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

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

Articles 3(d) and 4 of the Convention. Hazardous work and determination of hazardous work. The Committee previously noted that according to section 51 of the Labour Law juveniles aged under 16 years may be employed in industries and occupations other than those deemed to be hazardous or unhealthy and enumerated by an Order of the Minister of Health, in cooperation with the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. It noted the Government’s indication that the Labour Law would be amended to provide for the protection of children under 18 as required under the Convention.

The Committee notes with satisfaction that the Government adopted a new Labour Law No. 36 of 2012 which contains a prohibition on the employment of minors under the age of 18 years in hazardous or dangerous work and work endangering their health and morals (section 27). The Committee also notes with interest that the Ministry of Labour promulgated Order No. 23 of 2013 which contains a list of 34 occupations and industries prohibited to children under the age of 18 years including: work underground and in mines; work in smelting ovens and minerals; manufacture of explosives; manufacture of alcohol, electric batteries, cement, paints, coal, tin; working in fertilizer storehouses, petroleum and chemical refineries; animal slaughter; rail and road transport of passengers; loading and unloading of goods; working as stewards in playgrounds; process of refrigeration and freezing; and dye and bleaching processes of textiles.

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