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

Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Suriname (Ratification: 2006)

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. Following its previous comments, Committee notes with interest the Government’s statement that it is preparing draft legislation for accession to the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138). The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts in this regard, and to continue to provide information on progress made towards the ratification of Convention No. 138.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that Title XIV of the Criminal Code concerning sexual offences was amended in July 2009, and it requested a copy of the Code, as amended.

In this regard, the Committee with notes satisfaction that Act No. 122 of 29 July 2009, relating to further amendments to the Criminal Code on sexual offences, amends the Criminal Code to prohibit committing an immoral act with a person under 18 in exchange for payment (pursuant to sections 300 and 303a). The Committee further notes that section 303 of the amended Criminal Code prohibits inducing a person under 18 to commit immoral acts by, inter alia, the promising of money or property. In addition, the Committee notes that section 293 of the amended Criminal Code states that it is an offence to produce, distribute, exhibit, import, export, or possess images of sexual acts by persons under 18.

Article 4(1). Determination of hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the Preparatory Working Group of the National Commission on Child Labour had formulated the draft Decree containing a list of types of hazardous work prohibited to children under 18 years of age. The Committee requested the Government to take measures to ensure the adoption of the draft Decree.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the State Decree on Hazardous Labour for Young Persons has been adopted. The Government states that this Decree contains a list of hazardous forms of work that are, or may be, hazardous for children and young persons. The Government states that this list will be reviewed periodically. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the State Decree on Hazardous Labour for Young Persons, with its next report.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.