Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) (Ratification: 1987)

The Committee notes the communication by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), dated 21 November 2002, containing certain comments on the application of the Convention. It also notes the comments made by the Government on 28 January 2003 concerning the matters raised by the ICFTU.

In its communication, the ICFTU indicates that child labour is widespread in the informal sector and in unregulated activities. According to certain estimates, the number of children working in agriculture, domestic work and as street vendors is 1.2 million. In addition, 300,000 children are reported to be working in the formal sector.

While noting the Government’s indication that the comments of the ICFTU are imprecise and lack substance, the Committee would be grateful, in view of the high number of working children estimated by the ICFTU, namely 1.2 million, if the Government would provide fuller information on child labour in the informal sector and in unregulated activities, particularly with regard to agriculture, domestic work and as street vendors.