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

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Togo (Ratification: 1984)

Article 8 of the Convention. Artistic performances. The Committee previously noted that, under section 150 of the Labour Code of 2006, the minimum age for admission to employment or work is set at 15 years, unless derogations are envisaged by order of the minister responsible for labour. It noted the Government’s indication that, in accordance with section 150, an order derogating from the minimum age for admission to employment has been prepared and is awaiting approval by the National Council for Labour and Labour Laws, the members of which include employers’ and workers’ organizations. The draft order provides that, outside school hours and in the interest of art, science or education, the labour inspector may grant individual permits to children under 15 years of age to allow them to appear in public performances and to participate as actors or extras in films. The Government indicated that these derogations would be granted after consultation with the organizations of the employers and workers concerned and would specify the number of hours of work authorized, and the working conditions.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the draft order has not yet been approved but that in practice such authorizations are granted by labour inspectors. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number and nature of individual authorizations granted by labour inspectors to children under the age of 15 to allow them to appear in public performances and to participate as actors or extras in films. The Committee again requests the Government for information on progress towards the adoption of the draft order and to send a copy once it has been adopted.