Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Cameroon (Ratification: 2001)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes the observations of the General Union of Workers of Cameroon (UGTC), received on 16 September 2021. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in response to the observations made by the UGTC.

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy and application of the Convention in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that over 1.5 million children under 14 years of age were working in Cameroon and over a quarter of children aged 7 or 8 years were engaged in some form of economic activity (27 and 35 per cent, respectively) and were at serious risk (of abuse, injuries and disease) in the workplace owing to their extreme youth. In addition, 164,000 children between 14 and 17 years of age were forced to perform hazardous work. The Committee also noted with concern that the National Plan of Action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour (PANETEC) had still not been adopted.

The Committee notes that the Government indicates in its report that the PANETEC was adopted on 18 October 2017, and was updated in 2020. The Government indicates that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has established the National Committee against child labour in Cameroon (CNLTEC) and that, at the Committee’s third session, held on 26 September 2018, the PANETEC was presented to the public, with a view to eradicating the worst forms of child labour by 2025. However, the Committee notes the UGTC’s observation that neither the PANETEC nor the CNLTEC is operational due to lack of funds. Moreover, the Committee notes that the Economic and Social Council, in its 2019 concluding observations, again noted with concern that many children aged between 6 and 14 years of age were engaged in some form of economic activity, particularly in the informal sector (E/C.12/CMR/CO/4, paragraph 42). The Committee urges the Government once again to step up its efforts to ensure the effective elimination of child labour below the minimum age for admission to employment, including in hazardous types of work, in particular by taking measures to implement the PANETEC. In that connection, it requests the Government for information on the implementation of the PANETEC and the results achieved.

Article 2(1). Application and labour inspection. Children working in the informal economy. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Code only applies within the framework of an employment relationship and does not protect children engaged in work outside a contractual employment relationship. However, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that children are essentially engaged in activities in the informal economy. The Committee also noted that the resources allocated to the labour inspection services were not adequate to conduct effective investigations and that the services did not carry out inspections in the informal economy. It noted that, within the framework of the PANETEC, the reinforcement of the means of action of labour inspectors and the extension of their scope of intervention were priorities.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that labour inspectors receive training in labour standards covering all aspects related to work, including child labour. Inspections carried out by the labour inspectors are, in conformity with the legislation, general in nature and cover all sectors and branches of work; they are also directed at all targets, including cases potentially involving children. The objective set for the number of annual inspections is revised upwards each year. The Government reports that 6,500 inspections were foreseen for 2020 and that despite the upheavals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 5,365 had been carried out. However, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is unaware of any recorded violations and therefore unable to transmit any related information or extracts of reports.

The Committee recalls that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all kinds of employment or work, whether or not there is a labour relationship or paid remuneration. In that regard, the expansion of the relevant monitoring mechanisms to the informal economy can be an important manner to ensure that the Convention is applied in practice, particularly in countries where expanding the scope of the implementing legislation to address children working in the informal economy does not seem a practicable solution (General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2021, paragraph 345). The Committee urges the Government to take the steps necessary, within the framework of the PANETEC or otherwise, to reinforce the capacities of the labour inspectorate and widen the scope of its intervention to fully and adequately address participation in informal economic activity by children. It requests the Government to take measures to obtain relevant information on the inspections carried out by labour inspectors in the area of child labour, both in the formal and informal economy, including the number of violations recorded and extracts from the inspection reports.

Article 2(3). Age of completion of compulsory education. The Committee previously noted that the school attendance rate of working children aged between 6 to 14 years (70 per cent) was substantially lower than that of non-working children (86 per cent). The Committee noted that by virtue of Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 governing education in Cameroon, only primary education is compulsory in the country, and that it ends at 12 years of age, which is two years before the minimum age for admission to employment or work (14 years). The Committee urged the Government to take the necessary steps to make education compulsory up to the minimum age for admission to employment, namely 14 years.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that parents are incited to place their children in schooling under article 355(2) of the Penal Code, which sanctions parents who have sufficient means but who refuse to do so. The Committee stresses however that parents are only obliged to send their children to school until the end of compulsory education, and that this age is still linked to the completion of elementary school, i.e at 12 years of age. Moreover the UGTC observes that despite the provisions of the Penal Code, certain children do not go to school and are forced to remain idle due to lack of means. With reference to the 2012 General Survey, the Committee again observes that if compulsory schooling comes to an end before children are legally entitled to work, there may arise a vacuum which regrettably opens the door for the economic exploitation of children (paragraph 371). The Committee therefore recalls that it is preferable to raise the age of completion of compulsory education to coincide with that of the minimum age for admission to employment, as provided in paragraph 4 of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146). Recalling that compulsory schooling is one of the most effective means of combating child labour, the Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary steps to make education compulsory up to the minimum age for admission to employment, namely 14 years. It requests the Government to provide information on progress made in this respect in its next report.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Articles 1 and 2(1) of the Convention. National policy, minimum age for admission to employment or work, and application of the Convention in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Code only applies within the framework of an employment relationship and does not protect children engaged in work outside a contractual employment relationship. However, the Committee noted that over 1.5 million children under 14 years of age were working in Cameroon and over a quarter of children aged 7 or 8 years were engaged in some form of economic activity (27 and 35 per cent, respectively) and were at serious risk of abuse, injury and disease in the workplace owing to their extreme youth. In addition, 164,000 children between 14 and 17 years of age were forced to perform hazardous work. The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that the children’s economic activities were mainly in the informal economy.

The Committee noted that the resources allocated to the labour inspectorate were insufficient to conduct effective investigations and that it did not carry out inspections in the informal economy. It noted the adoption of the National Plan of Action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour (PANETEC) 2014–16, within which the reinforcement of resources for action by labour inspectors and the extension of their scope of activity were priorities. Substantial resources for action (logistics and transport, operating budget and inspection operations) were to be allocated to the labour inspection services to enable them to extend their activities effectively against child labour.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the National Committee on Combating Child Labour has incorporated its anti-child labour activities in the programme and budget of the State. However, the Committee notes with concern the Government’s indication that the PANETEC has still not been adopted, which is an obstacle to its effective implementation. The Committee reminds the Government that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity, whether formal or informal, and that it covers all types of employment or work, irrespective of whether or not it is on the basis of a contractual employment relationship and whether or not it is remunerated. Referring to the General Survey of 2012 on the fundamental Conventions (paragraph 345), the Committee observes once again that in some cases the limited number of labour inspectors does not enable the whole of the informal economy to be covered. Hence it calls on member States to strengthen the capacities of the labour inspectorate.

The Committee is once again bound to express its deep concern at the significant number of children who are working in Cameroon, including in hazardous types of work. The Committee urges the Government once again to step up its efforts to ensure the effective elimination of child labour below the minimum age for admission to employment, including in hazardous types of work, in particular by reinforcing labour inspection in the informal economy. The Committee requests that the Government provide information on progress made in this respect. It also requests that the Government continue providing information on the practical conduct of inspections by labour inspectors in the area of child labour, including the number of violations recorded and extracts from inspection reports. Lastly, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the PANETEC is adopted as soon as possible.

Article 2(3). Age of completion of compulsory education. The Committee previously noted that the school attendance rate of working children was substantially lower than that of non-working children, at all ages. The school attendance rate was 70 per cent for working children between 6 and 14 years of age but was 86 per cent among children who did not work.

The Committee notes that the national education system is regulated by Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 governing education in Cameroon. Under section 9 of the Act, only primary education is compulsory in the country, which begins at the age of 6 years (following two years of preschool education) and lasts for a six-year period (section 16). Hence compulsory schooling ends at the age of 12 years in Cameroon, namely two years before the minimum age for admission to employment or work (14 years). Referring to the General Survey of 2012 on the fundamental Conventions, the Committee observes that if compulsory schooling comes to an end before children are legally entitled to work, a vacuum may arise which regrettably opens the door for the economic exploitation of children (paragraph 371). The Committee therefore considers that the age of completion of compulsory schooling should be raised to coincide with that of the minimum age for admission to employment or work, as provided for in Paragraph 4 of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146). Recalling that compulsory schooling is one of the most effective means of combating child labour, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary steps to make education compulsory up to the minimum age for admission to employment, namely 14 years.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

The Committee takes note of the observations of the General Union of Workers of Cameroon (UGTC), received on 10 October 2014.

Articles 1 and 2(1) of the Convention. National policy, minimum age for admission to employment or work and application of the Convention in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Code only applies within the framework of an employment relationship and does not protect children engaged in work outside a contractual employment relationship. It noted that the resources allocated to the labour inspection services were not adequate to conduct effective investigations and that they did not carry out inspections in the informal economy. The Committee also expressed concern at the large number of children under 14 years of age engaged in work in Cameroon and noted with regret that the National Plan to Combat Child Labour, to which the Government had been referring since 2006, had still not been drawn up.

The Committee takes due note of the adoption in March 2014 in Yaoundé of the National Plan of Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour (PANETEC) 2014–16. The Government, as well as the UGTC, add that a National Committee to Combat Child Labour has been established following the adoption of Order No. 082/PM of 27 August 2014. The Committee notes that, within the framework of the PANETEC, the reinforcement of the means of action of labour inspectors and the extension of their scope of intervention are priorities. Substantial resources for intervention (logistics and transport, operating budget and interventions) will be allocated to the labour inspection services to enable them to extend their interventions effectively against child labour.

However, the Committee notes that, according to a study undertaken jointly in 2012 by the Government and the Understanding Children’s Work programme (UCW, 2012), over 1,500,000 children under 14 years of age are engaged in work in Cameroon. Economically active children are very young: over a quarter of children in Cameroon aged between 7 and 8 are engaged in some form of economic work (27 and 35 per cent, respectively) and are at serious risk at the workplace (of abuse, injury and disease) due to their very young age. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that children are essentially engaged in activities in the informal economy. In this regard, with reference to the 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions (paragraph 345), the Committee observes that in certain cases the limited number of labour inspectors makes it difficult to cover the whole of the informal economy. For this reason, it invites States parties to reinforce the capacities of the labour inspectorate. The Committee once again expresses its deep concern at the large number of children under 14 years of age who work in Cameroon, including in hazardous types of work. It urges the Government to intensify its efforts to ensure the effective eradication of child labour under the minimum age for admission to employment, in particular by reinforcing labour inspection in the informal economy. It also requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the PANETEC and the results achieved.

Article 2(3). Age of completion of compulsorily schooling. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the age of completion of compulsory schooling is 14 years and that primary education is free. The Committee requested the Government to intensify its efforts to enable children under 14 years of age to have access to compulsory basic schooling.

The Committee notes that, according to the UCW 2012 study, the school attendance rate of working children is substantially lower than that of children who do not work, at all ages. The school attendance rate is 70 per cent for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years who work, but it is 86 per cent among children who do not work. In this respect, the Committee notes that one of the strategic priorities of the PANETEC is to promote education by ensuring quality primary education for all and the access of vulnerable children to universal education. Considering that compulsory schooling is one of the most effective means of combating child labour, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to enable children under 14 years of age to have access to compulsory basic schooling. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect, and on the results achieved, particularly in the framework of the PANETEC.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy. In its previous comments, the Committee noted a communication from the General Confederation of Labour – Liberty of Cameroon (CGT–Liberté) observing that the National Plan to Combat Child Labour (National Plan) has never been formally adopted. It also noted the information from the Government that inter-ministerial consultations are being held to update and finalize the National Plan.

The Committee notes with regret the information sent by the Government in its report on the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), that the National Plan has still not been drawn up. It also notes that implementation of the Plan is to start after a legal and institutional framework has been set up. Noting that the Government has been referring since 2006 to the elaboration of the National Plan to Combat Child Labour, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Plan is adopted and implemented at the earliest possible date. It requests the Government to provide information on progress made to this end.

Article 2(1) and Part V of the report form. Minimum age of admission to employment or work and application of the Convention in practice. The Committee noted previously that there are no exemptions for light work to the minimum age of 14 years for admission to work. It also noted that according to UNICEF statistics for the years 2000–06, 31 per cent of children aged between 5 and 14 years in Cameroon are working. It likewise noted that an ILO–IPEC action programme entitled “Survey and development of a database on child labour” started up in March 2007. According to the summary of this programme, the premature entry of children into the labour market remains a worrying phenomenon in Cameroon, among other reasons because the people live in a state of poverty. For example, a basic survey on child labour in commercial agriculture, conducted in 2004 in the major cocoa-producing areas, reveals that 30 per cent of children under 14 years of age are involved in cocoa-production activities. The summary nonetheless indicates that there is a lack of statistical data on child labour problems in Cameroon and that most statistical sources were not designed to deal specifically with child labour. Consequently, in 2007 the Government conducted a modular survey on child labour, through the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the aim being to compile a fuller survey with nationwide coverage.

The Committee notes that the Government has provided some of the statistics compiled by the National Report on Child Labour in Cameroon conducted by the INS in cooperation with ILO–IPEC and published in December 2008. The results of this survey show that in 2007, 41 per cent of children aged from 5–17 years – i.e. 2,441,181 – work in Cameroon. The report indicates that children’s participation in economic activities increases with age and that 51 per cent of the 10–14 age group is engaged in work. Of the economically active 5–17 year-olds, 85.2 per cent are used in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and harvesting, and 4.4 per cent in hazardous work. Furthermore, 79.3 per cent of working children are employed in unpaid jobs as family workers. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government to the effect that no reports by the inspection services refer to the use of children in enterprises. The Committee again expresses its deep concern at the large number of children under 14 years of age in Cameroon who work and accordingly urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that work by children under the minimum age for admission to employment is effectively abolished, in particular by stepping up labour inspection in the informal economy.

Article 2(3). Age of completion of compulsory schooling. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that there are no legal or regulatory provisions establishing the age for compulsory schooling. It also noted that according to the 2006 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey conducted by the INS in collaboration with UNICEF, around 44 per cent of children who have reached the statutory age of entry to the first year of primary school, i.e. six years, are actually enrolled. The survey also indicates that the net primary school attendance rate is 64 per cent for 6 year-olds and that it gradually increases with age, reaching 90 per cent for 11 year-olds. Furthermore, 35 per cent of children of secondary school age are still in primary school. The Committee also noted that only 38 per cent of children aged between 12 and 18 attend a secondary or higher education establishment.

The Committee notes the information from the Government to the effect that the age of completion of compulsory education is 14 years and that primary schooling is free. It also notes the information supplied by the Government in the report it submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child on 3 April 2008 (CRC/C/CMR/2, paragraph 204), that a sectoral education strategy to help facilitate access to education for young girls was adopted in 2002. Various measures have been taken in this context to promote literacy and increase the enrolment of girls (CRC/C/CMR/2, paragraphs 204–205). The report also indicates that school aid is provided to destitute children and children from indigent families (CRC/C/CMR/2, paragraph 195).

The Committee takes due note of the measures taken by the Government in the field of education. It observes, however, that according to the UNESCO statistics for 2008, the situation remains worrying. For example, 12 per cent of children of compulsory schooling age do not attend school and the primary school repeat rate is 17 per cent. The Committee further notes that according to UNESCO’s Education For All Global Monitoring Report 2009, in Cameroon children who work suffer a 30–67 per cent disadvantage in terms of school attendance. The National Report on Child Labour in Cameroon reveals that up to the age of 14 educational retardation and school dropout rates are higher among children performing work to be abolished than among other children. It also indicates that 39.8 per cent of children between 10 and 14 years of age study and work at the same time. The Committee further notes that in its concluding observations of February 2010 (CRC/C/CMR/CO/2, paragraph 65), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern at the low budgetary allocation for education and the significant gender and regional disparities in access to education, particularly in the Far North, North, Adamaoua, East and Southern regions. The Committee also notes the concern expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child at the insufficient number of trained teachers, the poor quality of education and the lack of learning materials and equipment. Considering that compulsory education is one of the most effective means of combating child labour, the Committee urges the Government to redouble its efforts to improve the running of the education system so as to allow children under 14 years of age access to basic compulsory schooling, particularly in the most affected regions of the country. It also asks the Government to provide information on progress made in this respect and on results obtained, particularly under the sectoral education strategy. The Committee also asks the Government to indicate the provisions of national laws or regulations that prescribe the age of completion of compulsory schooling.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes the communication from the General Confederation of Labour – Liberty of Cameroon (CGTL) dated 17 October 2008 as well as the Government’s report.

Article 1 of the Convention and Part V of the report form. National policy and application of the Convention in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to ILO statistical data on Cameroon for the year 2000, some 442,000 children aged between 10 and 14 years were economically active, of whom 241,000 were boys and 201,000 were girls. It also noted that the ILO–IPEC regional programme to eliminate child labour in cocoa plantations in West Africa (WACAP) had resulted in the identification of over 5,000 children and the integration of around 1,300 children.

The Committee notes the comment by the CGTL that the national plan to combat child labour has never been formally adopted. The Committee notes the information from the Government that inter-ministerial consultations are being held to update and finalize the national plan to combat child labour. Furthermore, the Committee notes that an ILO–IPEC action programme entitled “Survey and development of a database on child labour” began in March 2007. According to the summary of this programme, the premature entry of children into the labour market remains a worrying phenomenon in Cameroon because of, among other reasons, the conditions of poverty of its population. For example, a basic survey on child labour in commercial agriculture was conducted in 2004 in the major cocoa-producing areas, particularly among children below the age of 18 working on cocoa farms. The study reveals that 30 per cent of children below the age of 14 in Cameroon are involved in cocoa production activities. However, the summary of the ILO–IPEC programme indicates that there is a lack of statistical data on the problem of child labour in Cameroon and that most statistical sources were not designed to deal specifically with this issue. As a result, the Government, through the National Institute of Statistics (INS), conducted a modular survey on child labour in 2007 with a view to carrying out a more in-depth and nationwide survey. The ILO–IPEC programme also aims subsequently to build national capacity to conduct surveys on child labour at regular intervals. The Committee once again expresses its concern at the situation of children under 14 years of age who are compelled to work in Cameroon, particularly in cocoa-production activities, and requests the Government to step up efforts to improve this situation. Taking into account the information on the extent of child labour in Cameroon, the Committee firmly hopes that the Government will adopt the national plan to combat child labour in the near future and requests it to provide information on the progress made in this regard. It also requests the Government to provide the statistics gathered following the survey conducted in 2007 within the framework of the ILO–IPEC programme on the development of a database on child labour in Cameroon.

Article 2, paragraph 1. Minimum age for admission to employment or work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to ILO statistical data on Cameroon for the year 2000, a high number of children under 14 years of age were economically active in one way or another. The Committee therefore asked the Government to envisage adopting measures to establish provisions determining what constitutes light work, in accordance with Article 7, paragraphs 1 and 4, of the Convention. The Committee notes the information from the Government that there are no exemptions to the minimum age of 14 years for admission to work for light work in accordance with Article 7 of the Convention and that this minimum age remains without exclusions. The Committee notes, however, that, according to the statistics provided by UNICEF for the years 2000–06, 31 per cent of children aged between 5 and 14 years in Cameroon were working, indicating that the number of children working under the age of 14 remains high. Consequently, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that no children under 14 years of age are admitted to work or employment.

Article 2, paragraph 3. Age of completion of compulsory schooling. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for admission to employment was set at 14 years because this age corresponds to the end of the period of compulsory schooling in Cameroon. However, the Committee noted that, according to information provided by UNESCO, the age of entry into primary school is 6 years, but the leaving age varies between 11 and 14 years. Furthermore, it noted that Act. No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 establishing the framework for education in Cameroon does not specify the age of completion of compulsory schooling. In light of this, the Committee noted that children under the age of 14, who are therefore younger than the minimum age for admission to employment or work, may not actually be attending school.

The Committee notes that, in its comments, the CGTL indicates that there are no legal or regulatory provisions establishing the age of compulsory schooling. The Committee also notes that, according to the 2006 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey conducted by the INS in collaboration with UNICEF, around 44 per cent of children of the legal age for entry into the first year of primary school, i.e. 6 years, are actually enrolled in school. Furthermore, the survey reveals that the net primary school attendance rate is 64 per cent for 6 year olds and that it gradually increases with age to reach 90 per cent for 11 year olds. Furthermore, 35 per cent of children of secondary school age are still in primary school. The Committee also notes that only 38 per cent of children aged between 12 and 18 are enrolled in secondary or higher education. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that information on school attendance and drop-out rates will be sent to the Office at a later stage. Noting that the Government does not indicate the age of completion of compulsory schooling and considering that compulsory education is one of the most effective means of combating child labour, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to set the age of completion of compulsory schooling at 14 years in the near future. The Committee also requests the Government to redouble its efforts to improve the operation of the education system, in particular by increasing school enrolment and attendance rates among children under 14 years of age at secondary level. It requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard. Finally, the Committee also requests the Government to provide additional information available to it on school attendance and drop-out rates as soon as possible.

Article 3, paragraph 2. Determination of types of hazardous employment or work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Order No. 17 on child labour of 27 May 1969 contains a list of work prohibited to children under the age of 18. It noted that this Order was adopted over 30 years ago.

The Committee notes that the CGTL indicates in its comments that Order No. 17 was adopted after consultation with the only trade union at the time, prior to adoption of the Convention. The CGTL also indicates that no consultations have been held more recently with organizations of employers and workers to determine types of hazardous work. In this regard, the Committee once again draws the Government’s attention to the provisions of paragraph 10(2) of the Minimum Age Recommendation, 1973 (No. 146), which requests governments to re-examine periodically and revise as necessary the list of types of employment or work referred to in Article 3 of the Convention, particularly in the light of advancing scientific and technical knowledge. The Committee observes that, under Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention, these types of employment or work shall be determined by national laws or regulations or by the competent authority after consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned. The Committee requests the Government to take measures to revise the list of work prohibited to children under the age of 18, after consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned.

Article 5. Limitation of the scope of application of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Government had initially limited the scope of application of the Convention to those branches of economic activity or types of enterprise contained in Article 5, paragraph 3, of the Convention, namely mining and quarrying; manufacturing; construction; electricity, gas and water; sanitary services; transport, storage and communication; and plantations and other agricultural undertakings mainly producing for commercial purposes, but excluding family and small-scale holdings producing for local consumption and not regularly employing hired workers. The Committee notes the information from the Government that work in the informal sector is within the remit of labour inspectors and that this sector is difficult to supervise. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to strengthen labour inspection in the informal sector. It once again requests it to provide information on the general situation with regard to the employment or work of children and young persons in those branches of activity which are excluded from the scope of the Convention, taking into account the fact that a substantial number of children work in the informal sector in the country.

Article 6. Apprenticeship and vocational training. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 4 of Decree No. 69/DF/287 of 30 July 1969 on apprenticeship contracts provides that a person must be at least 14 years of age to be hired on an apprenticeship contract. Furthermore, the Committee notes that, under section 1(3) of Act No. 76/12 of 8 July 1976 organizing rapid vocational training, rapid vocational training centres are open to candidates over the age of 18. The Committee also notes the information from the Government that, before the adoption of any regulatory text, employers’ and workers’ organizations are consulted within the framework of the National Labour Advisory Committee.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It also notes the communication from the General Union of Cameroon Workers (UGTC) of 30 August 2006 on the application of the Convention.

Article of the Convention and Part V of the report form. National policy and application of the Convention in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a national plan to combat child labour had been formulated. It also noted that Cameroon is participating in the ILO/IPEC Regional Programme to Eliminate Child Labour in Cocoa Plantations in West Africa (WACAP), in which Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria are also associated. The Committee further noted that, according to ILO statistical data on Cameroon for the year 2000, some 442,000 children aged between 10 and 14 years were economically active, of whom 241,000 were boys and 201,000 were girls. Furthermore, in its concluding observations on the initial report of Cameroon (CRC/C/15/Add.164, paragraph 58), the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed deep concern at the fact that child labour is overwhelmingly spread throughout the country and that children may work long hours at young ages, which has a negative effect on their development and school attendance. The Committee of Experts also expressed concern at the situation of young children working in Cameroon. It requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of the national plan to combat child labour and the WACAP Programme, as well as on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice.

In its report, the Government indicates that the national plan to combat child labour was never formally adopted. It adds that the WACAP Programme resulted in the identification of over 5,000 children and the integration of around 1,300 children either in formal schools or in vocational training centres. The Committee notes that, according to the information available to the Office, the Minister of Labour has established a mechanism to monitor and report on child labour. Finally, it notes the Government’s indication that the Programme will be extended throughout the national territory. However, the Committee notes that, with the exception of these statistics, the Government does not provide information on the application of the Convention in practice. While noting the Government’s commitment to combat child labour, the Committee once again expresses deep concern at the situation of children under 14 years of age who are compelled to work in Cameroon and strongly encourages the Government to step up its efforts to achieve a progressive improvement in the situation. In view of the statistics referred to above, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would envisage the possibility of adopting a national plan of action to combat child labour with a view to implementing a real policy to eliminate this problem. Furthermore, the Committee hopes that the monitoring and reporting mechanism on child labour established by the Government will enable it to compile information on the extent of the problem and it requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including, for instance, statistical data on the employment of children and young persons, extracts from the reports of the inspection services and information on the number and nature of the infringements reported.

Article 2, paragraph 1. Minimum age for admission to employment or work. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Minister of Labour has not issued an order authorizing exemptions from the minimum age for admission to employment or work.

Article 2, paragraph 3. Age of completion of compulsory schooling. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the minimum age for admission to employment was set at 14 years because this age corresponds to the end of the period of compulsory schooling in Cameroon. However, the Committee noted that, according to information provided by UNESCO, the age of entry into primary school is 6 years, but the leaving age varies between 11 and 14 years. In the light of this, the Committee noted that children under the age of 14, who are therefore younger than the minimum age for admission to employment or work, may not actually be attending school. The Committee requested the Government to provide a copy of Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 establishing the framework for education in Cameroon (hereinafter the Education Framework Act). The Committee notes that the Education Framework Act does not specify the age of completion of compulsory schooling. It requests the Government to indicate the provisions of the national legislation establishing the age of completion of compulsory schooling. Furthermore, in view of the high number of children under 14 years of age who work in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the school attendance and drop-out rates.

Article 2, paragraphs 4 and 5. Specification of the minimum age of 14 years for admission to employment or work. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that consultations were held with the National Labour Advisory Commission for the establishment of the minimum age of 14 years for admission to employment or work.

Article 5. Limitation of the scope of application of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Government initially limited the scope of application of the Convention to those branches of economic activity or types of enterprise referred to in Article 5, paragraph 3, of the Convention, namely: mining and quarrying; manufacturing; construction; electricity, gas and water; sanitary services; transport, storage and communication; and plantations and other agricultural undertakings mainly producing for commercial purposes, but excluding family and small-scale holdings producing for local consumption and not regularly employing hired workers. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, and taking into account the fact that a substantial number of children work in the informal economy in the country, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the general situation with regard to the employment or work of children and young persons in those branches of activity that are excluded from the scope of application of the Convention.

Article 6. Apprenticeship and vocational training. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that no orders have been issued by the Minister of Labour. It requests the Government to provide information on the rules applicable to apprenticeship in Cameroon, and particularly on the conditions of work of apprentices in practice. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether the national legislation regulates vocational training and, where appropriate, to provide information on this subject.

Article 7. Light work. The Committee noted previously that the national legislation does not contain any provisions regulating light work. However, it noted that, according to ILO statistical data on Cameroon for the year 2000, a high number of children under 14 years of age are economically active in one way or another. The Committee requested the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged with regard to the provisions determining what constitutes light work. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will inform the Committee in due time on this subject. In the meantime, the Committee reminds the Government that, by virtue of Article 7, paragraphs 1 and 4, of the Convention, the national legislation may permit the employment of persons of 12 to 14 years of age on light work, on condition that it is not likely to be harmful to their health or development. Furthermore, under the terms of Article 7, paragraph 3, of the Convention, the competent authority shall determine the activities in which light work may be permitted and shall prescribe the number of hours during which and the conditions in which such employment or work may be undertaken. As a significant number of children under 14 years of age are engaged in work in the country, the Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to regulate employment by persons of 12 to 14 years of age on light work, determine the activities in which light work may be authorized and prescribe the number of hours during which and the conditions in which such employment or work may be undertaken. It requests the Government to report any new development in this respect.

Article 8. Artistic performances. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that children may be authorized to participate in artistic performances on condition that they are not put on at night between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. It also notes the Government’s indication that Order No. 017 of 27 May 1969 regulates the participation of children in artistic performances. In this respect, the Committee notes that section 18(4) of Order No. 017 prohibits the employment of children under 16 years of age in hazardous feats of strength or contortionism in public performances of any type.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee takes note of the Government’s first report.

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy. The Committee notes that, in its initial report submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in April 2000 (CRC/C/28/Add.16, paragraphs 17 and 125), the Government indicates that following the international seminar on child labour which was held in Yaoundé in October 1997, and the studies undertaken by the Ministry of Social Affairs, a national plan to combat child labour was formulated. This plan focuses on five main areas: sensitizing and mobilizing public opinion in respect of child labour issues; developing and strengthening the welfare and protection of working children; promoting education and formal and informal training; improving and strengthening legislation on child labour and ensuring that the legislation is applied; and coordinating and monitoring action to combat child labour. The Committee further notes that Cameroon participates in the regional ILO/IPEC West Africa Cocoa/Agriculture Programme to eliminate child labour in the cocoa commercial agriculture sector (WACAP), alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the national plan to combat child labour and the WACAP programme mentioned above, as well as the results attained with regard to the elimination of child labour.

Article 2, paragraph 1. 1. Scope of application. The Committee notes that, under the terms of section 1(1) of Act No. 92/007 of 14 August 1992, promulgating the Labour Code (henceforth the Labour Code), the Labour Code governs employment relations between the workers and the employers. Section 1(2) defines the term "worker" as any person who has undertaken to place his or her occupational activity, in return for remuneration, under the direction and authority of a physical or moral, public or private, person, that other person being considered to be the "employer". The Committee notes that, by virtue of this provision, the Labour Code only applies to an employment relationship. The Committee recalls that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all types of employment or work, be they carried out on the basis of an employment relationship or not and whether they are remunerated or not. The Committee thus requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which children who are not bound by an employment relationship, such as those who are self-employed, are covered by the protection provided for in the Convention.

2. Minimum age of admission to employment or work. The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 86(1) of the Labour Code, children may not be employed in any enterprise, even as apprentices, prior to the age of 14, except when granted an exemption through an order issued by the Minister for Labour, taking account of the local circumstances and the tasks which they may be required to carry out. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether an order issued by the Minister for Labour authorizing exemptions to the minimum age of admission to employment or work has been adopted and, if need be, to forward a copy.

Article 2, paragraph 3. Age of completion of compulsory schooling. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government according to which the minimum age of admission to employment is set at 14 years because this age corresponds to the end of the period of compulsory schooling in Cameroon. However, the Committee notes that, according to the information provided by UNESCO, the age of entry into primary school is 6 years but the leaving age varies between 11 and 14 years. In the light of this, the Committee notes that children under the age of 14, thus younger than the minimum age of admission to employment or work, may not actually be attending school. The Committee considers it desirable that the age of completion of compulsory schooling should correspond to the minimum of admission to employment or work, according to the provisions of Paragraph 4 of Recommendation No. 146, in order to avoid a period of enforced inactivity. In this context, the Committee hopes that the Government will inform it of any progress in this regard. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to forward a copy of Education Act No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998.

Article 2, paragraphs 4 and 5. Specification of the minimum age of admission to employment or work at 14 years. When ratifying the Convention, Cameroon specified a minimum age of admission to employment or work of 14 years, in compliance with Article 2, paragraph 4, of the Convention. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government according to which the country’s economy as well as its educational institutions are insufficiently developed, facts which justified this decision and do not allow for the minimum age of admission to employment or work to be raised. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether consultations with organizations of employers and workers have been held with a view to setting the minimum age at 14 years and, if need be, to provide information in this regard. It also requests the Government to continue to provide information on its reason for specifying a minimum age of 14 years, in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 5, of the Convention.

Article 3, paragraph 2. Determination of types of hazardous work. The Committee notes that Order No. 17 relative to child labour of 27 May 1969 contains a list of work prohibited to children under the age of 18. Alongside certain detailed provisions on the types of activity prohibited, the Order contains two tables. Table A covers the work prohibited to children aged under 18. Table B includes a list of establishments in which the employment of children under the age of 18 is authorized under certain conditions. The Committee notes that this Order was adopted over 30 years ago. In this regard, it refers to the provisions of Paragraph 10(2) of Recommendation No. 146 on the minimum age which requests the Government to re-examine periodically and revise as necessary, particularly in the light of advancing scientific and technological knowledge, the list of types of employment or work under Article 3 of the Convention.

Article 5. Limitation of the scope of application of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government initially limited the scope of application of the Convention to those branches of economic activity or types of enterprise contained in Article 5, paragraph 3, of the Convention, namely mining and quarrying; manufacturing; construction; electricity, gas and water; sanitary services; transport, storage and communication; and plantations and other agricultural undertakings mainly producing for commercial purposes, but excluding family and small-scale holdings producing for local consumption and not regularly employing hired workers. Consequently, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the general situation with regard to the employment or work of children and young persons in those branches of activity which are excluded from the scope of application of the present Convention, as well as any progress made with a view to the wider application of the provisions of the Convention, in accordance with Article 5, paragraph 4(a), of the Convention.

Article 6. Apprenticeship and vocational training. The Committee notes that sections 45 to 47 of the Labour Code address apprenticeship. It also notes that, by virtue of section 96(1) of the Labour Code, children may not be employed in any enterprise, even as apprentices, prior to the age of 14 years, except when granted an exemption through an order issued by the Minister for Labour, taking account of the local circumstances and the tasks which they may be required to carry out. The Committee understands that section 86(1) of the Labour Code allows children under 14 years to work as apprentices, in so far as it is permitted by an order issued by the Minister of Labour. The Committee recalls that Article 6 of the Convention authorizes work to be carried out by persons aged at least 14 in enterprises within the context of an apprenticeship programme. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report whether an order issued by the Minister for Labour allowing children aged at least 14 to work as apprentices has been adopted and to provide information on the rules applicable to apprenticeship in Cameroon, in particular concerning the working conditions of apprentices in practice and the consultations with the organizations of employers and workers concerned. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether the national legislation regulates vocational training and, if need be, to provide information on this subject. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether consultations with the organizations of employers and workers have been held.

Article 7. Light work. The Committee notes that the national legislation does not seem to include provisions regulating light work. It notes however that, according to the statistical data of the ILO for Cameroon for the year 2000, a high number of children under the age of 14 are economically active in one way or another. In this regard, the Committee recalls that, by virtue of Article 7, paragraphs 1 and 4, of the Convention, the national legislation may permit the employment of persons of 12 to 14 years of age on light work provided that such work is not likely to be harmful to their health or development. Furthermore, under the terms of Article 7(3) of the Convention, the competent authority shall determine the activities in which light work may be permitted and shall prescribe the number of hours during which and the conditions in which such work may be undertaken. Consequently, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged with regard to the provisions determining what constitutes light work and the conditions under which such employment or work may be carried out by young people aged between 12 and 14.

Article 8. Artistic performances. The Committee notes that the national legislation does not seem to contain any provisions regulating artistic performances. It recalls that under Article 8 of the Convention, by way of an exemption to the minimum age of admission to employment or work, after consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, permits may be granted in individual cases for such purposes as participation in artistic performances. Permits so granted shall limit the number of hours during which and prescribe the conditions in which work is allowed. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether, in practice, children under 14 participate in such activities.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government according to which there are no reliable statistics available on child labour. It notes however that, according to the ILO’s statistical data on Cameroon for the year 2000, 442,000 children aged between 10 and 14 were economically active, of whom 241,000 were boys and 201,000 were girls. The Committee also notes that, in its concluding observations on the initial report of Cameroon in November 2001 (CRC/C/15/Add.164, paragraph 58), the Committee expressed deep concern at the fact that child labour is overwhelmingly spread throughout the country and that children may be working long hours at young ages, which has a negative effect on their development and school attendance. Furthermore, according to the information available to the ILO, the Government intends signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the ILO/IPEC. The Committee is also concerned at the situation of young children who work in Cameroon and requests the Government to strengthen its efforts to gradually improve the situation, in particular through the adoption of an MOU with the ILO/IPEC. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including, for example, statistical data on the employment of children and young persons, extracts from labour services reports and information on the number and nature of infringements, as well as the penalties applied.