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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous comment

Article 6 of the Convention. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee takes note of the 2019 Report of the Honduran National Business Council (COHEP) on the activities undertaken by the private sector to eradicate child labour and its worst forms. The Committee notes, from the observations of the COHEP, that the project Addressing Child Labour in the Coffee Supply Chain in Honduras (2018–20), implemented by the ILO in conjunction with the COHEP, was extended until 2023. Its main objective is the design of a social compliance system and a Code of conduct for the prevention and eradication of child labour and its worst forms and the promotion of acceptable working conditions in the coffee supply chain. From the 2022 Evaluation Report published by the United States Department of Labour (USDOL), the Committee notes with interest that: (1) the social compliance system was adopted and successfully implemented by key institutions in the coffee industry, the COHEP and the Honduran Coffee Institute (IHCAFE); and (2) three cooperatives in the coffee sector have adhered to and implemented the social compliance system with the aim of obtaining a certification of conformity. The Report highlights that efforts must now be made towards the expansion of the social compliance system for sustainable results.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in its report, that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (SETRASS), developed a National Strategy to Combat Child Labour in the coffee industry. The Government further indicates that, in 2021, the Road map for the elimination of child labour in all its forms 2021–25 was approved by the National Commission for the Eradication of Child Labour, consisting of 10 strategic goals which focus on the reduction of child labour, its worst forms and the engagement of adolescents in hazardous work, through the participation and cooperation of the Government, social partners and civil society. The Committee notes with interest that the National Institute of Statistics (INE) is developing a National Survey on Child Labour, to monitor the situation of child labour and its worst forms and better inform the development of policies, programmes and projects to improve the situation of these vulnerable groups. The Committee welcomes the Government’s efforts and requests it to provide information on the specific measures adopted and the results achieved through the implementation of the Road map for the elimination of child labour in all its forms 2021–25 and the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour in the Coffee Industry. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the results of the National Survey on Child Labour in providing an overview of the worst forms of child labour in the country, including their nature, extent and trends.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children orphaned or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 70 of the Special Law on HIV/AIDS and its Reform 2015, establishes that the State, in coordination with public and private organizations, shall provide comprehensive care for children living with HIV/AIDS in shelters or care centres if they do not have relatives or guardians who can care for them. The Government also indicates that the Secretariat of Human Rights, in the framework of the Public Policy and National Plan of Action on Human Rights, undertakes a number of actions specifically aimed at the protection of children living with HIV/AIDS and to prevent them from engaging in child labour including its worst forms, including: (1) awareness-raising in the media to reduce discrimination; (2) strengthening measures to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child and coordinating activities aimed at reducing maternal mortality; and (3) enacting laws against child labour including surveillance measures to prevent children from being exploited or abused in domestic work and other informal types of work. The Committee notes, from the statistical data of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), that in 2022, there were between 13,000 and 19,000 child orphans due to HIV/AIDS and less than 1,000 children aged 0 to 14 years who were living with HIV/AIDS. Whiletaking note of the efforts made by the Government and recalling that orphans and vulnerable children are at greater risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to prevent child HIV/AIDS orphans from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of those involved, particularly through education.

Children in street situations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the special protection system to permit the registration and comprehensive care for street children is currently in its implementation phase by the Directorate for Children, Young Persons and the Family (DINAF). The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of two tropical storms in 2022, the situation of street children has worsened. The Government indicates that to respond to these events, it created 11 temporary shelters to provide care and assistance for families and children living in the streets. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the DINAF proposes an intervention strategy for children living on the streets, with 3 levels of intervention: (1) an operational level in which it will continue approaching street children directly, to identify the points of greatest incidence, their age and family situation to gradually obtain the profile of these children and their families, and a mapping at the national level to know the number of children and adolescents in street situation; (2) a strategic level to coordinate the action of government institutions and civil society organizations; and (3) a political level for the enactment of legislation to better protect children in street situations. Recalling that children in street situations are at particular risk of becoming engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to protect these children against the worst forms of child labour, including on the implementation of the special protection system. It once again requests the Government to provide information on the number of children removed from the streets and who have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Action to combat poverty. The Committee notes, from the Road map for the elimination of child labour in all its forms 2021–25 that, the COVID-19 pandemic and the tropical storms Eta and Iota, have had a devastating impact on the poverty figures going from 59.3 per cent of poor households in 2019 to an estimated 70 per cent in 2020. Extreme poverty also increased 16.7 percentage points in 2020, with 53.4 per cent of Honduran households living in extreme poverty (compared to 36.7 per cent in 2019). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that: (1) the Secretariat for Development and Social Inclusion (SEDIS) provides assistance to families in extreme poverty. Through the Vida Mejor Management Platform, the SEDIS executed the delivery of Conditional Cash Transfers (TMC) to provide a minimum income for households living in extreme poverty in rural and urban areas of the country; (2) between 2018 and 2021, these cash transfers benefited 991,172 families, for a total of 4,289,736,597 Honduran lempiras (equivalent to US$174,658,564); and (3) it continues to implement the training project “Cuidate, a guide on health and well-being” in communities living in extreme poverty and social exclusion with a high rate of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, and gender inequalities. The Committee notes from the concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) that it is concerned at the high rates of poverty and social exclusion that continues to affect indigenous and Afro-Honduran peoples, particularly those living in rural and remote areas (CERD/C/HND/CO/6-8, paragraphs 16 and 17). Recalling that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to continue taking the necessary measures to achieve an effective reduction in poverty among children at risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, including indigenous children and Afro-Honduran children, and to provide information on the results achieved in this respect.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous observation and previous direct request

The Committee notes the observations of the Honduran National Business Council (COHEP), received on 31 August 2021 and 30 August 2022.

Articles 3(a) and (b) and 7(1) of the Convention. Trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation, use of children for prostitution or for the production of pornography or pornographic performances, and penalties applied. The Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of Decree 93-2021 which amended section 291 of the Penal Code to increase the imprisonment sentence from 5 to 8 years to 10 to 15 years in cases of trafficking in persons. The Committee further notes the statistical information provided in the Government’s report on the number of complaints of trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation received, as well as the number of convictions and penalties imposed for 2018 to 2021. The Committee notes that according to the statistics provided, in 2021, a total of 75 complaints were received, 68 of which concerned commercial sexual exploitation and 7 related to trafficking in persons for forced labour or begging. A total of 29 persons were convicted to sentences of three to 21 years of imprisonment and fines of between 75 and 221 times the minimum wage for acts of trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation. Among these convictions, the Committee notes that 4 persons were convicted of child pornography and 2 persons were convicted for commercial sexual exploitation of a minor. The Government further indicates that, in 2021, of a total of 101 victims detected, 51 were underaged victims (41 girls and 10 boys), the main crimes related to child pornography (9 girls and 2 boys), begging (3 girls and 5 boys) and sexual exploitation (6 girls).The Committee further notes from the COHEP’s observations that, in 2021, public officials were prosecuted for being involved in trafficking of persons and commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government, which highlights the serious problems of child trafficking prevailing in the country. The Committee welcomes the measures taken by the Government to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children and their trafficking for that purpose. It requests the Government to continue to take all measures available to tackle this problem and to provide information on the impact of the measures taken. The Committee further requests the Government to continue to provide up-to-date information, disaggregated by the gender and age of the victims, on the number of investigations conducted, prosecutions launched and convictions and penalties imposed relating to child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children under 18 years.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee takes note of the information provided in the Government’s report under the application of the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) on the measures taken to improve the functioning of the education system, with the aim of increasing school attendance, such as: (1) the implementation of the Plan for the protection of educational trajectories of pre-primary, primary and secondary level students (2021–23); (2) the launch of the “Training of the Educator Towards a Sustainable Human Development”; (3) the continuation of the National School Food Programme (PNAE) which provides a supplementary nutritional ration to all children at school; (4) the continuation of the deworming programme for children in private and public schools; and (5) the adoption and implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Education Sector 2018-2030. The Committee also notes, from the COHEP’s observations, that: (1) the Government is working on improving school infrastructures and developing a new enrolment system that will simplify the formalities for parents to enrol their children in school; and (2) in the report on Progress in Education in Honduras (2022) in 2020, the net school attendance rates were at 84.8 per cent for primary education and 46.7 per cent in lower secondary education. In 2021, the net school attendance rates were 77.2 per cent for primary education and 42.2 per cent for lower-secondary education; the report also states that, in 2021, 700,000 children aged between 5 and 17 years were out of the education system.

The Committee welcomes the measures taken but nevertheless notes with regret the decrease in the net school attendance in both the primary and lower secondary education between 2020 and 2021. The Committee notes, from the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, that despite the efforts made to ensure equal access to quality education for all, there is a low enrolment rate among girls compared with boys (CEDAW/C/HND/CO/9, 1 November 2022, para. 34). The Committee further takes note, from the concluding observations of the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, of the high school drop-out rate among indigenous and Afro-Honduran children and adolescents (CERD/C/HND/CO/6-8, 14 January 2019, para. 32). In these circumstances,the Committee requests the Government to continue to strengthen its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system with a view to achieving an increase in the school attendance and completion rates of children at the primary and lower-secondary level, including of girls and indigenous and Afro-Honduran children. It requests the Government to provide information on the assessment of the above-mentioned measures, as well as the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct and necessary assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Rapid Response Team (ERI), a specialized operational body of the Inter institutional Commission on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Persons (CICESCT), responsible for providing assistance to victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation, assisted 25 victims of trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation of less than 18 years of age (19 girls and 6 boys) in 2018, 23 victims (21 girls and 2 boys) in 2019, 43 victims (35 girls and 8 boys) in 2020, and 51 victims (41 girls and 10 boys) in 2021. The Committee notes that the intervention of the ERI focuses on the victims, their families and, in some cases, on their community in order to ensure their recovery, rehabilitation and social integration.

The Committee notes, from the 2021 Annual Report of the CICESCT, that: (1) victims who were rescued from trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation received psychological and medical care, as well as legal assistance, social reintegration (with their family), and provision of education or vocational training; (2) victims were provided with food and kits of basic hygiene as well as clothing, and received help to lodge complaints; (3) the CICESCT carried out awareness-raising actions aimed at groups in vulnerable situations, including girls, boys, students, women, people with disabilities, the indigenous population, migrants and the LGBTI population; and (4) in 2021, the CICESCT prepared and approved a Standard Operating Procedure (POE) and developed a road map for the identification, assistance and protection of victims in different municipalities throughout the country.

The Committee notes, from the Government’s third report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that, between 2017 and 2020, the ERI, the inter-agency team of experts and the 24 local committees coordinated more than 500,000 comprehensive primary and secondary assistance services for victims of trafficking and their families. These services encompassed: protection, support, shelter, food, clothing, psychological, social, legal and medical assistance, housing, education, vocational training, documentation, asylum, transportation, employment, family assistance, treatment for addiction, financial loans, entrepreneurships, repatriation, follow-up and family visits (CCPR/C/HND/3, 9 January 2023, para. 196). Noting the effective and time-bound measures taken by the Government to remove children from trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, the Committee requests the Government to continue to take measures in this regard. It further requests the Government to continue to provide information on the number of children who have been removed from trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation and who have benefited from rehabilitation measures, and the results achieved.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Indigenous children. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it carried out consultations with the relevant stakeholders regarding the measures to be taken to protect indigenous children against the worst forms of child labour, but that no response was obtained in this regard. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved in the framework of the Vida Mejor Programme and the 20/20 system of grants, which provided grants and conditional cash transfers for children attending school. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any other measures taken or envisaged to protect indigenous children from the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. Child domestic workers. The Committee notes that one of the strategic goals of the road map for the elimination of child labour in all its forms 2021–25 is the formulation of a specific line of work for the prevention of child labour and the protection of adolescent female workers with a focus on domestic work in third-party homes, and in the hospitality and food service industries. The Committee requests the Government to report on the implementation of the road map for elimination of child labour in all its forms 2021-2025, with an indication of the number of children engaged in domestic work who have been removed from situations of worst forms of child labour and have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it continues to work in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), for the strengthening of the capacities of officials for the provision of immediate assistance to victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that at least five cases of trafficking of persons are being coordinated binationally with Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, Spain and Argentina. The Committee also notes the signature of a cooperation agreement between the CICESCT and the International Centre for Disappeared and Exploited Children (ICMEC), with the aim of strengthening the capacities of the staff from government institutions and civil society organizations, and the cooperation with the countries that make up the northern triangle of Central America, in the fight against trafficking in persons. The Government further indicates that the CICESCT has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Children’s Office (IBCR) with which it implemented a strengthening project for the CICESCT, the Supreme Court, the Honduran National Police and civil society organizations between 2019 and 2022, for the prevention of trafficking in children.

In addition, the Government, in cooperation with “End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes” (ECPAT) Guatemala, is undertaking a study of identification of the vulnerabilities of children and adolescents in the countries of the northern triangle and Mexico migrating to the border between the United States and Mexico. The Committee also notes the various strategic alliances formed to strengthen the CICESCT’s response in the prevention and attention to victims, including with the CYBERCRIME Programme of the UNODC, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and UNICEF. The Committee notes, from the observations of the COHEP, that during 2019, among the services provided to victims through the ERI, 120 negotiations were carried out with other countries for the documentation, asylum, repatriation, attention and follow-up of legal cases. The COHEP highlights the effective coordination of the CICESCT and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) which, despite the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were permitted the repatriation of 16 victims in 2020 and 20 victims in 2021. The Committee welcomes the Government’s efforts at the international and regional levels to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children and their trafficking for that purpose, and requests it to continue its efforts in this regard. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the results achieved in the context of the implementation of these agreements, and particularly on the number of children repatriated to their country of origin, disaggregated by gender, age and nationality.

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

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

The Committee notes the observations of the Honduran National Business Council (COHEP), received on 31 August 2018, with the support of the International Organisation of employers (IOE), and the Government’s reply to these observations.

Article 6 of the Convention. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of Executive Decree No. PCM-057-2015 establishing the National Committee for the Progressive Elimination of Child Labour in the new Government structure, under the presidency of the Secretariat of State for Labour and Social Security (STSS), with the objective of preparing, monitoring, evaluating and ensuring the implementation of the National Plan of Action, the public policy and the road map to make Honduras a country free of child labour and its worst forms. The Committee requested the Government to continue providing information on the specific measures adopted and the results achieved through the implementation of the road map for the eradication of child labour, including its worst forms.

The Committee notes the observations of the COHEP, according to which the Plan of Action for the Eradication of Child Labour 2016–20 has been implemented jointly with the Government. Various awareness-raising, training, rehabilitation and food and financial support activities have been planned and undertaken by enterprises in the coffee, sugar and melon sectors.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the strategic objective of the National Plan of Action is the removal of children and young persons between 5 and 17 years of age from any work activity, with priority being given to children involved in the worst forms of child labour and those engaged in hazardous types of work. The Government refers in its report to the amendment of section 8 of the Regulations on child labour by Decree No. 125-2015, published in the Gaceta on 28 January 2017, which adapts the list of hazardous types of work to national conditions.

The Committee notes that the National Chamber of Tourism is promoting the signature of a code of conduct to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of girls, boys and young persons through the register of the various tourist enterprises in the country, and that 230 enterprises have adhered. Several activities have been carried out by the Inter-Institutional Commission to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Commercial Sexual Exploitation and by local committees, including campaigns for the denunciation of trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation, as well as awareness-raising and training activities in accordance with the strategic plan of the road map.

The Committee also notes the Plan of Action of Honduras within the Central American Free Trade Agreement, which refers to child labour, with a view to taking the issue into account in enterprises in the melon, coffee and lobster sectors, which is making it possible for labour inspectors to verify child labour during production processes. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the specific measures adopted and the results achieved through the implementation of the road map for the eradication of child labour, including its worst forms, and the Plan of Action for the Eradication of Child Labour 2016–20.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Children orphaned or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the absence of information provided by the Government on the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS, which has particularly serious consequences for orphans, who are more exposed to the worst forms of child labour. The Committee was bound to request the Government once again to intensify its efforts to prevent child HIV/AIDS orphans from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of those involved, particularly through education. It requested the Government to provide information of the specific measures taken in that respect.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report that 37 comprehensive health centres out of the 52 centres in the country offer care capacities for persons living with HIV/AIDS. A total of 1,126 children under 19 years of age have been treated in these various centres. The Government emphasizes that documents setting out good practices are being prepared, including the manual on comprehensive care for adults and young persons living with HIV/AIDS, and the manual for comprehensive care for girls and boys. While noting the efforts made by the Government to ensure that vulnerable children living with HIV/AIDS receive care in adequate care centres, the Committee requests it to pursue its efforts to prevent child HIV/AIDS orphans from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of those involved, particularly through education. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures adopted in this respect.

2. Street children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement during the examination of its report by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, according to which the 2014 statistics show that there are around 5,000 street children in Honduras. The Committee urged the Government to take the necessary measures to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour and to provide information on the number of children removed from the streets and who have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Directorate for Children, Young Persons and the Family (DINAF), through the programme for protection and restitution of the rights of girls, boys and young persons, has undertaken monthly activities for street children and engaged in friendly and inter disciplinary follow-up action in the streets in order to obtain information on the living conditions of these children and their needs. At the same time, these meetings inform and raise the awareness of parents concerning the legal, social and psychological implications of children being in the streets. The DINAF, in collaboration with other institutions, has undertaken support operations for vagrant and begging children in the streets and in night centres. However, the DINAF indicates that it does not have information on the number of street children, although a consultation has been initiated in collaboration with UNICEF to establish a special protection system which will permit the registration and comprehensive care for street children. The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to protect children in street situations against the worst forms of child labour and to provide information on the number of children removed from the streets and who have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the special protection system and its implementation in future, when it is operational.

3. Indigenous children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that a study on indigenous children had been undertaken jointly with UNICEF in 2013. However, the Government did not provide any information in its report on the findings or on the measures taken to protect indigenous children against the worst forms of child labour. The Committee noted that, according to its 2015 concluding observations (CRC/C/HND/CO/4-5, paragraph 77), the Committee on the Rights of the Child remained concerned at the persistent practice of child labour, including its worst forms, among indigenous children and children of African descent. The Committee reiterated its request for an intensification of efforts to protect these children against the worst forms of child labour. In this respect, it requested the Government to take the necessary measures and to provide information on the results achieved in this field, particularly in the context of the study conducted with UNICEF.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report the programme Vida Mejor and the Plan 20/20 system of grants, coordinated by the Directorate for Indigenous Peoples and Peoples of African Descent (DINAFROH). The Vida Mejor programme consists of organizing cash transfers conditioned to school attendance for families living in extreme poverty with children and young persons, with a view to increasing school enrolment and attendance. The programme of study grants has benefited 200 students of various ethnic origins, including Misquito, Garífuna, Pech, Tolupan and Maya chorti. However, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that child labour remains a cultural practice, even though awareness is being created concerning the implications and effects of child labour. Recalling once again that the children of indigenous peoples are often the victims of exploitation, which takes on very diverse forms, and that these children are particularly exposed to the risk of becoming engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to protect these children against the worst forms of child labour. In this regard, it once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures and to provide information on the results achieved in this field, particularly in the context of the study undertaken with UNICEF. Please provide data disaggregated by gender, age and nationality.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. Child domestic workers. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a large number of children, mainly girls, are engaged in domestic work and it requested the Government to take effective measures in that respect. The Committee requested the Government to take immediate and effective measures to protect children engaged in domestic work against the worst forms of child labour, taking into account the special situation of girls.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Directorate of the General Labour Inspectorate, from the entry into force of the amendment to the Act on inspection (Decree No. 178-2016), has started to engage in operations to combat domestic work by girls and boys, more specifically in the large cities of Honduras. The Committee notes that in 2017 the Government identified the presence of ten children involved in informal jobs and seven children involved in the worst forms of child labour, without however indicating the number of children engaged in domestic work. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to protect children engaged in domestic work against the worst forms of child labour, taking into account the special situation of girls. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted and the results achieved in this respect, with an indication of the number of children engaged in domestic work who have been removed from situations of the worst forms of child labour and have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Action to combat poverty. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to its 2014 concluding observations (CERD/C/HND/CO/1-5, paragraph 7), the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination noted that 88.7 per cent of indigenous children and children of African descent are poor, and 78.4 per cent are extremely poor. The Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to achieve an effective reduction of poverty among children at risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, and particularly indigenous children and children of African descent. It also requested the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken within the context of the Bono 10,000 programme and the road map for the prevention and eradication of child labour, including its worst forms.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the road map for the prevention and eradication of child labour, including its worst forms, includes six fundamental priorities, one of which is action to combat poverty. One of the objectives of the “action to combat poverty” dimension is the removal of children from work, including the worst forms of child labour. One of the components of the programme is the conditional cash transfer (CCT), known as Bono 10,000, which has been active since 2010. In its new phase 2014–17, the programme has been reoriented towards the poorest families and marginalized families, with over 112 municipalities benefiting. Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 527,971 girls and boys living in conditions of extreme poverty benefited from conditional cash transfers, approximately equivalent to 1.8 billion Honduran lempiras (HNL) or US$77.39 million. The programme has benefited around 17,500 families.

The Committee notes that in the context of the family dimension of the road map, the Bono Vida Mejor programme included the implementation of the training project Cuidate, with a guide on health and well-being in communities living in extreme poverty and social exclusion with a high rate of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, and gender inequalities. According to the Government’s statistics on the education policy implemented in 2017, work among children under 18 years of age has been reduced by 13.2 per cent, and by 25.3 per cent for children in the third educational cycle. Similarly, school registration in basic education has increased from 67.1 to 72.2 per cent. The Committee requests the Government to continue taking the necessary measures to achieve an effective reduction in poverty among children at risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on the results of the measures adopted in the context of the project Bono 10,000, and the road map for the prevention and eradication of child labour, including its worst forms.

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

The Committee notes the observations of the Honduran National Business Council (COHEP), received on 31 August 2018, with the support of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and the Government’s reply to these observations.

Articles 3(a) and (b) and 7(1) of the Convention. Trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation, use of children for prostitution or for the production of pornography or pornographic performances, and the penalties applied. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with concern the low number of convictions in cases of trafficking and sexual exploitation in relation to the total number of investigations and prosecutions. The Committee urged the Government to intensify its efforts to ensure that the trafficking of persons under 18 years of age for commercial sexual exploitation or for their use in prostitution, the production of pornography or pornographic performances gives rise to in depth investigations and robust prosecutions and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are applied in practice.

The Committee notes the COHEP’s observations, in which it emphasizes that it is not aware whether detailed information exists on the number of investigations conducted, prosecutions initiated and convictions handed down and expresses concern at the level of commitment of the Government in this respect. The Committee notes the Government’s reply to these observations, in which it emphasizes that the Inter-institutional Commission to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Honduras (CICESCT) is responsible for statistical data on this subject.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the CICESCT is responsible for action to prevent and eradicate the crimes of trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation. It is composed of representatives from 31 government institutions and civil society organizations. According to its statistics, in 2017, a total of 138 complaints were received, for all ages, 29 of which concerned commercial sexual exploitation and 109 related to trafficking in persons. A total of 17 persons were convicted to sentences of from four to 15 years of imprisonment and fines of between 75 and 225 times the minimum wage for acts of trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation, and 90 persons are currently undergoing criminal proceedings. The CICESCT indicates that, of a total of 154 victims detected, the main crimes related to exploitation are procuring (56 victims), begging (31 victims) and sexual exploitation (28 victims). With regard to children and young persons, 32 girls and 25 boys have been victims of trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation. While taking due note of this information, the Committee once again notes the low number of convictions, namely 17 convictions for 138 complaints of trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation and a total of 154 victims detected, without taking into account the number of unreported cases.

The Committee notes the information that the CICESCT received a budget of 6 million Honduran lempiras (HNL) (approximately US$247,000), to combat trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation in 2017, and that this amount has been raised to HNL9 million (or US$370,500) in 2018. The Committee once again urges the Government to intensify its efforts to ensure that the trafficking of persons under 18 years of age for commercial sexual exploitation or for their use in prostitution, the production of pornography or pornographic performances gives rise to in-depth investigations and robust prosecutions and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are applied in practice. Observing the lack of information disaggregated by age as a basis for a genuine evaluation of the situation of children and young persons in relation to trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information, disaggregated by the gender and age of the victims, as well as detailed information on the number of investigations conducted, prosecutions launched and convictions relating to persons under 18 years of age.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (b). Direct and necessary assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child had expressed concern that the Government does not have an adequate programme for the physical and psychological rehabilitation and social integration of child victims of sexual exploitation, who are only provided with care by civil society organizations. Recalling that the 2012 Act to combat trafficking contains exhaustive provisions on the protection, assistance and social rehabilitation of victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, the Committee requested the Government to take immediate and effective measures for the implementation in practice of action for the provision of comprehensive assistance to children and young persons who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose.

The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Rapid Response Team (ERI), a specialized operational body of the CICESCT responsible for providing assistance to victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation, assisted 105 victims of commercial sexual exploitation in 2017. The unit to combat the trafficking of children and young persons and commercial sexual exploitation assisted 20 victims. All cases of victims under 18 years of age were coordinated with the Directorate of Children, Young Persons and the Family (DINAF), in addition to the 42 children which it assisted without passing through the ERI. Victims under 18 years of age are protected in the temporary centre of the DINAF and other certified centres, where medical and psychological examinations are carried out and in which social and legal support is provided, with the objective of evaluating each case with a view to the adoption of appropriate protection measures.

The Committee notes the ERI’s intervention protocol for the provision of care to victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, as approved by Decree No. 488-2016. It establishes instructions for the identification of victims, the provision of first aid within the first 72 hours, the corresponding referrals for the provision of comprehensive care and the coordination of the reintegration process. With regard to follow-up, the ERI has also assisted 120 victims through home visits, psychological assistance, legal advice and social assistance support for social integration. Furthermore, the CICESCT and the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion, through the Government programme Vida Mejor and the Crédito Solidario programme, have provided food bags and loans to a number of victims to help them open small shops. The ERI also works in cooperation with the Ministry of Education for the reintegration of victims into the education system.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, it has not been able to guarantee 100 per cent quality services and coverage, as service quality in the country is still a challenge. The Committee requests the Government to continue taking measures for the provision of comprehensive assistance to children and young persons who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. It requests the Government to provide detailed information on the number of children who have been removed from trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation and who have benefited from rehabilitation measures, and the results achieved, particularly in the context of the National Plan of Action 2015–20.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Honduras was participating in the Regional Coalition to Combat Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons and the Regional Commission with a view to providing and accelerating the exchange of information on the cases reported in the various countries. The Committee requested the Government to provide detailed information on the results achieved in the framework of the implementation of these various agreements, and particularly on the number of children repatriated to their countries of origin.

The Committee notes that the Government continues to be a member of the Regional Coalition to Combat Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons and that, as a result of the choice of the member countries, it is currently presiding over this regional initiative for the period November 2017 to November 2018, with responsibility for the management of the Coalition. The Coalition participated in the development of a protocol on the repatriation of victims of trafficking in persons, which is applicable in the member countries of the Coalition. In 2017, the Coalition focused on a regional diagnosis, the new protocol, the system of surveillance, the coverage of countries without a protocol and national repatriation. The Government indicates that it participated in regional meetings and is a member of the subcommittee for the revision of the Coalition’s strategic, operational and follow-up plan.

The Committee notes the various types of support from which the Government has benefited to combat trafficking in persons and sexual exploitation, such as the strengthening by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) of the capacities of officials in first-line services for the provision of immediate assistance to victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has also provided support to the Government in transferring the victims of trafficking who have returned to Honduras. In this regard, two victims were repatriated from France and Guatemala and reintegrated into their respective families, while six other victims received assistance from the Secretariat for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation with a view to their assisted return from Guatemala, Mexico, Argentina and Belize, all of whom were reintegrated into their families.

The Committee notes that in 2017 direct coordination was established with the police authorities of Belize to conduct investigations in Honduras with a view to strengthening judicial proceedings in the country, and that of four cases of trafficking for sexual exploitation, three gave rise to prosecutions. In 2017, the police in Belize arrested a person responsible for the trafficking of five women of Honduran nationality. That person is currently in preventive detention and has been charged by the public prosecutor of the crime of trafficking of persons under conditions of forced labour and commercial sexual exploitation (No. 136-2017). The Committee notes the Government’s participation in the following regional activities: the Commission of Police Chiefs and Directors of Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Colombia; the Regional Action Group of the Americas (GARA) for the “prevention of sexual exploitation of children, in travel and tourism”, an intergovernmental body which promotes action to combat sexual exploitation; and the membership of Honduras in the “We PROTECT Global Alliance” for the protection of children against sexual abuse online. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts at the international and regional levels to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children and their trafficking for that purpose. It requests it to continue providing detailed information on the results achieved in the context of the implementation of these agreements, and particularly on the number of children repatriated to their country of origin, disaggregated by gender, age and nationality.

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

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

Article 6 of the Convention. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of the National Plan of Action for the Elimination of Child Labour 2008–15 (the National Plan of Action), one of the objectives of which is to remove children from hazardous types of work and the worst forms of child labour. It also noted the formulation jointly by the Government and ILO–IPEC of a roadmap for the prevention and eradication of child labour, including its worst forms.

The Committee notes the adoption of Executive Decree No. PCM-057-2015 on the integration of the National Committee for the Progressive Elimination of Child Labour into the new Government structure, under the presidency of the Secretariat of State for Labour and Social Security (STSS), with the objective of preparing, monitoring, evaluating and ensuring the implementation of the National Plan of Action, the public policy and the roadmap to make Honduras a country free from child labour and its worst forms. It notes the measures adopted by the Government in the context of the implementation of the Plan of Action for the Elimination of Child Labour 2008–15 and the roadmap. The Government indicates in this regard that seven regional subcommittees, composed of the Government, the social partners and civil society, have been organized, given a legal basis and reinforced in seven towns. It adds that the issue of child labour has been incorporated into the plan of action of the Free Trade Agreement between Central America and the United States (CAFTA), as well as being included in the process for the revision of the legal framework of the Decree issuing regulations governing the National Committee for the Elimination of Child Labour, the technical advisory committee and interaction between institutions. Furthermore, a plan for continued action and transfer in relation to child labour was prepared in 2013 with the support of UNICEF, with a view to ensuring the continuation of the results achieved. The Government also refers to the awareness-raising and social mobilization campaigns conducted at the national level with the involvement of the authorities, civil society and parents with a view to promoting greater awareness of the harmful effects of child labour. Finally, it refers to the adoption of the municipal order prohibiting the worst forms of child labour in the central district. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the specific measures adopted and the results achieved through the implementation of the roadmap for the eradication of child labour, including its worst forms, and the Plan of Action for the Eradication of Child Labour 2016–20.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children orphaned or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS. The Committee observed previously that the incidence of the virus in the country is increasing in a worrying manner and that the number of child orphans and other vulnerable children in Honduras was over 60,000. Noting that the Government’s report does not contain any information on this subject and recalling that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has particularly serious consequences for orphans, who are more exposed to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee is bound to request the Government once again to intensify its efforts to prevent child HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming engaged in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly through education. It requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken in this respect.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Poverty reduction. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the roadmap for the prevention and eradication of child labour includes a component to combat poverty. The Committee also noted the various social programmes implemented by the Government, including Bono 10,000 and Mi primer empleo, and it requested the Government to provide information on the results achieved through these programmes.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the Mi primer empleo programme, according to which it has resulted in various impacts, including the possibility for 975 young persons (of whom 39 are of lenca origin) who have received technical training to find a job within six months or to return to the school system. The Government adds that the Secretariat of Labour and Social Security has developed various alliances to offer training opportunities for young persons, including with the Secretariat of Education, chambers of commerce and the Secretariat of Social Development. Noting that the operational rules of the Bono 10,000 programme have been revised to include a specific objective on the elimination of child labour, the Committee notes the absence of information on the results achieved through Bono 10,000 and the roadmap. The Committee also notes that, according to its concluding observations of 2014 (CERD/C/HND/CO/1-5, paragraph 7), the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination noted that 88.7 per cent of indigenous and Afro-Honduran children are poor, with 10.8 per cent being in relative poverty and 78.4 per cent suffering from extreme poverty. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take the necessary measures to achieve the effective reduction of poverty among children at risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, and particularly indigenous and Afro-Honduran children. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken within the context of the Bono 10,000 programme and the roadmap for the prevention and eradication of child labour, including its worst forms.

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

The Committee notes the observations of the Honduran National Business Council (COHEP), received on 28 August 2015, supported by the International Organisation of Employers (IOE).

Articles 3(a) and (b), and 7(1) of the Convention. Sale and trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation, use of children for prostitution and for the production of pornography or pornographic performances, and the penalties applied. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Office of the Public Prosecutor had received denunciations of the presumed economic exploitation of minors, child pornography and trafficking of persons. The Committee also noted that the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography had called on the Government to increase its efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation. Finally, the Committee noted the adoption of the Act prohibiting trafficking of persons of 2012 and requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure its immediate and effective implementation in practice.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications in its report that an Inter institutional Commission on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Persons (CICEST) has been established with a budget of 2 million Honduran lempiras, with responsibility for coordinating prevention and protection at the national and international levels. In this regard, the Government reports that CICEST has established a telephone number to receive complaints and has undertaken communication campaigns. It has also reinforced the capacities of judicial officers and civil society through the establishment of local committees in various regions of the country. The Government also reports the establishment of the Directorate for Children, Young Persons and the Family (DINAF) through Executive Decree No. PCM 27-2014, the responsibilities of which include the protection of persons under 18 years of age. The Committee notes the statistics on the number of investigations and prosecutions conducted between 2010 and 2015, namely 25 cases investigated and 19 prosecutions concerning trafficking, and 45 investigations and 27 cases prosecuted for commercial sexual exploitation. While taking due note of these data, the Committee notes with concern the low number of convictions, namely five cases of trafficking and 31 cases of sexual exploitation out of a total of 407 child victims reported, without taking into account the number of cases which have not been reported. The Committee also notes that the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, in her follow-up report of 2014 (A/HRC/28/56/Add. 1), noted that, despite the absence of accurate and verifiable statistical data, the sale and sexual exploitation of children in Honduras remains widespread (paragraph 8). She also urged the Office of the Public Prosecutor to take a proactive approach to the investigation and criminal prosecution of offences and to reinforce the system of justice in the country (paragraph 24). In this respect, the Committee also notes that, according to the concluding observations of 2015 concerning the application of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (CRC/C/OPSC/HND/CO/1, paragraph 26), the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) expressed serious concern at the impunity concerning offences covered by the Protocol, namely the sale and trafficking of persons under 18 years of age with a view to commercial sexual exploitation or their use for the purposes of prostitution, the production of pornography or pornographic performances. The Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to ensure that the sale and trafficking of persons under 18 years of age for commercial sexual exploitation or for their use in prostitution, the production of pornography or pornographic performances give rise to in-depth investigations and robust prosecutions and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are applied in practice. It requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on the number of investigations conducted, prosecutions and convictions applied.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indications that a Plan of Action to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Persons 2015–20 is under preparation. The Government indicates that, in the context of the process of the provision of care to victims, the Office of the Public Prosecutor and the police refer child victims to the Immediate Response Team (ERI), which identifies the victim and the action needed for his or her comprehensive protection. Victims are then sent to protection centres, which offer them psychological and physical support, as well as the measures necessary for their social integration. The Government indicates that there are no specialized programmes or projects for victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, but that the necessary coordination is ensured with NGOs and civil society. It adds that, in the context of institutional support to combat trafficking of persons in Honduras, 197 victims of trafficking have been provided with care jointly by NGOs and the CICEST. The Committee observes that, in its concluding observations in 2015 (CRC/C/OPSC/HND/CO/1, paragraph 34), the CRC expressed concern that the Government does not have an adequate programme for the physical and psychological rehabilitation and social integration of child victims of sexual exploitation, who are only provided with care by civil society organizations. Recalling that the 2012 Act to combat trafficking, referred to above, contains exhaustive provisions on the protection, assistance and social rehabilitation of victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, the Committee requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures for the implementation in practice of action for the provision of comprehensive assistance to children and young persons who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. It requests the Government to provide detailed information on the number of children who have been removed from trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation and who have benefited from social rehabilitation measures, and the results achieved, particularly in the context of the National Plan of Action 2015–20.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the establishment of the DINAF, with responsibility for the protection of children. It also notes the statement by the Government during the examination of its report by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, according to which 2014 statistics refer to 5,000 street children in Honduras and that a zero begging campaign has been conducted with a view to removing children from begging and helping their families to provide for their needs. It also notes new section 179-E of the Code for Children and Young Persons (as revised by Decree No. 35-2013, of 6 September 2013), under the terms of which any person who makes use of a child for purposes of begging shall be liable to imprisonment of from three to six years, and that aggravating circumstances include the victim being under 12 years of age or being a victim of trafficking. However, it notes that the Government’s report does not contain information on the number of children who have been removed from the streets and who have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures. Similarly, the Committee notes that, in its concluding observations in 2015 (CRC/C/HND/CO/4-5, paragraph 81), the CRC deplores the lack of information on the situation of street children. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour and to provide information on the number of children removed from the streets and who have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures.

2. Indigenous children. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that a study on indigenous children was prepared jointly with UNICEF in 2013. However, the Government does not provide any information in its report on the findings of the study, nor on the measures adopted to protect indigenous children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that, according to its concluding observations of 2015 (CRC/C/HND/CO/4-5, paragraph 77), the CRC expresses concern at the persistent practice of child labour, including its worst forms, among children of indigenous and African extraction. Recalling that the children of indigenous peoples are often the victims of exploitation, which takes on very diverse forms, and that these children are particularly exposed to the risk of becoming engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee once again requests the Government to intensify its efforts to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour. In this regard, it requests the Government to take the necessary measures and to provide information on the results achieved in this field, particularly in the context of the study conducted with UNICEF.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. Child domestic workers. The Committee noted previously that a large number of children, mainly girls, are engaged in domestic work and it requested the Government to take effective measures in that respect. The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report does not contain any new information on this subject. It recalls that children engaged in domestic work, and mainly young girls, are often victims of exploitation, which takes on very diverse forms, and that it is difficult to supervise their conditions of employment. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to protect children engaged in domestic work from the worst forms of child labour, taking particularly into account the special situation of girls. It once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted and the results achieved in this field, with an indication of the number of children engaged in domestic work who have been removed from situations of the worst forms of child labour and have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Office of the Public Prosecutor is a member of the Regional Coalition to Combat Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons, and of the Regional Commission, so as to provide and accelerate the exchange of information on the cases reported in the various countries. The Government adds that the unit responsible for combating commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of persons has since 2012 repatriated five victims of trafficking, including three to Nicaragua and one to Mexico. The Committee notes the series of strategies to improve the effectiveness of the regional coordination to combat trafficking, in which Honduras participates, including the national and regional guidelines for the reinforcement of inter institutional and international coordination to combat trafficking of persons, the regional strategy for comprehensive care and support for the victims of trafficking of persons, and the regional communication strategy to prevent trafficking of persons. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the results achieved in the framework of the implementation of these various agreements, and particularly on the number of children repatriated to their countries of origin.

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

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

Article 6 of the Convention. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of the Plan of Action for the Elimination of Child Labour (2008–15), one of the objectives of which is to remove children from hazardous types of work and the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also noted that the Government was in the process of formulating a Roadmap to achieve the objectives set out in “Decent Work in the Americas: An agenda for the Hemisphere”, namely the elimination of the worst forms of child labour by 2015 and the eradication of child labour in all its forms by 2020.

The Committee notes that the Government together with the ILO–IPEC formulated a Roadmap for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labour and its Worst Forms. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that the Roadmap provides the basis for strategic programming and the link between the different policies and measures which have a direct or indirect impact on the prevention and eradication of child labour, the fight against its worst forms and the protection of young workers. The Roadmap sets out action at the regional, subregional and local level and contains dimensions on poverty, health, education, the protection of rights, capacity building, awareness raising and creating a knowledge base on child labour. The Committee notes that the Government through Executive Decrees PCM-011-2011 of February 2011 and PCM-056-2011 of August 2011, approved the Roadmap as national policy instructing all secretariats and their dependencies to incorporate the eradication of child labour into their institutional and strategic planning processes. The Committee notes from the Government’s report and on the basis of the report of June 2012 on the ILO–IPEC project entitled “Eliminating Child Labour in Latin America (Phase IV)” that the Government has finalized the programming measures for 2012–14 to implement the Roadmap.

The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures adopted and results achieved through the implementation of the Plan of Action for the Elimination of Child Labour (2008–15) and the Roadmap for the Eradication of Child Labour to eliminate the worst forms of child labour.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children orphaned or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS. The Committee noted previously on the basis of information from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the World Health Organization and the Committee on the Rights of the Child that the increasing incidence of the virus in the country is a cause of concern. It observed that the Government was implementing various programmes of action targeting children orphaned or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS. The Committee noted that according to the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) Country Progress Report to UNAIDS in March 2010, there were a total of 61,849 child orphans and other vulnerable children in Honduras in 2009. The Committee requested the Government to intensify its efforts to protect orphans living with HIV/AIDS from the worst forms of child labour and provide information in this regard.

The Committee notes the absence of information on this point in the Government’s report. However, the Committee notes the information in Honduras’s UNGASS Country Progress Report of March 2012 that the Government in 2010 started a programme targeting children orphaned or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS comprising health, education, psychological assistance, nutrition, income assistance and housing improvement services. The programme is estimated to reach 21,170 children below 18 years of age in the next four years. By December 2011, 3,626 children were provided assistance by the programme. The Committee also notes the information that only 25 per cent of children between the ages of 10–14 years old who have lost both parents are in the educational system.

Considering that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has serious consequences for orphans who are likely to be exposed to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee again requests the Government to intensify its efforts to prevent child orphans of HIV/AIDS from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, in particular, in education and it requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken in this respect.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Poverty reduction. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that according to the results of the 2010 household survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) 66 per cent of the population in Honduras lives in poverty and 45 per cent in extreme poverty. The Committee underlined the importance for the Government of undertaking measures targeting the effective reduction of poverty among children at risk of being engaged in or who are victims of the worst forms of child labour, within the framework of its Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme and requested the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken in this respect.

The Committee notes in this regard that one of the main components of the abovementioned Roadmap for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labour and its Worst Forms is the fight against poverty and the Roadmap for this purpose sets out a detailed strategy with goals, indicators, target groups and results to be achieved. The Committee also notes the Government’s information provided in its report concerning the implementation of the conditional cash transfer programme Bono 10.000. The objective of the programme is to reduce the intergenerational transmission of poverty through extending financial assistance to families with minors under 18 years of age conditional on children’s school attendance. The programme, which started in 2010, benefits so far 345,000 families and expects by the end of 2014 to reach 600,000 families. Finally, the Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report concerning the implementation of a project entitled Mi Primer Empleo, which targets unemployed young persons aged between 15 and 19 years who have left the educational system and are living in poverty in urban areas. The project provides vocational training to these young persons in order to improve their possibilities to enter the labour market. The goal of the project is to benefit 3,393 young persons.

The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information in its next report on the measures taken to target the effective reduction of poverty among children at risk of being engaged in or who are victims of the worst forms of child labour, particularly in the framework of the Roadmap for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labour and its Worst Forms, the Bono 10.000 project and the Mi Primer Empleo project.

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

Articles 3(a)–(b) and 7(1) of the Convention. Sale and trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation, use of children for prostitution and for the production of pornography or pornographic performances, and penalties applied. In its previous comments, the Committee noted information on the denunciations received by the Office of the Public Prosecutor concerning the economic exploitation of minors, child pornography and the procuring and trafficking of persons, the number of crimes reported relating to the commercial sexual exploitation of minors and the number of prosecutions initiated concerning the trafficking of persons and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. While noting that the national legislation, in particular Decree No. 234-2005 of 28 September 2005 amending the Penal Code, prohibits the trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation and the use of children for prostitution and for the production of pornography and for pornographic performances, the Committee expressed concern at the allegations of corruption and complicity between those engaged in trafficking and law enforcement, and at the fact that no investigations had been conducted of these cases. In this regard, it urged the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that thorough investigations and robust prosecutions were carried out against the perpetrators and requested it to provide detailed information on the number of investigations conducted, prosecutions and convictions applied.

Although the Government indicates that special units were created within the Police and Public Ministry for the prosecution of cases of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation and that various convictions against trafficking in persons were handed down, the Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report contains no information on the number of prosecutions, convictions or sanctions imposed for the sale and trafficking of persons under 18 years of age for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or for the use of persons under 18 years of age for prostitution, the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, as well as for officials who are accomplices in such crimes.

The Committee also notes that the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography visited the country in September 2012 and called on the Government to increase its efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation, adding that the country still faces many challenges to ensure that children are not victims of prostitution, pornography and abuse. According to the Special Rapporteur these challenges consist of difficulties in accessing mechanisms to guarantee rapid protection and security of children, lack of coordination among government mechanisms, limited resources and slow judicial investigations and impunity denying protection to victims and witnesses (UN News Wire, 10 September 2012).

The Committee notes with interest the Law against Trafficking in Persons, which was adopted by the National Congress on 30 May 2012 through Legislative Decree No. 59-2012. Section 6 of the Law prohibits all forms of trafficking, and also includes the prohibition of commercial sexual exploitation and the use of children below 18 years of age in illegal activities. The Law mandates the establishment of the Inter-Institutional Commission on Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons, which is to promote inter-agency cooperation and the coordination of activities for the prevention, protection and eradication of these crimes. For this purpose, the Law establishes a range of measures for the protection of victims, to ensure compensation and to provide rehabilitation services. The Committee notes that as a general principle the Law sets out the best interests of the child (section 3) and special attention is paid to child victims of trafficking (section 25). Section 52 prescribes penalties from ten to 15 years of imprisonment and fines between 150 and 250 daily wages for the crimes enumerated in section 6 of the Law and establishes that these penalties are increased by 50 per cent in case the victim is a child below 18 years of age.

The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the immediate and effective implementation in practice of the 2012 Law against Trafficking in Persons. In this regard, the Committee again urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that thorough investigations and robust prosecutions are carried out against persons engaged in the sale and trafficking of persons under 18 years of age for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or who use persons under 18 years of age for prostitution, the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, as well as against officials who are accomplices in such acts, and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions are applied in practice. It reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the number of investigations conducted, prosecutions and convictions applied.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the National Plan of Action to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation (2006–11), which envisages the establishment of procedures for the identification, referral and provision of assistance to children and young persons who are victims of trafficking, as well as the development of models, programmes and projects for comprehensive assistance to children and young persons who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee also noted the activities under the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children which were completed in April 2009 and the development of a Protocol in 2008 for comprehensive assistance to children and young persons who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee requested the Government to pursue its efforts and requested it to provide detailed information on the measures adopted and results achieved in the context of the 2008 Protocol and the National Plan of Action (2006–11).

The Committee notes the Government’s information that the National Plan of Action to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation (2006–11) was elaborated and is being implemented in all relevant institutions. Other measures have included: the implementation of a pilot project on the social rehabilitation of victims of commercial sexual exploitation in the South of the country in June 2011; the effective coordination with different non-governmental organizations to ensure adequate assistance to victims; awareness-raising and capacity-building activities for a large number of justice and civil society workers and various awareness-raising and communication activities. Yet the Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information on the results achieved in terms of the number of children who have, in practice, been removed from trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, and who have benefited from social integration measures.

Noting that the abovementioned 2012 Law against Trafficking in Persons also contains comprehensive provisions on the protection, assistance and social reintegration measures to be provided to victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to take immediate and effective measures to implement in practice, measures to provide comprehensive assistance to children and young persons who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. In this regard, the Committee hopes that the Government will have the capacity to provide detailed information with its next report on the results achieved, including an indication of the number of children who have, in practice, been removed from trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, and who have benefited from social integration measures.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted the high number of street children and the results of the Mano Amiga project targeting young persons living in the crematoria of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. It requested the Government to continue its efforts to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour and to provide information on the results achieved, particularly within the framework of the Mano Amiga project.

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information on the number of children removed from the streets and who benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures. The Committee notes from a press release posted on the website of the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) of 27 February 2012, and based on the information provided by the Government that the objective of the Mano Amiga project is to capacitate directly 550 and indirectly 2,750 beneficiaries in the main cities of the country. The press release informs that as a result of the project, 241 waste scavengers were removed from the crematorium of the city of San Pedro Sula.

While noting this information, the Committee encourages the Government to continue its efforts to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour and it requests the Government to continue to provide information on the number of children removed from the streets and who have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures, in particular through the “Mano Amiga” project.

2. Indigenous children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the policy and programmatic measures taken to prevent and remove indigenous girls, boys and young persons from child labour, including in the framework of the ILO–IPEC activities in the country. The Committee requested the Government to intensify its efforts to protect indigenous children that are at risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, and requested it to provide information on the results achieved.

While noting the information concerning the consultation of indigenous groups in the framework of the design and implementation of the Public Policy and National Action Plan on Justice and Human Rights, the Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information on measures and results achieved to protect indigenous children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee takes due note of the information contained in the 2012 report on child labour prepared by the Secretary of State in the Offices of Justice and Human Rights, which reports about a direct assistance programme allowed for the withdrawal of 150 children and the prevention of 350 children from child labour in the indigenous community of Opatoro.

Recalling that the children of indigenous peoples are often victims of exploitation, which takes on very diverse forms, and are a population at risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to intensify its efforts to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour and to provide information on the results achieved in its next report.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. Child domestic workers. The Committee previously noted that a large number of children, particularly girls, are engaged in domestic work. It emphasized that children engaged in domestic work, particularly young girls, are often victims of exploitation, which takes on very diverse forms, and that it is difficult to supervise their conditions of employment. The Committee, therefore, requested the Government to take effective measures in that respect.

Noting with regret the absence of information on this point in the Government’s report, the Committee is bound to reiterate its request to the Government to take immediate and effective measures for the protection of children engaged in domestic work against the worst forms of child labour, taking into account the special situation of girls. It again requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted and the results achieved in this respect, with an indication of the number of child domestic workers who have, in practice, been removed from the worst forms of child labour and the specific rehabilitation and social integration measures adopted for these children.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children envisaged the strengthening of horizontal collaboration between countries participating in the project. It considered that cooperation between law enforcement agencies, particularly the judicial authorities and police forces, is indispensible to prevent and eliminate commercial sexual exploitation, and particularly the sale and trafficking of children for that purpose, through the collection and exchange of information and through assistance in the detection and prosecution of the individuals involved, and the repatriation of victims. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to promote cooperation with neighbouring countries in this regard and indications as to the number of children repatriated to their countries of origin.

The Committee notes that besides the statement that the Government has exchanged experiences with other countries on trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children in Colombia in December 2010, the Government’s report provides no information on this point. The Committee notes that section 43 of the abovementioned 2012 Law against Trafficking in Persons provides for the repatriation of foreign victims of trafficking abroad or of nationals to Honduras, which should be voluntary and assisted.

In these circumstances, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to promote cooperation with neighbouring countries and strengthen security measures at common borders with a view to combating the trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the implementation of the 2012 Law against Trafficking in Persons, with an indication of the number of children repatriated to their countries of origin.

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

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

Article 7(2) of the Convention. Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (a) and (b). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and direct assistance for the removal children from these worst forms of child labour. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the indication in the Government’s report of the adoption of a National Plan of Action for the Gradual and Progressive Elimination of Child Labour in Honduras (2008–15) (National Plan of Action). It observes that the objectives of the National Plan of Action include removing children from hazardous types of work and the worst forms of child labour. The Secretariat for Labour and Social Security also launched an initiative in 2010 for the establishment of a platform of indicators as a basis for evaluating the attainment of the objectives of the National Plan of Action. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that Honduras has made significant progress in the formulation of a roadmap to ensure that it is a country free from child labour and its worst forms, as the strategic national framework targeting the achievement of the objectives set out in “Decent Work in the Americas: An agenda for the Hemisphere”, namely the elimination of the worst forms of child labour by 2015 and the eradication of child labour in all its forms by 2020. Finally, the Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report concerning the implementation of a project for the comprehensive development of the family. One of the components of the project, entitled Mano Amiga is targeted at young persons living in the crematoria in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. According to the Government, 31,400 people between the ages of 14 and 30 have benefited from assistance within the framework of this programme. The Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the specific measures adopted or envisaged in the framework of the National Plan of Action for the Gradual and Progressive Elimination of Child Labour in Honduras (2008–15) and the roadmap to prevent children from becoming victims of the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their removal from these worst forms of child labour and their rehabilitation and social integration. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved in terms of the number of children who have in practice been prevented from or removed from the worst forms of child labour and who have benefited from reintegration measures.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children orphaned or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS. The Committee noted previously that, according to the paper entitled AIDS epidemic update, published by UNAIDS and the WHO in December 2006, the increasing incidence of the virus in the country is a cause of concern. It also noted that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (CRC/C/HND/CO/3, paragraph 62), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern at this situation. It observed that the Government is implementing various programmes of action targeting children orphaned or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report on the progress achieved in the implementation of the UNGASS communiqué to UNAIDS in March 2010, the HIV/AIDS epidemic mainly affects the young economically active population of reproductive age. Furthermore, according to the report, there was a significant number of child orphans and other vulnerable children in Honduras in 2009, totalling around 61,849. However, it notes that the Government’s report does not provide information on the measures adopted to protect orphans living with HIV/AIDS from the worst forms of child labour. Considering that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has serious consequences for orphans who are likely to be exposed to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to intensify its efforts to prevent child orphans of HIV/AIDS from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and it requests it to provide information on the specific measures taken in this respect.

Article 8. International cooperation. Poverty reduction. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (CRC/C/HND/CO/3, para. 19), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern that the increase in the amount of funds available through, for instance, debt reduction programmes and international cooperation, have not resulted in a proportionate strengthening of child protection mechanisms. It also noted that the Government signed a tripartite agreement concerning the adoption of the Decent Work Country Programme in August 2007, which takes into account child labour.

The Committee notes the Government’s report does not provide information on this subject. It observes that, according to the results of the 2010 household survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) accessible on the website of the INE (www.ine.gob.hn), 66 per cent of the population in Honduras lives in poverty and 45 per cent in extreme poverty. Considering that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the Government, within the framework of its Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme, will take measures targeting the effective reduction of poverty among children at risk of being engaged in or who are victims of the worst forms of child labour. Furthermore, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken, in the framework of the implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme, for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the information provided by the Honduran National Business Council (COHEP), dated 4 October 2010.

Articles 3(a) and (b) and 7(1) of the Convention. Sale and trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation, use of children for prostitution and for the production of pornography or pornographic performances, and penalties applied. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with satisfaction the adoption of Decree No. 234-2005 of 28 September 2005, reforming the Penal Code. It noted that the new provisions of the Code prohibit: the procuring of and international and internal trafficking of persons for commercial exploitation; the use of young persons under 18 years of age in public and private exhibitions or performances of a sexual nature and in the production of pornography; and the promotion of the country as a tourist destination for sexual activities. It however noted that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 on the Government’s third periodic report (CRC/C/HND/CO/3, paragraph 78), the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) expressed concern that the commercial sexual exploitation of children is a common phenomenon in Honduras.

The Committee notes the information provided in the COHEP communication on the denunciations received by the Office of the Public Prosecutor between 2005 and 2009 concerning the economic exploitation of minors, child pornography and the procuring and trafficking of persons. It notes that most of the denunciations concerned the trafficking of persons between 2005 and 2007, and the procuring of persons for sexual exploitation in 2009. The Committee also notes the information provided in the Government’s report concerning the number of crimes relating to the commercial sexual exploitation of minors reported in 2009. It observes that 28 cases of procuring of persons, 13 cases of trafficking of persons and 12 cases of child pornography were registered. The Committee further notes that, according to the information contained in a report on trafficking of persons in Honduras of 14 June 2010, available on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the authorities in Honduras have initiated prosecutions in 26 cases concerning the trafficking of persons or the commercial sexual exploitation of children, which have resulted in five convictions with sentences ranging between six and ten years of imprisonment. However, the report indicates that no investigations have been conducted and no prosecutions initiated concerning confirmed allegations of corruption relating to the trafficking of persons, even though certain local officials in the immigration services are reported to have been suspected of complicity in the trafficking of persons.

While noting that the national legislation prohibits the trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation and the use of children for prostitution and for the production of pornography and for pornographic performances, the Committee observes that the information on the number of prosecutions and convictions for these crimes is not sufficient. Furthermore, it expresses concern at the allegations of corruption and complicity between those engaged in trafficking and law enforces, and at the fact that no investigations have been conducted of these cases. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that thorough investigations and robust prosecutions are carried out against persons engaged in the sale and trafficking of persons under 18 years of age for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or who use persons under 18 years of age for prostitution, the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, as well as of officials who are accomplices in such acts, and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions are applied in practice. It requests the Government to provide detailed information on the number of investigations conducted, prosecutions and convictions under Decree No. 234-2005 of 28 September 2005 amending the Penal Code.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the National Plan of Action to Combat the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Girls, Boys and Young Persons (2006–11) (National Plan of Action to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation) attached to the COHEP communication. It notes that, according to the communication, the National Plan of Action is built around various action components, including a component on prevention, one on the protection of victims and another on reintegration. The National Plan of Action accordingly envisages the establishment of procedures for the identification, referral and provision of assistance to children and young persons who are victims of trafficking, as well as the development of models, programmes and projects for comprehensive assistance to children and young persons who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

The Committee also takes note of the information contained in the report of June 2009 of the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children. It notes that, according to this information, the Government adopted a Protocol in 2008 for comprehensive assistance to children and young persons who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. In addition, a manual for the prevention of commercial sexual exploitation in the tourism sector was prepared and integrated into courses on tourism at the various universities. The report adds that 303 girls and boys benefited from the ILO–IPEC subregional project between November 2005 and April 2009. Of that number, 184 children, the great majority of whom were girls, were removed from commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking, and 101 girls and 18 boys were prevented from being engaged in these worst forms of child labour. The Committee observes that the ILO–IPEC subregional project was completed in April 2009. Noting that the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children has been completed, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to pursue its efforts and requests it to provide detailed information in its next report on the measures adopted in the context of the Protocol of 2008 for comprehensive assistance to children and young persons who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved through the implementation of the National Plan of Action to Combat the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Girls, Boys and Young Persons in Honduras (2006–11), with an indication of the number of children who have, in practice, been removed from trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, and who have benefited from social integration measures.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (CRC/C/HND/CO/3, paragraph 74), the CRC, while noting the adoption of the National Plan of Action for the Social Integration of Children and Women dependant on the street, expressed concerned at the high number of street children and at the lack of information in this respect.

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report concerning the implementation of a project entitled “Mano Amiga”, targeting young persons living in the crematoria of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. It notes that 31,400 people between the ages of 14 and 30 benefited from assistance in the context of this programme. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the number of children removed from the streets and who benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures, particularly within the framework of the “Mano Amiga” project.

2. Indigenous children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, in its concluding observations in February 2007 (CRC/C/HND/CO/3, paragraph 21), the CRC expressed concern at the lack of information concerning the most vulnerable groups, including indigenous children. The Committee noted with interest that a programme of action, with the objective of contributing to the prevention and removal of indigenous girls, boys and young persons from child labour, benefited 300 people between October 2007 and February 2008. The Committee also notes that, according to information available to ILO–IPEC, a study has been conducted in the country on indigenous children.

The Committee notes that, according to the information contained in the ILO–IPEC report of June 2010 on the project “Eliminating Child Labour in Latin America (Phase III)”, a programme of action was launched in May 2010 to prevent and eliminate work by indigenous children of the Lenca ethnic group in domestic service and in the agricultural sector. Observing that the children of indigenous peoples are often victims of exploitation, which takes on very diverse forms, and are a population at risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to intensify its efforts to protect these children from the worst forms of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved in this respect, particularly within the framework of the above programme of action.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. Child domestic workers. The Committee previously noted that, according to the 2006 statistics contained in a document of the National Committee for the Gradual and Progressive Elimination of Child Labour (CNEGPTE) on the second National Plan of Action for the Gradual and Progressive Elimination of Child Labour in Honduras (2008–15), a large number of children, particularly girls, are engaged in domestic work. It emphasized the fact that children engaged in domestic work, particularly young girls, are often victims of exploitation, which takes on very diverse forms, and that it is difficult to supervise their conditions of employment. The Committee, therefore, requested the Government to take effective measures in that respect.

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report does not contain information on this subject. Considering that children engaged in domestic work are particularly exposed to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures for the protection of children engaged in domestic work against the worst forms of child labour, taking into account the special situation of girls. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted and the results achieved in this respect, with an indication of the number of child domestic workers who have, in practice, been removed from the worst forms of child labour and the specific rehabilitation and social integration measures adopted for these children.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for that purpose. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children envisaged the strengthening of horizontal collaboration between countries participating in the project. It considered that cooperation between law enforcement agencies, particularly the judicial authorities and police forces, is indispensible to prevent and eliminate commercial sexual exploitation, and particularly the sale and trafficking of children for that purpose, through the collection and exchange of information and through assistance in the detection and prosecution of the individuals involved, and the repatriation of victims.

The Committee notes the reference by the COHEP, in its communication, to the adoption in 2006 of a Protocol on the repatriation of girls, boys and young persons who have been victims of trafficking. It notes that one of the objectives of the Protocol is to determine repatriation procedures for child victims of trafficking to Honduras or to other countries. Noting the absence of information on this point in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to promote cooperation with neighbouring countries and strengthen security measures at common borders with a view to combating the trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the implementation of the Protocol on the repatriation of girls, boys and young persons who have been victims of trafficking, with an indication of the number of children repatriated to their countries of origin.

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

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working on their own account. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 2(1) of the Labour Code excludes from its scope of application, agricultural and stock-breeding enterprises not employing more than ten workers on a permanent basis and that, under sections 4 to 6 of the Regulations of 2001 on Child Labour, the regulations apply solely to contractual employment relationships. The Committee also noted that the Labour Code and the regulations on child labour do not apply to self-employed young persons under 18 years of age engaged in hazardous work. It noted, however, that a draft revision of the Labour Code was being prepared and expressed the firm hope that this draft text would contain provisions ensuring the protection afforded by the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on this matter. The Committee once again expresses the firm hope that the draft Labour Code will be adopted very soon and that it will contain provisions ensuring that children under 18 years of age, who are working in agricultural and stock-breeding enterprises not employing more than ten workers on a permanent basis and self-employed children under 18 are afforded the protection provided by Article 3(d) of the Convention against being employed in hazardous work. It requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard and to send a copy of the Labour Code when adopted.

Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 3. Determination of the types of hazardous work and revision of these types of work. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the adoption of Agreement No. STSS-097-2008 of 12 May 2008 amending section 8 of the regulations on child labour and adopting a detailed list of the types of hazardous work prohibited for persons under 18 years of age. It also notes that this Agreement was adopted in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. Furthermore, the Committee notes that this Agreement provides that the list of types of hazardous work will be revised and updated every three years.

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 direct assistance for the removal of children from these worst forms of labour. The Committee previously noted that, in the context of the technical assistance provided by the ILO–IPEC for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, several action programmes have been implemented to eliminate child labour, in particular in melon plantations in Choluteca, the coffee production sector in Santa Bárbara, underwater fishing in the municipality of Raya and the rubbish dumps in Tegucigalpa. In this regard, the Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government on the large number of children who have benefited from these action programmes in the country. It notes, for instance, that the programmes on rubbish dumps have benefited more than 1,036 families, 6,000 young persons and 3,800 girls and boys between 2002 and 2008. The Committee encourages the Government to continue its efforts to prevent children from becoming victims of the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children from these worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children orphaned or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the paper entitled “AIDS epidemic update”, published by UNAIDS and the WHO in December 2006, the increasing incidence of the virus in the country is a cause for concern. It also noted that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (document CRC/C/HND/CO/3, paragraph 62), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern at this situation. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report on the progress made with regard to the implementation of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on HIV/AIDS, sent to UNAIDS in January 2008, the country has very few children who are orphans or vulnerable due to HIV/AIDS, around 200 according to statistics from 2006. It also notes that, according to this report, the Government is implementing various programmes of action targeting these children. The Committee takes due note of this information and urges the Government to continue its efforts to protect HIV/AIDS orphans from the worst forms of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration.

Article 8. International cooperation. The Committee previously noted that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (document CRC/C/HND/CO/3, paragraph 19), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern that the increase in the amount of funds available through poverty reduction strategies, including debt reduction programmes, have not resulted in a proportionate strengthening of the mechanisms for the protection of children. The Committee notes that the Government signed a tripartite agreement concerning the adoption of the Decent Work Country Programme in August 2007 and that it takes into account child labour. Recalling that Poverty Reduction Strategy Programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in the context of the implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme to eliminate the worst forms of child labour.

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

Article 3, clauses (a) and (b), of the Convention and Part III of the report form. Sale and trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation, use of children for prostitution or for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and court decisions. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with satisfaction the adoption of Decree No. 234–2005 of 28 September 2005, reforming the Penal Code. It noted that the new provisions of the Code prohibit: the procuring and the international and internal trafficking of persons for commercial exploitation; the use of young persons under 18 years of age in exhibitions or performances of a sexual nature and in the production of pornography; and the promotion of the country as a tourist destination accessible for sexual activities. The Committee noted, however, that, according to the information contained in the ILO–IPEC reports on the subregional project entitled “Contribution to the prevention and elimination of commercial sexual exploitation of children In Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic” (the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children), in which Honduras is participating along with Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, despite the progress achieved, the problem of the commercial sexual exploitation of young persons under 18 years of age still persists in the country. In this regard, the Committee noted that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 on the Government’s third periodic report (document CRC/C/HND/CO/3, paragraph 78), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern that the commercial sexual exploitation of children is common in Honduras. It asked the Government to provide information on the application of the new provisions in practice.

The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on this subject. It duly notes, however, that, according to a 2007 report on the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children, the new provisions of the Penal Code have been implemented and individuals have been prosecuted. The Committee requests the Government to ensure, in practice, the protection of children under 18 years of age against this worst form of child labour. In this regard, it once again requests the Government to provide information on the application of the new provisions of the Penal Code in practice. Furthermore, taking into account the information that individuals have been prosecuted under these new provisions, the Committee requests the Government to provide the court decisions handed down in accordance with these provisions in its next report.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee notes with interest that, according to the information contained in the report of March 2007 on the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children, steps have been taken to strengthen the capacities of the Office of the Attorney General with regard to children. As a result, the Office is now in a better position to investigate cases of commercial sexual exploitation of children and to take steps to prevent and eliminate this worst form of child labour.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to UNICEF statistics from 2006, the net attendance rate at primary school level is 80 per cent for girls and 77 per cent for boys, and at the secondary level, 36 per cent for girls and 29 per cent for boys. It also notes the information contained in a report of January 2008 on the ILO–IPEC project entitled “Elimination of child labour in Latin America. Phase III”, according to which the goals of the plan on Education for All by 2015 will not be achieved. The Committee duly notes that, according to the document of the National Committee on the Gradual and Progressive Elimination of Child Labour (CNEGPTE) on a second National Plan of Action for the gradual and progressive elimination of child labour in Honduras (2008–15) (the 2008 National Plan of Action), education is one of the components of the Plan. In this regard, it notes that the specific goal under this component is to promote access to education and ensure school attendance.

Although noting that the net rate of school attendance at the primary level is relatively high, the Committee expresses concern at the fact that the country will not achieve the goals on Education For All by 2015. It also expresses concern at the low net rate of school attendance at the secondary level. Considering that education contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to step up efforts to improve the operation of the education system in the country. In this regard, it requests the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken during the implementation of the 2008 National Plan of Action to increase the rate of school attendance, both at the primary and secondary levels. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour. Commercial sexual exploitation. ILO–IPEC subregional project. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee duly notes the information provided by the Government that 134 girls and boys benefited from the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children in 2007. It also duly notes that, according to a 2007 report on that ILO–IPEC subregional project a system of assistance for victims of commercial sexual exploitation has been established. Furthermore, it notes that the National Plan of Action for the prevention and elimination of commercial sexual exploitation of girls, boys and adolescents in Honduras (2006–11) (the 2006 National Plan of Action) aims to: (a) prevent children from becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation or trafficking for this purpose; and (b) provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of the child victims of these worst forms of child labour. The Committee strongly encourages the Government to continue its efforts and requests it to provide information on the time-bound measures taken in the context of the implementation of the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children and the 2006 National Plan of Action. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the system of assistance for victims of commercial sexual exploitation, in particular concerning the measures taken in the context of this system to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of victims of this worst form of child labour.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (document CRC/C/HND/CO/3, paragraph 74), the Committee on the Rights of the Child, while noting the adoption of the National Plan of Action for the social integration of dependent children and women in the streets, expressed concern at the high number of street children and at the lack of information in this respect. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information on this subject. It reminds the Government that street children are particularly exposed to the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government once again to provide information on the time-bound measures taken, in the context of the implementation of the National Plan of Action for the social integration of dependent children and women in the streets, to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children who are actually removed from the streets.

2. Indigenous children. The Committee previously noted that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (document CRC/C/HND/CO/3, paragraph 21), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern at the lack of information concerning the most vulnerable groups, including indigenous children. The Committee notes with interest that, according to the information provided by the Government, a programme of action aimed at contributing to the prevention and removal of indigenous girls, boys and adolescents from child labour benefited 300 persons between October 2007 and February 2008. The Committee also notes that, according to the information available to the ILO–IPEC, a study on indigenous children has been carried out in the country. Noting that indigenous children are often victims of exploitation, which may take on very different forms, and are at risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to protect these children, in particular by adopting measures to make them less vulnerable. It requests the Government to provide information in this regard.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. Child domestic labour. The Committee previously noted that, according to the statistics contained in a study carried out in 2003 by the ILO–IPEC entitled “Child domestic labour in Honduras”, 94.3 per cent were girls. The Committee notes that, according to the 2006 statistics contained in a document of the CNEGPTE on the second National Plan of Action for the elimination of child labour (2008–15), a high number of children, particularly girls, are engaged in domestic work. It emphasizes that children engaged in domestic work, particularly young girls, are often victims of exploitation, which may take on very diverse forms, and that it is difficult to supervise their conditions of employment. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures, particularly in the context of the implementation of the 2008 National Plan of Action, to protect child domestic workers against the worst forms of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Commercial sexual exploitation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children provided for the strengthening of horizontal collaboration between countries participating in the project. The Committee held the view that cooperation between law enforcement agencies, particularly the judicial authorities and police forces, is indispensible to prevent and eliminate commercial sexual exploitation, and particularly the sale and trafficking of children for that purpose, through the collection and exchange of information and through assistance to detect and prosecute the individuals involved and to repatriate victims. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on this subject. It therefore expresses the hope once again that, in the context of the implementation of the ILO–IPEC subregional project on the commercial sexual exploitation of children, the Government will take measures to cooperate with the participating countries and therefore strengthen security measures, particularly on the common borders with El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, with a view to bringing an end to this worst form of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on this subject in its next report.

Furthermore, the Committee is also addressing a direct request to the Government concerning other points.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. The worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). Forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee noted previously that article 276 of the Constitution provides that military service is voluntary as of the age of 18 years and that under section 2 of the Act respecting military service of 1985 the age for enrolment in the army is 18 years. However, the Committee noted that, according to summary record No. 4‑2003 of the meeting of the Technical Council of the National Commission for the gradual and progressive elimination of child labour, held on 28 March 2003, the NGO Save the Children considers that children are working as soldiers. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this subject, the Committee once again requests it to provide information concerning these allegations.

Clause (d). Hazardous types of work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that sections 122 and 123 of the Code on Children and Young Persons and sections 8(1) and 9 of the Regulations of 2001 on child labour prohibit young persons under 18 years of age from engaging in unhealthy and hazardous types of work, even where they are carried out in the context of an educational or training programme. It however noted that section 2(1) of the Labour Code excludes from its scope of application agricultural and stock-raising establishments not employing on a permanent basis more than ten workers and that, under sections 4 to 6, the Regulations of 2001 on child labour apply solely to contractual employment relationships. The Committee noted that, under the terms of these provisions, the Labour Code and the Regulations on child labour do not apply to young persons under 18 years of age engaged in hazardous types of work without a contractual employment relationship. It requested the Government to indicate the manner in which the national legislation provides that young persons under 18 years of age benefit from the protection afforded by Article 3(d) of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided any information on this subject in its report. However, it notes that a draft revision of the Labour Code is being prepared. The Committee expresses the firm hope that this draft text will be adopted in the near future and that it will contain provisions ensuring the application of the protection afforded by the Convention to children who work in agricultural and stock-raising establishments not employing more than ten workers on a permanent basis.

Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 3. Revision of the list of hazardous types of work. The Committee takes due note that a list of the worst forms of hazardous work has been prepared, following tripartite consultation, and that a decree will be adopted prohibiting these types of work. The Committee hopes that this decree will be adopted in the near future and requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect and to supply a copy of the decree when it has been adopted.

Article 6, paragraph 1. Programmes of action. National Plan of Action on child labour. The Committee takes due note that a new National Plan of Action for the prevention and gradual and progressive elimination of child labour, which will be closely related to the worst forms of child labour, is being prepared. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of this National Plan and the programmes of action established in this context, and on the results achieved in terms of the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (a) and (b). Preventing the engagement of the children in the worst forms of child labour and assistance for their removal from these worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, in the context of the technical assistance of ILO/IPEC for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, several programmes of action were implemented, including: a programme for the elimination of child labour in melon plantations in Choluteca; a programme for the elimination of child labour in the coffee production sector in Santa Bárbara; a programme on child domestic labour in the villages of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro; a programme on underwater fishing in the municipality of Raya, in the department of Gracias a Dios; and a project covering the rubbish dumps in Tegucigalpa. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the results achieved following the implementation of these programmes of action. The Committee notes that the information contained in the Government’s report relates to the objectives to be achieved and not the results obtained in practice through the implementation of these programmes. It therefore once again requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved in terms of: (a) preventing children from becoming victims of the worst forms of child labour targeted by the above programmes; and (b) providing the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of the children targeted by the above programmes and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (c). Access to free basic education. The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the Government, the National Plan of Action for the prevention and gradual and progressive elimination of child labour envisages the improvement of the national educational system with a view to achieving a significant reduction in child labour, and particularly its worst forms. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of children who, through the implementation of the National Plan, have been removed from the worst forms of child labour and effectively reintegrated into basic education courses or who are following pre-vocational or vocational training.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (CRC/C/HND/CO/3), the Committee on the Rights of the Child, while noting the adoption of the National Plan of Action for the social integration of dependent children and women in the streets, expressed concern at the high number of street children and at the lack of information in this respect. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the context of the implementation of the National Plan of Action for the social integration of dependent children and women in the streets with a view to the protection of street children from the worst forms of child labour.

2. Indigenous children. The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (CRC/C/HND/CO/3), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern at the lack of information concerning the most vulnerable groups, including indigenous children. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to ensure that indigenous children are not engaged in the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to remove these children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. Child domestic labour. The Committee noted previously that, according to the statistics contained in the study carried out in 2003 by ILO/IPEC entitled “Child domestic labour in Honduras”, of the children engaged in domestic labour, 94.3 per cent were girls. It requested the Government to indicate the manner in which it intended to accord special attention to the situation of girls so as to ensure that they are not engaged in types of work which are likely to harm their health, safety or morals. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the programme of action implemented in collaboration with Save the Children UK, according to which over 450 girls have been provided with assistance, including vocational training and support, psychological supervision and medical aid. The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to accord special attention to girls engaged in domestic work to ensure that they do not perform hazardous types of work.

Article 8. International cooperation. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, in its concluding observations on the Government’s third periodic report of February 2007 (CRC/C/HND/CO/3), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern that the increase in the amount of funds available through poverty reduction strategies, including debt reduction programmes, have not resulted in a proportionate strengthening of the mechanisms for the protection of children. Recalling that Poverty Reduction Strategy Programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure a more balanced distribution of the funding allocated to poverty reduction throughout the country so as to combat the worst forms of child labour more effectively.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the attached documents.

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clauses (a) and (b). Sale and trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation and the use of children for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of Decree No. 234-2005 of 28 September 2005 reforming the Penal Code. It notes in particular that sections 148 and 149 prohibit procuring, namely the recruitment and submission of a person to commercial sexual exploitation, and the international and internal trafficking of persons for commercial exploitation. These two provisions also establish heavier penalties when the victim is under 18 years of age. Furthermore, sections 149-B and 149-D prohibit the use of young persons under 18 years of age in public or private exhibitions or performances of a sexual nature and in the production of pornography. Section 149-E also penalizes the international and national promotion of the country as a tourist destination accessible for sexual activity.

However, the Committee notes, according to the information contained in the evaluation reports of the ILO/IPEC subregional project entitled “Contribution to the prevention and elimination of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic”, in which Honduras is participating along with Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, that despite the progress achieved, the problem of the commercial sexual exploitation of young persons under 18 years of age still persists in the country. In this respect, the Committee also notes that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (CRC/C/HND/CO/3), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern that, despite the measures taken, particularly in terms of legislation, the commercial sexual exploitation of children is common in Honduras and is not only due to poverty and the socio-economic situation prevailing in the country. The Committee considers that the new provisions of the Penal Code improve protection against the commercial sexual exploitation of children and trafficking for this purpose and encourages the Government to redouble its efforts to ensure in practice the protection of young persons under 18 years of age against this worst form of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the application of the new provisions in practice, including statistics on the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations carried out, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied.

Article 6. Programme of action. National Plan of Action on the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The Committee notes that, in the context of the ILO/IPEC subregional project on the prevention and elimination of the commercial sexual exploitation of children, a National Plan of Action to prevent and eliminate the commercial sexual exploitation of children has been developed. It requests the Government to provide information on the programmes of action developed in the context of the implementation of the National Plan of Action and the results achieved.

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 assistance for the removal of children from these worst forms. The commercial sexual exploitation of children. 1. ILO/IPEC subregional project. The Committee notes the information contained in the evaluation reports of the
ILO/IPEC subregional project on the prevention and elimination of the commercial sexual exploitation of children in Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic, according to which around 240 children have been prevented from being the victims of commercial sexual exploitation or have been removed from this worst form of child labour in the country. The Committee strongly encourages the Government to continue its efforts to combat commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the implementation of the ILO/IPEC subregional project and on the results achieved in terms of: (a) preventing children from becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation or trafficking for this purpose; and (b) providing the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of the child victims of these worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration.

2. Tourist activities. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the information contained in the ILO/IPEC study of 2002 entitled “Commercial sexual exploitation of boys, girls and young persons in Honduras”, commercial sexual exploitation is an activity that is on the increase in the country. This form of exploitation exists throughout the national territory, for example in tourist areas, border areas, ports and on international traffic routes. As the country has a certain level of tourism, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether measures have been taken to raise the awareness of actors directly linked to the tourist industry, such as associations of hotel owners, tourist operators, taxi companies and the owners of bars, restaurants and their employees.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee noted previously that, according to the study entitled “Commercial sexual exploitation of boys, girls and young persons in Honduras”, published by
ILO/IPEC in 2002, HIV/AIDS is a health problem affecting children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee also noted that, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Honduras reports 50 per cent of the cases of HIV/AIDS of the whole of Central America. The Committee notes that, according to the paper entitled AIDS epidemic update, published in December 2006 by UNAIDS and the WHO, the increasing incidence of the virus is a cause for concern. In this respect, the Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of February 2007 (CRC/C/HND/CO/3), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern at this situation. Noting the seriousness of this situation, the Committee regrets the absence of  information in the Government’s report on this issue. The Committee once again observes that HIV/AIDS has serious consequences for orphans, who are at increased risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, and particularly commercial sexual exploitation. It therefore urges the Government to take the specific time-bound measures taken to prevent child HIV/AIDS orphans from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of these children removed from these worst forms.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the ILO/IPEC study “Commercial sexual exploitation of boys, girls and young persons in Honduras”, activities relating to the commercial sexual exploitation of boys, girls and young persons are linked to international trafficking networks and affect girls in particular. Noting the absence of information on this subject in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests it to provide information on the manner in which it intends to accord special attention to these girls and remove them from commercial sexual exploitation.

Article 8. International and regional cooperation. Commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee takes due note of the measures adopted in the context of the ILO/IPEC subregional project on the prevention and elimination  of the commercial sexual exploitation of children in Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic, including awareness-raising campaigns for the public and the media and the holding of a regional seminar bringing together the governments collaborating in the ILO/IPEC project and Interpol agents. The Committee notes that the strengthening of horizontal collaboration between countries participating in the project is planned in the context of the ILO/IPEC subregional project. The Committee is of the view that cooperation between law enforcement agencies, particularly the judicial authorities and police forces, is indispensable to prevent and eliminate commercial sexual exploitation, and particularly the sale and trafficking of children for that purpose, through the collection and exchange of information and through assistance to detect and prosecute the individuals involved and to repatriate victims. The Committee therefore hopes that, in the context of the implementation of the ILO/IPEC subregional project on the prevention and elimination of the commercial sexual exploitation of children, the Government will take measures to cooperate with the participating countries and accordingly reinforce security measures, particularly on the common borders with El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, with a view to bringing an end to this worst form of child labour. It requests the Government to provide information on this subject.

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

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

The Committee notes the Government’s first and second reports and the attached documents. It requests the Government to provide information on the following points.

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes with interest that on 3 July 2002 the Government renewed until 2007 the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ILO/IPEC, one of the objectives of which is to identify measures enabling the Government to prohibit and eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that it envisages reforming the 1996 Code of Childhood and Adolescence, the Regulations of 2001 on child labour and the Labour Code. It is planning to add provisions to the Code of Childhood and Adolescence to define the worst forms of child labour, as set out in the Convention. This definition of the worst forms of child labour will include child domestic labour, which may be carried out under hazardous working conditions or may in certain cases be considered as a practice similar to slavery or serfdom. Furthermore, the Regulations of 2001 on child labour will be amended to establish the conditions of employment and working conditions of domestic child labour. Finally, the Government intends to amend sections 148 to 165 of the Labour Code, which regulate domestic work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in relation to the various planned reforms referred to above.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that section 10 of the Regulations of 2001 on child labour take up Article 3 of the Convention and provide that young persons (persons between 12 and 18 years of age) may not perform any activity considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour, namely: (a) all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour, including forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict; (b) the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances; (c) the use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties; and (d) 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.

Clause (a). 1. Sale and trafficking of children for sexual exploitation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that there are no specific penal provisions relating to the sale and trafficking of children. However, the Committee notes that section 149 of the Penal Code establishes a penalty for any person who causes or facilitates the entry into the country of persons, whether men or women, for the purposes of prostitution. This provision also establishes a penalty for any person who causes or facilitates the departure from the country of persons for the purposes of prostitution abroad. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of section 149 of the Penal Code, including statistical data on the number of persons convicted either for having facilitated the entry into the country of persons under 18 years of age for prostitution, or for having facilitated the departure from the country of children under 18 years of age for prostitution abroad.

2. Sale and trafficking of children for economic exploitation. The Committee notes that the national legislation does not appear to contain a provision prohibiting the sale or trafficking of young persons for economic exploitation. It reminds the Government that Article 3(a) of the Convention also covers the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for this purpose. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to secure the prohibition of the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for the purposes of economic exploitation. The Committee also requests the Government to establish penalties in this respect.

3. Slavery, debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes that article 69 of the Constitution provides that no person shall be obliged to do what she or he is not legally required to do. No personal service may be exacted and should not be provided free of charge, except in accordance with the law.

4. Forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes that article 276 of the Constitution provides that military service is voluntary as of the age of 18 years. It also notes that, under section 2 of the Act respecting military service of 1985, the age for enrolment in the army is 18 years. However, the Committee notes that, according to summary record No. 4-2003 of the meeting of the Technical Council of the National Commission for the Gradual and Progressive Elimination of Child Labour, held on 28 March 2003, the NGO Save the Children considers that children are working as soldiers. It requests the Government to provide information concerning these allegations.

Clause (b) 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes that, under the terms of section 134(c) of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence of 1996, a person who causes or incites a child to commit illegal activities, such as prostitution, is guilty of the crime of economic exploitation. The Committee also notes that section 148 of the Penal Code establishes a penalty for any person who, among other acts, with a view to gain, causes or facilitates the prostitution or corruption of persons, whether men or women. If the victim is under 18 years of age, the penalty may be increased.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes that sections 32 and 33 of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence of 1996 establishes a penalty for any person who facilitates or permits the sale, distribution or use of images of young persons under 18 years of age committing activities which are an offence to decency. The Committee notes that, under section 134(c) of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence, any person who causes or incites a young person to engage in illegal activities such as pornography is guilty of the crime of economic exploitation. Furthermore, section 9 of the Regulations of 2001 on child labour prohibits the engagement of young persons under 18 years of age in any work which prejudices their morals, including their use in reproductions of pornographic scenes.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. The Committee notes that section 178 of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence of 1996 establishes a penalty for any person who uses a child under 18 years of age for the production or trafficking of drugs or dependence-inducing pharmaceutical substances.

Clause (d). Types of hazardous work. The Committee notes that section 122(1) of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence prohibits children (any person under 18 years, under section 1) from performing unhealthy or types of hazardous work, even if they are carried out in the context of an educational or training course or programme. It also notes that section 123 of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence prohibits types of work that are likely to harm the morals of persons under 18 years of age. Section 8(1) of the Regulations of 2001 on child labour also prohibit young persons (any person between 14 and 18 years, under section 2) from engaging in unhealthy and types of hazardous work, even where they are carried on in the context of an educational or training course, and section 9 of the Regulations prohibits work that it is likely to harm the morals of persons under 18 years of age.

However, the Committee notes that, in accordance with section 2(1), the Labour Code excludes from its scope of application agricultural and stock-raising establishments not employing on a permanent basis more than ten workers. It also notes that, under sections 4 to 6 of the Regulations of 2001 on child labour, the Regulations apply solely to contractual employment. The Committee notes that, under the terms of these provisions, the Labour Code and the Regulations on child labour do not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who are not covered by the Labour Code and Regulations on child labour and who are engaged in types of hazardous work. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the national legislation provides those young persons the benefit of the protection afforded by Article 3(d).

Article 4, paragraph 1. Determination of the list of types of hazardous work. The Committee notes with interest that section 122(2) of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence of 1996 and section 8(2) of the Regulations of 2001 on child labour determine a list of types of hazardous work. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the list established by section 8 of the Regulations of 2001, which takes up the list determined by section 122 of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence, was adopted following tripartite discussion held in June and July 2001.

Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government has identified the most hazardous types of activity involving child labour based on various criteria. The first criterion examined is the number of hours of work a week. The following sectors have been identified: transport (55 hours), services (48 hours) and construction (48 hours). The second criterion is the total income in lempiras (Lps). The following sectors have been identified: agriculture (wage in rural areas: 260 Lps; wage in urban areas: 351 Lps), trade (wage in rural areas: 126 Lps; wage in urban areas: 377 Lps), services (wage in rural areas: 315 Lps) and industry (wage in rural areas: 4,444 Lps). Finally, the third criterion examined is school attendance, with the following activities being identified based on the percentage of children engaged in them who do not attend school: the construction sector, 93 per cent; household work, 93 per cent; the transport sector, 91 per cent; agriculture, 84 per cent; the services sector, 83 per cent; and the industrial sector, 78 per cent. The Committee also notes that consultations have been held in urban and regional areas with a view to determining hazardous types of work according to the criteria set out in Convention No. 182. Following the regional and urban consultations, the following activities were identified as hazardous: the services sector, commercial sexual exploitation, trade, construction and industry; domestic work; work involving winches and welding; work in nocturnal centres; work in bakeries; carpentry; bus conductors; itinerant traders; and mechanical work. Following the regional rural consultations, the following activities were also considered to be hazardous; the construction, transport, agricultural and commercial sectors; domestic work; work in sawmills; work in opencast mines; tobacco cultivation; vendors on buses; the production of lime; the handling of agro-chemical products; cutting work using machetes; the burning of reeds; and work which is harmful to the health, safety or morals of young persons, such as the manufacture of fireworks, the collection of rubbish, the sale of chemical products for use in agriculture, agricultural work for the cultivation of export crops, work by children as apprentice divers and work by children exposed to road traffic.

Finally, the Committee notes the statement by the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise concerning entrepreneurs and the measures they have adopted to combat child labour. According to this statement, certain enterprises have adopted internal directives to prohibit work by young persons under 17 or 18 years of age and access to workplaces in the following activities: export processing zones, melon, sugar, tobacco, explosives and fishing and bus conductors.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Identification of where types of hazardous work exist. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, according to which, in the context of the consultation on child labour undertaken in the country, which led to the preparation of the National Plan of Action for the gradual and progressive elimination of child labour,criteria were used to identify where types of hazardous work exist, such as: work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, does not guarantee boys and girls the rights established by law. These include work which: requires capacities in excess of those possessed by the boy or girl at that precise stage of their development, or which harms or imperils the process of physical, mental or emotional development of the child; prevents or renders difficult enrolment, attendance or success at school; does not allow sufficient time for recreation, the practice of a sport, free time and rest; does not secure appropriate conditions of work for young persons between 15 and 17 years of age, including access to social security, remuneration, working hours and a training programme; and results in third parties or the family appropriating the income from the child’s activities.

The Committee also notes that the following seven regions of the country have been identified as areas in which hazardous activities are carried out: Santa Rosa de Copán (West); San Pedro Sula (North); Choluteca (South); Danlí (East); La Ceiba (Atlantic coast); Juticalpa (North-east); and Comayagua (central corridor). The Committee further notes that consultations have been held with working boys and girls and the fathers, mothers and guardians of children who work, and that inspections and awareness-raising activities have been carried out: in the markets of Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Choluteca and La Ceiba; in the coffee sector in Trinidad, Santa Bárbara and Tutule la Paz; in tobacco plantations in El Paraíso; in grain production for commercial and subsistence farming in Olancho; in melon growing in Choluteca; in the informal economy in Tela, Atlántida; with children who are apprentice divers in Mosquitia and in Gracias a Dios; with domestic child workers and those working on sugar cane plantations; and in salt mines in southern areas.

Article 5. Mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Convention. The Committee notes that sections 115, 119, 124, 128 and 133 of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence of 1996 contain provisions regulating the functions and responsibilities of the Secretariat of State in relation to employment offices and social assistance. These responsibilities include the Secretariat ensuring that: young persons do not perform work which is hazardous or interferes with their school attendance (section 115); regular inspections of enterprises to ascertain whether they are employing young persons and whether they are complying with the standards protecting young workers (section 128). Sections 269 to 275 of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence establish the National Social Welfare Committee as the authority competent for coordination, studies, promotion and the formulation of prevention and protection policies for children. Furthermore, section 11 of the Regulations on child labour provides that labour inspectors, the police and the health authorities are empowered to take action against any employer who uses children or young persons in violation of the standards set forth in the Regulations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the labour inspection services, including extracts of reports and documents. It further requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with employers’ and workers’ organizations, in accordance with this Article.

Article 6, paragraph 1. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. 1. UNICEF. The Committee notes that the Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has established a Programme on Legislation and Special Protection Policies, the objective of which is to adapt the national legislative framework and public policies relating to children. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of this programme and the results achieved, particularly with regard to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

2. Save the Children. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that a programme to strengthen eight regional sub-councils is being undertaken. The objective of this programme is to facilitate the effective implementation of the National Plan of Action for the gradual and progressive elimination of child labour and to achieve the enforcement of the national legislation. The Committee notes that, in the context of this programme, boys and girls have been questioned with a view to obtaining their opinions and proposals. It requests the Government to provide information on the implementation and outcome of the above programmes with regard to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Paragraph 2. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with employers’ and workers’ organizations with a view to the formulation of the programmes of action mentioned above, as well as those implemented with the assistance of ILO/IPEC.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes that section 134(c) of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence of 1996 establishes a penalty of between three and five years of imprisonment for any person who commits the crime of economic exploitation, through prostitution or pornography. The Committee further notes that section 148 of the Penal Code establishes a penalty of between five and eight years of imprisonment and a fine of between 50,000 and 100,000 Lps for any person who, among other activities, with a view to gain, causes prostitution. Where the victim is under 18 years of age, the penalty may be increased. Furthermore, sections 17 to 21 of the Act on the illicit use and trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances, provide for a penalty of between nine and 12 years of imprisonment and a fine of from 50,000 to 100,000 Lps for any person who uses or incites a person to produce or traffic drugs or psychotropic substances. Section 128 of the Code of Childhood and Adolescence of 1996 provides that any person who is in violation of the standards respecting the protection of children, particularly those relating to types of hazardous work covered by sections 122 and 123 of the Code, shall be liable to a fine of between 5,000 and 25,000 Lps. Repeat offenders shall be liable to a fine of double the initial penalty, up to a ceiling of 25,000 Lps. Moreover, sections 29 to 31 of the Regulations of 2001 on child labour establish administrative sanctions. Any person who is in breach of the standards relating to the worst forms of child labour, unhealthy and types of hazardous work, illicit activities and other standards to protect working children shall be liable to a fine of from 5,000 to 25,000 Lps.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that, in the context of the technical assistance of ILO/IPEC to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, several programmes of action have been implemented. In 2003, a Direct Programme of Action for the elimination of child labour in melon plantationswas carried out in Choluteca and has been renewed for 2004; between October 2002 and July 2004, a Direct Programme of Action for the elimination of child labour in the coffee production sector was carried out in Santa Bárbara; aDirect Programme of Action on child domestic labour has been commenced in villages in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro; a Pilot Programme on underwater fishing has also been designed for the municipality of Raya, in the department of Gracias a Dios; and a project relating to the rubbish dumps in Tegucigalpa is currently being implemented.

Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the Government, the number of girls, boys and young persons covered by the various programmes of action referred to above is: 1,200 boys and girls and 500 families for the elimination of child labour in melon plantations in 14 communities and small villages in Marcovia, Choluteca; 1,450 boys, girls and young persons for the elimination of child labour in the coffee production sector in 18 small villages in the municipality of Trinidad Santa Bárbara; 400 child domestic workers in villages in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro; 1,179 child divers in the municipality of Raya, in the department of Gracias a Dios; and around 1,500 working children in the rubbish dumps in Tegucigalpa. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical data on the number of children who are in practice prevented from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour as a result of the implementation of these various programmes.

Clause (b). Assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that the Direct Programme of Action for the elimination of child labour in the coffee production sector undertaken in Santa Bárbara provides for the strengthening of the economic situation of the families of children removed from their work. The Committee also notes that the Project on rubbish dumps in Tegucigalpa has the objective of assisting the municipal authorities to establish standards and management policies to improve the public service for the collection of rubbish and to withdraw boys and girls from unhealthy and hazardous areas. The project has four components: (1) social protection, namely, health, nutrition, education and recreation; (2) economic alternatives; (3) awareness-raising and public information; and (4) an inter-institutional monitoring network. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on economic alternatives and on the measures taken by this project to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children. It further requests the Government to provide statistical data on the number of children who are in practice removed from their work.

Clause (c). Access to free basic education. 1. Technical programmes. The Committee notes with interest that, according to the information provided by the Government, the various programmes and projects implemented include an education component. For example, with regard to the Direct Programme of Action for the elimination of child labour in melon plantations: 234 boys and girls have been integrated into the formal and informal education system, namely 186 in the informal system and 48 in the formal system; and an agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health of Marcovia to combine their efforts to develop a process for the elimination of child labour in melon plantations and other activities, so as to encourage children to continue their schooling. With regard to the Direct Programme of Action for the elimination of child labour in the coffee production sector: 10 per cent of the children concerned have been integrated into the formal education system; five pre-school education centres, managed by volunteers within the community, have been established to develop activities for young persons under 18 years of age; a child labour monitoring unit at the municipal level and surveillance councils in the communities have also been established to manage activities relating to child labour; and research has been carried out to identify the needs of young persons in the field of education and technical programmes undertaken to improve the knowledge of 300 young persons. In the case of the Direct Programme of Action on child domestic work,the rights and duties of children will be taught to 400 children and they will receive vocational training. In the case of the Pilot Programme for underwater fishing in the municipality of Raya, the objective is to maintain the 1,179 children in the education system up to the ninth year. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of children who, after being removed from work, have in practice been integrated into basic education courses or who are receiving pre-vocational or vocational training.

2. CARE Honduras. The Committee notes the Pilot Project on basic education for working boys and girls (ENTRA) undertaken since 2003 by CARE Honduras. The objective of this project is to allow boys, girls and young persons removed from the worst forms of child labour in the department of Valle to have access to basic education. Up to now, 247 children and young persons have benefited from the project and have followed vocational training courses. The Committee notes that the project has received local assistance, particularly through the departmental municipal authorities of Nacaome and the Departmental Directorate of Education. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of children who, after being removed from work, have in practice been integrated into basic education courses or are following pre-vocational or vocational training.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. HIV/AIDS. The Committee notes that, according to the study entitled"Commercial sexual exploitation of boys, girls and young persons in Honduras", published by ILO/IPEC in 2002, HIV/AIDS is a health problem affecting children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee also notes that, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Honduras reports 50 per cent of the cases of HIV/AIDS in the whole of Central America, of whom, one in five is aged between 15 and 24 years. The Committee notes that HIV/AIDS has serious consequences for orphans, who are at special risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken to improve the situation of these children.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. 1. Child domestic labour. The Committee notes that, according to the statistics included in the study carried out by ILO/IPEC in 2003, "Child domestic labour in Honduras", of the children affected by child domestic labour, 94.3 per cent are girls. Of the 135 persons questioned in Tegucigalpa and the 115 in San Pedro, 239 were girls and 11 boys. With reference to its comments under Article 1 of this direct request concerning the plans to reform the national legislation, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which it intends to accord special attention to the situation of girls so as to ensure that they are not engaged in types of work which are likely to harm their health, safety or morals.

2. Commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee notes that the study entitled "Commercial sexual exploitation of boys, girls and young persons in Honduras", reports that commercial sexual exploitation is an activity that is on the increase in the country. This form of exploitation exists throughout the national territory, for example in tourist areas, border areas, ports and on international traffic routes. Furthermore, it profits various sectors of economic activity, such as tourism, hotels, restaurants and casinos. Activities relating to the commercial sexual exploitation of boys, girls and young persons are linked to international trafficking networks. The Committee notes that, according to this study, despite the magnitude of the problem, few persons are prosecuted and convicted for this crime. The Committee also notes that this worst form of child labour particularly affects girls. It requests the Government to provide information on the effect given to the conclusions and recommendations set out in this study. Furthermore, it requests the Government to provide information on the rehabilitation and social integration of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation and the manner in which the Government intends to accord special attention to these girls and remove them from commercial sexual exploitation.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Competent authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that in 2003 the Technical Council of the National Commission for the Elimination of Child Labour held six meetings to follow up the action taken in the field of child labour. Furthermore, the Government indicates that other institutions working in the field of human rights, women’s rights and children’s rights are engaged in constant monitoring activities and the public denunciation of the presence of boys and girls in types of work identified as being hazardous. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the work of the Technical Council of the National Commission for the Elimination of Child Labour.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and/or assistance. The Committee notes that Honduras is a member of Interpol, the organization which assists in cooperation between countries in the various regions, particularly to combat the trafficking of children. Furthermore, it notes that, according to the information available to the office, the World Bank in June 2003 analysed a new country assistance strategy which will be financed by the International Development Association (IDA). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the new strategy of assistance to the country analysed by the World Bank, particularly in so far as it is contributes to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. It also encourages the Government to cooperate with other countries and requests it to provide detailed information on enhanced international cooperation and/or assistance, including support for social and economic development, poverty eradication programmes and universal education.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. It also notes the information provided by the Government concerning the problems encountered in the implementation of the various programmes. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts and to continue providing 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, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties. To the extent possible, all information provided should be disaggregated by sex.