Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

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

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its first and second reports. It requests the Government to provide information on the following points.

Article 3 of the Convention. The worst forms of child labour. Clause (a) All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. The sale and trafficking of children. The Committee notes with interest that Act No. 2003-239 of 18 March 2003 amended section 225-4-1 of the Penal Code through the introduction of a provision prohibiting the trafficking of human beings, and particularly young persons under 18 years of age. Under section 225-4-1 of the Penal Code, the trafficking of human beings is the act, in exchange for remuneration or any other advantage, or for a promise of remuneration or advantage, of procuring, transporting, transferring, lodging or receiving a person with a view to placing that person at the disposal of a third party, even where the latter is not identified, with a view to aiding and abetting the crimes of procuring, aggression or sexual offences against such a person, the exploitation of begging, the imposition of working or living conditions undermining dignity, or compelling that person to commit any crime or offence.

 2. Slavery, forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes that the act of obtaining from a person, whose vulnerability or dependency is apparent or known to the perpetrator, the provision of services that are unpaid or in exchange for retribution that is manifestly unrelated to the importance of the work performed constitutes an offence (section 225-13 of the Penal Code). Section 225-14 of the Penal Code provides that the act of subjecting a person, whose vulnerability or dependence is apparent or known to the perpetrator, to working or living conditions incompatible with human dignity constitutes an offence. The Committee notes that, for the application of sections 225-13 and 225-14, young persons and persons who have been the victims of the acts described by these provisions upon their arrival on the French territory are considered to be persons who are vulnerable or in a situation of dependence (section 225-15-1 of the Penal Code). Penalties are aggravated in cases where the above offences are committed in relation to minors (section 225-15 of the Penal Code). The Committee notes that the term "minors" refers, in French law, to persons aged under 18 years (Act of 5 July 1974).

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. However, the Committee notes that procuring is prohibited, and that the penalty incurred is increased when the offence is committed in relation to a young person (sections 225-5 and 225-7 of the Penal Code). Procuring is the act, by any person in any manner whatsoever, of: (1) helping, assisting or protecting the prostitution of a third person; (2) drawing benefit from the prostitution of a third person, sharing the profits or receiving payments from a person habitually engaging in prostitution; or (3) procuring, removing or deceiving a person with a view to prostitution or exerting pressure so that such person engages in prostitution or continues to do so (section 225-5). The Committee also notes that the Penal Code provides for a specific offence where any person seeks, accepts or obtains, in exchange for remuneration or a promise of remuneration, relations of a sexual nature with a young person engaging in prostitution, even on an occasional basis (section 225-12-1). Furthermore, the Committee notes that this provision also applies to acts committed abroad by a French national or a person habitually residing on French territory (section 225-12-3 of the Penal Code). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of these provisions in practice, including the number of persons prosecuted for seeking, accepting or obtaining, in exchange for remuneration or a promise of remuneration, relations of a sexual nature with a young person engaged in prostitution.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided any information on this point. The Committee nevertheless notes that the act, with a view to its dissemination, of fixing, recording or transmitting the image or representation of a young person if that image or representation is of a pornographic nature constitutes an offence (section 227-23 of the Penal Code). The Act of disseminating such an image or representation, by any means whatsoever, of importing or exporting it, or causing it to be imported or exported, also constitutes a penal offence.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. 1. The use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that the Labour Code does not contain provisions relating to the procuring of children for the production and trafficking of drugs. However, it notes that section 227-21 of the Penal Code provides that the act of directly inciting a young person to commit a crime or a breach of the law constitutes an offence. The Penal Code classifies the following acts as offences: the illicit production or manufacture of drugs (section 222-35); illicit importing or exporting (section 222-36); and the illicit transport, possession, offering, cession, acquisition or use of drugs (section 222-37). The Committee also notes that under section 227-18-1 of the Penal Code, the act of directly inciting a young person to transport, possess, offer or sell drugs is prohibited.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for begging. The Committee notes the communication of the CFDT, dated 6 October 2003, which draws the Government’s attention to the situation of children who are forced to engage in begging, particularly in Paris and regional capitals. The Committee notes with interest the establishment, by means of the Act of 18 March 2003 (section 225-12-5 of the Penal Code), of the prohibition of exploiting begging by others. The exploitation of begging is the act by any person in any manner whatsoever of: (1) organizing begging by other persons with a view to profit; (2) gaining profit from begging by others, sharing the produce or receiving payments from a person habitually engaged in begging; (3) engaging, removing or deceiving a person with a view to engaging in begging, or exerting pressure on such person to beg or continue to do so; (4) engaging, removing or deceiving a person for the purposes of personal enrichment with a view to such person engaging in the provision of a service in return for a gift on the public thoroughfare. The Committee notes that the penalty incurred is increased if the offence is committed in relation to a young person (section 225-12-6 of the Penal Code).

Clause (d). Hfazardous work. The Committeenotes that section L.234-3 of the Labour Code provides that, in establishments referred to in section L.200-1 which are unhealthy or hazardous or in which the worker is exposed to operations or residues that are harmful to her or his health, young workers and apprentices under 18 years of age may only be employed under specific conditions determined for each of these categories of workers by decrees issued by the Council of State. The Committee notes that under section L.200-1 of the Labour Code, section L.234-3 applies to industrial and commercial establishments and their subsidiaries, of any nature, whether public or private, lay or religious, even if their vocation is vocational training or welfare, to public and ministerial offices, the liberal professions, occupational unions and associations of any nature whatsoever. These provisions are also applicable to agricultural establishments (section 234-6) and establishments in which only members of the family are employed under the authority of the father, mother or guardian, even if such establishments exercise their activity on the public thoroughfare. The Committee also notes that homeworkers benefit from the provisions of laws and regulations applicable to employees (section L.721-6).

Article 4, paragraph 1. Determination of types of hazardous work. The Committee notes that the Labour Code contains a very detailed list of the types of work prohibited for young persons under 18 years of age. By way of illustration, it notes that it is prohibited to employ young workers under 18 years of age in: (a) the production, maintenance and sale of printed works, posters, drawings, engravings, paintings, emblems, images and other objects of which the sale, offer, exhibition, posting and distribution are suppressed by penal laws as being contrary to morality (section R.234-2); (b) the repair during operation of machines, mechanisms or devices (section R.234-11); (c) work involving the use of chisels, presses of any type, cutting tools, other than those powered by the strength of the operator her or himself (section R.234-12(1)); the work of feeding mechanical saws, machines with cylinders and crushing devices that are in operation (section R.234-12(2)); (d) on building and public works sites, including those in an agricultural establishment; (e) work at heights of any nature, unless their aptitude for such work has been medically certified (section R.234-18); (f) demolition work, the digging of underground galleries, terracing in narrow and deep excavations and work in sewers (section R.234-18 of the Labour Code); and (g) the operation of any general equipment for production or the powering of a workshop or a series of electrical machines or equipment (section R.234-19). The Committee also notes that under section R.234-20 of the Labour Code, it is prohibited to employ young workers under 18 years of age in the manufacture or handling of certain substances, such as acids, chlorine, mercury, explosives or in work involving exposure to radioactivity. Young workers are not allowed to work in zoos or parks containing wild or poisonous animals or in slaughterhouses (section R.234-20 of the Labour Code). The Committee further observes that under section R.711-1 of the Labour Code, young workers under 18 years of age may in no case be allowed to remain in underground worksites in mines and quarries which, by reason of their natural characteristics, require the permanent application of specific health and safety measures and which are set out in the ministerial order envisaged under section R.711-5. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the ministerial order setting out the list of types of employment and jobs referred to in section R.711-1 of the Labour Code.

The Committee notes that section 114 of the Maritime Labour Code specifies the types of work which are prohibited for seafarers under 18 years of age. The latter may not be employed on work in relation to boilers, tanks or holds, nor in machine compartments in which the high temperatures may constitute a danger to health.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Identification of where types of hazardous work exist. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not provide any information on this point. The Committee recalls that Article 4, paragraph 2, of the Convention provides that the competent authority, after consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, must identify where the types of hazardous work exist. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to identify, after consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, where the types of work so determined exist.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Occupational medicine. The Committee notes that, under sections R.241-48 and R.241-50 of the Labour Code, any employee under 18 years of age, including in the agricultural sector (section 30 of Decree No. 82-397 of 11 May 1982), shall undergo a medical examination before engagement. The medical examination is intended to ensure that the employee is medically apt for the job to which the head of the establishment intends to assign her or him, and where appropriate to propose adaptations of the job or assignment to another job. The Committee also notes that the occupational physician is empowered to propose arrangements relating to the job or the conditions in which it is carried out on the grounds of age, physical strength or the state of health of officials of the national (section 26(1) of Decree No. 82-453 of 28 May 1982) and territorial public service (section 24 of Decree No. 85-603 of 10 June 1985).

2. Labour inspection. The Committee notes that labour inspectors are responsible for ensuring the application of the provisions of the Labour Code and of uncodified laws and regulations relating to labour conditions (section L.611-1 of the Labour Code). They are also responsible for reporting violations of the provisions of the Penal Code relating to the exploitation of the labour of persons under 18 years of age (sections 225-13 to 225-15-1 of the Penal Code). Inspectors may enter any workplace to which the labour legislation is applicable for the purpose of carrying out the inspections and investigations entrusted to them (section L.611-8 of the Labour Code). They may also enter the premises in which homeworkers carry out their work. However, in cases where work is carried out in premises that are inhabited, the inspectors first have to obtain the authorization of the occupants. They may also remove for purposes of analysis any samples of the materials used and the products distributed or used in the workplaces inspected. Labour inspectors may require employers and persons engaged in workplaces covered by the Labour Code to provide justification of their identity and their address. They may require the production of any documents prescribed by the Labour Code (section L.611-9). The Committee notes that labour inspectors may require a medical examination of any young persons over 16 years of age engaged in the above establishments with a view to ascertaining that the work assigned to them does not exceed their strength (section L.211-2). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the labour inspectorate, in particular with regard to violations of the national legislation giving effect to the Convention. It also requests the Government to provide copies of reports or documents prepared by the labour inspectorate.

3. French Council of Associations for the Rights of the Child (COFRADE). The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/65/Add.26, 9 October 2003, paragraph 21), that COFRADE has set itself the objectives of verifying the conformity of the legislation relating to the rights of the child, analysing the underlying causes of infringements of children’s rights and formulating proposals to remedy them. COFRADE groups together 120 associations working for the respect and promotion of the rights of the child. In 1988, it issued several recommendations relating to education and child labour which, according to the Government’s indications to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, have been examined carefully. In this respect, COFRADE expressed the hope that "the legislation would be applied rigorously in respect of illegal forms of child labour, in illicit workshops, begging, minor forms of street work, the sale of drugs and prostitution" (report No. 871 of the National Assembly, Commission of Inquiry on the Situation with regard to the Rights of the Child in France, T.II, hearings, 6 May 1998, page 8).

4. Enhanced cooperation to combat hidden forms of child labour. Noting that children engaged in hidden forms of child labour are particularly at risk of being engaged in types of work which may be harmful to their health, safety or morals, the Committee notes with interest that section L.324-12 of the Labour Code provides for cooperation between several state agencies to combat hidden forms of child labour. Officers of the criminal police, officials of the General Directorate of Taxation and the General Directorate of Customs, sworn officials of social security institutions and agricultural mutual benefit funds, labour inspectors, officials responsible for maritime affairs, officials of the technical civil aviation services and state officials responsible for supervising land transport are responsible for enforcing compliance with the provisions of the Labour Code respecting hidden forms of work. They may require the production of documents proving the registration of the enterprise, estimates, order forms and invoices. The officials of social security institutions and of the General Directorate of Taxation are empowered to hear, with their consent, any person paid by the employer or a self-employed worker to ascertain the nature of her or his activities, conditions of employment and respective level of remuneration (section L.324-12 in fine). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of violations reported relating to hidden forms of work and the information obtained concerning the engagement of young persons under 18 years of age in this type of activity.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that a major reform to strengthen the protection of young persons at work is under preparation. This reform will involve, among other measures, the deletion of several obsolete provisions of the Labour Code. The Committee also notes that, according to the report prepared by the joint information mission of the National Assembly on the various modern forms of slavery, of 21 December 2001 (page 7), the situation of young persons appeared to the mission to be a cause of "great concern". The mission refers to young prostitutes walking the streets, children engaged in domestic work or in illicit workshops, and children taught to beg or steal. The mission adds in its report that, throughout its hearings, its travels in France and abroad, and its experiences in the field, it was able to gain an understanding of the scope of the phenomenon of slavery in France and the diversity of the forms that it takes, and that it concluded that it was not being dealt with effectively. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in the reform to strengthen the protection of young persons at work. It also requests the Government to indicate whether the reform is intended to strengthen measures to combat the exploitation of young persons under 18 years of age in the following fields: prostitution, domestic work, work in illicit workshops, begging and slave labour.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes that the act of obtaining from a young person under 18 years of age the provision of unpaid services or in exchange for a return that is manifestly unrelated with the significance of the work performed is punishable by seven years of imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 euros (section 225-15(2) and 225-13 of the Penal Code). A similar penalty is applicable to anyone who subjects a person, whose vulnerability or state of dependence are apparent or known to the perpetrator, to working conditions that are incompatible with human dignity (section 225-14 of the Penal Code). The Committee notes that any person who violates the provisions of section 225-4-1 of the Penal Code prohibiting the trafficking of human beings is liable to a sentence of imprisonment of seven years and a fine of 150,000 euros. The penalty is increased to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of 1,500,000 euros where the crime is committed against a young person (section 225-4-2).

The Committee notes that procuring, when committed in relation to a young person, is punishable by ten years of imprisonment and a fine of 1,500,000 euros (sections 225-5 and 225-7 of the Penal Code). It also notes that any person who seeks, accepts or obtains, in exchange for remuneration or a promise of remuneration, relations of a sexual nature from a young person engaged in prostitution is liable to three years of imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros (section 225-12-1 of the Penal Code, introduced by Act No. 2003-239 of 18 March 2003). The Committee notes that under section 227-3 of the Penal Code, with a view to its dissemination, of fixing, recording or transmitting the image or representation of a young person where such image or representation is of a pornographic nature is punishable by three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros. A sentence of an identical level is applicable for the dissemination, import or export of such images or representations.

The Committee notes that the act of directly inciting a young person to commit a crime or offence (including the production, manufacture, import or export and illicit transport of drugs) is punishable by five years of imprisonment and a fine of 150,000 euros (section 227-21 of the Penal Code). The Committee also notes that the exploitation of begging, when this involves a young person, is punishable by five years of imprisonment and a fine of 75,000 euros (sections 225-12-5(d) and 225-12-6 of the Penal Code).

The Committee observes that under section 8 of the Code of Penal Procedure, the period after which public action for offences committed against young persons is out of time is ten years; this period begins to run only when the victim attains maturity.

The Committee also notes that violations of the provisions respecting the types of work that are prohibited for young workers under 18 years of age (sections L.234-1 and R.234-2 et seq. of the Labour Code) are punishable by a maximum fine of 1,500 euros (section R.236-1 in conjunction with section L.131-13 of the Labour Code).

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Measures to prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. 1. Children’s social assistance service. The Committee notes that section L.221-1 of the Code of Social Action and Families (as amended by Act No. 2002-2 of 2 January 2002) establishes the children’s social assistance service. The functions of this service are to: (a) provide material, educational and psychological support to young persons confronted with social difficulties likely to seriously jeopardize their equilibrium; (b) organize, in locations where there is a risk of social maladjustment, collective action to prevent marginalization and facilitate the social integration and promotion of young persons and families, particularly in sensitive urban areas; (c) undertake urgent action to protect young persons confronted with social difficulties likely to seriously jeopardize their equilibrium; and (d) provide for all the needs of young persons entrusted to the service and offer guidance, in collaboration with their family or legal representative. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the programmes of action carried out by the children’s social assistance service in preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour.

2. The trajectory of access to employment. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/65/Add.26, 9 October 2003, paragraph 50), the TRACE (Trajectory of Access to Employment) programme was set up in 1998. The programme is geared to young persons over 16 years of age who have left the school system without any qualifications and who are unable to obtain work or training. The young persons concerned are provided with additional personalized guidance to help them find their way towards a job over a period of up to 18 months. The Government indicates that the programme has resulted in the integration of 95,000 young persons, including 60,000 in 2000. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the TRACE programme.

3. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes that education is compulsory and free for children of both French and foreign nationality between the ages of 6 and 16 years (section L.131-1 of the Education Code). It also notes that the failure of parents (or those exercising parental authority) to enrol a child in an educational establishment, without a valid excuse, and despite a formal notification to do so by the school inspector, constitutes an offence (section 227-17-1 of the Penal Code, as amended in 2000).

4. Priority education areas. The Committee notes the establishment, as of 1989 (orientation Act of 10 July 1989, supplemented by the Circulars of 31 October 1997 and 10 July 1998), of priority education areas (ZEP) to address the high concentration in certain areas of pupils living in an underprivileged socio-economic and cultural environment, which has a negative impact on their school results and therefore in the long term on their opportunities for social and vocational integration. Schools located in priority education areas are offered additional teachers and educational credits. The Government indicates in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/65/Add.26, paragraph 357) that in 1997 over 1 million pupils were enrolled in schools in priority education areas.

5. Access to basic education for Chinese children present on the national territory. The Committee notes that the report of the joint information mission of the National Assembly on the various modern forms of slavery of 2001 (page 13) indicates that the Chinese children residing in France are still not enrolled at school. The report notes that this risk is greater for exploited young persons who have entered the country illegally. They do not have access to the French school system and are put to work, mainly in illicit production workshops, leather goods production, mechanical work and, more recently, in catering. According to the mission, some 120,000 Chinese nationals are present in France, of whom around 75 per cent are illegal. The Committee encourages the Government to establish a time-bound programme to ensure that Chinese children present on the national territory have access to free basic education.

Clause (b). Assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that section 42 of the Act of 18 March 2003 respecting internal security provides that any person who is a victim of prostitution shall benefit from a system of protection and assistance, provided and coordinated by the administration in collaboration with the various social services. The Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the protection and assistance measures benefiting persons under 18 years of age who are victims of prostitution.

The Committee notes that section 43 of the Act of 18 March 2003 supplements section L.345-1 of the Code of Social Action and Families by providing that places in social integration and shelter centres shall be open to victims of the trafficking of human beings under conditions which instil a sense of security. Persons experiencing serious difficulties, particularly of an economic nature or relating to housing, health or integration, may also be accepted in social integration and shelter centres with a view to helping them attain or recover their individual and social independence. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether child victims of trafficking are currently placed in such social integration and shelter centres and to provide information on these victims, including their numbers, age and country of origin.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Child victims of Internet pornography. The Committee notes that the joint information mission of the National Assembly on the various modern forms of slavery (report No. 3459 of 12 December 2001, page 124) indicates that "in so far as combating networks for the trafficking of human beings, and in the field of sexual Internet crime and child pornography in particular, traditional methods of police investigation are no longer adequate. Indeed, these new, fluctuating and underground forms of criminality require new and more effective policing methods which must facilitate the establishment of proof of such crimes, a task which is particularly delicate at the present time". The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether it envisages taking measures to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of the national provisions protecting young persons under 18 years of age from trafficking, sexual Internet criminality and child pornography.

2. Child parking meter thieves. The Committee notes that, according to the indications of the joint information mission of the National Assembly on the various modern forms of slavery (report No. 3459 of 12 December 2001, pp. 13 and 17), young persons, essentially of Romanian origin, have been used by adults since the beginning of 2000 to steal from parking meters. These children are forced to bring back a minimum daily sum under the menace of being beaten and only receive a very small proportion of their booty to live and eat. The report states that, although the numbers are uncertain, they are estimated at around 140 by the police and nearly 300 according to certain articles in the press. The arrests made by the police services have not been sufficient to destroy the network. Furthermore, the report notes that the replacement in Paris of coin parking meters by parking meters using cards has resulted in a "recycling" of some of these young Romanians, who are now obliged to prostitute themselves. The Committee encourages the Government to establish a time-bound programme to improve the situation of these children.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain information on this point. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to take account of the special situation of girls in the context of the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, in accordance with Article 7, paragraph 2(e), of the Convention.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Designation of the competent authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention. The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. However, it notes that certain national institutions under the Ministry of the Interior are responsible in the fields covered by the Convention: the Central Office for the Repression of the Trafficking of Human Beings and the Central Office for the Repression of Irregular Immigration and the Illegal Employment of Foreign Nationals. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the authority or authorities responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and/or assistance. 1. Regional cooperation. The Committee notes that France is a member of the European Judicial Network, the objective of which is to facilitate the execution and coordination of requests for mutual assistance concerning the most serious criminal matters. It is also intended to make available to all magistrates in the European Union a legal and operational source of documents and a telecommunications network adapted to the rapid and secure circulation of information between its members.

2. International cooperation. The Committee notes that France is a member of Interpol, which facilitates cooperation between the countries of the region, particularly through the exchange of information enabling them to combat the trafficking of children more effectively. The Committee further notes that, according to the report of the joint information mission of the National Assembly (page 104), international cooperation between France and certain countries of origin of the victims of trafficking appears to have developed since 1999. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on this cooperation, and particularly the results obtained in combating the trafficking of children and Internet pornography involving persons under 18 years of age.

The Committee also observes the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/65/Add.26, 9 October 2003, paragraphs 83, 84 and 86), that France contributes to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The Government specifies that, following the Stockholm Congress and the International Conference on Child Labour of 1997, France stepped up its efforts to help countries seeking to take action against these scourges. It has since focused its endeavours on supporting street children and combating the sexual exploitation of children. Numerous initiatives were undertaken in 1997 in these two fields in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Madagascar, Viet Nam and Brazil. The Committee also notes that in 2002-03 France participated in various programmes undertaken by ILO/IPEC, including regional programmes in Africa (Benin and Burkina Faso) and interregional programmes (Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Niger and Togo). The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on cooperation measures to combat the trafficking of children for sexual exploitation and the exploitation of their labour, and the results achieved.

Part III of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that no court decisions involving questions of principle relating to the application of the Convention have been handed down. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any decisions by courts of law involving questions of principle relating to the application of the Convention.

Part V. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the "national sickness insurance fund for employees establishes each year a summary of the employment accident statistics for workers covered by the General Social Security Scheme". The latest data available are for 2001. They show 47,515 work-related accidents involving absences from work among workers under 20 years of age, of which 903 gave rise to recognition of permanent incapacity; 16 deaths were reported. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour and on the number and nature of the infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied.