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Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (RATIFICATION: 2001)

Other comments on C182

Observation

Direct Request

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Articles 3(a) and 7(2)(a) and (b) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour and effective and time-bound measures. Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour and providing the necessary direct assistance for their removal of children from these worst forms and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee takes note of the measures implemented by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU) within the framework of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (NAP) 2016-2020, including: (1) training of all stakeholders (educational institutions, public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, the judiciary, public servants and law enforcement); (2) creation of an inter-ministerial working group against human trafficking; (3) formulation of a new NAP 2021–25; (4) spontaneous visits by the police to places of entertainment (bars, nightclubs); and (5) targeted surveillance and observation of activities at airports and seaports to identify and address cases of human trafficking. The Government indicates that victims can also be identified through: (1) monitoring and screening done by social services and NGOs; and (2) complaints made directly to the ATIPU via a telephone number or email.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, once a victim of human trafficking is identified, they are interviewed and screened by the ATIPU and are either repatriated if they wish and it is safe for them, or are referred to the Crisis Centre where they receive the necessary care and assistance. The Government adds that, the process also involves the instigation of criminal investigations by the ATIPU and the prosecution of perpetrators under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2011. While taking note of the information provided by the Government, the Committee requests it to continue to provide information on: (i) its continued efforts to combat trafficking in children, including within the framework of the NAP 2021–25; (ii) the direct assistance provided by the Care Centre to child victims of trafficking; (iii) statistical data on the number and nature of complaints received by the ATIPU via telephone or email; and (iv) the number of children who were prevented or withdrawn from trafficking and benefitted from the necessary direct assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. Children in street situations. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide information in reply to its previous requests on this point. Recalling that children who live and work on the street are particularly at risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on: (i) the measures taken to remove children from the streets and provide them with the necessary and direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration; and (ii) the results achieved in terms of the number of children removed and who benefitted from direct assistance.