Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Belgium (Ratification: 1988)

Article 1 of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction the information supplied by the Government in its reports. It notes in particular that schooling is compulsory up to the age of 18 years. According to the information supplied by the Government, compulsory schooling is composed of full-time and part-time compulsory education. In the case of full-time compulsory education, young persons must be in education up to the age of either 15 years, in keeping with the minimum age for admission to employment or work specified at the time of ratification, or 16 years, depending on whether or not they have completed the first two years of secondary education. In the case of part-time compulsory education, the age is from 16 to 18 years.

Article 8. Participation in activities such as artistic performances. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction the detailed information supplied by the Government on the application of the Act of 5 August 1992 and the Royal Order of 11 March 1993 which give effect in law to the provisions of Article 8 of the Convention.

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