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

Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Cameroon (Ratification: 2002)

Article 4(3) of the Convention. Periodic review and revision of the list of hazardous types of work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Order No. 17 of 27 May 1969 on child labour (Order No. 17) had been adopted over 30 years ago. It reminded the Government that, under the terms of Article 4(3) of the Convention, the list of hazardous types of work shall be periodically examined and revised as necessary, in consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will take all the necessary measures to ensure that the implementing texts of the new Labour Code take into account the revision of the list of hazardous types of work prohibited for children. The Government indicates that the preliminary draft of the Bill issuing the Labour Code has been validated by the National Labour Advisory Commission, a tripartite body. The Committee urges the Government to take measures to revise Order No. 17 of 27 May 1969 in the framework of the implementation of the new Labour Code, once it has been adopted. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect.

Article 6. Programmes of action and application of the Convention in practice. Trafficking of children. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that information on the adoption and implementation of the National Plan to Combat the Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children of 2009 will be provided subsequently. The Committee urges the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the framework on the National Plan to Combat the Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children adopted in 2009, and on the impact of these measures in terms of protecting children against trafficking.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (a) and (b). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, and removing them from these forms of child labour. Sale and trafficking of children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, although ad hoc transit and shelter centres are set up in Cameroon when a convoy of victims of trafficking is intercepted, the referral of victims of trafficking to such centres involves cumbersome administrative procedures. In this regard, the Committee notes that a new system for the protection of victims of trafficking through foster families was to have begun in 2010.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications that measures have been taken to facilitate the administrative procedure of the referral of victims to transit and shelter centres. The Government adds that child instruction centres and high level training centres have been established throughout the country to ensure access to free basic education and vocational training for child victims of sale and trafficking. The Committee again requests the Government to provide information on the number of children actually removed from trafficking and placed in transit and shelter facilities and foster families.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Street children. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the PANETEC document, the involvement of children in street activities is a major social concern in large cities and certain agglomerations in the country. Many children are used (including by their own parents) on a daily basis in small businesses and various small-scale production activities. They also work as porters (particularly boys) and are sometimes involved in begging (boys and girls) and prostitution (essentially girls). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that 182 street children have been identified in five regions of the county, of whom 57 have been removed from the streets and provided with social rehabilitation. Considering that street children are particularly at risk of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee encourages the Government to continue its efforts for the identification, removal and reintegration of street children. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken and the results achieved in the framework of the project to combat the phenomenon of street children, particularly in the framework of the PANETEC.

Article 8. International cooperation. 1. Regional cooperation concerning the sale and trafficking of children. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that dialogue is still continuing between the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon with a view to concluding a bilateral cooperation agreement. The Committee notes in this respect that, according to a study prepared jointly in 2012 by the Government and the Understanding Children’s Work programme (UCW, 2012), trafficking of children in Cameroon has international aspects involving young persons from Nigeria and the Central African Republic. In light of the extent of trans-border trafficking in the country, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to finalize the bilateral cooperation agreement with Nigeria. It requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this regard.

2. Poverty reduction. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the indication that Cameroon planned to reduce poverty and, accordingly, to reduce significantly the worst forms of child labour through the implementation of the Growth and Employment Strategy Paper (GESP).

The Committee notes that, through the PANETEC, it is planned to integrate the issue of child labour into the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the policies and programmes set out in the GESP with a view to improving their relevance. Noting once again 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 urges the Government to provide information on the specific measures planned in the context of the implementation of GESP policies and programmes, reinforced by the PANETEC, for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

[The Government is asked to supply particulars to the Conference at its 104th Session and to reply in detail to the present comments in 2015.]