Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

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

Articles 3(a) and 7(1) of the Convention. Sale and trafficking of children and penalties. With regard to the application of sections 182 and 182 bis of the Criminal Code (as amended by Act No. 896 of 2015 against trafficking in persons) in cases of trafficking in children, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the status of different cases concerning trafficking in children for the purposes of sexual and/or labour exploitation. In 2019, two cases were prosecuted and three were investigated; in 2020 one case was investigated; in 2021 seven cases were registered, six of which were prosecuted; and in 2022 one case was investigated. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on infringements detected, investigations conducted, proceedings launched, convictions handed down and penalties imposed under the Act against trafficking in persons, in situations relating to the sale and trafficking of children for the purposes of sexual or labour exploitation.

Article 7(2)(b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Trafficking of children. The Committee notes the Government’s information that, between 2019 and the first quarter of 2022, assistance was provided for 10 persons under 18 years who were victims of trafficking in persons. All victims were ensured comprehensive support, including protection of their physical integrity, assistance with basic hygiene and food needs, medical and psychological support, safe and adequate housing, and legal advice. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to assist, remove and reintegrate children who are victims of trafficking in persons, and their results.

Article 7(2)(d). Children at special risk. Street children. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has implemented a “return to love” (“retorno amoroso”) strategy for street children to guarantee their reinsertion into a family setting and has increased the number of substitute homes that provide temporary care for these children. The Government also indicates that it has contributed to the increase in enrolment of at-risk children and adolescents through visits to families in their homes, schools and sectors at risk. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and their results.