Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Ratification: 2000)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

The Committee takes note of the Government’s report, of the observations of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) received on 30 August 2019 and the updates received on 1 October 2020. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). Sale and trafficking. The Committee takes due note of the Government’s detailed information, in its report, on the measures taken by England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as regards human trafficking. It notes in particular: (1) the expansion of the Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTG), which were introduced to provide an independent source of advice and advocacy for trafficked children, over two thirds of all local authorities across England and Wales; (2) the launching of Guardianship Scotland in April 2023, a new statutory ICTG service to provide support to unaccompanied children arriving in Scotland who will have undergone an arduous migration alone and may have been a victim of, or may be vulnerable to becoming a victim of, human trafficking; and (3) the implementation by the Child Trafficking Strategy Group (CTSG) of the 18 specific actions of the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy of Scotland which relate to children who are, or may be, victims of human trafficking and exploitation. The Committee further notes that, as part of a wider National Referral Mechanism (NRM) reform activity, a Pilot test was launched in 2021 devolving responsibility for NRM decisions for child victims of trafficking from the Home Office to Local Authorities. This approach enables decisions about whether a child is a victim of trafficking to be made by those involved in their care, and ensures the decisions made are closely aligned with the provision of local, needs-based support and any law enforcement response. The pilot is now operating in 20 pilot sites, covering 30 Local Authorities across England, Scotland and Wales.

The Committee notes, however, according to the Government’s information, that a total of 621 referrals were made to the NRM in 2022 – only as relates to Scotland – representing an increase of 48 per cent from the previous year, with the largest increase in identification as victims of trafficking and exploitation being children. The Committee further notes, according to the online data of the Home Office for 2023, that the number of referrals to the NRM for potential child victims of trafficking for the United Kingdom were at their highest on record (44 per cent; 7,432).

While taking due note of the measures taken by the Government, the Committee must therefore express its concern at the high number of children identified as victims or potential victims of human trafficking, which appears to be on the increase. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to address the root causes of child trafficking in order to prevent children under 18 years of age from becoming victims of trafficking, and to supply information on the results achieved in this regard. It also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to provide child victims of trafficking with the appropriate services for their rehabilitation and social integration, including the number of child victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation who have been referred to the NRM, removed and provided with support and assistance.

On other issues related to human trafficking, the Committee refers to its comments under the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), and the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930.

Clause (d).Hazardous work in military service. The Committee takes note of the TUC’s observations according to which 16- and 17-year-olds are being recruited into the armed forces. The TUC refers to information which suggests that recruiters intentionally target children from areas of high deprivation. A 2019 study by the Child Rights International Network (CRIN) on the conditions faced by these young recruits, endorsed by the TUC, reveals that, while young persons under 18 cannot be deployed to war zones, military employment introduces multiple psychological and physical risks, as well as exposes recruits to hazardous working conditions. The study indicates, for example: (1) that military training is a psychologically coercive process involving extraordinary exposure to stress, as well as elevated rates of bullying and sexual harassment; (2) that psychological stressors are intentionally applied in order to transform young civilians into soldiers, that stressors of this kind are harmful to mental health and that young persons are more susceptible; (3) that the intensity of physical training puts recruits at risk of musculoskeletal injuries in particular, as well as other conditions such as heat exhaustion, and that there are no limits to the weight a recruit can be instructed to lift; and (4) that children in military training handle and fire live ammunition, and that CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) training exposes recruits to tear gas. Moreover, the study reveals that the working conditions applied to young persons in the army would be unlawful in civilian employment. For example, young recruits are on duty for ten hours per day, the armed forces are exempt from regulations governing rest periods, and recruits have no right to leave the army in the first six weeks of training. Moreover, after six months, their right to leave is subject to a notice period of up to three months; and absence without leave, including of young persons, is punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment. The Committee further notes the TUC’s information, in its 2020 update, regarding the new data that has come to light supporting concerns that military employment in the United Kingdom exposes children to physical, psychological or sexual abuse and that, in some instances, this has led to suicide. Moreover, the TUC indicates that, in May 2019, a review of the policy of recruiting children under the age of 18 into the armed forces was undertaken by the army, in which non-governmental stakeholders were not permitted to engage and which did not respond to the persistent concerns that the Army’s Junior Entry Policy is incompatible with children’s rights, including those under the Convention.

The Committee further notes that the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of 22 June 2023 (CRC/C/GBR/CO/6-7, paragraph 56), notes with concern reports of the overrepresentation of socioeconomically disadvantaged children in the armed forces. It notably recommends that the United Kingdom consider raising the minimum age for voluntary recruitment into the armed forces to 18 years, take measures to address the reported heavy mental health burden among child recruits, and promptly investigate any reports of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of violence against children in the armed forces, particularly during armed forces training.

The Committee takes note of all this information with concern. The Committee recalls that, under Article 3(d) of the Convention, work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children, constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour prohibited to children under the age of 18 and that Member States are required to take immediate and effective measures to secure elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that young persons under the age of 18 years voluntarily recruited into the armed forces are not engaged in hazardous types of work, and to ensure their protection from any type of abuse or exploitation in the context of their military service. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard and the results achieved.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Child victims of trafficking. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) had launched its Strategic Threat Assessment on Child Trafficking, and that from March 2007 to February 2008, 325 children from 50 different countries were identified at varying levels of concern for trafficking and exploitation. The Government also indicated that it had awarded a grant of £50,000 to a voluntary organization called Barnardo’s to provide special services for child victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation. The Government further indicated that the United Kingdom Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking was updated in 2009, and that the National Referral Mechanism was set up in April 2009 to identify, refer and support child victims of trafficking. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the number of child victims of trafficking who had been provided support through the United Kingdom Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking and by the Barnardo’s organization.

The Committee notes data in the Government’s report from the voluntary organization Barnardo’s indicating that, between June 2009 and March 2011, services were provided to 123 young persons who were known or suspected to be victims of trafficking within the United Kingdom for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and to approximately 55 children who had been trafficked from abroad. These children were provided support through specialized trafficking projects or services for victims of sexual exploitation. The Committee also notes the information in the Government’s report that the CEOP identified 287 children as being potential victims of trafficking between 2009 and 2010. The Government states that this information, combined with the data from 2007–08, indicates that there are approximately 300 child victims of trafficking in the United Kingdom each year. The Government also indicates that, as part of the National Referral Mechanism, 322 potential child trafficking victims were identified by the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre and the United Kingdom Border Agency, between April 2009 and December 2010. The Government indicates that once a child is identified as a victim of trafficking, he or she is referred to a local authority and safeguarded under the existing statutory requirements. The Committee further notes that a Child Trafficking Toolkit was launched in February 2011 to raise awareness among local authorities and better equip them to deal with child victims of trafficking. Lastly, the Committee notes that the new Human Trafficking Strategy was launched in July 2011.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. Street children and runaway children. The Committee previously noted the Trades Union Congress’ allegation that, according to Children’s Society Report of 2005, there were 100,000 runaway children aged between 14 and 16 years in Britain (12,000 in London) who are extremely vulnerable. The Committee also noted the Government’s launching of the Young Runaways Action Plan which aims to better coordinate cross-government action on children who run away from home or care homes. The Government also indicated that a United Kingdom Border Agency’s code of practice on keeping children safe from harm had been developed. The Committee requested the Government to provide statistical information on the number of missing and runaway children who have been protected and rehabilitated under the Young Runaways Action Plan and the number of children who have benefited from the United Kingdom Border Agency’s code of practice. Furthermore, noting that in Northern Ireland, funding was provided to Barnardo’s to undertake the Safe Choices (Missing from Care) Project and the Northern Ireland Child Sexual Exploitation Research Project, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the impact of these two projects.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it does not retain data on the number of missing and runaway children who have been protected and rehabilitation through the Young Runaways Action Plan. The Government also indicates that in November 2009, the United Kingdom Border Agency’s Code of Practice was replaced by a statutory duty in the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration 2009 Act, which includes a general duty of vigilance on behalf of all children with whom the United Kingdom Border Agency has contact. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that responses taken with regard to safeguarding and the welfare needs of children are based on the specific situation of the child, and statistics are not maintained on the number of children who have benefited from such actions.

The Committee notes that in Northern Ireland, the pilot of Safe Choices (Missing from Care) Project ran until March 2011, and that this project is now funded by the Health and Social Care Board. The Government indicates that an evaluation of the project was undertaken in February 2011, indicating that the training provided to professionals working with young people (including social workers, residential staff and police officers) and foster carers had a positive impact on those trained and the children with whom they worked. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Northern Ireland Child Sexual Exploitation Research Project was completed in September 2011, and that these research findings will be translated into policy on operation and strategic responses to child sexual exploitation and children missing from care.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the detailed statistical information provided in the Government’s report. In this regard, the Committee notes that seven persons were found guilty of causing or inciting child prostitution in 2008, and eight persons found guilty thereof in 2009. Two persons were found guilty for controlling a child for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation or arranging or facilitating this exploitation in 2008, and two persons were found guilty of this offence in 2009. The Government’s report also indicates that 13 persons were convicted for arranging or facilitating travel within the United Kingdom of a person for the purpose of sexual exploitation in 2008, and eight persons were convicted in 2009. Moreover, the Government’s report indicates that 958 persons were found guilty of taking, making, distributing or publishing indecent photographs of children in 2008, and 1024 persons in 2009, while 229 persons were found guilty of possessing indecent photographs of a child in 2008 and 222 persons in 2009. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied regarding the involvement of children in the worst forms of child labour. To the extent possible, all information provided should be disaggregated by sex and age.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that, according to section 48 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, a person (A) commits an offence if: (a) that person intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to become a prostitute, or to be involved in pornography, in any part of the world; and (b) either: (i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over; or (ii) B is under 13. It had also noted that similar wording is used in several other provisions of the same Act relating to controlling, arranging and facilitating child prostitution or pornography (sections 49 and 50). It had therefore observed that only children under 13 years of age are protected, with certainty, from sexual exploitation. The Committee had also noted the Government’s indication that, as prostitution and pornography were not illegal as such, it was conceivable that a person could participate in these practices in the reasonable belief that the other person was over 18. If the defendant could produce evidence to support that belief, then the police saw little value in prosecuting an individual who has genuinely tried to stay within the law.

The Committee had also noted the Trades Union Congress’ (TUC) contention that United Kingdom legislation presents a loophole whereby someone could escape possible conviction for the sexual exploitation of a child on the grounds that they “reasonably believed” that the child was over 18 years. It had further noted the Government’s information that the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act, 2005, introduced a range of new offences, including: paying for the sexual services of children (section 9); causing or inciting children to provide sexual services or child pornography (section 10); controlling children providing sexual services or involved in pornography (section 11); arranging or facilitating the provision by children of sexual services or child pornography (section 12) which appeared to be structured like sections 48, 49 and 50 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, to the extent that, if B is under 18 years, A commits an offence only if he/she does not reasonably believe that B is aged 18 or over. Finally, noting that, according to the explanatory notes to the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, and the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act, 2005, in cases where the child is 13 or over, the Crown must prove that A did not reasonably believe that B was 18 or over, the Committee had requested the Government to specify how the proof required by sections 48, 49 and 50 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, and sections 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act, 2005, would work in practice.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that, in relation to the Sexual Offences Act 2003, a person has a defence if that person reasonably believed that the victim was 16 or over at the time of the commission of the alleged offence, whereas the defence will not be available if the child was, in fact, under 13 at the relevant time. If the defence is raised then the prosecution must provide sufficient evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that such a belief did not exist or, if it did exist, was not reasonable. According to the Government, the types of evidence which the prosecution may seek to rebut the defence include: (a) evidence that the defendant had been told the age of the victim, either by the victim or by a third party; (b) evidence that the circumstances in which the defendant knew the victim or the length of time that the defendant knew the victim, must mean that the defendant was aware of the victim’s age; or (c) the physical appearance of the victim, if it is clearly obvious to any reasonable person that the victim is under 18 years. Similarly in Scotland, the prospect of the defence claiming that the accused person had a reasonable belief that the person involved in the offence was aged 18 or over requires the Crown to prove by corroborated evidence that the accused had no belief or, if there was belief that it was not reasonably held. The Committee further notes the Government’s statement that there are no reported cases where the issue of the reasonable belief as to the age of the complainer in terms of the Prevention of Sexual Offences Act of 2005 has been judicially discussed or considered.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Child victims of trafficking. The Committee had previously noted the information provided by the Government on the various measures taken within the framework of the United Kingdom Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking for the protection and rehabilitation of child victims of trafficking. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that data on the number of children removed from trafficking and rehabilitated are not yet available. However, action is ongoing to improve knowledge of the scale and nature of human trafficking into and within the UK and the response to child trafficking identified. It notes the Government’s indication that the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) which was established in 2006 in order to tackle every kind of online child sex abuses launched its Strategic Threat Assessment on Child Trafficking in April 2009 in order to assess the nature and incidence of child trafficking. The data collected from police forces, children’s services, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and the NGOs covering the period from March 2007 to February 2008 indicated the following trends in child trafficking: 325 children from 50 different countries were identified at varying levels of concern for trafficking and for a broad array of exploitation, out of which 109 children were trafficked for sexual exploitation, 36 children for various types of forced labour, 14 children for street crime, ten children for domestic servitude, eight children for fraud purposes, three children for drug trafficking, one for illegal adoption and one for forced marriage.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that this assessment had contributed in raising national awareness amongst the police forces, the UKBA and children’s services which resulted in the development of a number of child trafficking preventive measures, such as “Blue Blindfold” for raising awareness on human trafficking, and the Child Trafficking Advice and Information Line that aims to support a safeguarding and child protection response to existing work on child trafficking. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Department for Children, Schools and Families awarded a grant of £50,000 to a voluntary organization called Barnardo’s to provide special services for child victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation. The Committee further notes the Government’s statement that the UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking has been updated with a total of 85 action plans to tackle trafficking with specific emphasis on prevention, investigation/law enforcement/prosecution, protection and assistance to victims of trafficking including child victims. Moreover, a National Referral Mechanism was set up in April 2009 to identify, refer and support child victims of trafficking. The Committee finally notes the detailed information provided by the Government on the key measures implemented within this National Plan, including training the staff and health professionals to respond to the needs of child victims of trafficking and offer them appropriate protection and support. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of children removed from trafficking and rehabilitated pursuant to the implementation of the UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking. It also requests the Government to indicate the number of child victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation who have been offered special services at the Barnardo’s organization.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk.
1. Children used in drug trafficking. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is not aware of children being used for drug trafficking in the country, hence it believes that it is not necessary to set up a monitoring system to assess the scale of the problem. However, the Government has provided statistical data on the offences committed in England, Wales and Scotland by children under 18 years involved in drug offences, which, according to the Government, provides the necessary assessment. The Committee notes that, according to this data, the number of prosecutions undertaken with regard to drug offences involving children under 18 years in England and Wales increased from 4,460 in 2006 to 5,263 in 2007, and in Scotland the number of children referred to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) for drug related offences was 660 in 2006–07 and 599 in 2008–09.

2. Missing children and street children. The Committee had previously noted the TUC’s allegation that, according to Children’s Society Report, published in October 2005, each year in Britain there are 100,000 runaway children aged between 14 and 16 years (12,000 in London) who are extremely vulnerable. Many of them live on the street. This survey also suggested that one in ten had subsequently begged, stolen, or had become involved in drugs or prostitution, and one in 12 said they were hurt or harmed while away from home. It had noted the Government’s indication that it had developed a guideline for the management, recording and investigation of missing persons and a guide to good practice to be followed by local authorities. The Committee had also noted the Government’s statement that it would develop a problem-solving approach for the collection and analysis of information regarding street children through a multi‑agency partnership between the police and the organizations that run care homes.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it has launched a Young Runaways Action Plan which aims to better coordinate cross-government action on children who run away from home or care homes and places particular emphasis on vulnerable children such as those who have been trafficked. A national indicator on young runaways which was introduced in April 2009 requires local authorities to have in place protocols for the multi-agency response to runaways and missing children, including preventive measures. A number of awareness campaigns have been run and guidance for professionals on safeguarding children who may have been trafficked or children missing from care and home, Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation and the UK Border Agency’s code of practice on keeping children safe from harm have been developed. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that these measures have led to a reduction in the number of children going missing over recent months. It also notes the Government’s indication that the UK Human Trafficking Centre has established an expert group on the issue of missing and runaway children and is working with police forces to develop intelligence and operational responses. The Paladin Team which is a metropolitan police-led team along with the UK Border Agency and Hillingdon (the local authority) Children’s Services which work against the trafficking of children and in particular safeguarding children at ports have made tremendous progress in reducing the number of girls who go missing from care. In 2008–09, 31 Chinese young people who arrived at the Heathrow Airport were looked after by Hillingdon Children’s Services. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on the number of missing and runaway children who have been protected and rehabilitated under the Young Runaways Action Plan; the number of children who have benefited through the awareness campaigns under the Safeguarding Children, Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation and the UK Border Agency’s code of practice; and the number of missing children who have been protected and rehabilitated by the Paladin Team.

In Northern Ireland, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is funding Barnardo’s to undertake two projects relating to children going missing from care, such as: the Safe Choices (Missing from Care) Project which aims to reduce the risk of sexual exploitation of children and young persons in care by reducing the number of missing episodes through various strategies; and the Sexual Exploitation Research Project to conduct research on the prevalence of sexual exploitation and the links with children going missing from care. Further, a joint protocol was agreed in April 2008 between the health and social care trusts and the police service of Northern Ireland on a detailed guidance on the roles and responsibilities of both parties when a child is reported missing. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the two projects undertaken by Barnardo’s in reducing the number of children going missing. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to support and protect the missing children according to the joint protocol agreed by the health and social care trusts and the police service of Northern Ireland.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the data provided by the Government regarding convictions in England, Wales and Scotland for the several offences under the Sexual Offences Act of 2003. Accordingly in England and Wales, there were 18 prosecution cases related to trafficking for sexual exploitation in 2007, of which five were found guilty; 49 cases of sexual grooming of children, out of which 45 persons were found guilty; and 299 cases of offences related to involving a child for sexual activities. Moreover, in England and Wales, there have been 1,075 persons prosecuted in 2007 for offences related to child pornography, of which 967 persons were found guilty. In Scotland, the police have recorded 17 cases related to sexual grooming of children and one case of procurement of a child under 18 for pornography. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied regarding the involvement of children in the worst forms of child labour.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It also notes the comments made by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in its communication dated 24 October 2005, and the Government’s reply thereto.

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that, according to section 48 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, a person (A) commits an offence if: (a) that person intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to become a prostitute, or to be involved in pornography, in any part of the world; and (b) either: (i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over; or (ii) B is under 13. It had noted that similar wording is used in several other provisions of the same Act relating to controlling, arranging and facilitating child prostitution or pornography (sections 49 and 50). It had therefore observed that only children under 13 years of age are protected, with certainty, from sexual exploitation. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that, as prostitution and pornography were not illegal as such, it was conceivable that A could cause B to participate in these practices in the reasonable belief that B was over 18. If the defendant could produce evidence to support that belief, then the police saw little value in prosecuting an individual who has genuinely tried to stay within the law. The Committee had requested the Government to provide information on the evidence brought before the courts by persons prosecuted for having used, procured or offered persons under 18 years of age for prostitution or the production of pornography, on judicial decisions relating to the admissibility of such evidence and the outcome of trials where such evidence is adduced.

The Committee notes the TUC’s contention that United Kingdom legislation presents a loophole whereby someone could escape possible conviction for the sexual exploitation of a child on the grounds that they “reasonably believed” that the child was over 18 years.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it does not collect information on evidence used in trials. It also notes the Government’s information that the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act, 2005, has been adopted. This Act introduces a range of new offences, including: paying for the sexual services of children (section 9); causing or inciting children to provide sexual services or child pornography (section 10); controlling children providing sexual services or involved in pornography (section 11); arranging or facilitating the provision by children of sexual services or child pornography (section 12). The Committee observes that sections 9, 10, 11 and 12 are structured like sections 48, 49 and 50 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, to the extent that if B is under 18 years, A commits an offence only if he/she does not reasonably believe that B is aged 18 or over. The Committee observes that, according to the explanatory notes to the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, and the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act, 2005, in cases where B is 13 or over, the Crown must prove that A did not reasonably believe that B was 18 or over. The Committee requests the Government to specify how the proof required by sections 48, 49 and 50 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, and sections 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act, 2005, would work in practice. In this regard, it also requests the Government to provide information on any guidance issued for magistrates and the like on the subject.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Causing or allowing children to be used for begging. The Committee had observed that, according to section 4(1) and (2) of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933 (as amended by the Children Act, 1989), it is prohibited to cause or allow a person under 16 to be used for begging. It had noted that the Government did not intend to revise the definition of children to include all young persons up to age 18. It had requested the Government to explain why the lack of a prohibition on begging in respect of children between the ages of 16 and 18 is in compliance with Article 3(c) read with Article 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that, while causing or allowing persons under 16 years to be used for begging is a criminal offence, begging itself is not illegal and neither is using a consenting party to help begging. Moreover, statute and common law provide that at 16 years of age children may give their consent for different acts. For these reasons, it is not considered appropriate to extend the offence to include all children under 18 years. Otherwise, the Government recognizes that, if a person coerces a 16- or 17-year-old to assist him/her in begging, this could involve various forms of offences. For example, if the coercion took the form of threats of physical harm, it would constitute “assault” under the common law.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. United Kingdom Tripartite Group on the Monitoring of ILO Convention No. 182. The Committee had previously noted that the first tripartite meeting of the United Kingdom Tripartite Group on the Monitoring of ILO Convention No. 182 was held in May 2003. Participants included officials from various government departments as well as representatives from the TUC and CBI. The Committee takes note of the minutes of the meetings of the Tripartite Group of 30 June 2005; 23 August 2005; 3 October 2005; 30 November 2006, supplied by the Government. It notes the Government’s statement that the meetings of the Tripartite Group have provided the opportunity for the social partners to discuss current policy directions and implementation directly with government policy experts, on issues such as child trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children.

2. Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Committee notes the Government’s information that the HSE contributed to the European Week of 2006 dedicated to the occupational safety and health of young people. It worked in partnership with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the TUC, Learning and Skills Council, the Manufacturers’ Organization and the British Safety Council. The purpose of the partnership was to raise awareness on the occupational safety and health of young persons and included the joint production of guidance on a basic hazard awareness course.

3. Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB) and other agencies safeguarding the welfare of children. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the LSCB were established in April 2006 with the role of coordinating work to safeguard children from commercial sexual exploitation in each local area.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. 1. Project Reflex. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that the Government initiated “Project Reflex” which is a practical multi-agency task force on organized immigration crime which includes trafficking. The Committee notes the Government’s information that Project Reflex has driven forward successful, coordinated action to disrupt organized criminal gangs. In 2004–05, there were 149 disruptions of criminal activity and 1,456 arrests. The Committee further notes the Government’s information that Operation Pentameter – a multi-agency national operation aimed at tackling trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation – ran from 21 February to 31 May 2006. The operation involved 55 police forces. Some 515 operations were conducted, 232 people arrested and 84 potential victims identified, 12 of whom were said to be minors. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that arising out of the Reflex Programme were the operation “Paladin Child” and the establishment of minors’ teams at Heathrow Airport.

2. Child trafficking. The Committee notes with interest that the Government has adopted a number of measures aimed at combating trafficking, including child trafficking: (a) launching of the United Kingdom Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking (23 March 2007), which focuses on four key areas: prevention, enforcement and prosecution, victim support, and child trafficking; (b) launching of the New Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC, October 2006), in charge of developing and coordinating enforcement action in the United Kingdom; (c) launching of the new specialist Metropolitan Police Trafficking Team (March 2007), which will work with the UKHTC and NGOs in providing investigation and enforcement activity; (d) establishment of the Child Trafficking Steering Group to raise police awareness and combat child trafficking; (e) awareness-raising campaigns in cooperation with airline liaison officers on the vulnerability of children travelling into the United Kingdom and on risks presented to those children.

3. Child commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee notes with interest that the Government has adopted the following measures aimed at combating the commercial sexual exploitation of children: (a) publication of the “Coordination Prostitution Strategy” (January 2006), which focuses on preventing and combating all forms of commercial sexual exploitation; (b) establishment in April 2006 of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), aimed at tackling every kind of online child sex abuses; (c) issue by the Home Office Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet (TFCPI) of a good practice guidance for search providers and for moderation services; (d) Home Office campaign (January–April 2006) aimed at advising 11–14 year-old children to advise them against giving personal information online to strangers.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Child victims of trafficking. The Committee notes the TUC’s statement that it welcomes the introduction of the new offence of trafficking for labour exploitation in the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act of 2004, as well as the introduction in the Sexual Offences Act of 2003 of a range of offences covering the commercial sexual exploitation of children, including trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation. However, the conflation of immigration and asylum issues with trafficking may weaken effective protection of trafficked children by increasing the likelihood of their deportation rather than their protection. Moreover, the TUC points out that the legislative framework for the identification and protection of trafficking victims is weak.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that the United Kingdom Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking has a clear victim-centred approach. Central to the victim care and protection elements will be the role played by the LSCB in protecting child victims of trafficking. Moreover, the Home Office, the Department for Children, School and Family (DCSF), the Department of Health, local authorities, and local NGOs are working together to ensure protection to children trafficked who may have been traumatized and physically harmed by their experience. A child trafficking telephone line will be in place by October 2007 and will provide information to social workers, police and immigration officers coming into contact with children they believe may be victims of trafficking. The Government recognizes the importance of specifically identifying and safeguarding unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who may be trafficked. Appropriate safeguards for these children will include the availability of safe and secure accommodation to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of the traffickers again. Adequate reception arrangements in the country of origin must be in place before any child is returned. The interests of many separated children are best served by reunion with their families overseas, but any risk of re-trafficking needs to be considered carefully before a decision is made. In this regard, the Home Office is committed to ensuring that decisions on asylum claims are made by specially trained staff who work closely with social workers and children’s legal representatives. The Immigration service will only facilitate children’s return to their country of origin if it is safe to do so and appropriate reception and care arrangements exist in that country. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of children who have been removed from trafficking and rehabilitated pursuant to the implementation of the United Kingdom Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Children used in drug trafficking. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that no specific guidance was produced to encourage police to proactively identify children involved in drug trafficking. It had also noted the Government’s indication that no measures were taken since it was not aware of any systematic use of children to traffic drugs into or from the United Kingdom.

The Committee notes that, in its allegations, the TUC refers to the findings of an in-depth 20-month investigation by a team of criminologists and drug experts from King’s College, London, according to which more young people are becoming runners and spotters for dealers. Adult dealers increasingly enlist them as runners and lookouts because they believe their age makes them less likely to be caught.

The Committee notes that the Government provides statistical data on the offences committed in England, Wales and Scotland by children under 18 years involved in drug offences. However, the Government provides no data on the number of offences regarding the use of children under 18 years for drug trafficking. The Committee observes the Government’s statement that currently it has no plans to conduct a survey to assess the number of children used for drug trafficking. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to assess the number of children used for drug trafficking, in order for it to be able to adopt measures to protect children used in drug trafficking from the worst forms of child labour.

2. Commercial sexual exploitation of children. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s indication that the Home Office Crime Reduction Programme was funding four projects concerning children and young persons who were either at risk of being, or actively engaged in, sex work and sexual exploitation. It notes the Government’s information that a summary of the evaluation of these projects was published in the document: “Tackling street prostitution: towards an holistic approach Home Office research study” (2004). The findings of the evaluation contributed to the development of the Government’s “Coordination Prostitution Strategy”.

3. Missing children and street children. The Committee had previously noted that, according to the National Plan for Safeguarding Children from Commercial Sexual Exploitation (NPA against CSEC), appropriate responses to the needs of the particularly vulnerable groups, including children who go missing, should be identified.

It notes the TUC’s allegation that a recent Children’s Society report, published in October 2005, suggested that each year in Britain there were 100,000 runaway children aged between 14 and 16 years (12,000 in London) who were extremely vulnerable. Many of them lived on the street. This survey suggested that one in ten had subsequently begged, stolen, or had become involved in drugs or prostitution, and one in 12 said they were hurt or harmed while away from home.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that not all children who go missing from care or from home end up on the streets, but many do. For this purpose, guidance entitled “The management, recording and investigation of missing persons” was produced by CENTREX on behalf of the Association of Police Officers. Moreover, the document “Children missing from care and home – a guide to good practice” has been published following the Social Exclusion Unit’s report “Young Runaways”. This is statutory guidance which must be followed by local authorities. Furthermore, there is a multi-agency effort to tackle the problem of accompanied and unaccompanied Romanian and Bulgarian Roma children involved in petty crime, including theft and pickpocketing, controlled by organized criminal gangs. The Committee notes the Government’s information that a problem-solving approach to collection and analysis of information should be developed through multi-agency partnerships between the police and organizations that run care homes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any development made towards a problem-solving approach on collection and analysis of information regarding street children.

4. Refugees and asylum-seeking children. The Committee had previously noted that, according to the NPA against CSEC, appropriate responses to the needs of refugee and asylum-seeking children, amongst others, should be identified. It notes with interest that the Government has taken a number of measures aimed at preventing unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) from being trafficked, as well as measures aimed at caring and supporting them while they are in the United Kingdom. In March 2007, in particular, the Government set out, in a consultation paper, proposals for a UASC reform programme. This programme aims at improving the way the young persons are supported and cared for, and the ways in which their asylum claims are dealt with.

Article 8. Elimination of poverty. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s information that the Department for International Development (DFID) programmes have made a significant impact in reducing income poverty and increasing school attendance. In this regard, it is estimated that each year DFID helps to reduce permanently the number of people living in poverty by 3 million and provides bilateral support to education programmes in over 30 developing countries. Particularly, DFID has contributed: in Viet Nam, to halve poverty in 14 years and helping to enable net enrolment of 94.6 per cent of children in primary schools; in Bangladesh, to build 14,000 new classrooms and recruit 12,000 teachers; in Mozambique, to reduce poverty from 70 per cent to 55 per cent between 2000 and 2005, and to double the number of children in schools.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee had previously noted the TUC’s indications that there were no accurate and reliable data in existence within the United Kingdom regarding the trafficking of children, the number of children involved in prostitution or in hazardous occupations in the United Kingdom. It had also noted the Government’s indication that it was giving consideration to the possibility of collecting data on trafficked children, child prostitutes, and other children involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s information that in the first half of 2007, the Home Office and the Border and Immigration Agency worked with the CEOP on an intelligence gathering project to improve knowledge of the scope of child trafficking into and within the United Kingdom. It notes that the CEOP’s report, entitled “A scoping project on child trafficking in the United Kingdom” (June 2007), represents the first phase of a more in-depth study or “strategic threat assessment”. The CEOP’s report points out that there are no centrally held data on trafficking in the United Kingdom, but data collection is one of the actions contained in the United Kingdom Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking. This report indicates that the “research team” (composed of the relevant officers) identified 330 cases of children under 18 years fitting the profile used to identify victims of trafficking. Of the 330 children fitting the profile, 85 per cent of whom were between 15 and 17 years, 70 were categorized as level 1 (low possibility of trafficking); 70 as level 2 (medium probability); 85 as level 3 (high probability); and 105 as level 4 (very high). Moreover, 44 source countries were identified in the study, including some in South-East Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, West Africa, Eastern Europe and the Baltic States. The Committee notes the Government’s information that, separately, steps have been put into place to improve the recording and retention of data of children entering the country. New rules on child visas were introduced in February 2006 to ensure the identities of children and that of those travelling with them are verified and approved by their parents and guardians. It also notes the Government’s information that, in 2007, the Home Office published a literature review of all published information available concerning trafficking for the purposes of labour exploitation. The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts in improving the collection of data on children involved in the worst forms of child labour, especially in trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation and drug trafficking.

The Committee notes the comprehensive data provided by the Government regarding convictions in England, Wales and Scotland, for the offences regarding child trafficking and child commercial sexual exploitation. Particularly, it notes that there have been over 69 convictions for the offence of trafficking for sexual exploitation under the new provisions of the Sexual Offences Act of 2003, resulting in sentences of up to 21 years’ imprisonment. Moreover, in England and Wales there have been 1,463 persons prosecuted in 2003, 1,097 in 2004, 1,101 in 2005, for the offences related to child pornography. In England and Wales, 124 offences have been recorded between 2005 and 2006, and 101 offences between 2006 and 2007, regarding the commercial sexual exploitation of children (for prostitution and pornography). Five offences regarding grooming of children for sexual offences have been recorded in the Scottish courts between 2005 and 2006. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied regarding the involvement of children in the worst forms of child labour.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the comments made by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in its communication dated 24 October 2005. It asks the Government to provide any observation that it may wish to make on the matters raised by the TUC.

Article 3 of the Convention. The worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). Sale and trafficking of children. In its previous comments, the Committee had observed that trafficking in slaves was prohibited under section 2 of the Slave Trade Act, 1824. It had also noted that section 145 of the National, Asylum and Immigration Act, 2002, makes it a criminal offence to traffic people into, or out of, the United Kingdom for the purpose of controlling them in prostitution. The Committee had further noted that, according to the White Paper entitled "Secure Borders, Safe Haven: Integration with Diversity in Modern Britain" of February 2002, the Government would introduce a new law on trafficking of persons for labour exploitation.

The Committee notes, with interest, the Government’s indication that the Asylum and Immigration Act, 2002, was amended in 2004 to make it an offence to traffic persons for purposes other than sexual exploitation, for instance, for domestic servitude or benefit fraud. Section 4 of the aforementioned Act, as amended in 2004, prohibits the trafficking of people into, inside or out of, the United Kingdom for the purpose of exploitation which includes: (a) subjection of persons to slavery or forced labour; (b) pressure on persons to commit criminal offences under legislation relating to human organ transplants; (c ) subjection of persons to force, threats or deception to induce them to provide services such as prostitution; and (d) using undue influence on vulnerable persons, including young persons.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. In its previous comments, the Committee had taken due note of the adoption of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, which contains detailed provisions on the sexual exploitation of children. It had observed that, according to section 48 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, a person (A) commits an offence if: (a) that person intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to become a prostitute, or to be involved in pornography, in any part of the world; and (b) either: (i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or (ii) B is under 13. It had noted that similar wording is used in several other provisions such as section 49 (controlling a child prostitute or a child involved in pornography) and section 50 (arranging or facilitating child prostitution or pornography). It had noted with concern that a person who, for example, incites a child of 14 years to become a prostitute does not commit an offence in so far as that person reasonably believes the child is 18 years old. It had observed that only children under 13 years of age are protected, with certainty, from sexual exploitation.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that prostitution and pornography are not illegal as such and it is conceivable that a person could cause another person to participate in one or other practice in the genuinely held and reasonable belief that they were over 18 and therefore acting legally. It adds that if the defendant can produce evidence to support that belief, then the police see little value in prosecuting an individual who has genuinely tried to stay within the law. It also notes the Government’s indication that since the Sexual Offences Act came into force on 1 May 2004, statistics are not yet available on prosecutions and convictions under this Act.

Noting the Government’s acknowledgement that it is difficult to ascertain the exact age of a young person, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the evidence brought before the courts by persons prosecuted for having used, procured or offered persons under 18 years of age for prostitution or the production of pornography, on judicial decision relating to the admissibility of such evidence and the outcome of trials where such evidence is adduced.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government’s indication that drug trafficking is prohibited under the Drug Trafficking Act, 1994, and that there is no separate offence of using a child for drug trafficking. It had also observed that under section 19 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971, it is an offence for a person to incite another to commit such an offence, i.e. to import or export a controlled drug (section 3), to produce or supply a controlled drug (section 4). The Committee notes, with interest, that section 4A(4) of the Drugs Act of 2005, amending section 4 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971, provides that it is an aggravation of an offence to use a courier who, at the time the offence was committed, was under the age of 18.

2. Causing or allowing children to be used for begging. The Committee had observed that, according to section 4(1) and (2) of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933 (as amended by the Children Act, 1989), it is prohibited to cause or allow a person under 16 to be used for begging. The Committee takes note of the consolidated version of the text edited by the Department for Education and Skills (DFES) and sent by the Government. It also notes the Government’s indication that it does not intend to revise the definition of children to include all young persons up to age 18. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any reasons for its standpoint and accordingly requests the Government to explain why the lack of a prohibition on begging in respect of children between the ages of 16 and 18 is in compliance with Article 3(c) read with Article 2 of the Convention.

Article 3(d) and Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 3. Hazardous work. The Committee had noted that Regulation 19 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999, places a duty on the employer to protect young persons (i.e. a person under 18 years of age) from risks to their health and safety and provides for a detailed list of occupations that young workers shall not perform. It had also noted from the Government’s report and available legislation that United Kingdom legislation identifies several types of work or activities that are likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children. Occupations considered to be hazardous for young persons are widespread in the legislation. The Committee had further observed that the TUC welcomed the progress made by the Government in extending the types of hazardous work and in laying them in a draft list. It had also noted that the Government intends to review periodically this list in consultation (on an annual basis) with the TUC and CBI. However, according to the TUC, the provisional list of hazardous work prohibited for children under 18 was not satisfactory. It had argued that underwater and underground work, manual handling of heavy loads, work in confined spaces, work at dangerous heights and deep-sea fishing were not included.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is not aware that, in the United Kingdom, there is an issue regarding the employment of young people in the areas mentioned by the TUC, which would require additional health and safety interventions beyond the existing protections. It accordingly asked the TUC to provide evidence supporting their concerns in order for a more informed discussion to take place. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the discussions held between the TUC and the Government on this issue.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Identification of hazardous work. The Committee had taken due note of the Government’s indication that there were specific regulations in identified areas of significant risks, e.g. relating to lead or ionizing radiation and agriculture. It had also noted that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified key activities where attention is needed over and above the protection afforded by general regulation. These include agriculture, woodworking, construction, ceramics and metalworking. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the HSE regularly meets with industry and topic groups to discuss the main health and safety issues facing a particular industry to consider ways of finding solutions. The Committee accordingly asks the Government to provide information on the findings of the HSE concerning the identification of where the types of hazardous work exist for persons under 18 years of age.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee had taken due note of the Government’s indication that the first tripartite meeting on monitoring Convention No. 182 was held in May 2003. Participants included officials from various government departments as well as representatives from the TUC and CBI under the United Kingdom Tripartite Group on monitoring of ILO Convention No. 182. The Committee notes that the Tripartite Group meets on a regular basis and exchanges views on the measures taken and the areas of improvement to fully implement the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. 1. Programme of action to combat the worst forms of child labour. The Committee had taken note of the United Kingdom draft programme of action to combat the worst forms of child labour provided by the Government. This programme aims at strengthening the legislative framework which contributes to combating child labour in the United Kingdom. It is also based on the monitoring and inspection of children’s welfare at work. The programme further focuses on raising awareness through the production and dissemination of good practices together with promoting Convention No. 182 nationally and internationally. The Committee had also noted that the TUC and CBI were consulted on this draft programme.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Programme of Action was launched in 2002. According to the Government, its main achievements have been to serve as a basis for raising awareness of the requirements of the Convention across the many United Kingdom government departments with a policy interest; and to align current and future Government action and initiatives relating to child labour with the requirements of the Convention.

2. Project Reflex. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that the Government initiated "Project Reflex" which is a practical multi-agency task force on organized immigration crime which includes people trafficking. It brings together all the key agencies involved in combating the problem, including the immigration service, the national criminal intelligence service, the security and intelligence agencies and key police forces. Under this project, a ground-breaking joint operational unit comprising the national crime squad and immigration services officers was set up. Its three main tasks are to develop intelligence leads for the operational arm, to carry out surveillance and to provide legal assistance to investigations with a view to future prosecutions. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that recent Reflex-funded successes have included the imprisonment of a Ukrainian gang master who was exploiting illegal immigrants working in British food factories and the arrest of people involved in enticing a Lithuanian girl into the United Kingdom and forcing her to work in a brothel. Reflex’s strategy is also to develop partnership with other countries to combat child trafficking; thus the United Kingdom cooperates through the Reflex project with Romania, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. The Government further indicates that between April 2001 and March 2003 there were a total of 30 disruptions of criminal networks involved in organized immigration crime; a "disruption" being a temporary halt or setback which causes the criminals to be unable to operate at their normal level of activity. It adds that between April 2004 and March 2005 there was a significant increase with 149 disruptions. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the results achieved under the Reflex project especially with regard to the elimination of child trafficking.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. 1. Education. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government’s indication that education in the United Kingdom is compulsory, free and universal between the ages of 5 (4 in Northern Ireland) and 16 years. It had also noted that the Government is committed to increasing the availability of free, high-quality, early education (i.e. for children under 4 or 5 years old); and encouraging more young people to continue in education and training beyond 16 years of age. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it provides free schooling for all children under 18 in order to encourage children aged 16 to 18 to remain in education. The Government adds that the radical reforms announced in this year’s DFES five-year strategy and 14-19 White Paper will build on the strengths of the existing system to boost the proportion of 17 year olds in full-time education from 75 per cent to 90 per cent in the next ten years. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in keeping children aged 17 in full-time education.

2. Awareness raising on child trafficking. The Committee had taken due note of the Government’s indication, in its first report, that a best practice guide on trafficking for immigration officers, police and others potentially dealing with trafficking was being developed. The Committee notes, with interest, that the guide raises awareness of the difference between trafficking and smuggling, and helps those concerned to treat victims of trafficking fairly.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee had noted that the Government published the guidance on interagency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, which was reinforced and expanded by the "Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution Guidance - Supplementary Guidance on Working together to Safeguard Children" in 2000. It had also taken due note of the information provided by the Government concerning the National Plan for Safeguarding Children from Commercial Sexual Exploitation published in September 2001. The guidance includes paragraphs on child pornography and the Internet, and children involved in prostitution. It aims at reinforcing cooperation between all agencies and professionals to work together to: (a) recognize the problem of the sexual exploitation of children; (b) treat the children involved primarily as victims of abuse; (c) safeguard children and promote their welfare; (d) work together to prevent abuse and provide children with opportunities and strategies to exit from prostitution; and (e) investigate and prosecute those who coerce, exploit and abuse children through prostitution. The National Plan also provides for the establishment of Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs). ACPCs bring together relevant statutory and voluntary bodies to consider both strategic planning and coordinating services to protect children from abuse, especially commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee had taken due note that the Department of Health commissioned a short-term project to provide basic quantitative data to measure the extent to which the guidance is being implemented throughout the United Kingdom. However, the Committee had observed that the data was not precise with regard to the number of children involved in prostitution. It solely shows that ACPCs are aware of children engaged in prostitution.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it does not collect data which would measure specific outcomes or achievements of the National Plan. The Committee accordingly asks the Government to indicate the measures taken to evaluate the outcome of the National Plan and to ensure that the Plan is efficient in combating child commercial sexual exploitation.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Children used in drug trafficking. The Committee had noted the Government’s indication that the needs of children involved in drug trafficking were taken into account in the Home Office general guidance to police in respect of action to disrupt supply. However, no specific guidance was produced to date to encourage police to proactively identify children involved in trafficking. It had also noted the Government’s statement that the Home Office would ensure during 2002-03 that the support material for police forces includes specific reference regarding the need to work to reduce the numbers of children involved in trafficking through arrest and publicity of the risks involved in trafficking.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no measures were taken since it is not aware of any systematic use of children to traffic drugs into or from the United Kingdom. Since the Government’s previous and current statements are contradictory and that available information reveal that children are used from drug trafficking, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that a survey is conducted and data collected to assess the number of children used for drug trafficking in the country.

2. Child prostitution and pornography. The Committee had noted that, according to the National Plan for Safeguarding Children from Commercial Sexual Exploitation, appropriate responses to the needs of particularly vulnerable groups should be identified. The following are considered to be vulnerable groups: children in public care; children who go missing; refugees and asylum-seeking children; and children involved in the entertainment and sports industries. The Committee had observed that the Government financially supports voluntary organizations that provide services and support for young people at risk of becoming involved in prostitution.

The Committee had also observed that the Government increased the resources available to the police to investigate computer pornography and established a Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet. The Task Force is considering the adequacy of the criminal law to protect children on the Internet, information and public awareness. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on the findings of the Task Force, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on this point.

The Committee had further noted the Government’s indication that the Home Office crime reduction programme was funding four projects concerning children and young persons who are either at risk of, or actively engaged in, sex work and sexual exploitation. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on the findings of the Task Force, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken pursuant to the Home Office crime reduction programme and the results attained.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Designation of the authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for coordinating the United Kingdom Government’s implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention. In doing so, it works with a range of other government departments and agencies, including the Department for Education and Skills, the Health and Safety Executive, the Department for International Development, the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence.

Article 8. 1. International cooperation. The Committee had observed that the Government provides substantial financial and technical assistance to ILO/IPEC and supports other international agencies such as UNICEF. It had noted with interest that the Government works with other governments and non-governmental organizations to address the problem of child labour. The Committee takes due note of the Government’s participation in various ILO/IPEC programmes of action aimed at combating the worst forms of child labour, and the support provided by the Department for International Development (DFID) to governments in numerous countries including South-East Asian countries, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, China, India, Pakistan and the Balkans. The Committee encourages the Government to continue to support countries worldwide to eliminate the worst forms of child labour.

2. Elimination of poverty. The Committee had noted that the United Kingdom was committed to the promotion of social and economic development, and the elimination of poverty. Indeed, the United Kingdom supports wide-ranging programmes for poverty elimination and development. These programmes focus on extending primary education, creating economic opportunities and improving governments’ ability to work for poor people. These programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee once again asks the Government to supply information on any notable impact of these poverty reduction programmes towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour.

Part V of the report form. The Committee had noted the Government’s and TUC’s indications that there was currently no accurate, reliable data in existence within the United Kingdom regarding the trafficking of children, the number of children involved in prostitution or in hazardous occupations in the United Kingdom. Thus, the Government had estimated that between 140 and 1,400 women and children are trafficked each year into the United Kingdom for the purposes of sexual exploitation. It had also noted that due to the hidden nature of trafficking it is difficult to have full and reliable data. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is giving consideration to the possibility of collecting data on trafficked children, child prostitutes and other children involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee trusts that the Government will take the necessary measures to collect such data and asks the Government to provide information in this regard in its next report.

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

The Committee takes note of the Government’s first and second detailed reports. The Committee also notes the comments made by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on the application of the Convention in the United Kingdom. The Committee requests the Government to supply further information on the following points.

Article 3 of the Convention. The worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee observes that trafficking in slaves is prohibited under section 2 of the Slave Trade Act, 1824. It also notes that section 145 of the National, Asylum and Immigration Act, 2002 makes it a criminal offence to traffic people into, or out of, the United Kingdom for the purpose of controlling them in prostitution. The Committee also observes that the White Paper entitled "Secure Borders, Safehaven: Integration with diversity in modern Britain-UK" of February 2002 indicates that the Government will introduce a new law on trafficking of persons for labour exploitation. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the fact that, by virtue of Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of children, including for labour exploitation, constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and are therefore prohibited for children under 18 years of age. The Committee accordingly hopes that the new law prohibiting the trafficking of persons for labour exploitation will soon be promulgated. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard.

The Committee takes due note of the Government’s indication, in its first report, that a best practice guide on trafficking for immigration officers, police and others potentially dealing with trafficking is being developed. This guide will raise awareness of the difference between trafficking and smuggling, and help those concerned to treat victims of trafficking fairly. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply a copy of this guide as soon as it is finalized.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee takes due note of the adoption of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003 which contains detailed provisions on the sexual exploitation of children. The Committee observes that, according to section 48 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, a person (A) commits an offence if: (a) he intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to become a prostitute, or to be involved in pornography, in any part of the world; and (b) either: (i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or (ii) B is under 13. The Committee notes that similar wording is used in several other provisions such as section 49 (controlling a child prostitute or a child involved in pornography) and section 50 (arranging or facilitating child prostitution or pornography). It notes with concern that a person who, for example, incites a child of 14 years to become a prostitute does not commit an offence in so far as he/she reasonably believes the child is 18 years old. It observes that only children under 13 years of age are protected, with certainty, from sexual exploitation. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the fact that, by virtue of Article 3(b) of the Convention the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, or for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour, and that under the terms of Article 1 of the Convention, each member State which ratifies this Convention shall take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. It also draws the Government’s attention to the difficulty to ascertain the exact age of boys and girls. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the meaning of the term "reasonably believes" and relevant court decisions in this regard.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that drug trafficking is prohibited under the Drug Trafficking Act 1994 and that there is no separate offence of using a child for drug trafficking. The Committee also observes that under section 19 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is an offence for a person to incite another to commit such an offence, i.e. to import or export a controlled drug (section 3), to produce or supply a controlled drug (section 4). The Committee further notes the Government’s statement that the court will take into account all the circumstances when sentencing. Noting the absence of reference to section 19 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in the Government’s report, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the practical implementation of this Act.

2. Causing or allowing children to be used for begging. The Committee observes that, according to section 4(1) and (2) of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933 (as amended by the Children Act, 1989), it is prohibited to cause or allow a person under 16 to be used for begging. The Committee encourages the Government to extend the scope of application of section 4(1) of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933 to children under 18. It also requests the Government to supply a consolidated version of the Act.

Article 3, clause (d), and Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 3. Hazardous work. The Committee notes that Regulation 19 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999 places a duty on the employer to protect young persons (i.e. a person under 18 years of age) from risks to their health and safety and provides for a detailed list of occupations that young workers shall not perform. The Committee also notes from the Government’s report and available legislation that United Kingdom legislation identifies several types of work or activities that are likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children. Moreover, the Committee notes that occupations considered to be hazardous for young persons are widespread in the legislation. The Committee also observes that the TUC welcomes the progress made by the Government in extending the types of hazardous work and in laying them in a draft list. The Committee observes that the TUC and CBI were consulted on this draft list. It also notes that the Government intends to review periodically this list in consultation with the TUC and CBI. Consultations are expected to be held on an annual basis. However, according to the TUC, the provisional list of hazardous work prohibited for children under 18 is not satisfactory. It argues that underwater and underground work, manual handling of heavy loads, work in confined spaces, work at dangerous heights, and deep-sea fishing are not included therein.

The Committee draws the attention of the Government to Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention which provide that the types of hazardous work referred to under Article 3(d) shall be determined by national laws or regulations or by the competent authority, after consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, taking into consideration relevant international standards, in particular Paragraph 3 of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation, 1999 (No. 190). In this regard, the Committee also draws the Government’s attention to the fact that Paragraph 3 of Recommendation No. 190 provides that in determining the types of such hazardous work, consideration should be given, inter alia to: (a) work which exposes children to physical, psychological or sexual abuse; (b) work underground, under water, at dangerous heights or in confined spaces; (c) work with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools, or which involves the manual handling or transport of heavy loads; (d) work in an unhealthy environment which may, for example, expose children to hazardous substances, agents or processes, or to temperatures, noise levels, or vibrations damaging to their health; (e) work under particularly difficult conditions such as work for long hours or during the night or work where the child is unreasonably confined to the premises of the employer. The Committee therefore encourages the Government to adopt, for the sake of clarity, a single comprehensive document compiling the types of work, likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children under 18. When reviewing the types of hazardous work, the Committee trusts that the Government will take due consideration of the types of work enumerated in Paragraph 3 of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation, 1999 (No. 190). The Committee requests the Government to inform it of any developments in this regard.

The Committee notes with interest that the Health and Safety Executive, which is a governmental body responsible for ensuring that risks to people’s health and safety from work activities are properly controlled, is engaged in qualitative researches into the most effective means of communicating health and safety messages to young people. It also observes that the Health and Safety Executive influences vocational courses and qualifications particularly where risks are identified in particular sectors such as woodworking. It also notes that the Government has introduced Health and safety and risk awareness into the national curriculum. This will be supplemented by guidance for teachers which will help them to prepare young people for work experience and the world of work. The Committee further observes that, according to the health and safety statistics at work, provided by the Government, the lowest rate of injury is found in the age group 16-19. Generally speaking, non-fatal injuries increases with age. The Committee accordingly observes that the Government’s measures have a positive impact on keeping children out of hazardous occupations. The Committee encourages the Government to carry on its efforts to raise young persons’ awareness on health and safety measures so as to keep them out of hazardous work.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Identification of hazardous work. The Committee takes due note of the Government’s indication that there are specific regulations in identified areas of significant risks, e.g. relating to lead or ionizing radiation and agriculture. It also notes that the Health and Safety Executive identified key activities where attention is needed over and above the protection afforded by general regulation. It includes agriculture, woodworking, construction, ceramics and metalworking. The Committee however notes the lack of information on the identification of hazardous work. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to identify where the types of hazardous work exist, and to provide information on the findings.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee takes due note of the Government’s indication that the first tripartite meeting on monitoring Convention No. 182 was held in May 2003. Participants included officials from various government departments as well as representatives from the TUC and CBI. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of this meeting.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee takes note of the United Kingdom draft programme of action to combat the worst forms of child labour provided by the Government. This programme aims at strengthening the legislative framework which contributes to combating child labour in the United Kingdom. It is also based on the monitoring and inspection of children’s welfare at work. The programme further focuses on raising awareness through the production and dissemination of good practices together with promoting Convention No. 182 nationally and internationally. The Committee also notes that the TUC and CBI were consulted on this draft programme. The Committee requests the Government to indicate if this programme of action was launched, and to provide details of its achievements, if any.

The Committee notes that the Government initiated "Project Reflex" which is a practical multi-agency taskforce on organized immigration crime which includes people trafficking. It brings together all the key agencies involved in combating the problem, including the immigration service, the national criminal intelligence service, the security and intelligence agencies and key police forces. Under this project, a ground-breaking joint operational unit comprising the national crime squad and immigration services officers was set up. Its three main tasks are to develop intelligence leads for the operational arm, to carry out surveillance and to provide legal assistance to investigations with a view to future prosecutions. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the achievements and impact of Project Reflex, especially with regard to child trafficking.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee takes due note of the Government’s indication, in its report, on the applicable penalties, including penal sanctions for person contravening the legal provisions regarding the worst forms of child labour. The Committee observes, for instance, that according to section 145 of the Nationality, Asylum and Immigration Act, 2002 a person who is convicted for the trafficking of a child under 18 years of age for the purpose of controlling him/her in prostitution is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years, or/and an unlimited fine. Section 146(4) further states that when the offender is sentenced to imprisonment of at least 12 months, he/she will be disqualified from working with children in the future, whether in a paid or unpaid occupation. The Committee also notes that a person who pays for sexual services with a child of under 18 years of age, is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years (section 47(4) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2003). If the victim is under 13 years of age, the offender is then liable to life imprisonment (section 47(3) of the Sexual Offences Act). A person causing or inciting a child to become a prostitute or to be involved in pornography is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years (section 48(2)(b) of the Sexual Offences Act). The Committee further notes that an employer who contravenes the provisions on the employment of children shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000 (section 21 of the Children and Young Person’s Act 1933, as amended).

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. The Committee takes note of the absence of information in the Government’s report on the existence of time-bound and effective measures: (c) to ensure access to free basic education for all children removed from the worst forms of child labour; and (e) taking into account of the special situation of girls. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on actions taken or envisaged, as required under Article 7(2)(c) and (e) of the Convention.

Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that education in the United Kingdom is compulsory, free and universal between the ages of 5 (4 in Northern Ireland) and 16 years. It also notes that the Government is committed to increasing the availability of free, high-quality early education (i.e. for children under 4 or 5 years old); and encouraging more young people to continue in education and training beyond 16 years of age. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the means used to encourage children aged 16 to 18 to remain in education and the results attained.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee notes that the Government published the guidance on interagency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, which was reinforced and expanded by the "Safeguarding children involved in prostitution guidance - Supplementary guidance on working together to safeguard children" in 2000. The Committee also takes due note of the information provided by the Government concerning the National Plan for Safeguarding Children From Commercial Sexual Exploitation published in September 2001. The guidance includes paragraphs on child pornography and the Internet, and children involved in prostitution. It aims at reinforcing cooperation between all agencies and professionals to work together to: (a) recognize the problem of the sexual exploitation of children; (b) treat the children involved primarily as victims of abuse; (c) safeguard children and promote their welfare; (d) work together to prevent abuse and provide children with opportunities and strategies to exit from prostitution; (e) investigate and prosecute those who coerce, exploit and abuse children through prostitution. The National Plan also provides for the establishment of Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs). ACPCs bring together relevant statutory and voluntary bodies to consider both strategic planning and coordinating services to protect children from abuse, especially commercial sexual exploitation. The Committee takes due note that the Department of Health commissioned a short-term project to provide basic quantitative data to measure the extent to which the guidance is being implemented throughout the United Kingdom. However, the Committee observes that the data are not precise with regard to the number of children involved in prostitution. It solely shows that ACPCs are aware of children engaged in prostitution. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the achievements of the National Plan for Safeguarding Children From Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and its impact with regard to removing children from commercial sexual exploitation and providing for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Children used in drug trafficking. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the needs of children involved in drug trafficking are taken into account in the Home Office general guidance to police in respect of action to disrupt supply. However, no specific guidance has been produced to date to encourage police to proactively identify children involved in trafficking. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that the Home Office will ensure during 2002-03 that the support material for police forces includes specific reference regarding the need to work to reduce the numbers of children involved in trafficking through arrest and publicity of the risks involved in trafficking. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken to reduce the numbers of children involved in trafficking and their impact.

2. Child prostitution and pornography. The Committee notes that the National Plan for Safeguarding Children From Commercial Sexual Exploitation indicates that appropriate responses to the needs of particularly vulnerable groups shall be identified. The following are considered to be vulnerable groups: children in public care, children who go missing, refugees and asylum-seeking children and children involved in the entertainment and sports industries. The Committee observes that the Government financially supports voluntary organizations that provide services and support for young people at risk of becoming involved in prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the time-bound measures taken or envisaged to protect these children from commercial sexual exploitation.

The Committee observes that the Government increased the resources available to the police to investigate computer pornography and established a Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet. The Task Force is considering the adequacy of the criminal law to protect children on the Internet, information and public awareness. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the findings of the Task Force and the impact of its actions.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Home Office Crime Reduction programme is funding four projects concerning children and young persons who are either at risk of or actively engaged in sex work and sexual exploitation. The Committee asks the Government to provide examples of concrete measures taken pursuant to the Home Office Crime Reduction programme and the results attained.

Article 7, paragraph 3. Designation of the authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s reports on this point, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the authority or authorities responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention.

Article 8. 1. International cooperation. The Committee notes that the United Kingdom is a member of Interpol which helps cooperation between countries in the different regions especially in the fight against trafficking of children. It also observes that the Government signed in 1992 the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; in 2000, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child Pornography; in 2003, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict; the United Nations Convention for Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others. The Committee further observes that the Government provides substantial financial and technical assistance to ILO/IPEC and supports other international agencies such as UNICEF. It notes with interest that the Government works with other governments and non-governmental organizations to address the problem of child labour. Thus, the Department for International Development (DFID) provided approximately £3 million for a programme in the Greater Mekong region, covering parts of Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam. This programme seeks to address the prevention, protection and rehabilitation of trafficked women and children. It also observes that the United Kingdom is working in India with the Government and the ILO on a state-based programme for the elimination of child labour in Andhra Pradesh, and on a national child labour survey. In Bangladesh, the United Kingdom is supporting primary education programmes which target hard to reach children engaged in hazardous labour and which plan to support the design of the Time-Bound Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour. In Pakistan, support has been provided for the programme to protect the rights and livelihoods of working children in football stitching and other industries. The Committee notes that the Government of the United Kingdom and the Philippines signed, in 1997, a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate to combat the sexual exploitation of children. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the impact of these technical cooperation programmes.

2. Regional cooperation. The Committee observes that the Government is contributing to the EU STOP Programme, which provides support to member State organizations responsible for action against the trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children. The Committee further notes that the Government participated in the establishment of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) resource centre. This centre aims at providing information about combating child sexual exploitation such as the legislation in force in ASEM countries, best practices in the implementation of policies and guidelines on child protection, and contacts in each country for police, prosecution, and immigration.

3. Elimination of poverty. The Committee notes that the United Kingdom is committed to the promotion of social and economic development, and the elimination of poverty. Indeed, the United Kingdom supports wide-ranging programmes for poverty elimination and development. These programmes focus on extending primary education, creating economic opportunities and improving governments’ ability to work for poor people. These programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on any notable impact of these poverty reduction programmes towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour.

Part III of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there are cases of violations of child labour legislation or health and safety laws. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply a copy of courts’ decisions on breaches of the legislation on child employment, health and safety and criminal laws concerning the worst forms of child labour.

Part V. The Committee notes the Government’s and TUC’s indications that there is currently no accurate, reliable data in existence within the United Kingdom regarding the trafficking of children, the number of children involved in prostitution or in hazardous occupations in the United Kingdom. Thus, the Government estimates that between 140 and 1,400 women and children are trafficked each year into the United Kingdom for the purposes of sexual exploitation. It also notes that due to the hidden nature of the act it is difficult to have such data. The Committee nevertheless strongly encourages the Government to collate reliable statistics to establish the number, age, origins or destination of trafficked children, child prostitutes and children involved in the worst forms of child labour. Such statistics would be helpful to launch appropriate programmes of action.

The Committee also notes the Government’s indication, in its report, that since 1997 there have been 14 prosecutions relating to offences connected with the employment of young persons below the age of 18. Nine notices have been issued and eight prosecutions have been taken under the Prevention of Accidents to Children in Agriculture Regulations, 1998 since they came into force in 1999. It also observes that the Health and Safety Executive in the United Kingdom took forward 102 cases of illegal child employment and secured 81 convictions between 1986-87 and 2001. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the types of sanctions imposed by courts for the violation of the legal provisions related to the worst forms of child labour. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply information on the numbers of violations of child labour related legislation, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.