Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

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

Article 7(2) of the Convention. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Children at special risk. Roma children. The Committee previously noted that the level of education of the Roma population remains lower than for the rest of the population and that the rate of absenteeism in compulsory secondary education is higher for Roma children than for the rest of the population. The Committee asked the Government to continue providing information on the results achieved as part of the National Strategy for Roma Integration in Spain (2012–20) with the aim of improving access to education for Roma children and maintaining their presence in the education system.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications in its report concerning the results achieved through the National Roma Integration Strategy in Spain (2012–20) aimed at improving access to education for Roma children and maintaining their presence in the education system. The Government’s interim report for 2012–16 indicates an increase in the rate of young persons completing post-compulsory education (from 2.6 per cent to 7.7 per cent), an increase in the percentage of students of Roma origin in the 13–15 age group who attend school (up 8 per cent for boys and up 17.5 per cent for girls) and a reduction in the illiteracy rate among the Roma population (down to 1.9 per cent). However, the Committee notes the Government’s indications that there is no up-to-date information on: (i) the increase in the school attendance of the Roma population in pre-school and primary education; (ii) progress towards universal schooling; (iii) the drop-out rate before the end of compulsory schooling; and (iv) the number of diplomas obtained by Roma children at the end of secondary schooling in relation to their attendance rate.

The Committee duly notes the adoption of the 2018–20 operational plan relating to the effective implementation of the National Strategy for Roma Integration in Spain (2012–20), which establishes the work framework to be followed, specifically for the various administrative entities (central government, autonomous communities and local bodies). Education is one of the four main components of this strategy, and there are additional components for addressing discrimination, including against the Roma population. The operational plan includes the MUS-E programme for the educational and cultural integration of socially disadvantaged pupils through artistic activities in primary, secondary and specialist education centres. Furthermore, teaching materials relating to the Roma population for use in primary and secondary education have been developed. These are awaiting review in the primary sector and awaiting further development in the secondary sector.

The Committee notes the different financial resources allocated to activities for the integration of the Roma community: (i) the Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare has allocated a budget for the Roma community of which 82 per cent is allocated to activities aimed at employment, social inclusion and education. This financial aid increased from €8,833,904.99 in 2015 to €14,217,963.26 in 2017; (ii) the above-mentioned Ministry awards subsidies to implement programmes for cooperation and social volunteer work, with priority given to capacity-building for Roma women and the strengthening of educational activities to combat absenteeism and school wastage; (iii) in 2018, the Ministry also continued to co-finance the autonomous communities and local entities in the implementation of comprehensive social action projects covering health care, prevention, action against marginalization and integration of the Roma population, with a total budget of over €2,400,000; and (iv) the European Social Fund increased its financial support from 8,111,140 euros in 2015 to €9,903,042.52 in 2017, including 6 per cent for general education and 5 per cent for education and social inclusion.

However, the Committee notes that the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in its concluding observations of 5 March 2018 (CRC/C/ESP/CO/5-6, paragraphs 39–44), expressed concern that, despite the Government’s efforts, education is implemented unevenly in the various autonomous communities. It also expressed concern at the high rate of young persons leaving education and training early and at the fact that almost one fifth of all secondary school students, particularly immigrant children, Roma girls and children living in poverty, do not obtain the compulsory education diploma. The poorest education results are recorded for children of Roma origin and from migrant backgrounds, who appear to be concentrated in certain schools. While duly noting the measures taken by the Government to ensure that children from the Roma community are not exposed to the worst forms of child labour and are integrated into society, the Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to integrate these children into primary, secondary and higher education. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on the results achieved through the National Strategy for Roma Integration in Spain (2012–20) and other related activities. Please provide information disaggregated by gender, age and ethnic origin.