Observación (CEACR) - Adopción: 1996, Publicación: 85ª reunión CIT (1997)

Convenio sobre la edad mínima, 1973 (núm. 138) - Bélgica (Ratificación : 1988)

The Committee notes that the Government has not provided information in reply to its general observation concerning the various measures that have been taken or are envisaged in the context of the national policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. It requests the Government to supply a full report on the application of Article 1 of the Convention.

Participation in activities such as artistic performances

The Committee notes, from the report submitted by the Government under Article 44 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/11/Add.4-06.09.1994), the establishment of an advisory committee on child labour which includes representatives of workers and employers, as well as experts in psychology and pedagogy. It requests the Government to supply detailed information on the functions and composition of the above committee and on the results of its work.

The Committee notes with interest the Act of 5 August 1992 (which came into force on 1 February 1993), which provides for the protection of children in a sector in which they are increasingly being sought, namely publicity. It notes that, through an individual authorization from the competent Minister, work by children may be authorized in specific cases such as theatrical roles, fashion shows or participation in fashion photographic sessions. The application to obtain an individual derogation from the prohibition of child labour can only be made personally by the organizer, who must be resident in Belgium, and not by impresarios or agencies. The competent official who issues the derogation may establish a whole series of specific measures according to the activity and may interview the child.

The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the application of the Act of 5 August 1992 and the Royal Order of 11 March 1993, which gives effect, in law, to the provisions of Article 8 of the Convention.