Caso individual (CAS) - Discusión: 2022, Publicación: 110ª reunión CIT (2022)

Convenio sobre las peores formas de trabajo infantil, 1999 (núm. 182) - República Centroafricana (Ratificación : 2000)

Written information provided by the Government

The Government would like to begin by thanking the Committee for recognizing the complexity of the situation in the Central African Republic, which is marked by recurring armed conflicts, and for noting the progress made in combating child labour. It now has the honour of providing updated and detailed information on the action taken at the national level in accordance with Article 3(a) of the Convention.

In its keen awareness that the worst forms of child labour and similar practices constitute a key component of trafficking in persons, the Government has established, by Decree No. 20.077 of 13 March 2020, a National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Central African Republic, under the direct authority of His Excellency the President of the Republic, the Head of State. An operational action plan 2022–23 has recently been adopted, which will enable the Government and all stakeholders to continue implementing the strategic vision based on the “four Ps” of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership.

In the meantime, in 2020 and 2021, the National Committee undertook work to raise awareness, strengthen the capacity of stakeholders and in particular extend into certain provincial towns the Joint Rapid Intervention and Repression Unit for sexual violence against women and children (UMIRR), established by Decree No. 15.007 of 8 January 2015. Under section 7 of the Decree, the UMIRR is responsible for: “preventing and suppressing all forms of sexual violence committed against women and children, irrespective of their social or marital status, including widows and orphans”. This approach is part of the process of bringing together social, police and judicial services for victims of gender-based violence and children throughout the country. It will support the provision of care to victims of conflict-related sexual violence.

In the interests of coherence, in 2022, the Central African Republic adopted a National Strategy to Combat Gender-Based Violence, Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.

The Government’s commitment to promoting social justice has recently resulted in the adoption and promulgation of Act No. 21.003 of 1 September 2021 authorizing the ratification of the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190). The Government immediately transposed it into the existing body of national legislation in order to provide the authorities responsible for child protection with effective tools to combat all forms of discrimination, violence and harassment in relation to children.

In a similar vein, the Government has requested the technical assistance of the International Labour Office to develop a national plan to combat child labour and establish a related national committee. This request was reiterated during the visit of a Government delegation to the ILO headquarters in January 2022. All this is sufficient proof of the Government’s willingness to prevent, protect and guarantee a better life for children.

The Government has also requested the ILO to extend the Decent Work Country Programme for the Central African Republic (2017–21), which has been instrumental in the process of consolidating peace and the promotion of decent and productive jobs, as well as supporting the capacity-building of labour administration and labour inspection personnel on international labour standards. The common theme of all these requests is active and dynamic partnership to eradicate the worst forms of child labour.

With regard to the observations concerning the provisions of Article 7(2) of the Convention, the Government indicates that, with the gradual return of peace and the re‑establishment of the authority of the State over the national territory, several projects have been initiated that have made it possible to rebuild or construct much school infrastructure in areas that were severely affected by the armed conflict. For example, in the northern, eastern central and north-eastern academic inspectorates, the rebuilding and reopening of schools has enabled boys and girls in their first two years of primary education to return to school.

The Government further indicates that Title 5 of Act No. 20.016 of 15 June 2020 on the Child Protection Code in the Central African Republic strengthens the overall framework for the repression of abuses and violations of children’s rights. The abuse and violation of children are now criminalized. Section 179 of the Act prohibits the recruitment of children in armed conflict and perpetrators are liable to a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years and/or a fine of 5 to 20 million CFA francs.

With regard to the prosecution of perpetrators of human rights violations, including the worst forms of child labour, the Government draws the attention of the Committee to the efforts made in recent years, which have been encouraging. Political declarations and guidelines, strategies and institutional reforms have been conducive to the adoption of a more coherent approach to accountability for violence against children involved in armed conflict.

The Government recognizes the competence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and judge war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide committed in the Central African Republic and is continuing to take all the appropriate corrective measures with a view to improving the protection of the civil population, and particularly children.

Indeed, one of the principal providers of the presumed perpetrators of certain of these crimes to the ICC is still the Central African Republic. The Government emphasizes that the establishment of the Special Criminal Court by Basic Act No. 15.003 of 3 June 2015 forms part of this approach, and in particular is a response to the will and the thirst for justice expressed by the People of the Central African Republic through the work of the Bangui Forum held from 4 to 11 May 2015.

Despite the difficulties encountered and those resulting from the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the attempt by the Coalition of the Central African People (CPC 2020–21) to destabilize the country, the Government, with the support of the various partners, has contributed significantly to the process of the operationalization of this Court, which commenced its solemn procedure on 25 April 2022.

Moreover, the combined efforts of the Government and the international community have made it possible to reinforce the criminal justice system, particularly through the holding of regular criminal sessions since the end of 2015. At the last criminal session in February 2020, the national jurisdictions had to determine the guilt of some of those responsible for the tragic events that shook the town of Bangassou in May 2017, convicting all of the seven accused to heavy sentences. During the trial, many victims were able to benefit from a public hearing and put forward their versions of the facts to the Criminal Court of Bangui. The Government will provide the Committee with all the judgments handed down.

Furthermore, the military jurisdictions of Bangui and Bouar (in the west of the country) have been operating since 9 July 2020. The Bangui jurisdiction held correctional hearings in February and July 2021. The criminal session of the martial court was held on 20 September 2021, as a result of which 20 sentences were issued for both offences and crimes.

The Government adds that the session of the Criminal Court is currently being held to judge the presumed perpetrators in the cases envisaged in Article 7 of the Convention, the final judgments of which will be provided to the Committee. Over 15 cases are to be examined.

The Government informs the Committee that the Central African Republic, through the Committee on Strategic Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation; Security Sector Reform; National Reconciliation (DDRR/RSS/RN), under the presidency of the President of the Republic, Head of State, on 20 March 2017, adopted a National Strategy for Defence and Security Sector Reform for the period 2017–21. The Strategy is anchored in the international commitments undertaken by the State, and more specifically the principles set out by the United Nations (UN) within the framework of security sector reform, the African Union Policy Framework on Security Sector Reform and the lessons drawn from the various studies and analyses undertaken which emphasize the concerns of populations relating to the protection of persons and property.

The implementation of this programme has led to the demobilization of several former combatants, some of whom have been incorporated into the armed forces, while others have benefited from the socio-economic integration programme.

The Government emphasizes that multiple types of action are continuing with a view to effectively combating all forms of violations of human rights and similar practices in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. For example, in March 2022, a joint mission consisting of representatives of the Government and MINUSCA went to Alindoo in the Prefecture of Basse-Kotto to investigate allegations of the use of children by the defence and security and allied forces. The mission confirmed the presence around military bases of children seeking subsidies, but who were not being used as child soldiers. This situation has also been noted by the MINUSCA in all the FACA military bases.

The mission recommended a joint inquiry by the Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with a view to identifying children in need of special protection and the implementation of protection measures. In this connection, the Central Inspectorate of the National Army organized from 20 to 24 April 2022 an awareness-raising mission on trafficking in persons in military environments, specifically in Bangui and Sibut, and will continue in all the military bases. The Government has already taken measures to prohibit the presence of children in the vicinity of military bases.

In light of the above, the Government requests the Committee to note its good will as demonstrated by the new action taken, as summarized, in a difficult situation and once again requests ILO support for the protection of children against the worst forms of child labour. It reassures the Committee that the Central African Republic is determined to comply with its commitment to ensure the social protection of children.

Discussion by the Committee

Government representative, Minister of Labour, Employment, Social Protection and Vocational Training – The Government would first of all like to thank the Committee, which has not only recognized the complexity of the situation in the Central African Republic, which is marked by recurring armed conflict, but has also noted the progress made in combating child labour. However, it now has the honour to provide updated and detailed information on the action taken at the national level in accordance with Article 3(a) of the Convention.

Indeed, highly aware that the worst forms of child labour and similar practices constitute a key component of trafficking in persons, the Government has established, by Decree No. 20.077 of 13 March 2020, a National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Central African Republic, under the direct authority of His Excellency the President of the Republic, the Head of State. An operational action plan 2022–23 has recently been adopted, which will enable the Government and all stakeholders to continue implementing the strategic vision based on the “four Ps” of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership.

In the meantime, in 2020 and 2021, the National Committee undertook work to raise awareness, strengthen the capacity of stakeholders and in particular extend into certain provincial towns the Joint Rapid Intervention Unit for the repression of sexual violence against women and children (UMIRR), established by Decree No. 15.007 of 8 January 2015. Under section 7 of the Decree, the UMIRR is responsible for: “preventing and suppressing all forms of sexual violence committed against women and children, irrespective of their social or marital status, including widows and orphans”. This approach is part of the process of bringing together social, police and judicial services for victims of gender-based violence and children throughout the country. It will support the provision of care to victims of conflict-related sexual violence.

In the interests of greater clarity regarding all the action taken, in 2022 the Central African Republic adopted a National Strategy to Combat Gender-Based Violence, Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.

The Government’s commitment to promoting social justice has recently resulted in the adoption and promulgation of Act No. 21.003 of 1 September 2021 authorizing the ratification of the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190). The Government immediately transposed it into the existing body of national legislation in order to provide the authorities responsible for child protection with effective tools to combat all forms of discrimination, violence and harassment in relation to children.

In a similar vein, the Government has requested the technical assistance of the International Labour Office to develop a national plan to combat child labour and establish a related national committee. This request was reiterated during the visit of a Government delegation to the ILO headquarters in January 2022. All this is sufficient proof of the Government’s wish to prevent child labour, to protect children and to guarantee a better life for them.

The Government has also requested the ILO to extend the Decent Work Country Programme for the Central African Republic (2017–21), which has been instrumental in the process of consolidating peace and the promotion of decent and productive jobs, as well as supporting the capacity-building of labour administration and labour inspection personnel with regard to international labour standards. The common theme of all these requests is active and dynamic partnership to eradicate the worst forms of child labour.

With regard to the observations concerning the provisions of Article 7(2) of the Convention, the Government indicates that, with the gradual return of peace and the re‑establishment of the authority of the State over the national territory, several projects have been initiated that have made it possible to rebuild or construct a large amount of school infrastructure in areas that were severely affected by the armed conflict. For example, in the northern, eastern central and north-eastern academic inspectorates, the rebuilding and reopening of schools has enabled boys and girls in their first two years of primary education to return to school.

The Government further indicates that Title 5 of Act No. 20.016 of 15 June 2020 issuing the Child Protection Code in the Central African Republic strengthens the overall framework for the repression of abuses and violations of children’s rights. Abuses and violations committed against children are now criminal offences. Section 179 of the Act prohibits the recruitment of children in armed conflict and perpetrators are liable to a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years and/or a fine of 5 to 20 million CFA francs.

With regard to the prosecution of perpetrators of human rights violations, including the worst forms of child labour, the Government draws the Committee’s attention to the fact that the efforts made in recent years have been encouraging. Political declarations and guidelines, strategies and institutional reforms have been conducive to the adoption of a more coherent approach to accountability for violence against children involved in armed conflict.

The Government recognizes the competence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and judge war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide committed in the Central African Republic and is continuing to take all the appropriate corrective measures with a view to improving the protection of the civil population, and particularly children. Indeed, the Central African Republic remains one of the main sources for handing over the presumed perpetrators of some of these crimes to the ICC. The Government emphasizes that the establishment of the Special Criminal Court by Basic Act No. 15.003 of 3 June 2015 forms part of this approach, and in particular is a response to the wish of the people of the Central African Republic, indeed its thirst for justice, expressed through the work of the Bangui Forum held from 4 to 11 May 2015.

Despite the difficulties encountered especially as a result of the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the attempt by the Coalition of the Central African People (CPC 2020–21) to destabilize the country, the Government, with the support of the various partners, has contributed significantly to the process of the operationalization of this Court, which commenced its solemn procedure on 25 April 2022.

Moreover, the combined efforts of the Government and the international community have made it possible to reinforce the criminal justice system, particularly through the holding of regular criminal court sessions since the end of 2015. At the last criminal court session in February 2020, the national jurisdictions had to determine the guilt of some of those responsible for the tragic events that shook the town of Bangassou in May 2017, convicting all of the seven accused to heavy sentences. During the trial, many victims were able to benefit from a public hearing and put forward their versions of the facts to the Criminal Court of Bangui. The Government will provide the Committee with all the judgments handed down.

Furthermore, the military jurisdictions of Bangui and Bouar (in the west of the country) have been operating since 9 July 2020. The Bangui jurisdiction held correctional hearings in February and July 2021. The criminal session of the martial court was held on 20 September 2021, as a result of which 20 sentences were issued for both offences and crimes.

The Government adds that the session of the Criminal Court is currently being held to judge the suspects in the cases envisaged in Article 7 of the Convention, the final judgments of which will be provided to the Committee. Over 15 cases are to be examined.

The Government informs the Committee that the Central African Republic, through the Committee on Strategic Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation; Security Sector Reform; National Reconciliation (DDRR/RSS/RN), chaired by the President of the Republic, Head of State, adopted on 20 March 2017 a National Strategy for Defence and Security Sector Reform for the period 2017–21. The Strategy is anchored in the international commitments undertaken by the State, and more specifically the principles set out by the UN within the framework of security sector reform, the African Union Policy Framework on Security Sector Reform and the lessons drawn from the various studies and analyses undertaken, which emphasize public concerns relating to the protection of persons and property.

The implementation of this programme has led to the demobilization of a number of former combatants, some of whom have been incorporated into the armed forces, while others have benefited from the socio-economic reintegration programme.

The Government emphasizes that multiple types of action are continuing with a view to effectively combating all forms of violations of human rights and similar practices in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention. For example, in March 2022, a joint mission consisting of representatives of the Government and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) went to Alindoo in the Prefecture of Basse-Kotto to investigate allegations of the use of children by the defence and security and allied forces. The mission confirmed the presence around military bases of children who were seeking financial assistance but were not being used as child soldiers. This situation has also been noted in all military bases of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and MINUSCA too.

The mission recommended a joint inquiry by the Government and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) with a view to identifying children in need of special protection and the implementation of protection measures. In this connection, the Central Inspectorate of the National Army organized from 20 to 24 April 2022 an awareness-raising mission on trafficking in persons in military environments, specifically in Bangui and Sibut, and will continue in all the military bases. The Government has already taken measures to prohibit the presence of children in the vicinity of military bases.

In light of the above, the Government requests the Committee to note its good will as demonstrated by the new action taken, as summarized, in a difficult situation and once again requests ILO support for the protection of children against the worst forms of child labour. It reassures the Committee that the Central African Republic is determined to comply with its commitment to ensure the social protection of children.

Employer members – The present case is a double-footnoted case dealing with the application in law and practice of a fundamental Convention, Convention No. 182, in the Central African Republic. The universal ratification achieved by the Convention reflects universal consensus and a strong tripartite commitment to put an end to the worst forms of child labour. However, this does not mean automatic universal implementation in law and practice. In fact, according to the ILO and UNICEF report Child Labour: Global Estimates 2020, 160 million girls and boys remain in child labour, with 9 million additional children at risk due to the impact of COVID-19.

It is the first time that the Committee discusses the Central African Republic’s application of the Convention, which was ratified in 2000. The Committee of Experts has issued seven observations noting serious gaps in the compliance of the Central African Republic with the Convention in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2017, and most recently in the report issued in 2021.

We thank the Government for having submitted additional information to the Committee, and for clarifying some issues regarding the application of this Convention in law and practice. We find this information is very promising and we hope that the operational action plan 2022–23 can be properly developed.

The Committee of Experts’ observations outline very serious elements of inadequacy on the implementation of the Convention in the Central African Republic. Let me summarize them around three issues.

Firstly, regarding Article 3(a) of the Convention, which prohibits all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, including forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee of Experts recognized the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground and the existence of an armed conflict and armed groups in the country. Also, the Committee of Experts noted that, according to the report by the independent experts on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic in 2020, the time limit fixed by the national authorities of the end of January 2020 to complete disarmament and demobilization was not respected.

In this context, despite the signing of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic in 2019, both the armed forces and armed groups continued to recruit and use children. It is noted that children were used as combatants and in support roles, and that they were subjected to sexual violence.

The Committee of Experts deplored the continuing recruitment and use of children in the armed conflict in the Central African Republic, all the more so as it gives rise to other serious violations of children’s rights, such as abductions, murder and sexual violence.

It is noted that the Central African Republic Child Protection Code, promulgated in 2020, criminalizes the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and groups, and considers enlisted children as victims. However, considering the prevalence and gravity of these practices, the Employer members echo the Committee of Experts and urge the Government to redouble its efforts and take measures to put an end to the practice of forced recruitment of children of less than 18 years of age, and to ensure that all persons, including members of the regular armed forces, who recruit children under 18 years of age are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions are imposed.

We request the Government to continue to report on the measures taken, especially on the application of the Child Protection Code. We are pleased to hear that the Government has requested the technical assistance of the ILO to develop a national plan against child labour and encourage this course of action.

Secondly, regarding provisions in Article 7(2)(a) considering access to free basic education. The Committee of Experts noted from various UN reports that half of the country’s children are out of school and that several schools had partially or totally closed because of the armed conflict, particularly in the hinterland and rural areas, thus cutting off children’s access to education. According to UNICEF, one in four schools is not functioning due to the fighting. The Committee of Experts further noted that confrontations during the electoral period in 2020 and 2021 gave rise to looting, attacks and occupation of numerous schools, gravely affecting the resumption of school.

To appreciate the impact of these considerations, the Employer members want to highlight that according to UN World Population Prospects, by 2020 almost 44 per cent of the Central African Republic population was under 14 years of age. This is a very serious case, with an undeniable impact on the economic and social recovery of the Central African Republic.

In this context, the Committee of Experts has expressed its deep concern and urged the Government to intensify its efforts to improve the operation of the education system and facilitate access to free basic education for all children; and to provide information on the concrete measures taken in this regard. We share the concerns expressed by the Committee of Experts, taking into consideration the role of education in preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

We are pleased to hear that the Government has initiated projects to rebuild or construct school infrastructure in severely affected areas. The Employer members encourage the Government to intensify its efforts to facilitate access to free basic education for all children, especially girls and children residing in the zones affected by the conflict; and to continue to cooperate with the international community, as well as to seek further assistance from the ILO and UNICEF to develop sustainable strategies to tackle this challenge during the transition towards lasting peace.

Thirdly, regarding Article 7(2)(b) on effective and time-bound measures to provide direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee of Experts noted that, within the framework of the Programme for Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation, the armed groups signed protocols and action plans with the authorities to release children from their ranks and refrain from further recruitment. As a result, a number of children were either released or self-demobilized and enrolled in reintegration programmes. However, the Committee of Experts noted that cases of enlistment and use of children by armed groups were still documented. And, even though a number of children have been released, according to UNICEF, more than one in five of these children had yet to be enrolled in a reintegration programme.

The Employer members urge the Government to intensify its efforts to provide appropriate direct assistance to remove child victims of forced recruitment from armed groups and ensure their rehabilitation and social integration, and to report on the concrete measures taken to ensure the removal of children recruited for use in the armed conflict and for their rehabilitation and social integration, providing, if possible, data disaggregated by gender and age.

The Employer members once again thank the Government for the information submitted to the Committee. And, while acknowledging the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground, we are forced to point out that the Committee of Experts has been raising this issue since 2008, and that the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict has sharply increased in recent years.

We note that the Office is already supporting the country in its efforts to combat trafficking, including joining Alliance 8.7. We encourage the Government to seek further assistance from the ILO to increase the capacity of the tripartite constituents, in order to implement effective and sustainable strategies to eradicate the worst forms of child labour in the country.

As stated in the “Durban Call to Action” recently adopted by the 5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, and humanitarian and environmental crises threaten to reverse years of progress against child labour. The Employer members agree that it is essential to stand against this scourge and accelerate multi-stakeholder efforts to prevent and eliminate child labour with the highest priority given to the worst forms of child labour.

Worker members – It is now nearly two years since the Convention was ratified by all ILO Member States, thereby making it the first universally ratified Convention, and in a record time of 21 years. This all testifies to the global consensus and commitment to eradicating the scourge of child labour. These commitments towards realizing this goal were also the subject of the 5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, which was recently held in Durban.

Although it is a source of satisfaction that political commitments have now been made universally to work for the elimination of child labour, a huge amount of work still remains to be done to eradicate child labour in practice. Indeed, the Durban Conference made the sad assessment that there was an increase in child labour globally, which is certainly not unconnected with the crisis context of these last two years.

Moreover, the Central African Republic has been faced with a completely different crisis for a long time, which obliges us to reach the same conclusions as for the global level: that unfortunately children are often among the first victims of these crises. Exacerbated by the electoral context, this serious political and security crisis in the Central African Republic, in the form of numerous armed conflicts in the country, is having a devastating impact on the country’s children. The latter are either forcibly enlisted by various armed groups involved in the conflict, including the regular army, or deprived of access to education, which makes them particularly vulnerable from all points of view.

Children who have been forcibly enlisted are doubly victims of this unstable situation, because of the inadequacy of the resources allocated for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. As long ago as 2010, the problem of the forcible enlistment of children in armed conflict was the subject of discussion in our Committee, in relation to the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138). Twelve years later, this problem is here before our Committee again, in relation to Convention No. 182 this time, with the dismal analysis that the situation has not improved since then.

We also regret the fact that the Government of the Central African Republic has not made use of the possibility given to it to produce written observations after it was placed on the preliminary list of individual cases.

The July 2017 report of the independent expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic cites a figure of between 4,000 and 5,000 children enlisted in the conflict. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN mission to the Central African Republic recently published a report which describes a worsening of the security situation in the country, resulting in the continued enlistment of children in the conflict. In May 2021, the report of the UN Secretary-General on children and armed conflict recorded 580 cases of children recruited and used by armed groups and the armed forces, which represents an alarming deterioration of the situation. The report describes the use of children as combatants and in support roles. A total of 82 instances of sexual violence are also cited in the report. In addition, 42 children have been killed or wounded and 58 children have been abducted by armed groups for the purposes of recruitment, sexual violence and ransom.

Article 3(a) of the Convention is very clear: forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict is one of the worst forms of child labour. Article 1 of the Convention requires Member States to take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. This obligation applies not only to the official armed forces but also to other armed groups. We are bound to observe that these provisions of the Convention are still not respected in the Central African Republic today.

The worsening of this situation also has a consequent impact on access to primary education for children. The school enrolment rate remains extremely low in the Central African Republic, especially for girls. The drop-out rate between primary and secondary education is also very high. In June 2021, the report of the UN Secretary-General on the Central African Republic stated that half of the country’s children do not attend school.

This situation is due in particular to the partial or total closure of a number of schools owing to the armed conflict, especially in the interior of the country, with armed groups looting, attacking and occupying schools as part of the armed conflict. In April 2021, UNICEF estimated that one in four schools was not operating as a result of the fighting.

Article 7(2)(a) and (c) of the Convention provide that Member States shall take effective and time-bound measures to prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and ensure access to free basic education. The Central African Republic still has a lot of work to do to fulfil these obligations.

According to information from UNICEF reproduced in the Committee of Experts’ report, almost one in five children enlisted in armed groups has still not been enrolled in reintegration programmes. It also appears that some children who were initially released have fallen back into the hands of the armed groups. It is clear that the reintegration programmes must be reinforced to ensure effective and lasting demobilization for the children.

It is indisputable that the rehabilitation of former child soldiers represents a major challenge; it is therefore essential that adequate aid is provided to these children who are victims of forcible enlistment into the armed forces. In particular, it is important to avoid treating these children as war criminals and to treat them as the victims which they are.

Article 7(2)(b) of the Convention provides that Member States shall take effective and time-bound measures to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour and for their rehabilitation and social integration. We are bound to note that, even though the political commitments were made a long time ago in the Central African Republic, the time limit for actually putting these commitments into practice has long gone. We are bound to note with regret that numerous problems persist in practice.

These problems have been the subject of recurring observations by the Committee of Experts since 2008. Even though the efforts made to reach political agreements aimed at demobilizing child soldiers are undeniable, we are bound to regret that there are difficulties in implementing these agreements in practice. It also appears from the Committee of Experts’ report that the situation has been getting worse in recent years. This is why the Central African Republic is now the subject of a double-footnoted case, a sign of how serious the situation is. The response from the Central African Republic should be commensurate with the gravity of the situation.

In the light of the comments of the Committee of Experts, which invites the UN treaty bodies to conduct a joint discussion on the means of reinforcing synergies and complementarities with the Committee, on the basis of the respective separate mandates of the various bodies, it seems to us that the case of the Central African Republic might be a case in which the specific implementation of synergies between the ILO and the other UN bodies could be tried out with a view to pooling available resources in order to provide a coordinated response to the fundamental problems observed in the country.

Worker member, Central African Republic – I would like to thank the Committee of Experts for identifying this case as one of those to be discussed at this session of the Conference.

Our appreciation arises from the fact that the incidence of child labour continues to rise in our country. Both workers and parents are concerned about this situation. In addition to the fact that the increase in child labour highlights higher adult unemployment, we fear that the stability of our country continues to be challenged by the prevalence of child labour. A recent UNICEF report indicates that the incidence of child labour in the Central African Republic is 31 per cent for children aged 5 to 17 years. The report also recognizes the Government’s efforts to enact legislation prohibiting children from being engaged in hazardous work.

The Committee of Experts rightly alluded to the lack of clarity in the Code’s provisions. In addition, abuses are in most cases deliberately perpetrated without remorse. Aside from the weakness of the law’s provisions, the gaps in the definitions and the weakness of the political will to advance robust programmes to combat child labour, there is little capacity to punish individuals and organizations for wrongdoing. Most indigent parents are guilty of a deliberate practice of child labour, using the pretext of an unsafe and unstable environment to engage their children in paid work. This practice is the norm in the informal economy.

Without making excuses for my country, I think it is fairly well known why child labour is prevalent. The combination of poverty, high unemployment, stagnant and low wages, and prolonged warfare has seriously contributed to the exacerbation and continuation of the practice of child labour. The situation is worse for girls, who are more likely to be easily recruited by their mothers to help generate and increase family income, while parents may help boys to attend school.

Our country will need help to successfully and permanently stop the civil war. We will also need help to improve our Labour Code and legislation to protect the rights of children.

The 5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour was held in Durban, South Africa a few weeks ago. This Conference resulted in the “Durban Call to Action”, as an outcome document, which was fully endorsed by the trade unions of the Central African Republic. The Conference identified the need to receive and deploy social protection to combat poverty and the vulnerability of households as a means to stop child labour. Social security is essential for children. There is a great need for social protection to ensure economic, social and nutritional well-being now that our country is struggling with inflation and economic recession owing to civil war, coronavirus, the knock-on effects of the war in Ukraine, and soaring debt servicing.

We also believe in the effectiveness of education. Unfortunately, the recurrent situation of civil war makes it difficult for children to attend school. Many children recruited as child soldiers need to be rehabilitated and reintegrated. Of course, this can only happen if we succeed in ending the war. To achieve good school enrolment and keep children in school, incentives to parents such as conditional cash transfers may need to be authorized.

Lastly, let me point out that my country is before this Committee for the second time in a decade. In conclusion, therefore, I would like to ask the ILO to consider a multi-partner approach with other development agencies, such as UNICEF, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to work with our Government, social partners and other stakeholders in a collaborative and inclusive manner to help us effectively address this threat.

We want a secure future for our children: they are our legacy.

Government member, France – I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. The candidate country North Macedonia, and the European Free Trade Association countries Iceland and Norway, Members of the European Economic Area, as well as Georgia and Türkiye 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, in particular in its worst forms.

We actively promote the universal ratification and implementation of fundamental international labour standards, including ILO Convention No. 182. We support the ILO in its indispensable role to develop, promote and supervise the application of ratified international labour standards and of fundamental Conventions in particular.

As stated in the recently adopted “Durban Call to Action”, this universally ratified Convention requires action from the ILO Member States to eliminate as a matter of urgency the worst forms of child labour. We recall the importance of scaling up efforts in this regard and underline our strong commitment thereto.

The Central African Republic and the EU have a close and constructive relationship under the Cotonou Agreement, further reinforced by a new partnership agreement reaffirming our joint commitment to protect, promote and implement human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic principles, and to strengthen the rule of law and good governance. The Central African Republic is also a beneficiary of the EU’s “Everything but Arms” scheme for least developed countries.

The recruitment and use of children is unacceptable in itself and results in serious other violations of the most fundamental child rights, such as abductions, murder and sexual abuse and violence. The existence of an armed conflict and armed groups in the country can never be used as an argument for the continued and increasing recruitment and use of children, including by the armed forces, both as combatants and in support roles, regardless of the complexity of the situation in the country.

In line with the Committee’s call, we urge the Government to pursue its efforts to put an immediate end to the practice of forced recruitment of children by the armed forces and by armed groups in the country. We also urge the Government to ensure that all those responsible for such acts are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed in practice, in conformity with the Child Protection Code.

We also reiterate the call to the Government to ensure that all children removed from armed groups and from the armed forces benefit from reintegration programmes focused on their rehabilitation and social integration through child protection services and appropriate education, so as to guarantee their definitive demobilization.

Similarly, while acknowledging that the Central African Republic has been faced with ongoing political turbulence, violence and insecurity for years, and given the extent of the challenges to be overcome, we call on the Government to intensify its efforts – in line with the National Plan for Recovery and Peace Consolidation (RCPCA) 2017–23, which the EU co-chairs with the Prime Minister – to improve the operation of the education system and facilitate access to free basic education for all children, with special attention for girls, and in the zones affected by the conflict. We express our deep concern at the large number of children deprived of education because of the climate of insecurity and recall that education plays a central role in preventing children from being caught up in the worst forms of child labour.

We furthermore insist on the need to put an end to child labour in society. In this regard, we encourage the Government to implement the Child Protection Code in order to better respect children’s rights in Central African society.

The EU and its Member States are fully committed to working alongside the Central African Republic, and we will continue our engagement for the children in the country and for the education of the most vulnerable children in the framework of existing and future cooperation programmes. We expect the Government to commit itself to immediately end the use of children as combatants or in support roles both by its own armed forces and by other armed groups within the country.

We look forward to continuing joint efforts with the Government and the ILO.

Employer member, Colombia – At the outset, it is important to state the priority that we as employers attach to the Convention, aimed at protecting children, the most important members of society. With the adoption of this Convention, the ILO recognized this issue as a priority, at both national and international levels, and this standard seeks to provide a solution to a particularly abhorrent situation, which is why it was adopted by the ILO quickly and unanimously.

The Convention addresses the worst forms of child labour and is a clear and unquestionable wake-up call for all Member States to take urgent and comprehensive measures. In accordance with Article 1 of the Convention, the Government must take the necessary measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, encompassing Article 3(a), which refers to all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, including forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.

The Committee of Experts indicated in its report on the case that 584 cases of children recruited and used by armed groups and the armed forces were confirmed in 2020. Children were used as combatants and in support roles and were subjected to sexual violence. To this end, while the Government has indicated the adoption of an Act issuing the Child Protection Code, which provides for the protection of children from enlistment in the armed forces or by armed groups, and also signed a Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic in 2019, such efforts must be strengthened. Immediate measures must therefore be taken to investigate and punish in practice those who are involved in criminal conduct, such as the recruitment of children under 18 years to use them in armed conflict.

We ask the Government to commit to effectively implementing and complying with the Convention and the recently adopted legislation and to provide information demonstrating the application in practice of the Convention. Lastly, we ask the Government to continue making progress, with ILO technical assistance and through the various existing international cooperation mechanisms, in aligning law and practice with the provisions of the Convention and ensure, as a matter of urgency, the elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the country.

Worker member, Eswatini – Education is one tool that has proved to be very effective in the fight against child labour. Quality education can only thrive in an environment conducive for learning. The ongoing violent conflicts in the Central African Republic exacerbate the already deteriorating situation of abuse of children and it greatly impedes children’s right to education. Children are reported to be kidnapped, used as ransom and bait for money to finance the rebel fights.

The violence catalyses the worst forms of child labour and makes schooling impossible as parents cannot reasonably be expected to send their children to school in an environment characterized by violence. Infrastructure, including schools, is damaged. According to the 2020 report of the Bureau of International Labor Affairs within the United States Department of Labor, an estimated 1.3 million children lack access to education because of the ongoing instability.

The Government must take concrete and immediate steps and be further assisted to allocate adequate funds for the financing of education. The country needs to be assisted on strategies to raise funds to finance quality education. The scourge of companies evading taxation through illicit financial flows needs to be attended to in haste. Illicit financial flows in any country negates expected service delivery by the State, including on issues of education.

The allegations that children are used as soldiers by non-state militias needs to be thoroughly investigated. Those found to be behind this gross abuse of children must be prosecuted.

Government member, Burkina Faso – The elimination of the worst forms of child labour is one of the essential components of the fundamental principles and rights at work enshrined by the ILO. Our country strongly encourages the promotion of the fundamental principles and rights as pillars for the promotion of decent work and the achievement of the objective of social justice at the heart of our shared Organization and will spare no effort to support all Member States in this regard.

Information provided by the Government of the Central African Republic shows that efforts have been made recently by the highest authorities to wage a relentless fight against trafficking in persons, including the worst forms of child labour. It should be recognized that the fight against child labour is particularly complex in countries beset by violence where areas controlled by armed groups pose enormous difficulties. In view of this particularly difficult context, Burkina Faso commends the efforts made by this sister republic and strongly encourages it to pursue this momentum.

The ILO must, as requested by the Central African Republic, support the Government’s actions and invite other partners to support the various processes under way. In the light of the foregoing, our Committee must demonstrate understanding and clemency when the conclusions to this individual case are adopted.

Worker member, Senegal – Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on behalf of the workers of West Africa.

We wish to welcome the efforts of the Committee of Experts regarding the notable work carried out on the subject being discussed.

We have noted with interest the Government’s statements on the efforts made, particularly the revision of the Labour Code. It should be emphasized, however, that these efforts fall far short of expectations and that a significant number of children under the age of 14 are still used as part of the workforce, including in hazardous conditions, in violation of the spirit and letter of the Convention.

In places where laws for determining the minimum working age are absent and vague, abuse becomes the norm and practice. This is precisely the case in the Central African Republic. Children under the minimum working age are engaged as workers in agriculture, construction sites, factories and the pervasive informal economy. Most parents, especially those living in poverty, easily account for this situation by arguing that they are sending children for apprenticeships while they are minors.

Child labour undermines the socio-economic development of the country and exposes these children to an uncertain and precarious future. As we have always emphasized in this Committee, children should be in the classroom and not in factories and sweatshops.

The lack of a clear and well-implemented minimum age policy and legislation must be addressed as a matter of urgency. The Government must also be encouraged and supported to intensify measures for quality public education, ensuring access and improving completion rates. We also wish to add that a well-coordinated labour inspection system with adequate resources must be established to ensure observance of policies and legislation aimed at determining the minimum working age and eliminating child labour. We urge the Committee to take effective action with the Government to ensure that the necessary measures are taken as soon as possible to combat and eliminate child labour.

Government member, Switzerland – Switzerland is deeply concerned about the continuing conflict situations in the Central African Republic and their devastating effects on the entire population. We call on all arms bearers and armed groups to respect the provisions of international law and to work towards a peaceful solution. Only the laying down of arms, security, peace and reconciliation will improve the situation in the long term.

Switzerland is particularly concerned about the increasing recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. We call on all parties to the armed conflict to put an immediate end to this practice, which not only affects some of the most vulnerable members of society but, with all its consequences, also literally destroys hope for a better future. Switzerland calls on the Government to ensure that all those who recruit children for use in armed conflict and illegal activities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted with effective sanctions.

Furthermore, Switzerland remains very concerned about the large number of children deprived of education owing to the ongoing conflicts. Education is a right that must be guaranteed. It is the basis for a sustainable and peaceful future. Switzerland calls on all actors to make greater efforts to ensure that all children, boys and girls, have access to good-quality basic education. These efforts must also include the reintegration of victims of forced labour.

In conclusion, while thanking the Government for the information provided, Switzerland urges it to continue to work closely with the various institutions of the UN system.

Worker member, Portugal – I would like to take this opportunity to make some remarks regarding the inherent connection between child labour, insecurity and the absence of democracy. In this report the cruel reality of facts speaks for itself. Workers are deeply concerned by the situation in the Central African Republic and the ongoing violations of human rights and violence against civilians by armed groups, including the abduction and removal of children recruited for use in the armed conflict.

The entire report of the Committee of Experts on the Central African Republic is a cry for peace and democracy. Democracy is not a luxury of rich countries. Democracy is the means to achieve the best solutions to fight inequality and poverty and work towards achieving social justice, peace and development for everyone.

The utter breakdown of peace and security is at the core of the collapse of democracy, good governance and ultimately the loss of protections for civilians, and in this deplorable situation the loss of protections and rights for children. In our view, it is urgent to promote and establish peace and security, and strengthen democracy, good governance and respect for human rights. There are multiple challenges to be addressed, and all initiatives contributing to conflict prevention and sustainable peace in the region are welcome.

As long as the conflict goes on, it is impossible to ensure that children can attend school. It is everyone’s concern that children have access to education and training to stop poverty from passing from one generation to the next. It is vital to end this vicious circle that entangles families, communities and economies, and hinders the growth of the entire nation.

Too many children in the Central African Republic have been deprived of their right to education in this climate of insecurity prevailing in the country. They deserve a proper future with access to education, health and social protections. They deserve hope. They need a global commitment to permanently reduce the insecurities caused by conflict and the risks and vulnerabilities that leave families in a state of perpetual poverty. This means strengthening and supporting livelihoods and school enrolment, as well as government social protection systems which are essential to the fight to eradicate and prevent child labour.

Tripartite social dialogue in a democratic environment has a key role to play in this regard, delivering the right measures to promote social progress and eradicate all forms of child labour.

Government member, Mali – I would like to thank my colleagues from the Government of the Central African Republic for the clarity and relevance of the answers they have given, but also to show them our full support. Indeed, the measures already adopted and those envisaged by the Government are sufficient proof of its determination to eradicate the worst forms of child labour, despite the political, security and health challenges it faces. In conclusion, I would like to say that our Government remains convinced that the Government of the Central African Republic will be able to meet these challenges, in particular through the development and adoption, in the very near future and in collaboration with the Office, of a national action plan for the elimination of child labour.

Worker member, United States of America – Given the difficult situation in the Central African Republic, a multidimensional approach is urgently needed to protect children from the worst forms of child labour. As noted in the Committee of Experts’ report, the primary responsibility for ending the forced recruitment of children by armed groups lies with the Government. Put simply, it must do more to enforce the Child Protection Code’s criminalization of the recruitment and use of children by the armed forces and groups active in the country.

At the same time, we must not overlook the role of the private sector in the continued financing of armed rebel groups, particularly as it relates to the international diamond trade. Under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, companies are supposed to conduct human rights due diligence to ensure that their business operations and supply chains are not connected to human rights abuses like those taking place in the Central African Republic. However, in practice, very few international corporations live up to these guidelines and far too many continue business as usual.

Consequently, it is critical that all governments, including the Government of the Central African Republic, establish laws and practices requiring companies headquartered or domiciled in the country to conduct human rights due diligence across their business operations. With respect to the international diamond trade, we call on all States to adopt laws that require companies to investigate and report publicly on their mineral supply chains in accordance with international standards such as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.

In conclusion, tackling the worst forms of forced labour in the Central African Republic requires a multifaceted approach that includes holding the private sector accountable for its role in funding the armed conflict. The Government needs to adopt a mandatory human rights due diligence policy with effective enforcement mechanisms to incentivize greater corporate action to eliminate conflict diamonds and minerals from global supply chains.

Government member, Gabon – Gabon has the honour of taking the floor before this assembly to endorse the responses provided by the Central African Republic further to the observations of the Committee of Experts.

Like its sister country, the Central African Republic, Gabon has ratified the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), and Convention No. 182, and understands the complexity of the situation in the Central African Republic, particularly given the political and social situation there.

Consequently, Gabon encourages the Central African Republic to continue to intensify its efforts and therefore requests the Committee to pay particular attention and show particular understanding when addressing the issue of child labour in the Central African Republic, especially by taking into account the efforts made despite a particularly hostile context. In addition, Gabon requests the Office and other development partners to provide the Central African Republic with multifaceted support to achieve its child protection objectives in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.

Government member, Cameroon – Cameroon thanks the Central African Republic for the detailed answers provided to the Committee and, from the Government’s presentation, it is clear that, despite the complex situation it has been experiencing over the past few years, it has spared no effort to make the fight against child labour and human trafficking its leitmotiv.

The universal ratification of the Convention places the Central African Republic among the countries that have ratified this fundamental instrument, thus demonstrating its wish to eradicate child labour from its territory. Very conscious that the worst forms of child labour must be excluded by all means, the Government has set up a National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons under the direct authority of His Excellency the President of the Central African Republic. This shows the importance that this country attaches at the highest level to the fight against child labour and human trafficking.

In addition, the Central African Republic adopted a national strategy in 2022 to combat gender-based violence, child marriage and female genital mutilation. The Government of Cameroon welcomes the fact that the Central African Republic has requested technical assistance from the Office to develop a national plan for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour in line with the resolutions of the various global conferences on combating the worst forms of child labour.

All the information presented to the Committee today by the Government demonstrates the will of this country to remove children from the environment of child labour and armed groups in order to completely eradicate child labour from its territory.

In conclusion, the Government of Cameroon calls on the Central African Republic, on the one hand, to continue the steps taken and, on the other, to cooperate closely with the Office for the continuation, finalization and success of this process.

Government representative, Minister of Labour, Employment, Social Protection and Vocational Training – I would like to thank the ILO once again for the opportunity given to the Government of the Central African Republic to speak in response to the observations of the Committee of Experts. We thank all speakers, all countries and the social partners for their precious contributions and recommendations, which will strengthen our Government’s conviction to pursue its efforts to promote human rights and combat the worst forms of child labour. We have taken due note. The Government of the Central African Republic holds the ILO in high esteem; we will address all the points that have been raised and we will continue our efforts.

There has been some notable progress. The Government has identified the deep-rooted causes to enable the effective application of this Convention. It has identified the need for more judges in labour tribunals and the labour inspectorate; currently there are not enough, and many who are in active service will soon be retiring. A plan of action is under way to provide training and enhance skills in order to apply the Conventions more effectively. Once again, we request ILO support in relation to the need for support from standards specialists. In addition, another form of support established by the Government has involved joining Alliance 8.7 as a pioneer country. This procedure was transmitted to the Kinshasa Office and we were informed last week that the matter was settled. We will be able to organize a strategic workshop and an action plan which will enable us to support the Abidjan and Durban Declarations. This is a priority for the ILO and also for the country.

I wish to make my own contribution, as the head of the Ministry of Labour. With regard to the issue of reporting, I call for support from the ILO with providing a standards specialist to assist the country with reporting. The country has been through various crises, as you know. A new team is in place. We need to reinforce this new team, and the presence of a standards specialist alongside the Central African Republic will be a great support. This is my request in order to ensure the effective application of the Convention with regard to the worst forms of child labour.

Employer members – In its concluding remarks, the Employer members would like to again thank the Government for the additional information submitted on the case. As we said before, we find this information very promising. We welcome the fact that the Central African Republic has joined Alliance 8.7, but, given the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground and the existence of armed conflict and armed groups in the country, we believe this case still demands strong political commitment and strategic partnership to put into practice sustainable strategies involving all stakeholders. We would also like to thank all the delegates for their participation and insight. Overall, the global crisis has certainly been exacerbated by the armed conflicts and the humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic, which has pushed families towards increased poverty levels and therefore made them more vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour.

We are facing the threat of years of progress against child labour being reversed and the Employer members agree that it is essential to stand against, discourage, and join efforts to prevent and eliminate child labour with the highest priority given to the worst forms of child labour. The Employer members are pleased to hear the efforts being made by the Government to deal with this persistent and serious problem. In light of the debate, we would like to recommend that the Government intensify its efforts on the prevention, removal, rehabilitation and social integration of children recruited for use in armed conflict and put an end to this practice, as well as to provide information on the measures taken and the number of children benefiting from the rehabilitation and social integration programmes. The Government should also ensure that thorough investigations and robust prosecutions are carried out and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed in practice, and provide information on the number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions applied in compliance with the Child Protection Code. Additionally, we would like to recommend that the Government intensify its efforts to improve the operation of the education system and facilitate access to free basic education for all children; and provide information on the measures taken, as well as on school attendance, maintenance and drop-out rates.

Finally, we encourage the Government to seek further technical assistance to increase capacity-building among constituents in order to implement effective and sustainable strategies to eradicate the worst forms of child labour in the Central African Republic.

Worker members – We thank the Government representative for the information she provided during the discussion and for the written information that was indeed sent, contrary to what was mistakenly stated in my opening speech. We regret, however, the late submission of this written information. We also thank the speakers for their statements.

We have said it before and we say it again: there is no denying that the political will to address the issues we have discussed today exists. But the problem lies in putting these political commitments into practice.

Following years of the government authorities being called into question on these issues by various international institutions, regrettably we still find the continued use of children in armed conflict in the Central African Republic, both by the official armed forces and by various armed groups involved in the conflict. This situation puts the children concerned in a particularly vulnerable situation and exposes them to other serious violations of their rights, in total contravention of the Convention. Even more seriously, this phenomenon appears to have deteriorated in recent years.

The impact of these armed conflicts in the country on access to education is devastating, both for children forcibly recruited into conflict, as well as for other children, as a significant number of children are deprived of education.

We must therefore strongly urge the Government to take immediate and decisive action, as a matter of urgency, to ensure the effective elimination and prohibition of the forced recruitment of children in armed conflict. To this end, we join the Committee of Experts in calling on the Government to continue to strengthen its efforts to put an end in practice to the forced recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces and armed groups in the country. We also ask the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure that all persons, including members of the regular armed forces, who recruit children under 18 years of age for use in armed conflict are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions are imposed in practice. The Government will provide useful information on the number of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions in this regard and will provide a copy of the Child Protection Code to the Committee of Experts.

In order to protect children from forced recruitment into armed conflict, the Government will strengthen its efforts and take effective time-bound measures to improve the functioning of the education system and facilitate access to quality basic education for all children in the Central African Republic, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict. The Government will also pay particular attention to the situation of girls.

In order to be able to follow developments in the situation, the Government will provide useful information on the specific measures taken in this regard, as well as on the enrolment, completion and drop-out rates at primary and secondary levels.

Lastly, the Government will take appropriate and time-bound measures to ensure the removal of children recruited for use in armed conflict, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. It will also ensure that all children removed from armed groups and the armed forces are placed in reintegration programmes. Although it has already provided some information in this regard, the Government will undertake to send such information to the Committee of Experts, including information on the number of children who have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration.

In order to give effect to all of these recommendations, we invite the Government to avail itself of the ILO’s technical assistance and provide a full report to the Committee of Experts before its 2022 session.

We also invite the Government to cooperate fully with any initiatives established by the ILO in collaboration with other UN treaty bodies with a view to promptly remedying the serious violations of children’s rights in the Central African Republic.

Conclusions of the Committee

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

While acknowledging the complexity of the situation prevailing in the country and the presence of armed groups and armed conflict in the country, the Committee deeply deplored the current situation where children are being recruited and used by the armed forces and armed groups as combatants and in support roles, which also results in other serious violations of children’s rights, such as abductions, murder and sexual violence.

The Committee also noted with deep concern the situation of children, especially girls, who are deprived of education due to the impact of the political and security crisis prevailing in the country.

Taking into account the discussion, the Committee urges the Government to take all necessary measures, in consultation with the social partners, to:

- ensure the full and immediate demobilization of all children and to put a stop, in law and practice, to the forced recruitment of children into the armed forces and armed groups;

- intensify its efforts on the prevention, removal, rehabilitation and social integration of children recruited to be used for armed conflict, including through awareness-raising and reintegration programmes;

- inform on the measures taken, and the number of children who have benefited from rehabilitation and social integration programmes;

- ensure that thorough investigations and robust prosecutions of all persons, including members of the armed forces and armed groups, are carried out, and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed in law and practice;

- inform on the number of investigations undertaken, prosecutions and convictions applied in compliance with the Child Protection Code and to provide a copy of same to the Committee of Experts;

- intensify its efforts to improve the operation of the education system and facilitate access to free quality basic education for all children, particularly girls, and in zones affected by the conflict;

- inform on the measures taken, as well as on the school attendance, maintenance and drop-out rates of children;

- develop a multidisciplinary time-bound action plan, with ILO technical assistance and in close cooperation with the social partners and other relevant civil society organizations. In addition, coordinate with other UN agencies with relevant competencies and expertise including UNICEF; and

- seek further ILO technical assistance to progress towards the full eradication of the worst forms of child labour in accordance with the Convention and to build capacity of the tripartite constituents to help achieve that goal.

The Committee requests the Government to submit a report to the Committee of Experts by 1 September 2022 with the relevant information on the application of the Convention in law and practice, in consultation with the social partners.