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

Individual Case (CAS) - Discussion: 2025, Publication: 113rd ILC session (2025)

Written information provided by the Government

Article 3(a) of the Convention. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict

The following actions have been taken for the protection of children:

• Order No. 001/PR/2014 prohibiting and punishing the enlistment or use of children in armed conflict;
• Order No. 006/PR/2018 against trafficking in persons.

The following measures have been taken for the protection of children:

• Child protection training has been put in place for military personnel, including those responsible for instructing new recruits.
• Strict penalties have been introduced against any person failing to respect the orders of the child protection services established in each military zone.
• Chad has set at 18 years the official minimum age for recruitment to the armed forces and security forces, and has penalized the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
• Checks have been performed on 4,000 military personnel as part of the inspections led jointly by the Government and the United Nations in all the country’s military bases.
• Subsequently, in 2014, following the full implementation of the action plan, the Chad armed forces were withdrawn from the United Nations Secretary-General’s list of parties that illicitly recruit and use children.

Debt bondage and serfdom and forced labour

The Government has taken the following measures to investigate, address and resolve the problem:

• Crimes of exploitation are punished under section 15 of Order No. 006/PR/2018 which provides that any person who commits the crime of forced labour or services shall be punished by the penalty provided for in the Criminal Code or the Labour Code.
• Any person who practices, facilitates or makes financial or material profit through the slavery of another person or a similar practice shall be punished by imprisonment of five to ten years and by a fine of between 100,000 and 500,000 CFA francs.
• Any person who uses child labour shall be punished by the penalty provided for in the regulatory and legislative texts pertaining to child labour.
• A National Commission to combat trafficking in persons has been set up to prevent and combat all forms of trafficking in persons, ensure protection of victims, collect data on trafficking, and promote cooperation and collaboration to this end.

Article 3(b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution

The provisions of sections 16 and 22 of Order No. 006/PR/2018 supplement the provisions of sections 335 and 336 of the Criminal Code.

Article 3(c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities

In this regard, section 23 of Order No. 006 provides for a punishment of imprisonment of 20 to 30 years and a fine of between 100,000 and 2 million CFA francs.

Article 3(d). Children at special risk. Muhajirin (talibé) children

Sections 185 and 188 of Act No. 001/PR/2017 of 8 May 2017 issuing the Criminal Code and sections 19 et 23 of Order No. 006/PR/2018 punish begging. While it is true that we must fight against ignorance and teach children to respect the dignity of humankind through the holy scriptures, abuse, torture and exploitation of these children are reprehensible acts.

Children working as domestic workers

The Minister of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy has prepared a document to support Chad’s digital transformation entitled Workforce Management Procedure (PGMO), 2024.

The purpose of the Workforce Management Procedure document is to set out clear procedures to identify and manage all specific and potential problems concerning the work of all workers, in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Code in force in Chad and the requirements of the World Bank Environmental and Social Standard 2 (ESS2) relating to labour and working conditions.

The Workforce Management Procedure document aims to determine the workforce needs and the risks associated with the project. Its main specific objectives are to:

• establish prevention and response measures for sexual exploitation and abuse (and sexual harassment);
• prevent the use of forced labour and child labour;
• promote occupational safety and health;
• protect and promote occupational safety and health by encouraging environments free from sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse;
• encourage fair treatment, and non-discrimination and equality of opportunity for project workers, including measures to prevent and address discrimination against women;
• protect workers, particularly those who are vulnerable, such as women, persons with disabilities, children (of working age) and migrants, as well as contractual and community workers, and employees of the primary provider, where relevant;
• support the principles of freedom of association and the collective agreements of the project workers, in line with national law.

The domestic labour regulations have not been adopted.

Article 3(a). The worst forms of child labour. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children

Act No. 001/PR/2017 of 8 May 2017 issuing the Criminal Code has been adopted; Order No. 006/PR/2018 of 30 March 2018 against trafficking in persons in the Republic of Chad has also been adopted.

The Ministry of Justice announced that it investigated, prosecuted and convicted three possible traffickers.

The courts punished the perpetrators with the following penalties:

• imprisonment of five years and a fine of US$1,000;
• imprisonment of five years and a fine of US$200;
• imprisonment of 18 months and a fine of US$200.

The courts also announced that they sentenced a trafficker who forced several victims to work in the gold mines in the north of the country to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 CFA francs.

Article 3(d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal economy

Two of our labour inspectors have recently finished training with the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (CRADAT). They will be able to make an effective contribution.

Article 7(2). Take effective and time-bound measures. Article 7(2)(a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education

Measures which must be taken in this regard by the Government are the:

• establishment of lifelong training programmes for teachers to strengthen their pedagogical and technical skills, while ensuring decent and motivating working conditions to prevent strikes and ensure continuous learning (to motivate pupils to continue to go to school and to prevent girls from staying at home to carry out household chores);
• modernization of programmes to adapt them to current needs, and to scientific and technological developments;
• equipment of schools with modern learning tools (computers, laboratories, digital libraries);
• building and renovation of school facilities to provide an environment that is conducive to learning;
• establishment of support programmes for pupils in difficulty (tutoring, catch-up classes) and improvement of career guidance so that pupils can choose their study paths in line with their skills and aspirations;
• establishment of a quality control mechanism for education in all regions in the country.

Statistical data unavailable.

Article 7(2)(d). Children at special risk. Children working and living in the street

The Minister of State for Women and Early Childhood met with street children on 11 September 2024 as part of a programme to improve their situation. This initiative is part of efforts to reintegrate these children into their families, thereby offering them an alternative to the difficult life they lead on the streets of the capital city. The aim of this meeting was to listen to these marginalized children, while providing them with advice concerning their family reintegration.

The programme is part of the Government’s national child protection policy, which focuses especially on the rehabilitation of vulnerable children. The testimonies gathered showed that several among them hope to reunite with their families and to return to a more stable and protected life.

In response to the wishes expressed by the children, the Minister has taken the initiative of personally accompanying some of them to their respective homes. This action is aimed at strengthening family ties while facilitating dialogue between the children and their parents, an essential condition for successful reintegration.

This programme, which has a broader reach, aims to improve the living conditions of vulnerable children. In addition to family reintegration, follow-up measures are planned to ensure the children’s long-term protection and support them in their search for a fulfilling and stable life.

The Ministry’s approach, which has been welcomed by several observers, is seen as a significant step towards a more inclusive society where each child has the chance to grow up in a loving and safe environment.

HIV/AIDS orphans

The Government has taken measures through the provisions of Act No. 019/PR/2007 of 15 November 2007 to combat HIV/AIDS/STI and to protect the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Article 8. International cooperation. Poverty reduction measures

The Government must envisage helping the most vulnerable children, particularly by giving them access to quality health services, food, water and education, and to ensure that they grow up protected from violence and exploitation wherever they are and wherever they live.

Discussion by the Committee

Chairperson – I have the honour of inviting the honourable representative of the Government of Chad, the Permanent Secretary of the National Social Dialogue Committee, to take the floor.

Government representative – I would like to express our appreciation for the work of the Committee of Experts in monitoring and evaluating compliance with the Conventions and Recommendations of our Organization, which is a significant support for Members when improving their national legislation.

It comes as a surprise to us, however, to be on the list of countries called before the Committee, knowing that all the regular reports on the Conventions ratified by Chad (for the period from 1 June to 1 September 2024) including Convention No. 182, were transmitted last year. We recall that, since 2023, Chad has been making considerable efforts to meet the reporting obligations despite the very limited knowledge of our small team. Up to 2022, Chad had serious problems with the submission of reports on ratified Conventions and the submission of the instruments to the competent authorities. In 2023, at the 111th Session of the Conference, we undertook to overcome these difficulties, and we requested ILO technical assistance to this end. Unfortunately, to date, our request has been met with silence. Chad kept its commitment and since 2023 the reports have been transmitted, and the country has fulfilled its obligation to submit. In the same way, the replies to the direct requests and the observations formulated by the Committee of Experts on the Convention and on the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205) were transmitted and were received by the Department of Standards last month, by the set deadlines:

• For Convention No. 182, the regular report in reply to the 2024 direct request and observation were submitted, and another transmitted last month at the request of the Committee.
• Likewise, the report on Recommendation No. 205, which had not been sent and which had placed Chad on the list of serious failures, was sent last month.

For the cases concerning the Workmen’s Compensation (Agriculture) Convention, 1921 (No. 12), the Equality of Treatment (Accident Compensation) Convention, 1925 (No. 19), and the Employment Injury Benefits Convention, 1964 [Schedule I amended in 1980] (No. 121), in 2024, and Recommendation No. 205 in 2025, we had not understood how instruments not ratified by a State Member should be the subject of a report. Faced with this difficulty, we once again requested ILO technical support by reinforcing the 2023 request for technical assistance, at the 111th Session, but our request was not heeded. In addition, in view of the national priorities in promoting decent work in Chad, we then referred the matter to the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for Central Africa and the ILO Country Office for Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe, and Equatorial Guinea on several occasions to train labour inspectors and the social partners in preparing reports on non-ratified Conventions, through workshops. Here too, despite the remote support provided by the expert, no training was provided, as all attempts to that end failed. Again today, before this august assembly, we reiterate our request for technical assistance in accordance with our country’s priorities as soon as possible so that we may advance with the Decent Work Agenda for Chad.

It should be highlighted that, since 2024, the Government has strengthened the team that prepares the reports. This work, which used to be the responsibility of a single person, can now be done more efficiently by several people. However, these new officials do not have the basic knowledge of international labour standards.

As the worst forms of child labour can be understood as all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour; the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict; the use of children for prostitution or pornographic production; the use of children for the production and trafficking of drugs; and all work that is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children, their prohibition has been reaffirmed in the Constitution of the Republic of Chad and reproduced in the Labour Code.

Furthermore, in 2023, in an effort to find lasting solutions to this scourge of child labour, Chad joined Alliance 8.7 to benefit from the experience of other pioneering countries in this regard. A workshop was therefore organized from 4 to 5 April 2024 on Alliance 8.7 with the support of the ILO, which resulted in a road map for the elimination of child labour, forced labour and human trafficking in our country.

The workshop brought together government representatives, employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society and the United Nations (UN) system. The reality of child labour, forced labour and human trafficking were addressed. Actions were identified to strengthen the coordination of national efforts and accelerate the achievement of Goal 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals. Consensus was reached on a road map, whose follow-up is coordinated by the Ministry. Further to the workshop, we were included on the list of pioneer countries.

I will conclude by emphasizing that Chad is a country that ensures compliance with the ratified international Conventions, and with everything related to the world of work, and we reiterate our determination to do better. To this end, we are counting on the support of the ILO to promote a healthy working environment in Chad.

Employer members – Before I begin, I would like to thank the Government for the oral and written information provided on the application, both in law and in practice, of the Convention. In line with usual practice, we wish to provide information on the context of the case to ensure better understanding. This is the first time that the Committee is discussing this case. Chad ratified the Convention in 2000, and the Committee of Experts provided observations on the case on three occasions, namely, in 2009, 2014 and 2024, in which it noted both the reports submitted by the Government and the comments made by the social partners.

Before examining the comments of the Committee of Experts, the Employers would like to highlight the importance of the Convention as one of the ten fundamental Conventions. The Convention requires States to adopt immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. For the Employer members, compliance with this Convention is of utmost importance, not only because it is a fundamental Convention, but also because we are convinced of the need to promote, both in law and in practice, the effective protection of children from the worst forms of child labour. Reflecting, therefore, a universal consensus and a strong tripartite commitment, the Convention reminds us of the absolute importance of combatting the worst forms of child labour. For the Employers, it is therefore essential that all Member States fully comply with their obligations under this Convention.

Consequently, it is important to bear in mind that this case invites us to discuss the effective implementation of appropriate measures, in compliance with the requirements set out, specifically, in Articles 3 and 7 of the Convention. For this reason, I will divide my statement into two parts, in order to separately examine the international commitments deriving from both Article 3 and Article 7 of the Convention.

Firstly, Article 3 of the Convention describes the worst forms of child labour, with the practices indicated in subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c) being relevant for this case.

Regarding Article 3(a) of the Convention, the Employer members note the legislative efforts undertaken to prevent and punish forced recruitment. The Child Protection Code and section 370 of the Criminal Code in particular, represent significant progress – in the right direction.

The Employer members also welcome the indication, in the observations of the Committee of Experts, that the Government armed forces reportedly do not engage in practices of forced recruitment. We also highlight the creation of the National Commission to combat trafficking in persons, which is responsible for collecting information and coordinating efforts on this issue. However, we note with deep concern that armed groups continue to use and recruit children. We therefore urge the Government to adopt, in practice, effective measures, aimed at preventing this situation and effectively punishing the perpetrators

Although we recognize the challenges related to public order faced by the Republic of Chad, we call on the Government to prioritize, in all action plans, the prevention of forced recruitment by illegal armed groups, and the investigations leading to the effective sanctioning of the perpetrators of this practice.

Furthermore, with regard to the examination of Article 3(a) of the Convention, we must refer to the situation of child livestock-herders (enfants bouviers), as it undoubtedly constitutes servitude The Employer members note that the 2017 Criminal Code and section 5 of the Labour Code prohibit slavery. However, we are deeply concerned about the effective implementation in practice of this prohibition, as well as the shortcomings that continue to exist in the legislation for the protection of children. and forced or compulsory labour, which are prohibited by the Convention. The situation of child livestock-herders, as the Government itself recognized in its report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, is particularly concerning, and although regional committees have been created to combat this practice, efforts still need to be increased. We therefore consider it a priority for the Government to move forward with the final approval of the Child Protection Code, which is in progress, and which furthermore guarantees, in practice, the protection of children under the age of 18 years from child herding, as a matter of urgency, including the effective sanctioning of the perpetrators.

Regarding Article 3(b) of the Convention, the Employer members note sections 335 and 336 of the 2017 Criminal Code, which prohibit the sexual exploitation of minors in Chad, and which punish the perpetrators of acts of procurement. However, we agree with the view of the Committee of Experts that it is essential for the Government to adopt the necessary legislative measures aimed at amending the Criminal Code in order to include regulatory provisions that specifically punish clients for using or seeking to use a child aged under 18 years for prostitution. Without any doubt, sections 16 and 22 of Order No. 006 of 2018 do not seem sufficient to combat child prostitution.

Concerning Article 3(c), the Employer members observe with deep concern, and along similar lines, that although the Government has made efforts, by means of Order No. 006 of 2018, to prevent the use of children in illicit activities, there continues to be a gap in terms of effective legislative measures prohibiting this practice. We therefore urge the Government to adopt the necessary measures and to keep this Committee informed of any new developments in this respect.

Secondly, Article 7 of the Convention requires States to adopt sanctions to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, including penal sanctions or, as appropriate, other sanctions. Furthermore, Article 7(2) calls for Member States to adopt, taking into account the importance of education in eliminating child labour, effective and time-bound measures.

With regard to these provisions, we note the efforts undertaken by the Government, according to the report submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, concerning actions to identify, transfer and support minors associated with armed forces or groups. Nevertheless, we observe with concern that children continue to be used for the conduct of criminal activities by illegal groups. We therefore support the call by the Committee of Experts for the Government to step up its efforts to prevent the recruitment of children by armed groups, and to ensure that children are removed from these groups and receive the support necessary for their rehabilitation and social integration, including their reintegration into the school system or into vocational training, where relevant. We urge the Government to take effective and time-bound educational measures to prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour.

Regarding Article 7(d), we note the efforts made by the Government, through the Ministry for Women and Early Childhood, to improve the situation of children in the long term, and to support them in their search for a fulfilling life. We also express our concern regarding two issues: children engaged in begging; and the fact that despite the prohibition of economic exploitation by the draft legislation, the sanctions established are not sufficient to protect children from the worst forms of child labour.

Lastly, we recall that Member States must keep the ILO informed of any developments in this respect, and we request the Government to implement all legislative amendments and reforms, in consultation with the most representative social partners, and to move forward with the adoption of effective measures to protect children against the worst forms of child labour.

Worker members – This is the first time that our Committee is examining the application of the Convention by Chad. The examination of this Convention with regard to Chad has been the subject of a double footnote, which testifies to the persistence of serious practices in breach of the Convention and the absence of information from the Government since 2009. The Committee of Experts has raised serious concerns regarding the application of this Convention in Chad.

The first concern raised in the report of the Committee of Experts relates to the continued use and recruitment of children by armed groups in Chad. The report of the UN Secretary-General to the Security Council of 3 June 2024 on children and armed conflict emphasizes that cross-border conflicts and intercommunal violence have continued to affect children, particularly those living in the central Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin region. The report also highlighted serious violations committed against excessive numbers of children in the Lake Chad basin region. These violations included the recruitment and use of children by rebel or foreign forces.

Despite all these disturbing findings, the report nevertheless highlighted the efforts made by the Government to implement its action plan to combat the recruitment and use of children, which was completed in 2014, and the 2014 handover protocol. We can only encourage the Government to continue its efforts in this area and, if necessary, to establish a new plan. We echo the UN Secretary-General in calling for the perpetrators of violations against children to be held accountable for their actions, and for disarmament, demobilization and social rehabilitation and reintegration programmes to take account of the specific rights and needs of children who have been associated with armed groups.

In this regard, the Committee of Experts’ report refers to a preliminary draft Child Protection Code, which has not yet been adopted but contains legal provisions that would make it possible to combat these practices. We hope that the Government will do everything in its power to ensure that this text is adopted as soon as possible and that it provides the competent authorities with all the necessary means to enforce these provisions.

Another particularly worrying practice highlighted by the Committee of Experts’ report is the exploitation of boys between 6 and 15 years of age as herders. Although this practice is clearly prohibited by law, it unfortunately still occurs in Chad. However, the Government is making efforts to combat this practice, in particular by setting up child protection committees. We can only call on the Government to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate this practice in Chad. Children are also exposed to sexual exploitation. While pimping is punishable under the Chadian Criminal Code, clients who use children for prostitution are not subject to any criminal charges under the Code. Children are also involved in illicit activities such as drug production and trafficking. However, here again, the Criminal Code does not contain any provisions prohibiting the use, recruitment or offering of a child under the age of 18 for illegal activities.

The Committee of Experts’ report outlines the measures put in place by the Government for children who have been recruited and used in armed conflict in Chad. These include efforts to identify, transfer and care for minors based on a memorandum of understanding between the Government of Chad and the UN regarding the transfer of children associated with armed forces or groups. Chad also takes care of the transfer of these children from prisons to transit and orientation centres to ensure that they receive adequate care. The Government is also putting in place family reunification measures. We can only encourage the Chadian Government to continue and intensify its efforts in this area.

The report also refers to the situation of mouhadjirin (talibé) children. These are the thousands of children who are used for begging by unscrupulous individuals for purely economic purposes. The Committee of Experts’ report notes with regret that the Government has not provided it with any information on this subject since 2009. Yet this is one of the worst forms of child labour, which is totally at odds with the terms of the Convention.

Children are also subject to another form of exploitation in Chad – namely, domestic work. Although the Government appeared to indicate that the domestic work sector was in the process of being regulated, there is nothing specific in the report to suggest that concrete measures have been taken in this regard. It is clear that the eradication of these practices will require the establishment of inspection services with sufficient resources to carry out their tasks. The training of labour inspectors is also essential to enable them to enforce the applicable standards.

The lack of information available to the Committee of Experts to carry out its work is blatantly obvious in the report. It is fortunate that we are now able to engage in dialogue with the Government of Chad to obtain more information on the initiatives it has taken. However, it must recognize the importance of engaging in dialogue with the ILO so that a proper and regular assessment of the situation can be made. Lastly, we would like to signal to the Government that the ILO will always be at its side to help it implement in practice the rights and freedoms enshrined in the international labour Conventions.

Worker member, Chad – I fully support the statement made by the Worker spokesperson. I also fully support the Committee of Experts’ observations published in the 2025 report regarding the application of the Convention in my country.

In its report, the Committee of Experts noted with deep concern the continued recruitment and use of children in armed conflict by armed groups. The Committee of Experts also expressed its concern at the persistence of the practice of child herders, in which children are subject to a form of semi-slavery, and the absence of information provided by our Government on the measures taken to end this practice.

The Committee of Experts further noted with regret that, since 2009, our Government has not provided information on the measures taken to protect mouhadjirin (talibé) children from forced or compulsory labour.

Additionally, the Committee of Experts noted with regret the continued absence of legislative provisions to prohibit and penalize the use of a child for prostitution and the use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, child domestic work and debt bondage.

The use of children in armed conflict is extremely concerning. These are armed groups that unlawfully recruit children to advance their own cause. Although such practices are prohibited under Chadian law, the difficulty lies in suppressing these armed groups. The UN is providing assistance to my country in combating terrorism, including Boko Haram and other Islamist groups operating in our subregion. However, the problem persists despite this assistance. These children face a serious dilemma if they wish to leave the armed groups. They are threatened with death, and those who manage to escape are often pursued . The situation is dire, and we are calling for support to end acts of terrorism in my country and across the subregion. I also appeal to those supporting these armed groups: please stop, because you are contributing to worsening the problems faced by the children and citizens of my country.

The issue of child herders is another form of exploitation and slavery. It is essential to examine the push factors. It all stems from poverty in the country. According to the UN Human Development Report 2023, my country ranks 190th out of 193 countries on the human development index, placing it in the low human development category. The World Bank also noted that poverty and vulnerability are widespread in Chad, with 44.8 per cent of the population living below the national poverty line in 2022. Extreme poverty (defined as living on US$2.15 per person per day in 2017 purchasing power parity terms) rose by 2.6 percentage points between 2023 and 2024, reaching 36.5 per cent. This increase means that an additional 688,000 people have fallen into extreme poverty.

I call on our Government to step up its efforts to address the economic challenges that drive families to entrust their children to those with greater means, where they are then exploited as domestic workers, herders, in prostitution or in other illicit activities.

I also urge the Government to engage with the tripartite partners to set minimum wages that enable families to support themselves and help to reduce poverty.

Concerning the situation of talibé children, whose marabout masters use them: when they reach the age to leave, they are subjected to violence, which forces them to take to the streets.

Although I recognize certain legislative progress made by our Government, such as Order No. 001/PR/2014 of 4 February 2014 prohibiting and penalizing the recruitment or use of children in armed conflict, and Order No. 006/PR/2018 of 30 March 2018 against human trafficking, I call on the Government to place greater emphasis on the effective implementation of these laws. Labour inspection in the country remains very weak: labour inspectors are not sufficiently trained and lack the financial and material resources needed to carry out their duties. I call on the Government to step up its efforts in this area. Labour inspection plays a crucial role, both as a deterrent and through repression, against those who violate the law. Harsh penalties must be imposed on those who violate children’s rights.

In conclusion, I call on this Committee and other UN agencies to assist our country in ending the ongoing conflict caused by armed groups and those who indoctrinate them, and to help save our children from the push factors that lead them into illicit activities.

Government member, Poland – I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. The candidate countries, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, , the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, Iceland and Norway, and members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this statement.

The EU and its Member States are committed to the promotion, protection, respect and fulfilment of human rights, including labour rights and the fight against child labour as enshrined in the Convention. We support the ILO’s supervisory system and call for the universal ratification and effective application of fundamental Conventions.

We express deep concern at the Committee’s findings regarding Chad and the continued recruitment and use of children under 18 years by armed groups, including in the Lake Chad Basin. We call on the Government to take all the necessary measures to ensure the full and immediate demobilization of children and to carry out thorough investigations, prosecutions and to impose effective and dissuasive penalties for all perpetrators.

We also urge the Government to adopt the long overdue Child Protection Code, which should include the complaint mechanism and child protection safeguards.

We are also alarmed by the persistence of practices akin to slavery, such as the exploitation of children as cattle herders. These children, some as young as 6, remain subjected to semi-slavery conditions. We, therefore, urge the Government to eliminate these practices as a matter of urgency, ensure accountability and provide detailed information on enforcement and protection measures.

We further regret the continued absence of legislative provisions explicitly criminalizing clients of child prostitution, and prohibiting and penalizing the use of children in illicit activities, such as drug production and trafficking. We urge the Government to adopt specific legal prohibitions and ensure their enforcement. This implies that effective and dissuasive penalties must be applied in practice.

The situation of talibé children remains of particular concern. These children are highly vulnerable to forced labour, including economic exploitation through organized begging.

We reiterate the Committee of Experts’ call, urging the Government to implement time-bound measures to withdraw these children from exploitative situations, provide appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration and report on progress achieved. We also note with concern the abusive employment of children in domestic work and the absence of regulations and protection for child domestic workers.

We encourage the Government to adopt legislation and practical measures, including shelters and oversight mechanisms and to report on the measures taken. Furthermore, the high prevalence of child labour, including in hazardous conditions, combined with the absence of complaints recorded by labour inspectors, underscores the need to strengthen inspection services and enforcement capacity, including in the informal sector.

We call for improved data collection, disaggregated statistics and transparency on violations and sanctions.

Finally, we note the related concerns under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), particularly the gap between the minimum age for employment, 14 years, and the age of completion of compulsory schooling, 16 years. As well as legal inconsistencies that allow children to start apprenticeships, light work and hazardous work at too young an age or without adequate safeguards.

We urge the Government to align national legislation with Convention No. 138 and ensure that legal frameworks support access to education and training and protect children from exploitation.

The EU and its Member States took note of the written information provided by the Government of Chad on 16 May and encourage the Government to intensify its cooperation with the ILO including the possibility of technical assistance and to engage meaningfully with social partners.

We will continue to follow the situation closely and remain ready to support the Government’s efforts aimed at ensuring compliance with international labour standards and upholding the rights and dignity of all children in the country.

Government member, Switzerland – Switzerland supports the statement made by the European Union and wishes to make the following points.

While strongly deploring the fact that children are still being recruited and used in the armed conflicts that are continuing to afflict Chad and the Sahel region, Switzerland welcomes the information that the Government armed forces in Chad have ceased to have recourse to children. It strongly encourages the Government of Chad to continue its efforts to prevent the recruitment of children in armed groups and to promote the rehabilitation and social integration of former child soldiers. The measures adopted to prosecute and punish persons forcible recruiting children for use in armed conflicts must also be strengthened.

The recruitment and use of child soldiers is not, however, the only manifestation of the worst forms of child labour in Chad. Although forced labour, serfdom and slavery are explicitly prohibited by the Labour Code and the Constitution, the practice of so-called child herders, which involves a system of semi-slavery of boys between the ages of 6 and 15, persists. Moreover, there are still many cases throughout the country of children under 18 years of age being used for prostitution and other illicit activities. Switzerland condemns these practices, which are contrary to the provisions of the Convention, and regrets the lack of information provided by the authorities of Chad on the specific measures taken to combat these forms of child labour.

The Swiss Government calls on the Government of Chad to take all the necessary measures to bring an end to all unlawful forms of the exploitation of children and to punish those responsible. That involves, among other measures, undertaking in-depth investigations and prosecutions, adopting sufficiently dissuasive sanctions and introducing new provisions into the Criminal Code explicitly prohibiting the use of children for prostitution and illicit activities. Switzerland expresses the hope that the draft Child Protection Code will be adopted and applied as soon as possible. Finally, as the worst forms of child labour necessarily have their roots in the very existence of child labour, Switzerland also calls on the Government of Chad to raise the minimum age for admission to employment in order to align it with the age of completion of compulsory schooling, which is set at 16 years, so as to limit the number of children engaged in child labour.

Employer member, Mexico – The first part of this statement is an invitation to everyone here to reflect, since it is clear that if anything causes pain in our society, it is the mistreatment of young persons. Consequently, we cannot disregard practices that harm their integrity, since children are the pillars of our future society. We must underline the fact that, as stated in the preamble to the Convention, “[…] the effective elimination of the worst forms of child labour requires immediate and comprehensive action, taking into account the importance of free basic education and the need to remove the children concerned from all such work and to provide for their rehabilitation and social integration while addressing the needs of their families”.

According to information available on the official website of the organization Humanium, in 2018, Chad was considered to have made moderate progress in its efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, as the country sent three labour inspectors on a 45-day training course at the ILO’s African Regional Labour Administration Centre. The Refugees and Host Communities Support Project was also introduced to improve access to healthcare for refugees, including children, who had been subjected to unacceptable forms of labour.

The Government of Chad is called upon to give effect to the Convention, in particular Article 6(1), which indicates: “Each Member shall design and implement programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour”. This requires it to take immediate action to prevent the emergence of situations involving the types of work referred to in Article 3 of the Convention. Although progress has been made in Chad, it remains insufficient to ensure that child development is treated as a fundamental priority.

On behalf of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers of the United States of Mexico, we reject any acts aimed at trafficking young persons, their exploitation in sexual or unsanitary activities, and in any activity that may endanger their integrity and the most fundamental right that must be protected: the right to life.

Let us not forget that the abuse of children is not restricted to a single geographic area. Even though we are dealing with the case of Chad today, this is also a call to the international community represented here to prevent the continuation of these regrettable practices so as to eradicate violence against young persons.

We insist that the future of young persons must be guaranteed since, if they do not enjoy a full childhood, we are destined to carry on facing the atrocities which have been committed to this day. Moreover, we must not forget that this Convention, which is the object of non-compliance, is considered fundamental by the ILO, as it is the fundamental basis for the protection of labour rights, social justice and combating child labour.

Worker member, Botswana – The Government of Chad ratified the Convention in 2000 and in doing so the Government was making a commitment to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. Twenty-five years later, the Committee of Experts, in its report, notes with regret the failure by the Government to adopt the Child Protection Code, a code that prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years in the security forces and also lays down penalties for identified violations.

The UN Institute for Disarmament Research published a report in December 2022 on the recruitment of children in the armed conflicts in the Lake Chad Basin. The report outlined the devastating effects of armed conflicts on children. These include subjection to extreme violence, family separation, loss of education, and longlasting trauma which may be felt even after the guns have gone silent. The fact of the matter is that the children in Chad are not immune to these effects.

The statistics in the Committee of Expert’s report speak for themselves on the situation in the Lake Chad Basin region, as referenced from the UN Secretary-General’s report to the Security Council on 3 June 2024. It is therefore clear and urgent that the Government must do all it can to ensure the elimination of the forced recruitment of children by armed groups and adopt the Child Protection Code as a matter of urgency. The Government must also ensure evidence of accountability for those that have been identified to be in violation as recommended by the Committee of Experts. This evidence of accountability must be shared with the Committee of Experts as requested.

Lastly, in April of 2025, the Office of the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for children and armed conflicts published a paper “2018–2025: from the Global Coalition for Reintegration of Child Soldiers to the Nairobi Process and the Financing Innovation Forum”. In the said paper, Chad is identified as among the international stakeholders. The paper identified that provisions of meaningful and sustainable reintegration of services, to children formally associated with armed forces and armed groups, is critical to help children transition back to civilian life, and heal and build their lives.

We therefore urge the Government to take heed of this and provide such services to these unfortunate children and help rebuild their lives.

Employer member, Honduras – Although this is the first occasion on which this case has been examined by the Conference Committee, the Committee of Experts has made observations on it in 2009, 2014 and 2024 emphasizing areas of failure to comply with the Convention in the Republic of Chad and indicating the risks to children in the country, which in turn is endangering the social and economic development of the country.

The importance of this case should be emphasized, as it concerns one of the fundamental ILO Conventions, which places the requirement on States to adopt immediate and effective measures for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. As Employer representatives, we are firmly committed to compliance with this Convention, as we believe that social development cannot take place in countries unless we care for and protect children from the worst forms of child labour, such as prostitution, recruitment for service in armed groups and other slave-like practices.

While it is true that the Republic of Chad has provided reports on legislative improvements, such as the Criminal Code, and the establishment of a National Commission to combat trafficking in persons, it is also necessary in parallel to implement effective measures to ensure compliance with these provisions, and to provide all the necessary budgetary and technical measures to the institutions that are created to ensure that they are effective, as otherwise their action will not be effective and social problems will increase in the Republic of Chad.

It is important to embark upon a process of the compilation and documentation of information so as to be able to measure the progress achieved in the eradication of child labour and in ensuring the protection and reintegration of the children concerned.

In conclusion, we recognize the efforts made by the Government of the Republic of Chad, but we emphasize that there are still serious challenges in the implementation of the Convention in practice. It is essential for any legislative reform that is adopted to be undertaken in consultation with the social partners, and for the ILO to be kept informed of the progress made. As Employers, we reiterate our firm commitment to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Worker member, South Africa – I take the floor to echo my concern about the plight of children in Chad who are facing numerous challenges highlighted in the Committee of Experts’ report. The challenges include the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts, child herders, child domestic workers, debt bondage, procuring children for prostitution and illicit activities such as selling drugs.

The Committee of Experts’ report also made reference to the Report of the UN SecretaryGeneral to the Security Council of 3 June 2024 concerning children and armed conflict, which verified 2,258 grave violations of which 1,193 were victims of multiple violations.

While noting the efforts by the Government to eradicate the problems, more measures need to be taken. The Government has only made minimal advancements to eliminate the mounting challenges facing children, making them susceptible to enslavement in the worst forms of child labour. The Government also acknowledges its failure to enforce the law.

It is paramount to emphasize the role of labour inspection as a means of deterring and bringing to justice those who continue to transgress the law. I am informed that the labour inspection system in the country remains very weak without adequate resources to enable inspectors to conduct their work. Furthermore, the Government must conduct capacitybuilding activities or training courses for labour inspectors, to enable them to effectively detect cases of violations of children’s rights.

The Government has enacted some progressive pieces of legislation but without enforcement children will continue to be exploited and subjected to forced labour and its worst forms.

I urge the Government to urgently take the following measures:

• ensure adequate labour inspectors in the country deployed to all regions to manage these violations;
• strengthen labour inspection facilities and systems to ensure compliance with labour laws and standards, thereby protecting the rights and safety of children;
• ensure the recruitment of additional labour inspectors and provide them with adequate resources that will enable them to carry out their duties;
• enforce strict penalties for officials involved in the sale or exploitation of children and review policies that allow or overlook such practices;
• conduct training sessions for law enforcement, military and government officials on child rights and ethical conduct;
• increase educational awareness among communities, schoolchildren, parents and carers about the detrimental effects of child labour;
• create independent oversight bodies to monitor reports of child exploitation, verifying the activities of government and military officials;
• work with local leaders, non-governmental organizations and community groups to raise awareness about the harms of child labour and the importance of protecting children’s rights, promote alternative livelihoods for families relying on selling children or using them as labour.

I conclude by affirming that the Government should not hide behind the scarcity of resources as an excuse. The lack of resources does not mean that the Government can dispense with its obligation under the Convention. It should adopt measures to improve its resources. That is its responsibility.

Government member, United States of America – We thank the Government for providing information related to its ongoing efforts to address child labour issues in the country, noting that a robust legislative and penal framework has been in place since 2018.

While we welcome these activities as indicators of the Government’s acknowledgement of the persistent issue, efforts to eliminate these practices and hold individuals accountable under the law remain inadequate.

Furthermore, we are deeply concerned by reports indicating that officials are resistant to investigating or prosecuting individuals, as well as directly involved in the exploitation of children as livestock herders. We urge the Government to take immediate steps to hold all individuals, including complicit officials, involved in the worst forms of child labour to account.

We further urge the Government to address existing gaps in both law and practice, specifically to:

• ensure that the law specifically criminalizes a client who uses a minor under the age of 18 for prostitution, noting that articles 16 and 22 of the Order against trafficking in persons lacks such a provision;
• ensure that laws specifically prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular the production and the trafficking of narcotics;
• enforce existing laws ensuring that investigations are carried out and prosecutions initiated against perpetrators and that effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed, including against Government officials and members of non-state armed groups; and
• improve the collection and publication of information related to both civil and criminal enforcement efforts, including the number and type of inspections conducted, violations found, and penalties imposed.

Employer member, Chad – Employers are major actors throughout the territory by reason of their industrial, commercial, agricultural and stock-raising activities, and they are therefore in a better situation to understand what is happening. I have followed carefully the interventions of the various speakers. However, I have found them to be a little harsh on Chad, as I know that Chad is in a situation in which priority is given to tripartism. Employers, workers and the Government are engaged in a form of partnership for joint reflection on improvements to the working environment, and particularly on action to combat child labour, which is the subject of our appearance before the Committee today.

Chad is ready to listen. Chad has adopted all the necessary texts, but perhaps in their implementation local communities may be experiencing difficulties in objectively applying all the measures required to flush out child labour and the use of children for other serious crimes. It is for that reason that I am taking the floor to provide certain clarifications and to reaffirm that Chad is nevertheless a country that bears heavy responsibilities in view of the wars that are being waged around our country, particularly in Sudan and with immigrants. That is clearly an important task and it is also necessary to recognize that Chad has been avoiding the use of children in the various activities related to the army for a long time now. Pockets of resistance may exist that are not under control. But it is nevertheless necessary to recognize that Chad has been doing good work.

I wanted to say that employers are contributing actively to action to combat child labour by adopting preventive policies, promoting the return to school and supporting initiatives for economic development in our country. We have contributed to the establishment of surveillance and control systems to identify and prevent child labour in enterprises and their supply chains.

Employers support the programme for the education and social reintegration of children by financing school grants and educational projects within the framework of their social responsibility, and particularly in the agro-food and transformation industries. Employers have improved the living conditions of families by endeavouring to support, especially in industrial giants, the families of the staff so that their children have a better life and there is no subjection to work for them, by facilitating local development and creating decent jobs for children.

Employers are raising the awareness of enterprises to avoid any measures involving the recruitment and employment of children, and in any case Chad does not have the type of textile industry in which children are often used. And I believe that, at the level of employers’ representatives, we are participating in multisectoral initiatives to combat child labour, for example by prohibiting it, even informally, in enterprises with which we work, and ensuring that, if such enterprises use children, all commercial activity ceases with them.

I would like to conclude by saying that Chad is very open to dialogue. There are many exchanges between workers and employers, and I can point to three activities which are really enabling us to achieve the transition from informality to formality. And it is in informality that there are pools of child labour. And we are working together with a view to ensuring that, through the solidarity economy, through massive support, action is taken in rural areas, so that 70 to 80 per cent of informal activities can fairly rapidly be transferred to the formal sector through support measures provided by the Government and multinational industrial enterprises.

Why am I saying this? Because it is however necessary to indicated where the pool of child labour is to be found. And it is always in areas that the State has difficulty in controlling. And we are working massively alongside the Government to ensure that, in the interior of the country, in the rural world, and particularly the children of farmers, stock-raisers and nomads, can go to school and not be involved in work. For that, we have created and strengthened, with the State, the nomad school. We have also tried to obtain support from UNICEF and other donors, including the World Bank, to ensure that there is a real improvement in the situation. It is true that I have listened to the various speakers, and they have been a bit harsh on Chad. They have forgotten that Chad is bearing a heavy burden, and I am not saying this for political reasons, as a result of Sudanese immigrants, who number several millions. And today, if everything is going well, that is thanks to the intervention of Chad. With regard to the issues of child labour, Chad is doing everything to ensure that that does not happen. But I can say that, as employers, we are not really very concerned because all of our enterprises have endorsed the measures that combat child labour.

I would like all the various parties to support Chad and encourage it to continue with its burdensome mission. Chad has many missions to carry out for Central Africa. And I therefore hope that our Committee will encourage Chad, I hope that our Committee will support the principle that our Organization can provide more support to Chad – it is already supporting it to face up to the challenge of the elimination of child labour and it should support any measures taken for the creation of databases that can provide the Government with the means to adopt significant public policies.

Worker member, Belgium – The workers of France align themselves with my statement. I would like to come back to the legal framework implemented by Chad to ensure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, in accordance with the Convention.

It should be noted that Chad has also ratified a number of international instruments on the rights of the child, including:

• the Convention on the Rights of the Child;
• the Optional Protocol to that Convention on the involvement of children in armed conflict;
• the Optional Protocol to that Convention on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography;
• the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

The written information submitted by the Government to the Committee refers to the adoption of several pieces of legislation to meet its international obligations, such as:

• Order No. 001/PR/2014 prohibiting and punishing the enlistment or use of children in armed conflict;
• Order No. 006/PR/2018 against trafficking in persons, whose provisions criminalize the forced labour and recruitment of children for the purpose of prostitution or illicit activities;
• Act No. 001/PR/2017 of 8 May 2017 punishing begging.

This legislation demonstrates the Government’s willingness to make progress in resolving these issues. The report of the Committee of Experts, however, notes that serious shortcomings persist in terms of both the existing legislative framework and its effective implementation in practice. Indeed, as has been highlighted, the legislative framework remains incomplete and does not allow for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour in practice.

Moreover, the measures adopted to combat the worst forms of child labour have been integrated into a broad range of general legislation, making it impossible to ensure that they are sufficiently visible and transparent. It is also unclear whether the solutions put forward by the Government provide specific protection for children. It is doubtful, for example, whether the ban on begging constitutes a truly effective solution to protect talibé children from exploitation.

Given these observations, it seems to us crucial that the draft child protection code is finally adopted. Indeed, in the light of the many instances of abuse committed against children in Chad, there is a need for an exhaustive, clear text that defines violations of children’s rights.

The code should target not only the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, but also all the different forms of forced labour, such as the use of children as herders, the forcing of talibé children to beg for the purpose of exploitation and the scourge of child prostitution and abuse in the context of domestic work. As well as defining offences, the code must provide for dissuasive sanctions and guarantee transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures.

Furthermore, beyond improving the body of law, it is vital that Chad adopts specific measures to implement legislation on the ground so that persons who violate children’s rights are held accountable. The written information communicated by the Government does not, however, provide any specific details of ongoing investigations, the number of prosecutions or sentences for offenders. There is therefore an urgent need to strengthen investigation and prosecution capacities and to ensure that perpetrators, whether state or non-state actors, are held accountable and sanctioned in practice. There is also an urgent need to improve coordination between judicial actors, security agencies and child protection bodies to ensure that laws are implemented effectively and coherently.

Observer, Education International (EI) – In Chad, thousands of children are deprived of their basic right to education. Instead of classrooms, they find themselves in fields, in markets, in the streets or in homes, obliged to work, sometimes in conditions of slavery, or forced into armed forces, prostitution or bonded labour.

The report of the Committee of Experts refers to the role of education in reintegrating working children, particularly child herders and talibé children. The Employer member from Chad also mentioned the role of education as a means of eradicating child labour.

A public, free, inclusive and quality education system must become a genuine, credible and attractive alternative to child labour for all families. That requires significant investment in school infrastructure, but also, and in particular, in training, support and funding for teachers. A well-trained, supported and decently remunerated teacher can transform the life of a child, a family or a community. Such a teacher can make a child worker feel welcomed, develop an adapted teaching plan, awaken a child’s curiosity to develop their skills and open the door to a different future for them.

Combating child labour means not only banning practices or changing social norms. It also means giving children the tools to dream, to learn, to flourish. It means making quality, free public education – with relevant educational content delivered by competent and supported teachers – accessible to families in cities, but above all in rural areas. In Chad, like elsewhere, school should be a right, not a luxury

Interpretation from Portuguese: Observer, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) – We are facing a serious situation of extreme concern. We need only observe that when a state is unconcerned with good governance and a better distribution of the public good, situations arise such as debt bondage, where illegal debts are invented for transport, food, accommodation and work tools. These debts are collected in an abusive and arbitrary manner, with the money deducted from the salaries of workers, who remain indebted forever.

Given the low productivity of workers in this situation, their salaries are never enough to cover their families’ expenses. This is one of the characteristics of forced labour and slavery, leading to extreme poverty for families and, consequently, high unemployment among adults.

And, in these situations, children are forced by their parents to engage in domestic work because there is no effective policy to protect poor families. All these situations lead parents to allow their children to work in this way, to supplement their family’s income.

High unemployment in a country whose political powers do not engage seriously in efforts to combat extreme poverty contributes to significant violations of the Convention. The Government should, therefore, adopt specific, immediate measures to eliminate the phenomenon and to guarantee free basic education to children in order to liberate the children involved in these forms of work and help them reintegrate into society, while also bearing in mind their families’ needs. In this way, social progress could be ensured, and it would be possible to fight effectively against poverty to promote universal education.

The promotion and implementation of policies intended to improve social protection for families and guarantee free education for vulnerable children will help build a society oriented towards progress and sustainable development.

Government representative – I would like to thank all the speakers for whom this issue regarding children is a major concern. The problem of child labour concerns not only Chad but the whole world. Where there are children, their situation should be examined and closely followed. I noted that Chad is treated harshly but I have also noted that there were many more contributions throughout the interventions. Thank you for this, because Chad is a country whose situation is a concern for everyone. You know that Chad has a surface area of 1.284 million kilometres – and there are children. Chad has endured conditions of which everyone is aware. Despite these challenges, the country is concerned about the situation of children.

As you have noted and emphasized, Chad has made considerable efforts to combat the worst forms of child labour and to ensure the protection of adolescents in accordance with the Convention. The country has put in place a robust legislative framework and specific actions to address these various forms of exploitation. If you have read the report that was transmitted, we have highlighted the various efforts that the Government has made in this respect. We have referred to several cases. But if we take it case by case, and look at the fight against the forced recruitment of children in armed conflict, we see that Chad has never recruited children. You have spoken a lot about armed groups but there are no armed groups in Chad. You know that the Lake Chad Basin region covers several countries and the terrorists who have put Chad in a difficult situation have now been contained. And, thanks to the international community, we were able to remove many children and return them to their families. This effort should be recognized.

Chad has taken decisive steps to prevent the recruitment of children into the armed forces. As you are well aware, the minimum age is now fixed at 18 years, with strict recruitment procedures. Training in child protection is even provided for military personnel, and harsh penalties are applied in cases of non-compliance. Thanks to these efforts, in 2014 Chad was removed from the UN General-Secretary’s list of parties that illicitly recruit and use children.

Order No. 006/PR/2018 defines as a crime specifically the enlistment or use of children in armed conflict, and sets out measures against slavery, debt bondage and forced labour. The Government has strengthened its legislation to investigate and punish crimes of exploitation. Section 15 of Order No. 006/PR/2018 provides for penalties of imprisonment and fines for forced labour and slavery. A national anti-trafficking commission has been established to prevent and combat trafficking, protect victims and promote cooperation. Convictions have been brought against traffickers, including for forced labour in gold mines, and protection has been introduced against prostitution and illegal activities. Sections 16 and 12 of Order No. 006/PR/2018 supplement the provisions of the Labour Code to combat the use, procuring or offering of children for prostitution. Section 23 of the same Order provides for harsh penalties for the use of children for illegal activities – children particularly at risk, such as mouhadjirin (talibé) children, who are mentioned here. Begging is punished by the Criminal Code, Act No. 001/PR/2017 and Order No. 006/PR/2018. The texts strongly condemn mistreatment, torture and exploitation of these children.

Concerning children working as domestic workers, a Workforce Management Procedure document was prepared in 2024 to identify and manage labour-related problems, prevent forced labour and child labour, and promote occupational safety and health. However, a specific regulation on domestic work has not yet been adopted. But I should also highlight that at the moment we are revising the Labour Code and the general collective agreement, and we will examine the provisions to be incorporated into the new Labour Code.

With regard to children working in the informal economy, two inspectors have received training to improve their support in this area. You know that, in relation to the surface area of the country, we currently have only 11 inspectors, and they will soon be retiring. So, as many of you have called for training for labour inspectors, we can only thank you and encourage this initiative, and we strongly urge our partners to take action to this end. As it stands, efforts have been made and 22 inspectors are being trained in the National School of Administration. They will soon complete their training, join the administration and will be able to assist us in advancing somewhat in this area. But this is not enough. These personnel must be increased, followed up and trained in the various areas to ensure the management of all work-related issues.

Turning to children living and working in the streets, under an initiative led by the Ministry for Women and Early Childhood in September 2024, actions were carried out to improve the situation of these children, including reintegration into their families, counsel and long-term follow-up. These actions are carried out on a daily basis. The authorities even go to the streets at night to remove these children. Currently, some children have been reintegrated into their families and are even enrolled in school, and we should express our thanks and encourage the Government’s effort.

Concerning children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, Act No. 019 of 2007 guarantees the right to non-discrimination, protection and equality before the law for these children, ensuring their right to education, information, counsel and care. These are the efforts that the Government is making.

With regard to prevention by ensuring access to free basic education, the Government of Chad is committed to improving access to education to prevent child labour. Measures are envisaged, such as ongoing teacher training, modernization of curricula, provision of modern teaching materials, construction and renovation of schools, support programmes for pupils in difficulty and a quality control mechanism. The statistics on these initiatives are not yet available but you will have them. This is partially in response to the representative of South Africa who deplored the situation, but the Government has not lost sight of the issue of education. It is making efforts and such efforts continue in terms of international cooperation and poverty reduction, because all of this has its roots in poverty. The Government envisages improving assistance for vulnerable children by ensuring access to essential services, namely, health, food, water and education, and by protecting them from violence and exploitation as part of international cooperation and poverty-reduction measures.

The Government has taken action but I note that this is not enough. All that we can ask is that is that the international community supports Chad’s efforts. Today, with the war in Sudan, we have welcomed more than 2.4 million refugees, which as you know includes children. Who should take care of them? They are in Chad. The country has to take care of them. Chad’s resources, albeit limited, are targeted towards safeguarding the lives of these children. Thank you to the international community that has not abandoned Chad, but we must do more so that these children have the best conditions to advance in their lives. We all know that children are important. Wherever there are children, adults must open their eyes to support them, and Chad is doing and continues to do what it can. Chad has made significant progress in combating the worst forms of child labour, particularly with regard to the recruitment of child soldiers and suppression of trafficking. The country continues to strengthen its legislative framework and its actions to protect vulnerable children and improve their access to education. Of course challenges persist, such as the adoption of specific regulations and the collection of data to properly evaluate the impact of the measures implemented.

I would like to request permission for our Ambassador to intervene.

Another Government representative – While I was listening to the different interventions, I thought that they were describing another country from mine with regard to the situation of children, honestly. I would just like to give two examples.

When the war in Sudan broke out, the Head of State decided to leave the borders completely open, without surveillance. I had the opportunity to go three times to these border zones, and people were crossing without border control. I asked him, “Listen, how long will it be like this?” He said, “You know, we would have been glad, had we been in the same situation, to have people who welcomed us like this”.

Two countries in Africa have a Bill concerning the protection and rights of these refugees. Two countries: Chad and Uganda. There are no other African countries that have this type of law defining refugees’ rights, and defining a refugee. Sudanese refugees currently in Chad have practically the same rights as Chadian nationals. I mention this to demonstrate the efforts being made, not only for refugees but in general. Today, these refugees have been given land because we know the international community: after two years, there won’t be any more funding and refugee camps will no longer be funded. We, Central Africans, have refugee camps going back 15 years.

We have camps for Sudanese refugees that go back more than ten years and we continue to support this effort. What I am saying is that the Government has taken firm decisions. No one here is saying the situation is perfect, no one, but things are changing. Governmental policy has been developed so as to take significant decisions relating to the legislation, you yourselves have underscored that. But when a law is adopted, it has to be implemented. Chad has been at war since 1963 – for 60 years. Certain children have known only war. I am telling you this and you have the numbers on orphans in Chad.

In my country, the significant number of orphans we have means that these children become heads of families early, because the father was killed in the war, because the mother was killed, and so forth. So, there are many things that are being done for the situation of children relating to their health and education. It takes time and I agree that you have an important role to play. I think that on several occasions the country has requested your support to help it put things in place and to act. This is what I am saying to you: act, support us to improve the situation not only of children but also of our population’s young girls.

The Government is fighting to improve people’s sanitary conditions. We need more schools and health centres. I will tell you an anecdote to show you the drama unfolding in Sudan. There was a woman who came with her four children. She held her two girls’ hands, she had her 2-month-old son on her front and her 2-year-old son on her back. When she crossed the border, I was the first person that she met and I saw blood on her headscarf. I lifted up her scarf: the 2-year-old had been shot in the head and, on her back, the other child had been shot in the back of his neck. The two children were dead and this woman had walked for ten hours to reach the Chadian border. Today we are talking about refugees but, as I see it, to solve the problem of the war in Sudan is to bring back peace. But nobody has gone in this direction until now. All this to say that there is strong political will at the Government level to improve conditions, not only for children but for the people in general.

Much remains for us to do: increase the number of schools, diversify these schools and increase the number of health centres. Another anecdote that I wanted to share is that I was with the UNHCR in Adré for the opening of a health centre and a school. The mayor of Adré looks at me and says, “Doctor [I am medically trained so that is why I am shocked by certain things]. You are opening a health centre and a school for refugees, and for us, where are these?” To say much less of the situation of war that we have. Chad is a peace haven surrounded by countries in conflict: Sudan to one side, Libya in the north, Central African Republic on the other side, and the ongoing situation between the Niger and Nigeria. And what has Chad done? The first thing that Chad has done is to fight jihadism. We have spoken about the Lake Chad Basin region. Who is currently helping Chad to fight Boko Haram? Nobody, I can assure you, nobody. Chad is alone in fighting jihadists and has intervened in six or seven African countries to fight jihadism. This gives you a bit of a picture of the situation in my country and the difficulties we are facing in improving the situation.

I will conclude by saying that efforts are being made and we need the support of the international community. We need support, your support, so that things can be strengthened and improved.

Worker members – We thank the Government for the written and oral information which it has provided.

Although it is positive to note that the armed forces of Chad have been removed from the UN list of parties that illegally recruit and use children, we are deeply concerned that armed groups continue to recruit and use children in armed conflicts.

The persistence of the practice of child livestock-herders, in which children are subjected to a form of slavery, is also a cause for concern. We are bound to note with regret that, since 2009, the Government has not provided any information on measures taken to protect mouhadjirin (talibé) children from forced or compulsory labour. The information provided here by the Government should be forwarded for in-depth review by the Committee of Experts.

The reference to provisions punishing begging does not, at first glance, appear satisfactory to us, since it is not begging itself that is the problem, but those who exploit it illegally through children. We also regret the continuing absence of legislative provisions prohibiting and punishing the use of children for prostitution and the act of pimping or offering a child for illicit purposes.

All these findings lead us to make numerous recommendations to the Government of Chad, which we are confident will do everything in its power to implement. We count on the Government of Chad being committed to doing this.

The Government has informed us of the recent adoption of a road map in the context of Alliance 8.7. This is an encouraging development which we welcome, and we hope that the implementation of the Committee of Experts’ comments and our Committee’s conclusions will form an integral part of this road map.

We call on the Government to ensure in practice the elimination of the forced recruitment of children under the age of 18 by armed groups and to proceed immediately with the complete demobilization of all children. To this end, we call on it to continue to take measures to ensure that child soldiers are removed from armed groups and receive the direct assistance necessary for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training.

We encourage the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with the United Nations and UNICEF to prevent the recruitment of children into armed groups. It will also ensure that thorough investigations are conducted and that those who engage in the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age for use in armed conflict are prosecuted, so that penalties constituting an adequate deterrent are widely imposed in practice.

It is also essential that the Government adopt the Child Protection Code as soon as possible and provide a copy of the Code once it has been adopted. The Government must ensure that children under the age of 18 are protected from work as livestock-herders as soon as possible, and that investigations are conducted and perpetrators are prosecuted. Penalties that act as an effective deterrent must be imposed on the perpetrators of this practice, in accordance with the prohibition of forced labour set out in section 5 of the Labour Code.

Furthermore, the Government must ensure that the law contains provisions expressly criminalizing a client who uses a child under the age of 18 for prostitution. We also ask the Government to ensure that the legislation contains provisions prohibiting and punishing the use, pimping or offering of a child under the age of 18 for illegal activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs.

The Government must ensure that the competent authorities have the necessary resources to enforce these legal provisions in practice. It must prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin (talibé) children under the age of 18 in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging, and remove them from such activities. It must provide them with the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Finally, it will ensure that regulations on domestic work are adopted with a view to protecting children engaged in domestic work from the worst forms of child labour, removing them from such work, and providing them with the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, in particular by setting up reception centres with the necessary resources. The Government informs us that inspectors have received training on the economic exploitation of children. We encourage the Government to continue such training initiatives and strengthen the capacity of these inspection services to enable them to ensure the effective enforcement of standards. It is essential that the Government takes measures to guarantee free access to basic education, which will help prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of labour. We welcome the initiatives taken by the Government to improve the situation of children working and living on the streets. We encourage it to continue these efforts and to strengthen them in order to guarantee these young people their right to education. We hope that the Government will engage in ongoing and regular dialogue with the ILO and provide it with all information on the specific measures taken to implement the above-mentioned recommendations. We also hope that it will do so in collaboration with the social partners.

We invite the Government to seek technical assistance from the ILO in order to implement the recommendations that will be made to it by our Committee and to provide the Committee of Experts with a report no later than 1 September 2025 on the measures taken to implement these recommendations.

Employer members – The Employer members wish to thank the different speakers who have taken the floor and expressed their views on this matter, including the Government representatives.

We can only hope that the Government representatives will take on all the comments made during this discussion, which were intended to constructively assist the Government in addressing the real scourge of child labour, especially its worst forms, in Chad.

We recognize that the Government is adopting measures to address the serious concerns regarding the situation of children in the country, through various programmes; support, strengthening and training of the labour inspectorate; membership in Alliance 8.7; the development of a road map; and the strengthening of the education system. However, we reiterate that, in line with the observations of the Committee of Experts, much more needs to be done.

We note the reports mentioned, including those of the UN, on the ongoing and serious violations of children’s rights. Accordingly, the Employer members insist on the importance of the Convention, as a fundamental Convention, the universal ratification of which reflects a universal consensus and a strong tripartite commitment to eliminate the worst forms of child labour.

While acknowledging the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground, including the current issue of child refugees, we share the concerns expressed by the Committee of Experts regarding the persistent recruitment and use of children by armed groups, the exploitation of child livestock-herders, and the use of children in illicit activities and domestic work.

In the light of the Committee of Experts’ observations and today’s discussion, the Employer members would like to recommend that the Government do the following.

First, continue to adopt measures, using all available means, to ensure the full and immediate demobilization of all children and to put a stop, in practice, to their forced recruitment. Ensure the thorough investigation, prosecution and penalization of all perpetrators of forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict as well as ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of child victims of forced recruitment.

Second, increase its efforts to combat the practice of child livestock-herding, which amounts to semi-slavery.

Third, step up its tripartite efforts to improve the functioning of the education system, and to facilitate access for all children to basic education and protection measures.

Lastly, the Employer members urge the Government to continue to avail itself of ILO technical assistance, in order to implement the aforementioned recommendations and future reporting obligations, and to maintain tripartite social dialogue in order to continue to work towards improving the lives of children.

Conclusions of the Committee

The Committee took note of the oral and written information provided by the Government and the discussion that followed.

The Committee noted with deep concern the continued recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. It also expressed its concern at the persistence of the practice of exploitation of children, including child herding and forced begging.

Taking the discussion into account, the Committee urged the Government to take, in consultation with the social partners, effective and time-bound measures to:

• ensure the full and immediate demobilization of all children who are forcibly recruited or used by armed groups;
• ensure that thorough investigations and prosecutions of all persons who forcibly recruit children for use in armed conflict are carried out and sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed in law and practice;
• provide for the rehabilitation and social integration of street children and children who are forced to join armed groups;
• redouble its efforts to combat the practice of child herding and guarantee the protection of children against this practice as a matter of urgency, including through the effective punishment of those responsible for this practice;
• take immediate steps to approve the Child Protection Code and provide a copy thereof once it has been adopted;
• amend the Penal Code to include normative provisions that penalize the “client” who demands services of or uses a child under the age of 18 for prostitution;
• prohibit and punish the use and recruitment of children for illicit activities, in particular the production and trafficking of drugs and provide the necessary resources to the competent authorities;
• improve the functioning of and investments in the education system to facilitate access to free quality basic education and protective measures for all children, particularly girls and street children, and the security and safety of children in war-affected areas, and to take measures to increase the school enrolment and attendance rates at the primary and secondary levels and to decrease the school drop-out rates;
• take measures to protect mouhadjirin children from the worst forms of child labour and continue efforts to ensure that the Secretary for Women and Early Childhood program is effective in the protection of street children;
• adopt regulations to protect children from working in domestic services and measures to remove them from such situations, and provide the necessary and appropriate measures to directly assist their rehabilitation and social integration.

The Committee requested the Government to avail itself of ILO technical assistance to give full implementation to the above-mentioned measures.

The Committee also requested the Government to submit a detailed report to the Committee of Experts by 1 September 2025.

Chairperson – I now give the floor to the honourable representative of the Government of Chad who wishes to make some comments, Minister for the Civil Service and Social Dialogue.

Government representative – I would like to give my sincere thanks and acknowledgement to all the honourable representatives who took the floor to share comments on the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). As has been indicated, I would first like to recall that we take due note of the recommendations that have been made.

Concerning the issue of armed groups, this has already been addressed but I would like to touch on it once again. As it stands, there are no armed groups in Chad. Armed groups have been spoken of when alluding to terrorist groups. Boko Haram and armed groups in general, operating in the Sahel region, are groups that no one can control. It is true that some individual Chadians may be recruited but they are recruited directly by armed groups. They are not groups that are managed by Chad. This is an important observation to recall because the term “armed group” is still used in the recommendations and, logically, from our side, this term cannot be used.

Concerning the issue of child labour, in general, Chad has made many efforts to eliminate this practice. Today, this practice is very rare but, as has been indicated, we take note and will amend the Chadian Criminal Code to incorporate very restrictive provisions to try to suppress all violations in this area.

I assure you that Chad will do everything it can to protect children.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. The Committee notes that at the detailed discussion that was held by the Committee on the Application of Standards (Conference Committee) at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (June 2025), regarding the application of the Convention by Chad, the Conference Committee urged the Government to take, in consultation with the social partners, effective and time-bound measures to prohibit and penalize the use and procuring of children for illicit activities, in particular the production and trafficking of drugs.

The Committee notes that the Government refers to Ordinance No. 006/PR/2018, which provides for a penalty of between 10 and 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of between 100,000 to 2 million CFA francs for anyone who draws a financial or material profit from the repeated or continuous commission of offences involving children (sections 21 and 22, read together). The Committee notes that these provisions cover the prohibition of the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years for illicit activities, but only if the offence is repeated or continuous. The Committee recalls that, under Article 3(c) of the Convention, it should not be necessary for the offence to be repeated or continuous in order to be defined as such. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 21 and 22 of Ordinance No. 006/PR/2018, including the number of investigations and prosecutions carried out, and the number and nature of convictions and penalties imposed relating to the use, procurement or offering of a child under 18 years for illicit activities, including the production and trafficking of drugs.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal economy. The Committee recalls that Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS DTOMPS does not apply to young persons under the age of 18 years who perform hazardous work in the informal economy, in which many children are engaged.

The Committee notes that, at the detailed discussion that was held by the Conference Committee, the Government representative indicated that 22 future inspectors were being trained in order to join the labour inspection services. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that two inspectors have just completed their training at the African Regional Labour Administration Centre. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken to adapt and strengthen labour inspection services in order to ensure that children under 18 years are not engaged in hazardous work in the informal economy and that they receive the protection provided for under the Convention. It requests the Government to indicate the results achieved in this regard, including an indication of the number and nature of the violations found relating to the employment of children in hazardous work and the penalties imposed.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Conference Committee urged the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to improve the functioning of and investments in the education system to facilitate access to free quality basic education and protective measures for all children, particularly girls and street children, and the security and safety of children in war-affected areas, and to take measures to increase the school enrolment and attendance rates at primary and secondary levels and to decrease the school drop-out rates.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications that continuous teacher training programmes will be put in place to strengthen teachers’ pedagogical and technical skills, while ensuring decent and motivating working conditions to avoid strikes and ensure continuity in teaching. The Government also refers to a number of projects established specifically to promote girls’ access to education, including: (i) covering the school fees of 80,000 girls, school kits for 37,029 and school uniforms for 14,198 in 2024; (ii) the establishment of 24 reception centres to meet the requirement to shelter 4,200 vulnerable girls needing to pursue their education but without a family; and (iii) support for 14,307 young girls through a tuition programme in reception centres and schools. The Committee also notes the statistical data provided by the Government indicating that: (i) the school enrolment rate at primary level in 2023 was 91.77 per cent with significant disparities in gender (99.58 per cent of boys and 83.74 per cent of girls); (ii) at secondary level, the school enrolment rate is 25.24 per cent (30.08 per cent of boys and 17.95 per cent of girls); and (iii) the gender parity index for primary and secondary education is 0.75. 

Additionally, the Committee notes, from the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the concerns about: (i) the limited access to safe and high-quality education for girls, in particular for those living in areas affected by armed conflict, climate change and natural disasters, as well as for girls internally displaced; and (ii) the high drop-out rates among girls, attributable to early pregnancy, child marriage, excessive household responsibilities, the lack of menstrual hygiene products and of separate sanitary facilities in schools, and long and unsafe travel distances to schools, especially in rural and nomadic communities, (CEDAW/C/TCD/CO/5, para. 33). While noting the measures taken by the Government, the Committee requests it to continue its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country and to ensure access to free basic education for all children, including girls and those living in remote areas or those affected by armed conflicts. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on all measures taken or envisaged in this regard, indicating the results achieved in terms of an increase in school attendance at primary level or early secondary level, and a reduction in school drop-out, particularly among girls.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children working and living in the street.  The Conference Committee urged the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to provide for the rehabilitation and social integration of children in street situations, and to continue efforts to ensure that the programme of the Ministry for Women, Protection in Early Childhood and National Solidarity is effective in the protection of street children. 

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, particularly that: (i) the Minister of State in charge of women and early childhood held a meeting on 11 September 2024 with street children as part of a programme aimed at improving their situation and reintegrating them into their families; (ii) the testimonies gathered at this meeting showed that many of them hoped to reconnect with their families and return to a more stable and protected environment, and therefore some of them were supported to return to their respective homes; and (iii) the Ministry’s intervention falls under the National Child Protection Policy, which underscores the rehabilitation and improvement in living conditions of vulnerable children. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour and to ensure therehabilitation and social integration of those who have been removed from the streets. It also requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the results achieved, including the number of children removed from the streets and the type of assistance they received to prevent them from returning to the streets.

Child HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that measures have been taken to protect children affected by HIV/AIDS through the adoption of Act No. 019/PR/2009 on combating HIV/AIDS/STIs and protecting persons living with HIV/AIDS (sections 19, 21 and 30). It notes that, under section 21 of this Act, the State must ensure the protection and respect of the fundamental rights of children in the context of HIV/AIDS, facilitate their access to information and education, and provide free care and medication to orphans made vulnerable by AIDS. In addition, section 30 sets out that children and orphans made vulnerable by AIDS are entitled to regular schooling, information, counselling and care, and must not be subject to any discrimination in schools. The Committee further notes the Government’s information that it has established national HIV strategies that include specific pillars for the care of orphans and children made vulnerable by AIDS, with a view to strengthening psychosocial and community support services.

The Committee notes, according to UNAIDS estimations of 2024, that there are around 120,000 child HIV/AIDS orphans – an increase from the 110,000 in 2023. Recalling that children orphaned by HIV/AIDS are especially exposed to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken to ensure that these children have access to regular schooling, in accordance with Act No. 019/PR/2009. It also requests the Government to indicate the results achieved in this regard, in particular by indicating the number of child HIV/AIDS orphans who received care through HIV strategies and the type of assistance provided to them to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration.

Child domestic workers. The Conference Committee urged the Government to take effective and time-bound measures, in consultation with the social partners, to adopt regulations to protect children from domestic work, and to remove them from such situations and provide the necessary and appropriate assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration.

The Committee recalls that, at the detailed discussion that was held in the Conference Committee, the Government representative indicated that no specific regulation on domestic work had been adopted but that a Bill to revise the Labour Code was under way and specific provisions on this subject could be incorporated into the new Labour Code. 

In addition, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalization of the Administration has prepared a document to support Chad’s digital transformation entitled “Workforce Management Procedure” (PGMO), the aim of which is to set out clear procedures to identify and manage compliance with the provisions of the Labour Code regarding employment and working conditions, including working conditions for domestic workers.

The Committee notes that, in its observations, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) notes with concern that children are victims of exploitation in the area of domestic work and considers that the eradication of this practice will require the establishment of inspection services with sufficient resources to carry out their mandates, as well as the training of labour inspectors. The Committee requests the Government to indicate: (i) whether it continues to envisage the adoption of a specific regulation on domestic work, as previously mentioned; (ii) the measures envisaged to incorporate the provisions on domestic work into the new Labour Code; and (iii) how it is envisaged that the document “Workforce Management Procedure” will ensure the protection of child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour.

Article 8. International cooperation. Poverty reduction measures. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the most vulnerable children must be helped, in particular by giving them access to quality health services, food, water and education. The Committee recalls that 42.3 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line and that 50 per cent of children are affected by multidimensional poverty. Recalling that poverty reduction programmes help to break the circle of poverty, which is essential for the eradication of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged to effectively reduce the poverty of children exposed to the risk of the worst forms of child labour, and the results achieved in this regard.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

The Committee takes note of the detailed discussion that was held by the Committee on the Application of Standards (Conference Committee) at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (June 2025), regarding the application of the Convention by Chad, as well as of the Government’s report.

The Committee takes note of the observations of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), received on 1 September 2025. The Committee also takes note of the observations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), received on 2 September 2025. The IOE and the ITUC reiterate the comments made in the discussion held in the Conference Committee and express the hope that progress will be made in the application of the Convention by Chad, in line with the conclusions of the Conference Committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this regard.

Follow-up to the conclusions of the Committee on the Application of Standards (International Labour Conference, 113th Session, June 2025)

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Conference Committee urged the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to: (1) ensure the full and immediate demobilization of all children who are forcibly recruited or used by armed groups; (2) ensure that thorough investigations and prosecutions of all persons who forcibly recruit children for use in armed conflict are carried out and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed in law and practice; and (3) approve the Child Protection Code, which envisages the establishment of transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures for cases of the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, and to provide a copy once adopted.

The Committee notes that the Government, in its report, indicates that awareness-raising measures have been taken to prevent the recruitment of children for use in armed conflict, particularly through: (1) the training of military personnel, including those responsible for training new recruits; (2) the imposition of strict penalties on any person who fails to comply with the orders of the child protection services that have been established in each military zone; and (3) checks on 4,000 military personnel carried out jointly by the Government and the United Nations at the country’s military bases.

The Committee notes that, in its observations, the ITUC expresses its deep concern at the continued use and recruitment of children by armed groups in Chad and encourages the Government to continue its efforts to combat the recruitment and use of children and, if necessary, to develop a new action plan in this area.

The Committee notes, from the Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Security Council, of 17 June 2025, on children and armed conflict, that: (1) the United Nations has verified some 2,641 grave violations against 1,224 children (458 boys, 744 girls, 22 sex unknown) in the Lake Chad basin, including the recruitment and use of children by foreign or rebel forces; (2) in Lac Province, 41 grave violations against 38 children (9 boys, 16 girls, 13 sex unknown) were attributed to unidentified perpetrators. These included recruitment and use (2 boys), abduction (38 children), and one attack on a hospital; (3) two boys were detained in Lac Province by Chadian military authorities for their alleged association with armed groups and were handed over to civilian child protection actors; and (iv) the Secretary-General said that he was alarmed by the increase in verified grave violations against children by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and by the disproportionate impact of grave violations on girls (A/79/878–S/2025/247, paras 278 to 280).

While noting the measures taken by the Government to combat the recruitment of children for their use in armed conflicts, the Committee notes with deep concern the continued use and recruitment of children by armed groups. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures without delay to ensure the demobilization of all children used in armed conflicts and to put an end to the practice of recruitment of children under 18 years in armed groups. In addition, the Committee urges the Government to take all necessary measures to ensure that in-depth investigations and prosecutions of any persons involved in the forced recruitment of children under 18 years for their use in armed conflict are conducted, so that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are widely imposed in practice. It requests the Government to provide information on: (i) the activities of the child protection service, established in the military zones, and their impact on preventing the recruitment of children and on their demobilization; and (ii) the adoption of the Child Protection Code.

Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Conference Committee urged the Government to redouble its efforts to combat the practice of child herding and guarantee the protection of children against this practice as a matter of urgency, including through the effective punishment of those responsible for this practice.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications that: (1) under section 15 of Ordinance No. 006/ PR/2018 against trafficking in persons, anyone who facilitates or derives financial or material profit through the slavery of another person or a similar practice shall be punished by imprisonment of five to ten years and by a fine of 100,000 to 5 million CFA francs; (2) the National Commission against Trafficking in Persons is responsible for preventing and combating trafficking in persons in all its forms, and for ensuring the protection of victims, collecting data and promoting cooperation to this end; and (3) in 2023, the first National Child Protection Policy and its five-year action plan were adopted.

The Committee notes that the Government remains silent on: (1) the penalties applied, in practice, against persons who subject children to this practice under forced labour; and (2) the specific measures taken to combat the practice of child herders, including through the activities of the National Commission against Trafficking in Persons or the child protection committees (as previously indicated) or under the National Child Protection Policy.

It notes that the ITUC expresses concern at the persistence of this practice and encourages the Government to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate this practice in Chad. The Committee once again urges the Government to: (i) take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of children under 18 years of age against the practice of child herders as a matter of urgency; and (ii) ensure that investigations are carried out and prosecutions launched against the perpetrators and that effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of this practice, in accordance with section 15 of Ordinance No. 006/PR/2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical data on the specific number of investigations and prosecutions conducted, and on the number and nature of the convictions and the penalties imposed.

Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Justice has reported investigating, prosecuting and convicting three traffickers to the following penalties: (1) five years’ imprisonment and a fine of US$1,000; (2) five years’ imprisonment and a fine of US$200; and (3) 18 months’ imprisonment and a fine of US$200.

The Committee notes, from the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the adoption of the national action plan to combat trafficking in persons in June 2025. CEDAW also noted with concern: (1) the prevalence of different forms of trafficking affecting women and girls, including sex trafficking, forced labour in agriculture and mining; and (2) the lack of law enforcement and of accountability mechanisms, as reflected by the limited number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions of perpetrators (CEDAW/C/TCD/CO/5, 7 July 2025, para. 27). The Committee urges the Government to ensure that perpetrators of child trafficking and smuggling are identified and prosecuted, and that effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on them in practice. In this regard, the Committee urges the Government to continue to provide statistical information on the number and nature of violations found, and of the investigations, prosecutions, convictions and criminal penalties imposed.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Conference Committee urged the Government to take, in consultation with the social partners, effective and time-bound measures to amend the Criminal Code to include normative provisions that penalize the “client” who demands services of or uses a child under the age of 18 for prostitution.

The Committee notes that the Government commits to taking the necessary measures to prohibit and criminalize the use of a child for prostitution. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the legislation contains provisions specifically criminalizing any person who uses a child under 18 years of age for prostitution (the ”client”), and to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (a) and (b). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and removing them from these worst forms of child labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. The Committee urged the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children forced to join armed groups.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a transit and guidance centre in Bol in the Lake Chad region and a national rehabilitation and reintegration centre for vulnerable children in Koundoul have been established.

The Committee notes that the ITUC encourages the Government to continue and intensify its efforts relating to the adequate care of demobilized children, including through family reunification.

In addition, the Committee notes, from the Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Security Council, on children and armed conflict, that the Secretary-General commended the Government for integrating child protection into the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, and called upon it to ensure that social reintegration programmes consider the rights of children formerly associated with armed groups (A/79/878–S/2025/247, para. 281).

The Committee notes, according to the 2024 annual UNICEF report on Chad, that in order to integrate child protection into the National Strategy for Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration, UNICEF has strengthened its partnership with the Ministry of Defence. This report further indicates that the UNICEF country office has also provided psychological support for 66,047 children (36,106 of whom are girls), has reunited 94 separated children (21 of whom are girls) with their families and has provided alternative care for 665 unaccompanied children (of whom 303 are girls). The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts and to pursue its collaboration with UNICEF with a view to preventing the enlistment of children in armed groups and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on: (i) the number of children who have been removed from armed groups; (ii) the type of direct and necessary assistance that these children received for their rehabilitation and social integration, including through their reintegration into the school system or vocational training, as appropriate; and (iii) the number of demobilized children who have been received in the transit and guidance centre in Bol, and in the national rehabilitation and reintegration centre for vulnerable children in Koundoul, and the type of assistance provided to them.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Conference Committee urged the Government to take measures to protect mouhadjirin children from the worst forms of child labour.

The Committee notes that the Government recalls the provisions of the Criminal Code and of Ordinance No. 006/PR/2018, which prohibit and provide penalties for the exploitation of another person, including children, for begging. The Government also indicates that, through the adoption of the Ordinance, around 300 children could be saved, and that efforts are being made to raise awareness among the communities of the harmful effects of this practice.

The Committee notes that the ITUC regrets that, since 2009, the Government has not provided any information on the situation of children used for begging for purely economic ends. The Committee urges the Government to take time-bound measures to prevent mouhadjirin children under 18 years from falling victim to compulsory or forced labour, such as begging. It requests the Government to provide specific information on the measures taken and the results achieved in this regard, as well as on efforts made to remove mouhadjirin children from the worst forms of child labour.

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

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee notes the Government’s indications in its report on the adoption of Act No. 2017-01 of 8 May 2017 issuing the Penal Code. It notes that the Government makes reference to sections 371, 372 and 373 of the Penal Code on the crime of the abduction of minors, but that the Penal Code still does not criminalize trafficking in persons. It notes with regret that once again the Government has not provided statistics on violations, investigations, prosecutions and convictions in this field.

However, the Committee notes from the report of the Government to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC): (1) the adoption of Ordinance No. 006/PR/2018 of 30 March 2018 on action to combat trafficking in persons in the Republic of Chad which criminalizes trafficking in persons and establishes a penalty for any person who commits the crime of trafficking in persons of between four and 30 years imprisonment and a fine of between 250,000 CFA francs BEAC and 5,000,000 CFA; (2) the Government established the National Commission to Combat Trafficking in Persons (CNLTP) in the Republic of Chad by Decree No. 0151/PR/MJCDH/2021, of 8 February 2021. The CNLTP meets twice a year in ordinary session and as many times as necessary in extraordinary sessions by decision of the Executive Board or upon the proposal of at least two-thirds of its members (CRC/C/TCD/3-5, 16 July 2024, paragraphs 142, 144 and 145). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the effect given in practice to Ordinance No. 006/PR/2018 of 30 March 2018 on action to combat trafficking in persons, including the provision of statistics on the number and nature of the violations reported, the investigations carried out, prosecutions, convictions and the penal sanctions imposed.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal economy. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS DTOMPS does not apply to young persons under the age of 18 years who perform hazardous work in the informal economy, in which many children are engaged.

The Committee notes, from the integrated household survey published by ILO-STATISTICS in 2018, that 96.9 per cent of employment is informal. It notes the Government’s indication it is continuing its efforts for the transition from the informal to the formal economy. It accordingly welcomes the ILO cooperation and support project for the reduction of informality in the agricultural sector (coordinated by the Kinshasa Office). The Government adds that it is in the process of training future labour inspectors to reinforce the capacities of the labour administration. The Committee further notes that, according to the report submitted by the Government to the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, Chad sent three labour inspectors in 2018 to the ILO African Regional Labour Administration Centre for 45 days (A/HRC/WG.6/45/TCD/1, 10 November 2023, paragraph 101). The Committee requests the Government to continue taking measures for the adaptation and reinforcement of the labour inspection services in order to ensure that children under 18 years of age are not engaged in hazardous work in the informal economy and that they benefit from the protection set out in the Convention. It requests the Government to continue providing information on any measures taken in this regard and on the results achieved.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour.Access to free basic education. The Government indicates that, according to a survey carried out by the National Institute for Statistics, Economic and Demographic Studies (INSEED) in 2018 on the profile of poverty, boys have a higher school attendance rate than girls (48.4 per cent compared with 43.7 per cent) and rural areas are at a serious disadvantage (a school attendance rate of 68.1 per cent in urban areas compared with 39.6 per cent in rural areas). The survey showed that fewer than two-thirds of children have the opportunity to attend primary school and only 40 per cent complete it. The Committee notes the Government’s indication concerning the adoption of the Interim Education Plan in Chad 2018-20, which identifies five major challenges: (1) increasing the provision of education at all levels; (2) improving the quality of learning; (3) matching the level of financing in the sector with the development ambitions identified; (4) making education at all levels more equitable by ensuring that disparities are reduced; and (5) making the management and governance of the education system more effective and efficient.

The Committee notes that, in its concluding observations, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights noted the Government’s efforts to guarantee free education, but expressed concern at: (1) reports that around 31 per cent of girls and 14 per cent of boys do not attend primary school, despite the legislative and policy framework that guarantees ten years of free compulsory basic education; (2) reports that most of the funds for secondary education come from school fees, with parents contributing over 90 per cent of these funds compared with less than 1 per cent by the State party, which has the effect of limiting access to education for the most disadvantaged individuals and groups; (3) the low quality of teaching, due in part to the insufficient numbers of teachers; and (4) the persistence of inequalities in access to education, including between girls and boys, particularly in remote areas (E/C.12/TCD/CO/4, of 30 October 2023, paragraph 45). The Committee also notes, from the Government’s report to the CRC, that: (1) in 2017, a national policy was developed on school meals, although the implementation of the policy does not yet cover the whole national territory; and (2) measures have been taken to increase the access of girls to education, particularly through the integration of equity in education into the National Development Plan 2017–21 and the construction of separate toilets for girls and boys in schools (CRC/C/TCD/3-5, paragraphs 26 and 103). The Committee notes the measures taken by the Government, including to facilitate the access of girls to education. It recalls that education contributions to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and it therefore requests the Government to continue its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country and to increase attendance at primary and lower secondary school, particularly for girls. It also requests the Government to continue providing: (i) detailed information on the measures adopted in this respect, and on the results achieved; and (ii) updated statistical data on school attendance rates and the school enrolment rates of girls and boys at the primary and lower secondary levels.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Children working and living in the street. The Committee notes, from the Government’s report submitted under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), the adoption of the National Child Protection Policy in Chad 2023–30. According to the Government, this strategic document takes into account the recurrent issues relating to the protection of children, including working children, children working and living in the street and child orphans. The Committee also notes that, according to the Government’s report to the CRC, the following action has been taken in relation to children living and working in the street: (1) awareness-raising activities concerning children in street situations; (2) the establishment of a list of actors engaged in combating the issue; and (3) community dialogue with emphasis on parental responsibility (CRC/C/TCD/3-5, paragraph 20). The Committee recalls the high number of children in street situations in the country and once again notes with regret the absence of information on the results achieved through the measures adopted. It requests the Government to continue providing information on the time-bound measures adopted to protect children in street situations from the worst forms of child labour and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children who are removed from the streets, including within the framework of the National Child Protection Policy in Chad 2023–30. The Committee also urges the Government to provide information on the results achieved, and particularly an indication of the number of children removed from the streets and the type of assistance received to avoid them returning to the streets.

Child HIV/AIDS orphans. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided information on the measures adopted to provide assistance to child HIV/AIDS orphans and to prevent them becoming victims of the worst forms of child labour. It notes that, according to UNAIDS estimates for 2023, there are reported to be around 110,000 child HIV/AIDS orphans, which represents a decrease since 2013 (when the number was 160,000). Recalling that children who are orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the specific time-bound measures taken to prevent child HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming engaged in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It also requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved, particularly within the framework of the National Child Protection Policy in Chad 2023–30.

Article 8. International cooperation. Poverty reduction measures. The Committee notes that, according to the programme rationale of the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), of 1 August 2023, some 42.3 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, 50 per cent of children are affected by multidimensional poverty and 47 per cent by monetary poverty (E/ICEF/2023/P/L.25, paragraph 3). Moreover, in its concluding observations of 30 October 2023, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights noted with concern that poverty reduction programmes are proving insufficient, as poverty rates remain very high and disproportionately affect people living in rural and remote areas (E/C.12/TCD/CO/4, paragraph 35). In this regard, the Committee recalls that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the poverty cycle, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to achieve an effective reduction in poverty for children exposed to the risk of the worst forms of child labour, and the results achieved in this respect.

[The Government is asked to reply in full to the present comments in 2025.]

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes the indication in the Government’s report that the Child Protection Code has not been adopted. It recalls that the preliminary draft text of the Child Protection Code, which prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years of age in the national security forces and lays down penalties to that effect, also envisages the establishment of transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures for cases of the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. The Government nevertheless indicates that Act No. 001/PR/2017 of 8 May 2017 issuing the Penal Code has been adopted and that, under the terms of section 370 of the Penal Code, any person who has facilitated the enrolment or use of children in armed forces or groups and their use in wars and armed conflict shall be liable to a sentence of imprisonment of from five to ten years and a fine of 1 million to 10 million CFA francs BEAC.

The Committee notes that, according to the report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Security Council of 3 June 2024 on children and armed conflict: (1) cross-border conflicts and intercommunal violence have persistently affected children, especially those in the central Sahel and Lake Chad basin regions; (2) the United Nations verified 2,258 grave violations against 1,193 children (505 boys, 677 girls, 11 sex unknown) in the Lake Chad basin region, including 741 children who were victims of multiple violations, such as the recruitment and use of children (720 cases by rebel and foreign forces); (3) in Province du Lac, the United Nations verified 60 grave violations against 59 children by unidentified perpetrators, including 10 cases of the recruitment and use of children; and (4) the Secretary-General welcomed the efforts made by the Government of Chad to comply with its action plan on child recruitment and use, which was completed in 2014, and the 2014 handover protocol. He nevertheless reiterated his call to pursue accountability for violations against children and to ensure that all disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and social rehabilitation programmes consider the specific rights and needs of children who have been associated with armed groups (A/78/842-S/2024/384, 3 June 2024, paragraphs 8, 270, 271 and 272).

While noting that the Government armed forces no longer appear to be recruiting children, the Committee however notes with deep concern the continued use and recruitment of children by armed groups. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take all the necessary measures to ensure: (i) the elimination in practice of the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by armed groups and to undertake immediately the full demobilization of all children; (ii) in-depth investigations and the prosecution of any persons who engage in the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age for their use in armed conflict so that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are widely imposed in practice; and (iii) the adoption of the Child Protection Code as soon as possible. It requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken for this purpose.

Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, although forced labour, including debt bondage and slavery, is prohibited by the national legislation, and particularly by section 5 of the Labour Code, the practice of exploiting boys between the ages of 6 and 15 years to look after cattle (child herders) exists in Chad. This practice involves a contract for the hiring of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but is subject to semi-slavery in which it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Committee notes the Government’s general indication that it has established child protection committees in all the regions of the country to combat this practice. However, the Government has not provided information on the specific measures taken, including by child protection committees, to bring an end to the practice of child herders. Moreover, it notes that, according to the Government’s report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) that: (1) the eradication of the exploitation of child herders is one of the Government’s concerns; (2) the preliminary draft of the Child Protection Code will explicitly prohibit this practice; and (3) measures have been taken to strengthen the capacities of the actors involved in combating this practice, particularly through the management and sharing of information and the organization of awareness-raising campaigns (CRC/C/TCD/3-5, 16 July 2024, paragraph 131).

The Committee notes with concern that the practice of child herders persists. It recalls once again that, in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures shall be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. It therefore urges the Government to: (i) take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of children under 18 years of age against the practice of child herders as a matter of urgency; and (ii) ensure that investigations are carried out and prosecutions initiated against the perpetrators and that effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of this practice, in accordance with the prohibition of forced labour set out in section 5 of the Labour Code. The Committee also requests the Government to: (i) provide information on this subject; and (ii) furnish a copy of the Child Protection Code once it has been adopted.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes that the new Penal Code continues to criminalize pimping (with heavier penalties where the crime is committed against a minor – sections 335 and 336). However, the Committee notes with regret that the Penal Code still does not contain a provision criminalizing the client and therefore the use of young persons under 18 years of age for prostitution. The Committee therefore once again urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the legislation contains provisions specifically criminalizing a client who uses a child under 18 years of age for prostitution. It requests the Government to provide information on any progress achieved in this regard.

Clause (c). Use procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. The Committee notes with regret that the new Penal Code still does not contain any provision prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of children under 18 years of age for illicit activities. The Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the legislation contains provisions prohibiting and penalizing the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. It once again requests the Government to provide information in this respect.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (a) and (b). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and removing them from these worst forms of child labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report. However, it notes from the report of the Government to the CRC that: (1) in accordance with the Protocol agreement between the Government of the Republic of Chad and the United Nations System in Chad on the transfer of children associated with armed forces or groups of 10 September 2014, activities are carried out regularly for the identification, transfer and support of minors; (2) in April 2019, 25 children associated with armed forces and groups, of whom one was 15 years of age, thirteen were aged 16 years and eleven aged 17 years, were removed from the Koro Toro high security prison and placed in transit and guidance centres in N’Djaména for their care; (3) in April 2021, 96 minors were identified by the security forces and referred to the Ministry of Women, the Family and Child Protection for transitional care prior to family reunification; (4) the Boko Haram group makes frequent use of children for criminal activities, and as soon as the regular forces recuperate these children, they are transferred to the Ministry of Social Action, in partnership with UNICEF, for care and family reunification, with the Government accordingly reunifying 94 children associated with the Boko Haram group in 2016, including 13 girls, and 9 children in 2017, including 2 girls; and (5) within the context of this partnership, a Transit and Guidance Centre has been established in Bol, Province du Lac, which receives children associated with the Boko Haram group (CRC/TCD/3-5, 16 July 2024, paragraphs 168, 172, 173, 184 and 185). The Committee requests the Government to continue reinforcing its efforts and to pursue its collaboration with the United Nations and UNICEF with a view to preventing the enlistment of children in armed groups. It also requests the Government to continue taking measures to ensure that child soldiers are removed from armed groups and receive the necessary direct assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, as appropriate. It requests the Government to continue providing information on the results achieved in this respect, including the number of children who have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration measures.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee notes from the report of the Government to the CRC that: (1) the eradication of the exploitation of mouhadjirin children is one of the concerns of the Government; and (2) the preliminary draft text of the Child Protection Code envisages the prohibition of this practice for economic exploitation (CRC/C/TCD/3-5, 16 July 2024, paragraph 131). The Committee recalls that, although seeking alms as an educational tool falls outside the scope of the Committee’s mandate, it is clear that the use of children for begging for purely economic ends cannot be accepted under the Convention (2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 483). The Committee therefore notes with regret that the Government has not provided any information since 2009 on the specific measures taken to protect mouhadjirin children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take time-bound measures to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin children under 18 years of age from being victims of forced or compulsory labour, such as begging, and to withdraw them and provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide specific information on the measures taken for this purpose, and the results achieved.

Child domestic workers. The Committee notes with regret that once again the Government has not provided any information on this subject. It recalls that: (1) the abusive employment of children in domestic work has been observed in practice; and (2) the Government indicated previously that the sector was in the process of being regulated. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary time-bound measures to protect children engaged in domestic work from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such work and provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly through the establishment of shelters equipped with the necessary resources. It requests the Government to: (i) provide information on the measures taken in this regard; and (ii) indicate whether regulations have been adopted on domestic work.

In light of the situation described above, the Committee notes with deep concern the continued recruitment and use of children in armed conflict by armed groups. The Committee also expresses its concern at the persistence of the practice of child herders, in which children are subject to semi-slavery, and the absence of information provided by the Government on the measures taken to end this practice. The Committee further notes with regret that, since 2009, the Government has not provided information on the measures taken to protect mouhadjirin (talibés) children from forced or compulsory labour. The Committee also notes with regret the continued absence of legislative provisions to prohibit and penalize the use of a child for prostitution and the use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. The Committee considers that this case meets the criteria set out in paragraph 90 of its General Report to be submitted to the Conference.

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

[The Government is asked to supply full particulars to the Conference at its 1 13 th Session and to reply in full to the present comments in 202 5 .]

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2023, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code was in the process of being adopted. It also noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour had been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention.Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to take necessary measures to ensure that the bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted in the near future, and requests it to supply information on all new developments in this respect. Furthermore, it reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 as amended, in its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously observed with concern that, although the problem of trafficking in children exists in practice in Chad, the Penal Code does not criminalize trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the sale and trafficking of children is prohibited and the Public Prosecutor is undertaking actions to apprehend persons who kidnap children. The Government states however that it does not have any statistics on the violations, investigations, prosecutions and convictions in this area.The Committee urges the Government to indicate the provisions that effectively prohibit the sale and trafficking of persons and, more particularly, of children under 18 years of age. It requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that information on the application in practice of the relevant provisions which prohibit this worst form of child labour is available, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported and investigations conducted, as well as on the prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, although forced labour, including debt bondage and slavery, is banned under the national legislation, particularly by Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), the practice of exploiting boys between 6 and 15 years of age to look after cattle (child herders) exists in Chad. This practice involves a contract for the hirer of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Committee once again expressed its serious concern at the existence of this practice in Chad.

The Committee notes the Government’s assertion that it will spare no efforts to guarantee the protection of children against the practice of using children as herders.Recalling once again that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to take the necessary urgent measures to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government once again to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that although sections 279 to 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client or, consequently, the use of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will provide more detailed information on this matter as soon as the amendment of the Penal Code has been adopted.The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Penal Code is amended urgently and that this amendment will contain provisions criminalizing any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and criminalize the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities.The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendment of the Labour Code will be adopted as a matter of urgency, and that it will contain provisions to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. It once again asks the Government to provide information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal sector. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal sector, in which many children are engaged.

The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication, in its report, that work in the informal sector is not covered by any monitoring system. The Government nevertheless states that efforts are being undertaken to make a transition from the informal sector to the formal sector. Referring to its 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions concerning rights at work (paragraph 345), the Committee points out that, in some cases, the limited number of labour inspectors makes it difficult for inspectors to cover the informal economy as a whole. It therefore calls upon States parties to the Convention to strengthen the capacities of the labour inspectorate.The Committee urges the Government to reinforce its measures to adapt and strengthen the labour inspection services to ensure that children under 18 years of age are not engaged in hazardous work in the informal sector and that they benefit from the protection prescribed under the Convention.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee previously noted that Chad was making progress towards achieving the goal of education for all by 2015 but had little chance of achieving it. In addition, it was unlikely that the country would achieve gender parity by 2025. It nevertheless noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for the reform of the education system (2004–15).

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, there has been an increase in school attendance rates, at both the primary and secondary levels. The Government also notes that, as a result of many missions carried out in the country to make parents aware of the importance of girls attending school, there is also a decrease in the gender gap.Considering that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of labour, the Committee again urges the Government to continue its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country and to provide detailed information on measures taken in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply specific and up-to-date information on school attendance rates and the school enrolment rates of girls and boys, at both the primary and secondary levels.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted with concern the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty, who are at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. It also noted with concern the lack of specialized institutions or shelters for these children.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the situation of children living in the streets is indeed worrying and that it has undertaken actions to guarantee the rehabilitation and social integration of these children. The Committee notes with regret the Government’s statement that it does not have any information on the results achieved.In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children actually removed from the streets. It also requests the Government once again to provide information in its next report on the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with concern that, according to UNAIDS estimates for 2011, there were some 180,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad.

The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information on this subject in its report. It takes note, however, that UNAIDS estimates for 2013 indicate that there are now some 160,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, accounting for a slight decrease in numbers. The Committee again reminds the Government that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans because they are at increased risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour.The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the specific and time-bound measures taken to prevent HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It asks the Government to provide information on the results achieved in its next report.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee previously noted that, in practice, children were employed in exploitative domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector was in the process of being regulated.Noting once again the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It also reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of the regulations governing domestic work, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that measures had been taken to raise parents’ awareness of, in particular, the phenomenon of mouhadjirin children. However, it felt bound to express its concern at the use of these children for purely economic reasons. The Committee recalled that although the issue of seeking alms as an educational tool fell outside the scope of the Committee’s mandate, it was clear that the use of children for begging for purely economic ends could not be accepted under the Convention (see General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 483).Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply specific information, in its next report, on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin children under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this type of labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and to provide information on the results achieved.

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2023, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 3(a) of the Convention. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraphs 45 and 46), despite progress in the implementation of the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad, and although the national army of Chad did not recruit children as a matter of policy, the country task force verified 34 cases of recruitment of children by the army during the reporting period. The 34 children appeared to have been enlisted in the context of a recruitment drive in February–March 2012, during which the army gained 8,000 new recruits. In this respect, the Committee noted the new roadmap of May 2013, adopted further to the review of the implementation of the action plan concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad and aimed at achieving full observance of the 2011 action plan by the Government of Chad and the United Nations task force. The Committee observed that, in the context of the roadmap, one of the priorities was to speed up the adoption of the preliminary draft of the Child Protection Code, which prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years of age in the national security forces and lays down penalties to that effect. Moreover, during 2013 it was planned to establish transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures regarding cases of recruitment and use of children, and also to adopt measures for the immediate and independent investigation of all credible allegations of recruitment or use of children, for the persecution of perpetrators and for the imposition of appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the United Nations Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014 to the Security Council on children and armed conflict (A/68/878–S/2014/339). According to this report, the deployment of Chadian troops to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has prompted renewed momentum to accelerate the implementation of the action plan signed in June 2011 to end and prevent underage recruitment in the Chadian National Army, and the Chadian authorities have renewed their commitment to engage constructively with the United Nations to expedite the implementation of the action plan. The Government of Chad, in cooperation with the United Nations and other partners, has therefore taken significant steps to fulfil its obligations. For example, a presidential directive was adopted in October 2013 to confirm 18 years as the minimum age for recruitment into the armed and security forces. This directive also establishes age verification procedures and provides for penal and disciplinary sanctions to be taken against those violating the orders. The directive was disseminated among the commanders of all defence and security zones, including in the context of several training and verification missions. Furthermore, on 4 February 2014, a presidential decree explicitly criminalized the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The Secretary-General states, however, that while the efforts made by the Government to meet all obligations under the action plan have resulted in significant progress, a number of challenges remain to ensure sustainability and the effective prevention of violations against children. Chad should pursue comprehensive and thorough screening and training of its armed and security forces to continue to prevent the presence of children, including in the light of Chad’s growing involvement in peacekeeping operations. While no new cases of recruitment of children were documented by the United Nations in 2013 and no children were found during the joint screening exercises carried out with the Chadian authorities, interviews confirmed that soldiers had been integrated in the past into the Chadian National Army from armed groups while still under the age of 18. According to the Secretary-General, the strengthening of operating procedures, such as those for age verification, which ensure the accountability of perpetrators, should remain a priority for the Chadian authorities. Finally, the Secretary-General invited the National Assembly to proceed as soon as possible with the examination and adoption of the Child Protection Code, which should provide greater protection for the children of Chad.The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts to end, in practice, the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces and armed groups and to undertake immediately the full demobilization of all children. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate measures to ensure that the perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. Finally, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the Child Protection Code as soon as possible.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, removing children from these forms of labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraph 49), the actions taken by the Government for the release, temporary care and reunification of separated children, while encouraging, were not yet in line with the commitments made in the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad. The Committee noted that one of the priorities referred to in the 2013 roadmap was to secure the release of children and support their reintegration.

The Committee notes that, according to the Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014, a central child protection unit has been established in the Ministry of Defence, as well as in each of the eight defence and security zones, to coordinate the monitoring and protection of children’s rights and to implement awareness-raising activities. Between August and October 2013, the Government and the United Nations jointly conducted screening and age verification of approximately 3,800 troops of the Chadian national army in all eight zones. The age verification standards had been previously developed during a workshop organized by the United Nations in July. In addition, between August and September 2013, a training-of-trainers programme on child protection was attended by 346 members of the Chadian National Army. As from July 2013, troops of the Chadian National Army deployed in Mali started to receive pre deployment training on child protection and international humanitarian law; in December of the same year, 864 troops attended child protection training at the Loumia training centre.The Committee encourages the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with the United Nations in order to prevent the enrolment of children in armed groups and improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. In addition, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply information on measures taken to ensure that child soldiers removed from the armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved in its next report.

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

The Committee expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code was in the process of being adopted. It also noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour had been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to take necessary measures to ensure that the bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted in the near future, and requests it to supply information on all new developments in this respect. Furthermore, it reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 as amended, in its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously observed with concern that, although the problem of trafficking in children exists in practice in Chad, the Penal Code does not criminalize trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the sale and trafficking of children is prohibited and the Public Prosecutor is undertaking actions to apprehend persons who kidnap children. The Government states however that it does not have any statistics on the violations, investigations, prosecutions and convictions in this area. The Committee urges the Government to indicate the provisions that effectively prohibit the sale and trafficking of persons and, more particularly, of children under 18 years of age. It requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that information on the application in practice of the relevant provisions which prohibit this worst form of child labour is available, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported and investigations conducted, as well as on the prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, although forced labour, including debt bondage and slavery, is banned under the national legislation, particularly by Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), the practice of exploiting boys between 6 and 15 years of age to look after cattle (child herders) exists in Chad. This practice involves a contract for the hirer of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Committee once again expressed its serious concern at the existence of this practice in Chad.

The Committee notes the Government’s assertion that it will spare no efforts to guarantee the protection of children against the practice of using children as herders. Recalling once again that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to take the necessary urgent measures to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government once again to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that although sections 279 to 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client or, consequently, the use of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will provide more detailed information on this matter as soon as the amendment of the Penal Code has been adopted. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Penal Code is amended urgently and that this amendment will contain provisions criminalizing any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and criminalize the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendment of the Labour Code will be adopted as a matter of urgency, and that it will contain provisions to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. It once again asks the Government to provide information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal sector. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal sector, in which many children are engaged.

The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication, in its report, that work in the informal sector is not covered by any monitoring system. The Government nevertheless states that efforts are being undertaken to make a transition from the informal sector to the formal sector. Referring to its 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions concerning rights at work (paragraph 345), the Committee points out that, in some cases, the limited number of labour inspectors makes it difficult for inspectors to cover the informal economy as a whole. It therefore calls upon States parties to the Convention to strengthen the capacities of the labour inspectorate. The Committee urges the Government to reinforce its measures to adapt and strengthen the labour inspection services to ensure that children under 18 years of age are not engaged in hazardous work in the informal sector and that they benefit from the protection prescribed under the Convention.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee previously noted that Chad was making progress towards achieving the goal of education for all by 2015 but had little chance of achieving it. In addition, it was unlikely that the country would achieve gender parity by 2025. It nevertheless noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for the reform of the education system (2004–15).

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, there has been an increase in school attendance rates, at both the primary and secondary levels. The Government also notes that, as a result of many missions carried out in the country to make parents aware of the importance of girls attending school, there is also a decrease in the gender gap. Considering that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of labour, the Committee again urges the Government to continue its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country and to provide detailed information on measures taken in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply specific and up-to-date information on school attendance rates and the school enrolment rates of girls and boys, at both the primary and secondary levels.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted with concern the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty, who are at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. It also noted with concern the lack of specialized institutions or shelters for these children.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the situation of children living in the streets is indeed worrying and that it has undertaken actions to guarantee the rehabilitation and social integration of these children. The Committee notes with regret the Government’s statement that it does not have any information on the results achieved. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children actually removed from the streets. It also requests the Government once again to provide information in its next report on the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with concern that, according to UNAIDS estimates for 2011, there were some 180,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad.

The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information on this subject in its report. It takes note, however, that UNAIDS estimates for 2013 indicate that there are now some 160,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, accounting for a slight decrease in numbers. The Committee again reminds the Government that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans because they are at increased risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the specific and time-bound measures taken to prevent HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It asks the Government to provide information on the results achieved in its next report.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee previously noted that, in practice, children were employed in exploitative domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector was in the process of being regulated. Noting once again the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It also reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of the regulations governing domestic work, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that measures had been taken to raise parents’ awareness of, in particular, the phenomenon of mouhadjirin children. However, it felt bound to express its concern at the use of these children for purely economic reasons. The Committee recalled that although the issue of seeking alms as an educational tool fell outside the scope of the Committee’s mandate, it was clear that the use of children for begging for purely economic ends could not be accepted under the Convention (see General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 483). Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply specific information, in its next report, on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin children under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this type of labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and to provide information on the results achieved.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3(a) of the Convention. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraphs 45 and 46), despite progress in the implementation of the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad, and although the national army of Chad did not recruit children as a matter of policy, the country task force verified 34 cases of recruitment of children by the army during the reporting period. The 34 children appeared to have been enlisted in the context of a recruitment drive in February–March 2012, during which the army gained 8,000 new recruits. In this respect, the Committee noted the new roadmap of May 2013, adopted further to the review of the implementation of the action plan concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad and aimed at achieving full observance of the 2011 action plan by the Government of Chad and the United Nations task force. The Committee observed that, in the context of the roadmap, one of the priorities was to speed up the adoption of the preliminary draft of the Child Protection Code, which prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years of age in the national security forces and lays down penalties to that effect. Moreover, during 2013 it was planned to establish transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures regarding cases of recruitment and use of children, and also to adopt measures for the immediate and independent investigation of all credible allegations of recruitment or use of children, for the persecution of perpetrators and for the imposition of appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the United Nations Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014 to the Security Council on children and armed conflict (A/68/878–S/2014/339). According to this report, the deployment of Chadian troops to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has prompted renewed momentum to accelerate the implementation of the action plan signed in June 2011 to end and prevent underage recruitment in the Chadian National Army, and the Chadian authorities have renewed their commitment to engage constructively with the United Nations to expedite the implementation of the action plan. The Government of Chad, in cooperation with the United Nations and other partners, has therefore taken significant steps to fulfil its obligations. For example, a presidential directive was adopted in October 2013 to confirm 18 years as the minimum age for recruitment into the armed and security forces. This directive also establishes age verification procedures and provides for penal and disciplinary sanctions to be taken against those violating the orders. The directive was disseminated among the commanders of all defence and security zones, including in the context of several training and verification missions. Furthermore, on 4 February 2014, a presidential decree explicitly criminalized the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The Secretary-General states, however, that while the efforts made by the Government to meet all obligations under the action plan have resulted in significant progress, a number of challenges remain to ensure sustainability and the effective prevention of violations against children. Chad should pursue comprehensive and thorough screening and training of its armed and security forces to continue to prevent the presence of children, including in the light of Chad’s growing involvement in peacekeeping operations. While no new cases of recruitment of children were documented by the United Nations in 2013 and no children were found during the joint screening exercises carried out with the Chadian authorities, interviews confirmed that soldiers had been integrated in the past into the Chadian National Army from armed groups while still under the age of 18. According to the Secretary-General, the strengthening of operating procedures, such as those for age verification, which ensure the accountability of perpetrators, should remain a priority for the Chadian authorities. Finally, the Secretary-General invited the National Assembly to proceed as soon as possible with the examination and adoption of the Child Protection Code, which should provide greater protection for the children of Chad. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts to end, in practice, the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces and armed groups and to undertake immediately the full demobilization of all children. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate measures to ensure that the perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. Finally, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the Child Protection Code as soon as possible.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, removing children from these forms of labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraph 49), the actions taken by the Government for the release, temporary care and reunification of separated children, while encouraging, were not yet in line with the commitments made in the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad. The Committee noted that one of the priorities referred to in the 2013 roadmap was to secure the release of children and support their reintegration.

The Committee notes that, according to the Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014, a central child protection unit has been established in the Ministry of Defence, as well as in each of the eight defence and security zones, to coordinate the monitoring and protection of children’s rights and to implement awareness-raising activities. Between August and October 2013, the Government and the United Nations jointly conducted screening and age verification of approximately 3,800 troops of the Chadian national army in all eight zones. The age verification standards had been previously developed during a workshop organized by the United Nations in July. In addition, between August and September 2013, a training-of-trainers programme on child protection was attended by 346 members of the Chadian National Army. As from July 2013, troops of the Chadian National Army deployed in Mali started to receive pre deployment training on child protection and international humanitarian law; in December of the same year, 864 troops attended child protection training at the Loumia training centre. The Committee encourages the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with the United Nations in order to prevent the enrolment of children in armed groups and improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. In addition, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply information on measures taken to ensure that child soldiers removed from the armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved in its next report.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code was in the process of being adopted. It also noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour had been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to take necessary measures to ensure that the bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted in the near future, and requests it to supply information on all new developments in this respect. Furthermore, it reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 as amended, in its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously observed with concern that, although the problem of trafficking in children exists in practice in Chad, the Penal Code does not criminalize trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the sale and trafficking of children is prohibited and the Public Prosecutor is undertaking actions to apprehend persons who kidnap children. The Government states however that it does not have any statistics on the violations, investigations, prosecutions and convictions in this area. The Committee urges the Government to indicate the provisions that effectively prohibit the sale and trafficking of persons and, more particularly, of children under 18 years of age. It requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that information on the application in practice of the relevant provisions which prohibit this worst form of child labour is available, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported and investigations conducted, as well as on the prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, although forced labour, including debt bondage and slavery, is banned under the national legislation, particularly by Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), the practice of exploiting boys between 6 and 15 years of age to look after cattle (child herders) exists in Chad. This practice involves a contract for the hirer of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Committee once again expressed its serious concern at the existence of this practice in Chad.

The Committee notes the Government’s assertion that it will spare no efforts to guarantee the protection of children against the practice of using children as herders. Recalling once again that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to take the necessary urgent measures to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government once again to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that although sections 279 to 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client or, consequently, the use of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will provide more detailed information on this matter as soon as the amendment of the Penal Code has been adopted. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Penal Code is amended urgently and that this amendment will contain provisions criminalizing any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and criminalize the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendment of the Labour Code will be adopted as a matter of urgency, and that it will contain provisions to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. It once again asks the Government to provide information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal sector. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal sector, in which many children are engaged.

The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication, in its report, that work in the informal sector is not covered by any monitoring system. The Government nevertheless states that efforts are being undertaken to make a transition from the informal sector to the formal sector. Referring to its 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions concerning rights at work (paragraph 345), the Committee points out that, in some cases, the limited number of labour inspectors makes it difficult for inspectors to cover the informal economy as a whole. It therefore calls upon States parties to the Convention to strengthen the capacities of the labour inspectorate. The Committee urges the Government to reinforce its measures to adapt and strengthen the labour inspection services to ensure that children under 18 years of age are not engaged in hazardous work in the informal sector and that they benefit from the protection prescribed under the Convention.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee previously noted that Chad was making progress towards achieving the goal of education for all by 2015 but had little chance of achieving it. In addition, it was unlikely that the country would achieve gender parity by 2025. It nevertheless noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for the reform of the education system (2004–15).

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, there has been an increase in school attendance rates, at both the primary and secondary levels. The Government also notes that, as a result of many missions carried out in the country to make parents aware of the importance of girls attending school, there is also a decrease in the gender gap. Considering that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of labour, the Committee again urges the Government to continue its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country and to provide detailed information on measures taken in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply specific and up-to-date information on school attendance rates and the school enrolment rates of girls and boys, at both the primary and secondary levels.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted with concern the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty, who are at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. It also noted with concern the lack of specialized institutions or shelters for these children.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the situation of children living in the streets is indeed worrying and that it has undertaken actions to guarantee the rehabilitation and social integration of these children. The Committee notes with regret the Government’s statement that it does not have any information on the results achieved. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children actually removed from the streets. It also requests the Government once again to provide information in its next report on the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with concern that, according to UNAIDS estimates for 2011, there were some 180,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad.

The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information on this subject in its report. It takes note, however, that UNAIDS estimates for 2013 indicate that there are now some 160,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, accounting for a slight decrease in numbers. The Committee again reminds the Government that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans because they are at increased risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the specific and time-bound measures taken to prevent HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It asks the Government to provide information on the results achieved in its next report.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee previously noted that, in practice, children were employed in exploitative domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector was in the process of being regulated. Noting once again the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It also reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of the regulations governing domestic work, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that measures had been taken to raise parents’ awareness of, in particular, the phenomenon of mouhadjirin children. However, it felt bound to express its concern at the use of these children for purely economic reasons. The Committee recalled that although the issue of seeking alms as an educational tool fell outside the scope of the Committee’s mandate, it was clear that the use of children for begging for purely economic ends could not be accepted under the Convention (see General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 483). Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply specific information, in its next report, on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin children under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this type of labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and to provide information on the results achieved.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3(a) of the Convention. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraphs 45 and 46), despite progress in the implementation of the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad, and although the national army of Chad did not recruit children as a matter of policy, the country task force verified 34 cases of recruitment of children by the army during the reporting period. The 34 children appeared to have been enlisted in the context of a recruitment drive in February–March 2012, during which the army gained 8,000 new recruits. In this respect, the Committee noted the new roadmap of May 2013, adopted further to the review of the implementation of the action plan concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad and aimed at achieving full observance of the 2011 action plan by the Government of Chad and the United Nations task force. The Committee observed that, in the context of the roadmap, one of the priorities was to speed up the adoption of the preliminary draft of the Child Protection Code, which prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years of age in the national security forces and lays down penalties to that effect. Moreover, during 2013 it was planned to establish transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures regarding cases of recruitment and use of children, and also to adopt measures for the immediate and independent investigation of all credible allegations of recruitment or use of children, for the persecution of perpetrators and for the imposition of appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the United Nations Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014 to the Security Council on children and armed conflict (A/68/878–S/2014/339). According to this report, the deployment of Chadian troops to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has prompted renewed momentum to accelerate the implementation of the action plan signed in June 2011 to end and prevent underage recruitment in the Chadian National Army, and the Chadian authorities have renewed their commitment to engage constructively with the United Nations to expedite the implementation of the action plan. The Government of Chad, in cooperation with the United Nations and other partners, has therefore taken significant steps to fulfil its obligations. For example, a presidential directive was adopted in October 2013 to confirm 18 years as the minimum age for recruitment into the armed and security forces. This directive also establishes age verification procedures and provides for penal and disciplinary sanctions to be taken against those violating the orders. The directive was disseminated among the commanders of all defence and security zones, including in the context of several training and verification missions. Furthermore, on 4 February 2014, a presidential decree explicitly criminalized the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The Secretary-General states, however, that while the efforts made by the Government to meet all obligations under the action plan have resulted in significant progress, a number of challenges remain to ensure sustainability and the effective prevention of violations against children. Chad should pursue comprehensive and thorough screening and training of its armed and security forces to continue to prevent the presence of children, including in the light of Chad’s growing involvement in peacekeeping operations. While no new cases of recruitment of children were documented by the United Nations in 2013 and no children were found during the joint screening exercises carried out with the Chadian authorities, interviews confirmed that soldiers had been integrated in the past into the Chadian National Army from armed groups while still under the age of 18. According to the Secretary-General, the strengthening of operating procedures, such as those for age verification, which ensure the accountability of perpetrators, should remain a priority for the Chadian authorities. Finally, the Secretary-General invited the National Assembly to proceed as soon as possible with the examination and adoption of the Child Protection Code, which should provide greater protection for the children of Chad. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts to end, in practice, the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces and armed groups and to undertake immediately the full demobilization of all children. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate measures to ensure that the perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. Finally, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the Child Protection Code as soon as possible.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, removing children from these forms of labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraph 49), the actions taken by the Government for the release, temporary care and reunification of separated children, while encouraging, were not yet in line with the commitments made in the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad. The Committee noted that one of the priorities referred to in the 2013 roadmap was to secure the release of children and support their reintegration.

The Committee notes that, according to the Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014, a central child protection unit has been established in the Ministry of Defence, as well as in each of the eight defence and security zones, to coordinate the monitoring and protection of children’s rights and to implement awareness-raising activities. Between August and October 2013, the Government and the United Nations jointly conducted screening and age verification of approximately 3,800 troops of the Chadian national army in all eight zones. The age verification standards had been previously developed during a workshop organized by the United Nations in July. In addition, between August and September 2013, a training-of-trainers programme on child protection was attended by 346 members of the Chadian National Army. As from July 2013, troops of the Chadian National Army deployed in Mali started to receive pre deployment training on child protection and international humanitarian law; in December of the same year, 864 troops attended child protection training at the Loumia training centre. The Committee encourages the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with the United Nations in order to prevent the enrolment of children in armed groups and improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. In addition, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply information on measures taken to ensure that child soldiers removed from the armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved in its next report.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code was in the process of being adopted. It also noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour had been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to take necessary measures to ensure that the bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted in the near future, and requests it to supply information on all new developments in this respect. Furthermore, it reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 as amended, in its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously observed with concern that, although the problem of trafficking in children exists in practice in Chad, the Penal Code does not criminalize trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the sale and trafficking of children is prohibited and the Public Prosecutor is undertaking actions to apprehend persons who kidnap children. The Government states however that it does not have any statistics on the violations, investigations, prosecutions and convictions in this area. The Committee urges the Government to indicate the provisions that effectively prohibit the sale and trafficking of persons and, more particularly, of children under 18 years of age. It requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that information on the application in practice of the relevant provisions which prohibit this worst form of child labour is available, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported and investigations conducted, as well as on the prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, although forced labour, including debt bondage and slavery, is banned under the national legislation, particularly by Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), the practice of exploiting boys between 6 and 15 years of age to look after cattle (child herders) exists in Chad. This practice involves a contract for the hirer of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Committee once again expressed its serious concern at the existence of this practice in Chad.

The Committee notes the Government’s assertion that it will spare no efforts to guarantee the protection of children against the practice of using children as herders. Recalling once again that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to take the necessary urgent measures to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government once again to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that although sections 279 to 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client or, consequently, the use of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will provide more detailed information on this matter as soon as the amendment of the Penal Code has been adopted. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Penal Code is amended urgently and that this amendment will contain provisions criminalizing any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and criminalize the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendment of the Labour Code will be adopted as a matter of urgency, and that it will contain provisions to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. It once again asks the Government to provide information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal sector. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal sector, in which many children are engaged.

The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication, in its report, that work in the informal sector is not covered by any monitoring system. The Government nevertheless states that efforts are being undertaken to make a transition from the informal sector to the formal sector. Referring to its 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions concerning rights at work (paragraph 345), the Committee points out that, in some cases, the limited number of labour inspectors makes it difficult for inspectors to cover the informal economy as a whole. It therefore calls upon States parties to the Convention to strengthen the capacities of the labour inspectorate. The Committee urges the Government to reinforce its measures to adapt and strengthen the labour inspection services to ensure that children under 18 years of age are not engaged in hazardous work in the informal sector and that they benefit from the protection prescribed under the Convention.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee previously noted that Chad was making progress towards achieving the goal of education for all by 2015 but had little chance of achieving it. In addition, it was unlikely that the country would achieve gender parity by 2025. It nevertheless noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for the reform of the education system (2004–15).

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, there has been an increase in school attendance rates, at both the primary and secondary levels. The Government also notes that, as a result of many missions carried out in the country to make parents aware of the importance of girls attending school, there is also a decrease in the gender gap. Considering that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of labour, the Committee again urges the Government to continue its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country and to provide detailed information on measures taken in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply specific and up-to-date information on school attendance rates and the school enrolment rates of girls and boys, at both the primary and secondary levels.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted with concern the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty, who are at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. It also noted with concern the lack of specialized institutions or shelters for these children.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the situation of children living in the streets is indeed worrying and that it has undertaken actions to guarantee the rehabilitation and social integration of these children. The Committee notes with regret the Government’s statement that it does not have any information on the results achieved. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children actually removed from the streets. It also requests the Government once again to provide information in its next report on the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with concern that, according to UNAIDS estimates for 2011, there were some 180,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad.

The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information on this subject in its report. It takes note, however, that UNAIDS estimates for 2013 indicate that there are now some 160,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, accounting for a slight decrease in numbers. The Committee again reminds the Government that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans because they are at increased risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the specific and time-bound measures taken to prevent HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It asks the Government to provide information on the results achieved in its next report.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee previously noted that, in practice, children were employed in exploitative domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector was in the process of being regulated. Noting once again the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It also reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of the regulations governing domestic work, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that measures had been taken to raise parents’ awareness of, in particular, the phenomenon of mouhadjirin children. However, it felt bound to express its concern at the use of these children for purely economic reasons. The Committee recalled that although the issue of seeking alms as an educational tool fell outside the scope of the Committee’s mandate, it was clear that the use of children for begging for purely economic ends could not be accepted under the Convention (see General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 483). Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply specific information, in its next report, on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin children under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this type of labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and to provide information on the results achieved.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3(a) of the Convention. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraphs 45 and 46), despite progress in the implementation of the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad, and although the national army of Chad did not recruit children as a matter of policy, the country task force verified 34 cases of recruitment of children by the army during the reporting period. The 34 children appeared to have been enlisted in the context of a recruitment drive in February–March 2012, during which the army gained 8,000 new recruits. In this respect, the Committee noted the new roadmap of May 2013, adopted further to the review of the implementation of the action plan concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad and aimed at achieving full observance of the 2011 action plan by the Government of Chad and the United Nations task force. The Committee observed that, in the context of the roadmap, one of the priorities was to speed up the adoption of the preliminary draft of the Child Protection Code, which prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years of age in the national security forces and lays down penalties to that effect. Moreover, during 2013 it was planned to establish transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures regarding cases of recruitment and use of children, and also to adopt measures for the immediate and independent investigation of all credible allegations of recruitment or use of children, for the persecution of perpetrators and for the imposition of appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the United Nations Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014 to the Security Council on children and armed conflict (A/68/878–S/2014/339). According to this report, the deployment of Chadian troops to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has prompted renewed momentum to accelerate the implementation of the action plan signed in June 2011 to end and prevent underage recruitment in the Chadian National Army, and the Chadian authorities have renewed their commitment to engage constructively with the United Nations to expedite the implementation of the action plan. The Government of Chad, in cooperation with the United Nations and other partners, has therefore taken significant steps to fulfil its obligations. For example, a presidential directive was adopted in October 2013 to confirm 18 years as the minimum age for recruitment into the armed and security forces. This directive also establishes age verification procedures and provides for penal and disciplinary sanctions to be taken against those violating the orders. The directive was disseminated among the commanders of all defence and security zones, including in the context of several training and verification missions. Furthermore, on 4 February 2014, a presidential decree explicitly criminalized the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The Secretary-General states, however, that while the efforts made by the Government to meet all obligations under the action plan have resulted in significant progress, a number of challenges remain to ensure sustainability and the effective prevention of violations against children. Chad should pursue comprehensive and thorough screening and training of its armed and security forces to continue to prevent the presence of children, including in the light of Chad’s growing involvement in peacekeeping operations. While no new cases of recruitment of children were documented by the United Nations in 2013 and no children were found during the joint screening exercises carried out with the Chadian authorities, interviews confirmed that soldiers had been integrated in the past into the Chadian National Army from armed groups while still under the age of 18. According to the Secretary-General, the strengthening of operating procedures, such as those for age verification, which ensure the accountability of perpetrators, should remain a priority for the Chadian authorities. Finally, the Secretary-General invited the National Assembly to proceed as soon as possible with the examination and adoption of the Child Protection Code, which should provide greater protection for the children of Chad. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts to end, in practice, the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces and armed groups and to undertake immediately the full demobilization of all children. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate measures to ensure that the perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. Finally, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the Child Protection Code as soon as possible.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, removing children from these forms of labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraph 49), the actions taken by the Government for the release, temporary care and reunification of separated children, while encouraging, were not yet in line with the commitments made in the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad. The Committee noted that one of the priorities referred to in the 2013 roadmap was to secure the release of children and support their reintegration.

The Committee notes that, according to the Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014, a central child protection unit has been established in the Ministry of Defence, as well as in each of the eight defence and security zones, to coordinate the monitoring and protection of children’s rights and to implement awareness-raising activities. Between August and October 2013, the Government and the United Nations jointly conducted screening and age verification of approximately 3,800 troops of the Chadian national army in all eight zones. The age verification standards had been previously developed during a workshop organized by the United Nations in July. In addition, between August and September 2013, a training-of-trainers programme on child protection was attended by 346 members of the Chadian National Army. As from July 2013, troops of the Chadian National Army deployed in Mali started to receive pre deployment training on child protection and international humanitarian law; in December of the same year, 864 troops attended child protection training at the Loumia training centre. The Committee encourages the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with the United Nations in order to prevent the enrolment of children in armed groups and improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. In addition, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply information on measures taken to ensure that child soldiers removed from the armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved in its next report.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2014.

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code was in the process of being adopted. It also noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour had been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to take necessary measures to ensure that the bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted in the near future, and requests it to supply information on all new developments in this respect. Furthermore, it reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 as amended, in its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously observed with concern that, although the problem of trafficking in children exists in practice in Chad, the Penal Code does not criminalize trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the sale and trafficking of children is prohibited and the Public Prosecutor is undertaking actions to apprehend persons who kidnap children. The Government states however that it does not have any statistics on the violations, investigations, prosecutions and convictions in this area. The Committee urges the Government to indicate the provisions that effectively prohibit the sale and trafficking of persons and, more particularly, of children under 18 years of age. It requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that information on the application in practice of the relevant provisions which prohibit this worst form of child labour is available, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported and investigations conducted, as well as on the prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, although forced labour, including debt bondage and slavery, is banned under the national legislation, particularly by Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), the practice of exploiting boys between 6 and 15 years of age to look after cattle (child herders) exists in Chad. This practice involves a contract for the hirer of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Committee once again expressed its serious concern at the existence of this practice in Chad.

The Committee notes the Government’s assertion that it will spare no efforts to guarantee the protection of children against the practice of using children as herders. Recalling once again that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to take the necessary urgent measures to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government once again to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that although sections 279 to 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client or, consequently, the use of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will provide more detailed information on this matter as soon as the amendment of the Penal Code has been adopted. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Penal Code is amended urgently and that this amendment will contain provisions criminalizing any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and criminalize the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendment of the Labour Code will be adopted as a matter of urgency, and that it will contain provisions to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. It once again asks the Government to provide information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal sector. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal sector, in which many children are engaged.

The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication, in its report, that work in the informal sector is not covered by any monitoring system. The Government nevertheless states that efforts are being undertaken to make a transition from the informal sector to the formal sector. Referring to its 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions concerning rights at work (paragraph 345), the Committee points out that, in some cases, the limited number of labour inspectors makes it difficult for inspectors to cover the informal economy as a whole. It therefore calls upon States parties to the Convention to strengthen the capacities of the labour inspectorate. The Committee urges the Government to reinforce its measures to adapt and strengthen the labour inspection services to ensure that children under 18 years of age are not engaged in hazardous work in the informal sector and that they benefit from the protection prescribed under the Convention.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee previously noted that Chad was making progress towards achieving the goal of education for all by 2015 but had little chance of achieving it. In addition, it was unlikely that the country would achieve gender parity by 2025. It nevertheless noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for the reform of the education system (2004–15).

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, there has been an increase in school attendance rates, at both the primary and secondary levels. The Government also notes that, as a result of many missions carried out in the country to make parents aware of the importance of girls attending school, there is also a decrease in the gender gap. Considering that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of labour, the Committee again urges the Government to continue its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country and to provide detailed information on measures taken in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply specific and up-to-date information on school attendance rates and the school enrolment rates of girls and boys, at both the primary and secondary levels.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted with concern the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty, who are at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. It also noted with concern the lack of specialized institutions or shelters for these children.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the situation of children living in the streets is indeed worrying and that it has undertaken actions to guarantee the rehabilitation and social integration of these children. The Committee notes with regret the Government’s statement that it does not have any information on the results achieved. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children actually removed from the streets. It also requests the Government once again to provide information in its next report on the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with concern that, according to UNAIDS estimates for 2011, there were some 180,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad.

The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information on this subject in its report. It takes note, however, that UNAIDS estimates for 2013 indicate that there are now some 160,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, accounting for a slight decrease in numbers. The Committee again reminds the Government that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans because they are at increased risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the specific and time-bound measures taken to prevent HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It asks the Government to provide information on the results achieved in its next report.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee previously noted that, in practice, children were employed in exploitative domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector was in the process of being regulated. Noting once again the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It also reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of the regulations governing domestic work, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that measures had been taken to raise parents’ awareness of, in particular, the phenomenon of mouhadjirin children. However, it felt bound to express its concern at the use of these children for purely economic reasons. The Committee recalled that although the issue of seeking alms as an educational tool fell outside the scope of the Committee’s mandate, it was clear that the use of children for begging for purely economic ends could not be accepted under the Convention (see General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 483). Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply specific information, in its next report, on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin children under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this type of labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and to provide information on the results achieved.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments initially made in 2014.

Repetition

Article 3(a) of the Convention. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraphs 45 and 46), despite progress in the implementation of the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad, and although the national army of Chad did not recruit children as a matter of policy, the country task force verified 34 cases of recruitment of children by the army during the reporting period. The 34 children appeared to have been enlisted in the context of a recruitment drive in February–March 2012, during which the army gained 8,000 new recruits. In this respect, the Committee noted the new roadmap of May 2013, adopted further to the review of the implementation of the action plan concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad and aimed at achieving full observance of the 2011 action plan by the Government of Chad and the United Nations task force. The Committee observed that, in the context of the roadmap, one of the priorities was to speed up the adoption of the preliminary draft of the Child Protection Code, which prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years of age in the national security forces and lays down penalties to that effect. Moreover, during 2013 it was planned to establish transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures regarding cases of recruitment and use of children, and also to adopt measures for the immediate and independent investigation of all credible allegations of recruitment or use of children, for the persecution of perpetrators and for the imposition of appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the United Nations Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014 to the Security Council on children and armed conflict (A/68/878–S/2014/339). According to this report, the deployment of Chadian troops to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has prompted renewed momentum to accelerate the implementation of the action plan signed in June 2011 to end and prevent underage recruitment in the Chadian National Army, and the Chadian authorities have renewed their commitment to engage constructively with the United Nations to expedite the implementation of the action plan. The Government of Chad, in cooperation with the United Nations and other partners, has therefore taken significant steps to fulfil its obligations. For example, a presidential directive was adopted in October 2013 to confirm 18 years as the minimum age for recruitment into the armed and security forces. This directive also establishes age verification procedures and provides for penal and disciplinary sanctions to be taken against those violating the orders. The directive was disseminated among the commanders of all defence and security zones, including in the context of several training and verification missions. Furthermore, on 4 February 2014, a presidential decree explicitly criminalized the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The Secretary-General states, however, that while the efforts made by the Government to meet all obligations under the action plan have resulted in significant progress, a number of challenges remain to ensure sustainability and the effective prevention of violations against children. Chad should pursue comprehensive and thorough screening and training of its armed and security forces to continue to prevent the presence of children, including in the light of Chad’s growing involvement in peacekeeping operations. While no new cases of recruitment of children were documented by the United Nations in 2013 and no children were found during the joint screening exercises carried out with the Chadian authorities, interviews confirmed that soldiers had been integrated in the past into the Chadian National Army from armed groups while still under the age of 18. According to the Secretary-General, the strengthening of operating procedures, such as those for age verification, which ensure the accountability of perpetrators, should remain a priority for the Chadian authorities. Finally, the Secretary-General invited the National Assembly to proceed as soon as possible with the examination and adoption of the Child Protection Code, which should provide greater protection for the children of Chad. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts to end, in practice, the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces and armed groups and to undertake immediately the full demobilization of all children. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate measures to ensure that the perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. Finally, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the Child Protection Code as soon as possible.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, removing children from these forms of labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraph 49), the actions taken by the Government for the release, temporary care and reunification of separated children, while encouraging, were not yet in line with the commitments made in the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad. The Committee noted that one of the priorities referred to in the 2013 roadmap was to secure the release of children and support their reintegration.

The Committee notes that, according to the Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014, a central child protection unit has been established in the Ministry of Defence, as well as in each of the eight defence and security zones, to coordinate the monitoring and protection of children’s rights and to implement awareness-raising activities. Between August and October 2013, the Government and the United Nations jointly conducted screening and age verification of approximately 3,800 troops of the Chadian national army in all eight zones. The age verification standards had been previously developed during a workshop organized by the United Nations in July. In addition, between August and September 2013, a training-of-trainers programme on child protection was attended by 346 members of the Chadian National Army. As from July 2013, troops of the Chadian National Army deployed in Mali started to receive pre deployment training on child protection and international humanitarian law; in December of the same year, 864 troops attended child protection training at the Loumia training centre. The Committee encourages the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with the United Nations in order to prevent the enrolment of children in armed groups and improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. In addition, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply information on measures taken to ensure that child soldiers removed from the armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved in its next report.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2014.

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code was in the process of being adopted. It also noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour had been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to take necessary measures to ensure that the bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted in the near future, and requests it to supply information on all new developments in this respect. Furthermore, it reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 as amended, in its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously observed with concern that, although the problem of trafficking in children exists in practice in Chad, the Penal Code does not criminalize trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the sale and trafficking of children is prohibited and the Public Prosecutor is undertaking actions to apprehend persons who kidnap children. The Government states however that it does not have any statistics on the violations, investigations, prosecutions and convictions in this area. The Committee urges the Government to indicate the provisions that effectively prohibit the sale and trafficking of persons and, more particularly, of children under 18 years of age. It requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that information on the application in practice of the relevant provisions which prohibit this worst form of child labour is available, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported and investigations conducted, as well as on the prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, although forced labour, including debt bondage and slavery, is banned under the national legislation, particularly by Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), the practice of exploiting boys between 6 and 15 years of age to look after cattle (child herders) exists in Chad. This practice involves a contract for the hirer of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Committee once again expressed its serious concern at the existence of this practice in Chad.

The Committee notes the Government’s assertion that it will spare no efforts to guarantee the protection of children against the practice of using children as herders. Recalling once again that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to take the necessary urgent measures to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government once again to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that although sections 279 to 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client or, consequently, the use of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will provide more detailed information on this matter as soon as the amendment of the Penal Code has been adopted. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Penal Code is amended urgently and that this amendment will contain provisions criminalizing any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and criminalize the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendment of the Labour Code will be adopted as a matter of urgency, and that it will contain provisions to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. It once again asks the Government to provide information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal sector. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM MTJS DTMOPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal sector, in which many children are engaged.

The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication, in its report, that work in the informal sector is not covered by any monitoring system. The Government nevertheless states that efforts are being undertaken to make a transition from the informal sector to the formal sector. Referring to its 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions concerning rights at work (paragraph 345), the Committee points out that, in some cases, the limited number of labour inspectors makes it difficult for inspectors to cover the informal economy as a whole. It therefore calls upon States parties to the Convention to strengthen the capacities of the labour inspectorate. The Committee urges the Government to reinforce its measures to adapt and strengthen the labour inspection services to ensure that children under 18 years of age are not engaged in hazardous work in the informal sector and that they benefit from the protection prescribed under the Convention.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee previously noted that Chad was making progress towards achieving the goal of education for all by 2015 but had little chance of achieving it. In addition, it was unlikely that the country would achieve gender parity by 2025. It nevertheless noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for the reform of the education system (2004–15).

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, there has been an increase in school attendance rates, at both the primary and secondary levels. The Government also notes that, as a result of many missions carried out in the country to make parents aware of the importance of girls attending school, there is also a decrease in the gender gap. Considering that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of labour, the Committee again urges the Government to continue its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country and to provide detailed information on measures taken in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply specific and up-to-date information on school attendance rates and the school enrolment rates of girls and boys, at both the primary and secondary levels.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted with concern the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty, who are at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. It also noted with concern the lack of specialized institutions or shelters for these children.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the situation of children living in the streets is indeed worrying and that it has undertaken actions to guarantee the rehabilitation and social integration of these children. The Committee notes with regret the Government’s statement that it does not have any information on the results achieved. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children actually removed from the streets. It also requests the Government once again to provide information in its next report on the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with concern that, according to UNAIDS estimates for 2011, there were some 180,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad.

The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information on this subject in its report. It takes note, however, that UNAIDS estimates for 2013 indicate that there are now some 160,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, accounting for a slight decrease in numbers. The Committee again reminds the Government that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans because they are at increased risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the specific and time-bound measures taken to prevent HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It asks the Government to provide information on the results achieved in its next report.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee previously noted that, in practice, children were employed in exploitative domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector was in the process of being regulated. Noting once again the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It also reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of the regulations governing domestic work, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that measures had been taken to raise parents’ awareness of, in particular, the phenomenon of mouhadjirin children. However, it felt bound to express its concern at the use of these children for purely economic reasons. The Committee recalled that although the issue of seeking alms as an educational tool fell outside the scope of the Committee’s mandate, it was clear that the use of children for begging for purely economic ends could not be accepted under the Convention (see General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 483). Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply specific information, in its next report, on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin children under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this type of labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and to provide information on the results achieved.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments initially made in 2014.

Repetition

Article 3(a) of the Convention. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraphs 45 and 46), despite progress in the implementation of the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad, and although the national army of Chad did not recruit children as a matter of policy, the country task force verified 34 cases of recruitment of children by the army during the reporting period. The 34 children appeared to have been enlisted in the context of a recruitment drive in February–March 2012, during which the army gained 8,000 new recruits. In this respect, the Committee noted the new roadmap of May 2013, adopted further to the review of the implementation of the action plan concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad and aimed at achieving full observance of the 2011 action plan by the Government of Chad and the United Nations task force. The Committee observed that, in the context of the roadmap, one of the priorities was to speed up the adoption of the preliminary draft of the Child Protection Code, which prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years of age in the national security forces and lays down penalties to that effect. Moreover, during 2013 it was planned to establish transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures regarding cases of recruitment and use of children, and also to adopt measures for the immediate and independent investigation of all credible allegations of recruitment or use of children, for the persecution of perpetrators and for the imposition of appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the United Nations Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014 to the Security Council on children and armed conflict (A/68/878–S/2014/339). According to this report, the deployment of Chadian troops to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has prompted renewed momentum to accelerate the implementation of the action plan signed in June 2011 to end and prevent underage recruitment in the Chadian National Army, and the Chadian authorities have renewed their commitment to engage constructively with the United Nations to expedite the implementation of the action plan. The Government of Chad, in cooperation with the United Nations and other partners, has therefore taken significant steps to fulfil its obligations. For example, a presidential directive was adopted in October 2013 to confirm 18 years as the minimum age for recruitment into the armed and security forces. This directive also establishes age verification procedures and provides for penal and disciplinary sanctions to be taken against those violating the orders. The directive was disseminated among the commanders of all defence and security zones, including in the context of several training and verification missions. Furthermore, on 4 February 2014, a presidential decree explicitly criminalized the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The Secretary-General states, however, that while the efforts made by the Government to meet all obligations under the action plan have resulted in significant progress, a number of challenges remain to ensure sustainability and the effective prevention of violations against children. Chad should pursue comprehensive and thorough screening and training of its armed and security forces to continue to prevent the presence of children, including in the light of Chad’s growing involvement in peacekeeping operations. While no new cases of recruitment of children were documented by the United Nations in 2013 and no children were found during the joint screening exercises carried out with the Chadian authorities, interviews confirmed that soldiers had been integrated in the past into the Chadian National Army from armed groups while still under the age of 18. According to the Secretary-General, the strengthening of operating procedures, such as those for age verification, which ensure the accountability of perpetrators, should remain a priority for the Chadian authorities. Finally, the Secretary-General invited the National Assembly to proceed as soon as possible with the examination and adoption of the Child Protection Code, which should provide greater protection for the children of Chad. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts to end, in practice, the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces and armed groups and to undertake immediately the full demobilization of all children. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate measures to ensure that the perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. Finally, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the Child Protection Code as soon as possible.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, removing children from these forms of labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraph 49), the actions taken by the Government for the release, temporary care and reunification of separated children, while encouraging, were not yet in line with the commitments made in the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad. The Committee noted that one of the priorities referred to in the 2013 roadmap was to secure the release of children and support their reintegration.

The Committee notes that, according to the Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014, a central child protection unit has been established in the Ministry of Defence, as well as in each of the eight defence and security zones, to coordinate the monitoring and protection of children’s rights and to implement awareness-raising activities. Between August and October 2013, the Government and the United Nations jointly conducted screening and age verification of approximately 3,800 troops of the Chadian national army in all eight zones. The age verification standards had been previously developed during a workshop organized by the United Nations in July. In addition, between August and September 2013, a training-of-trainers programme on child protection was attended by 346 members of the Chadian National Army. As from July 2013, troops of the Chadian National Army deployed in Mali started to receive pre deployment training on child protection and international humanitarian law; in December of the same year, 864 troops attended child protection training at the Loumia training centre. The Committee encourages the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with the United Nations in order to prevent the enrolment of children in armed groups and improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. In addition, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply information on measures taken to ensure that child soldiers removed from the armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved in its next report.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code was in the process of being adopted. It also noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour had been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to take necessary measures to ensure that the bill issuing amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted in the near future, and requests it to supply information on all new developments in this respect. Furthermore, it reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 as amended, in its next report.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously observed with concern that, although the problem of trafficking in children exists in practice in Chad, the Penal Code does not criminalize trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the sale and trafficking of children is prohibited and the Public Prosecutor is undertaking actions to apprehend persons who kidnap children. The Government states however that it does not have any statistics on the violations, investigations, prosecutions and convictions in this area. The Committee urges the Government to indicate the provisions that effectively prohibit the sale and trafficking of persons and, more particularly, of children under 18 years of age. It requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that information on the application in practice of the relevant provisions which prohibit this worst form of child labour is available, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported and investigations conducted, as well as on the prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, although forced labour, including debt bondage and slavery, is banned under the national legislation, particularly by Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), the practice of exploiting boys between 6 and 15 years of age to look after cattle (child herders) exists in Chad. This practice involves a contract for the hirer of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Committee once again expressed its serious concern at the existence of this practice in Chad.

The Committee notes the Government’s assertion that it will spare no efforts to guarantee the protection of children against the practice of using children as herders. Recalling once again that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to take the necessary urgent measures to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government once again to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that although sections 279 to 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client or, consequently, the use of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will provide more detailed information on this matter as soon as the amendment of the Penal Code has been adopted. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Penal Code is amended urgently and that this amendment will contain provisions criminalizing any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and criminalize the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for illicit activities. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendment of the Labour Code will be adopted as a matter of urgency, and that it will contain provisions to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. It once again asks the Government to provide information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Children working in the informal sector. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal sector, in which many children are engaged.

The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication, in its report, that work in the informal sector is not covered by any monitoring system. The Government nevertheless states that efforts are being undertaken to make a transition from the informal sector to the formal sector. Referring to its 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions concerning rights at work (paragraph 345), the Committee points out that, in some cases, the limited number of labour inspectors makes it difficult for inspectors to cover the informal economy as a whole. It therefore calls upon States parties to the Convention to strengthen the capacities of the labour inspectorate. The Committee urges the Government to reinforce its measures to adapt and strengthen the labour inspection services to ensure that children under 18 years of age are not engaged in hazardous work in the informal sector and that they benefit from the protection prescribed under the Convention.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee previously noted that Chad was making progress towards achieving the goal of education for all by 2015 but had little chance of achieving it. In addition, it was unlikely that the country would achieve gender parity by 2025. It nevertheless noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for the reform of the education system (2004–15).

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, there has been an increase in school attendance rates, at both the primary and secondary levels. The Government also notes that, as a result of many missions carried out in the country to make parents aware of the importance of girls attending school, there is also a decrease in the gender gap. Considering that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of labour, the Committee again urges the Government to continue its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country and to provide detailed information on measures taken in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply specific and up-to-date information on school attendance rates and the school enrolment rates of girls and boys, at both the primary and secondary levels.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted with concern the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty, who are at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. It also noted with concern the lack of specialized institutions or shelters for these children.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the situation of children living in the streets is indeed worrying and that it has undertaken actions to guarantee the rehabilitation and social integration of these children. The Committee notes with regret the Government’s statement that it does not have any information on the results achieved. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children actually removed from the streets. It also requests the Government once again to provide information in its next report on the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with concern that, according to UNAIDS estimates for 2011, there were some 180,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad.

The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information on this subject in its report. It takes note, however, that UNAIDS estimates for 2013 indicate that there are now some 160,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, accounting for a slight decrease in numbers. The Committee again reminds the Government that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans because they are at increased risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the specific and time-bound measures taken to prevent HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It asks the Government to provide information on the results achieved in its next report.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee previously noted that, in practice, children were employed in exploitative domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector was in the process of being regulated. Noting once again the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee urges the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It also reiterates its request to the Government to provide a copy of the regulations governing domestic work, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that measures had been taken to raise parents’ awareness of, in particular, the phenomenon of mouhadjirin children. However, it felt bound to express its concern at the use of these children for purely economic reasons. The Committee recalled that although the issue of seeking alms as an educational tool fell outside the scope of the Committee’s mandate, it was clear that the use of children for begging for purely economic ends could not be accepted under the Convention (see 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 483). Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply specific information, in its next report, on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin children under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this type of labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and to provide information on the results achieved.

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

Article 3(a) of the Convention. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraphs 45 and 46), despite progress in the implementation of the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad, and although the national army of Chad did not recruit children as a matter of policy, the country task force verified 34 cases of recruitment of children by the army during the reporting period. The 34 children appeared to have been enlisted in the context of a recruitment drive in February–March 2012, during which the army gained 8,000 new recruits. In this respect, the Committee noted the new roadmap of May 2013, adopted further to the review of the implementation of the action plan concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad and aimed at achieving full observance of the 2011 action plan by the Government of Chad and the United Nations task force. The Committee observed that, in the context of the roadmap, one of the priorities was to speed up the adoption of the preliminary draft of the Child Protection Code, which prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years of age in the national security forces and lays down penalties to that effect. Moreover, during 2013 it was planned to establish transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures regarding cases of recruitment and use of children, and also to adopt measures for the immediate and independent investigation of all credible allegations of recruitment or use of children, for the persecution of perpetrators and for the imposition of appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The Committee takes note of the information contained in the United Nations Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014 to the Security Council on children and armed conflict (A/68/878–S/2014/339). According to this report, the deployment of Chadian troops to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) has prompted renewed momentum to accelerate the implementation of the action plan signed in June 2011 to end and prevent underage recruitment in the Chadian National Army, and the Chadian authorities have renewed their commitment to engage constructively with the United Nations to expedite the implementation of the action plan. The Government of Chad, in cooperation with the United Nations and other partners, has therefore taken significant steps to fulfil its obligations. For example, a presidential directive was adopted in October 2013 to confirm 18 years as the minimum age for recruitment into the armed and security forces. This directive also establishes age verification procedures and provides for penal and disciplinary sanctions to be taken against those violating the orders. The directive was disseminated among the commanders of all defence and security zones, including in the context of several training and verification missions. Furthermore, on 4 February 2014, a presidential decree explicitly criminalized the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

The Secretary-General states, however, that while the efforts made by the Government to meet all obligations under the action plan have resulted in significant progress, a number of challenges remain to ensure sustainability and the effective prevention of violations against children. Chad should pursue comprehensive and thorough screening and training of its armed and security forces to continue to prevent the presence of children, including in the light of Chad’s growing involvement in peacekeeping operations. While no new cases of recruitment of children were documented by the United Nations in 2013 and no children were found during the joint screening exercises carried out with the Chadian authorities, interviews confirmed that soldiers had been integrated in the past into the Chadian National Army from armed groups while still under the age of 18. According to the Secretary-General, the strengthening of operating procedures, such as those for age verification, which ensure the accountability of perpetrators, should remain a priority for the Chadian authorities. Finally, the Secretary-General invited the National Assembly to proceed as soon as possible with the examination and adoption of the Child Protection Code, which should provide greater protection for the children of Chad. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts to end, in practice, the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces and armed groups and to undertake immediately the full demobilization of all children. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate measures to ensure that the perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. Finally, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the Child Protection Code as soon as possible.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, removing children from these forms of labour and ensuring their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict of 15 May 2013 (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraph 49), the actions taken by the Government for the release, temporary care and reunification of separated children, while encouraging, were not yet in line with the commitments made in the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad. The Committee noted that one of the priorities referred to in the 2013 roadmap was to secure the release of children and support their reintegration.

The Committee notes that, according to the Secretary-General’s report of 15 May 2014, a central child protection unit has been established in the Ministry of Defence, as well as in each of the eight defence and security zones, to coordinate the monitoring and protection of children’s rights and to implement awareness-raising activities. Between August and October 2013, the Government and the United Nations jointly conducted screening and age verification of approximately 3,800 troops of the Chadian national army in all eight zones. The age verification standards had been previously developed during a workshop organized by the United Nations in July. In addition, between August and September 2013, a training-of-trainers programme on child protection was attended by 346 members of the Chadian National Army. As from July 2013, troops of the Chadian National Army deployed in Mali started to receive pre deployment training on child protection and international humanitarian law; in December of the same year, 864 troops attended child protection training at the Loumia training centre. The Committee encourages the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with the United Nations in order to prevent the enrolment of children in armed groups and improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. In addition, the Committee requests the Government once again to supply information on measures taken to ensure that child soldiers removed from the armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved in its next report.

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a draft Act issuing amendments to the Penal Code was being drawn up. It noted the Government’s indication that the draft amendments to the Penal Code were in the process of being adopted. The Committee further noted that, according to the Government’s second periodic report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 274), Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour had been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government to take immediate measures to ensure that the draft amendments to the Penal Code are adopted in the near future, and again requests the Government to supply information on all developments in this respect. It also once again requests the Government to supply a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969, as amended.

Clause (a). 1. All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously noted that the CRC, in its concluding observations on the second periodic report of Chad in February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO2, paragraphs 79–80), expressed concern over reports that children had been kidnapped and trafficked abroad. It also expressed concern over the fact that the perpetrators of trafficking of children were not brought to justice. The Committee observed that the problem of trafficking of children exists in practice.

The Committee notes that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), in its concluding observations of 4 November 2011, expresses concern at the fact that trafficking in persons is not defined as an offence in the Penal Code. It is also concerned at reports about cases of children, particularly girls, who are sold by their parents to relatives or strangers, and also about cases of girls who are kidnapped and sent to N’Djamena or other regions (CEDAW/C/TCD/CO/1-4, paragraph 24). The Committee again reminds the Government that, under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered to be among the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the Convention must take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee again requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure, in practice, the protection of young persons under 18 years of age against sale and trafficking. It requests the Government to take immediate measures to ensure that the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age is actually prohibited by the national legislation and, consequently, to supply information on the application of the relevant provisions which prohibit this worst form of child labour in practice, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under article 20 of the Constitution of 31 March 1996, no person may be held in slavery or servitude. It also noted that, under section 5 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), forced or compulsory labour is prohibited. However, the Committee noted that the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Chad, in her report of January 2005 (E/CN.4/2005/121, paragraphs 57 and 86), referred to the practice in Chad of exploiting boys between 6 and 15 years of age to look after cattle (child herders). This involves a contract for the hire of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Committee noted the Government’s statement, in its report to the CRC in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 294–295), that cases of children being abducted for this purpose had been reported. The Committee further noted that the CRC, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of the child herders.

Even though the national legislation on this subject is in conformity with the Convention and the Government is still undertaking a campaign to raise public awareness of this problem, the Committee again expresses serious concern at the continued existence of this practice in Chad. Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee again observes that, although awareness-raising campaigns are very important, they are insufficient when not accompanied by other measures to eliminate such a practice. Recalling once again that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee again requests the Government to take the necessary measures, as a matter of urgency, to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government once again to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that, although sections 279–280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client or, consequently, the use of a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. Noting once again the lack of information in the Government’s report, the Committee urges the Government to take measures, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, to criminalize any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on this matter in its next report.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Ministry of Public Safety has a department for the combating of drug trafficking and prohibits the use of children in such activities. However, the Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information on the prohibition of this worst form of child labour in the national legislation. The Committee, therefore, again expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, the Government will take steps to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs, as defined by the relevant international Conventions. It again requests the Government to supply information in this respect. It also requests the Government to provide information on the department for the combating of drug trafficking and what action it takes to prohibit the use of young persons under 18 years of age for illicit activities.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Self-employed children. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the informal economy, which forms a substantial part of the national economy, is not regulated despite the fact that large numbers of children work in it. The Committee noted from the information in the Government’s report that Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS DOMPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal economy. Noting once again the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee urges the Government to take measures to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age benefit from the protection laid down by Article 3(d) of the Convention, namely from the prohibition on employment in 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. It requests the Government to provide information on progress made in this regard in its next report.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee previously noted that, according to UNICEF statistics for 2006, the net attendance rate in primary education was 41 per cent for boys and 31 per cent for girls, and in secondary education it was 13 per cent for boys and 7 per cent for girls. The Committee further noted that, according to the 2008 Education for All Global Monitoring Report published by UNESCO, progress had been made in reducing the gender gap in education but there were still substantial disparities, to the disadvantage of girls. According to the UNESCO report, Chad was making progress but had little chance of achieving the goal of education for all by 2015. In addition, it was unlikely that the country would achieve gender parity by 2025. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report to the CRC in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 225) that a girls’ education unit had been set up. It also noted that the CRC, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for reform of the education system (2004–15), the integration of education in the poverty reduction strategy and the cooperation with local communities, many of which accept responsibility for the schools placed under their authority.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that steps continue to be taken to provide education for children, in particular girls. However, observing that the Government does not provide any information on the impact of these measures on the school enrolment rates and gender parity, the Committee again expresses serious concern at the low net school attendance rate, at both primary and secondary levels, and at the gender gap, to the disadvantage of girls. Considering that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee again urges the Government to intensify its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country. It again urges the Government to supply information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to increase the school attendance rates, at both primary and secondary levels, and to reduce the gender gap in access to education, with particular emphasis on girls. The Committee urges the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration. Child herders. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication in its report to the CRC in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 53) that UNICEF and other development partners had supported the implementation of a project to combat the use of child herders.

While noting the Government’s indication in its report that action has been taken in conjunction with the clergy and civil society to raise parents’ awareness of degrading work, including the use of children as herders, the Committee observes that the Government does not provide any information on the project for combating the work of child herders or its impact. The Committee therefore urges the Government to provide information, in its next report, on the effective and time-bound measures taken, as part of the project to combat the use of children as herders, to remove children from this type of labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and on the results achieved.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee previously noted the Government’s reference, in its report to the CRC in June 2007, to a 2003 UNICEF study on children in need of special protection, according to which 7,031 such children were identified as living or working in the streets (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 301 and 302). The Committee also noted that the CRC, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 75), expressed concern at the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty and at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. The CRC also expressed concern at the lack of specialized institutions or shelters to address the needs of these children. The Committee reminded the Government that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour.

The Committee notes the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children removed from the streets, particularly through the setting up of specialized institutions or shelters. It also requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the results achieved.

2. HIV/AIDS orphans. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the report of 31 March 2012 on action to combat HIV/AIDS taken by Chad in 2010–11, the “National strategic framework for combating HIV/AIDS 2007–11”, which covered all aspects of the response to HIV/AIDS, particularly community-level prevention, care and treatment, coverage and support, was revamped and renewed for 2012–15. However, the Committee notes with concern that, according to UNAIDS estimates, there are some 180,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad. The Committee again recalls that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans because they are at increased risk of becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee, therefore, again requests the Government to supply information in its next report on specific effective and time-bound measures taken, within the national strategic framework, to prevent HIV/AIDS orphans from becoming involved in the worst forms of child labour and to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration.

3. Child domestic workers. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that it had found in practice that children were employed in exploitative domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector was in the process of being regulated. It also noted that children, particularly young girls, employed in domestic work were often the victims of exploitation, which assumed diverse forms, and that it was difficult to monitor their conditions of employment because of the “unseen” nature of this work. Noting the lack of information on this matter in the Government’s report, the Committee again requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It also repeats its request to the Government to provide a copy of the regulations governing domestic work, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibé) children. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement in its report to the CRC in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 79) that a study regarding the problem of mouhadjirin children in N’Djamena was undertaken in 2005 and this provided a clearer picture of the problem. The Committee also noted that the CRC, in its concluding observations on the periodic report of the Government of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of mouhadjirin children.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that measures have been taken to raise parents’ awareness of, in particular, the phenomenon of mouhadjirin children. However, the Committee is bound to repeat its concern at the use of these children for purely economic purposes. The Committee recalls that, while the issue of seeking alms as an educational tool falls outside the scope of the Committee’s mandate, it is clear that the use of children for begging for purely economic ends cannot be accepted under the Convention (see 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions concerning rights at work, paragraph 483). The Committee again requests the Government to supply detailed information, in its next report, on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin children under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this type of labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and to provide information on the results achieved.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 7 August 2008 on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532, for the period July 2007–June 2008), the forced recruitment and use of child soldiers in the conflict in Chad is related to the regional dimension of the conflict. According to information in the Secretary-General’s report, between 7,000 and 10,000 children are associated with the armed forces and armed groups. The Committee noted that the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, in its conclusions of December 2008 (S/AC.51/2008/15), expressed concern that all parties to the conflict continue to recruit and use children and called for measures to be taken to prosecute the perpetrators and put an end to impunity.

The Committee notes that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 15 May 2013 on children and armed conflict (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraphs 45–46), despite progress in the implementation of the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad, and although the national army of Chad did not recruit children as a matter of policy, the country task force verified 34 cases of recruitment of children by the army during the reporting period. In June 2012, a joint verification mission by the Government and the United Nations identified 24 children in an army training centre. An additional ten cases were verified by the head of the army in the Moussoro training centre in September 2012 in the framework of the action plan. All 34 children appeared to have been enlisted in the context of a recruitment drive in February–March 2012, during which the army gained 8,000 new recruits.

Furthermore, despite the positive measures taken by the Government, including implementation of the action plan of 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad, the Secretary-General reports that further measures are needed to strengthen the screening mechanisms for recruitment by the national army of Chad and to establish directives to prevent the enlistment of children (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraph 48). While the issuance of military directives concerning the prohibition of under-age recruitment is consistent with the action plan, such instructions need to clearly spell out penalties for violations. Furthermore, no investigations into allegations of recruitment and use of children were undertaken, nor was any disciplinary action taken against recruiters.

The Committee takes note of the new roadmap of May 2013 sent by the Government and adopted further to the review of the implementation of the action plan concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad and aimed at achieving full observance of the 2011 action plan by the Government of Chad and the United Nations task force. The roadmap establishes new deadlines for implementation of the action plan’s objectives. The Committee observes that, in the context of the roadmap, one of the priorities is to speed up the adoption of the preliminary draft of the Child Protection Code, which prohibits the recruitment and use of young persons under 18 years of age in the national security forces and lays down penalties to that effect. Moreover, during 2013 it is planned to establish transparent, effective and accessible complaint procedures regarding cases of recruitment and use of children, and also to adopt measures for the immediate and independent investigation of all credible allegations of recruitment or use of children, for the prosecution of perpetrators and for the imposition of appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The Committee again expresses deep concern at the current situation, especially as the persistence of this worst form of child labour leads to other violations of the rights of the child, such as abduction, death and sexual violence. It again reminds the Government that under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 years of age for use in armed conflict is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, member States must take immediate and effective measures to secure the elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to intensify its efforts to end, in practice, the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces and armed groups and immediately undertake the full demobilization of all children. With reference to Security Council Resolution 2068 of 19 September 2012, which recalls the “responsibilities of States to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for ... , war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against children”, the Committee urges the Government to take immediate steps, in the context of the implementation of the 2013 roadmap, to ensure that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect in its next report.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration, including access to free basic education and vocational training. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 7 August 2008 on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532), the Government of Chad signed an agreement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on 9 May 2007 to ensure the release and sustainable reintegration of all child soldiers associated with the armed forces and groups in the country. The Committee also noted that, according to the Secretary-General’s report, Chad undertook to release as a matter of priority children associated with armed groups held in detention. Moreover, it decided that an inter-ministerial task force would be established to coordinate and ensure the effective reintegration of children. The Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TDC/CO/2, paragraph 71), urged the Government to take the necessary measures immediately to facilitate contact between armed groups operating in Chad and the United Nations in order to promote the demobilization of children and prevent the recruitment of children, particularly in refugee camps. In this regard, the CRC urged the Government to extend the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, placing particular emphasis on the demobilization and reintegration of girls.

The Committee notes that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 15 May 2013 on children and armed conflict (A/67/845–S/2013/245, paragraph 49), the actions taken by the Government for the release, temporary care and reunification of separated children, while encouraging, are not yet in line with the commitments made in the action plan signed between the Government and the United Nations in June 2011 concerning children associated with the armed forces and armed groups in Chad. For example, 18 of the 24 children identified in Mongo were not part of a separation process involving the United Nations and, therefore, could not benefit from reintegration assistance. Similarly, the ten children identified in the Moussoro training centre were released and reunited with their families in N’Djamena without receiving reintegration support.

The Committee notes that one of the priorities referred to in the 2013 roadmap is to secure the release of children and support their reintegration, particularly by identifying, monitoring, registering and planning the release of all children associated with the armed forces and paramilitary groups and by supporting the reintegration of released children, in conjunction with the government departments and civil society organizations involved, by sharing a monthly list, for confirmation and verification, of children who have been demobilized. The Committee again requests the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with UNICEF and the United Nations in order to improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. Moreover, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on measures taken in the context of the 2013 roadmap to ensure that child soldiers removed from the armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved in its next report.

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments the Committee noted that a draft Act issuing amendments to the Penal Code was being drawn up. It noted the Government’s indication that the draft amendments to the Penal Code are in the process of being adopted. The Committee further noted that, according to the Government’s second periodic report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 274), Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour has been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. The Committee expresses the hope that the draft amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted soon and requests the Government to supply information on all developments in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1959, as amended.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously noted that the Special Rapporteur on violence against women indicates, in the addendum to a report on the integration of the human rights of women and the gender perspective entitled “International, regional and national developments in the area of violence against women 1994–2003” published in February 2003 (E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraph 149), that the Penal Code makes trafficking in persons a crime punishable by imprisonment. She also indicated that cases have been reported of children being trafficked to the Central African Republic to be used as domestic servants, shop helpers and agricultural workers. There have also been reports of trafficking of children to Cameroon (paragraphs 143 and 169). The Committee asked the Government to supply information on the cases of trafficking of Chadian children to the Central African Republic and Cameroon.

The Government stated in its report that there is no precise information concerning the trafficking of Chadian children to the Central African Republic and Cameroon. The Committee further noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations on the second periodic report of Chad in February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO2, paragraphs 79–80), expressed concern over reports that children have been kidnapped and trafficked abroad. It also expressed concern over the fact that the perpetrators of trafficking of children are not brought to justice. The Committee observed that, even though the national legislation prohibits the sale and trafficking of children, the problem exists in practice. The Committee reminded the Government that, under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered to be among the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the Convention must take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the prevention in practice of the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age. It also requests the Government to supply information on the application of the provisions of the Penal Code which prohibit this worst form of child labour in practice, including, in particular, statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Chad, in her report entitled “Situation of human rights in Chad” published in January 2005 (E/CN.4/2005/121, paragraphs 57 and 86), referred to the practice in Chad of exploiting boys to look after cattle – child herders. This involves a contract for the hire of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Independent Expert also referred to the report of a mission to investigate human rights in the Mandoul region published in August 2004 by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), which provides a detailed account of the practice, the facts of which are corroborated by copies of signed contracts. According to this report, the child herders are between 6 and 15 years of age. The Committee noted that, under article 20 of the Constitution of 31 March 1996, no person may be held in slavery or servitude. It also noted that, under section 5 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), forced or compulsory labour is prohibited.

The Committee noted the Government’s statement that a campaign to raise awareness of this practice is still under way in the major population centres of the country. It also noted that the Government, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 294–295), indicated that cases of children being abducted for this purpose had been reported. The Committee further noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/CTCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of the child herders. Even though the national legislation on this subject is in conformity with the Convention and the Government is still undertaking a campaign to raise public awareness of this problem, the Committee expressed great concern at the existence of this practice in Chad. It observed that, although awareness-raising campaigns are very important, they are insufficient when not accompanied by other measures to eliminate such a practice. Recalling that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee requests the Government to take the urgent measures needed to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently dissuasive and effective penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that, although sections 279–280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this subject, the Committee expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to criminalize any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that no measures have been taken to give effect to the Convention on this point. It expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. It requests the Government to supply information on this point.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that no measures have been taken to give effect to the Convention on this point. The Committee therefore expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, the Government will take steps to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs, as defined by the relevant international conventions. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Self-employed children. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the informal economy, which forms a substantial part of the national economy, is not regulated despite the fact that large numbers of children work in it. The Committee noted from the information in the Government’s report that Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal economy. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point, the Committee requests the Government once again to indicate the manner in which young persons under 18 years of age benefit from the protection laid down by Article 3(d) of the Convention, namely from the prohibition on employment in 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.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that programmes of action will soon be implemented, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Public Service and Labour, the Ministry of Justice, UNICEF and employers’ and workers’ organizations. It also noted that the Ministry of the Public Service and Labour is running campaigns to raise public awareness of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee expresses the hope that the Government will be in a position to implement, in the near future, programmes of action aimed at the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that there has been progress made in the provision of education to girls. However, the situation with regard to schooling in the regions affected by armed conflict is unstable. The Committee noted that, according to UNICEF statistics for 2006, the net attendance rate in primary education is 41 per cent for boys and 31 per cent for girls and in secondary education is 13 per cent for boys and 7 per cent for girls. The Committee further noted that, according to the 2008 Education for All Global Monitoring Report published by UNESCO entitled “Education for All by 2015: Will we make it?”, progress has been made in reducing the gender gap in education but there are still substantial disparities, to the disadvantage of girls. Furthermore, more than 20 per cent of primary school pupils repeat the school year and the completion of schooling remains a major problem, with less than half of all pupils staying until the final year. According to the UNESCO report, Chad is making progress but has little chance of achieving the goal of education for all by 2015. In addition, it is unlikely that the country will achieve gender parity by 2025.

The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 225) that a girls’ education unit has been set up. It also noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for reform of the educational system (2004–15), the integration of education in the poverty reduction strategy and the cooperation with local communities, many of which accept responsibility for the schools placed under their authority. Moreover, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Chad of 7 August 2008 (S/2008/532), inaccessibility of education and employment constitutes an additional incentive for children to enter the ranks of the armed forces and groups. However, information campaigns have been conducted to draw more attention to the importance of education, for both boys and girls.

The Committee expressed serious concern at the low net school attendance rate, at both primary and secondary levels, and at the gender gap, to the disadvantage of girls. In view of the fact that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country. It requests the Government to supply information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to increase the school attendance rate, at both primary and secondary levels, and to reduce the gender gap in access to education, with particular emphasis on girls. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration. Child herders. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 53) that UNICEF and other development partners have supported the implementation of a project to combat the use of child herders. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the effective and time-bound measures taken, as part of the project to combat the use of children as herders, to remove children from this worst form of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and on the results obtained.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Street children. The Committee noted the Government’s reference, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007, to a 2003 UNICEF study on children in need of special protection, according to which 7,031 such children were identified as living or working in the street in the following seven towns and cities: Abéché (467), Bongor (505), Doba (222), Kélo (1,103), Moundou (582), N’Djamena (3,570) and Sarh (582) (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 301 and 302). The Committee also noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 75), expressed concern at the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty and at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. The Committee on the Rights of the Child also expressed concern at the lack of specialized institutions or shelters to address the needs of these children. The Committee reminded the Government that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children removed from the streets, particularly through the setting up of specialized institutions or shelters. It requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

Orphans of HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children. The Committee previously noted that, according to information contained in the 2004 Fact Sheet of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 96,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad. The Committee noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 63), noted with satisfaction the existence of a national strategic framework and a three year plan focused on prevention for youths but also noted that most HIV/AIDS orphans received inadequate care and protection. The Committee recalls that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans, because they run a risk of engaging in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on specific effective and time-bound measures taken, as part of the national strategy and the three-year plan, to prevent the engagement of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in the worst forms of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration.

Child domestic workers. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that it had found in practice that children were improperly employed in domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector is in the process of being regulated. It also noted that the Government, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 79), indicated that a study of the problem of child domestic labour in N’Djamena was undertaken in 2005. The Committee noted that children, particularly young girls, employed in domestic work are often the victims of exploitation, which assumes diverse forms, and that it is difficult to monitor their conditions of employment because of the “unseen” nature of this work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It requests the Government to provide a copy of the study undertaken in 2005 and of the domestic work regulations, once they have been adopted.

Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee noted the Government’s statement in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 279) that a study regarding the problem of mouhadjirin children in N’Djamena was undertaken in 2005 and this provided a clearer picture of the problem. The Committee also noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of mouhadjirin children. The Committee expressed concern at the use of these children for purely economic purposes, that is the use of children for the exploitation of their labour, by certain marabouts. It requests the Government to supply information on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin young persons under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this worst form of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. Finally, it requests the Government to supply a copy of the study regarding this problem undertaken in 2005.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under section 14 of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad [Ordinance No. 1 of 16 January 1991], the age of recruitment is 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts.

The Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 7 August 2008 on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532, for the period July 2007–June 2008), the political, military and security situation in the country remains highly volatile, owing to the continuation of armed conflict between the Chad armed forces and armed rebel groups, the presence in eastern Chad of foreign rebel groups, cross-border raids by the Janjaweed militia and continuing inter-ethnic tensions. The Committee noted that, according to the Secretary-General’s report, the Government of Chad and the three main rebel groups, namely the Union des forces pour la démocratie et le développement (UFDD), the Rassemblement des forces pour le changement (RFC) and the Concorde nationale tchadienne (CNT), signed a peace agreement on 25 October 2007 which provided for an immediate ceasefire. However, despite the signature of this agreement, fighting has continued and all the parties concerned have continued to recruit and use children in the conflict.

The Committee noted that the Secretary-General’s report showed that the forced recruitment and use of child soldiers in the conflict in Chad is related to the regional dimension of the conflict. The Toroboro or Sudanese armed groups allied with the Government of Chad are recruiting children from two refugee camps, at Tréguine and Bredjing, during the rainy season. Furthermore, heavy recruitment also occurs on the basis of needs in Darfur. The Sudanese rebel movement Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) continues to recruit in and around refugee camps, notably Oure Cassoni (Bahai). According to information in the Secretary General’s report, between 7,000 and 10,000 children are associated with the armed forces and armed groups. The Committee noted that the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, in its conclusions of December 2008 (S/AC.51/2008/15), expressed grave concern that all parties to the conflict continue to recruit and use children and called for measures to be taken to prosecute the perpetrators and put an end to impunity.

The Committee noted that the situation in Chad has been unstable for many years and that it remains fragile. The Committee also noted that, despite the fact that Ordinance No. 1 of 16 January 1991 provides that the age of recruitment is 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts, the recruitment of children for use in armed conflict is continuing in practice. In this regard, it noted that no penalties are laid down for violations of this prohibition. The Committee expressed deep concern at the current situation, especially as the persistence of the worst forms of child labour leads to other violations of the rights of the child, such as abduction, death and sexual violence. It reminded the Government that under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 years of age for use in armed conflict is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, members States must take immediate and effective measures to secure the elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures as a matter of urgency to stop in practice the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by armed forces and groups and immediately undertake the full demobilization of all children. With reference to Security Council resolution 1612 of 26 July 2005, which recalls the “responsibilities of States to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against children”, the Committee urges the Government to take immediate steps to ensure that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that penalties which are sufficiently effective and dissuasive are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration, including access to free basic education and vocational training. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. Further to its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 7 August 2008 on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532), the Government of Chad signed an agreement with UNICEF on 9 May 2007 to ensure the release and sustainable reintegration of all child soldiers associated with armed forces and groups in the country. According to the Secretary-General’s report, since the agreement was signed, 512 child soldiers have been released to UNICEF, which has provided support at five transit centres. So far 265 children have voluntarily returned to or been reunited with their families, and 220 have been placed in schools and 85 in professional activities. Most of the demobilized children were associated with non-governmental armed groups. Very few children associated with the Chadian armed forced have been released. According to the Secretary-General’s report, negotiations are under way for placing the demobilized children in vocational training institutions and providing them with gainful employment. Some NGOs which are partners of UNICEF are currently working on the reintegration programme. Moreover, the encouraging start of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration activities in Chad is likely to lead to the release of another estimated 2,500 children associated with armed forces and groups.

The Committee also noted that, according to the Secretary-General’s report, Chad undertook to release as a matter of priority children associated with armed groups held in detention. Moreover, it decided that an inter-ministerial task force would be established to coordinate and ensure effective reintegration of children. The Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TDC/CO/2, paragraph 71), urged the Government to take the necessary measures immediately to facilitate contact between armed groups operating in Chad and the United Nations in order to promote the demobilization of children and prevent the recruitment of children, particularly in refugee camps. In this regard, the Committee on the Rights of the Child urges the Government to extend the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, placing particular emphasis on the demobilization and reintegration of girls.

The Committee noted the measures taken by the Government to demobilize and reintegrate child soldiers, particularly through collaboration with UNICEF. It noted, however, that the current situation in the country remains a source of concern. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations in order to improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. Moreover, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to ensure that child soldiers removed from armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever possible and appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments the Committee noted that a draft Act issuing amendments to the Penal Code was being drawn up. It noted the Government’s indication that the draft amendments to the Penal Code are in the process of being adopted. The Committee further noted that, according to the Government’s second periodic report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 274), Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour has been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. The Committee expresses the hope that the draft amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted soon and requests the Government to supply information on all developments in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1959, as amended.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously noted that the Special Rapporteur on violence against women indicates, in the addendum to a report on the integration of the human rights of women and the gender perspective entitled “International, regional and national developments in the area of violence against women 1994–2003” published in February 2003 (E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraph 149), that the Penal Code makes trafficking in persons a crime punishable by imprisonment. She also indicated that cases have been reported of children being trafficked to the Central African Republic to be used as domestic servants, shop helpers and agricultural workers. There have also been reports of trafficking of children to Cameroon (paragraphs 143 and 169). The Committee asked the Government to supply information on the cases of trafficking of Chadian children to the Central African Republic and Cameroon.

The Government stated in its report that there is no precise information concerning the trafficking of Chadian children to the Central African Republic and Cameroon. The Committee further noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations on the second periodic report of Chad in February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO2, paragraphs 79 and 80), expressed concern over reports that children have been kidnapped and trafficked abroad. It also expressed concern over the fact that the perpetrators of trafficking of children are not brought to justice. The Committee observed that, even though the national legislation prohibits the sale and trafficking of children, the problem exists in practice. The Committee reminded the Government that, under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered to be among the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the Convention must take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the prevention in practice of the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age. It also requests the Government to supply information on the application of the provisions of the Penal Code which prohibit this worst form of child labour in practice, including, in particular, statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Chad, in her report entitled “Situation of human rights in Chad” published in January 2005 (E/CN.4/2005/121, paragraphs 57 and 86), referred to the practice in Chad of exploiting boys to look after cattle – child herders. This involves a contract for the hire of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Independent Expert also referred to the report of a mission to investigate human rights in the Mandoul region published in August 2004 by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), which provides a detailed account of the practice, the facts of which are corroborated by copies of signed contracts. According to this report, the child herders are between 6 and 15 years of age. The Committee noted that, under article 20 of the Constitution of 31 March 1996, no person may be held in slavery or servitude. It also noted that, under section 5 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), forced or compulsory labour is prohibited.

The Committee noted the Government’s statement that a campaign to raise awareness of this practice is still under way in the major population centres of the country. It also noted that the Government, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 294 and 295), indicated that cases of children being abducted for this purpose had been reported. The Committee further noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/CTCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of the child herders. Even though the national legislation on this subject is in conformity with the Convention and the Government is still undertaking a campaign to raise public awareness of this problem, the Committee expressed great concern at the existence of this practice in Chad. It observed that, although awareness-raising campaigns are very important, they are insufficient when not accompanied by other measures to eliminate such a practice. Recalling that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee requests the Government to take the urgent measures needed to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently dissuasive and effective penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that, although sections 279 and 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this subject, the Committee expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to criminalize any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that no measures have been taken to give effect to the Convention on this point. It expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. It requests the Government to supply information on this point.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that no measures have been taken to give effect to the Convention on this point. The Committee therefore expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, the Government will take steps to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs, as defined by the relevant international conventions. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Self-employed children. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the informal economy, which forms a substantial part of the national economy, is not regulated despite the fact that large numbers of children work in it. The Committee noted from the information in the Government’s report that Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal economy. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point, the Committee requests the Government once again to indicate the manner in which young persons under 18 years of age benefit from the protection laid down by Article 3(d) of the Convention, namely from the prohibition on employment in 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.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that programmes of action will soon be implemented, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Public Service and Labour, the Ministry of Justice, UNICEF and employers’ and workers’ organizations. It also noted that the Ministry of the Public Service and Labour is running campaigns to raise public awareness of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee expresses the hope that the Government will be in a position to implement, in the near future, programmes of action aimed at the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that there has been progress made in the provision of education to girls. However, the situation with regard to schooling in the regions affected by armed conflict is unstable. The Committee noted that, according to UNICEF statistics for 2006, the net attendance rate in primary education is 41 per cent for boys and 31 per cent for girls and in secondary education is 13 per cent for boys and 7 per cent for girls. The Committee further noted that, according to the 2008 Education for All Global Monitoring Report published by UNESCO entitled “Education for All by 2015: Will we make it?”, progress has been made in reducing the gender gap in education but there are still substantial disparities, to the disadvantage of girls. Furthermore, more than 20 per cent of primary school pupils repeat the school year and the completion of schooling remains a major problem, with less than half of all pupils staying until the final year. According to the UNESCO report, Chad is making progress but has little chance of achieving the goal of education for all by 2015. In addition, it is unlikely that the country will achieve gender parity by 2025.

The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 225) that a girls’ education unit has been set up. It also noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for reform of the educational system (2004–15), the integration of education in the poverty reduction strategy and the cooperation with local communities, many of which accept responsibility for the schools placed under their authority. Moreover, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Chad of 7 August 2008 (S/2008/532), inaccessibility of education and employment constitutes an additional incentive for children to enter the ranks of the armed forces and groups. However, information campaigns have been conducted to draw more attention to the importance of education, for both boys and girls.

The Committee expressed serious concern at the low net school attendance rate, at both primary and secondary levels, and at the gender gap, to the disadvantage of girls. In view of the fact that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country. It requests the Government to supply information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to increase the school attendance rate, at both primary and secondary levels, and to reduce the gender gap in access to education, with particular emphasis on girls. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration. Child herders. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 53) that UNICEF and other development partners have supported the implementation of a project to combat the use of child herders. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the effective and time-bound measures taken, as part of the project to combat the use of children as herders, to remove children from this worst form of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and on the results obtained.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. Street children. The Committee noted the Government’s reference, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007, to a 2003 UNICEF study on children in need of special protection, according to which 7,031 such children were identified as living or working in the street in the following seven towns and cities: Abéché (467), Bongor (505), Doba (222), Kélo (1,103), Moundou (582), N’Djamena (3,570) and Sarh (582) (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 301 and 302). The Committee also noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 75), expressed concern at the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty and at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. The Committee on the Rights of the Child also expressed concern at the lack of specialized institutions or shelters to address the needs of these children. The Committee reminded the Government that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children removed from the streets, particularly through the setting up of specialized institutions or shelters. It requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

Orphans of HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children. The Committee previously noted that, according to information contained in the 2004 Fact Sheet of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 96,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad. The Committee noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 63), noted with satisfaction the existence of a national strategic framework and a three year plan focused on prevention for youths but also noted that most HIV/AIDS orphans received inadequate care and protection. The Committee recalls that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans, because they run a risk of engaging in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on specific effective and time-bound measures taken, as part of the national strategy and the three-year plan, to prevent the engagement of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in the worst forms of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration.

Child domestic workers. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that it had found in practice that children were improperly employed in domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector is in the process of being regulated. It also noted that the Government, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 79), indicated that a study of the problem of child domestic labour in N’Djamena was undertaken in 2005. The Committee noted that children, particularly young girls, employed in domestic work are often the victims of exploitation, which assumes diverse forms, and that it is difficult to monitor their conditions of employment because of the “unseen” nature of this work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It requests the Government to provide a copy of the study undertaken in 2005 and of the domestic work regulations, once they have been adopted.

Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee noted the Government’s statement in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 279) that a study regarding the problem of mouhadjirin children in N’Djamena was undertaken in 2005 and this provided a clearer picture of the problem. The Committee also noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of mouhadjirin children. The Committee expressed concern at the use of these children for purely economic purposes, that is the use of children for the exploitation of their labour, by certain marabouts. It requests the Government to supply information on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin young persons under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this worst form of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. Finally, it requests the Government to supply a copy of the study regarding this problem undertaken in 2005.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under section 14 of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad [Ordinance No. 1 of 16 January 1991], the age of recruitment is 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts.

The Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 7 August 2008 on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532, for the period July 2007–June 2008), the political, military and security situation in the country remains highly volatile, owing to the continuation of armed conflict between the Chad armed forces and armed rebel groups, the presence in eastern Chad of foreign rebel groups, cross-border raids by the Janjaweed militia and continuing inter-ethnic tensions. The Committee noted that, according to the Secretary-General’s report, the Government of Chad and the three main rebel groups, namely the Union des forces pour la démocratie et le développement (UFDD), the Rassemblement des forces pour le changement (RFC) and the Concorde nationale tchadienne (CNT), signed a peace agreement on 25 October 2007 which provided for an immediate ceasefire. However, despite the signature of this agreement, fighting has continued and all the parties concerned have continued to recruit and use children in the conflict.

The Committee noted that the Secretary-General’s report showed that the forced recruitment and use of child soldiers in the conflict in Chad is related to the regional dimension of the conflict. The Toroboro or Sudanese armed groups allied with the Government of Chad are recruiting children from two refugee camps, at Tréguine and Bredjing, during the rainy season. Furthermore, heavy recruitment also occurs on the basis of needs in Darfur. The Sudanese rebel movement Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) continues to recruit in and around refugee camps, notably Oure Cassoni (Bahai). According to information in the Secretary General’s report, between 7,000 and 10,000 children are associated with the armed forces and armed groups. The Committee noted that the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, in its conclusions of December 2008 (S/AC.51/2008/15), expressed grave concern that all parties to the conflict continue to recruit and use children and called for measures to be taken to prosecute the perpetrators and put an end to impunity.

The Committee noted that the situation in Chad has been unstable for many years and that it remains fragile. The Committee also noted that, despite the fact that Ordinance No. 1 of 16 January 1991 provides that the age of recruitment is 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts, the recruitment of children for use in armed conflict is continuing in practice. In this regard, it noted that no penalties are laid down for violations of this prohibition. The Committee expressed deep concern at the current situation, especially as the persistence of the worst forms of child labour leads to other violations of the rights of the child, such as abduction, death and sexual violence. It reminded the Government that under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 years of age for use in armed conflict is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, members States must take immediate and effective measures to secure the elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures as a matter of urgency to stop in practice the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by armed forces and groups and immediately undertake the full demobilization of all children. With reference to Security Council resolution 1612 of 26 July 2005, which recalls the “responsibilities of States to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against children”, the Committee urges the Government to take immediate steps to ensure that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that penalties which are sufficiently effective and dissuasive are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration, including access to free basic education and vocational training. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. Further to its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 7 August 2008 on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532), the Government of Chad signed an agreement with UNICEF on 9 May 2007 to ensure the release and sustainable reintegration of all child soldiers associated with armed forces and groups in the country. According to the Secretary-General’s report, since the agreement was signed, 512 child soldiers have been released to UNICEF, which has provided support at five transit centres. So far 265 children have voluntarily returned to or been reunited with their families, and 220 have been placed in schools and 85 in professional activities. Most of the demobilized children were associated with non-governmental armed groups. Very few children associated with the Chadian armed forced have been released. According to the Secretary-General’s report, negotiations are under way for placing the demobilized children in vocational training institutions and providing them with gainful employment. Some NGOs which are partners of UNICEF are currently working on the reintegration programme. Moreover, the encouraging start of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration activities in Chad is likely to lead to the release of another estimated 2,500 children associated with armed forces and groups.

The Committee also noted that, according to the Secretary-General’s report, Chad undertook to release as a matter of priority children associated with armed groups held in detention. Moreover, it decided that an inter-ministerial task force would be established to coordinate and ensure effective reintegration of children. The Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TDC/CO/2, paragraph 71), urged the Government to take the necessary measures immediately to facilitate contact between armed groups operating in Chad and the United Nations in order to promote the demobilization of children and prevent the recruitment of children, particularly in refugee camps. In this regard, the Committee on the Rights of the Child urges the Government to extend the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, placing particular emphasis on the demobilization and reintegration of girls.

The Committee noted the measures taken by the Government to demobilize and reintegrate child soldiers, particularly through collaboration with UNICEF. It noted, however, that the current situation in the country remains a source of concern. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations in order to improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. Moreover, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to ensure that child soldiers removed from armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever possible and appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments the Committee noted that a draft Act issuing amendments to the Penal Code was being drawn up. It noted the Government’s indication that the draft amendments to the Penal Code are in the process of being adopted. The Committee further noted that, according to the Government’s second periodic report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 274), Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour has been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. The Committee expresses the hope that the draft amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted soon and requests the Government to supply information on all developments in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1959, as amended.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously noted that the Special Rapporteur on violence against women indicates, in the addendum to a report on the integration of the human rights of women and the gender perspective entitled “International, regional and national developments in the area of violence against women 1994–2003” published in February 2003 (E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraph 149), that the Penal Code makes trafficking in persons a crime punishable by imprisonment. She also indicated that cases have been reported of children being trafficked to the Central African Republic to be used as domestic servants, shop helpers and agricultural workers. There have also been reports of trafficking of children to Cameroon (paragraphs 143 and 169). The Committee asked the Government to supply information on the cases of trafficking of Chadian children to the Central African Republic and Cameroon.

The Government stated in its report that there is no precise information concerning the trafficking of Chadian children to the Central African Republic and Cameroon. The Committee further noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations on the second periodic report of Chad in February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO2, paragraphs 79 and 80), expressed concern over reports that children have been kidnapped and trafficked abroad. It also expressed concern over the fact that the perpetrators of trafficking of children are not brought to justice. The Committee observed that, even though the national legislation prohibits the sale and trafficking of children, the problem exists in practice. The Committee reminded the Government that, under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered to be among the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the Convention must take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the prevention in practice of the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age. It also requests the Government to supply information on the application of the provisions of the Penal Code which prohibit this worst form of child labour in practice, including, in particular, statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Chad, in her report entitled “Situation of human rights in Chad” published in January 2005 (E/CN.4/2005/121, paragraphs 57 and 86), referred to the practice in Chad of exploiting boys to look after cattle – child herders. This involves a contract for the hire of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Independent Expert also referred to the report of a mission to investigate human rights in the Mandoul region published in August 2004 by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), which provides a detailed account of the practice, the facts of which are corroborated by copies of signed contracts. According to this report, the child herders are between 6 and 15 years of age. The Committee noted that, under article 20 of the Constitution of 31 March 1996, no person may be held in slavery or servitude. It also noted that, under section 5 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), forced or compulsory labour is prohibited.

The Committee noted the Government’s statement that a campaign to raise awareness of this practice is still under way in the major population centres of the country. It also noted that the Government, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 294 and 295), indicated that cases of children being abducted for this purpose had been reported. The Committee further noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/CTCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of the child herders. Even though the national legislation on this subject is in conformity with the Convention and the Government is still undertaking a campaign to raise public awareness of this problem, the Committee expressed great concern at the existence of this practice in Chad. It observed that, although awareness-raising campaigns are very important, they are insufficient when not accompanied by other measures to eliminate such a practice. Recalling that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee requests the Government to take the urgent measures needed to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently dissuasive and effective penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that, although sections 279 and 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this subject, the Committee expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to criminalize any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that no measures have been taken to give effect to the Convention on this point. It expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. It requests the Government to supply information on this point.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that no measures have been taken to give effect to the Convention on this point. The Committee therefore expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, the Government will take steps to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs, as defined by the relevant international conventions. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Self-employed children. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the informal economy, which forms a substantial part of the national economy, is not regulated despite the fact that large numbers of children work in it. The Committee noted from the information in the Government’s report that Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal economy. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point, the Committee requests the Government once again to indicate the manner in which young persons under 18 years of age benefit from the protection laid down by Article 3(d) of the Convention, namely from the prohibition on employment in 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.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that programmes of action will soon be implemented, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Public Service and Labour, the Ministry of Justice, UNICEF and employers’ and workers’ organizations. It also noted that the Ministry of the Public Service and Labour is running campaigns to raise public awareness of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee expresses the hope that the Government will be in a position to implement, in the near future, programmes of action aimed at the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that there has been progress made in the provision of education to girls. However, the situation with regard to schooling in the regions affected by armed conflict is unstable. The Committee noted that, according to UNICEF statistics for 2006, the net attendance rate in primary education is 41 per cent for boys and 31 per cent for girls and in secondary education is 13 per cent for boys and 7 per cent for girls. The Committee further noted that, according to the 2008 Education for All Global Monitoring Report published by UNESCO entitled “Education for All by 2015: Will we make it?”, progress has been made in reducing the gender gap in education but there are still substantial disparities, to the disadvantage of girls. Furthermore, more than 20 per cent of primary school pupils repeat the school year and the completion of schooling remains a major problem, with less than half of all pupils staying until the final year. According to the UNESCO report, Chad is making progress but has little chance of achieving the goal of education for all by 2015. In addition, it is unlikely that the country will achieve gender parity by 2025.

The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 225) that a girls’ education unit has been set up. It also noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for reform of the educational system (2004–15), the integration of education in the poverty reduction strategy and the cooperation with local communities, many of which accept responsibility for the schools placed under their authority. Moreover, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Chad of 7 August 2008 (S/2008/532), inaccessibility of education and employment constitutes an additional incentive for children to enter the ranks of the armed forces and groups. However, information campaigns have been conducted to draw more attention to the importance of education, for both boys and girls.

The Committee expressed serious concern at the low net school attendance rate, at both primary and secondary levels, and at the gender gap, to the disadvantage of girls. In view of the fact that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country. It requests the Government to supply information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to increase the school attendance rate, at both primary and secondary levels, and to reduce the gender gap in access to education, with particular emphasis on girls. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration. Child herders. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 53) that UNICEF and other development partners have supported the implementation of a project to combat the use of child herders. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the effective and time-bound measures taken, as part of the project to combat the use of children as herders, to remove children from this worst form of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and on the results obtained.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee noted the Government’s reference, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007, to a 2003 UNICEF study on children in need of special protection, according to which 7,031 such children were identified as living or working in the street in the following seven towns and cities: Abéché (467), Bongor (505), Doba (222), Kélo (1,103), Moundou (582), N’Djamena (3,570) and Sarh (582) (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 301 and 302). The Committee also noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 75), expressed concern at the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty and at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. The Committee on the Rights of the Child also expressed concern at the lack of specialized institutions or shelters to address the needs of these children. The Committee reminded the Government that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children removed from the streets, particularly through the setting up of specialized institutions or shelters. It requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

2. Orphans of HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children. The Committee previously noted that, according to information contained in the 2004 Fact Sheet of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 96,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad. The Committee noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 63), noted with satisfaction the existence of a national strategic framework and a three‑year plan focused on prevention for youths but also noted that most HIV/AIDS orphans received inadequate care and protection. The Committee recalls that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans, because they run a risk of engaging in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on specific effective and time-bound measures taken, as part of the national strategy and the three-year plan, to prevent the engagement of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in the worst forms of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration.

3. Child domestic workers. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that it had found in practice that children were improperly employed in domestic work. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that the sector is in the process of being regulated. It also noted that the Government, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 79), indicated that a study of the problem of child domestic labour in N’Djamena was undertaken in 2005. The Committee noted that children, particularly young girls, employed in domestic work are often the victims of exploitation, which assumes diverse forms, and that it is difficult to monitor their conditions of employment because of the “unseen” nature of this work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It requests the Government to provide a copy of the study undertaken in 2005 and of the domestic work regulations, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee noted the Government’s statement in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 279) that a study regarding the problem of mouhadjirin children in N’Djamena was undertaken in 2005 and this provided a clearer picture of the problem. The Committee also noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of mouhadjirin children. The Committee expressed concern at the use of these children for purely economic purposes, that is the use of children for the exploitation of their labour, by certain marabouts. It requests the Government to supply information on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin young persons under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this worst form of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. Finally, it requests the Government to supply a copy of the study regarding this problem undertaken in 2005.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee noted that, under section 14 of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad [Ordinance No. 1 of 16 January 1991], the age of recruitment is 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts.

The Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 7 August 2008 on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532, for the period July 2007–June 2008), the political, military and security situation in the country remains highly volatile, owing to the continuation of armed conflict between the Chad armed forces and armed rebel groups, the presence in eastern Chad of foreign rebel groups, cross-border raids by the Janjaweed militia and continuing inter-ethnic tensions. The Committee noted that, according to the Secretary-General’s report, the Government of Chad and the three main rebel groups, namely the Union des forces pour la démocratie et le développement (UFDD), the Rassemblement des forces pour le changement (RFC) and the Concorde nationale tchadienne (CNT), signed a peace agreement on 25 October 2007 which provided for an immediate ceasefire. However, despite the signature of this agreement, fighting has continued and all the parties concerned have continued to recruit and use children in the conflict.

The Committee noted that the Secretary-General’s Report showed that the forced recruitment and use of child soldiers in the conflict in Chad is related to the regional dimension of the conflict. The Toroboro or Sudanese armed groups allied with the Government of Chad are recruiting children from two refugee camps, at Tréguine and Bredjing, during the rainy season. Furthermore, heavy recruitment also occurs on the basis of needs in Darfur. The Sudanese rebel movement Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) continues to recruit in and around refugee camps, notably Oure Cassoni (Bahai). According to information in the Secretary‑General’s report, between 7,000 and 10,000 children are associated with the armed forces and armed groups. The Committee noted that the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, in its conclusions of December 2008 (S/AC.51/2008/15), expressed grave concern that all parties to the conflict continue to recruit and use children and called for measures to be taken to prosecute the perpetrators and put an end to impunity.

The Committee noted that the situation in Chad has been unstable for many years and that it remains fragile. The Committee also noted that, despite the fact that Ordinance No. 1 of 16 January 1991 provides that the age of recruitment is 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts, the recruitment of children for use in armed conflict is continuing in practice. In this regard, it noted that no penalties are laid down for violations of this prohibition. The Committee expressed deep concern at the current situation, especially as the persistence of the worst forms of child labour leads to other violations of the rights of the child, such as abduction, death and sexual violence. It reminded the Government that under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 years of age for use in armed conflict is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, members States must take immediate and effective measures to secure the elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures as a matter of urgency to stop in practice the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by armed forces and groups and immediately undertake the full demobilization of all children. With reference to Security Council resolution 1612 of 26 July 2005, which recalls the “responsibilities of States to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against children”, the Committee urges the Government to take immediate steps to ensure that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that penalties which are sufficiently effective and dissuasive are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration, including access to free basic education and vocational training. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. Further to its previous comments, the Committee noted that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary‑General of 7 August 2008 on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532), the Government of Chad signed an agreement with UNICEF on 9 May 2007 to ensure the release and sustainable reintegration of all child soldiers associated with armed forces and groups in the country. According to the Secretary-General’s report, since the agreement was signed, 512 child soldiers have been released to UNICEF, which has provided support at five transit centres. So far 265 children have voluntarily returned to or been reunited with their families, and 220 have been placed in schools and 85 in professional activities. Most of the demobilized children were associated with non-governmental armed groups. Very few children associated with the Chadian armed forced have been released. According to the Secretary-General’s report, negotiations are under way for placing the demobilized children in vocational training institutions and providing them with gainful employment. Some NGOs which are partners of UNICEF are currently working on the reintegration programme. Moreover, the encouraging start of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration activities in Chad is likely to lead to the release of another estimated 2,500 children associated with armed forces and groups.

The Committee also noted that, according to the Secretary-General’s report, Chad undertook to release as a matter of priority children associated with armed groups held in detention. Moreover, it decided that an inter-ministerial task force would be established to coordinate and ensure effective reintegration of children. The Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TDC/CO/2, paragraph 71), urged the Government to take the necessary measures immediately to facilitate contact between armed groups operating in Chad and the United Nations in order to promote the demobilization of children and prevent the recruitment of children, particularly in refugee camps. In this regard, the Committee on the Rights of the Child urges the Government to extend the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, placing particular emphasis on the demobilization and reintegration of girls.

The Committee noted the measures taken by the Government to demobilize and reintegrate child soldiers, particularly through collaboration with UNICEF. It noted, however, that the current situation in the country remains a source of concern. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations in order to improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. Moreover, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to ensure that child soldiers removed from armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever possible and appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. In its previous comments the Committee noted that a draft Act issuing amendments to the Penal Code was being drawn up. It notes the Government’s indication that the draft amendments to the Penal Code are in the process of being adopted. The Committee further notes that, according to the Government’s second periodic report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 274), Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1969 concerning child labour has been revised to take account of the provisions of the present Convention. The Committee expresses the hope that the draft amendments to the Penal Code will be adopted soon and requests the Government to supply information on all developments in this respect. It also requests the Government to supply a copy of Decree No. 55/PR/PM-MTJS-DTMOPS of 8 February 1959, as amended.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee previously noted that the Special Rapporteur on violence against women indicates, in the addendum to a  report on the integration of the human rights of women and the gender perspective entitled “International, regional and national developments in the area of violence against women 1994–2003” published in February 2003 (E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraph 149), that the Penal Code makes trafficking in persons a crime punishable by imprisonment. She also indicated that cases have been reported of children being trafficked to the Central African Republic to be used as domestic servants, shop helpers and agricultural workers. There have also been reports of trafficking of children to Cameroon (paragraphs 143 and 169). The Committee asked the Government to supply information on the cases of trafficking of Chadian children to the Central African Republic and Cameroon.

The Government states in its report that there is no precise information concerning the trafficking of Chadian children to the Central African Republic and Cameroon. The Committee further notes that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations on the second periodic report of Chad in February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO2, paragraphs 79 and 80), expressed concern over reports that children have been kidnapped and trafficked abroad. It also expressed concern over the fact that the perpetrators of trafficking of children are not brought to justice. The Committee observes that, even though the national legislation prohibits the sale and trafficking of children, the problem exists in practice. The Committee reminds the Government that, under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered to be among the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the Convention must take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the prevention in practice of the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age. It also requests the Government to supply information on the application of the provisions of the Penal Code which prohibit this worst form of child labour in practice, including, in particular, statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Chad, in her report entitled “Situation of human rights in Chad” published in January 2005 (E/CN.4/2005/121, paragraphs 57 and 86), referred to the practice in Chad of exploiting boys to look after cattle – child herders. This involves a contract for the hire of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a stockbreeder who owns the cattle. The boy is paid in kind – one animal after one year’s work – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The Independent Expert also referred to the report of a mission to investigate human rights in the Mandoul region published in August 2004 by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), which provides a detailed account of the practice, the facts of which are corroborated by copies of signed contracts. According to this report, the child herders are between 6 and 15 years of age. The Committee noted that, under article 20 of the Constitution of 31 March 1996, no person may be held in slavery or servitude. It also noted that, under section 5 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (Labour Code), forced or compulsory labour is prohibited.

The Commission notes the Government’s statement that a campaign to raise awareness of this practice is still under way in the major population centres of the country. It also notes that the Government, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 294 and 295), indicated that cases of children being abducted for this purpose had been reported. The Committee further notes that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/CTCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of the child herders. Even though the national legislation on this subject is in conformity with the Convention and the Government is still undertaking a campaign to raise public awareness of this problem, the Committee expresses great concern at the existence of this practice in Chad. It observes that, although awareness-raising campaigns are very important, they are insufficient when not accompanied by other measures to eliminate such a practice. Recalling that, pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures must be taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, the Committee requests the Government to take the urgent measures needed to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age are protected against the practice of working as child herders. It also requests the Government to ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently dissuasive and effective penalties are imposed on persons convicted for this practice. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously noted that, although sections 279 and 280 of the Penal Code criminalize procuring, no provision appears to criminalize the client. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this subject, the Committee expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to criminalize any client who uses a young person under 18 years of age for prostitution. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that no measures have been taken to give effect to the Convention on this point. It expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, measures will be taken to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. It requests the Government to supply information on this point.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that no measures have been taken to give effect to the Convention on this point. The Committee therefore expresses the hope that, as part of the amendment of the Penal Code, the Government will take steps to prohibit and penalize the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs, as defined by the relevant international conventions. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Self-employed children. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the informal economy, which forms a substantial part of the national economy, is not regulated despite the fact that large numbers of children work in it. The Committee noted from the information in the Government’s report that Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age who perform hazardous work in the informal economy. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point, the Committee requests the Government once again to indicate the manner in which young persons under 18 years of age benefit from the protection laid down by Article 3(d) of the Convention, namely from the prohibition on employment in 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.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that programmes of action will soon be implemented, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Public Service and Labour, the Ministry of Justice, UNICEF and employers’ and workers’ organizations. It also notes that the Ministry of the Public Service and Labour is running campaigns to raise public awareness of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee expresses the hope that the Government will be in a position to implement, in the near future, programmes of action aimed at the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that there has been progress made in the provision of education to girls. However, the situation with regard to schooling in the regions affected by armed conflict is unstable. The Committee notes that, according to UNICEF statistics for 2006, the net attendance rate in primary education is 41 per cent for boys and 31 per cent for girls and in secondary education is 13 per cent for boys and 7 per cent for girls. The Committee further notes that, according to the 2008 Education for All Global Monitoring Report published by UNESCO entitled “Education for All by 2015: Will we make it?”, progress has been made in reducing the gender gap in education but there are still substantial disparities, to the disadvantage of girls. Furthermore, more than 20 per cent of primary school pupils repeat the school year and the completion of schooling remains a major problem, with less than half of all pupils staying until the final year. According to the UNESCO report, Chad is making progress but has little chance of achieving the goal of education for all by 2015. In addition, it is unlikely that the country will achieve gender parity by 2025.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report to
the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2,
paragraph 225) that a girls’ education unit has been set up. It also notes that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 67), welcomed the adoption of a ten-year support programme for reform of the educational system (2004–15), the integration of education in the poverty reduction strategy and the cooperation with local communities, many of which accept responsibility for the schools placed under their authority. Moreover, the Committee notes that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Chad of 7 August 2008 (S/2008/532), inaccessibility of education and employment constitutes an additional incentive for children to enter the ranks of the armed forces and groups. However, information campaigns have been conducted to draw more attention to the importance of education, for both boys and girls.

The Committee expresses great concern at the low net school attendance rate, at both primary and secondary levels, and at the gender gap, to the disadvantage of girls. In view of the fact that education contributes towards preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system in the country. It requests the Government to supply information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to increase the school attendance rate, at both primary and secondary levels, and to reduce the gender gap in access to education, with particular emphasis on girls. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration. Child herders. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 53) that UNICEF and other development partners have supported the implementation of a project to combat the use of child herders. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the effective and time-bound measures taken, as part of the project to combat the use of children as herders, to remove children from this worst form of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and on the results obtained.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. Street children. The Committee notes the Government’s reference, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007, to a 2003 UNICEF study on children in need of special protection, according to which 7,031 such children were identified as living or working in the street in the following seven towns and cities: Abéché (467), Bongor (505), Doba (222), Kélo (1,103), Moundou (582), N’Djamena (3,570) and Sarh (582) (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraphs 301 and 302). The Committee also notes that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 75), expressed concern at the high number of children living in the streets, predominantly children living in poverty and at heightened risk of sexual and economic exploitation. The Committee on the Rights of the Child also expressed concern at the lack of specialized institutions or shelters to address the needs of these children. The Committee reminds the Government that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour. In view of the large number of children living in the streets, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect street children from the worst forms of child labour, and to ensure the rehabilitation and social integration of children removed from the streets, particularly through the setting up of specialized institutions or shelters. It requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved.

2. Orphans of HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children. The Committee previously noted that, according to information contained in the 2004 Fact Sheet of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 96,000 children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS in Chad. The Committee notes that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 63), noted with satisfaction the existence of a national strategic framework and a three‑year plan focused on prevention for youths but also noted that most HIV/AIDS orphans received inadequate care and protection. The Committee recalls that HIV/AIDS has adverse consequences for orphans, because they run a risk of engaging in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on specific effective and time-bound measures taken, as part of the national strategy and the three-year plan, to prevent the engagement of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in the worst forms of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration.

3. Child domestic workers. In its previous comments the Committee noted the Government’s indication that it had found in practice that children were improperly employed in domestic work. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the sector is in the process of being regulated. It also notes that the Government, in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 79), indicated that a study of the problem of child domestic labour in N’Djamena was undertaken in 2005. The Committee notes that children, particularly young girls, employed in domestic work are often the victims of exploitation, which assumes diverse forms, and that it is difficult to monitor their conditions of employment because of the “unseen” nature of this work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the effective and time-bound measures taken to protect child domestic workers from the worst forms of child labour, to remove them from such labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, particularly by the setting up of shelters with the necessary resources. It requests the Government to provide a copy of the study undertaken in 2005 and of the domestic work regulations, once they have been adopted.

4. Mouhadjirin (talibés) children. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2007 (CRC/C/TCD/2, paragraph 279) that a study regarding the problem of mouhadjirin children in N’Djamena was undertaken in 2005 and this provided a clearer picture of the problem. The Committee also notes that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TCD/CO/2, paragraph 77), expressed concern at the problem of mouhadjirin children. The Committee expresses concern at the use of these children for purely economic purposes, that is the use of children for the exploitation of their labour, by certain marabouts. It requests the Government to supply information on the time-bound measures taken to prevent the engagement of mouhadjirin young persons under 18 years of age in forced or compulsory labour, such as begging. Furthermore, it requests the Government to indicate the effective and time-bound measures taken to remove mouhadjirin children from this worst form of child labour and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. Finally, it requests the Government to supply a copy of the study regarding this problem undertaken in 2005.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, under section 14 of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad [Ordinance No. 1 of 16 January 1991], the age of recruitment is 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts.

The Committee notes that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary-General of 7 August 2008 on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532, for the period July 2007–June 2008), the political, military and security situation in the country remains highly volatile, owing to the continuation of armed conflict between the Chad armed forces and armed rebel groups, the presence in eastern Chad of foreign rebel groups, cross-border raids by the Janjaweed militia and continuing inter-ethnic tensions. The Committee notes that, according to the Secretary-General’s report, the Government of Chad and the three main rebel groups, namely the Union des forces pour la démocratie et le développement (UFDD), the Rassemblement des forces pour le changement (RFC) and the Concorde nationale tchadienne (CNT), signed a peace agreement on 25 October 2007 which provided for an immediate cease-fire. However, despite the signature of this agreement, fighting has continued and all the parties concerned have continued to recruit and use children in the conflict.

The Committee notes that the Secretary-General’s Report shows that the forced recruitment and use of child soldiers in the conflict in Chad is related to the regional dimension of the conflict. The Toroboro or Sudanese armed groups allied with the Government of Chad are recruiting children from two refugee camps, at Tréguine and Bredjing, during the rainy season. Furthermore, heavy recruitment also occurs on the basis of needs in Darfur. The Sudanese rebel movement Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) continues to recruit in and around refugee camps, notably Oure Cassoni (Bahai). According to information in the Secretary‑General’s report, between 7,000 and 10,000 children are associated with the armed forces and armed groups. The Committee notes that the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, in its conclusions of December 2008 (S/AC.51/2008/15), expressed grave concern that all parties to the conflict continue to recruit and use children and called for measures to be taken to prosecute the perpetrators and put an end to impunity.

The Committee notes that the situation in Chad has been unstable for many years and that it remains fragile. The Committee also notes that, despite the fact that Ordinance No. 1 of 16 January 1991 provides that the age of recruitment is 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts, the recruitment of children for use in armed conflict is continuing in practice. In this regard, it notes that no penalties are laid down for violations of this prohibition. The Committee expresses deep concern at the current situation, especially as the persistence of the worst forms of child labour leads to other violations of the rights of the child, such as abduction, death and sexual violence. It reminds the Government that under Article 3(a) of the Convention, the forced or compulsory recruitment of children under 18 years of age for use in armed conflict is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, members States must take immediate and effective measures to secure the elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures as a matter of urgency to stop in practice the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by armed forces and groups and immediately undertake the full demobilization of all children. With reference to Security Council resolution 1612 of 26 July 2005, which recalls the “responsibilities of States to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against children”, the Committee urges the Government to take immediate steps to ensure that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted and that penalties which are sufficiently effective and dissuasive are imposed on persons found guilty of recruiting and using children under 18 years of age in armed conflict. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clauses (b) and (c). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration, including access to free basic education and vocational training. Children who have been enlisted and used in armed conflict. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the report of the United Nations Secretary‑General of 7 August 2008  on children and armed conflict in Chad (S/2008/532), the Government of Chad signed an agreement with UNICEF on 9 May 2007 to ensure the release and sustainable reintegration of all child soldiers associated with armed forces and groups in the country. According to the Secretary-General’s report, since the agreement was signed, 512 child soldiers have been released to UNICEF, which has provided support at five transit centres. So far 265 children have voluntarily returned to or been reunited with their families, and 220 have been placed in schools and 85 in professional activities. Most of the demobilized children were associated with non-governmental armed groups. Very few children associated with the Chadian armed forced have been released. According to the Secretary-General’s report, negotiations are under way for placing the demobilized children in vocational training institutions and providing them with gainful employment. Some NGOs which are partners of UNICEF are currently working on the reintegration programme. Moreover, the encouraging start of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration activities in Chad is likely to lead to the release of another estimated 2,500 children associated with armed forces and groups.

The Committee also notes that, according to the Secretary-General’s report, Chad undertook to release as a matter of priority children associated with armed groups held in detention. Moreover, it decided that an inter-ministerial task force would be established to coordinate and ensure effective reintegration of children. The Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations of February 2009 (CRC/C/TDC/CO/2, paragraph 71), urged the Government to take the necessary measures immediately to facilitate contact between armed groups operating in Chad and the United Nations in order to promote the demobilization of children and prevent the recruitment of children, particularly in refugee camps. In this regard, the Committee on the Rights of the Child urges the Government to extend the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, placing particular emphasis on the demobilization and reintegration of girls.

The Committee notes the measures taken by the Government to demobilize and reintegrate child soldiers, particularly through collaboration with UNICEF. It notes, however, that the current situation in the country remains a source of concern. The Committee therefore requests the Government to intensify its efforts and continue its collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations in order to improve the situation of child victims of forced recruitment for use in armed conflict. Moreover, the Committee requests the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to ensure that child soldiers removed from armed forces and groups receive adequate assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, including reintegration into the school system or vocational training, wherever possible and appropriate. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect.

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. 1. General measures. The Committee noted the information provided by the Government in its report to the effect that a Project for the Prevention and Protection of Children at Work (PPET) has been prepared to combat the scourge of child labour. It also noted that awareness-raising seminars on the worst forms of child labour were organized in January 2000. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the PPET for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and the results achieved.

2. Legislative measures. The Committee noted the information provided by the Government in 2004 in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which the commission responsible for the rights of women and the promotion of children’s rights has begun preparing draft legislation prohibiting the worst forms of child labour (see paragraph 11 of the Government’s response). The Government added that a Bill to amend the Penal Code provides, among other measures, for the repression of trafficking in children (see paragraph 33 of the Government’s response). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the Bill to prohibit the worst forms of child labour and the Bill to amend the Penal Code, and to provide copies of these Acts once they have been adopted.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee noted that, in her report on the integration of the human rights of women and the gender perspective – International, regional and national developments in the area of violence against women (1994–2003) – published in February 2003 (see E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraph 149), the Special Reporter on violence against women indicates that the Penal Code makes trafficking in persons a crime punishable by imprisonment. She adds that there have been no reports of the trafficking of persons in Chad. However, in the same report, she notes that children are reportedly trafficked to the Central African Republic to be used as domestic servants, shop helpers and agricultural workers. Cases of the trafficking of children to Cameroon have also been reported (see E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraphs 143 and 168).

The Committee reminded the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered to be among the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the instrument has to take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to provide information concerning these cases of the trafficking of children to the Central African Republic and to Cameroon. It also requests the Government to indicate whether the provisions contained in the Penal Code prohibiting the trafficking in persons cover both the sale and trafficking of children for economic and sexual purposes.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee noted that, in her report entitled “Situation of human rights in Chad”, published in January 2005 (see E/CN.4/2005/121, paragraphs 57 and 86), the independent expert on human rights indicates that there is a practice in Chad of exploiting boys to look after cattle, and that they are known as enfants bouviers. Rather than the sale of a person, this involves a contract for the hire of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a cattle-owning pastoralist. The boy is paid in kind – one animal at the end of the year – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The independent expert also refers to the report of a mission to investigate human rights in the Mandoul region issued in August 2004 by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), which provides a detailed account of the practice, the facts of which are corroborated by copies of signed contracts. According to this report, the enfants bouviers are aged between six and 15 years. In her recommendations, the independent expert recommends the abolition of the practice of enfants bouviers.

The Committee noted that, under the terms of article 20 of the Constitution of 31 March 1996, no one may be held in slavery or servitude. It also noted that, under section 5 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (hereinafter the Labour Code), forced or compulsory labour is prohibited. Under the terms of the same provision, the expression “forced or compulsory labour” means all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the person has not offered to work voluntarily. Furthermore, the Committee noted the information provided by the Government in its report to the effect that specific seminars on enfants bouviers have been organized for rural workers, stock-raisers and the traditional authorities in the localities in which the phenomenon is widespread.

The Committee reminded the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as serfdom and forced or compulsory labour, are considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour. Although the national legislation appears to be in conformity with the Convention on this point and the Government has shown the will to resolve this practice, particularly through the adoption of awareness-raising measures for the population where the exploitation of boys as enfants bouviers is widespread, the Committee expressed concern at the existence of this practice in Chad. In this respect, it requests the Government to redouble its efforts to afford protection to children against this practice. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect.

3. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee noted that article 51 of the Constitution of 1996 establishes the obligation for each national of Chad to defend the homeland and the integrity of the national territory. This article also provides that military service shall be compulsory in accordance with the conditions for its performance determined by the law. According to the information provided by the Government in its “technical file of information on the recruitment of children into the army”, supplied to the Office in August 2004, section 14 of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad establishes the age of recruitment at 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee noted that section 279 of the Penal Code, as cited by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190 (see paragraph 16 of the Government’s response), provides that any person shall be considered to be a procurer and shall be punished who: (1) in any manner, knowingly helps, assists or conceals the prostitution of another person or soliciting with a view to prostitution; (4) hires, removes or maintains, even with her or his consent, a person, even an adult, with a view to prostitution or who delivers such person into prostitution; and (5) acts as an intermediary, in any manner, between persons engaging in prostitution or debauchery and persons who exploit or remunerate the prostitution or debauchery of others. The Committee also noted that section 280 of the Penal Code provides that the penalty shall be heavier if the offence has been committed in relation to a minor. However, the Committee noted that, although the national legislation contains provisions criminalizing procuring, it does not appear to criminalize the client. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to criminalize clients who use children under 18 years of age for prostitution, and to establish sanctions for this purpose.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee noted that the national legislation does not appear to contain provisions giving effect to this provision of the Convention. The Committee reminded the Government that, under the terms of Article 1 of the Convention, it is under the obligation to take the immediate and effective measures necessary to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to prohibit, in accordance with Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and to establish sanctions for this purpose.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. In the absence of information from the Government, the Committee recalled that, under the terms of Article 3(c) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties, is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to secure the prohibition and elimination of the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties, in accordance with this provision of the Convention.

Article 3(d) and Article 4, paragraph 1. Hazardous work and the determination of these types of work. 1. General prohibition. The Committee noted that section 6 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour contains a list of activities in which it is prohibited to employ young workers under 18 years of age.

2. Self-employed workers. The Committee noted that, in its initial report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 1997 (see CRC/C/3/Add.50, paragraph 43), the Government indicated that the informal sector, which plays a major role in the national economy, is not organized, despite the fact that a large number of children work in the sector. The Government added that ways of regulating it are being considered. The Committee noted that, according to this information, Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age engaged in hazardous types of work in the informal sector. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the national legislation provides that these young persons under 18 years of age shall benefit from the protection afforded by Article 3(d) of the Convention so that they are not engaged in a work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals.

Article 5. Mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Convention. 1. Labour inspection. The Committee noted that sections 471 to 489 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code determine the responsibilities of labour inspectors and labour controllers. It also noted that, under the terms of section 9 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour, labour inspectors may require the examination of any young worker with a view to determining whether the work in which he or she is engaged is in excess of her or his strength. The Committee referred to its direct request made in 2004 under the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), in which it noted the information provided by the Government in its report on the application of the Minimum Age (Non-Industrial Employment) Convention, 1932 (No. 33), concerning the awareness-raising campaigns on child labour undertaken by the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations, with a view to discouraging clandestine employers of children and warning parents of this phenomenon. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the functions of labour inspectors and labour controllers, particularly with regard to the worst forms of child labour, including extracts of reports and documents.

2. Other mechanisms. As Article 3(a) to (c) of the Convention concerns crimes of a penal nature, the Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether monitoring mechanisms other than the labour administration services have been established to monitor the application of these provisions of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that a National Plan of Action for Children in Chad has been prepared. It requests the Government to indicate whether programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour are envisaged in the context of this National Plan of Action. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on consultations with relevant government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations and, where appropriate, the views of other concerned groups taken into account when preparing these programmes of action.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee noted that section 190 of the Labour Code establishes sanctions for violations of section 5 respecting forced labour. It also noted that sections 279 and 280 of the Penal Code establish sanctions for the crime of procuring. Furthermore, it noted that section 13 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour establishes sanctions for violations of its provisions, including the prohibition on employing young persons under 18 years of age in hazardous types of work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of these sanctions in practice.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Cooperation programme between the Government and UNICEF (2001–05). The Committee noted the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which a cooperation programme between the Government and UNICEF has been established with a view to prevention. This programme gives priority to children, including those who are victims of all forms of violence, including economic and sexual exploitation. The main lines of the Government’s preventive action focus on access to basic services (education, health and other basic infrastructure), action to combat the exclusion of street children and the worst forms of child labour (see paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Government’s response). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the context of this cooperation programme with UNICEF to prevent children being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, and particularly in economic and sexual exploitation.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been recruited and used in armed conflict. In its concluding observations on the Government’s initial report in August 1999 (see CRC/C/15/Add.107, paragraph 35), the Committee on the Rights of the Child, while noting the existing awareness and political will concerning the problems caused by the involvement of children in armed conflict, expressed serious concern about the lack of resources available to support the rehabilitation and social reintegration of demobilized child soldiers. It also expressed particular concern about the situation of traumatized or permanently disabled former child soldiers and their lack of access to compensation or other support services. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended the Government to ensure the enforcement of its legislation banning the recruitment of children under 18 years of age. It also encouraged the redoubling of efforts to allocate the necessary resources, if necessary with international assistance, for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of former child soldiers, and particularly to provide compensation and support services to traumatized or permanently disabled former child soldiers.

The Committee noted the information provided by the Government in its technical file of information on the recruitment of children into the army, according to which the conflict in Chad over the past three decades has given rise to the massive enrolment of children among the ranks of combatants. In this respect, the Government indicated that, following the return of peace, it has taken measures, including the preparation of the National Programme of Action for Children in Chad (PROFANET) and the establishment of the Directorate for Children within the Ministry of Social Action and the Family as the body responsible for the implementation of the Government’s policy for children. The Government added that it has implemented programmes for the demobilization of child soldiers and that officially there are no longer any minors in the army in Chad. Furthermore, training workshops for police officers, magistrates on the role of children’s judges and army officers on the problem of child soldiers have been organized with a view to changing the attitudes of military chiefs who recruit children. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures referred to above with a view to the rehabilitation and social integration of demobilized child soldiers and on any other measures taken to prevent, monitor and eventually demobilize minors in armed groups other than those of the State.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. HIV/AIDS. The Committee noted that, according to the information contained in the Epidemiological Fact Sheet on the epidemic for 2004 of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 96,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Chad. While noting that Chad has developed a National AIDS Programme, the Committee expressed concern at the high number of children affected by HIV/AIDS. It notes that HIV/AIDS has consequences for orphans, who are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to spare no effort to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS by preventing its transmission within the population and to provide information on the specific time-bound measures adopted to improve the situation of these children.

2. Child refugees. The Committee noted the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which various activities are undertaken with a view to the protection of child refugees. These include surveys of the vulnerability of children following the conflicts in Darfur and the Central African Republic with a view to taking appropriate measures, such as awareness-raising and information activities and training on the general rights of refugees, on protection against the sexual and economic exploitation of refugees and the identification and psycho-social support of child victims (see paragraph 9 of the Government’s response). The Committee noted that child refugees are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted following the surveys undertaken on the vulnerability of children with a view to preventing child refugees from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour as a result of the conflicts in Darfur and the Central African Republic.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee noted that, in its first report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 1997 (see CRC/C/3/Add.50, paragraph 201), the Government indicated that in practice it is found that children are improperly employed in domestic work. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to protect children engaged in domestic work against the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. The Committee noted that, according to the statistical data for 2000 available to the ILO, 45.5 per cent of boys between 6 and 11 years of age were at school compared with 32.8 per cent of girls of the same age. The Committee noted that these figures show a difference of nearly 13 per cent between the school attendance rates of girls and boys. The Committee noted the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which education is one of its priorities, with emphasis on school attendance by girls, and that national programmes are being undertaken in the country to promote education. In this respect, the Government referred to the Strategy of Education and Training for Employment (EPE) and the National Plan for Education for All (see paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Government’s response). Considering that education contributes to eliminating many of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to improve the education system, ensure that children attend school regularly and reduce school drop-out rates, particularly for girls.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee noted that Chad is a member of Interpol, the organization which assists in cooperation between countries in the various regions, particularly to combat trafficking in children. It also noted that, according to World Bank information, the Government prepared a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in 2003. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the vicious circle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any significant impact of the PRSP on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee noted that, according to ILO statistics for 2000, some 318,000 children between the ages of 10 and 14 years were economically active, of whom 151,000 were girls and 167,000 boys, representing 36.64 per cent of the population of this age group. However, the Committee noted that these data are for child labour in general, and that no statistics on the number of child victims of the worst forms of child labour appear to be available in Chad. It therefore requests the Government to provide statistics on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, and information on the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations undertaken, prosecutions, convictions and the penal sanctions applied.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. 1. General measures. The Committee noted the information provided by the Government in its report to the effect that a Project for the Prevention and Protection of Children at Work (PPET) has been prepared to combat the scourge of child labour. It also noted that awareness-raising seminars on the worst forms of child labour were organized in January 2000. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the PPET for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and the results achieved.

2. Legislative measures. The Committee noted the information provided by the Government in 2004 in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which the commission responsible for the rights of women and the promotion of children’s rights has begun preparing draft legislation prohibiting the worst forms of child labour (see paragraph 11 of the Government’s response). The Government added that a Bill to amend the Penal Code provides, among other measures, for the repression of trafficking in children (see paragraph 33 of the Government’s response). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the Bill to prohibit the worst forms of child labour and the Bill to amend the Penal Code, and to provide copies of these Acts once they have been adopted.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a) All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee noted that, in her report on the integration of the human rights of women and the gender perspective – International, regional and national developments in the area of violence against women (1994–2003) – published in February 2003 (see E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraph 149), the Special Rapporteur on violence against women indicates that the Penal Code makes trafficking in persons a crime punishable by imprisonment. She adds that there have been no reports of the trafficking of persons in Chad. However, in the same report, she notes that children are reportedly trafficked to the Central African Republic to be used as domestic servants, shop helpers and agricultural workers. Cases of the trafficking of children to Cameroon have also been reported (see E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraphs 143 and 168).

The Committee reminded the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered to be among the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the instrument has to take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to provide information concerning these cases of the trafficking of children to the Central African Republic and to Cameroon. It also requests the Government to indicate whether the provisions contained in the Penal Code prohibiting the trafficking in persons cover both the sale and trafficking of children for economic and sexual purposes.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee noted that, in her report entitled “Situation of human rights in Chad”, published in January 2005 (see E/CN.4/2005/121, paragraphs 57 and 86), the independent expert on human rights indicates that there is a practice in Chad of exploiting boys to look after cattle, and that they are known as enfants bouviers. Rather than the sale of a person, this involves a contract for the hire of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a cattle-owning pastoralist. The boy is paid in kind – one animal at the end of the year – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The independent expert also refers to the report of a mission to investigate human rights in the Mandoul region issued in August 2004 by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), which provides a detailed account of the practice, the facts of which are corroborated by copies of signed contracts. According to this report, the enfants bouviers are aged between six and 15 years. In her recommendations, the independent expert recommends the abolition of the practice of enfants bouviers.

The Committee noted that, under the terms of article 20 of the Constitution of 31 March 1996, no one may be held in slavery or servitude. It also noted that, under section 5 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (hereinafter the Labour Code), forced or compulsory labour is prohibited. Under the terms of the same provision, the expression “forced or compulsory labour” means all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the person has not offered to work voluntarily. Furthermore, the Committee noted the information provided by the Government in its report to the effect that specific seminars on enfants bouviers have been organized for rural workers, stock-raisers and the traditional authorities in the localities in which the phenomenon is widespread.

The Committee reminded the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as serfdom and forced or compulsory labour, are considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour. Although the national legislation appears to be in conformity with the Convention on this point and the Government has shown the will to resolve this practice, particularly through the adoption of awareness-raising measures for the population where the exploitation of boys as enfants bouviers is widespread, the Committee expressed concern at the existence of this practice in Chad. In this respect, it requests the Government to redouble its efforts to afford protection to children against this practice. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect.

3. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee noted that article 51 of the Constitution of 1996 establishes the obligation for each national of Chad to defend the homeland and the integrity of the national territory. This article also provides that military service shall be compulsory in accordance with the conditions for its performance determined by the law. According to the information provided by the Government in its “technical file of information on the recruitment of children into the army”, supplied to the Office in August 2004, section 14 of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad establishes the age of recruitment at 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee noted that section 279 of the Penal Code, as cited by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190 (see paragraph 16 of the Government’s response), provides that any person shall be considered to be a procurer and shall be punished who: (1) in any manner, knowingly helps, assists or conceals the prostitution of another person or soliciting with a view to prostitution; (4) hires, removes or maintains, even with her or his consent, a person, even an adult, with a view to prostitution or who delivers such person into prostitution; (5) acts as an intermediary, in any manner, between persons engaging in prostitution or debauchery and persons who exploit or remunerate the prostitution or debauchery of others. The Committee also noted that section 280 of the Penal Code provides that the penalty shall be heavier if the offence has been committed in relation to a minor. However, the Committee noted that, although the national legislation contains provisions criminalizing procuring, it does not appear to criminalize the client. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to criminalize clients who use children under 18 years of age for prostitution, and to establish sanctions for this purpose.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee noted that the national legislation does not appear to contain provisions giving effect to this provision of the Convention. The Committee reminded the Government that, under the terms of Article 1 of the Convention, it is under the obligation to take the immediate and effective measures necessary to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to prohibit, in accordance with Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and to establish sanctions for this purpose.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. In the absence of information from the Government, the Committee recalled that, under the terms of Article 3(c) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties, is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to secure the prohibition and elimination of the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties, in accordance with this provision of the Convention.

Article 3(d) and Article 4, paragraph 1. Hazardous work and the determination of these types of work. 1. General prohibition. The Committee noted that section 6 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour contains a list of activities in which it is prohibited to employ young workers under 18 years of age.

2. Self-employed workers. The Committee noted that, in its initial report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 1997 (see CRC/C/3/Add.50, paragraph 43), the Government indicated that the informal sector, which plays a major role in the national economy, is not organized, despite the fact that a large number of children work in the sector. The Government added that ways of regulating it are being considered. The Committee noted that, according to this information, Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age engaged in hazardous types of work in the informal sector. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the national legislation provides that these young persons under 18 years of age shall benefit from the protection afforded by Article 3(d) of the Convention so that they are not engaged in a work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals.

Article 5. Mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Convention. 1. Labour inspection. The Committee noted that sections 471 to 489 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code determine the responsibilities of labour inspectors and labour controllers. It also noted that, under the terms of section 9 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour, labour inspectors may require the examination of any young worker with a view to determining whether the work in which he or she is engaged is in excess of her or his strength. The Committee referred to its direct request made in 2004 under the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), in which it noted the information provided by the Government in its report on the application of the Minimum Age (Non-Industrial Employment) Convention, 1932 (No. 33), concerning the awareness-raising campaigns on child labour undertaken by the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations, with a view to discouraging clandestine employers of children and warning parents of this phenomenon. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the functions of labour inspectors and labour controllers, particularly with regard to the worst forms of child labour, including extracts of reports and documents.

2. Other mechanisms. As Article 3(a) to (c) of the Convention concerns crimes of a penal nature, the Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether monitoring mechanisms other than the labour administration services have been established to monitor the application of these provisions of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee noted the Government’s indication that a National Plan of Action for Children in Chad has been prepared. It requests the Government to indicate whether programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour are envisaged in the context of this National Plan of Action. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on consultations with relevant government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations and, where appropriate, the views of other concerned groups taken into account when preparing these programmes of action.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee noted that section 190 of the Labour Code establishes sanctions for violations of section 5 respecting forced labour. It also noted that sections 279 and 280 of the Penal Code establish sanctions for the crime of procuring. Furthermore, it noted that section 13 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour establishes sanctions for violations of its provisions, including the prohibition on employing young persons under 18 years of age in hazardous types of work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of these sanctions in practice.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Cooperation programme between the Government and UNICEF (2001–05). The Committee noted the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which a cooperation programme between the Government and UNICEF has been established with a view to prevention. This programme gives priority to children, including those who are victims of all forms of violence, including economic and sexual exploitation. The main lines of the Government’s preventive action focus on access to basic services (education, health and other basic infrastructure), action to combat the exclusion of street children and the worst forms of child labour (see paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Government’s response). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the context of this cooperation programme with UNICEF to prevent children being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, and particularly in economic and sexual exploitation.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been recruited and used in armed conflict. In its concluding observations on the Government’s initial report in August 1999 (see CRC/C/15/Add.107, paragraph 35), the Committee on the Rights of the Child, while noting the existing awareness and political will concerning the problems caused by the involvement of children in armed conflict, expressed serious concern about the lack of resources available to support the rehabilitation and social reintegration of demobilized child soldiers. It also expressed particular concern about the situation of traumatized or permanently disabled former child soldiers and their lack of access to compensation or other support services. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended the Government to ensure the enforcement of its legislation banning the recruitment of children under 18 years of age. It also encouraged the redoubling of efforts to allocate the necessary resources, if necessary with international assistance, for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of former child soldiers, and particularly to provide compensation and support services to traumatized or permanently disabled former child soldiers.

The Committee noted the information provided by the Government in its technical file of information on the recruitment of children into the army, according to which the conflict in Chad over the past three decades has given rise to the massive enrolment of children among the ranks of combatants. In this respect, the Government indicated that, following the return of peace, it has taken measures, including the preparation of the National Programme of Action for Children in Chad (PROFANET) and the establishment of the Directorate for Children within the Ministry of Social Action and the Family as the body responsible for the implementation of the Government’s policy for children. The Government added that it has implemented programmes for the demobilization of child soldiers and that officially there are no longer any minors in the army in Chad. Furthermore, training workshops for police officers, magistrates on the role of children’s judges and army officers on the problem of child soldiers have been organized with a view to changing the attitudes of military chiefs who recruit children. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures referred to above with a view to the rehabilitation and social integration of demobilized child soldiers and on any other measures taken to prevent, monitor and eventually demobilize minors in armed groups other than those of the State.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. HIV/AIDS. The Committee noted that, according to the information contained in the Epidemiological Fact Sheet on the epidemic for 2004 of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 96,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Chad. While noting that Chad has developed a National AIDS Programme, the Committee expressed concern at the high number of children affected by HIV/AIDS. It notes that HIV/AIDS has consequences for orphans, who are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to spare no effort to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS by preventing its transmission within the population and to provide information on the specific time-bound measures adopted to improve the situation of these children.

2. Child refugees. The Committee noted the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which various activities are undertaken with a view to the protection of child refugees. These include surveys of the vulnerability of children following the conflicts in Darfur and the Central African Republic with a view to taking appropriate measures, such as awareness-raising and information activities and training on the general rights of refugees, on protection against the sexual and economic exploitation of refugees and the identification and psycho-social support of child victims (see paragraph 9 of the Government’s response). The Committee noted that child refugees are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted following the surveys undertaken on the vulnerability of children with a view to preventing child refugees from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour as a result of the conflicts in Darfur and the Central African Republic.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee noted that, in its first report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 1997 (see CRC/C/3/Add.50, paragraph 201), the Government indicated that in practice it is found that children are improperly employed in domestic work. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to protect children engaged in domestic work against the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. The Committee noted that, according to the statistical data for 2000 available to the ILO, 45.5 per cent of boys between six and 11 years of age were at school compared with 32.8 per cent of girls of the same age. The Committee noted that these figures show a difference of nearly 13 per cent between the school attendance rates of girls and boys. The Committee noted the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which education is one of its priorities, with emphasis on school attendance by girls, and that national programmes are being undertaken in the country to promote education. In this respect, the Government referred to the Strategy of Education and Training for Employment (EPE) and the National Plan for Education for All (see paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Government’s response). Considering that education contributes to eliminating many of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to improve the education system, ensure that children attend school regularly and reduce school drop-out rates, particularly for girls.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee noted that Chad is a member of Interpol, the organization which assists in cooperation between countries in the various regions, particularly to combat trafficking in children. It also noted that, according to World Bank information, the Government prepared a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in 2003. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the vicious circle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any significant impact of the PRSP on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee noted that, according to ILO statistics for 2000, some 318,000 children between the ages of 10 and 14 years were economically active, of whom 151,000 were girls and 167,000 boys, representing 36.64 per cent of the population of this age group. However, the Committee noted that these data are for child labour in general, and that no statistics on the number of child victims of the worst forms of child labour appear to be available in Chad. It therefore requests the Government to provide statistics on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, and information on the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations undertaken, prosecutions, convictions and the penal sanctions applied.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. 1. General measures. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report to the effect that a Project for the Prevention and Protection of Children at Work (PPET) has been prepared to combat the scourge of child labour. It also notes that awareness-raising seminars on the worst forms of child labour were organized in January 2000. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the PPET for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and the results achieved.

2. Legislative measures. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in 2004 in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which the commission responsible for the rights of women and the promotion of children’s rights has begun preparing draft legislation prohibiting the worst forms of child labour (see paragraph 11 of the Government’s response). The Government adds that a Bill to amend the Penal Code provides, among other measures, for the repression of trafficking in children (see paragraph 33 of the Government’s response). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the Bill to prohibit the worst forms of child labour and the Bill to amend the Penal Code, and to provide copies of these Acts once they have been adopted.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a) All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. The sale and trafficking of children. The Committee notes that, in her report on the integration of the human rights of women and the gender perspective – International, regional and national developments in the area of violence against women (1994-2003) – published in February 2003 (see E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraph 149), the Special Rapporteur on violence against women indicates that the Penal Code makes trafficking in persons a crime punishable by imprisonment. She adds that there have been no reports of the trafficking of persons in Chad. However, in the same report, she notes that children are reportedly trafficked to the Central African Republic to be used as domestic servants, shop helpers and agricultural workers. Cases of the trafficking of children to Cameroon have also been reported (see E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraphs 143 and 168).

The Committee reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered to be among the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the instrument has to take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to provide information concerning these cases of the trafficking of children to the Central African Republic and to Cameroon. It also requests the Government to indicate whether the provisions contained in the Penal Code prohibiting the trafficking in persons cover both the sale and trafficking of children for economic and sexual purposes.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes that, in her report entitled “Situation of human rights in Chad”, published in January 2005 (see E/CN.4/2005/121, paragraphs 57 and 86), the independent expert on human rights indicates that there is a practice in Chad of exploiting boys to look after cattle, and that they are known as enfants bouviers. Rather than the sale of a person, this involves a contract for the hire of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a cattle-owning pastoralist. The boy is paid in kind – one animal at the end of the year – but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The independent expert also refers to the report of a mission to investigate human rights in the Mandoul region issued in August 2004 by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), which provides a detailed account of the practice, the facts of which are corroborated by copies of signed contracts. According to this report, the enfants bouviers are aged between six and 15 years. In her recommendations, the independent expert recommends the abolition of the practice of enfants bouviers.

The Committee notes that, under the terms of article 20 of the Constitution of 31 March 1996, no one may be held in slavery or servitude. It also notes that, under section 5 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (hereinafter the Labour Code), forced or compulsory labour is prohibited. Under the terms of the same provision, the expression “forced or compulsory labour” means all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the person has not offered to work voluntarily. Furthermore, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report to the effect that specific seminars on enfants bouviers have been organized for rural workers, stock-raisers and the traditional authorities in the localities in which the phenomenon is widespread.

The Committee reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as serfdom and forced or compulsory labour, are considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour. Although the national legislation appears to be in conformity with the Convention on this point and the Government has shown the will to resolve this practice, particularly through the adoption of awareness-raising measures for the population where the exploitation of boys as enfants bouviers is widespread, the Committee expresses concern at the existence of this practice in Chad. In this respect, it requests the Government to redouble its efforts to afford protection to children against this practice. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect.

3. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes that article 51 of the Constitution of 1996 establishes the obligation for each national of Chad to defend the homeland and the integrity of the national territory. This article also provides that military service shall be compulsory in accordance with the conditions for its performance determined by the law. According to the information provided by the Government in its “technical file of information on the recruitment of children into the army”, supplied to the Office in August 2004, section 14 of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad establishes the age of recruitment at 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes that section 279 of the Penal Code, as cited by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190 (see paragraph 16 of the Government’s response), provides that any person shall be considered to be a procurer and shall be punished who: (1) in any manner, knowingly helps, assists or conceals the prostitution of another person or soliciting with a view to prostitution; (4) hires, removes or maintains, even with her or his consent, a person, even an adult, with a view to prostitution or who delivers such person into prostitution; (5) acts as an intermediary, in any manner, between persons engaging in prostitution or debauchery and persons who exploit or remunerate the prostitution or debauchery of others. The Committee also notes that section 280 of the Penal Code provides that the penalty shall be heavier if the offence has been committed in relation to a minor. However, the Committee notes that, although the national legislation contains provisions criminalizing procuring, it does not appear to criminalize the client. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to criminalize clients who use children under 18 years of age for prostitution, and to establish sanctions for this purpose.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes that the national legislation does not appear to contain provisions giving effect to this provision of the Convention. The Committee reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 1 of the Convention, it is under the obligation to take the immediate and effective measures necessary to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to prohibit, in accordance with Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and to establish sanctions for this purpose.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. In the absence of information from the Government, the Committee recalls that, under the terms of Article 3(c) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties, is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to secure the prohibition and elimination of the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties, in accordance with this provision of the Convention.

Article 3(d) and Article 4, paragraph 1. Hazardous work and the determination of these types of work. 1. General prohibition. The Committee notes that section 6 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour contains a list of activities in which it is prohibited to employ young workers under 18 years of age.

2. Self-employed workers. The Committee notes that, in its initial report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 1997 (see CRC/C/3/Add.50, paragraph 43), the Government indicated that the informal sector, which plays a major role in the national economy, is not organized, despite the fact that a large number of children work in the sector. The Government added that ways of regulating it are being considered. The Committee notes that, according to this information, Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age engaged in hazardous types of work in the informal sector. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the national legislation provides that these young persons under 18 years of age shall benefit from the protection afforded by Article 3(d) of the Convention so that they are not engaged in a work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals.

Article 5. Mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Convention. 1. Labour inspection. The Committee notes that sections 471 to 489 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code determine the responsibilities of labour inspectors and labour controllers. It also notes that, under the terms of section 9 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour, labour inspectors may require the examination of any young worker with a view to determining whether the work in which he or she is engaged is in excess of her or his strength. The Committee refers to its direct request made in 2004 under the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), in which it noted the information provided by the Government in its report on the application of the Minimum Age (Non-Industrial Employment) Convention, 1932 (No. 33), concerning the awareness-raising campaigns on child labour undertaken by the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations, with a view to discouraging clandestine employers of children and warning parents of this phenomenon. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the functions of labour inspectors and labour controllers, particularly with regard to the worst forms of child labour, including extracts of reports and documents.

2. Other mechanisms. As Article 3(a) to (c) of the Convention concerns crimes of a penal nature, the Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether monitoring mechanisms other than the labour administration services have been established to monitor the application of these provisions of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a National Plan of Action for Children in Chad has been prepared. It requests the Government to indicate whether programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour are envisaged in the context of this National Plan of Action. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on consultations with relevant government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations and, where appropriate, the views of other concerned groups taken into account when preparing these programmes of action.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes that section 190 of the Labour Code establishes sanctions for violations of section 5 respecting forced labour. It also notes that sections 279 and 280 of the Penal Code establish sanctions for the crime of procuring. Furthermore, it notes that section 13 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour establishes sanctions for violations of its provisions, including the prohibition on employing young persons under 18 years of age in hazardous types of work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of these sanctions in practice.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Cooperation programme between the Government and UNICEF (2001-05). The Committee notes the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which a cooperation programme between the Government and UNICEF has been established with a view to prevention. This programme gives priority to children, including those who are victims of all forms of violence, including economic and sexual exploitation. The main lines of the Government’s preventive action focus on access to basic services (education, health and other basic infrastructure), action to combat the exclusion of street children and the worst forms of child labour (see paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Government’s response). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the context of this cooperation programme with UNICEF to prevent children being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, and particularly in economic and sexual exploitation.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been recruited and used in armed conflict. In its concluding observations on the Government’s initial report in August 1999 (see CRC/C/15/Add.107, paragraph 35), the Committee on the Rights of the Child, while noting the existing awareness and political will concerning the problems caused by the involvement of children in armed conflict, expressed serious concern about the lack of resources available to support the rehabilitation and social reintegration of demobilized child soldiers. It also expressed particular concern about the situation of traumatized or permanently disabled former child soldiers and their lack of access to compensation or other support services. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended the Government to ensure the enforcement of its legislation banning the recruitment of children under 18 years of age. It also encouraged the redoubling of efforts to allocate the necessary resources, if necessary with international assistance, for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of former child soldiers, and particularly to provide compensation and support services to traumatized or permanently disabled former child soldiers.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its technical file of information on the recruitment of children into the army, according to which the conflict in Chad over the past three decades has given rise to the massive enrolment of children among the ranks of combatants. In this respect, the Government indicates that, following the return of peace, it has taken measures, including the preparation of the National Programme of Action for Children in Chad (PROFANET) and the establishment of the Directorate for Children within the Ministry of Social Action and the Family as the body responsible for the implementation of the Government’s policy for children. The Government adds that it has implemented programmes for the demobilization of child soldiers and that officially there are no longer any minors in the army in Chad. Furthermore, training workshops for police officers, magistrates on the role of children’s judges and army officers on the problem of child soldiers have been organized with a view to changing the attitudes of military chiefs who recruit children. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures referred to above with a view to the rehabilitation and social integration of demobilized child soldiers and on any other measures taken to prevent, monitor and eventually demobilize minors in armed groups other than those of the State.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. HIV/AIDS. The Committee notes that, according to the information contained in the Epidemiological Fact Sheet on the epidemic for 2004 of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 96,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Chad. While noting that Chad has developed a National AIDS Programme, the Committee expresses concern at the high number of children affected by HIV/AIDS. It notes that HIV/AIDS has consequences for orphans, who are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to spare no effort to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS by preventing its transmission within the population and to provide information on the specific time-bound measures adopted to improve the situation of these children.

2. Child refugees. The Committee notes the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which various activities are undertaken with a view to the protection of child refugees. These include surveys of the vulnerability of children following the conflicts in Darfur and the Central African Republic with a view to taking appropriate measures, such as awareness-raising and information activities and training on the general rights of refugees, on protection against the sexual and economic exploitation of refugees and the identification and psycho-social support of child victims (see paragraph 9 of the Government’s response). The Committee notes that child refugees are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted following the surveys undertaken on the vulnerability of children with a view to preventing child refugees from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour as a result of the conflicts in Darfur and the Central African Republic.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee notes that, in its first report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 1997 (see CRC/C/3/Add.50, paragraph 201), the Government indicated that in practice it is found that children are improperly employed in domestic work. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to protect children engaged in domestic work against the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. The Committee notes that, according to the statistical data for 2000 available to the ILO, 45.5 per cent of boys between 6 and 11 years of age were at school compared with 32.8 per cent of girls of the same age. The Committee notes that these figures show a difference of nearly 13 per cent between the school attendance rates of girls and boys. The Committee notes the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which education is one of its priorities, with emphasis on school attendance by girls, and that national programmes are being undertaken in the country to promote education. In this respect, the Government refers to the Strategy of Education and Training for Employment (EPE) and the National Plan for Education for All (see paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Government’s response). Considering that education contributes to eliminating many of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to improve the education system, ensure that children attend school regularly and reduce school drop-out rates, particularly for girls.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee notes that Chad is a member of Interpol, the organization which assists in cooperation between countries in the various regions, particularly to combat trafficking in children. It also notes that, according to World Bank information, the Government prepared a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in 2003. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the vicious circle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any significant impact of the PRSP on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes that, according to ILO statistics for 2000, some 318,000 children between the ages of 10 and 14 years were economically active, of whom 151,000 were girls and 167,000 boys, representing 36.64 per cent of the population of this age group. However, the Committee notes that these data are for child labour in general, and that no statistics on the number of child victims of the worst forms of child labour appear to be available in Chad. It therefore requests the Government to provide statistics on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, and information on the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations undertaken, prosecutions, convictions and the penal sanctions applied.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s first report.

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. 1. General measures. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report to the effect that a Project for the Prevention and Protection of Children at Work (PPET) has been prepared to combat the scourge of child labour. It also notes that awareness-raising seminars on the worst forms of child labour were organized in January 2000. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the PPET for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and the results achieved.

2. Legislative measures. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in 2004 in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which the commission responsible for the rights of women and the promotion of children’s rights has begun preparing draft legislation prohibiting the worst forms of child labour (see paragraph 11 of the Government’s response). The Government adds that a Bill to amend the Penal Code provides, among other measures, for the repression of trafficking in children (see paragraph 33 of the Government’s response). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the Bill to prohibit the worst forms of child labour and the Bill to amend the Penal Code, and to provide copies of these Acts once they have been adopted.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. The sale and trafficking of children. The Committee notes that, in her report on the integration of the human rights of women and the gender perspective - International, regional and national developments in the area of violence against women (1994-2003) - published in February 2003 (see E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraph 149), the Special Rapporteur on violence against women indicates that the Penal Code makes trafficking in persons a crime punishable by imprisonment. She adds that there have been no reports of the trafficking of persons in Chad. However, in the same report, she notes that children are reportedly trafficked to the Central African Republic to be used as domestic servants, shop helpers and agricultural workers. Cases of the trafficking of children to Cameroon have also been reported (see E/CN.4/2003/75/Add.1, paragraphs 143 and 168).

The Committee reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of young persons under 18 years of age for economic or sexual exploitation are considered to be among the worst forms of child labour and that, under Article 1 of the Convention, each Member which ratifies the instrument has to take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee requests the Government to provide information concerning these cases of the trafficking of children to the Central African Republic and to Cameroon. It also requests the Government to indicate whether the provisions contained in the Penal Code prohibiting the trafficking in persons cover both the sale and trafficking of children for economic and sexual purposes.

2. Debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes that, in her report entitled "Situation of human rights in Chad", published in January 2005 (see E/CN.4/2005/121, paragraphs 57 and 86), the independent expert on human rights indicates that there is a practice in Chad of exploiting boys to look after cattle, and that they are known as enfants bouviers. Rather than the sale of a person, this involves a contract for the hire of services concluded between the child’s parents or guardians and a cattle-owning pastoralist. The boy is paid in kind - one animal at the end of the year - but he is placed in semi-slavery where it is difficult to maintain his identity and personality. The independent expert also refers to the report of a mission to investigate human rights in the Mandoul region issued in August 2004 by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), which provides a detailed account of the practice, the facts of which are corroborated by copies of signed contracts. According to this report, the enfants bouviers are aged between six and 15 years. In her recommendations, the independent expert recommends the abolition of the practice of enfants bouviers.

The Committee notes that, under the terms of article 20 of the Constitution of 31 March 1996, no one may be held in slavery or servitude. It also notes that, under section 5 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code (hereinafter the Labour Code), forced or compulsory labour is prohibited. Under the terms of the same provision, the expression "forced or compulsory labour" means all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the person has not offered to work voluntarily. Furthermore, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report to the effect that specific seminars on enfants bouviers have been organized for rural workers, stock-raisers and the traditional authorities in the localities in which the phenomenon is widespread.

The Committee reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(a) of the Convention, all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as serfdom and forced or compulsory labour, are considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour. Although the national legislation appears to be in conformity with the Convention on this point and the Government has shown the will to resolve this practice, particularly through the adoption of awareness-raising measures for the population where the exploitation of boys as enfants bouviers is widespread, the Committee expresses concern at the existence of this practice in Chad. In this respect, it requests the Government to redouble its efforts to afford protection to children against this practice. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect.

3. Forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes that article 51 of the Constitution of 1996 establishes the obligation for each national of Chad to defend the homeland and the integrity of the national territory. This article also provides that military service shall be compulsory in accordance with the conditions for its performance determined by the law. According to the information provided by the Government in its "technical file of information on the recruitment of children into the army", supplied to the Office in August 2004, section 14 of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad establishes the age of recruitment at 18 years for volunteers and 20 years for conscripts. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Ordinance No. 01/PCE/CEDNACVG of 16 January 1991 reorganizing the armed forces of Chad.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes that section 279 of the Penal Code, as cited by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190 (see paragraph 16 of the Government’s response), provides that any person shall be considered to be a procurer and shall be punished who: (1) in any manner, knowingly helps, assists or conceals the prostitution of another person or soliciting with a view to prostitution; (4) hires, removes or maintains, even with her or his consent, a person, even an adult, with a view to prostitution or who delivers such person into prostitution; (5) acts as an intermediary, in any manner, between persons engaging in prostitution or debauchery and persons who exploit or remunerate the prostitution or debauchery of others. The Committee also notes that section 280 of the Penal Code provides that the penalty shall be heavier if the offence has been committed in relation to a minor. However, the Committee notes that, although the national legislation contains provisions criminalizing procuring, it does not appear to criminalize the client. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to criminalize clients who use children under 18 years of age for prostitution, and to establish sanctions for this purpose.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes that the national legislation does not appear to contain provisions giving effect to this provision of the Convention. The Committee reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 1 of the Convention, it is under the obligation to take the immediate and effective measures necessary to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to prohibit, in accordance with Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and to establish sanctions for this purpose.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. In the absence of information from the Government, the Committee recalls that, under the terms of Article 3(c) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties, is considered to be one of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to secure the prohibition and elimination of the use, procuring or offering of a young person under 18 years of age for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties, in accordance with this provision of the Convention.

Article 3(d) and Article 4, paragraph 1. Hazardous work and the determination of these types of work. 1. Prohibition. The Committee notes that section 6 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour contains a list of activities in which it is prohibited to employ young workers under 18 years of age.

2. Self-employed worker. The Committee notes that, in its initial report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 1997 (see CRC/C/3/Add.50, paragraph 43), the Government indicated that the informal sector, which plays a major role in the national economy, is not organized, despite the fact that a large number of children work in the sector. The Government added that ways of regulating it are being considered. The Committee notes that, according to this information, Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS does not apply to young persons under 18 years of age engaged in hazardous types of work in the informal sector. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the national legislation provides that these young persons under 18 years of age shall benefit from the protection afforded by Article 3(d) of the Convention so that they are not engaged in a work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals.

Article 5. Mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Convention. 1. Labour inspection. The Committee notes that sections 471 to 489 of Act No. 038/PR/96 of 11 December 1996 issuing the Labour Code determine the responsibilities of labour inspectors and labour controllers. It also notes that, under the terms of section 9 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour, labour inspectors may require the examination of any young worker with a view to determining whether the work in which he or she is engaged is in excess of her or his strength. The Committee refers to its direct request made in 2004 under the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), in which it noted the information provided by the Government in its report on the application of the Minimum Age (Non-Industrial Employment) Convention, 1932 (No. 33), concerning the awareness-raising campaigns on child labour undertaken by the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations, with a view to discouraging clandestine employers of children and warning parents of this phenomenon. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the functions of labour inspectors and labour controllers, particularly with regard to the worst forms of child labour, including extracts of reports and documents.

2. Other mechanisms. As Article 3(a) to (c) of the Convention concerns crimes of a penal nature, the Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether monitoring mechanisms other than the labour administration services have been established to monitor the application of these provisions of the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a National Plan of Action for Children in Chad has been prepared. It requests the Government to indicate whether programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour are envisaged in the context of this National Plan of Action. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on consultations with relevant government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations and, where appropriate, the views of other concerned groups taken into account when preparing these programmes of action.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes that section 190 of the Labour Code establishes sanctions for violations of section 5 respecting forced labour. It also notes that sections 279 and 280 of the Penal Code establish sanctions for the crime of procuring. Furthermore, it notes that section 13 of Decree No. 55/PR/MTJS-DOMPS of 8 February 1969 respecting child labour establishes sanctions for violations of its provisions, including the prohibition on employing young persons under 18 years of age in hazardous types of work. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of these sanctions in practice.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Cooperation programme between the Government and UNICEF (2001-05). The Committee notes the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which a cooperation programme between the Government and UNICEF has been established with a view to prevention. This programme gives priority to children, including those who are victims of all forms of violence, including economic and sexual exploitation. The main lines of the Government’s preventive action focus on access to basic services (education, health and other basic infrastructure), action to combat the exclusion of street children and the worst forms of child labour (see paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Government’s response). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in the context of this cooperation programme with UNICEF to prevent children being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, and particularly in economic and sexual exploitation.

Clause (b). Removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and their rehabilitation and social integration. Children who have been recruited and used in armed conflict. In its concluding observations on the Government’s initial report in August 1999 (see CRC/C/15/Add.107, paragraph 35), the Committee on the Rights of the Child, while noting the existing awareness and political will concerning the problems caused by the involvement of children in armed conflict, expressed serious concern about the lack of resources available to support the rehabilitation and social reintegration of demobilized child soldiers. It also expressed particular concern about the situation of traumatized or permanently disabled former child soldiers and their lack of access to compensation or other support services. The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended the Government to ensure the enforcement of its legislation banning the recruitment of children under 18 years of age. It also encouraged the redoubling of efforts to allocate the necessary resources, if necessary with international assistance, for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of former child soldiers, and particularly to provide compensation and support services to traumatized or permanently disabled former child soldiers.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its technical file of information on the recruitment of children into the army, according to which the conflict in Chad over the past three decades has given rise to the massive enrolment of children among the ranks of combatants. In this respect, the Government indicates that, following the return of peace, it has taken measures, including the preparation of the National Programme of Action for Children in Chad (PROFANET) and the establishment of the Directorate for Children within the Ministry of Social Action and the Family as the body responsible for the implementation of the Government’s policy for children. The Government adds that it has implemented programmes for the demobilization of child soldiers and that officially there are no longer any minors in the army in Chad. Furthermore, training workshops for police officers, magistrates on the role of children’s judges and army officers on the problem of child soldiers have been organized with a view to changing the attitudes of military chiefs who recruit children. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures referred to above with a view to the rehabilitation and social integration of demobilized child soldiers and on any other measures taken to prevent, monitor and eventually demobilize minors in armed groups other than those of the State.

Clause (d). Children at special risk. 1. HIV/AIDS. The Committee notes that, according to the information contained in the Epidemiological Fact Sheet on the epidemic for 2004 of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 96,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Chad. While noting that Chad has developed a National AIDS Programme, the Committee expresses concern at the high number of children affected by HIV/AIDS. It notes that HIV/AIDS has consequences for orphans, who are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to spare no effort to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS by preventing its transmission within the population and to provide information on the specific time-bound measures adopted to improve the situation of these children.

2. Child refugees. The Committee notes the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which various activities are undertaken with a view to the protection of child refugees. These include surveys of the vulnerability of children following the conflicts in Darfur and the Central African Republic with a view to taking appropriate measures, such as awareness-raising and information activities and training on the general rights of refugees, on protection against the sexual and economic exploitation of refugees and the identification and psycho-social support of child victims (see paragraph 9 of the Government’s response). The Committee notes that child refugees are at greater risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. It therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted following the surveys undertaken on the vulnerability of children with a view to preventing child refugees from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour as a result of the conflicts in Darfur and the Central African Republic.

3. Child domestic workers. The Committee notes that, in its first report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 1997 (see CRC/C/3/Add.50, paragraph 201), the Government indicated that in practice it is found that children are improperly employed in domestic work. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to protect children engaged in domestic work against the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. The Committee notes that, according to the statistical data for 2000 available to the ILO, 45.5 per cent of boys between 6 and 11 years of age were at school compared with 32.8 per cent of girls of the same age. The Committee notes that these figures show a difference of nearly 13 per cent between the school attendance rates of girls and boys. The Committee notes the information provided in 2004 by the Government in its response to the in-depth study on the question of violence against children requested from the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly in resolution 57/190, according to which education is one of its priorities, with emphasis on school attendance by girls, and that national programmes are being undertaken in the country to promote education. In this respect, the Government refers to the Strategy of Education and Training for Employment (EPE) and the National Plan for Education for All (see paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Government’s response). Considering that education contributes to eliminating many of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to improve the education system, ensure that children attend school regularly and reduce school drop-out rates, particularly for girls.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and assistance. The Committee notes that Chad is a member of Interpol, the organization which assists in cooperation between countries in the various regions, particularly to combat trafficking in children. It also notes that, according to World Bank information, the Government prepared a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in 2003. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the vicious circle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any significant impact of the PRSP on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Parts IV and V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes that, according to ILO statistics for 2000, some 318,000 children between the ages of 10 and 14 years were economically active, of whom 151,000 were girls and 167,000 boys, representing 36.64 per cent of the population of this age group. However, the Committee notes that these data are for child labour in general, and that no statistics on the number of child victims of the worst forms of child labour appear to be available in Chad. It therefore requests the Government to provide statistics on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, and information on the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations undertaken, prosecutions, convictions and the penal sanctions applied.