Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Guatemala (Ratification: 1990)

The Committee takes note of a communication from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) dated 10 January 2002, containing certain comments on the application of the Convention. A copy of this communication was transmitted to the Government on 28 January 2002 for any comments which it might wish to make regarding matters raised in it. To date the Office has not received the Government’s comments. While waiting for the Government’s reply, the Committee refers to the ICFTU communication in the comments below.

In its communication, the ICFTU states that child labour is very widespread in Guatemala. The ICFTU refers to government statistics which indicate that about 821,875 children between the ages of seven and 14 years are economically active, most of them in agriculture or in informal urban activities such as shining shoes or street entertainment. Children are also involved in begging.

In its communication the ICFTU adds that child workers are often exploited and work in the worst conditions. Safety and health legislation is non-existent and many children work in highly dangerous activities, such as manufacturing fireworks or in quarries. The ICFTU emphasizes that the fireworks industry is particularly dangerous, and children are often seriously injured or killed in accidents. According to the ICFTU, although most of these activities take place in family-run workshops, about 10 per cent of the children work in factories, where they perform the most dangerous tasks, such as measuring out explosives.

The Committee requests the Government to communicate its comments on the ICFTU’s statements.