in the context of the implementation of the PAN, regional cooperation in the area of combating the worst forms of child labour, including the treaty, have been strengthened by the signing of cooperation agreements between Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, on the one hand, and between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, on the other. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the results achieved in the application of the Multilateral Cooperation Agreement to Combat Child Trafficking in West Africa, as well as on the cooperation agreements with Mali and Burkina Faso, indicating the number of child victims of this worst form of child labour who have been repatriated.

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

Articles 3(d) and 7(2)(a) and (b) of the Convention. Hazardous work. Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour and removing them from these worst forms. 1. Children in agriculture and cocoa plantations. The Committee notes that the latest statistics on child labour, contained in the survey on the living standards of households conducted in 2008 (ENV 2008), reveal that 1,550,103 children are economically active in the agricultural sector, frequently in cocoa plantations.

The Committee notes that there is an ILO–IPEC project currently being undertaken to eliminate child labour in communities involved in agricultural work in cocoa plantations in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. In the context of this project, awareness raising activities have been carried out and training programmes dispensed to agricultural workers, cocoa farmers and employers’ and workers’ representatives. Furthermore, services have been provided to 2,500 children targeted (1,136 girls and 1,364 boys) in the form of placement in formal or informal education. In this respect, 1,176 of these children have been prevented from being recruited in the worst forms of child labour and 1,320 children withdrawn. The Committee also notes that Côte d’Ivoire is one of the countries targeted by the ILO–IPEC project to eliminate the worst forms of child labour in West Africa and strengthen subregional cooperation (ECOWAS), under which action programmes to raise awareness, educate, prevent and reintegrate 2,300 children at risk or victims of the worst forms of child labour, including in the cocoa plantations sector, have been implemented since 2012. In view of the particularly high incidence of hazardous work involving children in cocoa plantations, the Committee urges the Government to step up its efforts to prevent children under 18 years of age from working in cocoa plantations and to ensure that they are withdrawn from these plantations and socially rehabilitated, particularly by providing them with access to free education and vocational training. It asks the Government to submit detailed information on the nature of the measures taken in this respect as well as on the results achieved.

2. Gold mines. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that child labour in mines is one of the 20 types of hazardous work covered by section 1 of Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 and is prohibited for children under 18 years of age. It noted that, under section 19 of Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010, persons who supervise or are in charge of a child and who cause the child to, or knowingly allow, the child to perform hazardous work may be liable to a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment. However, it noted that the exploitation of child labour had been reported on mining sites under concession to private persons.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that measures are being taken to crack down on persons who exploit children in mines and who escape from the supervision of the police authorities. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to put an end to the practice of child labour in mines, including in private concessions, in accordance with the prohibition set out in law. It also requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to prevent children under 18 years of age from working in gold mines and to ensure that they are withdrawn from these mines and socially rehabilitated. It requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect and on the results obtained.

Article 6. Programmes of action and application of the Convention in practice. National Plan of Action (2012–14) to combat the trafficking and exploitation of children and child labour. The Committee previously noted the ENV 2008 had been conducted but its findings had not yet been validated.

The Committee notes that the latest statistics on child labour, as contained in the ENV 2008, reveal that 1,202,404 children are involved in hazardous labour and 3,364 are victims of trafficking. Furthermore, it notes that according to the report of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) to the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning the trade policies of Côte d’Ivoire (Geneva, 2 and 4 July 2012), children in agriculture and forestry, in particular in cocoa and coffee plantations, work for long hours, in dangerous pesticides and chemicals, machinery, heavy loads and other hazardous conditions. Street children face conditions that endanger their physical and moral development, and child domestic servants are also vulnerable to sexual exploitation and other physical and psychological abuses.

In this respect, the Committee notes that the new National Plan of Action (2012–14) to combat the trafficking and exploitation of children and child labour (PAN) was adopted in March 2012. This Plan of Action has four strategic objectives: prevention, by enforcing the legal framework, raising the awareness of communities, mobilizing the partners and knowledge sharing; protection, by improving access to education, providing care for the victims, introducing structures to provide guidance and strengthening regional and international cooperation; enforcement, by identifying and punishing those responsible for trafficking and the worst forms of child labour; and monitoring and evaluation, particularly through the implementation of the national monitoring system of child labour and the system of monitoring and follow-up of child labour in Côte d’Ivoire (SOSTECI). In this respect, the Committee notes that the SOSTECI is a system that makes it possible to identify and help children involved in hazardous work. It also constitutes a tool for collecting data and sharing information on child labour and its worst forms.

The Committee takes due note of the information contained in the Government’s report submitted under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), concerning the results achieved since the implementation of the PAN. These include awareness-raising activities in communities; the strengthening of the capacity of persons involved in combating trafficking, exploitation and child labour; improvements in children’s access to education; and the introduction of a helpline for children in distress (3,577 calls were registered between November 2013 and February 2014).

Taking due note of the measures taken by the Government, the Committee feels bound to express its concern at the large number of children working in dangerous conditions in Côte d’Ivoire. The Committee urges the Government to step up its efforts to ensure the protection in practice of children against the worst forms of labour, including the renewal of the PAN, which is due to come to an end in 2014. The Committee requests the Government to provide recent statistics, such as those collected by the SOCTECI, on the nature, extent and development of the worst forms of child labour; on the number of children protected by measures giving effect to the Convention; on the number and nature of offences reported; and on the surveys carried out, the prosecutions initiated, the sentences handed down and the penalties imposed. To the extent possible, all this information should be disaggregated by sex and age.

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

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

Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms. National Steering Committee. The Committee previously noted that a National Steering Committee (CDN) had been established to monitor activities related to child labour, and particularly the trafficking of children. It also noted that, owing to certain constraints, the National Steering Committee had been unable to meet, but that measures had been taken with a view to making it operational and extending its mission to all initiatives to combat the worst forms of child labour.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications that certain budgetary and technical constraints have prevented the implementation of many projects, and that the operation of the National Steering Committee appears to be insufficient. According to the Government’s report, the National Steering Committee will be reorganized and its tasks redefined in the context of the National Plan of Action to combat the trafficking and worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the orientation of the activities of the National Steering Committee in the context of the National Plan of Action to combat the trafficking and worst forms of child labour, and on the measures adopted by the National Steering Committee.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and their rehabilitation and social integration. Children enrolled and used in armed conflict. The Committee noted previously that, according to a report by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict of 6 August 2008 (A/63/227, paragraph 7), the armed forces and groups have taken coordinated steps to identify and release children associated with their forces with a view to ensuring their social integration.

The Committee observes that the Government’s report does not provide information on this subject. It notes that, according to the report of 13 April 2010 of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Children and Armed Conflict in Côte d’Ivoire (A/64/742-S/2010/181, paragraph 66), the armed forces and groups have agreed to an “open door” policy in cooperation with the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) whereby any allegations of the use of child soldiers can be immediately investigated with their full cooperation and with unrestricted access. According to the report of the Secretary-General, during the reporting period there was no substantiated evidence of the use of child soldiers by those parties. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to ensure that child soldiers released from armed forces and groups receive appropriate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including by reintegrating them into the school system or into vocational training.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the information contained in the December 2008 Epidemiological Fact Sheet of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 420,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Côte d’Ivoire. It noted that a national programme for the care of orphans and other vulnerable children of HIV/AIDS (PNOEV) was being implemented and that a National Strategic Plan for 2006–10 had been adopted.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the issue of HIV/AIDS is a particular concern of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. It notes in this regard that a ministry responsible for combating HIV/AIDS has been established with responsibility for the formulation and implementation of the PNOEV and the National Strategic Plan. The Committee notes that, according to the information contained in the Côte d’Ivoire’s national report of March 2010 submitted in the context of the follow-up to the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (the UNGASS report), that the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) between 0 and 17 years of age who live in shelters and receive free external aid increased from 22.1 per cent in 2008 to 27.1 in 2009. Furthermore, among the results achieved in the context of the PNOEV in the years 2008–09, the report indicates that 116,500 OVCs have been taken into care at the national level, 1,580 social workers have been trained in caring for OVCs and a national database on OVCs has been developed. The Committee also notes that, according to the national report submitted by Côte d’Ivoire in accordance with paragraph 15(a) of the Annex to Human Rights Council Resolution 5/1 of 3 September 2009 (A/HRC/WG.6/6/CIV/1, paragraph 125), ten social care centres for OVCs are available within the country.

The Committee welcomes these measures for the care of OVCs. Nevertheless, it notes that, according to the UNGASS report, the number of orphans and children who are vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS is 430,000. Furthermore, the school attendance rate of orphans between the ages of 10 and 14 years fell between 2007 and 2009, declining from 62.4 per cent in 2007 to 35.7 per cent in 2009. The Committee expresses concern at the high number of child victims of HIV/AIDS in the country and the low rate of school attendance by orphans. The Committee urges the Government to renew its efforts to ensure that child HIV/AIDS orphans are not engaged in the worst forms of child labour. It requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures adopted and the results achieved in the context of the PNOEV, and particularly to ensure the access of OVCs to free basic education.

Clause (e). Taking account of the special situation of girls. The Committee previously noted that awareness-raising campaigns are conducted with a view to the school attendance of young girls in the northern and north-eastern zones where the school attendance rate of girls is low. It requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken, including in the context of the implementation of the ILO/IPEC/LUTRENA project, with a view to protecting girls from the worst forms of child labour.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the LUTRENA project accorded special situation to the situation of girls in the implementation of its activities by giving priority to vulnerable girls in the selection of beneficiaries. According to the Government’s report, girls represent 54 per cent of beneficiaries. Accordingly, 448 girls between the ages of 5 and 17 years out of 840 children were removed from the worst forms of child labour, of whom 19 were victims of trafficking. Noting that the LUTRENA project was completed on 31 March 2010, the Committee requests the Government to continue taking immediate and effective measures for the protection of girls from the worst forms of child labour, and requests it to continue providing information on the number of girls who benefit from these measures. It also once again requests the Government to indicate the specific rehabilitation and social integration measures taken to ensure the access of all girls to free basic education and to vocational training.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010 prohibiting the trafficking and worst forms of child labour. It notes that section 4 of the Act prohibits the worst forms of child labour, which are defined in conformity with this provision of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010, including statistics on the number and nature of the violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied.

Clause (a). Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously noted that sections 370 and 371 of the Penal Code criminalize the abduction of minors. However, it noted that, according to a study carried out by ILO/IPEC/LUTRENA in 2005 entitled “The trafficking of children for the exploitation of their work in the informal sector in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire”, these provisions are inadequate to combat the trafficking of children for economic exploitation as they only cover cases of the abduction of minors, whereas the internal or cross-border trafficking of children in Côte d’Ivoire is based on traditional networks for the placement of children and therefore occurs with the consent of the children’s parents or guardians.

In this respect, the Committee notes that sections 21 and 22 of Act No. 2010‑272 of 30 September 2010 establishes penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years of imprisonment. It also observes that, in accordance with sections 2 and 3, the Act applies to all children under 18 years of age residing or staying on the territory of Côte d’Ivoire.

The Committee notes that, according to the “Trafficking in persons report 2010 – Côte d’Ivoire”, published on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (www.unhcr.org), Côte d’Ivoire is primarily a country of destination for children and women subjected to trafficking in persons. Trafficking within the country’s borders is more prevalent, with victims primarily trafficked from the north of the country to the more economically prosperous south. The great majority of boys who are victims of trafficking are from Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo and are exploited in the agricultural sector, particularly in cocoa plantations. Girls from Ghana and Nigeria are also exploited as domestic workers and for prostitution. While taking due note of the new legislative provisions which prohibit and penalize the sale and trafficking of children, the Committee observes that this worst form of labour is a problem in practice. Recalling that under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of children under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation is one of the worst forms of child labour and that, under the terms of Article 1, immediate and effective measures shall be taken as a matter of urgency to secure the prohibition and elimination of this worst form of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure in practice the protection of children under 18 years of age against sale and trafficking, in accordance with Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010.

Articles 3(d) and 4(1). Hazardous work. Gold mines. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that child labour in mines is one of the 20 types of hazardous work covered by section 1 of Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 and is prohibited for children under 18 years of age. It observed that, although the legislation is in conformity with the Convention on this point, child labour in mines is a problem in practice.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that many multinational enterprises are entering this sector and are provided with a list of conditions drawn up by the Ministry responsible for mining and energy, which prohibits the use of child workers. According to the Government, these companies do not employ children. However, the Government’s report indicates that the exploitation of child labour has been reported on mining sites under concession to private persons. It also notes that the Government and its development partners undertook awareness-raising campaigns while awaiting the application of Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010. In this respect, the Committee observes that, under section 19 of this Act, persons who supervise or are in charge of a child and who cause the child to, or knowingly allow, the child to perform hazardous work may be liable to a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to bring an end to the practice of child labour in mines, in accordance with the prohibition set out in law.

Articles 5 and 7(1) of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms and penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that 14 persons had been arrested and imprisoned in 2008 for child trafficking and it requested the Government to provide the court decisions in their cases.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the 14 persons arrested and imprisoned in 2008 for the trafficking of children have not yet been convicted. It also notes the Government’s indication that the Sub-directorate to Combat the Trafficking of Children and Juvenile Delinquents of the national police organized several training workshops and seminars between 2006 and 2009 to strengthen the technical capacities of the officers and agents of the defence and security forces in relation to combating the trafficking and worst forms of child labour. According to the Government’s report, the major objective of these measures is to enable them to be more effective in the identification of child victims of trafficking and the worst forms of labour. The Committee accordingly notes that, between June 2006 and June 2009, the national police services identified and intercepted 321 child victims of trafficking, including 124 cases of trans-border trafficking.

However, the Committee notes that, according to the report on the trafficking of persons referred to above, the police in Côte d’Ivoire demonstrate a weak understanding of the trafficking of children. During raids on brothels, the police tend to consider children working there in voluntary prostitution rather than as potential victims of trafficking. Furthermore, no training to reinforce the capacities of the agents and law enforcement officers and immigration for the identification and treatment of victims of trafficking was provided during the period covered by the report. The report also indicates that only one person was convicted of the trafficking of children, namely a Nigerian woman who was convicted in May 2009 to a sentence of three years of imprisonment by the court of Daloa for exploiting two young girls for the purposes of prostitution. The report adds that on two occasions, in February and June 2009, child traffickers intercepted by the police managed to escape, thereby evading conviction. The Committee therefore urges the Government to redouble its efforts to ensure that persons engaging in the sale and trafficking of children under 18 years of age are prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are applied, under the terms of Act No. 2010-272 of 30 September 2010. In this respect, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that thorough investigations and robust prosecutions of offenders are carried out, particularly by strengthening the capacities of the authorities responsible for the enforcement of the law. It requests the Government to provide any court rulings given against the traffickers imprisoned in 2008, as well as the ruling of May 2009 of the court of Daloa.

Article 6(1). Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action to combat the trafficking and worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), according to which a National Plan of Action (2007–09) to combat the trafficking and worst forms of child labour (National Plan of Action) was adopted in 2007. The objective of the National Plan of Action is reduce the incidence and, in due course, eradicate trafficking and other worst forms of child labour in Côte d’Ivoire. It is articulated around five strategic axes of intervention, aiming in particular to reinforce activities for the prevention and removal, reintegration and repatriation of child victims of trafficking and other worst forms of child labour, as well as the reinforcement of the human, material and structural capacities of the actors involved in the implementation of the Plan of Action. However, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that very few activities have been undertaken up to now that are directly related to the National Plan of Action due to the lack of financing. Furthermore, most of the action taken on the issue of child trafficking and child labour is focused on the cocoa sector, including the establishment of a system to monitor child labour in cocoa plantations (SSTE), covering several administrative departments of the production zone. Finally, the Committee observes that, according to the strategic document of the National Plan of Action, Phase I of the Plan, which was initially to have lasted for 18 months, has still not been implemented and the time frame for the envisaged activities has not been followed. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the implementation in practice of the National Plan of Action. It requests the Government to continue supplying information on its implementation, with an indication of the action taken and the results achieved, particularly with regard to the number of children working in the cocoa sector who are in practice removed from cocoa plantations, as well as the rehabilitation and social integration measures adopted for those children.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (b). Removing children from the worst forms of child labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Sale and trafficking of children. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication that, in the context of the implementation of the ILO/IPEC/LUTRENA project, the measures adopted have resulted in the removal and placement in school of 840 children aged between 5 and 17 years, of whom 44 were victims of trafficking, during the period covered by the report. Furthermore, around 200 persons who are active in combating the trafficking of children received training, including 30 members of volunteer host families on caring for and supporting child victims of trafficking. The LUTRENA project also provided support for the formulation of the National Plan of Action to combat trafficking and the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that 145 child victims of trafficking received support from the National Committee to Combat the Trafficking and Exploitation of Children (CNLTEE) in 2007, while the numbers were 46 in 2008 and 9 in 2009. While noting that the LUTRENA project was completed on 31 March 2010, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to continue taking immediate and effective measures for the removal of child victims of sale and trafficking, and requests it to continue providing information on the number of children who have in practice been removed from this worst form of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the specific rehabilitation and social integration measures adopted to ensure the access of child victims of sale and trafficking to free basic education and vocational training.

Article 8. International cooperation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Côte d’Ivoire had signed the multilateral cooperation agreement of 27 July 2005 to combat the trafficking of children in West Africa, as well as the regional multilateral cooperation agreement to combat the trafficking of children in West and Central Africa in July 2006. The Committee previously requested additional information on the measures adopted for the implementation of these multilateral agreements.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the cooperation resulting from these agreements is only operational in the form of repatriation operations for child victims of trafficking. It also notes that this cooperation does not include the exchange of information intended to identify child trafficking networks and arrest the persons engaged in these networks. Furthermore, it notes from the 2010 report on trafficking that the Ministry of the Family, Women and Social Affairs undertook repatriation operations for 20 child victims of trafficking from Burkina Faso, Benin, Ghana and Togo during the period covered by the report. The Committee observes that a third follow-up meeting on the 2005 multilateral agreement was held in July 2008 in Niamey, Niger. In view of the prevalence of trans-border trafficking in the country, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to take concrete and effective measures for the implementation of the multinational agreements signed in 2005 and 2006, and particularly for the establishment of a system for the exchange of information to facilitate the identification of child trafficking networks and for the arrest of the persons engaged in those networks. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results of the third follow-up meeting held in Niamey in July 2008.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee previously noted that, according to a national survey of child labour conducted in 2005 in the country, it is estimated that 1.1 per cent of children between the ages of 5 and 17 years are victims of internal trafficking, while 10.4 per cent of child victims of trafficking are victims of trans-border trafficking, and that 52 per cent of them are from Burkina Faso and 31 per cent from Ghana. The towns most affected by trafficking are Bas Sassandra, Nzi, Comoé and Abidjan. It also noted that 17 per cent of economically active children are involved in hazardous types of work.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, according to the national survey conducted in 2002 on the situation of child labour in the cocoa sector, over 600,000 children between the ages of 6 and 17 years are involved in this type of production, among whom 127,000 are engaged in work that is considered to be hazardous. It further notes the Government’s indications that a survey on the living standards of households was conducted in 2008 (ENV 2008). The results of the survey have not yet been validated. However, the Committee observes that, according to the information supplied in the Government’s report under Convention No. 138, the results of the ENV 2008 survey show that two children out of 1,000 are victims of trafficking, and that 97.1 per cent of economically active children are engaged in activities that are harmful for their health. While taking due note of the adoption of the new legislative provisions prohibiting and penalizing the worst forms of child labour, the Committee observes that a large number of children are victims of trafficking and are engaged in hazardous activities and it therefore urges the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure the protection in practice of children against these worst forms of child labour. It also requests it to provide the statistics gathered in the context of the ENV 2008 survey as soon as the results have been validated. To the extent possible, all information provided should be disaggregated by sex and age.

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

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee previously noted that the national legislation does not contain any provision relating to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. It reminded the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and that, by virtue of Article 1, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of this worst form of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee notes that Government’s indication that measures have been taken to adopt a draft Act prohibiting the trafficking of children and the worst forms of child labour. The Committee expresses the hope that the draft Act prohibiting the trafficking of children and the worst forms of child labour will be adopted as a matter of urgency and will contain provisions prohibiting and penalizing the use, procuring, or offering of a child under 18 years of age for prostitution, the production of pornography or pornographic performances. It requests the Government to provide information on any new developments in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Self-employed workers. The Committee previously noted that the Labour Code does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age without a contractual employment relationship who perform hazardous work. It further noted that, according to the information available to the Office, a considerable number of children work in the informal economy. The Committee notes that the Government has not supplied any information on this matter. It notes that, according to a 2006 UNICEF report on the trafficking of persons, particularly women and children, in West and Central Africa, 76 per cent of jobs occupied by children are in the informal economy. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the national legislation makes provision for young persons under 18 years of age to enjoy the protection provided for in Article 3(d) of the Convention, namely preventing their employment in work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. National Steering Committee. The Committee previously noted that, according to information on the LUTRENA project, a National Steering Committee has been set up to monitor activities related to child labour, particularly the trafficking of children. It notes the Government’s statement that, owing to certain constraints, the National Steering Committee has been unable to meet but measures have been taken with a view to making it operational and extending its mission to all initiatives combating the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the steps taken by the National Steering Committee to eliminate the worst forms of child labour.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the information contained in the December 2008 Epidemiological Fact Sheet of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 420,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Côte d’Ivoire. It also notes that, according to the information contained in the January 2008 report of Côte d’Ivoire on monitoring the implementation of the UNGASS Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, a National Programme for the care of orphans and other children at risk as a result of HIV/AIDS (PNOEV) has been implemented. This programme is responsible for coordinating care measures for orphans and vulnerable children. Furthermore, a National Strategic Plan for 2006–10 has been adopted. The Committee expresses concern at the high number of children who are victims of HIV/AIDS in the country and observes that the virus has a negative impact on orphans, who are at greater risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the specific time-bound measures taken, in the context of the PNOEV and the National Strategic Plan for 2006–10, to prevent children orphaned by HIV/AIDS from becoming victims of the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). Particular situation of girls. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that information campaigns have been conducted with regard to the school education of girls in the north and north-east of the country, where the school attendance rate for girls is low. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the time-bound measures taken, particularly as part of the implementation of Phase V of the LUTRENA project, to protect girls from the worst forms of child labour, indicating in particular the number of girls removed from the worst forms of child labour. It also requests the Government to indicate the specific rehabilitation and social insertion measures taken to ensure access to free basic education and vocational training for all the girls referred to above.

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

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Article 3 and Article 7, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Clause (a). Sale and trafficking of children, and penalties. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that sections 370 and 371 of the Penal Code criminalize the abduction of minors. The Committee noted that, according to a study carried out by ILO–IPEC–LUTRENA in 2005 on the trafficking of children for the exploitation of their work in the informal sector in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, these provisions are inadequate for combating the trafficking of children for economic exploitation as they only cover cases of the abduction of minors, whereas the internal or cross-border trafficking of children in Côte d’Ivoire is based on traditional networks for the placement of children and therefore occurs with the consent of the children’s parents or guardians. The Committee noted that a draft Act on the trafficking of children was adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2001 but had still not been put to the vote by the National Assembly.

The Committee notes that, according to a 2006 UNICEF report on the trafficking of persons, particularly women and children in West and Central Africa, Côte d’Ivoire is principally a country of destination. The vast majority of victims of trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire are exploited in plantations and gold mines. In Abidjan and Bouaké, girls originating in particular from Nigeria are subjected to sexual exploitation or are exploited as servants or street vendors. Moreover, according to UNICEF information for February 2007, approximately 200,000 children originating from Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo and also the north and centre of the country are working in cocoa plantations.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that steps will be taken to adopt the Act prohibiting the trafficking of children and the worst forms of child labour. It also notes that, according to the Government, 14 persons were arrested and imprisoned in 2008 for the trafficking of children. The Committee expresses its serious concern at the scale of the phenomenon and the lack of regulation, which is one of the factors which favours the economic or sexual exploitation of children in the country. It reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered as the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee expresses the firm hope that the draft Act prohibiting the trafficking of children and the worst forms of child labour will be adopted as a matter of urgency and requests the Government to supply information on any new developments in this respect. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure the protection in practice of young persons under 18 years of age against the sale and trafficking of children, including through the conviction of perpetrators and the imposition of penalties which act as a sufficient deterrent. In view of the indication that a number of persons were arrested and imprisoned in 2008 for the trafficking of children, the Committee requests the Government to send copies of any court decisions that are issued.

Article 3(a). Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. In its previous comments the Committee noted that, according to the report of United Nations Secretary-General of 9 February 2005 on children and armed conflict (A/59/695-S/2005/72, paragraphs 14 and 24), even though no precise information on the recruitment of children by armed groups had been obtained during the reporting period, children continued to be present in certain armed groups.

In this regard, the Committee notes with satisfaction that, according to the reports of the United Nations Secretary-General of 21 December 2007 (A/62/609‑S/2007/757, paragraphs 18 and 33–37) and 26 March 2009 (A/63/785/‑S/2009/159, paragraphs 35–38) on children and armed conflict, there has been no substantiated evidence of new cases of recruitment or use of children by armed forces or groups since October 2006. Since action plans were signed in October 2005 and September 2006, the Forces armées des forces nouvelles (now Forces de défense et de sécurité des Forces nouvelles (FDS-FN) and the four armed militia in Côte d’Ivoire – namely, Front pour la libération du Grand Ouest (FLGO), Mouvement ivoirien de libération de l’Ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire (MILOCI), Alliance patriotique de l’ethnie Wé (APWé) and Union patriotique de résistance du Grant Ouest (UPRGO) – have stopped recruiting children. Moreover, the Committee welcomes the removal of the parties to the conflict in Côte d’Ivoire from the list of organizations that recruit or use children in armed conflict, as listed in the appendix to the Secretary-General’s Report.

Article 3(d) and Article 4, paragraph 1. Hazardous work. Gold mines. The Committee previously noted that, according to the study carried out by
ILO–IPEC–LUTRENA in 2005 on the trafficking of children for exploitation in gold mines in Issia, Côte d’Ivoire, children are the victims of internal and cross‑border trafficking for economic exploitation in the gold mines of Issia. The Committee noted that child labour in mines is one of the 20 hazardous types of work covered by section 1 of Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 and is prohibited for young persons under 18 years of age. It also noted that, although the legislation is in conformity with the Convention on this point, child labour in mines is a problem in practice.

The Government indicates in its report that awareness campaigns for parents and employers in mines in Issia, Bouaflé and Yamoussoukro have been conducted. While noting this information, the Committee reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(d) of the Convention, work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children, is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour and must be prohibited for persons under 18 years of age. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts to ensure the effective application of the legislation on the protection of children against hazardous work, particularly hazardous work in mines. The Committee also requests it to supply information on the application of the national legislation regulating hazardous work in practice, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied by the Government to the effect that the project relating to a system for monitoring child labour (SSTE‑Certification) has provided information for more than 7,000 people with regard to the worst forms of child labour and enabled the identification of some 1,300 who have been victims of child labour. These victims have been provided with school education.

Clause (b). Removing children from the worst forms of child labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Sale and trafficking of children. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the Government’s information to the effect that, between 2004 and 2008, the project to combat the trafficking of children for the exploitation of their work in West and Central Africa (LUTRENA) has prevented more than 2,870 children falling victim to trafficking and enabled the removal of 642 children from this worst form of child labour. Furthermore, these children have been provided with schooling, either in the form of an apprenticeship or in informal schools. The Committee notes that the country is participating in phase V of the LUTRENA project. The Committee strongly encourages the Government to continue its efforts and requests it to provide information on the time-bound measures taken, as part of the implementation of phase V of LUTRENA, to remove children from sale and trafficking, indicating in particular the number of children actually removed from this worst form of child labour and the specific measures taken to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of these children.

Recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. The Committee notes that, according to the report of the Special Representative of the Secretary‑General for Children and Armed Conflict of 6 August 2008 (A/63/227, paragraph 7), the armed forces and groups have taken coordinated steps to identify and release children associated with them with a view to ensuring their reintegration. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the time-bound measures taken to ensure that child soldiers released from armed forces and groups receive appropriate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including by reintegrating them in the school system or in vocational training.

Article 8. International cooperation. The Committee previously noted that Côte d’Ivoire signed the multilateral cooperation agreement of 27 July 2005 to combat the trafficking of children in West Africa. It notes that the country also signed the regional multilateral cooperation agreement to combat the trafficking of children in West and Central Africa in July 2006. In view of the scale of cross‑border trafficking in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to implement the multilateral agreements signed in 2005 and 2006, indicating in particular whether the exchange of information has enabled child trafficking networks to be identified and persons working in such networks to be arrested. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to state whether steps have been taken to identify and intercept child victims of trafficking in border regions and whether transit centres have been established.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government to the effect that, according to a national survey of child labour conducted in 2005, 1.1 per cent of children are victims of internal trafficking while 10.4 per cent are victims of cross-border trafficking, with 52 per cent originating from Burkina Faso and 31 per cent from Ghana. The cities most affected by trafficking are Bas Sassandra, NZI Comoé and Abidjan. In addition, 17 per cent of economically active children are involved in hazardous work. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing statistics on the number of child victims of trafficking as well as those involved in hazardous work.

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

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

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes that article 3 of the Constitution prohibits slavery, forced labour and all forms of degradation of the human being. It also notes that section 3 of the Labour Code prohibits forced or compulsory labour. Furthermore, under section 378 of the Penal Code, penalties shall be imposed on any person who, exclusively to satisfy her or his personal interest, exacts work or service from another person for which she or he has not offered herself or himself willingly.

2. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided any information on this provision of the Convention. In the report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict of 7 September 2005 (A/60/335, paragraph 6), Côte d’Ivoire is reported as one of 11 countries, which also include Burundi, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Uganda, in which grave violations against children have been documented. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his report on children and armed conflict of 9 February 2005 (A/59/695-S/2005/72, paragraphs 14 and 24), indicates that in the context of the Accra III Agreement, which was aimed at consolidating further the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire, the parties committed themselves to the commencement of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process by 15 October 2004. UNICEF established dialogue with the Forces armées nationales de Côte d’Ivoire (FANCI) and the Forces armées des forces nouvelles (FAFN). The dialogue resulted in the release of 273 child soldiers by the FAFN and the adoption of a declaration on 15 September 2003 in which the forces concerned undertook to halt the recruitment of children within their ranks and in those of allied militia groups under their control. However, the Secretary-General indicates that, although no specific and reliable information on recruitment by armed groups now integrated into the FAFN forces was obtained during the reporting period, children continue to be present in the ranks of the following armed groups: the Mouvement pour la justice et la paix (MPJ), the Mouvement populaire ivoirien pour le Grand Ouest (MPIGO) and the Mouvement patriotique de Côte d’Ivoire (MPCI). Furthermore, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), children are members of the LIMA force supplétive, which operates alongside the FANCI.

The Committee notes that, according to information available to the Office, the Armed Forces Code of 7 September 1995 establishes the age of recruitment for military service for men and women at 18 years. It also notes that transborder cooperation mechanisms between peacekeeping missions have been established by the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), among others with those in Sierra Leone and Liberia. It further observes that 120 children have been demobilized from the former free fighting forces, including a certain number from Côte d’Ivoire. Despite the action taken by the Government in this field, the Committee expresses concern at the current situation of children, who are still recruited for armed conflict in Côte d’Ivoire and in other countries, and by the possible consequences of these conflicts on children. Referring to resolution 1539, adopted by the Security Council on 22 April 2004, in which it calls on the parties “to halt immediately their recruitment or use of children” in armed conflict in violation of the applicable international law, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to prevent young persons under 18 years of age from being forced to participate in armed conflict either in the national forces or in rebel groups, and to provide information on any new measure adopted for this purpose. It also requests the Government to provide a copy of the Armed Forces Code of 7 September 1995.

Clause (b). The use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes that sections 335 and 336 of the Penal Code establish penalties for any person who is found guilty of procuring, that is a person who, in any manner whatsoever, knowingly helps, assists or protects the prostitution of another person or procuring with a view to prostitution. Heavier penalties are established where the offence committed involves a person under 21 years of age. The Committee also notes that section 337 of the Penal Code establishes penalties for any person who encourages or facilitates the debauchery or corruption of young persons of either sex under the age of 18 years.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes that the national legislation does not appear to contain a provision relating to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. It reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and that, by virtue of Article 1, immediate and effective measures have to be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of this worst form of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, so as to bring the national legislation into conformity with the Convention. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to establish penalties for this purpose.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that section 2 of Act No. 88-686 of 22 July 1988 repressing the trafficking and illicit use of drugs, psychotropic substances and venomous substances prohibits the use of young persons under 21 years of age in operations that are in contravention of the regulations on the import, production, prescription, manufacture, extraction, preparation, cultivation, export, pushing, transmission by post or transit of drugs and psychotropic substances.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Own account workers. The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 1, the Labour Code governs relations between employers and workers derived from contracts of employment concluded to be carried out on the territory of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. It also notes that, by virtue of section 2 of the Code, any person shall be considered a worker or employee who, irrespective of his or her sex, race or nationality, has undertaken to place her or his professional activity, in return for remuneration, under the direction and authority of another person or entity, public or private, known as the employer. The Committee observes that, under the terms of these provisions, the Labour Code does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age without a contractual employment relationship who perform hazardous work. Moreover, it notes that, according to the information available to the Office, a considerable number of children work in the informal economy. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the national legislation ensures that these young persons under 18 years of age benefit from the protection envisaged in Article 3(d) of the Convention, namely not to be engaged in work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals.

Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 3. Determination and revision of the list of hazardous types of work. The Committee notes that section 1 of Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 establishes a list of 20 types of hazardous work which are prohibited for young persons under 18 years of age in the agricultural, forestry, mining, commercial, urban, domestic, craft and transport sectors. The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government that, when determining this list of hazardous types of work, consultations were held with the various ministries responsible for agriculture and forestry, mines, trade and services, transport and crafts. Furthermore, two workshops were convened in which organizations of employers and workers participated. The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 2 of Order No. 2250, the list of hazardous types of work contained in section 1 shall, where necessary, be revised each year.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Identification of where hazardous types of work exist. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided any information concerning this paragraph. However, it notes that, in the context of the implementation of the National Plan of Action against Child Labour, adopted by the Government in May 2005, it is planned to establish a map of the incidence of child labour in Côte d’Ivoire. The Committee therefore hopes that the Government will, in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, identify where the hazardous types of work so determined exist, in accordance with this provision of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide information on this matter in its next report.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee notes that sections 91.2 to 91.10 of the Labour Code establish the responsibilities of inspectors of labour and labour legislation. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the duties of labour and social insurance inspectors, particularly with regard to the worst forms of child labour, for example by providing extracts of reports or documents. As Article 3(a) to (c) of the Convention concern criminal offences, the Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether monitoring mechanisms, in addition to those of the labour and social insurance administration, have been established to monitor the implementation of these provisions of the Convention.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes that sections 335, 336, 337 to 378 of the Penal Code establish penalties for any person found guilty of offences related to prostitution, such as procuring or inciting a young person to debauchery, as well as forced labour. It also notes that Act No. 88-686 of 22 July 1988 repressing the trafficking and illicit use of drugs, psychotropic substances and venomous substances penalizes the use of a young person for any activity related to drugs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of these penalties in practice.

With regard to hazardous work, the Committee notes that Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 determining the list of hazardous types of work prohibited for young persons under 18 years of age does not establish penalties for cases of failure to comply with its provisions. It reminds the Government that under this provision of the Convention measures shall be taken to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of the provisions giving effect to it, including the provision and application of penal sanctions or, as appropriate, other sanctions. The Committee requests the Government to establish sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties to permit legal action to be taken against persons who engage young persons under 18 years of age in hazardous work. It requests the Government to provide information on this subject.

Paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action, 2005. The Committee notes that, in the context of the National Plan of Action against Child Labour adopted in 2005, activities to strengthen prevention are intended to reduce the effect of the three principal factors facilitating child labour, namely culture, the economy and school failure, and therefore to reduce the arrival of a new influx of children onto the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Plan of Action against Child Labour in terms of the measures adopted to prevent young persons under 18 years of age from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour and on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action, 2005. The Committee notes that the National Plan of Action against Child Labour envisages measures for the removal, reintegration or repatriation of children who are victims of the worst forms of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the number of young persons under 18 years of age who are, in practice, removed from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted for the rehabilitation and social integration of these children.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. HIV/AIDS. The Committee notes that, according to the information contained in the Epidemiological Fact Sheet of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are around 310,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Côte d’Ivoire. It also notes that the Government is currently preparing a national strategic plan for 2006–10. The Committee observes that HIV/AIDS has an impact on orphans, who are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to spare no effort to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS by preventing its transmission within the population and to provide information on the specific time-bound measures adopted to protect HIV/AIDS orphans from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Article 3(a) of the Convention. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children.  Informal sector. In its comments under Convention No. 29, the Committee referred to allegations of the trafficking of children for economic exploitation and a widespread practice under which migrant workers, including children, particularly from Mali and Burkina Faso, are forced to work in plantations, particularly cocoa plantations, against their will.

The Committee noted that section 370 of the Penal Code provides that any person who, by means of fraud or violence, abducts minors from where they have been placed by those in authority or under whose direction they have been consigned shall be liable to sanctions. If the abducted minor is under 15 years of age, the maximum penalty is imposed. It also noted that under section 371 of the Penal Code, the abduction or attempted abduction of a young person under 18 years of age is an offence. However, this provision is not applicable in cases where the abducted minor marries the person responsible for the abduction, unless the marriage is annulled. The Committee noted that, in the absence of specific legislation prohibiting the trafficking of children, these two provisions of the Labour Code constitute legal tools to combat the trafficking of children in Côte d’Ivoire. However, it noted that, according to the study carried out by ILO/IPEC/LUTRENA in 2005 on the trafficking of children for their exploitation in work in the informal sector in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, these provisions are ill adapted to combating the trafficking of children for economic exploitation as they only cover cases of the abduction of minors, whereas the internal or transborder trafficking of children in Côte d’Ivoire is based on traditional networks for the placement of children and therefore occurs with the consent of the children’s parents or guardians.

The Committee noted that, on 1 September 2000, the Governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Mali signed a bilateral cooperation agreement to combat the transborder trafficking of children. It also noted with interest that the Governments of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Togo, on 27 July 2005, signed a multilateral cooperation agreement to combat the trafficking of children in West Africa. Furthermore, Côte d’Ivoire is one of the nine West African countries, in addition to Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria and Togo, which are participating in the Subregional Programme Combating the Trafficking in Children for Labour Exploitation in West and Central Africa (LUTRENA), which commenced in July 2001 with the collaboration of ILO/IPEC. One of the objectives of the LUTRENA programme is to strengthen national legislation to combat the trafficking of children with a view to the effective harmonization of legislation prohibiting trafficking. In this respect, the Committee noted that, according to the information available to the Office, a Bill on the trafficking of children was adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2001, but has still not been put to the vote by the National Assembly.

The Committee noted the efforts that have been made by Côte d’Ivoire for a number of years to combat the trafficking of children, but regretted that the Bill referred to above has not yet been put to the vote by the National Assembly. In practice, this weakness of the legal framework is one of the factors facilitating the economic exploitation of children. The Committee nevertheless noted that the strengthening of the legal framework relating to child labour, and particularly the sale and trafficking of children for economic exploitation, is one of the specific objectives of the National Plan of Action against Child Labour adopted by the Government in 2005. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures for the adoption of the Bill on the trafficking of children in the near future.

Article 3(d) and Article 4, paragraph 1. Hazardous work. Gold mines. The Committee noted that, according to the study carried out by ILO/IPEC/LUTRENA in 2005 on the trafficking of children for exploitation in gold mines in Issia, Côte d’Ivoire, children are the victims of internal and transborder trafficking for economic exploitation in the gold mines of Issia. The Committee noted that child labour in mines is one of the 20 hazardous types of work covered by section 1 of Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 and is prohibited for young persons under 18 years of age. The Committee also noted that, when this list of hazardous types of work was defined, the various ministries responsible for agriculture and forestry, mines, trade and services, transport and crafts, and the social partners, were consulted. It also noted that Côte d’Ivoire participates in the internal system for the certification of diamonds established by the Kimberley Process. The Committee reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(d) of the Convention, work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children, is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour and must be prohibited for persons under 18 years of age. Although the legislation is in conformity with the Convention on this point, child labour in mines is a problem in practice. The Committee therefore requests the Government to redouble its efforts to secure the effective application of the legislation on the protection of children against hazardous work, and particularly hazardous work in mines.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. National Steering Committee. The Committee noted that, according to information concerning the IPEC/LUTRENA programme, a National Steering Committee has been established and will monitor activities relating to child labour, and particularly the trafficking of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the National Steering Committee, for example by supplying extracts of reports or documents.

Article 6. Programmes of action. ILO/IPEC regional programme to combat child labour in cocoa plantations in Western and Central Africa (WACAP). The Committee noted that Côte d’Ivoire is participating in the ILO/IPEC regional programme to combat child labour in cocoa plantations in Western and Central Africa (WACAP), which also includes Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. In this respect, the Committee noted that, according to information available to the Office, over 5,000 children have been removed from cocoa plantations in Côte d’Ivoire and have benefited from school attendance and training programmes. It also noted that around 1,100 children have been prevented from working in cocoa plantations. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the number of children who are, in practice, removed from cocoa plantations, and the measures taken for their rehabilitation and social integration. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of children who are prevented from being engaged in these plantations.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (a) and (b). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and assisting in the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee noted that, according to information on the IPEC/LUTRENA project available to the Office, nearly 200 child victims of trafficking have been prevented from being the victims of trafficking or removed from this worst form of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the IPEC/LUTRENA project in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in terms of the number of children prevented from being the victims of trafficking and the number of child victims removed from this worst form of child labour. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken for the rehabilitation and social integration of these children.

Clause (c). Ensuring access to free basic education and vocational training for all children removed from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in the framework of the ILO/IPEC/LUTRENA project to ensure that child victims of trafficking who have been removed from this worst form of child labour have access to free basic education and vocational training.

Clause (e). Taking account of the special situation of girls. According to the information available to the Office, the measures taken by the Government to combat child labour and the worst forms of child labour do not properly take into account the special situation of girls. The Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that over 50 per cent of the children concerned in the LUTRENA project are girls. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in practice to take account of the situation of girls in the context of its action to combat the worst forms of child labour.

Article 8. International cooperation. The Committee noted that Côte d’Ivoire is a member of Interpol, the organization which assists in cooperation between countries in the various regions, particularly to combat the trafficking of children. It also noted that, in the context of the multilateral cooperation agreement to combat the trafficking of children in West Africa of 27 July 2005, the signatory States undertook to adopt measures to prevent the trafficking of children, mobilize the necessary resources to combat this practice, exchange detailed information on the victims and those responsible for violations, bring criminal charges and punish any action to facilitate the trafficking of children, develop specific programmes of action and establish a national monitoring and coordination committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to give effect to the multilateral agreement signed in 2005, particularly in cases where the exchange of information provides a basis for identifying child trafficking networks and arresting the persons working in such networks. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether measures have been taken to identify and intercept child victims of trafficking in border regions and whether transit centres have been established.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee noted the decisions handed down by courts in Côte d’Ivoire sentencing persons charged with the trafficking of children. It also noted that SIMPOC and LUTRENA have conducted a national survey covering, among other subjects, the scope of the worst forms of child labour and the trafficking of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on this survey, including statistics and information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of infringements reported and penal sanctions applied. To the extent possible, all information provided should be disaggregated by sex.

A request relating to other points is also being addressed directly to the Government.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s first report. It notes with interest the adoption of Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 determining the list of hazardous types of work prohibited for young persons under 18 years of age [hereinafter Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005].

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes that article 3 of the Constitution prohibits slavery, forced labour and all forms of degradation of the human being. It also notes that section 3 of the Labour Code prohibits forced or compulsory labour. Furthermore, under section 378 of the Penal Code, penalties shall be imposed on any person who, exclusively to satisfy her or his personal interest, exacts work or service from another person for which she or he has not offered herself or himself willingly.

2. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided any information on this provision of the Convention. In the report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict of 7 September 2005 (A/60/335, paragraph 6), Côte d’Ivoire is reported as one of 11 countries, which also include Burundi, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Uganda, in which grave violations against children have been documented. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his report on children and armed conflict of 9 February 2005 (A/59/695-S/2005/72, paragraphs 14 and 24), indicates that in the context of the Accra III Agreement, which was aimed at consolidating further the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire, the parties committed themselves to the commencement of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process by 15 October 2004. UNICEF established dialogue with the Forces armées nationales de Côte d’Ivoire (FANCI) and the Forces armées des forces nouvelles (FAFN). The dialogue resulted in the release of 273 child soldiers by the FAFN and the adoption of a declaration on 15 September 2003 in which the forces concerned undertook to halt the recruitment of children within their ranks and in those of allied militia groups under their control. However, the Secretary-General indicates that, although no specific and reliable information on recruitment by armed groups now integrated into the FAFN forces was obtained during the reporting period, children continue to be present in the ranks of the following armed groups: the Mouvement pour la justice et la paix (MPJ), the Mouvement populaire ivoirien pour le Grand Ouest (MPIGO) and the Mouvement patriotique de Côte d’Ivoire (MPCI). Furthermore, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), children are members of the LIMA force supplétive, which operates alongside the FANCI.

The Committee notes that, according to information available to the Office, the Armed Forces Code of 7 September 1995 establishes the age of recruitment for military service for men and women at 18 years. It also notes that transborder cooperation mechanisms between peacekeeping missions have been established by the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), among others with those in Sierra Leone and Liberia. It further observes that 120 children have been demobilized from the former free fighting forces, including a certain number from Côte d’Ivoire. Despite the action taken by the Government in this field, the Committee expresses concern at the current situation of children, who are still recruited for armed conflict in Côte d’Ivoire and in other countries, and by the possible consequences of these conflicts on children. Referring to resolution 1539, adopted by the Security Council on 22 April 2004, in which it calls on the parties “to halt immediately their recruitment or use of children” in armed conflict in violation of the applicable international law, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to prevent young persons under 18 years of age from being forced to participate in armed conflict either in the national forces or in rebel groups, and to provide information on any new measure adopted for this purpose. It also requests the Government to provide a copy of the Armed Forces Code of 7 September 1995.

Clause (b). The use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes that sections 335 and 336 of the Penal Code establish penalties for any person who is found guilty of procuring, that is a person who, in any manner whatsoever, knowingly helps, assists or protects the prostitution of another person or procuring with a view to prostitution. Heavier penalties are established where the offence committed involves a person under 21 years of age. The Committee also notes that section 337 of the Penal Code establishes penalties for any person who encourages or facilitates the debauchery or corruption of young persons of either sex under the age of 18 years.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes that the national legislation does not appear to contain a provision relating to the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. It reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and that, by virtue of Article 1, immediate and effective measures have to be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of this worst form of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, so as to bring the national legislation into conformity with the Convention. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to establish penalties for this purpose.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that section 2 of Act No. 88-686 of 22 July 1988 repressing the trafficking and illicit use of drugs, psychotropic substances and venomous substances prohibits the use of young persons under 21 years of age in operations that are in contravention of the regulations on the import, production, prescription, manufacture, extraction, preparation, cultivation, export, pushing, transmission by post or transit of drugs and psychotropic substances.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Own account workers. The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 1, the Labour Code governs relations between employers and workers derived from contracts of employment concluded to be carried out on the territory of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. It also notes that, by virtue of section 2 of the Code, any person shall be considered a worker or employee who, irrespective of his or her sex, race or nationality, has undertaken to place her or his professional activity, in return for remuneration, under the direction and authority of another person or entity, public or private, known as the employer. The Committee observes that, under the terms of these provisions, the Labour Code does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age without a contractual employment relationship who perform hazardous work. Moreover, it notes that, according to the information available to the Office, a considerable number of children work in the informal economy. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the national legislation ensures that these young persons under 18 years of age benefit from the protection envisaged in Article 3(d) of the Convention, namely not to be engaged in work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals.

Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 3. Determination and revision of the list of hazardous types of work. The Committee notes that section 1 of Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 establishes a list of 20 types of hazardous work which are prohibited for young persons under 18 years of age in the agricultural, forestry, mining, commercial, urban, domestic, craft and transport sectors. The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government that, when determining this list of hazardous types of work, consultations were held with the various ministries responsible for agriculture and forestry, mines, trade and services, transport and crafts. Furthermore, two workshops were convened in which organizations of employers and workers participated. The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 2 of Order No. 2250, the list of hazardous types of work contained in section 1 shall, where necessary, be revised each year.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Identification of where hazardous types of work exist. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided any information concerning this paragraph. However, it notes that, in the context of the implementation of the National Plan of Action against Child Labour, adopted by the Government in May 2005, it is planned to establish a map of the incidence of child labour in Côte d’Ivoire. The Committee therefore hopes that the Government will, in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, identify where the hazardous types of work so determined exist, in accordance with this provision of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide information on this matter in its next report.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee notes that sections 91.2 to 91.10 of the Labour Code establish the responsibilities of inspectors of labour and labour legislation. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the duties of labour and social insurance inspectors, particularly with regard to the worst forms of child labour, for example by providing extracts of reports or documents. As Article 3(a) to (c) of the Convention concern criminal offences, the Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether monitoring mechanisms, in addition to those of the labour and social insurance administration, have been established to monitor the implementation of these provisions of the Convention.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes that sections 335, 336, 337 to 378 of the Penal Code establish penalties for any person found guilty of offences related to prostitution, such as procuring or inciting a young person to debauchery, as well as forced labour. It also notes that Act No. 88-686 of 22 July 1988 repressing the trafficking and illicit use of drugs, psychotropic substances and venomous substances penalizes the use of a young person for any activity related to drugs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of these penalties in practice.

With regard to hazardous work, the Committee notes that Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 determining the list of hazardous types of work prohibited for young persons under 18 years of age does not establish penalties for cases of failure to comply with its provisions. It reminds the Government that under this provision of the Convention measures shall be taken to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of the provisions giving effect to it, including the provision and application of penal sanctions or, as appropriate, other sanctions. The Committee requests the Government to establish sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties to permit legal action to be taken against persons who engage young persons under 18 years of age in hazardous work. It requests the Government to provide information on this subject.

Paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action, 2005. The Committee notes that, in the context of the National Plan of Action against Child Labour adopted in 2005, activities to strengthen prevention are intended to reduce the effect of the three principal factors facilitating child labour, namely culture, the economy and school failure, and therefore to reduce the arrival of a new influx of children onto the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Plan of Action against Child Labour in terms of the measures adopted to prevent young persons under 18 years of age from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour and on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour. National Plan of Action, 2005. The Committee notes that the National Plan of Action against Child Labour envisages measures for the removal, reintegration or repatriation of children who are victims of the worst forms of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the number of young persons under 18 years of age who are, in practice, removed from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted for the rehabilitation and social integration of these children.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. HIV/AIDS. The Committee notes that, according to the information contained in the Epidemiological Fact Sheet of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are around 310,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Côte d’Ivoire. It also notes that the Government is currently preparing a national strategic plan for 2006-10. The Committee observes that HIV/AIDS has an impact on orphans, who are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to spare no effort to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS by preventing its transmission within the population and to provide information on the specific time-bound measures adopted to protect HIV/AIDS orphans from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s first and second reports. With reference to the comments made under the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), as well as to Article 3(a) of Convention No. 182, which provides that the term “the worst forms of child labour” comprises all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children for economic exploitation, the Committee considers that this issue may be examined more specifically in the context of Convention No. 182. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the following points.

Article 3(a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children.  Informal sector. In its comments under Convention No. 29, the Committee referred to allegations of the trafficking of children for economic exploitation and a widespread practice under which migrant workers, including children, particularly from Mali and Burkina Faso, are forced to work in plantations, particularly cocoa plantations, against their will.

The Committee notes that section 370 of the Penal Code provides that any person who, by means of fraud or violence, abducts minors from where they have been placed by those in authority or under whose direction they have been consigned shall be liable to sanctions. If the abducted minor is under 15 years of age, the maximum penalty is imposed. It also notes that under section 371 of the Penal Code, the abduction or attempted abduction of a young person under 18 years of age is an offence. However, this provision is not applicable in cases where the abducted minor marries the person responsible for the abduction, unless the marriage is annulled. The Committee notes that, in the absence of specific legislation prohibiting the trafficking of children, these two provisions of the Labour Code constitute legal tools to combat the trafficking of children in Côte d’Ivoire. However, it notes that, according to the study carried out by ILO/IPEC/LUTRENA in 2005 on the trafficking of children for their exploitation in work in the informal sector in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, these provisions are ill adapted to combating the trafficking of children for economic exploitation as they only cover cases of the abduction of minors, whereas the internal or transborder trafficking of children in Côte d’Ivoire is based on traditional networks for the placement of children and therefore occurs with the consent of the children’s parents or guardians.

The Committee notes that, on 1 September 2000, the Governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Mali signed a bilateral cooperation agreement to combat the transborder trafficking of children. It also notes with interest that the Governments of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Togo, on 27 July 2005, signed a multilateral cooperation agreement to combat the trafficking of children in West Africa. Furthermore, Côte d’Ivoire is one of the nine West African countries, in addition to Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria and Togo, which are participating in the Subregional Programme Combating the Trafficking in Children for Labour Exploitation in West and Central Africa (LUTRENA), which commenced in July 2001 with the collaboration of ILO/IPEC. One of the objectives of the LUTRENA programme is to strengthen national legislation to combat the trafficking of children with a view to the effective harmonization of legislation prohibiting trafficking. In this respect, the Committee notes that, according to the information available to the Office, a Bill on the trafficking of children was adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2001, but has still not been put to the vote by the National Assembly.

The Committee notes the efforts that have been made by Côte d’Ivoire for a number of years to combat the trafficking of children, but regrets that the Bill referred to above has not yet been put to the vote by the National Assembly. In practice, this weakness of the legal framework is one of the factors facilitating the economic exploitation of children. The Committee nevertheless notes that the strengthening of the legal framework relating to child labour, and particularly the sale and trafficking of children for economic exploitation, is one of the specific objectives of the National Plan of Action against Child Labour adopted by the Government in 2005. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures for the adoption of the Bill on the trafficking of children in the near future.

Article 3(d) and Article 4, paragraph 1. Hazardous work. Gold mines. The Committee notes that, according to the study carried out by ILO/IPEC/LUTRENA in 2005 on the trafficking of children for exploitation in gold mines in Issia, Côte d’Ivoire, children are the victims of internal and transborder trafficking for economic exploitation in the gold mines of Issia. The Committee notes that child labour in mines is one of the 20 hazardous types of work covered by section 1 of Order No. 2250 of 14 March 2005 and is prohibited for young persons under 18 years of age. The Committee also notes that, when this list of hazardous types of work was defined, the various ministries responsible for agriculture and forestry, mines, trade and services, transport and crafts, and the social partners, were consulted. It also notes that Côte d’Ivoire participates in the internal system for the certification of diamonds established by the Kimberley Process. The Committee reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(d) of the Convention, work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children, is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour and must be prohibited for persons under 18 years of age. Although the legislation is in conformity with the Convention on this point, child labour in mines is a problem in practice. The Committee therefore requests the Government to redouble its efforts to secure the effective application of the legislation on the protection of children against hazardous work, and particularly hazardous work in mines.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. National Steering Committee. The Committee notes that, according to information concerning the IPEC/LUTRENA programme, a National Steering Committee has been established and will monitor activities relating to child labour, and particularly the trafficking of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of this new Committee, for example by supplying extracts of reports or documents.

Article 6. Programmes of action. ILO/IPEC regional programme to combat child labour in cocoa plantations in Western and Central Africa (WACAP). The Committee notes that Côte d’Ivoire is participating in the ILO/IPEC regional programme to combat child labour in cocoa plantations in Western and Central Africa (WACAP), which also includes Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. In this respect, the Committee notes that, according to information available to the Office, over 5,000 children have been removed from cocoa plantations in Côte d’Ivoire and have benefited from school attendance and training programmes. It also notes that around 1,100 children have been prevented from working in cocoa plantations. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the number of children who are, in practice, removed from cocoa plantations, and the measures taken for their rehabilitation and social integration. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of children who are prevented from being engaged in these plantations.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (a) and (b). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and assisting in the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that, according to information on the IPEC/LUTRENA project available to the Office, nearly 200 child victims of trafficking have been prevented from being the victims of trafficking or removed from this worst form of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the IPEC/LUTRENA project in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in terms of the number of children prevented from being the victims of trafficking and the number of child victims removed from this worst form of child labour. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken for the rehabilitation and social integration of these children.

Clause (c). Ensuring access to free basic education and vocational training for all children removed from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in the framework of the ILO/IPEC/LUTRENA project to ensure that child victims of trafficking who have been removed from this worst form of child labour have access to free basic education and vocational training.

Clause (e). Taking account of the special situation of girls. According to the information available to the Office, the measures taken by the Government to combat child labour and the worst forms of child labour do not properly take into account the special situation of girls. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the fact that over 50 per cent of the children concerned in the LUTRENA project are girls. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in practice to take account of the situation of girls in the context of its action to combat the worst forms of child labour.

Article 8. International cooperation. The Committee notes that Côte d’Ivoire is a member of Interpol, the organization which assists in cooperation between countries in the various regions, particularly to combat the trafficking of children. It also notes that, in the context of the multilateral cooperation agreement to combat the trafficking of children in West Africa of 27 July 2005, the signatory States undertook to adopt measures to prevent the trafficking of children, mobilize the necessary resources to combat this practice, exchange detailed information on the victims and those responsible for violations, bring criminal charges and punish any action to facilitate the trafficking of children, develop specific programmes of action and establish a national monitoring and coordination committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to give effect to the multilateral agreement signed in 2005, particularly in cases where the exchange of information provides a basis for identifying child trafficking networks and arresting the persons working in such networks. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether measures have been taken to identify and intercept child victims of trafficking in border regions and whether transit centres have been established.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the decisions handed down by courts in Côte d’Ivoire sentencing persons charged with the trafficking of children. It also notes that SIMPOC and LUTRENA have conducted a national survey covering, among other subjects, the scope of the worst forms of child labour and the trafficking of children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on this survey, including statistics and information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of infringements reported and penal sanctions applied. To the extent possible, all information provided should be disaggregated by sex.

A request relating to other points is also being addressed directly to the Government.