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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

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

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

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

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the legislation protecting children in employment was inadequate and that proposals to replace the legislation were due to be submitted to the Government for approval. It noted that the Commerce and Employment Department is the lead authority on the review of legislation on the employment of children and young persons, and that this review would take account of existing insular legislation, the provisions of Convention No. 182 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Committee noted that no progress had yet been made in this review, and drew the Government’s attention to Article 1 of the Convention that requires member States which have ratified the Convention to take immediate measures to prohibit the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Commerce and Employment Department intends to carry out a public consultation on a range of employment issues in the latter part of 2009 or the early part of 2010. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that this will include proposals regarding the new legislation on the employment of children. The Committee trusts that these legislative proposals include measures to prohibit the worst forms of child labour, in conformity with Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to redouble its efforts to ensure that legislation prohibiting the worst forms of child labour is adopted as a matter of urgency, and requests the Government to supply a copy thereof once it has 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 previously asked the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of children in conformity with Article 3(a) of the Convention. The Committee noted the Government’s reference to the draft framework of proposed new legislation on the employment of children and young persons (the draft framework) that was intended to address this issue, and requested the Government to provide a copy of this draft framework.

The Committee again notes that a copy of this draft framework is not included with the Government’s report. It notes the Government’s statement that at this time this draft remains a staff working document, and has not yet been adopted. The Committee recalls that by virtue of Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of children under 18 years constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and that under the terms of Article 1 of the Convention, immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour must be taken as a matter of urgency. Accordingly, the Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure that the draft framework, according to which the sale and trafficking of all children under 18 will be prohibited, is adopted in the very near future.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to prevent the use, procuring or offering of children under 18 years of age for prostitution. It noted the Government’s information that the draft framework includes provisions relating to prostitution, and requested the Government to supply a copy of this draft framework with its next report. Noting that no such copy of the draft framework is attached, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the proposed legislation includes provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of children under 18 years of age for prostitution, in conformity with Article 3(b) of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide information on developments in this regard.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee previously noted that the Protection of Children (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law of 1985 (Protection of Children Law) contained provisions protecting children from acts of gross indecency and from involvement in pornography. It had also noted the Government’s information that the draft framework is intended to provide more comprehensive protection in this regard, and requested the Government to provide a copy of the Protection of Children Law. The Committee notes that the Protection of Children Law, submitted with the Government’s report, prohibits, pursuant to section 1, acts of gross indecency with or towards a child, or inciting a child to such an act. The Committee observes that the term gross indecency does not appear to be defined in the legislation. The Committee also notes that section 3 of the Protection of Children Law prohibits taking (or permitting the taking of), distributing, showing, or possessing with a purpose to distribute indecent photographs of a child. It is also prohibited to publish (or cause to be published) any advertisement which conveys that the advertiser distributes or shows indecent photographs of a child. The Committee further notes that pursuant to section 9(5) of the Protection of Children Law, indecent photographs include any form of video recording.

However, the Committee notes that pursuant to section 9(1) of the Protection of Children Law, a child is defined as a person under the age of 16 years. The Committee reminds the Government that, under Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of children under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and that under the terms of Article 1 of the Convention, each member State which ratifies this Convention must take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. It accordingly requests the Government to take measures to ensure that the use, procuring, or offering a person under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is prohibited in the draft framework, in accordance with Article 3(b) of the Convention. The Committee also requests the Government to clarify the meaning of the term “gross indecency” found in section 1 of the Protection of Children Law.

Clause (d) and Article 4. Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the information in the Government’s report that the draft framework includes a preliminary list of hazardous work to be prohibited for children under the age of 18 years. The Committee requested the Government to provide information with regard to the adoption of this list. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the provisions in the draft framework remain unchanged, but will be reviewed in relation to extant health and safety legislation, to ensure that there is no duplication in provisions. The Committee encourages the Government to complete this review, and, following consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of this list of hazardous types of work prohibited for children under the age of 18, pursuant to Articles 3(d) and 4 of the Convention.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee previously noted that the States Children Board, pursuant to the Children and Young Persons (Guernsey) Law of 1967 (CYP Law), the States Education Council and the Board of Industry have various responsibilities for the monitoring of children engaged in employment. It noted that a new law was proposed to replace the CYP Law, and requested the Government to provide information on this new legislation, in addition to supplying a copy of the CYP Law. The Committee notes the copy of the CYP Law (and the copies of its 1997 and 2000 amendments) included with the Government’s report. However, the Committee notes that the CYP Law appears to have been repealed, pursuant to the Children (Guernsey and Alderney) Law, 2008 (Children’s Law 2008), which received the approval of the Privy Council on 10 June 2009.

The Committee notes that section 29 of the Children’s Law 2008 establishes the Islands Child Protection Committee (ICPC), whose membership includes the Chief Officer of Police, the Director of the Education Department, the Chief Probation Officer, the Children’s Convenor, the President of the Child, Youth and Community Tribunal, the Governor of Guernsey Prison, the Chief Executive of the States of Alderney, a medical practitioner, and nominees from at least two voluntary agencies working with children in Guernsey or Alderney. The Committee notes that the ICPC’s principal objective is to coordinate what is done by each person or organization represented on the ICPC for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children of Guernsey and Alderney. The Committee also notes that section 30 the Children’s Law 2008 establishes the Office of the Children’s Convenor, to whom, by virtue of section 36, matters involving a child in need of protection shall be referred. Pursuant to section 35(2) of the Children’s Law 2008, children requiring intervention include children who have suffered, or are likely to suffer, significant impairment to their health or development, or have suffered, or are likely to suffer, sexual or physical abuse, in addition to children who have been exposed, or are likely to be exposed, to moral danger. Noting these provisions, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the ICPC and the Office of the Children’s Convenor, with regard to the monitoring of the worst forms of child labour.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. 1. General penalties. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s information that it was proposed that any new legislation on the employment of children and young persons would allow for penalties that included a fine, imprisonment, or both. It requested the Government to provide further information on the applicable penalties which give effect to this Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that specific penalties will be determined by legal advisers when proposals for the new legislation are approved by the Government, assuming that approval is forthcoming. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on developments with regards to the adoption of legislation containing penalties which will give effect to this Convention, and to provide a copy of this legislation when it is adopted.

2. Pornography. The Committee notes that section 8 of the Protection of Children Law provides penalties for the commission of an offence under section 2 (concerning the taking, possession, distribution, etc. of indecent photographs of children). Section 8 states that persons guilty of an offence under section 2 are, following a conviction on indictment, liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to a fine, or both, and following a summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or to a fine not exceeding £500, or both. The Committee observes that it appears that a person who commits an offence concerning the taking of indecent photographs of a child, including the recording of a video, may therefore be subject only to a fine. The Committee recalls that by virtue of Article 7(1) of the Convention, the Government shall take all necessary measures to ensure the effective implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention, including the provision and application of dissuasive criminal penalties. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are provided for the infringement of the prohibition of using, procuring or offering a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances.

Article 8. International cooperation. The Committee previously noted that Guernsey provides assistance to a number of countries and to a variety of projects through the work of the Overseas Aid Commission. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the annual report of the Overseas Aid Commission for 2008, though notes that this is not attached to the Government’s report. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the most recently issued annual Overseas Aid Commission Annual Report with its next report.

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

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s indication that the legislation protecting children in employment was inadequate and that proposals to replace the legislation were due to be submitted to the Government for approval. It had noted the Government’s information that, following changes in the structure of the Government of the Island, the Commerce and Employment Department is the lead authority on the review of legislation on the employment of children and young persons. This review would take account of existing insular legislation, the provisions of Convention No. 182, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the review of insular legislation remains an ongoing work stream for the Commerce and Employment Department. According to the Government, it has not yet been possible to progress this matter. The Committee draws the attention of the Government to Article 1 of the Convention that requires member States which have ratified the Convention to take “immediate” measures to prohibit the worst forms of child labour “as a matter of urgency”. The Committee hopes that the draft legislation will be adopted as a matter of urgency and requests the Government to provide a copy thereof once it has 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 had previously asked the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of children in conformity with Article 3(a) of the Convention and to supply the text of any relevant legislation. The Committee notes, once again, the Government’s reference to the draft framework of proposed new legislation on the employment of children and young persons that is intended to address this issue. Noting that the Government has not supplied a copy of this text, the Committee once again requests it to supply a copy thereof with its next report.

2. Forced or compulsory labour. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that article 4 of the Human Rights (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2000, prohibits slavery and forced labour.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee had previously requested the Government to inform it on the measures taken or envisaged to prevent the use, procuring or offering of children under 18 years of age for prostitution. It had noted the Government’s information that the draft framework for insular legislation on the employment of children and young persons includes provisions relating to prostitution. Noting that the Government has not supplied a copy of this text, the Committee once again requests it to supply a copy thereof with its next report.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee had previously noted that the Protection of Children (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law of 1985 protects children from acts of gross indecency and from pornography and involvement in pornography. It had also noted the Government’s information that the draft framework for insular legislation on the employment of children and young persons is intended to provide more comprehensive protection. Noting that the Government has not provided a copy of the Protection of Children (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law of 1985, the Committee once again requests it to supply a copy thereof with its next report.

Clause (d) and Article 4. Hazardous work. The Committee had noted the Government’s information that the draft framework for insular legislation on the employment of children and young persons provides for the list of prohibited employment to be varied by statutory instrument. As the framework is developed, the provisions of Paragraph 3 of Recommendation No. 190 would be taken into consideration. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the framework includes a preliminary list of hazardous work to be prohibited for children under the age of 18 years. It once again requests the Government to keep it informed with regard to the adoption of the list of types of hazardous work to be prohibited for children under 18 years of age.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee had previously noted that the States Children Board, the States Education Council and the Board of Industry have various responsibilities for the monitoring of children engaged in employment. It had requested the Government to provide a copy of the Children and Young Persons (Guernsey) Law of 1967. It had noted the Government’s information that this legislation was proposed to be replaced and that appropriate recommendations were due to be presented to the Government. The Committee notes the Government’s information that a draft of new legislation is currently with the Health and Social Services Department for comment. Noting that no copy of the Children and Young Persons (Guernsey) Law of 1967 was sent to the Office, the Committee once again requests the Government to supply a copy of this Act with its next report. It also requests the Government to keep it informed on any progress in adopting the draft new legislation that will replace the Children and Young Persons (Guernsey) Law of 1967, and to provide a copy thereof as soon as it has been adopted.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s information that it was proposed that any new legislation on the employment of children and young persons would allow for penalties that included a fine, imprisonment, or both. It requests the Government to provide further information on the applicable penalties which give effect to this Convention.

Article 8. International cooperation. The Committee had previously noted that Guernsey provides assistance with a number of projects to a variety of countries through the work of the Overseas Aid Committee. It notes the Government’s information that overseas aid is now the responsibility of the Overseas Aid Commission. It also notes the Government’s reference to the Overseas Aid Commission’s Annual Report of 2006, which was submitted to the States of Guernsey by the Policy Council. Noting that a copy of the Overseas Aid Commission’s Annual Report of 2006 has not been supplied by the Government, the Committee requests it to provide a copy thereof with its next report.

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

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s indication that the legislation protecting children in employment was inadequate and that proposals to replace the legislation were due to be submitted to the Government for approval. It notes the Government’s information that, following changes in the structure of the Government of the island, the Commerce and Employment Department is now the lead authority on the review of legislation on the employment of children and young persons. This review will take account of existing insular legislation, the provisions of Convention No. 182, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that the Department plans to submit a report on this matter to the Government in 2006. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of any progress in reviewing legislation on the employment of children and young persons.

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 had previously asked the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of children in conformity with Article 3(a) of the Convention and to supply the text of any relevant legislation. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to a draft framework of proposed new legislation on the employment of children and young persons that is intended to address this issue. The Committee asks the Government to supply a copy of this text with its next report.

2. Forced or compulsory labour. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that the Human Rights (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2000, regulates slavery and forced labour. It had requested the Government to provide a copy of the relevant provisions of this legislation. The Committee notes that no copy of this legislation was sent to the Office and once again requests the Government to provide a copy of the relevant provisions of the Human Rights (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2000, with its next report.

3. Compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes the Government’s information that there are no armed forces in Guernsey and there is no compulsory military service. It also notes that, according to the Government, any islander who wishes to pursue any form of military service does so in the British service, either as a reservist, a member of the Territorial Army, or by enlisting. In each case, military service is governed by the regulations in force in the United Kingdom. It also notes the Government’s information that the “draft framework” for insular legislation on the employment of children and young persons includes provisions prohibiting the compulsory recruitment of such persons for armed conflict either on or off the island.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee had previously requested the Government to inform it of the measures taken or envisaged to prevent the use, procuring or offering of children under 18 years of age for prostitution. It notes the Government’s information that the “draft framework” for insular legislation on the employment of children and young persons includes provisions relating to prostitution. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of this text with its next report.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee had previously noted that the Protection of Children (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law of 1985 protects children from acts of gross indecency and from pornography and involvement in pornography. It notes the Government’s information that the draft framework for insular legislation on the employment of children and young persons is intended to provide more comprehensive protection. The Committee notes that no copy of the Protection of Children (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law of 1985 was sent to the Office and once again requests the Government to provide a copy of this text.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee had previously requested the Government to indicate whether the use of a child for illicit activities is prohibited and, if so, to indicate the applicable legislation and penalties. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the draft framework for insular legislation on the employment of children and young persons includes provisions on this issue.

Clause (d) and Article 4. Hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the draft framework for insular legislation on the employment of children and young persons provides for the list of prohibited employment to be varied by Statutory Instrument. As the framework is developed, the provisions of Paragraph 3 of Recommendation No. 190 will be taken into consideration. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed with regard to the adoption of the list of types of hazardous work to be prohibited for children under 18 years of age.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. The Committee had previously noted that the States Children Board, the States Education Council and the Board of Industry have various responsibilities for the monitoring of children engaged in employment. It had requested the Government to provide a copy of the Children and Young Person (Guernsey) Law of 1967. It notes the Government’s information that this legislation is proposed to be replaced and that appropriate recommendations are due to be presented to the Government. Noting that no copy of the Children and Young Person (Guernsey) Law of 1967 was sent to the Office, the Committee once again requests the Government to supply a copy of this Law with its next report. The Committee also requests the Government to keep it informed of any amendments to the Law or any legislation that will replace this text.

Article 6, paragraph 1. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Commerce and Employment Department currently runs workshops for employers’ and workers’ groups that cover all aspects of employment law and that this will be updated to cover the employment of children. The Department also visits schools to advise school children of their rights in respect of employment. It further notes the Government’s information that the school curriculum also includes an element dealing with development, health risks and moral issues.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee had previously requested the Government to provide information on the steps taken to ensure that measures are adopted to secure the enforcement of the provisions giving effect to the Convention, including the provision and application of penal sanctions or, as appropriate, other sanctions in accordance with Article 7, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s information that it is proposed that any new legislation on the employment of children and young persons will allow for penalties that include a fine, imprisonment, or both.

Article 8. International cooperation. The Committee had previously noted that Guernsey provides assistance with a number of projects to a variety of countries through the work of the Overseas Aid Committee. The Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of the 2003 annual report of the Overseas Aid Committee with its next report. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on the assistance provided to other member States.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s first report and requests it to provide further information on the following points.

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the worst forms of child labour, as defined in the Convention, do not occur in Guernsey. It also notes the Government’s acceptance that the legislation protecting children engaged in employment is inadequate and that proposals to replace the legislation are due to be submitted to the Government for approval. The Committee requests the Government to inform the Committee on the proposed legislative reform and other measures to ensure that the worst forms of child labour do not arise.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). 1. Slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as debt bondage, serfdom and forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Human Rights (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2000, regulates slavery and forced labour. It requests the Government to supply the text of the relevant provisions in this legislation.

2. Sale and trafficking of children. The Committee notes the absence of information on this issue in the Government’s report. It reminds the Government that, by virtue of Article 3(a), the sale and trafficking of children constitute one of the worst forms of child labour and must therefore be prohibited for children under 18  years of age. The Committee asks the Government to inform the Committee on the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of children in conformity with Article 3(a) of the Convention and to supply the text of any relevant legislation.

3. Compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on this issue. Recalling that, by virtue of Article 3(a), the forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the minimum age at which persons may be called up for compulsory military service and to provide a copy of the texts regulating the enlistment and recruitment of members of the armed forces.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided information on this subject. It reminds the Government that, under the terms of Article 3(b) of the Convention, the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and, as such, must be prohibited for any person under 18 years of age. Therefore, the Committee requests the Government to inform it on the measures taken or envisaged to prevent the use, procuring or offering of children under 18 years of age for prostitution.

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 the Protection of Children (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1985, protects children from acts of gross indecency and from pornography or involvement in pornography. It requests the Government to supply the text of the relevant legal provisions.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not provided any information on this point. The Committee recalls that Article 3(c) of the Convention provides that the use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs, constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour. Therefore, it requests the Government to indicate whether the use of a child for illicit activities is prohibited and, if so, to indicate the applicable legislation and penalties.

Article 3(d) and Article 4. Hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that proposed legislation on the employment of children and young persons will provide for a list of occupations in which children cannot be employed, which includes "restrictions relating to exposure to physical, biological and chemical agents and work involving exposure to adult material or situations". The Government adds that when the legislation comes into force, there will be powers to modify the list as circumstances dictate. Finally, the Government indicates that consultations on the proposed legislation have been held with employer and employee groups, childcare agencies and educationalists. The Committee refers the Government to Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention which provides that the types of work referred to under Article 3(d) of the Convention must be determined taking into consideration relevant international standards, in particular Paragraph 3, of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation, 1999 (No. 190). The Committee trusts that, in adopting the new legislation, due consideration will be given to Paragraph 3 of Recommendation No. 190. It requests the Government to provide the text of the proposed legislation as soon as it has been adopted.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms.  The Committee notes the Government’s report that the States Children Board, the States Education Council and the Board of Industry have various responsibilities for the monitoring of children engaged in employment. According to the Children and Young Person (Guernsey) Law, 1967, the States Children Board is responsible for advising the Government on the welfare and protection of children and young persons and has the power to remove children from emergency situations. The Government reports that these powers can be used if a child is engaged in work that is likely to harm the child’s health, safety or morals. The States Education Council continually monitors children in education and, if appropriate, investigates a child’s employment if the education of that child appears to be suffering. The Board of Industry has responsibilities which include employment and health and safety issues. The Committee notes the Government’s report that a number of government departments have the mandate to, or may be involved in, the monitoring of children and young persons. They maintain contacts with employer and employee groups and childcare agencies. The Committee requests the Government to provide the text of the Children and Young Person (Guernsey) Law, 1967.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour do not exist, because these forms of labour are not found on the island. The Committee reminds the Government that even if the worst forms of child labour appear not to exist, the Convention requires member States to take measures to prohibit and prevent the emergence of the worst forms of child labour. In this context, the Committee requests the Government to indicate which steps it envisages taking, in consultation with workers’ and employers’ organizations and taking into account the views of other concerned groups, to ensure that the worst forms of child labour do not arise. In particular, the Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the measures concerning education and health aimed at ensuring the protection of children from the worst forms of child labour.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes the Government’s information that a number of government departments have the mandate to, or are operationally involved in, the monitoring of the employment of children and young persons. They maintain contacts with employer and employee groups and childcare agencies. The Government adds that, if appropriate, the relevant department will pursue prosecutions but there are no legislative provisions for custodial sentences and fines. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that the worst forms of child labour, as defined in the Convention, are socially and politically unacceptable on the island and, if found to exist, they would be subject to legal action. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the steps taken to ensure that measures are adopted to secure the enforcement of the provisions giving effect to the Convention, including the provision and application of penal sanctions or, as appropriate, other sanctions in accordance with Article 7, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s information that education is compulsory on the island from the age of 5 to 16 and can continue to the age of 18. Opportunities exist on the island to engage in vocational training and assistance is provided for students seeking further education off the island.

Paragraph 3. Designation of the authority responsible for the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the States Children Board, the States Education Council and the Board of Industry have effective responsibility for the implementation of the Convention.

Article 8. Enhanced international cooperation and/or assistance. The Committee notes the Government’s information that Guernsey provides assistance with a number of projects in a variety of countries through the work of the Overseas Aid Committee. The Committee asks the Government to provide more specific information on the assistance provided to other member States.

Parts IV and V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the issue of practical difficulties in the application of the Convention do not arise, because no worst form of child labour exists on the island. It also notes the Government’s information that no infringements have been reported. The Committee requests the Government to monitor the situation and supply copies or extracts from official documents including studies and surveys and to provide information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, should these occur in future, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of infringements reported and penal sanctions applied. To the extent possible, all information provided should be disaggregated by sex.