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

Medical Examination of Young Persons (Non-Industrial Occupations) Convention, 1946 (No. 78) - Cameroon (Ratification: 1970)

In its previous comments, the Committee noted with regret that, despite repeated promptings from the Committee, the Government had still not taken legislative measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, and expressed the firm hope that the Government would take such measures in the near future. Noting the Government’s statement that responsibility for legislative measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention lies with the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, the Committee can but reiterate its hope that the Government will take steps at an early date to give effect to the Convention.

Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that there were no provisions in the national legislation allowing the Convention to be applied to children and young persons working on their own account, employees or apprentices being covered by the provisions of Order No. 17 of 27 May 1969 and the Labour Code. It also noted that the Government had indicated once again that medical examinations for young persons were to be extended, inter alia, to young persons engaged in own-account activities in the informal economy and that some municipalities had done this for such a group of workers. The Committee likewise took note of observations by the General Union of Cameroon Workers (GUCW) to the effect that, although provision is made for systematic inspection in the formal sector, no measures have been taken for young persons in the informal economy despite efforts under way for young people in the context of combating HIV/AIDS. The Government said in this connection that it is very difficult to get young persons in the informal economy to undergo a medical examination for fitness for employment, as it is difficult to exercise any control over employers in the informal sector. The Committee expressed the hope that the Government would take the necessary steps, with assistance from the ILO, to ensure the application of the Convention.

The Committee notes the information sent by the Government to the effect that some young persons in the informal economy undergo medical examination, such as unregistered street vendors who operate in the sales areas made available by the public services. It also notes that, according to the Government, the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training will be informed of the comments made on this matter. The Committee again notes that the legal provisions on medical examinations for fitness for employment apply only to young persons working in the formal sector, and again reminds the Government that children employed on their own account are automatically covered by the Convention (Article 1, paragraph 1). The Committee accordingly urges the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Convention is applied in both law and practice to all young workers covered by the Convention, including those working in the informal economy. In view of the fact that, according to information available at the Office, a number of children work in the informal economy, some of them on their own account, the Committee again expresses the firm hope that in its next report the Government will give an account of progress made.