Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Zimbabwe (Ratification: 2000)

Article 3 of the Convention. Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee previously noted that section 10(1)(d) of the Children’s Act states that any person who causes any child or young person to perform or be exhibited in any way for public entertainment in a manner likely to be detrimental to the child’s or young person’s health, morals, mind or body, commits an offence. It also noted that section 8 of the Children’s Act made it an offence to cause or induce a person under 18 to commit “immoral acts”. In response to the Committee’s request, the Government indicated that the term “immoral acts” is to be construed widely, to advance the intention of the Children’s Act, which is the protection and promotion of the welfare and rights of children.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the use, producing or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is prohibited pursuant to the Children’s Act. It also notes the Government’s statement that information on court cases relating to sections 8 and 10(1)(d) of the Children’s Act are not currently available but would be communicated to the Office once available.

Article 7(2). Clause (c). Effective and time-bound measures. Access to free basic education for children removed from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre provides vocational training for children and caters to the needs of children under difficult circumstances. The Committee requested information on children who had been removed from the worst forms of child labour and provided services through this Centre. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre does not yet provide rehabilitation to children withdrawn from the worst forms of child labour. The Government indicates that it intends, during the implementation of phase II of the Project on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Zimbabwe, to establish a special wing at the rehabilitation centre to cater to children withdrawn from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government’s to pursue its efforts to provide appropriate rehabilitation services to children removed from the worst forms of child labour and to facilitate their access to basic education. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on progress made in this regard.