Country profile VUT
Context
Context
| Year | Age group | Proportion | Gender | Indicator | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5-14 | 15.1 | Male | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity and household chores, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2013 | 5-14 | 16.2 | Female | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity and household chores, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2013 | 5-14 | 15.6 | Male & Female | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity and household chores, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2013 | 5-14 | 14.2 | Male | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2013 | 5-14 | 15.8 | Female | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity, by sex and age (%) | Source |
| 2013 | 5-14 | 15 | Male & Female | Proportion of children engaged in economic activity, by sex and age (%) | Source |
National Legal Framework
National Legal Framework
| Provision | Legislation date | Convention | Legislation info | sources | Value | sort_order | Provision description | Legislation description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List of hazardous activities prohibited for children | 2019 | C138 & C182 | Employment Act - Section 40 | [{"link_name":"Employment Act","source_link":"https://vcci.vu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Consolidated-Edition-2019-of-Employment-Act-CAP-160_web.pdf"}] | No | 7 | C138 and C182 require the national determination of a list of hazardous work prohibited for children under 18 years of age. The competent authorities should consult with workers' and employers' organizations to determine what types of employment or work are considered to be hazardous. Such a list shall be periodically examined and revised as necessary. | Vanuatu's Employment Act prohibits hazardous work for children under 15 (Section 40 ) but does not include a defined list of hazardous occupations or activities for those under 18, nor has the government issued one. |
| Minimum age for hazardous work | 2019 | C138 & C182 | Employment Act - Sections 40, 41 and 42 | [{"link_name":"-Employment Act","source_link":"https://vcci.vu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Consolidated-Edition-2019-of-Employment-Act-CAP-160_web.pdf"},{"link_name":"-CEACR","source_link":"https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/nrmlx_en/f?p=1000:13100:0::NO:13100:P13100_COMMENT_ID,P13100_COUNTRY_ID:4419606,103350"}] | No | 6 | C138 and C182 set 18 as the minimum age for hazardous work, which is defined as work that, due to its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to jeopardize children’s health, safety or morals. C138 and C182 allow countries to permit hazardous work exceptionally as from 16, provided that the health, safety and morals of the young persons concerned are fully protected and that they have received adequate specific instruction or training. | The Employment Act [CAP 160] prohibits employment of persons under 15 in industrial undertakings or on ships (Section 40), and restricts employment of those under 18 at night or on ships without medical clearance (Sections 41–42). However, it does not explicitly prohibit hazardous work for children under 18, nor does it provide a defined list of hazardous activities as required under C138 and C182. The CEACR has repeatedly urged the Government to amend its legislation to align with the Conventions and prohibit hazardous work under the age of 18. |
| Is the use, procuring or offering of children for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs, prohibited? | 2005 | C182 | Counter‑Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crime Act ; Penal Code - Section 102 | [{"link_name":"-Counter\u2011Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crime Act","source_link":"https://fiu.gov.vu/docs/Counter%20Terrorism%20and%20Transnational%20Organised%20Crime%20Act%20%5BCAP%20313%5D.pdf"},{"link_name":"-Penal Code","source_link":"https://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1965/1965-0007/1965-0007_2.pdf"}] | No | 11 | C182 prohibits the use, procuring or offering of children for illicit activities in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. | Section 102 of the Penal Code criminalises trafficking in persons, including children. The CTTOC Act enhances penalties for trafficking children. However, neither law expressly prohibits using children in drug production or trafficking, nor provides enhanced penalties for such use. |
| Is the use, procuring or offering of a child for the purpose of prostitution and for production of pornography prohibited? | 2003 | C182 | Penal Code - Sections 101A–101C and 147A–147B | [{"link_name":"Penal Code","source_link":"https://fiu.gov.vu/docs/Penal%20Code%20%5BCap%20135%5D.pdf"}] | Yes | 10 | C182 prohibits the use of a child under the age of 18 for prostitution, regardless of the child's consent. The use, procuring or offering of any person under the age of 18 for commercial sexual exploitation constitutes a worst form of child labour, even if prostitution is a legalised. In regard to the prohibition of child pornography, States need to make sure that national legislation addresses the involvement of a child in the production of pornographic materials, including non-recorded performances. | Vanuatu’s Penal Code criminalises child prostitution and related activities under sections 101A–101C and explicitly prohibits possession and publication of child pornography under sections 147A–147B. |
| Is forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 for use in armed conflict prohibited? | N/A | C182 | N/A | [{"link_name":"N/A","source_link":"-"}] | Yes | 9 | C182 defines forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 for use in armed conflict as a worst form of child labour. Nevertheless, C182 only prohibits the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18, and does not cover the voluntary recruitment of children under 18. | Vanuatu has no regular army and does not enforce conscription. The Vanuatu Mobile Force is a volunteer paramilitary unit under the Police Force, meaning no state or forced recruitment of individuals under 18 exists. |
| Is the sale and trafficking of children for sexual and labour exploitation prohibited? | 2006 | C182 | Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2003 - Section 102 ; Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crime Act (CTTOC) 2006 - Section 35 | [{"link_name":"-Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crime Act (CTTOC) 2006","source_link":"https://fiu.gov.vu/docs/Counter%20Terrorism%20and%20Transnational%20Organised%20Crime%20Act%20%5BCAP%20313%5D.pdf"},{"link_name":"-Penal Code","source_link":"https://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1965/1965-0007/1965-0007_2.pdf"}] | Yes | 8 | C182 defines 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 as worst forms of child labour. | Vanuatu’s Penal Code criminalises trafficking in persons (Section 102) and includes slavery, debt bondage, and the sale of children. The CTTOC Act (Section 35) explicitly penalises trafficking of children with penalties up to 15 years' imprisonment. Article 35 of the CTTOC (2015 amendment) specifically addresses trafficking of children. |
| Minimum age for admission to apprenticeship | 2019 | C138 | Employment Act - Section 71 | [{"link_name":"Employment Act","source_link":"https://vcci.vu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Consolidated-Edition-2019-of-Employment-Act-CAP-160_web.pdf"}] | No | 5 | C138 does not apply to work done in school for general, vocational or technical education or in training institutions or work done by children at least 14 years of age in undertakings, where such work is carried out in accordance with conditions prescribed by the competent authority. Such work must be an integral part of: (i) a course of education or training for which a school or training institution is primarily responsible; (ii) a programme of training mainly or entirely in an undertaking, which programme has been approved by the competent authority; or (iii) a programme of guidance or orientation designed to facilitate the choice of an occupation or of a line of training. | Section 71 empowers the Minister to issue regulations on apprenticeships (including age, training standards, and employer obligations). However, no such regulations have been made or published, meaning there is no legal framework to ensure apprenticeships meet C138’s conditions. |
| Is the minimum age for admission to work not less than the age for completion of compulsory schooling? | 2019 | C138 | Employment Act - Section 7 | [{"link_name":"Employment Act","source_link":"https://vcci.vu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Consolidated-Edition-2019-of-Employment-Act-CAP-160_web.pdf"}] | Yes | 4 | C138 requires that the minimum age for admission to work shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling and, in any case, shall not be less than 15 years. | Section 7 of the Education Act 2014 mandates full-time education for children aged 6 to 13 (i.e., until the end of the school year before turning 14). The Employment Act establishes the minimum employment age at 14. As the minimum age for work (14) is not lower than the completion of compulsory education (13), the legislation meets the requirement under C138. |
| Light work - Determination of types and conditions of activities | 2019 | C138 | Employment Act - Sections 38 and 39 | [{"link_name":"Employment Act","source_link":"https://vcci.vu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Consolidated-Edition-2019-of-Employment-Act-CAP-160_web.pdf"}] | N/A | 3 | If the country chooses to allow light work, States must determine what activities are considered light work, and the hours and the circumstances under which they may be carried out. | The law permits light work for children under certain conditions (Sections 38–39), but it does not clearly define the types of activities, hours, or conditions under which light work may be performed. No specific regulation has been issued to determine these aspects as required by C138. |
| Minimum age for light work | 2019 | C138 | Employment Act - Sections 38 and 39 | [{"link_name":"Employment Act","source_link":"https://vcci.vu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Consolidated-Edition-2019-of-Employment-Act-CAP-160_web.pdf"}] | 12 | 2 | C138 defines light work as work that does not interfere with children’s schooling, or their ability to benefit from it, and that is not hazardous. C138 allows countries to permit light work for children younger than the general minimum age. For countries that set the minimum age at 15, this means children aged 13-14, and for those that set it at 14, children aged 12-13 may engage in light work. | Section 38 permits light work for children under 12 on family farms, which does not align with C138. Section 39 allows light agricultural or domestic work for children under 14. These provisions fall short of the Convention’s minimum requirement of age 12 for light work. |
| Minimum age for admission to work | 2019 | C138 | Employment Act - Section 39 | [{"link_name":"Employment Act","source_link":"https://vcci.vu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Consolidated-Edition-2019-of-Employment-Act-CAP-160_web.pdf"}] | 14 | 1 | C138 establishes 15 as the minimum age for work in general. Developing countries have the option of setting a minimum age of 14 as a transitional measure as they strengthen their education systems and economies. | Vanuatu acceded to Convention C138 in 2019, revising national law to set the minimum age for regular work at 14 (Section 39 of the Employment Act). |
International Legal Framework
International Legal Framework
| Ratification status | Convention | Convention description | Date of ratification | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| in-force | C138 | Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) | 24-JUN-2019 | Source |
| in-force | C182 | Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) | 28-AUG-2006 | Source |
Policies and Plans
Policies and Plans
| Description | sources | Period | Policy name | Implementing agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A comprehensive whole-of-government initiative to prevent, detect, and respond to trafficking in persons—covering prevention, victim protection, prosecution, and coordination mechanisms | [{"link_name":"National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons","source_link":"https://roasiapacific.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl671/files/documents/2025-02/vanuatus-national-action-plan-to-combat-trafficking-in-persons-2024-2028.pdf"}] | 2024–2028 | National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons | Ministry of Internal Affairs (in collaboration with IOM) |
| A strategic plan to strengthen the education sector in Vanuatu, including the education budget and monitoring of expenses. Provides access to education to all children in Vanuatu. Implements quality infrastructure based on needs. Reduces the number of out-of-school children and identifies children studying at the incorrect grade level. | [{"link_name":"Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan","source_link":"https://moet.gov.vu/docs/corporate-plans/Vanuatu%20Education%20%26%20Training%20Sector%20Strategy%20Summary_2021%20-%202030.pdf"}] | 2021–2030 | Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan | Ministry of Education and Training |
| Aims to protect all children from worst forms of child labour—including commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking—and ensures equitable access to reintegration and recovery services. | [{"link_name":"National Child Protection Policy","source_link":"https://mjcs.gov.vu/images/policy/Vanuatu_National_Child_Protection_Policy_2016-2026_FINAL_Nov16.pdf"}] | 2016–2026 | National Child Protection Policy | Ministry of Justice and Community Services |