Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Singapore (Ratification: 2001)

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the Penal Code, Films Act, Undesirable Publications Act and the Children and Young Persons Act collectively provided robust protection against the production, possession and dissemination of pornographic materials. However, it observed that while children of 16–18 years of age were protected from the production, possession or dissemination of publications or information related to commercial sex, the use, procuring or offering of such children for pornography and pornographic performances did not appear to be specifically prohibited. The Committee, therefore, requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the current prohibition on using, procuring or offering of children under 16 years for pornography or for pornographic performances was extended to cover children of 16–18 years of age.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that there are provisions in Singapore’s legislation that make it an offence to use, procure or offer individuals aged 16–18 years for immoral purposes which should include being used to produce pornography or to take part in pornographic performances. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to the Women’s Charter of 1996 and the Penal Code which provide for penalties for the offences related to the use of women, girls and minors for immoral purposes. The Committee notes that according to section 140(1)(h) of the Women’s Charter, any person who detains any women or girls with intent that she may be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution or for any unlawful or immoral purposes shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and to a fine not exceeding US$10,000. Furthermore, as per sections 372 and 373 of the Penal Code, whoever sells, hires, disposes of or otherwise obtains possession of any person under the age of 21 years with intent that such person may be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution or for any unlawful or immoral purposes shall be punished.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that between 2008 and 2010, there were six substantiated cases of trafficking for sexual purposes involving persons under the age of 18 years which led to the prosecution and conviction of 19 persons.