Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

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

In earlier comments, the Committee referred to the lack of any provisions in the national legislation enabling the Convention to be applied to children and young persons exercising an independent activity - employees or apprentices being covered by the provisions on medical examinations of Order No. 17 of 27 May 1969 respecting child labour. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or under consideration to ensure application of the Convention to this category of children and young persons.

In its reports, the Government has stated on several occasions that it intends to take appropriate measures.

The Committee notes the Government's statement in its last report that in view of the fact that the independent activities of children and young persons are carried on in the informal sector which is outside the control of the labour inspectorate, it will not be possible to envisage applying the Convention to this sector until some degree of control is exercised over the sector.

While noting the difficulties referred to by the Government, the Committee points out that children exercising independent activities fall within the scope of the Convention (Article 1, paragraph 1). In order to ensure that the Convention is fully applied, it asks the Government to take the necessary measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention concerning children and young persons and to provide information on progress made in this respect.

The Committee asks the Government to take into consideration the Medical Examination of Young Persons Recommendation (No. 79), and particularly article 14 on methods of enforcement of regular medical examinations for fitness for employment of children and young persons engaged, either on their own account or on account of their parents, in itinerant trading or any other occupation carried on in the streets or in places to which the public have access.