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Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous comment

Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms.On the topic of labour inspection, the Committee refers to its comments under the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138).
Article 6. National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL). Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is in active contact with the ILO in Beirut to discuss future measures to follow-up and maintain the implementation of the NAP-WFCL, the priorities of which being: (1) making provision at policy level for increasing the number of child labour centres and providing services directly to them; (2) capacity-building for key service providers; and (3) meeting with the concerned competent NGOs to refer children working in the streets and victims of human trafficking to specialized centres.
The Committee takes note, in this regard, of the observations of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL), according to which the Government should strengthen the capacities of all stakeholders, including governmental institutions, social partners, and civil society organisations, to create and implement programmes and action plans to prevent children from being engaged in hazardous work and removing child workers from places where they perform such work. The Government shares, however, that the important challenges faced by the country, including the absence of the required funding for the implementation of the NAP-WFCL, has even led to the closure of the social welfare centres for the protection of children in the worst forms of child labour in the governorates of Beirut, Tripoli, Bekaa and Nabatieh. While noting the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the NAP-WFCL will be extended and its priorities implemented, in order to ensure the protection of children under 18 years of age from the worst forms of child labour and the reintegration and rehabilitation of victims through the services of safe and specialized shelters. It requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken in this regard and the results achieved, including regarding the possible reopening of the social welfare centres that were compelled to close due to the economic crisis.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. The Committee notes that the CGTL, in its observations, indicates that the Government should confront the phenomenon of school dropouts, and reintegrate children into the educational system at the academic and vocational training levels.
In this regard, the Committee takes note of the Government’s information that, in 2018, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education have supported the enrolment in public schools of 213,358 refugee children and 209,409 Lebanese children in vulnerable situations. However, the Government indicates that, since then, the Syrian refugee crisis and the economic crisis in the country have had far-reaching consequences for both refugee and Lebanese children’s right to quality education in Lebanon. The Committee notes with concern that some students, including Lebanese students, have had to absent themselves from school in order to help their families earn a living, resulting in a decline in the enrolment rates, in particular at the secondary level. In addition, the Committee notes the concern expressed by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its concluding observations of 1 March 2022, that school-related costs, including transportation, prevent many girls from attending school, and at the very low attendance rates among refugee girls (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/6, paragraph 37).
The Committee takes note of the Government’s information regarding the programmes developed in response to the increasing number of non-Lebanese and Lebanese students who wish to enrol or return to formal education following school interruptions. These include: (1) the “Reaching All Children with Education” project (RACE II) (2017–21), implemented by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and partners to ensure quality educational opportunities for children aged 3 to 18, regardless of nationality, through holistic interventions that address the demand and availability of quality public education, including non-formal education; (2) the Basic Literacy and Numeracy Programme (BLN), one part of which is aimed at children aged 10 to 14 who have never been in education to prepare them for enrolment in formal education; and (3) the Accelerated Learning Programme, to reintegrate children into formal education following intensive programmes of learning to catch up. The Committee urges the Government to pursue and strengthen its measures to ensure access to free basic education to all children, both boys and girls and both Lebanese and children from other nationalities, by placing emphasis on addressing the main drivers leading children to drop out of school, for instance poverty and school-related costs, including transportation. The Committee also strongly encourages the Government to continue taking measures to ensure quality educational opportunities for all children with a view to increasing the school enrolment rates and decreasing the drop-out rates. It requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken and results achieved in this regard, including updated statistical information, to the extent possible disaggregated by age and gender.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls.The Committee once gain requests the Government to indicate whether, within the framework of the NAP–WFCL or any other programme or project, specific measures have been adopted for girls, particularly for girl domestic workers, to ensure that they do not fall into the worst forms of child labour.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous comment

The Committee takes note of the observations of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL) received with the Government’s report.
Articles 3 and 7(1) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour and penalties. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Trafficking. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication, in its report, that the Ministry of Justice does not have the statistical information requested regarding the number of cases, prosecutions and convictions for the offence of child trafficking under the Anti-Trafficking Act No. 164, 2011.
The Government further provides information, in its report under the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), on the measures taken in the area of training as regards trafficking in persons. In particular, the Committee notes that the Directorate of Internal Security Forces delivers training sessions to its personnel on conducting investigations involving women and children, as well as specialized courses on standard operational procedures and tools for protecting children who are at risk. In the area of victim protection, the Government indicates that the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau collaborates with a number of international organizations and associations to secure extra protection to victims of trafficking in safe shelters in secret locations. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that cases of trafficking of children under the age of 18 are detected and that investigations and prosecutions are conducted against the perpetrators. In this regard, it strongly encourages the Government to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement bodies to combat child trafficking, including the Internal Security Forces, as well as to take measures to ensure that information is compiled on these investigations and prosecutions, as well as on the number and nature of convictions and penalties imposed. Finally, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to strengthen its measures to ensure that child victims of trafficking are provided with appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration services. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken and results achieved on all these points.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that, while section 3 of Annex No. 1 of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 on hazardous work prohibits illicit activities (pornography and the production or trafficking of drugs) for minors under the age of 18, the Government indicates that the Ministry of Justice does not have statistical information regarding its application in practice. Yet, the Committee observes that the Government indicates, in its report, that the dire economic situation has increased the likelihood of girls, in particular, being drawn into prostitution and the potential for children in general to be caught up in the sale, spread and use of narcotic substances. The Committee therefore once again urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 prohibiting the engagement of children for prostitution or pornographic purposes or for illicit activities. The Committee also requests the Government to take measures to ensure that statistical information on any prosecutions and convictions made with regard to the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances or for illicit activities, is made available and to provide this information with its next report.
The Committee further notes the Government’s information that section 30 of the new draft law amending the Labour Code (draft Labour Code) will prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, the production of pornography or pornographic performances, as well as for illicit activities. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of the progress made in the adoption of the new Labour Code and to provide a copy of the relevant new provisions prohibiting and penalizing the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for prostitution, the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and for illicit activities.
Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. Refugee children. Following its previous comments, in which the Committee took note of the many Syrian refugee children who were not enrolled in school and who were working in hazardous conditions in the agricultural and urban informal sectors, the Committee notes the Government’s information regarding certain measures taken to protect child refugees from the worst forms of child labour, such as including Syrian children among the commitments of the National Action Plan to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labour (NAP-WFCL) in 2017.
However, the Committee notes that according to the 2019 “Survey on Child Labour in Agriculture in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon: the Case of Syrian Refugees”, undertaken by the American University of Beirut, around 70 per cent of refugee children in the Bekaa Valley between the ages of 4 and 18 are working, and 75 per cent of them are employed in the agricultural sector and prone to the hazardous exposures encountered in agricultural work. Moreover, Syrian and other refugee children are facing important difficulties in accessing education.
The Committee takes note of the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP), which is a joint plan launched in 2015 between the Government of Lebanon and its international and national partners and the Government’s main response to support displaced Syrians, vulnerable Lebanese and Palestinian refugees. The Committee notes that the LCRP continues to be implemented in a holistic, comprehensive and integrated manner to achieve the following strategic objectives: (1) ensure the protection of displaced Syrians, vulnerable Lebanese and Palestinian refugees; (2) provide immediate assistance to vulnerable populations; (3) support service provision through national systems; and (4) reinforce Lebanon’s economic, social and environmental stability. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee urges the Government to continue and strengthen its efforts to protect refugee children from the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their removal and for their rehabilitation and social integration. It once again requests the Government to provide information on the number of refugee children who have benefited from the initiatives taken in this regard, including those who have been supported through education. To the extent possible, please provide such information disaggregated by age, gender and country of origin.
Children in street situations. Following its previous comments, the Committee takes note of the existence of the National Action Plan to End Street Begging by Children (NAP-ESB) of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA), which seeks to end child begging by ensuring legal protection for children on the streets, building capacity to protect them, rehabilitating and reintegrating them, and conducting outreach regarding the problem. The Government indicates that the latest census on children in street situations dates back to 2016 and was conducted by the MSA as part of the NAP-ESB, which shows that there were more than 15,000 children in the streets, 65 per cent of whom were Syrian, 5 per cent Lebanese, and 30 per cent of various nationalities or undocumented origins.
The Committee takes notes in this regard that a form was developed and is being used and submitted to the MSA every six months by all local and international associations working to address the issue of child begging, in which is indicated the number of children that have been supported. The Government states that such associations have succeeded in removing from the streets 9 per cent – out of a total of 6,000 children across the country who have been reached – and return them to school or enrol them in non-formal education. The Government also indicates that a study has been prepared that proposes solutions to constrain and prevent parents from sending their children on the streets. Proposals include such ideas as making cash assistance to families in need conditional upon their children’s education, or providing a practical and effective foster environment or a family that might serve as an alternative for any child who has been subjected to exploitation. The Committee also takes note of the Government’s detailed information regarding the measures that the MSA continues to implement in the field of child protection, including within the Strategic Plan for the Protection of Women and Children that is being implemented since 2014 and has been extended until 2027 in partnership with UNICEF. The Committee once again urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect children in street situations from the worst forms of child labour, and to provide for their rehabilitation and social reintegration, in the framework of the NAP-ESB and of general child protection measures adopted by the MSA. It requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved, including the number of children in street situations who have been provided with educational opportunities and social integration services through these or other measures.
The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2023, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.
Repetition
Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to take measures to enhance the role of the national monitoring bodies with regard to child labour. It requested the Government to provide information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the MoL has continued to hold meetings on the issue of child labour that resulted in the adoption of a certain number of measures, including: (i) the preparation of a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour; and (ii) the preparation of a guidebook on Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour. Referring to its comments made in relation to the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee notes that labour inspector staff are undergoing continuous training, including courses on child labour.The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen the role of the law enforcement bodies in terms of monitoring, detecting and combating the worst forms of child labour.
2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that small committees were set up, outside of the NCCL, such as a small committee responsible for the issues concerning working children on the streets, and a small committee responsible for children working in agriculture.The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the activities carried out by the NCCL as well as the above-mentioned small committees in terms of improving the monitoring of children working on the streets and in the agricultural sector.
Article 6. National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL). In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the NAP–WFCL and to report on its implementation.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is committed to implementing the NAP–WFCL with relevant stakeholders and officials through the elaboration and adoption of projects related to child labour. The Government refers in this regard to the ILO–DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency) project to combat rising child labour among Syrian refugees.The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to implement the NAP–WFCL and the results achieved in terms of combating the worst forms of child labour.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a National Education Strategy (NES) was developed and completed in 2010. It noted that the NES focuses on five main priority objectives, including making education available on the basis of equal opportunity, and providing quality education that contributes to building a knowledge society. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the comments of the Committee have been forwarded to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, but that no reply has been received. The Committee also notes that according to the 2014 UNESCO Regional report on out-of-school Children, the dropout rate has risen for the last grade of primary education from 3.7 per cent in 2000 to 6.7 per cent in 2011. There is also a high level of dropouts at the level of lower secondary education (17 per cent), in comparison to the last grade of primary school (7 per cent). According to the report, economic constraints (transport and tuition fees) and insecurity contribute to the exclusion of many children from education. In light of the above, the Committee, recalls the importance of education as a major factor that contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour.The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure access to free basic education to all children, placing emphasis on increasing the school enrolment rates and decreasing the drop-out rates at the secondary level. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES, and updated statistical information on the results obtained, to the extent possible disaggregated by age and gender.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, within the framework of the NAP–WFCL and following the recommendations of the ILO–IPEC study “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon”, special attention would be afforded to girls. The Committee requested further information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is keen to formulate a special programme for girls to prevent them from engaging in the worst forms of child labour.The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether within the framework of the NAP–WFCL, specific measures have been adopted for girls, particularly for girl domestic workers, to ensure that they do not fall into the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any special programme for girls that has been recently adopted in this regard.
Application of the Convention in practice. Survey of working children in Lebanon. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour is being prepared by the Central Statistics Department, that and that upon completion a copy will be communicated to the Committee.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard and to provide a copy of the survey, once available.

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2023, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.
Repetition
Articles 3, 7(1) and (2)(b) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour, penalties and direct assistance for rehabilitation and social integration. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Trafficking. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of the Anti-Trafficking Act No. 164 (2011). The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application of this Act, in practice.
The Committee notes the statistical information related to trafficking of children provided by the Government in its report. It notes that in 2014, five child victims of trafficking for labour exploitation (street begging), and one child victim of trafficking for sexual exploitation, were identified. According to the Government’s indication, all the child victims identified were referred to social and rehabilitation centres, such as the “Beit al Aman” shelter in collaboration with Caritas. The Government also indicates that in 2014 the Higher Council for Childhood drafted a sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children that is still under consultations with the relevant stakeholders.
The Committee also notes that in its 2015 concluding observations, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recommended the Government to provide mandatory gender-sensitive capacity-building for judges, prosecutors, the border police, the immigration authorities and other law enforcement officials to ensure the strict enforcement of Act No. 164 to combat trafficking by promptly prosecuting all cases of trafficking in women and girls (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/4-5, paragraph 30(a)).The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the draft sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children is adopted in the near future, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 164 of 2011, including statistical information on the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied for the offence of trafficking of children. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures adopted in order to prevent trafficking of children as well as measures taken to ensure that child victims of trafficking are provided with appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration services.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that under section 33(b) and (c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities is punishable under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. It also noted that section 3 of Annex No. 1 of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 on hazardous work prohibits such illicit activities for minors under the age of 18. The Committee noted the statistical information (disaggregated by gender and age) provided by the Government on the number of children found engaged in prostitution from 2010 to 2012.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the labour inspectorate is the body responsible for the supervision of the implementation of Decree No. 8987. The Committee notes with concern that according to the Government’s indication no cases related to the application of the Decree have been detected so far.The Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 prohibiting the engagement of children for prostitution or pornographic purposes or for illicit activities. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on any prosecutions and convictions made with regard to the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances.
As for the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay to ensure the adoption of the provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities, as well as of the provisions providing for the penalties imposed.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Refugee children. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the work programme of the National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL) for working Palestinian children to protect them from the worst forms of child labour.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no new measures have been taken due to the political and security situation in the country. The Committee also notes that according to the 2016 United Nations High Commissioner Job Refugees (UNHCR) report entitled “Missing out: Refugee Education in Crisis”, there are more than 380,000 refugee children between the ages of 5 and 17 registered in Lebanon. It is estimated that less than 50 per cent of primary school-age children have access to public primary schools and less than 4 per cent of young persons have access to public secondary schools. The report highlights that since 2013 the Government has introduced a two-shift system in public schools to encourage the enrolment of refugee children. About 150,000 children have entered this system. It also notes from the ILO report entitled “ILO response to the Syrian Refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon”, of March 2014, that many refugee children are working in hazardous conditions in the agricultural and urban informal sector, street peddling or begging.While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect refugee children (in particular Syrian and Palestinian) from the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their removal and for their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information on the number of refugee children who have benefited from any initiatives taken in this regard, to the extent possible disaggregated by age, gender and country of origin.
2. Children in street situations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Social Affairs has taken a series of measures to address the situation of street children, including: (i) undertaking activities to raise awareness through education, media and advertisement campaigns; (ii) training of a certain number of social protection actors/players working in child protection institutions; (iii) providing rehabilitation activities for a certain number of street children and their reintegration in their families; (iv) within the framework of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (2011–13) 36,575 families have been chosen to benefit from free basic social services, such as access to free compulsory public education as well as medical facilities. The Government also indicates that the 2010 draft “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children” has not been implemented yet, but is in the process of being revised.
The Committee notes the 2015 study “Children Living and Working on the Streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” (ILO–UNICEF–Save the Children International) which provides detailed statistical information on the phenomenon of street-based children across 18 districts of Lebanon. The Committee also notes that the report comprises a certain number of recommendations, including: (i) enforcing relevant legislation; (ii) reintegrating street-based children into education and providing basic services; and (iii) intervening at the household-level to conduct prevention activities. The Committee further observes that despite street work being one of the most hazardous forms of child labour under Decree No. 8987 on hazardous forms of child labour (2012), it is still prevalent with a total of 1,510 children found to be living or working on the streets. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recommended that the Government raise resources so as to provide the necessary preventive and rehabilitative services to street children and enforce existing legislation aimed at combating child labour (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 45).Recalling that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect these children, and to provide for their rehabilitation and social reintegration. The Committee also urges the Government to take the necessary measures to actively implement the 2010 draft strategy entitled “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children”, once revised and report on the results achieved. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of street children who have been provided with educational opportunities and social integration services.
The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.
The Committee expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.
Repetition
Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to take measures to enhance the role of the national monitoring bodies with regard to child labour. It requested the Government to provide information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the MoL has continued to hold meetings on the issue of child labour that resulted in the adoption of a certain number of measures, including: (i) the preparation of a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour; and (ii) the preparation of a guidebook on Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour. Referring to its comments made in relation to the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee notes that labour inspector staff are undergoing continuous training, including courses on child labour. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen the role of the law enforcement bodies in terms of monitoring, detecting and combating the worst forms of child labour.
2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that small committees were set up, outside of the NCCL, such as a small committee responsible for the issues concerning working children on the streets, and a small committee responsible for children working in agriculture. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the activities carried out by the NCCL as well as the above-mentioned small committees in terms of improving the monitoring of children working on the streets and in the agricultural sector.
Article 6. National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL). In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the NAP–WFCL and to report on its implementation.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is committed to implementing the NAP–WFCL with relevant stakeholders and officials through the elaboration and adoption of projects related to child labour. The Government refers in this regard to the ILO–DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency) project to combat rising child labour among Syrian refugees. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to implement the NAP–WFCL and the results achieved in terms of combating the worst forms of child labour.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a National Education Strategy (NES) was developed and completed in 2010. It noted that the NES focuses on five main priority objectives, including making education available on the basis of equal opportunity, and providing quality education that contributes to building a knowledge society. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the comments of the Committee have been forwarded to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, but that no reply has been received. The Committee also notes that according to the 2014 UNESCO Regional report on out-of-school Children, the dropout rate has risen for the last grade of primary education from 3.7 per cent in 2000 to 6.7 per cent in 2011. There is also a high level of dropouts at the level of lower secondary education (17 per cent), in comparison to the last grade of primary school (7 per cent). According to the report, economic constraints (transport and tuition fees) and insecurity contribute to the exclusion of many children from education. In light of the above, the Committee, recalls the importance of education as a major factor that contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure access to free basic education to all children, placing emphasis on increasing the school enrolment rates and decreasing the drop-out rates at the secondary level. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES, and updated statistical information on the results obtained, to the extent possible disaggregated by age and gender.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, within the framework of the NAP–WFCL and following the recommendations of the ILO–IPEC study “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon”, special attention would be afforded to girls. The Committee requested further information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is keen to formulate a special programme for girls to prevent them from engaging in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether within the framework of the NAP–WFCL, specific measures have been adopted for girls, particularly for girl domestic workers, to ensure that they do not fall into the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any special programme for girls that has been recently adopted in this regard.
Application of the Convention in practice. Survey of working children in Lebanon. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour is being prepared by the Central Statistics Department, that and that upon completion a copy will be communicated to the Committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard and to provide a copy of the survey, once available.

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.
Repetition
Articles 3, 7(1) and (2)(b) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour, penalties and direct assistance for rehabilitation and social integration. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Trafficking. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of the Anti-Trafficking Act No. 164 (2011). The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application of this Act, in practice.
The Committee notes the statistical information related to trafficking of children provided by the Government in its report. It notes that in 2014, five child victims of trafficking for labour exploitation (street begging), and one child victim of trafficking for sexual exploitation, were identified. According to the Government’s indication, all the child victims identified were referred to social and rehabilitation centres, such as the “Beit al Aman” shelter in collaboration with Caritas. The Government also indicates that in 2014 the Higher Council for Childhood drafted a sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children that is still under consultations with the relevant stakeholders.
The Committee also notes that in its 2015 concluding observations, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recommended the Government to provide mandatory gender-sensitive capacity-building for judges, prosecutors, the border police, the immigration authorities and other law enforcement officials to ensure the strict enforcement of Act No. 164 to combat trafficking by promptly prosecuting all cases of trafficking in women and girls (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/4-5, paragraph 30(a)). The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the draft sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children is adopted in the near future, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 164 of 2011, including statistical information on the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied for the offence of trafficking of children. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures adopted in order to prevent trafficking of children as well as measures taken to ensure that child victims of trafficking are provided with appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration services.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that under section 33(b) and (c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities is punishable under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. It also noted that section 3 of Annex No. 1 of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 on hazardous work prohibits such illicit activities for minors under the age of 18. The Committee noted the statistical information (disaggregated by gender and age) provided by the Government on the number of children found engaged in prostitution from 2010 to 2012.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the labour inspectorate is the body responsible for the supervision of the implementation of Decree No. 8987. The Committee notes with concern that according to the Government’s indication no cases related to the application of the Decree have been detected so far. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 prohibiting the engagement of children for prostitution or pornographic purposes or for illicit activities. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on any prosecutions and convictions made with regard to the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances.
As for the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay to ensure the adoption of the provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities, as well as of the provisions providing for the penalties imposed.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Refugee children. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the work programme of the National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL) for working Palestinian children to protect them from the worst forms of child labour.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no new measures have been taken due to the political and security situation in the country. The Committee also notes that according to the 2016 United Nations High Commissioner Job Refugees (UNHCR) report entitled “Missing out: Refugee Education in Crisis”, there are more than 380,000 refugee children between the ages of 5 and 17 registered in Lebanon. It is estimated that less than 50 per cent of primary school-age children have access to public primary schools and less than 4 per cent of young persons have access to public secondary schools. The report highlights that since 2013 the Government has introduced a two-shift system in public schools to encourage the enrolment of refugee children. About 150,000 children have entered this system. It also notes from the ILO report entitled “ILO response to the Syrian Refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon”, of March 2014, that many refugee children are working in hazardous conditions in the agricultural and urban informal sector, street peddling or begging. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect refugee children (in particular Syrian and Palestinian) from the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their removal and for their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information on the number of refugee children who have benefited from any initiatives taken in this regard, to the extent possible disaggregated by age, gender and country of origin.
2. Children in street situations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Social Affairs has taken a series of measures to address the situation of street children, including: (i) undertaking activities to raise awareness through education, media and advertisement campaigns; (ii) training of a certain number of social protection actors/players working in child protection institutions; (iii) providing rehabilitation activities for a certain number of street children and their reintegration in their families; (iv) within the framework of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (2011–13) 36,575 families have been chosen to benefit from free basic social services, such as access to free compulsory public education as well as medical facilities. The Government also indicates that the 2010 draft “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children” has not been implemented yet, but is in the process of being revised.
The Committee notes the 2015 study “Children Living and Working on the Streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” (ILO–UNICEF–Save the Children International) which provides detailed statistical information on the phenomenon of street-based children across 18 districts of Lebanon. The Committee also notes that the report comprises a certain number of recommendations, including: (i) enforcing relevant legislation; (ii) reintegrating street-based children into education and providing basic services; and (iii) intervening at the household-level to conduct prevention activities. The Committee further observes that despite street work being one of the most hazardous forms of child labour under Decree No. 8987 on hazardous forms of child labour (2012), it is still prevalent with a total of 1,510 children found to be living or working on the streets. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recommended that the Government raise resources so as to provide the necessary preventive and rehabilitative services to street children and enforce existing legislation aimed at combating child labour (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 45). Recalling that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect these children, and to provide for their rehabilitation and social reintegration. The Committee also urges the Government to take the necessary measures to actively implement the 2010 draft strategy entitled “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children”, once revised and report on the results achieved. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of street children who have been provided with educational opportunities and social integration services.
The Committee is raising other matters in a request directly addressed to the Government.
The Committee expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.
Repetition
Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to take measures to enhance the role of the national monitoring bodies with regard to child labour. It requested the Government to provide information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the MoL has continued to hold meetings on the issue of child labour that resulted in the adoption of a certain number of measures, including: (i) the preparation of a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour; and (ii) the preparation of a guidebook on Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour. Referring to its comments made in relation to the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee notes that labour inspector staff are undergoing continuous training, including courses on child labour. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen the role of the law enforcement bodies in terms of monitoring, detecting and combating the worst forms of child labour.
2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that small committees were set up, outside of the NCCL, such as a small committee responsible for the issues concerning working children on the streets, and a small committee responsible for children working in agriculture. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the activities carried out by the NCCL as well as the above-mentioned small committees in terms of improving the monitoring of children working on the streets and in the agricultural sector.
Article 6. National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL). In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the NAP–WFCL and to report on its implementation.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is committed to implementing the NAP–WFCL with relevant stakeholders and officials through the elaboration and adoption of projects related to child labour. The Government refers in this regard to the ILO–DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency) project to combat rising child labour among Syrian refugees. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to implement the NAP–WFCL and the results achieved in terms of combating the worst forms of child labour.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a National Education Strategy (NES) was developed and completed in 2010. It noted that the NES focuses on five main priority objectives, including making education available on the basis of equal opportunity, and providing quality education that contributes to building a knowledge society. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the comments of the Committee have been forwarded to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, but that no reply has been received. The Committee also notes that according to the 2014 UNESCO Regional report on out-of-school Children, the dropout rate has risen for the last grade of primary education from 3.7 per cent in 2000 to 6.7 per cent in 2011. There is also a high level of dropouts at the level of lower secondary education (17 per cent), in comparison to the last grade of primary school (7 per cent). According to the report, economic constraints (transport and tuition fees) and insecurity contribute to the exclusion of many children from education. In light of the above, the Committee, recalls the importance of education as a major factor that contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure access to free basic education to all children, placing emphasis on increasing the school enrolment rates and decreasing the drop-out rates at the secondary level. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES, and updated statistical information on the results obtained, to the extent possible disaggregated by age and gender.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, within the framework of the NAP–WFCL and following the recommendations of the ILO–IPEC study “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon”, special attention would be afforded to girls. The Committee requested further information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is keen to formulate a special programme for girls to prevent them from engaging in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether within the framework of the NAP–WFCL, specific measures have been adopted for girls, particularly for girl domestic workers, to ensure that they do not fall into the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any special programme for girls that has been recently adopted in this regard.
Application of the Convention in practice. Survey of working children in Lebanon. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour is being prepared by the Central Statistics Department, that and that upon completion a copy will be communicated to the Committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard and to provide a copy of the survey, once available.

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

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.
Repetition
Articles 3, 7(1) and (2)(b) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour, penalties and direct assistance for rehabilitation and social integration. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Trafficking. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of the Anti-Trafficking Act No. 164 (2011). The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application of this Act, in practice.
The Committee notes the statistical information related to trafficking of children provided by the Government in its report. It notes that in 2014, five child victims of trafficking for labour exploitation (street begging), and one child victim of trafficking for sexual exploitation, were identified. According to the Government’s indication, all the child victims identified were referred to social and rehabilitation centres, such as the “Beit al Aman” shelter in collaboration with Caritas. The Government also indicates that in 2014 the Higher Council for Childhood drafted a sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children that is still under consultations with the relevant stakeholders.
The Committee also notes that in its 2015 concluding observations, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recommended the Government to provide mandatory gender-sensitive capacity-building for judges, prosecutors, the border police, the immigration authorities and other law enforcement officials to ensure the strict enforcement of Act No. 164 to combat trafficking by promptly prosecuting all cases of trafficking in women and girls (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/4-5, paragraph 30(a)). The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the draft sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children is adopted in the near future, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 164 of 2011, including statistical information on the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied for the offence of trafficking of children. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures adopted in order to prevent trafficking of children as well as measures taken to ensure that child victims of trafficking are provided with appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration services.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that under section 33(b) and (c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities is punishable under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. It also noted that section 3 of Annex No. 1 of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 on hazardous work prohibits such illicit activities for minors under the age of 18. The Committee noted the statistical information (disaggregated by gender and age) provided by the Government on the number of children found engaged in prostitution from 2010 to 2012.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the labour inspectorate is the body responsible for the supervision of the implementation of Decree No. 8987. The Committee notes with concern that according to the Government’s indication no cases related to the application of the Decree have been detected so far. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 prohibiting the engagement of children for prostitution or pornographic purposes or for illicit activities. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on any prosecutions and convictions made with regard to the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances.
As for the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay to ensure the adoption of the provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities, as well as of the provisions providing for the penalties imposed.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Refugee children. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the work programme of the National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL) for working Palestinian children to protect them from the worst forms of child labour.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no new measures have been taken due to the political and security situation in the country. The Committee also notes that according to the 2016 United Nations High Commissioner Job Refugees (UNHCR) report entitled “Missing out: Refugee Education in Crisis”, there are more than 380,000 refugee children between the ages of 5 and 17 registered in Lebanon. It is estimated that less than 50 per cent of primary school-age children have access to public primary schools and less than 4 per cent of young persons have access to public secondary schools. The report highlights that since 2013 the Government has introduced a two-shift system in public schools to encourage the enrolment of refugee children. About 150,000 children have entered this system. It also notes from the ILO report entitled “ILO response to the Syrian Refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon”, of March 2014, that many refugee children are working in hazardous conditions in the agricultural and urban informal sector, street peddling or begging. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect refugee children (in particular Syrian and Palestinian) from the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their removal and for their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information on the number of refugee children who have benefited from any initiatives taken in this regard, to the extent possible disaggregated by age, gender and country of origin.
2. Children in street situations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Social Affairs has taken a series of measures to address the situation of street children, including: (i) undertaking activities to raise awareness through education, media and advertisement campaigns; (ii) training of a certain number of social protection actors/players working in child protection institutions; (iii) providing rehabilitation activities for a certain number of street children and their reintegration in their families; (iv) within the framework of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (2011–13) 36,575 families have been chosen to benefit from free basic social services, such as access to free compulsory public education as well as medical facilities. The Government also indicates that the 2010 draft “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children” has not been implemented yet, but is in the process of being revised.
The Committee notes the 2015 study “Children Living and Working on the Streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” (ILO–UNICEF–Save the Children International) which provides detailed statistical information on the phenomenon of street-based children across 18 districts of Lebanon. The Committee also notes that the report comprises a certain number of recommendations, including: (i) enforcing relevant legislation; (ii) reintegrating street-based children into education and providing basic services; and (iii) intervening at the household-level to conduct prevention activities. The Committee further observes that despite street work being one of the most hazardous forms of child labour under Decree No. 8987 on hazardous forms of child labour (2012), it is still prevalent with a total of 1,510 children found to be living or working on the streets. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recommended that the Government raise resources so as to provide the necessary preventive and rehabilitative services to street children and enforce existing legislation aimed at combating child labour (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 45). Recalling that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect these children, and to provide for their rehabilitation and social reintegration. The Committee also urges the Government to take the necessary measures to actively implement the 2010 draft strategy entitled “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children”, once revised and report on the results achieved. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of street children who have been provided with educational opportunities and social integration services.
The Committee is raising other matters in a request directly addressed to the Government.
The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.
Repetition
Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to take measures to enhance the role of the national monitoring bodies with regard to child labour. It requested the Government to provide information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the MoL has continued to hold meetings on the issue of child labour that resulted in the adoption of a certain number of measures, including: (i) the preparation of a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour; and (ii) the preparation of a guidebook on Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour. Referring to its comments made in relation to the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee notes that labour inspector staff are undergoing continuous training, including courses on child labour. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen the role of the law enforcement bodies in terms of monitoring, detecting and combating the worst forms of child labour.
2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that small committees were set up, outside of the NCCL, such as a small committee responsible for the issues concerning working children on the streets, and a small committee responsible for children working in agriculture. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the activities carried out by the NCCL as well as the above-mentioned small committees in terms of improving the monitoring of children working on the streets and in the agricultural sector.
Article 6. National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL). In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the NAP–WFCL and to report on its implementation.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is committed to implementing the NAP–WFCL with relevant stakeholders and officials through the elaboration and adoption of projects related to child labour. The Government refers in this regard to the ILO–DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency) project to combat rising child labour among Syrian refugees. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to implement the NAP–WFCL and the results achieved in terms of combating the worst forms of child labour.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a National Education Strategy (NES) was developed and completed in 2010. It noted that the NES focuses on five main priority objectives, including making education available on the basis of equal opportunity, and providing quality education that contributes to building a knowledge society. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the comments of the Committee have been forwarded to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, but that no reply has been received. The Committee also notes that according to the 2014 UNESCO Regional report on out-of-school Children, the dropout rate has risen for the last grade of primary education from 3.7 per cent in 2000 to 6.7 per cent in 2011. There is also a high level of dropouts at the level of lower secondary education (17 per cent), in comparison to the last grade of primary school (7 per cent). According to the report, economic constraints (transport and tuition fees) and insecurity contribute to the exclusion of many children from education. In light of the above, the Committee, recalls the importance of education as a major factor that contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure access to free basic education to all children, placing emphasis on increasing the school enrolment rates and decreasing the drop-out rates at the secondary level. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES, and updated statistical information on the results obtained, to the extent possible disaggregated by age and gender.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, within the framework of the NAP–WFCL and following the recommendations of the ILO–IPEC study “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon”, special attention would be afforded to girls. The Committee requested further information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is keen to formulate a special programme for girls to prevent them from engaging in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether within the framework of the NAP–WFCL, specific measures have been adopted for girls, particularly for girl domestic workers, to ensure that they do not fall into the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any special programme for girls that has been recently adopted in this regard.
Application of the Convention in practice. Survey of working children in Lebanon. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour is being prepared by the Central Statistics Department, that and that upon completion a copy will be communicated to the Committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard and to provide a copy of the survey, once available.

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

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.
Repetition
Articles 3, 7(1) and (2)(b) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour, penalties and direct assistance for rehabilitation and social integration. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Trafficking. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of the Anti-Trafficking Act No. 164 (2011). The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application of this Act, in practice.
The Committee notes the statistical information related to trafficking of children provided by the Government in its report. It notes that in 2014, five child victims of trafficking for labour exploitation (street begging), and one child victim of trafficking for sexual exploitation, were identified. According to the Government’s indication, all the child victims identified were referred to social and rehabilitation centres, such as the “Beit al Aman” shelter in collaboration with Caritas. The Government also indicates that in 2014 the Higher Council for Childhood drafted a sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children that is still under consultations with the relevant stakeholders.
The Committee also notes that in its 2015 concluding observations, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recommended the Government to provide mandatory gender-sensitive capacity-building for judges, prosecutors, the border police, the immigration authorities and other law enforcement officials to ensure the strict enforcement of Act No. 164 to combat trafficking by promptly prosecuting all cases of trafficking in women and girls (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/4-5, paragraph 30(a)). The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the draft sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children is adopted in the near future, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 164 of 2011, including statistical information on the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied for the offence of trafficking of children. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures adopted in order to prevent trafficking of children as well as measures taken to ensure that child victims of trafficking are provided with appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration services.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that under section 33(b) and (c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities is punishable under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. It also noted that section 3 of Annex No. 1 of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 on hazardous work prohibits such illicit activities for minors under the age of 18. The Committee noted the statistical information (disaggregated by gender and age) provided by the Government on the number of children found engaged in prostitution from 2010 to 2012.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the labour inspectorate is the body responsible for the supervision of the implementation of Decree No. 8987. The Committee notes with concern that according to the Government’s indication no cases related to the application of the Decree have been detected so far. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 prohibiting the engagement of children for prostitution or pornographic purposes or for illicit activities. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on any prosecutions and convictions made with regard to the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances.
As for the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay to ensure the adoption of the provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities, as well as of the provisions providing for the penalties imposed.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Refugee children. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the work programme of the National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL) for working Palestinian children to protect them from the worst forms of child labour.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no new measures have been taken due to the political and security situation in the country. The Committee also notes that according to the 2016 United Nations High Commissioner Job Refugees (UNHCR) report entitled “Missing out: Refugee Education in Crisis”, there are more than 380,000 refugee children between the ages of 5 and 17 registered in Lebanon. It is estimated that less than 50 per cent of primary school-age children have access to public primary schools and less than 4 per cent of young persons have access to public secondary schools. The report highlights that since 2013 the Government has introduced a two-shift system in public schools to encourage the enrolment of refugee children. About 150,000 children have entered this system. It also notes from the ILO report entitled “ILO response to the Syrian Refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon”, of March 2014, that many refugee children are working in hazardous conditions in the agricultural and urban informal sector, street peddling or begging. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect refugee children (in particular Syrian and Palestinian) from the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their removal and for their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information on the number of refugee children who have benefited from any initiatives taken in this regard, to the extent possible disaggregated by age, gender and country of origin.
2. Children in street situations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Social Affairs has taken a series of measures to address the situation of street children, including: (i) undertaking activities to raise awareness through education, media and advertisement campaigns; (ii) training of a certain number of social protection actors/players working in child protection institutions; (iii) providing rehabilitation activities for a certain number of street children and their reintegration in their families; (iv) within the framework of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (2011–13) 36,575 families have been chosen to benefit from free basic social services, such as access to free compulsory public education as well as medical facilities. The Government also indicates that the 2010 draft “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children” has not been implemented yet, but is in the process of being revised.
The Committee notes the 2015 study “Children Living and Working on the Streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” (ILO–UNICEF–Save the Children International) which provides detailed statistical information on the phenomenon of street-based children across 18 districts of Lebanon. The Committee also notes that the report comprises a certain number of recommendations, including: (i) enforcing relevant legislation; (ii) reintegrating street-based children into education and providing basic services; and (iii) intervening at the household-level to conduct prevention activities. The Committee further observes that despite street work being one of the most hazardous forms of child labour under Decree No. 8987 on hazardous forms of child labour (2012), it is still prevalent with a total of 1,510 children found to be living or working on the streets. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recommended that the Government raise resources so as to provide the necessary preventive and rehabilitative services to street children and enforce existing legislation aimed at combating child labour (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 45). Recalling that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect these children, and to provide for their rehabilitation and social reintegration. The Committee also urges the Government to take the necessary measures to actively implement the 2010 draft strategy entitled “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children”, once revised and report on the results achieved. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of street children who have been provided with educational opportunities and social integration services.
The Committee is raising other matters in a request directly addressed to the Government.
The Committee expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2017.
Repetition
Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to take measures to enhance the role of the national monitoring bodies with regard to child labour. It requested the Government to provide information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the MoL has continued to hold meetings on the issue of child labour that resulted in the adoption of a certain number of measures, including: (i) the preparation of a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour; and (ii) the preparation of a guidebook on Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour. Referring to its comments made in relation to the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee notes that labour inspector staff are undergoing continuous training, including courses on child labour. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen the role of the law enforcement bodies in terms of monitoring, detecting and combating the worst forms of child labour.
2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that small committees were set up, outside of the NCCL, such as a small committee responsible for the issues concerning working children on the streets, and a small committee responsible for children working in agriculture. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the activities carried out by the NCCL as well as the above-mentioned small committees in terms of improving the monitoring of children working on the streets and in the agricultural sector.
Article 6. National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL). In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the NAP–WFCL and to report on its implementation.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is committed to implementing the NAP–WFCL with relevant stakeholders and officials through the elaboration and adoption of projects related to child labour. The Government refers in this regard to the ILO–DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency) project to combat rising child labour among Syrian refugees. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to implement the NAP–WFCL and the results achieved in terms of combating the worst forms of child labour.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a National Education Strategy (NES) was developed and completed in 2010. It noted that the NES focuses on five main priority objectives, including making education available on the basis of equal opportunity, and providing quality education that contributes to building a knowledge society. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the comments of the Committee have been forwarded to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, but that no reply has been received. The Committee also notes that according to the 2014 UNESCO Regional report on out-of-school Children, the dropout rate has risen for the last grade of primary education from 3.7 per cent in 2000 to 6.7 per cent in 2011. There is also a high level of dropouts at the level of lower secondary education (17 per cent), in comparison to the last grade of primary school (7 per cent). According to the report, economic constraints (transport and tuition fees) and insecurity contribute to the exclusion of many children from education. In light of the above, the Committee, recalls the importance of education as a major factor that contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure access to free basic education to all children, placing emphasis on increasing the school enrolment rates and decreasing the drop-out rates at the secondary level. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES, and updated statistical information on the results obtained, to the extent possible disaggregated by age and gender.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, within the framework of the NAP–WFCL and following the recommendations of the ILO–IPEC study “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon”, special attention would be afforded to girls. The Committee requested further information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is keen to formulate a special programme for girls to prevent them from engaging in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether within the framework of the NAP–WFCL, specific measures have been adopted for girls, particularly for girl domestic workers, to ensure that they do not fall into the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any special programme for girls that has been recently adopted in this regard.
Application of the Convention in practice. Survey of working children in Lebanon. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour is being prepared by the Central Statistics Department, that and that upon completion a copy will be communicated to the Committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard and to provide a copy of the survey, once available.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments initially made in 2017.
Repetition
Articles 3, 7(1) and (2)(b) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour, penalties and direct assistance for rehabilitation and social integration. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Trafficking. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of the Anti-Trafficking Act No. 164 (2011). The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application of this Act, in practice.
The Committee notes the statistical information related to trafficking of children provided by the Government in its report. It notes that in 2014, five child victims of trafficking for labour exploitation (street begging), and one child victim of trafficking for sexual exploitation, were identified. According to the Government’s indication, all the child victims identified were referred to social and rehabilitation centres, such as the “Beit al Aman” shelter in collaboration with Caritas. The Government also indicates that in 2014 the Higher Council for Childhood drafted a sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children that is still under consultations with the relevant stakeholders.
The Committee also notes that in its 2015 concluding observations, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recommended the Government to provide mandatory gender-sensitive capacity-building for judges, prosecutors, the border police, the immigration authorities and other law enforcement officials to ensure the strict enforcement of Act No. 164 to combat trafficking by promptly prosecuting all cases of trafficking in women and girls (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/4-5, paragraph 30(a)). The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the draft sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children is adopted in the near future, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 164 of 2011, including statistical information on the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied for the offence of trafficking of children. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures adopted in order to prevent trafficking of children as well as measures taken to ensure that child victims of trafficking are provided with appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration services.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that under section 33(b) and (c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities is punishable under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. It also noted that section 3 of Annex No. 1 of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 on hazardous work prohibits such illicit activities for minors under the age of 18. The Committee noted the statistical information (disaggregated by gender and age) provided by the Government on the number of children found engaged in prostitution from 2010 to 2012.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the labour inspectorate is the body responsible for the supervision of the implementation of Decree No. 8987. The Committee notes with concern that according to the Government’s indication no cases related to the application of the Decree have been detected so far. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 prohibiting the engagement of children for prostitution or pornographic purposes or for illicit activities. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on any prosecutions and convictions made with regard to the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances.
As for the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay to ensure the adoption of the provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities, as well as of the provisions providing for the penalties imposed.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Refugee children. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the work programme of the National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL) for working Palestinian children to protect them from the worst forms of child labour.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no new measures have been taken due to the political and security situation in the country. The Committee also notes that according to the 2016 United Nations High Commissioner Job Refugees (UNHCR) report entitled “Missing out: Refugee Education in Crisis”, there are more than 380,000 refugee children between the ages of 5 and 17 registered in Lebanon. It is estimated that less than 50 per cent of primary school-age children have access to public primary schools and less than 4 per cent of young persons have access to public secondary schools. The report highlights that since 2013 the Government has introduced a two-shift system in public schools to encourage the enrolment of refugee children. About 150,000 children have entered this system. It also notes from the ILO report entitled “ILO response to the Syrian Refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon”, of March 2014, that many refugee children are working in hazardous conditions in the agricultural and urban informal sector, street peddling or begging. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect refugee children (in particular Syrian and Palestinian) from the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their removal and for their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information on the number of refugee children who have benefited from any initiatives taken in this regard, to the extent possible disaggregated by age, gender and country of origin.
2. Children in street situations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Social Affairs has taken a series of measures to address the situation of street children, including: (i) undertaking activities to raise awareness through education, media and advertisement campaigns; (ii) training of a certain number of social protection actors/players working in child protection institutions; (iii) providing rehabilitation activities for a certain number of street children and their reintegration in their families; (iv) within the framework of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (2011–13) 36,575 families have been chosen to benefit from free basic social services, such as access to free compulsory public education as well as medical facilities. The Government also indicates that the 2010 draft “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children” has not been implemented yet, but is in the process of being revised.
The Committee notes the 2015 study “Children Living and Working on the Streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” (ILO–UNICEF–Save the Children International) which provides detailed statistical information on the phenomenon of street-based children across 18 districts of Lebanon. The Committee also notes that the report comprises a certain number of recommendations, including: (i) enforcing relevant legislation; (ii) reintegrating street-based children into education and providing basic services; and (iii) intervening at the household-level to conduct prevention activities. The Committee further observes that despite street work being one of the most hazardous forms of child labour under Decree No. 8987 on hazardous forms of child labour (2012), it is still prevalent with a total of 1,510 children found to be living or working on the streets. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recommended that the Government raise resources so as to provide the necessary preventive and rehabilitative services to street children and enforce existing legislation aimed at combating child labour (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 45). Recalling that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect these children, and to provide for their rehabilitation and social reintegration. The Committee also urges the Government to take the necessary measures to actively implement the 2010 draft strategy entitled “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children”, once revised and report on the results achieved. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of street children who have been provided with educational opportunities and social integration services.
The Committee is raising other matters in a request directly addressed to the Government.
The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to take measures to enhance the role of the national monitoring bodies with regard to child labour. It requested the Government to provide information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the MoL has continued to hold meetings on the issue of child labour that resulted in the adoption of a certain number of measures, including: (i) the preparation of a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour; and (ii) the preparation of a guidebook on Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour. Referring to its comments made in relation to the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee notes that labour inspector staff are undergoing continuous training, including courses on child labour. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen the role of the law enforcement bodies in terms of monitoring, detecting and combating the worst forms of child labour.
2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that small committees were set up, outside of the NCCL, such as a small committee responsible for the issues concerning working children on the streets, and a small committee responsible for children working in agriculture. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the activities carried out by the NCCL as well as the above-mentioned small committees in terms of improving the monitoring of children working on the streets and in the agricultural sector.
Article 6. National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL). In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the NAP–WFCL and to report on its implementation.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is committed to implementing the NAP–WFCL with relevant stakeholders and officials through the elaboration and adoption of projects related to child labour. The Government refers in this regard to the ILO–DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency) project to combat rising child labour among Syrian refugees. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to implement the NAP–WFCL and the results achieved in terms of combating the worst forms of child labour.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a National Education Strategy (NES) was developed and completed in 2010. It noted that the NES focuses on five main priority objectives, including making education available on the basis of equal opportunity, and providing quality education that contributes to building a knowledge society. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the comments of the Committee have been forwarded to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, but that no reply has been received. The Committee also notes that according to the 2014 UNESCO Regional report on out-of-school Children, the dropout rate has risen for the last grade of primary education from 3.7 per cent in 2000 to 6.7 per cent in 2011. There is also a high level of dropouts at the level of lower secondary education (17 per cent), in comparison to the last grade of primary school (7 per cent). According to the report, economic constraints (transport and tuition fees) and insecurity contribute to the exclusion of many children from education. In light of the above, the Committee, recalls the importance of education as a major factor that contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure access to free basic education to all children, placing emphasis on increasing the school enrolment rates and decreasing the drop-out rates at the secondary level. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES, and updated statistical information on the results obtained, to the extent possible disaggregated by age and gender.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, within the framework of the NAP–WFCL and following the recommendations of the ILO–IPEC study “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon”, special attention would be afforded to girls. The Committee requested further information in this regard.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is keen to formulate a special programme for girls to prevent them from engaging in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether within the framework of the NAP–WFCL, specific measures have been adopted for girls, particularly for girl domestic workers, to ensure that they do not fall into the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any special programme for girls that has been recently adopted in this regard.
Application of the Convention in practice. Survey of working children in Lebanon. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a quantitative survey on the worst forms of child labour is being prepared by the Central Statistics Department, that and that upon completion a copy will be communicated to the Committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard and to provide a copy of the survey, once available.

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

Articles 3, 7(1) and (2)(b) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour, penalties and direct assistance for rehabilitation and social integration. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Trafficking. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of the Anti-Trafficking Act No. 164 (2011). The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application of this Act, in practice.
The Committee notes the statistical information related to trafficking of children provided by the Government in its report. It notes that in 2014, five child victims of trafficking for labour exploitation (street begging), and one child victim of trafficking for sexual exploitation, were identified. According to the Government’s indication, all the child victims identified were referred to social and rehabilitation centres, such as the “Beit al Aman” shelter in collaboration with Caritas. The Government also indicates that in 2014 the Higher Council for Childhood drafted a sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children that is still under consultations with the relevant stakeholders.
The Committee also notes that in its 2015 concluding observations, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recommended the Government to provide mandatory gender-sensitive capacity-building for judges, prosecutors, the border police, the immigration authorities and other law enforcement officials to ensure the strict enforcement of Act No. 164 to combat trafficking by promptly prosecuting all cases of trafficking in women and girls (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/4-5, paragraph 30(a)). The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the draft sectorial Action Plan on Trafficking of Children is adopted in the near future, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of Act No. 164 of 2011, including statistical information on the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied for the offence of trafficking of children. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures adopted in order to prevent trafficking of children as well as measures taken to ensure that child victims of trafficking are provided with appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration services.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that under section 33(b) and (c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities is punishable under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. It also noted that section 3 of Annex No. 1 of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 on hazardous work prohibits such illicit activities for minors under the age of 18. The Committee noted the statistical information (disaggregated by gender and age) provided by the Government on the number of children found engaged in prostitution from 2010 to 2012.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the labour inspectorate is the body responsible for the supervision of the implementation of Decree No. 8987. The Committee notes with concern that according to the Government’s indication no cases related to the application of the Decree have been detected so far. The Committee urges the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 prohibiting the engagement of children for prostitution or pornographic purposes or for illicit activities. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on any prosecutions and convictions made with regard to the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances.
As for the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay to ensure the adoption of the provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities, as well as of the provisions providing for the penalties imposed.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Refugee children. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the work programme of the National plan of action on the elimination of child labour (NAP–WFCL) for working Palestinian children to protect them from the worst forms of child labour.
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no new measures have been taken due to the political and security situation in the country. The Committee also notes that according to the 2016 United Nations High Commissioner Job Refugees (UNHCR) report entitled “Missing out: Refugee Education in Crisis”, there are more than 380,000 refugee children between the ages of 5 and 17 registered in Lebanon. It is estimated that less than 50 per cent of primary school-age children have access to public primary schools and less than 4 per cent of young persons have access to public secondary schools. The report highlights that since 2013 the Government has introduced a two-shift system in public schools to encourage the enrolment of refugee children. About 150,000 children have entered this system. It also notes from the ILO report entitled “ILO response to the Syrian Refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon”, of March 2014, that many refugee children are working in hazardous conditions in the agricultural and urban informal sector, street peddling or begging. While acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee urges the Government to take effective and time-bound measures to protect refugee children (in particular Syrian and Palestinian) from the worst forms of child labour and to provide the necessary and appropriate direct assistance for their removal and for their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information on the number of refugee children who have benefited from any initiatives taken in this regard, to the extent possible disaggregated by age, gender and country of origin.
2. Children in street situations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Social Affairs has taken a series of measures to address the situation of street children, including: (i) undertaking activities to raise awareness through education, media and advertisement campaigns; (ii) training of a certain number of social protection actors/players working in child protection institutions; (iii) providing rehabilitation activities for a certain number of street children and their reintegration in their families; (iv) within the framework of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (2011–13) 36,575 families have been chosen to benefit from free basic social services, such as access to free compulsory public education as well as medical facilities. The Government also indicates that the 2010 draft “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children” has not been implemented yet, but is in the process of being revised.
The Committee notes the 2015 study “Children Living and Working on the Streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” (ILO–UNICEF–Save the Children International) which provides detailed statistical information on the phenomenon of street-based children across 18 districts of Lebanon. The Committee also notes that the report comprises a certain number of recommendations, including: (i) enforcing relevant legislation; (ii) reintegrating street-based children into education and providing basic services; and (iii) intervening at the household-level to conduct prevention activities. The Committee further observes that despite street work being one of the most hazardous forms of child labour under Decree No. 8987 on hazardous forms of child labour (2012), it is still prevalent with a total of 1,510 children found to be living or working on the streets. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recommended that the Government raise resources so as to provide the necessary preventive and rehabilitative services to street children and enforce existing legislation aimed at combating child labour (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 45). Recalling that street children are particularly vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect these children, and to provide for their rehabilitation and social reintegration. The Committee also urges the Government to take the necessary measures to actively implement the 2010 draft strategy entitled “Strategy for Protection, Rehabilitation and Integration of Street Children”, once revised and report on the results achieved. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of street children who have been provided with educational opportunities and social integration services.
The Committee is raising other matters in a request directly addressed to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.
Repetition
Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms. Labour inspection. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the mission report of the tripartite inter-ministerial workshop carried out in February 2013, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to take measures, within one year, to enhance the role of the monitoring bodies with regard to child labour, including by strengthening the capacity and expanding the reach of the labour inspection. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard in its next report. Moreover, the Committee once again requests the Government to supply extracts of the inspection reports specifying the extent and nature of violations detected involving children and young persons.
National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the NCCL formulated a National Strategy for Combating Child Labour. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that meetings of the NCCL had stopped and that the MoL was re-examining the composition of the NCCL. It requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the continued functioning of the NCCL.
The Committee notes the Government’s information that the NCCL has been reactivated by virtue of Decree No. 5137 of 1 November 2010 and that, since its reactivation, the NCCL has held several meetings in consultation with all the relevant parties. The Government also indicates that it started to carry out a technical programme in collaboration with ILO–IPEC with a view to putting into effect the recommendations of the NCCL. Moreover, the NCCL prepared and undertook several activities, such as training its officials on its role at the national level in handling child labour issues; promoting the role of the child labour combat unit in the handling of child labour issues at the national and local levels; promoting collaboration and coordination within the various units and departments of the MoL with a view to reducing child labour; formulating a national plan of action to eliminate child labour in Lebanon by 2016; and preparing a national awareness plan in coordination with media experts. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the activities of the NCCL to monitor the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention, as well as on the results achieved.
Article 6. National plan of action on the elimination of child labour. The Committee notes that a National Action Plan for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour (NAP–WFCL) by 2016 is currently being discussed among the relevant stakeholders, as a result of the implementation of the ILO–IPEC project of support to the National Action Plan to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Lebanon. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the NAP–WFCL is adopted in the near future. It requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of this plan, once adopted, and the results achieved in terms of combating the worst forms of child labour.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Free basic education. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the 2011 UNESCO Global Monitoring report, the net enrolment rates at the primary level passed from 91 per cent in 1999 to 90 per cent in 2008, while the gross enrolment rates passed from 77 per cent in 1999 to 82 per cent in 2008. The Committee observes that these statistics appear to show that little progress has been made in the provision of free basic education for all children.
In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to a 2012 ILO report entitled “Action against child labour in Lebanon: A mapping of policy and normative initiatives”, the National Education Strategy (NES) was developed and completed in 2010. The NES focuses on five main priority objectives, including making education available on the basis of equal opportunity, and providing quality education that contributes to building a knowledge society. The NES also includes interventions aimed at improving retention rates and educational achievement and decreasing repetition rates through the development and implementation of appropriate mechanisms, such as the development and implementation of academic, psychological and social support programmes for at risk children, the improvement of teachers’ and counsellors’ capacity to address the needs of at-risk children, and the preparation of manuals to assist them in implementing support programmes. Considering that education contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to strengthen its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system, particularly by increasing the school enrolment rates at both the primary and secondary levels. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES, and updated statistical information on the results obtained, with its next report.
Clause (d). Identify and reach out to children at special risk. Palestinian children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the phenomenon of child labour exists on a wide scale in the camps of Palestinian refugees and the surrounding regions.
The Committee notes the Government’s information that the MoL, in collaboration with the ILO, will prepare a work programme specifically designed for working Palestinian children, set within the framework of the NAP–WFCL, to be formulated and developed by 2016. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the work programme of the NAP–WFCL for working Palestinian children, once adopted, to protect Palestinian children from the worst forms of child labour, and on the results achieved.
Street children. The Committee notes that, according to the SPA mission report, the phenomenon of street children is on the rise in Lebanon. In this regard, the participants of the SPA workshop indicated that a special unit dealing with the issue of street children was established within the Ministry of the Interior in 2002 with ILO–IPEC’s assistance. However, this unit has since been disbanded, but there is a request for its reactivation. In addition, the Committee notes that according to the 2012 ILO report entitled “Action against child labour in Lebanon: A mapping of policy and normative initiatives”, there is evidence of young children, particularly street children, being exploited as child beggars by organized gangs in Lebanon. In this regard, the Draft National Strategy for the prevention, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of street children was finalized in 2011 by the Higher Council for Childhood, the main development objective of which is to review and revise the policies, legislation and other measures to ensure better legal protection for street children. Considering that street children are at an increased risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect these children from these worst forms. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Draft National Strategy for the prevention, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of street children and on the results achieved, in terms of number of street children under 18 years of age who were provided with the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard in its next report.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the second phase of the ILO–IPEC project in Lebanon included the launching of activities specifically aimed at the protection of girls from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee noted that a study, entitled “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon” focusing on girl child workers in domestic work was conducted.
The Committee notes the Government’s information that, in the framework of the NAP–WFCL, special attention will be afforded to girls, especially on the basis of the recommendations of the study on Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the measures taken in the framework of the NAP–WFCL, once adopted, aimed at addressing the special situation of girls, including those employed as domestic workers, and on the results achieved.
Article 8. International cooperation. Poverty reduction. The Committee noted that a Social Action Plan (SAP) was formulated to target the promotion of sustainable and equitable development while combating poverty and setting up social safety nets. The Committee noted that the SAP included cash assistance support and follow-up services to households that complied with a number of conditions, including ensuring that their children stayed in school until the end of compulsory education. The Committee also noted that the SAP included programmes focusing on the prevention of school drop-outs, by reducing the cost of education for poor households, improving ongoing school food programmes, and the provision of school supplies.
The Committee further notes that, according to the 2012 ILO report entitled “Action against child labour in Lebanon: A mapping of policy and normative initiatives”, the National Social Development Strategy for Lebanon (NSDSL) aims to establish a comprehensive social, health and educational programme to protect working children. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on any notable impact of the implementation of these measures within the framework of the SAP or the NSDSL towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour.
Application of the Convention in practice. Child trafficking. The Committee previously noted that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its concluding observations of 8 April 2008, expressed concern that the trafficking in women and girls was growing in Lebanon and at the lack of systematic data collection on this phenomenon (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 28).
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has shared the Committee’s comments on this point with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education, and of Social Affairs, but that it has not received replies from either. The Committee once again expresses its concern at the lack of data available on the trafficking of children, and it strongly urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficient data on the situation of child victims of trafficking is available. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard.
Survey of working children in Lebanon. The Committee notes that, in the framework of the third phase of the ILO–IPEC project in Lebanon, a rapid assessment on child labour was conducted in 2011 in the North Lebanon (Tripoli and Akkar) and Bekaa governorates. A total of 823 child workers were interviewed in the North, of which 29.5 per cent were under 13 years of age. Of these, 97.3 per cent were male and 2.7 per cent were female. In the Bekaa, 192 child workers were interviewed, 36.5 per cent of which were under 13 years of age.
The Committee further notes the Government’s information that the MoL, in collaboration and in coordination with the ILO, is currently preparing a comprehensive survey of working children in Lebanon, in support of the national programmes and projects related to child labour, and which will be formulated in accordance with the results and recommendations of this survey. In coordination with the Central Statistics Department (CSD), the MoL will also set an initial timeline for the completion of the survey, in order to add it to the CSD’s work programme for 2013. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the survey on working children in Lebanon is conducted and completed as soon as possible. It also requests the Government to provide statistics and other information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of the infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and the penal sanctions applied. In so far as possible, all of this information should be disaggregated by age and sex.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.
Repetition
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has submitted the draft amendments to the Labour Code to the Council of Ministers for its examination and approval, but that this was delayed due to a change in government. The Government declares that as soon as a new government is formed, the draft amendments will be submitted once again to the Council of Ministers for their re-examination. Moreover, the Committee notes that ILO technical assistance resulted in the development of action plans to concretely address the comments of the Committee, including the adoption of a list of types of hazardous work. The Committee notes the indication contained in the mission report of the tripartite inter-ministerial workshop carried out in February 2013, according to which it is planned to adopt the draft amendments to the Labour Law within the year, national circumstances permitting. Considering that the Government has referred to these draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years and, given that Article 1 of the Convention obliges member States to take immediate measures to prohibit the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendments are adopted as a matter of urgency. Furthermore, the Committee once again encourages the Government to take into consideration, during the review of the relevant legislation, the Committee’s comments on discrepancies between national legislation and the Convention.
Articles 3 and 7(1) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour and penalties. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Trafficking. The Committee previously drew the Government’s attention to the lack of legislation prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children.
The Committee notes the promulgation of Act No. 164 of 24 August 2011 prohibiting trafficking in persons. By virtue of sections 586(1) and 586(5) of the Act, the trafficking of child victims under 18 years of age for the purpose of exploitation – which includes sexual exploitation and exploitation for the purpose of forced or compulsory labour – is punishable by a sentence of imprisonment varying between ten and 12 years and by a fine that can amount to 200 to 400 times the official minimum wage. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of the provisions of Act No. 164 which prohibit the sale and trafficking of children, including, in particular, statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted that section 33(b) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code specifies that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites anyone to use, procure or offer a child or young person for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is liable to punishment under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. Furthermore, the Committee noted the Government’s information that section 33(c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code provides that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites another to use, procure or offer a child or young person for illicit activities, especially for the production and trafficking of drugs, commits a crime under the Penal Code.
The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s information, in 2010, 29 children were found engaged in prostitution (three boys and 26 girls; and five aged between 12 and 14 years, nine between 15 and 16 years, and 15 above 16 years of age). In 2011, 15 children were found in prostitution (all girls; and three aged between 12 and 14 years, six between 15 and 16 years, and six above 16 years of age). In the first six months of 2012, eight children were found in prostitution (one boy and seven girls; and three aged between 15 and 16 years, and five above 16 years of age).
The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 3 of Annex No. 1 of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 on the prohibition of the employment of minors under the age of 18 in works that may harm their health, safety or morals, it is prohibited to engage a child under 18 years of age in any work using or exploiting a child’s body for sexual or pornographic purposes or similar acts, and any illicit work or activity that violates the criminal laws, such as the transportation, sale, marketing, dealing or use of all kinds of drugs. The Committee requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 prohibiting the engagement of children for sexual or pornographic purposes or for illicit activities, and to provide information in this regard, in particular, statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.
As for the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities, as well as of the provisions providing for the penalties imposed.
Clause (d). Hazardous work. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that Decree No. 8987 on the prohibition of the employment of minors under the age of 18 in works that may harm their health, safety or morals was adopted in 2012. The Committee observes that, according to this decree, minors under the age of 18 shall not be employed in the extensive list of prohibited types of work and activities which, by their nature, harm the health, safety or morals of children, limit their education and constitute one of the worst forms of child labour included in Annex No. 1 of the Decree. This list includes activities involving physical hazards (for example, activities requiring the handling of explosives or weapons, working in quarries or caves, or exposing children to carcinogenic substances); activities involving psychological hazards (for example forced labour, domestic service, or working in the streets); activities involving moral hazards (for example betting and gambling); and activities limiting education. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of Decree No. 8987, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed by virtue of the relevant provisions of the Labour Code.
The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.
The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

Article 5 of the Convention. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the mission report of the tripartite inter-ministerial workshop carried out in February 2013 within the technical assistance programme, the Special Programme Account project (SPA mission report), the Ministry of Labour (MoL) is expected to take measures, within one year, to enhance the role of the monitoring bodies with regard to child labour, including by strengthening the capacity and expanding the reach of the labour inspection. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard in its next report. Moreover, the Committee once again requests the Government to supply extracts of the inspection reports specifying the extent and nature of violations detected involving children and young persons.
2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the NCCL formulated a National Strategy for Combating Child Labour. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that meetings of the NCCL had stopped and that the MoL was re-examining the composition of the NCCL. It requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the continued functioning of the NCCL.
The Committee notes with interest the Government’s information that the NCCL has been reactivated by virtue of Decree No. 5137 of 1 November 2010 and that, since its reactivation, the NCCL has held several meetings in consultation with all the relevant parties. The Government also indicates that it started to carry out a technical programme in collaboration with ILO–IPEC with a view to putting into effect the recommendations of the NCCL. Moreover, the NCCL prepared and undertook several activities, such as training its officials on its role at the national level in handling child labour issues; promoting the role of the child labour combat unit in the handling of child labour issues at the national and local levels; promoting collaboration and coordination within the various units and departments of the MoL with a view to reducing child labour; formulating a national plan of action to eliminate child labour in Lebanon by 2016; and preparing a national awareness plan in coordination with media experts. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the activities of the NCCL to monitor the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention, as well as on the results achieved.
Article 6. National plan of action on the elimination of child labour. The Committee notes that, according to the SPA mission report, a National Action Plan for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour (NAP–WFCL) by 2016 is currently being discussed among the relevant stakeholders, as a result of the implementation of the ILO–IPEC project of support to the National Action Plan to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Lebanon. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the NAP–WFCL is adopted in the near future. It requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of this plan, once adopted, and the results achieved in terms of combating the worst forms of child labour.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Free basic education. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the 2011 UNESCO Global Monitoring report, the net enrolment rates at the primary level passed from 91 per cent in 1999 to 90 per cent in 2008, while the gross enrolment rates passed from 77 per cent in 1999 to 82 per cent in 2008. The Committee observes that these statistics appear to show that little progress has been made in the provision of free basic education for all children.
In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to a 2012 ILO report entitled “Action against child labour in Lebanon: A mapping of policy and normative initiatives”, the National Education Strategy (NES) was developed and completed in 2010. The NES focuses on five main priority objectives, including making education available on the basis of equal opportunity, and providing quality education that contributes to building a knowledge society. The NES also includes interventions aimed at improving retention rates and educational achievement and decreasing repetition rates through the development and implementation of appropriate mechanisms, such as the development and implementation of academic, psychological and social support programmes for at risk children, the improvement of teachers’ and counsellors’ capacity to address the needs of at-risk children, and the preparation of manuals to assist them in implementing support programmes. Considering that education contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to strengthen its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system, particularly by increasing the school enrolment rates at both the primary and secondary levels. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the NES, and updated statistical information on the results obtained, with its next report.
Clause (d). Identify and reach out to children at special risk. 1. Palestinian children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the phenomenon of child labour exists on a wide scale in the camps of Palestinian refugees and the surrounding regions.
The Committee notes the Government’s information that the MoL, in collaboration with the ILO, will prepare a work programme specifically designed for working Palestinian children, set within the framework of the NAP–WFCL, to be formulated and developed by 2016. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the work programme of the NAP–WFCL for working Palestinian children, once adopted, to protect Palestinian children from the worst forms of child labour, and on the results achieved.
2. Street children. The Committee notes that, according to the SPA mission report, the phenomenon of street children is on the rise in Lebanon. In this regard, the participants of the SPA workshop indicated that a special unit dealing with the issue of street children was established within the Ministry of the Interior in 2002 with ILO–IPEC’s assistance. However, this unit has since been disbanded, but there is a request for its reactivation. In addition, the Committee notes that according to the 2012 ILO report entitled “Action against child labour in Lebanon: A mapping of policy and normative initiatives”, there is evidence of young children, particularly street children, being exploited as child beggars by organized gangs in Lebanon. In this regard, the Draft National Strategy for the prevention, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of street children was finalized in 2011 by the Higher Council for Childhood, the main development objective of which is to review and revise the policies, legislation and other measures to ensure better legal protection for street children. Considering that street children are at an increased risk of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect these children from these worst forms. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Draft National Strategy for the prevention, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of street children and on the results achieved, in terms of number of street children under 18 years of age who were provided with the necessary and appropriate direct assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and social integration. It requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard in its next report.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the second phase of the ILO–IPEC project in Lebanon included the launching of activities specifically aimed at the protection of girls from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee noted that a study, entitled “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon” focusing on girl child workers in domestic work was conducted.
The Committee notes the Government’s information that, in the framework of the NAP–WFCL, special attention will be afforded to girls, especially on the basis of the recommendations of the study on Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the measures taken in the framework of the NAP–WFCL, once adopted, aimed at addressing the special situation of girls, including those employed as domestic workers, and on the results achieved.
Article 8. International cooperation. Poverty reduction. The Committee noted that a Social Action Plan (SAP) was formulated to target the promotion of sustainable and equitable development while combating poverty and setting up social safety nets. The Committee noted that the SAP included cash assistance support and follow-up services to households that complied with a number of conditions, including ensuring that their children stayed in school until the end of compulsory education. The Committee also noted that the SAP included programmes focusing on the prevention of school drop-outs, by reducing the cost of education for poor households, improving ongoing school food programmes, and the provision of school supplies.
The Committee further notes that, according to the 2012 ILO report entitled “Action against child labour in Lebanon: A mapping of policy and normative initiatives”, the National Social Development Strategy for Lebanon (NSDSL) aims to establish a comprehensive social, health and educational programme to protect working children. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on any notable impact of the implementation of these measures within the framework of the SAP or the NSDSL towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour.
Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. 1. Child trafficking. The Committee previously noted that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its concluding observations of 8 April 2008, expressed concern that the trafficking in women and girls was growing in Lebanon and at the lack of systematic data collection on this phenomenon (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 28).
The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has shared the Committee’s comments on this point with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education, and of Social Affairs, but that it has not received replies from either. The Committee once again expresses its concern at the lack of data available on the trafficking of children, and it strongly urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficient data on the situation of child victims of trafficking is available. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard with its next report.
2. Survey of working children in Lebanon. The Committee notes that, in the framework of the third phase of the ILO–IPEC project in Lebanon, a rapid assessment on child labour was conducted in 2011 in the North Lebanon (Tripoli and Akkar) and Bekaa governorates. A total of 823 child workers were interviewed in the North, of which 29.5 per cent were under 13 years of age. Of these, 97.3 per cent were male and 2.7 per cent were female. In the Bekaa, 192 child workers were interviewed, 36.5 per cent of which were under 13 years of age.
The Committee further notes the Government’s information that the MoL, in collaboration and in coordination with the ILO, is currently preparing a comprehensive survey of working children in Lebanon, in support of the national programmes and projects related to child labour, and which will be formulated in accordance with the results and recommendations of this survey. In coordination with the Central Statistics Department (CSD), the MoL will also set an initial timeline for the completion of the survey, in order to add it to the CSD’s work programme for 2013. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the survey on working children in Lebanon is conducted and completed as soon as possible. It also requests the Government to provide statistics and other information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of the infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and the penal sanctions applied. In so far as possible, all of this information should be disaggregated by age and sex.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has submitted the draft amendments to the Labour Code to the Council of Ministers for its examination and approval, but that this was delayed due to a change in government. The Government declares that as soon as a new government is formed, the draft amendments will be submitted once again to the Council of Ministers for their re-examination. Moreover, the Committee notes that the country is participating in an ILO technical assistance programme, the Special Programme Account (SPA) project. It notes with interest that this technical assistance resulted in the development of action plans to concretely address the comments of the Committee, including the adoption of a list of types of hazardous work. The Committee notes the indication contained in the mission report of the tripartite inter-ministerial workshop carried out in February 2013 within the framework of the SPA (SPA mission report), according to which it is planned to adopt the draft amendments to the Labour Law within the year, national circumstances permitting. Considering that the Government has referred to these draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years and, given that Article 1 of the Convention obliges member States to take immediate measures to prohibit the worst forms of child labour, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendments are adopted as a matter of urgency. Furthermore, the Committee once again encourages the Government to take into consideration, during the review of the relevant legislation, the Committee’s comments on discrepancies between national legislation and the Convention.
Articles 3 and 7(1) of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour and penalties. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Trafficking. The Committee previously drew the Government’s attention to the lack of legislation prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children.
The Committee notes with satisfaction the promulgation of Act No. 164 of 24 August 2011 prohibiting trafficking in persons. By virtue of sections 586(1) and 586(5) of the Act, the trafficking of child victims under 18 years of age for the purpose of exploitation – which includes sexual exploitation and exploitation for the purpose of forced or compulsory labour – is punishable by a sentence of imprisonment varying between ten and 12 years and by a fine that can amount to 200 to 400 times the official minimum wage. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of the provisions of Act No. 164 which prohibit the sale and trafficking of children, including, in particular, statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted that section 33(b) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code specifies that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites anyone to use, procure or offer a child or young person for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is liable to punishment under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. Furthermore, the Committee noted the Government’s information that section 33(c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code provides that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites another to use, procure or offer a child or young person for illicit activities, especially for the production and trafficking of drugs, commits a crime under the Penal Code.
The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s information, in 2010, 29 children were found engaged in prostitution (three boys and 26 girls; and five aged between 12 and 14 years, nine between 15 and 16 years, and 15 above 16 years of age). In 2011, 15 children were found in prostitution (all girls; and three aged between 12 and 14 years, six between 15 and 16 years, and six above 16 years of age). In the first six months of 2012, eight children were found in prostitution (one boy and seven girls; and three aged between 15 and 16 years, and five above 16 years of age).
The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 3 of Annex No. 1 of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 on the prohibition of the employment of minors under the age of 18 in works that may harm their health, safety or morals, it is prohibited to engage a child under 18 years of age in any work using or exploiting a child’s body for sexual or pornographic purposes or similar acts, and any illicit work or activity that violates the criminal laws, such as the transportation, sale, marketing, dealing or use of all kinds of drugs. The Committee requests the Government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of Decree No. 8987 of 2012 prohibiting the engagement of children for sexual or pornographic purposes or for illicit activities, and to provide information in this regard, in particular, statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.
As for the draft amendments to the Labour Code, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the provisions prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities, as well as of the provisions providing for the penalties imposed.
Clause (d). Hazardous work. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction that Decree No. 8987 on the prohibition of the employment of minors under the age of 18 in works that may harm their health, safety or morals was adopted in 2012. The Committee observes that, according to this decree, minors under the age of 18 shall not be employed in the extensive list of prohibited types of work and activities which, by their nature, harm the health, safety or morals of children, limit their education and constitute one of the worst forms of child labour included in Annex No. 1 of the Decree. This list includes activities involving physical hazards (for example, activities requiring the handling of explosives or weapons, working in quarries or caves, or exposing children to carcinogenic substances); activities involving psychological hazards (for example forced labour, domestic service, or working in the streets); activities involving moral hazards (for example betting and gambling); and activities limiting education. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of Decree No. 8987, including statistics on the number and nature of violations reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed by virtue of the relevant provisions of the Labour Code.
The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:
Repetition
Article 4(2) of the Convention. Identification of hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the extensive studies that were carried out by the ILO–IPEC in northern and southern Lebanon which indicate the types of work identified as hazardous and noted that a study along the same lines was conducted in the Bekaa. It requested a copy of this study. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that this study is not currently available, but will be communicated when it is. Therefore, the Committee again requests the Government to supply a copy of the study on the identification of hazardous work that was conducted in the Bekaa along with its next report.
Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. Labour inspection. Following its previous comments, the Committee noted that 25 assistant labour inspectors attended a training course entitled “Role of the inspectors of the Ministry of Labour in combating child labour” in April 2008 in Beirut. The aim of this training course was to promote the capacity of labour inspectors in withdrawing working children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also noted that assistant inspectors were provided with a manual entitled “Combating child labour: A booklet for labour inspectors”. The Committee encourages the Government to continue its activities to strengthen the functioning of the labour inspectorate with regard to the monitoring and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, and to provide information on measures taken in this regard. It once again requests the Government to supply, with its next report, extracts of the inspection reports specifying the extent and nature of violations detected involving children and young persons.
National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the NCCL had formulated a National Strategy for Combating Child Labour, which was formalized by the Ministry of Labour (MoL) on 7 February 2005 and adopted by the Lebanese Government by a ministerial declaration. The Committee asked the Government to supply a copy of the National Strategy, and provide information on the activities of the NCCL. The Committee noted that a copy of the National Strategy is included with the Government’s report. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that meetings of the NCCL have stopped and that the MoL is currently re examining the composition of the NCCL. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the continued functioning of the National Committee to Combat Child Labour. The Committee also requests the Government to continue providing information on the subsequent activities of the NCCL to monitor the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Free basic education. The Committee previously noted the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in its concluding observations of 2006 (CRC/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 63), to the effect that parents are still charged for some costs of education despite the legal guarantee of free education, and that repetition and drop-out rates have increased. The Committee also noted that, according to the CRC, a National Plan on School for All (2005–15) had been adopted. The Committee further noted the existence of a programme of cooperation between the Government and UNICEF, which comprises a learning programme that contributes to national efforts to provide access for all to a quality basic education, including for the poorest, and to improve retention, as a preventive strategy for tackling child labour.
The Committee noted the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that through NPPF–WFCL ILO–IPEC project, 431 children were provided with non formal schooling, and 1,449 children received formal schooling, while 638 children were provided with books and school supplies. The ILO–IPEC FTPR also indicates that, in total 4,042 children were prevented from engaging in, or removed from, the worst forms of child labour throughout the project’s implementation. The Committee further noted the information available on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees website (www.unchr.org) in a report on the worst forms of child labour in Lebanon (WFCL report), that a project entitled “Alternatives to combating child labour through education and continued services in Middle East and North Africa” (ACCESS–MENA), funded by the US Department of Labor prevented 6,958 children from entering exploitative child labour through formal and informal education programmes in Lebanon.
Nonetheless, the Committee noted that, according to the UNESCO report entitled “Education for All – Global Monitoring Report 2009”, primary net intake rates have declined from 69 per cent in 1999 to 60 per cent in 2006.The Committee also noted that in 2006, there were 81,000 out-of-school children, compared to 41,000 out-of-school children in 1999. Considering that education contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to redouble its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system, particularly by increasing school enrolment rates and reducing the school drop-out rates. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard, and updated statistical information on the results obtained. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on its cooperation with UNICEF and ILO–IPEC for the purpose of facilitating access to quality basic education.
Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Following its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that the MoL is currently formulating a comprehensive national plan to provide assistance to working children, and for their rehabilitation and reintegration, within the third phase of the ILO–IPEC project. The Committee also noted the Government’s information in its report submitted under Convention No. 138 that workshops were implemented in 2008 which removed 150 children from the worst forms of child labour, and returned these children, between the ages of 11 and 18, to school. The Committee further noted the information in the WFCL report that the ACCESS–MENA project withdrew 1,994 children from exploitative child labour through formal and informal education projects. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the comprehensive national plan, to provide assistance to working children, their rehabilitation and reintegration, being drafted by the Ministry of Labour, and on the concrete measures taken pursuant to its implementation. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of children removed, rehabilitated and reintegrated, following the implementation of this national plan.
Clause (d). Identify and reach out to children at special risk. Palestinian children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the phenomenon of child labour exists on a wide scale in the camps of Palestinian refugees and the surrounding regions. The Committee noted 550 children of the Ain El Helweh Palestinian refugee camp were targeted by a programme implemented by the Nabil Berri Institute to prevent them from being engaged in child labour and its worst forms. The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour gives priority to specific regions where child labour is the highest, such as the Palestinian refugee camps and surrounding regions. The Committee also noted the information in the WFCL report that non Lebanese children, such as Syrian and Palestinian boys living in Lebanese refugee camps, constitute approximately 85 per cent of children working on the street. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the context of the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour to protect Palestinian children from the worst forms of child labour, including work on the streets, and on the results achieved.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the second phase of the ILO–IPEC project in Lebanon includes the launching of activities specifically aimed at the protection of girls from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee asked the Government to provide more detailed information on the concrete measures taken in this regard. The Committee noted an absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. The Committee noted, however, the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that a study, entitled “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon” focusing on girl child workers in domestic work was conducted. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of this study, as well as any measures taken following its completion, aimed at addressing the special situation of girls, including those employed as domestic workers.
Article 8. International cooperation. Poverty reduction. The Committee noted that, according to the TPR 2007, a Social Action Plan (SAP) had been formulated to target the promotion of sustainable and equitable development while combating poverty and setting up social safety nets. The SAP addresses working children and their households as one of the main social groups characterized by acute poverty and aims to “target poor households and large families with children either not enrolled in school or under the legal age to work”. The Committee noted the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that, in this regard, the SAP includes cash-assistance support and follow-up services to households that comply with a number of conditions, including ensuring that their children stay in school until the end of compulsory education. The Committee also noted that the SAP includes programmes focusing on the prevention of school drop-outs focus, by reducing the cost of education for poor households, improving ongoing school food programmes, and the provision of school supplies. The Committee further noted that the SAP initiatives to address the problem of working children and children at risk of delinquency would provide vocational training, life skills and support the return of these children to school. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any notable impact of the implementation of these measures within the framework of the SAP towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour.
Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee noted the information in the MoJ trafficking report that Lebanese juvenile courts deal with, on average 22 cases of children involved in prostitution per year. The Committee also noted that the survey in the MoJ trafficking report identified 38 suspected child victims of trafficking (page 50). The Committee further noted that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its concluding observations of 8 April 2008 expressed concern that the trafficking in women and girls is growing in Lebanon at the lack of systematic data collection on this phenomenon (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 28). The Committee expresses its concern at the lack of data available on the trafficking of children, and it urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficient data on the situation of child victims of trafficking is available. The Committee also requests the Government to redouble its efforts, to ensure in practice the protection of young persons under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for this purpose. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide any other relevant information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, and the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which reads as follows:
Repetition
Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or similar to slavery. Trafficking. The Committee previously noted that the relevant Lebanese legislation does not specifically prohibit the trafficking of women and children. The Committee noted that the cooperation project, the “Anti-trafficking project”, had been agreed upon by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to ensure the conformity of national legislation with the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air and with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children. According to the project document annexed to the Government’s report, the existing Lebanese legislation was reviewed to identify gaps and formulate specific recommendations regarding necessary amendments and adoption of specific anti-trafficking legislation. The Committee noted that this legal review was sent to the MoJ for comments and clearance.
The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that the amendments to the Labour Code, prepared by a tripartite committee (which was set up by virtue of Order No. 210/1 of 20 December 2000), include provisions relating to the sale and trafficking of children. The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that section 33(a) of these amendments penalizes any person who participates, encourages or facilitates all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children. The Committee observed that it has drawn the Government’s attention to the lack of legislation prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children since 2005. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code relating to the prohibition of the sale and trafficking of all persons under the age of 18, as a matter of urgency.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted the Government’s information that section 33(b) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code specifies that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites anyone to use, procure or offer a child or young person for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is liable to punishment under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. Furthermore, the Committee noted the Government’s information that section 33(c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code provides that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites another to use, procure or offer a child or young person for illicit activities, especially for the production and trafficking of drugs, commits a penal crime under the Penal Code.
The Committee noted the Government’s statement that the amendments to the Labour Code are in their last stages and they shall be referred to the competent authorities for adoption within the shortest delay. However, the Committee also noted the Government’s statement in its report submitted under Convention No. 138 that further revision to the draft amendment to the Labour Code are still necessary. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities.
Clause (d). Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s information that Decree No. 700/1999 prohibits the employment of young persons before they complete 17 years of age (i.e. beginning of 18 years) in dangerous activities enumerated according to their nature. The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) was formulating a statute on the worst forms of child labour to amend Decree No. 700 of 1999 and supplement section 23(1) of the Labour Code.
The Committee noted that section 20 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code prohibits the employment of children under 18 years in work which, by its nature or the conditions in which it is carried out, is likely to expose them to danger. The Committee also noted that the “Draft Decree on the prohibition of employing children before they complete 18 years old in work which is likely to jeopardize their health, safety or morals” (Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work), was approved by Advisory Opinion No. 239 of the shura on 26 May 2009, and will be promulgated following approval by the Council of Ministers. The Committee further noted the Government’s statement that the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work was formulated by the NCCL following the study entitled “Worst Forms of Child Labour under 18 years old in Lebanon”.
The Committee noted that section 1 of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work provides for the annulment of Decree No. 700/1999, and that section 2 provides a list of the worst forms of child labour prohibited for children under 18, including work with physical, psychological and moral hazards, and work that would limit the young persons’ access to education and training. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption by the Council of Ministers of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work for children under 18 as a matter of urgency and requests it to provide information on developments in this regard.
Considering that the Government has referred to these draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years and, given that Article 1 of the Convention obliges member States to take “immediate” measures to prohibit the worst forms of child labour, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendments are adopted as a matter of urgency. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the Government to take into consideration, during the review of the relevant legislation, the Committee’s comments on discrepancies between national legislation and the Convention and invites it to consider technical assistance from the ILO.
The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.
The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:
Repetition
Article 4(2) of the Convention. Identification of hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the extensive studies that were carried out by the ILO–IPEC in northern and southern Lebanon which indicate the types of work identified as hazardous and noted that a study along the same lines was conducted in the Bekaa. It requested a copy of this study. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that this study is not currently available, but will be communicated when it is. Therefore, the Committee again requests the Government to supply a copy of the study on the identification of hazardous work that was conducted in the Bekaa along with its next report.
Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. Labour inspection. Following its previous comments, the Committee noted that 25 assistant labour inspectors attended a training course entitled “Role of the inspectors of the Ministry of Labour in combating child labour” in April 2008 in Beirut. The aim of this training course was to promote the capacity of labour inspectors in withdrawing working children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also noted that assistant inspectors were provided with a manual entitled “Combating child labour: A booklet for labour inspectors”. The Committee encourages the Government to continue its activities to strengthen the functioning of the labour inspectorate with regard to the monitoring and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, and to provide information on measures taken in this regard. It once again requests the Government to supply, with its next report, extracts of the inspection reports specifying the extent and nature of violations detected involving children and young persons.
National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the NCCL had formulated a National Strategy for Combating Child Labour, which was formalized by the Ministry of Labour (MoL) on 7 February 2005 and adopted by the Lebanese Government by a ministerial declaration. The Committee asked the Government to supply a copy of the National Strategy, and provide information on the activities of the NCCL. The Committee noted that a copy of the National Strategy is included with the Government’s report. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that meetings of the NCCL have stopped and that the MoL is currently re examining the composition of the NCCL. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the continued functioning of the National Committee to Combat Child Labour. The Committee also requests the Government to continue providing information on the subsequent activities of the NCCL to monitor the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention.
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Free basic education. The Committee previously noted the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in its concluding observations of 2006 (CRC/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 63), to the effect that parents are still charged for some costs of education despite the legal guarantee of free education, and that repetition and drop-out rates have increased. The Committee also noted that, according to the CRC, a National Plan on School for All (2005–15) had been adopted. The Committee further noted the existence of a programme of cooperation between the Government and UNICEF, which comprises a learning programme that contributes to national efforts to provide access for all to a quality basic education, including for the poorest, and to improve retention, as a preventive strategy for tackling child labour.
The Committee noted the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that through NPPF–WFCL ILO–IPEC project, 431 children were provided with non formal schooling, and 1,449 children received formal schooling, while 638 children were provided with books and school supplies. The ILO–IPEC FTPR also indicates that, in total 4,042 children were prevented from engaging in, or removed from, the worst forms of child labour throughout the project’s implementation. The Committee further noted the information available on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees website (www.unchr.org) in a report on the worst forms of child labour in Lebanon (WFCL report), that a project entitled “Alternatives to combating child labour through education and continued services in Middle East and North Africa” (ACCESS–MENA), funded by the US Department of Labor prevented 6,958 children from entering exploitative child labour through formal and informal education programmes in Lebanon.
Nonetheless, the Committee noted that, according to the UNESCO report entitled “Education for All – Global Monitoring Report 2009”, primary net intake rates have declined from 69 per cent in 1999 to 60 per cent in 2006.The Committee also noted that in 2006, there were 81,000 out-of-school children, compared to 41,000 out-of-school children in 1999. Considering that education contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to redouble its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system, particularly by increasing school enrolment rates and reducing the school drop-out rates. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard, and updated statistical information on the results obtained. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on its cooperation with UNICEF and ILO–IPEC for the purpose of facilitating access to quality basic education.
Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Following its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s statement that the MoL is currently formulating a comprehensive national plan to provide assistance to working children, and for their rehabilitation and reintegration, within the third phase of the ILO–IPEC project. The Committee also noted the Government’s information in its report submitted under Convention No. 138 that workshops were implemented in 2008 which removed 150 children from the worst forms of child labour, and returned these children, between the ages of 11 and 18, to school. The Committee further noted the information in the WFCL report that the ACCESS–MENA project withdrew 1,994 children from exploitative child labour through formal and informal education projects. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the comprehensive national plan, to provide assistance to working children, their rehabilitation and reintegration, being drafted by the Ministry of Labour, and on the concrete measures taken pursuant to its implementation. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of children removed, rehabilitated and reintegrated, following the implementation of this national plan.
Clause (d). Identify and reach out to children at special risk. Palestinian children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the phenomenon of child labour exists on a wide scale in the camps of Palestinian refugees and the surrounding regions. The Committee noted 550 children of the Ain El Helweh Palestinian refugee camp were targeted by a programme implemented by the Nabil Berri Institute to prevent them from being engaged in child labour and its worst forms. The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour gives priority to specific regions where child labour is the highest, such as the Palestinian refugee camps and surrounding regions. The Committee also noted the information in the WFCL report that non Lebanese children, such as Syrian and Palestinian boys living in Lebanese refugee camps, constitute approximately 85 per cent of children working on the street. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the context of the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour to protect Palestinian children from the worst forms of child labour, including work on the streets, and on the results achieved.
Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the second phase of the ILO–IPEC project in Lebanon includes the launching of activities specifically aimed at the protection of girls from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee asked the Government to provide more detailed information on the concrete measures taken in this regard. The Committee noted an absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. The Committee noted, however, the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that a study, entitled “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon” focusing on girl child workers in domestic work was conducted. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of this study, as well as any measures taken following its completion, aimed at addressing the special situation of girls, including those employed as domestic workers.
Article 8. International cooperation. Poverty reduction. The Committee noted that, according to the TPR 2007, a Social Action Plan (SAP) had been formulated to target the promotion of sustainable and equitable development while combating poverty and setting up social safety nets. The SAP addresses working children and their households as one of the main social groups characterized by acute poverty and aims to “target poor households and large families with children either not enrolled in school or under the legal age to work”. The Committee noted the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that, in this regard, the SAP includes cash-assistance support and follow-up services to households that comply with a number of conditions, including ensuring that their children stay in school until the end of compulsory education. The Committee also noted that the SAP includes programmes focusing on the prevention of school drop-outs focus, by reducing the cost of education for poor households, improving ongoing school food programmes, and the provision of school supplies. The Committee further noted that the SAP initiatives to address the problem of working children and children at risk of delinquency would provide vocational training, life skills and support the return of these children to school. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any notable impact of the implementation of these measures within the framework of the SAP towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour.
Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee noted the information in the MoJ trafficking report that Lebanese juvenile courts deal with, on average 22 cases of children involved in prostitution per year. The Committee also noted that the survey in the MoJ trafficking report identified 38 suspected child victims of trafficking (page 50). The Committee further noted that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its concluding observations of 8 April 2008 expressed concern that the trafficking in women and girls is growing in Lebanon at the lack of systematic data collection on this phenomenon (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 28). The Committee expresses its concern at the lack of data available on the trafficking of children, and it urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficient data on the situation of child victims of trafficking is available. The Committee also requests the Government to redouble its efforts, to ensure in practice the protection of young persons under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for this purpose. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide any other relevant information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, and the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:
Repetition
Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or similar to slavery. Trafficking. The Committee previously noted that the relevant Lebanese legislation does not specifically prohibit the trafficking of women and children. The Committee noted that the cooperation project, the “Anti-trafficking project”, had been agreed upon by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to ensure the conformity of national legislation with the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air and with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children. According to the project document annexed to the Government’s report, the existing Lebanese legislation was reviewed to identify gaps and formulate specific recommendations regarding necessary amendments and adoption of specific anti-trafficking legislation. The Committee noted that this legal review was sent to the MoJ for comments and clearance.
The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that the amendments to the Labour Code, prepared by a tripartite committee (which was set up by virtue of Order No. 210/1 of 20 December 2000), include provisions relating to the sale and trafficking of children. The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that section 33(a) of these amendments penalizes any person who participates, encourages or facilitates all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children. The Committee observed that it has drawn the Government’s attention to the lack of legislation prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children since 2005. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code relating to the prohibition of the sale and trafficking of all persons under the age of 18, as a matter of urgency.
Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted the Government’s information that section 33(b) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code specifies that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites anyone to use, procure or offer a child or young person for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is liable to punishment under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. Furthermore, the Committee noted the Government’s information that section 33(c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code provides that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites another to use, procure or offer a child or young person for illicit activities, especially for the production and trafficking of drugs, commits a penal crime under the Penal Code.
The Committee noted the Government’s statement that the amendments to the Labour Code are in their last stages and they shall be referred to the competent authorities for adoption within the shortest delay. However, the Committee also noted the Government’s statement in its report submitted under Convention No. 138 that further revision to the draft amendment to the Labour Code are still necessary. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities.
Clause (d). Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s information that Decree No. 700/1999 prohibits the employment of young persons before they complete 17 years of age (i.e. beginning of 18 years) in dangerous activities enumerated according to their nature. The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) was formulating a statute on the worst forms of child labour to amend Decree No. 700 of 1999 and supplement section 23(1) of the Labour Code.
The Committee noted that section 20 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code prohibits the employment of children under 18 years in work which, by its nature or the conditions in which it is carried out, is likely to expose them to danger. The Committee also noted that the “Draft Decree on the prohibition of employing children before they complete 18 years old in work which is likely to jeopardize their health, safety or morals” (Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work), was approved by Advisory Opinion No. 239 of the shura on 26 May 2009, and will be promulgated following approval by the Council of Ministers. The Committee further noted the Government’s statement that the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work was formulated by the NCCL following the study entitled “Worst Forms of Child Labour under 18 years old in Lebanon”.
The Committee noted that section 1 of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work provides for the annulment of Decree No. 700/1999, and that section 2 provides a list of the worst forms of child labour prohibited for children under 18, including work with physical, psychological and moral hazards, and work that would limit the young persons’ access to education and training. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption by the Council of Ministers of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work for children under 18 as a matter of urgency and requests it to provide information on developments in this regard.
Considering that the Government has referred to these draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years and, given that Article 1 of the Convention obliges member States to take “immediate” measures to prohibit the worst forms of child labour, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendments are adopted as a matter of urgency. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the Government to take into consideration, during the review of the relevant legislation, the Committee’s comments on discrepancies between national legislation and the Convention and invites it to consider technical assistance from the ILO.
The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.
The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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

Article 4, paragraph 2, of the Convention. Identification of hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the extensive studies that were carried out by the ILO–IPEC in northern and southern Lebanon which indicate the types of work identified as hazardous and noted that a study along the same lines was conducted in the Bekaa. It requested a copy of this study. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that this study is not currently available, but will be communicated when it is. Therefore, the Committee again requests the Government to supply a copy of the study on the identification of hazardous work that was conducted in the Bekaa along with its next report.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that 25 assistant labour inspectors attended a training course entitled “Role of the inspectors of the Ministry of Labour in combating child labour” in April 2008 in Beirut. The aim of this training course was to promote the capacity of labour inspectors in withdrawing working children from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also notes that assistant inspectors were provided with a manual entitled “Combating child labour: A booklet for labour inspectors”. The Committee encourages the Government to continue its activities to strengthen the functioning of the labour inspectorate with regard to the monitoring and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, and to provide information on measures taken in this regard. It once again requests the Government to supply, with its next report, extracts of the inspection reports specifying the extent and nature of violations detected involving children and young persons.

2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL). In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the NCCL had formulated a National Strategy for Combating Child Labour, which was formalized by the Ministry of Labour (MoL) on 7 February 2005 and adopted by the Lebanese Government by a ministerial declaration. The Committee asked the Government to supply a copy of the National Strategy, and provide information on the activities of the NCCL. The Committee notes that a copy of the National Strategy is included with the Government’s report. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that meetings of the NCCL have stopped and that the MoL is currently re-examining the composition of the NCCL. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the continued functioning of the National Committee to Combat Child Labour. The Committee also requests the Government to continue providing information on the subsequent activities of the NCCL to monitor the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action. General Confederation of the Lebanese Workers (GCLW). The Committee previously noted that the GCLW, with the assistance of the ILO–IPEC, launched a programme to combat the worst forms of child labour. The Committee noted the Government’s information that the GCLW aimed to reach the two objectives through this programme: (1) the labour unions’ capacity to address the problem of child labour will have been further strengthened; and (2) the workers’ awareness of the problem of child labour will have been increased. The Committee notes the information in the Final technical progress report of March 2008 (ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008) of the project entitled “Supporting the National Policy and Programme Framework for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Lebanon and Yemen” (NPPF–WFCL ILO–IPEC project) that within the framework of the project, awareness campaigns were launched by the GCLW, following technical support and briefing sessions for heads of local trade unions. The Committee also notes that sessions were organized in Saida, Beirut, Tripoli and the Bekaa in order to acquaint workers with their role in and duty to respect and enforce related laws, as well as the nature, size and characteristics of the problem and the dangers it poses to the child and the society.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. 1. Free basic education. The Committee previously noted the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in its concluding observations of 2006 (CRC/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 63), to the effect that parents are still charged for some costs of education despite the legal guarantee of free education, and that repetition and drop-out rates have increased. The Committee also noted that, according to the CRC, a National Plan on School for All (2005–15) had been adopted. The Committee further noted the existence of a programme of cooperation between the Government and UNICEF, which comprises a learning programme that contributes to national efforts to provide access for all to a quality basic education, including for the poorest, and to improve retention, as a preventive strategy for tackling child labour.

The Committee notes the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that through NPPF–WFCL ILO–IPEC project, 431 children were provided with non‑formal schooling, and 1,449 children received formal schooling, while 638 children were provided with books and school supplies. The ILO–IPEC FTPR also indicates that, in total 4,042 children were prevented from engaging in, or removed from, the worst forms of child labour throughout the project’s implementation. The Committee further notes the information available on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees web site (www.unchr.org) in a report on the worst forms of child labour in Lebanon (WFCL report), that a project entitled “Alternatives to combating child labour through education and continued services in Middle East and North Africa” (ACCESS–MENA), funded by the US Department of Labor prevented 6,958 children from entering exploitative child labour through formal and informal education programmes in Lebanon.

Nonetheless, the Committee notes that, according to the UNESCO report entitled “Education for All – Global Monitoring Report 2009”, primary net intake rates have declined from 69 per cent in 1999 to 60 per cent in 2006.The Committee also notes that in 2006, there were 81,000 out-of-school children, compared to 41,000 out-of-school children in 1999. Considering that education contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee strongly encourages the Government to redouble its efforts to improve the functioning of the education system, particularly by increasing school enrolment rates and reducing the school drop-out rates. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in this regard, and updated statistical information on the results obtained. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on its cooperation with UNICEF and ILO–IPEC for the purpose of facilitating access to quality basic education.

2. Project for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil-Borj Hammoud area. The Committee previously noted that Lebanon had launched, with the assistance of the ILO–IPEC, a “Comprehensive project for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil-Borj Hammoud Area” in 2001, where the worst forms of child labour are predominant. The Committee noted that, according to the Technical Progress Report of March 2007 for the NPPF–WFCL ILO–IPEC project (ILO–IPEC TPR 2007), interventions aiming at preventing at-risk children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour continue and services, such as visits to families, social follow-up and counselling services for children, health service and non-formal educational support, were provided to 169 children and families. The Committee notes the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that the project was implemented by the Armenian Relief Cross (ARC), an NGO located in Borj Hammoud, in conjunction with six other NGOs and the Social Development Council. The Committee notes the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that this project concluded on 5 May 2008.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that the MoL is currently formulating a comprehensive national plan to provide assistance to working children, and for their rehabilitation and reintegration, within the third phase of the ILO–IPEC project. The Committee also notes the Government’s information in its report submitted under Convention No. 138 that workshops were implemented in 2008 which removed 150 children from the worst forms of child labour, and returned these children, between the ages of 11 and 18, to school. The Committee further notes the information in the WFCL report that the ACCESS–MENA project withdrew 1,994 children from exploitative child labour through formal and informal education projects. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the comprehensive national plan, to provide assistance to working children, their rehabilitation and reintegration, being drafted by the Ministry of Labour, and on the concrete measures taken pursuant to its implementation. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of children removed, rehabilitated and reintegrated, following the implementation of this national plan.

Clause (d). Identify and reach out to children at special risk. Palestinian children. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the phenomenon of child labour exists on a wide scale in the camps of Palestinian refugees and the surrounding regions. The Committee noted 550 children of the Ain El Helweh Palestinian refugee camp were targeted by a programme implemented by the Nabil Berri Institute to prevent them from being engaged in child labour and its worst forms. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour gives priority to specific regions where child labour is the highest, such as the Palestinian refugee camps and surrounding regions. The Committee also notes the information in the WFCL report that non-Lebanese children, such as Syrian and Palestinian boys living in Lebanese refugee camps, constitute approximately 85 per cent of children working on the street. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken within the context of the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour to protect Palestinian children from the worst forms of child labour, including work on the streets, and on the results achieved.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. In previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that the second phase of the ILO–IPEC project in Lebanon includes the launching of activities specifically aimed at the protection of girls from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee asked the Government to provide more detailed information on the concrete measures taken in this regard. The Committee notes an absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. The Committee notes, however, the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that a study, entitled “Domestic Child Labour in North Lebanon” focusing on girl child workers in domestic work was conducted. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of this study, as well as any measures taken following its completion, aimed at addressing the special situation of girls, including those employed as domestic workers.

Article 8. International cooperation. Poverty reduction. The Committee notes that, according to the TPR 2007, a Social Action Plan (SAP) had been formulated to target the promotion of sustainable and equitable development while combating poverty and setting up social safety nets. The SAP addresses working children and their households as one of the main social groups characterized by acute poverty and aims to “target poor households and large families with children either not enrolled in school or under the legal age to work”. The Committee notes the information in the ILO–IPEC FTPR 2008 that, in this regard, the SAP includes cash-assistance support and follow-up services to households that comply with a number of conditions, including ensuring that their children stay in school until the end of compulsory education. The Committee also notes that the SAP includes programmes focusing on the prevention of school drop-outs focus, by reducing the cost of education for poor households, improving ongoing school food programmes, and the provision of school supplies. The Committee further notes that the SAP initiatives to address the problem of working children and children at risk of delinquency would provide vocational training, life skills and support the return of these children to school. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any notable impact of the implementation of these measures within the framework of the SAP towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information in the MoJ trafficking report that Lebanese juvenile courts deal with, on average 22 cases of children involved in prostitution per year. The Committee also notes that the survey in the MoJ trafficking report identified 38 suspected child victims of trafficking (page 50). The Committee further notes that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its concluding observations of 8 April 2008 expressed concern that the trafficking in women and girls is growing in Lebanon at the lack of systematic data collection on this phenomenon (CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 28). The Committee expresses its concern at the lack of data available on the trafficking of children, and it urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that sufficient data on the situation of child victims of trafficking is available. The Committee also requests the Government to redouble its efforts, to ensure in practice the protection of young persons under 18 years from commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking for this purpose. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide any other relevant information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, and the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or similar to slavery. Trafficking. The Committee previously noted that the relevant Lebanese legislation does not specifically prohibit the trafficking of women and children. The Committee noted that the cooperation project, the “Anti-trafficking project”, had been agreed upon by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to ensure the conformity of national legislation with the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air and with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children. According to the project document annexed to the Government’s report, the existing Lebanese legislation was reviewed to identify gaps and formulate specific recommendations regarding necessary amendments and adoption of specific anti-trafficking legislation. The Committee noted that this legal review was sent to the MoJ for comments and clearance.

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that the amendments to the Labour Code, prepared by a tripartite committee (which was set up by virtue of Order No. 210/1 of 20 December 2000), include provisions relating to the sale and trafficking of children. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that section 33(a) of these amendments penalizes any person who participates, encourages or facilitates all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children. The Committee observes that it has drawn the Government’s attention to the lack of legislation prohibiting the sale and trafficking of children since 2005. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code relating to the prohibition of the sale and trafficking of all persons under the age of 18, as a matter of urgency.

Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee previously noted the Government’s information that section 33(b) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code specifies that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites anyone to use, procure or offer a child or young person for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is liable to punishment under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. Furthermore, the Committee noted the Government’s information that section 33(c) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code provides that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites another to use, procure or offer a child or young person for illicit activities, especially for the production and trafficking of drugs, commits a penal crime under the Penal Code.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the amendments to the Labour Code are in their last stages and they shall be referred to the competent authorities for adoption within the shortest delay. However, the Committee also notes the Government’s statement in its report submitted under Convention No. 138 that further revision to the draft amendment to the Labour Code are still necessary. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code prohibiting the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances, and the use, procuring or offering of persons under the age of 18 for illicit activities.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. The Committee previously noted the Government’s information that Decree No. 700/1999 prohibits the employment of young persons before they complete 17 years of age (i.e. beginning of 18 years) in dangerous activities enumerated according to their nature. The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) was formulating a statute on the worst forms of child labour to amend Decree No. 700 of 1999 and supplement section 23(1) of the Labour Code.

The Committee notes that section 20 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code prohibits the employment of children under 18 years in work which, by its nature or the conditions in which it is carried out, is likely to expose them to danger. The Committee also notes that the “Draft Decree on the prohibition of employing children before they complete 18 years old in work which is likely to jeopardize their health, safety or morals” (Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work), was approved by Advisory Opinion No. 239 of the shura on 26 May 2009, and will be promulgated following approval by the Council of Ministers. The Committee further notes the Government’s statement that the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work was formulated by the NCCL following the study entitled “Worst Forms of Child Labour under 18 years old in Lebanon”.

The Committee notes that section 1 of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work provides for the annulment of Decree No. 700/1999, and that section 2 provides a list of the worst forms of child labour prohibited for children under 18, including work with physical, psychological and moral hazards, and work that would limit the young persons’ access to education and training. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption by the Council of Ministers of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work for children under 18 as a matter of urgency and requests it to provide information on developments in this regard.

Considering that the Government has referred to these draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years and, given that Article 1 of the Convention obliges member States to take “immediate” measures to prohibit the worst forms of child labour, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendments are adopted as a matter of urgency. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the Government to take into consideration, during the review of the relevant legislation, the Committee’s comments on discrepancies between national legislation and the Convention and invites it to consider technical assistance from the ILO.

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

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It requests the Government to provide information on the following points.

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or similar to slavery. Trafficking. The Committee had previously noted that the relevant Lebanese legislation does not specifically prohibit the trafficking of women and children. The Committee notes the Government’s information that a cooperation project, the “Anti-trafficking project”, has been agreed upon by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Justice to ensure the conformity of national legislation with the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air and with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, both of which supplement the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. According to the project document annexed to the Government’s report, the existing Lebanese legislation was reviewed to identify gaps and formulate specific recommendations regarding necessary amendments and adoption of specific anti-trafficking legislation. This legal review was sent to the Ministry of Justice for comments and clearance. The Committee expresses the hope that the recommendations formulated to amend the national legislation include measures to ensure that the trafficking of children under 18 years for purposes of labour and sexual exploitation is prohibited, in conformity with Article 3(a) of the Convention. It requests the Government to keep it informed on any progress made in this regard.

Clauses (b) and (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances and for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee had previously noted the Government’s information that section 33(b) of the draft amendment to the Labour Code, set up by virtue of Order No. 210 of 20 December 2000, specifies that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites anyone to use, procure or offer a child or young person for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is liable to punishment under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code. Furthermore, the Committee had noted the Government’s information that section 33(c) of the draft amendment to the Labour Code provides that any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites another to use, procure or offer a child or young person for illicit activities, especially for the production and trafficking of drugs, commits a penal crime under the Penal Code. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the draft amendment to the Labour Code was sent to the ILO for comments, which the Government recently received, and that the Ministry of Labour is currently revising it so as to bring its provisions into better conformity with the provisions of the ratified Conventions. Considering that Order No. 210, which sets up the draft amendment to the Labour Code, was elaborated a number of years ago, the Committee expresses the hope that, given the obligation in Article 1 of the Convention to take immediate measures to prohibit the worst forms of child labour, the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendment is adopted as a matter of urgency.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s information that Decree No. 700 of 1999 prohibits the employement of young persons before they complete 17 years of age (i.e. beginning of 18 years) in dangerous activities enumerated according to their nature. Indeed, the Decree provides for a detailed list of the types of hazardous work in which it is prohibited to employ young persons in three categories: work which represents a danger to the life of the children; work which represents a danger to their health; and work which represents a danger to their morals. Furthermore, the types of hazardous work include the manufacture or handling of explosives, demolition work, crystal and glass manufacturing, underwater work and work performed in mines and quarries. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour is currently formulating a statute on the worst forms of child labour which, in accordance with Article 3(d) of the Convention, prohibits the employment of children under 18 years in work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of children. According to the Government’s information, this new statute will amend Decree No. 700 of 1999 and supplement section 23(1) of the Labour Code. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any new developments towards the adoption of the statute which would prohibit the employment of children under 18 years of age in hazardous work.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Identification of hazardous work. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the extensive studies that were carried out by the ILO/IPEC in northern and southern Lebanon which indicate the types of work identified as hazardous. The Committee notes that a study along the same lines was conducted in the Bekaa. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the study on the identification of hazardous work that was conducted in the Bekaa along with its next report.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s information that programmes on training inspectors of the Ministry of Labour and on strengthening their capacities to withdraw children from the worst forms of child labour have been implemented by virtue of the cooperation agreement of 1 April 2006, signed between the ILO/IPEC and the Ministry of Labour. The Committee notes that according to the Technical Progress Report of March 2007 of the project entitled “Supporting the National Policy and Programme Framework for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Lebanon and Yemen” (NPPF-WFCL), the ILO/IPEC organized a special workshop programme, which took place on 9 November 2006, on the working conditions in hazardous workplaces employing children in the age group of 15–18 years in order to enable staff of the collaborating agencies to inspect and advise upon the subject. As such, 25 members of implementing and collaborating agencies have been trained on hazardous child labour so far. Furthermore, the Committee notes the Government’s information that the cooperation agreement also set up a monitoring and supervisory system, which consists of inspectors of the Ministries of Labour, Education and Pedagogy, to monitor and follow up on child workers and the conditions in which they work. The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on its monitoring and supervisory system. Furthermore, it once again asks the Government to supply, with its next report, extracts of the inspection reports specifying the extent and nature of violations detected involving children and young persons.

2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government’s information that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour had formulated a National Strategy for Combating Child Labour, which was communicated to the Council of Ministers for discussion. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the National Strategy was formalized by the Ministry of Labour on 7 February 2005 and adopted by the Lebanese Government by a ministerial declaration. The Committee asks the Government to supply a copy of the National Strategy for Combating Child Labour. It also requests it to continue providing information on the activities and concrete measures taken by the National Committee to Combat Child Labour to monitor the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action. General Confederation for Labour (CGL). The Committee had previously noted that the CGL, with the assistance of the ILO/IPEC, launched a programme to combat the worst forms of child labour, investigative measures and providing work for the families of working children. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the CGL aims to reach the following two immediate objectives by the end of this programme: (1) the labour unions’ capacity to address the problem of child labour will have been further strengthened; and (2) the workers’ awareness on the problem of child labour will have been increased. To achieve these objectives, several measures, such as training workshops, support and advocacy hot lines on cases related to the worst forms of child labour and awareness sessions on child labour, are proposed and undertaken. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the impact of the abovementioned CGL programme on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. 1. Free basic education. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in its concluding observations of 2006 (CRC/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 63), to the effect that parents are still charged for some costs of education despite the legal guarantee of free education, and that repetition and drop-out rates have increased. The Committee notes the existence of a programme of cooperation between the Government and UNICEF, which comprises a learning programme that contributes to national efforts to provide access for all to a quality basic education, including for the poorest, and to improve retention, as a preventive strategy for tackling child labour. Furthermore, the Committee notes that, according to the CRC, a National Plan on School for All (2005–15) has been adopted. This National Plan falls within the context of the Education For All (EFA) Strategy developed by UNESCO to support Arab member States in preparing and implementing their National EFA Plans. Considering that education contributes to preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the concrete measures taken under the UNICEF programme of cooperation and the National Plan on School for All and on the results achieved by these measures to ensure that children attend and stay in school. The Committee also asks the Government to provide, in its next report, updated statistical information on the enrolment and drop-out rates in schools.

2. Project for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil-Borj Hammoud area. The Committee had previously noted that Lebanon had launched, with the assistance of the ILO/IPEC, a “Comprehensive project for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil-Borj Hammoud Area” in 2001, where the worst forms of child labour are predominant. The Committee notes that, according to the Technical Progress Report of March 2007 for the NPPF-WFCL ILO/IPEC project, interventions aiming at preventing at-risk children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour continue. As such, activities in the Sin el Fil-Borj Hammoud area are still in effect and services, such as visits to families, social follow-up and counselling services for children, health service and non-formal educational support, were provided to 169 children and families. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the implementation of the project for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil-Borj Hammoud area, and the results achieved.

3. Centre for Protection against Child Labour in El Tebana, Tripoli, and programme for the protection of children in Nabbatiye. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government’s information that a number of preventive measures have been taken by the El-Tebana, Tripoli, Centre for protection against child labour, on the issue of combating the worst forms of child labour, especially with regard to raising awareness and disseminating informative material. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the El Tebana Centre in Tripoli is continuing its activities through the second phase of the ILO/IPEC project. Furthermore, according to the Technical Progress Report of March 2007 for the NPPF-WFCL ILO/IPEC project, a major action programme with the Municipality of Tripoli, which targets 1,000 children, has entered the implementation phase. The Committee also notes the Government’s information that an agreement was reached between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the ILO/IPEC to implement a programme of which one of the objectives is the protection of children from the worst forms of child labour in the Nabbatiye district. The Committee asks the Government to provide more information on the concrete measures taken within the abovementioned programmes, and results achieved with regard to preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the Technical Progress Report of March 2007 for the NPPF-WFCL ILO/IPEC project, literacy and vocational training classes as well as social follow-up and counselling services aiming at withdrawing children from the worst forms of child labour were provided to 146 children. The Committee notes with interest that, according to the same source, 657 children were withdrawn or prevented from child labour and its worst forms, through educational activities in the period ranging from 1 March 2006 to 28 February 2007, and 62 children were withdrawn or prevented from child labour and its worst forms through non-educational activities. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken or envisaged to remove children from the worst forms of child labour and to provide them with assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration, and on the results achieved.

Clause (d). Identify and reach out to children at special risk. Palestinian children. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that the phenomenon of child labour in Lebanon exists on a wide scale and is most important in the camps of Palestinian refugees and the surrounding regions. The Committee notes with interest that, according to the document on the programmes of action of the second phase of the ILO/IPEC project in Lebanon (2006–08) provided by the Government, 550 children of the Ain El Helweh Palestinian refugee camp are targeted by a programme implemented by the Nabil Berri Institute to prevent them from being engaged in child labour and its worst forms. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken or envisaged to protect Palestinian children from the worst forms of child labour, and on the results achieved.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. The Committee had previously requested the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken or envisaged to address the special situation of girls. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the second phase of the ILO/IPEC project in Lebanon includes the lauching of activities specifically aimed at the protection of girls from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The Committee asks the Government to provide more detailed information on the concrete measures taken pursuant to the ILO/IPEC project in Lebanon aimed at addressing the special situation of girls.

Article 8. International cooperation. 1. ACCESS-MENA. The Committee had previously noted that the United States Government contributes to the reduction of the worst forms of child labour in the Middle East and North Africa through the project “Alternatives to combating child labour through education and continued services in Middle East and North Africa – ACCESS-MENA”. This project offers literacy classes to children who have been out of the formal school system for a lengthy period of time and gives accelerated vocational training to working children, to ensure that they do not have to continue work in hazardous forms of child labour. To that effect, the Committee notes that, according to the ACCESS-MENA document provided by the Government with its report, 140 boys and 71 girls have benefited from the literacy classes, and 245 boys and 312 girls have undertaken the accelerated vocational training. The Committee encourages the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the ACCESS-MENA project on removing children from the worst forms of child labour and rehabilitating them through education and vocational training.

2. Poverty reduction. The Committee notes that, according to the Technical Progress Report of March 2007 for the NPPF-WFCL ILO/IPEC project, a Social Action Plan targets the promotion of sustainable and equitable development while combating poverty and setting up social safety nets and aims to improve education and health standards. The Social Action Plan addresses working children and their households as one of the main social groups characterized by acute poverty and aims to “target poor households and large families with children either not enrolled in school or under the legal age to work”. Noting that poverty reduction programmes contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty which is essential for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any notable impact of the Social Action Plan towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. Noting the absence of new information on this point in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any practical difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention. The Committee also asks the Government to supply copies of extracts from official documents including studies and inquiries and, where such statistics exist, information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, convictions and penalties imposed.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or similar to slavery. Trafficking. The Committee had previously noted that the relevant legislation does not specifically prohibit the trafficking of women and children. It had also noted that sections 514 and 515 of the Penal Code punish as offences respectively the abduction for the purpose of marriage and the abduction for the purpose of committing an "act of debauchery". The Committee had asked the Government to indicate the meaning of the term "act of debauchery". It had also asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the trafficking of children for purposes other than committing acts of debauchery (for example for purpose of labour exploitation) is prohibited. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the request on the meaning of "act of debauchery" has been transmitted to the Ministry of Justice. It also notes the Government’s statement that, regarding the measures taken to combat child trafficking, the Ministry of Labour does not give a work permit to persons under 18 years and that any person who works illegally in Lebanon is punished by the laws in force. The Committee observes that the said provisions apply in the framework of a formal legal employment relationship, while the phenomenon of the sale and trafficking of children generally occurs in an illegal informal framework.

The Committee recalls that by virtue of Article 3(a) of the Convention, the sale and trafficking of children constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and consequently shall be prohibited for children under 18 years of age. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the trafficking of children under 18 years for purposes of labour and sexual exploitation is prohibited.

2. Compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that, according to section 107 of Legislative Decree No. 102 of 16 September 1983 (National Defence), the minimum age to be recruited by the military headquarters is 18 years. The Committee takes note of this information. It asks the Government to supply a copy of Legislative Decree No. 102 of 1983 with its next report.

Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee had previously noted that section 533 of the Penal Code punishes any person who produces, exports, imports or possesses obscene material with a view to selling or distributing it. It had also noted that section 509 states that anyone who commits an obscene act on a child under 15 years of age or induces the child to commit an obscene act, commits an offence. However, the Committee had noted that there did not appear to be any provision in the relevant legislation specifically addressing the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee notes the Government’s information that section 33(b) of the draft amendment to the Labour Code set up by virtue of Order No. 210 of 20 December 2000, specifies that the use, procuring or offering of a child or young person for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is punishable under the Penal Code, in addition to the penalties imposed by the Labour Code on any person who participates, encourages, facilitates or incites anyone to use, procure or offer a child or young person for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed on any developments with regard to the adoption of section 33(b) of the draft amendment to the Labour Code.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs. The Committee had noted that Act No. 673 of 1998 generally prohibits the use, manufacturing, possession, trafficking, importation and exportation of drugs. It had asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the use, procuring and offering of a child under 18 years for the production and trafficking of drugs is prohibited. The Committee notes the Government’s information that section 33(c) of the draft amendment to the Labour Code provides that any person, who participates, encourages, facilitates, or incites another to use, procure or offer a child or young person for illicit activities, especially for the production and trafficking of drugs, commits a penal crime in accordance with the Penal Code. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed on any developments with regard to the adoption of section 33(c) of the draft amendment to the Labour Code.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. The Committee had previously noted that, according to section 23(1) of the Labour Law, young persons under 15 years of age shall not be employed in industrial projects and activities which are physically demanding or detrimental to their health, as set out in Annexes 1 and 2. It had also noted that the same section also prohibits the employment of young persons who are under 16 years in activities that are dangerous by nature or which endanger their life, health or morals owing to the circumstances in which they are carried out. The Committee notes the Government’s information that section 1 of Decree No. 700 of 1999 prohibits the employment of young persons before they complete 17 years of age (i.e. beginning of 18 years). The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether section 23(1) of the Labour Law was repealed by Decree No. 700 of 1999.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Identification of hazardous work. The Committee had previously requested the Government to provide information on the types of work identified as hazardous as a result of the ILO/IPEC project launched in 2002 "Prevention, rehabilitation and combating the worst forms of child labour in the El Tebana, Tripoli District", and to provide further information on the studies undertaken on this point in regions other than El Tebana, Tripoli District. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Ministry of Labour is currently establishing a tripartite committee aimed at identifying the worst forms of child labour. It also notes the Government’s information that a plan for identifying hazardous work was formulated as well as a database on the subject. The Committee asks the Government to communicate any results concerning the identification of the worst forms of child labour, as soon as this information becomes available.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. The Committee had previously noted that the Labour Inspection, Safety and Prevention Authority in the Labour Ministry is in charge of the supervision of the implementation of all labour laws and regulations. It had noted that, however, according to the Child Labour Project Report of 2002, laws and legislation on child labour are not fully enforced in practice. The Committee had also noted that, according to the Government’s report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/70/Add.8, 26 September 2000, paragraph 411), 8 per cent of child workers aged 10-13 years and 11 per cent of child workers aged 14-17 work in mines and quarries. Moreover, a large number of child workers (34 per cent aged 10-13 and 24 per cent aged 14-17) are employed in mine facilities and in the repair of electrical and electronic equipment even though such work is prohibited. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that efforts are ongoing to promote the role played by the labour, occupational health, and safety inspectorate in supervising child labour legislation. To that end, a training session for the labour inspectorate in Beirut was organized on inspection and child labour on March 2004. Moreover, an inspection form was prepared on occupational health and safety at workplaces where children work. The Committee notes the Government’s information that it will be possible to provide further information on the activities of labour inspectors in this field when the second phase of the occupational health and safety plan and hazardous work by children is implemented. The Committee encourages the Government to strengthen the role of labour inspection and requests the Government to continue providing information on its activities, especially regarding the supervision of hazardous work performed by children under 18 years of age. The Committee also asks the Government to supply, with its next report, extracts of the inspection reports specifying the extent and nature of violations detected involving children and young persons.

2. National Committee to Combat Child Labour. The Committee had previously asked the Government to provide information on the National Committee to Combat Child Labour which is responsible, with the assistance of the ILO/IPEC, for preparing and monitoring programmes to combat the worst forms of child labour. It notes the Government’s information that the National Strategy for Combating Child Labour formulated by the National Committee to Combat Child Labour was communicated to the Council of Ministers for discussion. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the concrete measures taken by the National Committee to Combat Child Labour to monitor the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate as a priority the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the study of child labour in Lebanon commissioned by the ILO/IPEC Office for Arab States in Beirut includes trends and recommendations aimed at eliminating the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that the abovementioned study provides for the following recommendations: (a) provide for a database of updated information on child work; (b) provide for a National High Committee in charge of child labour; (c) provide for preventive, social and educational measures to combat child labour; (d) raise awareness on child labour issues; and (e) address the situation of children performing hazardous work, girls and street boys. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any programme of action adopted pursuant to this study aimed at eliminating as a priority the worst forms of child labour.

The Committee had previously noted that the General Confederation for Labour (CGL) with the assistance of the ILO/IPEC launched a programme to combat the worst forms of child labour, including investigative measures and providing work for the families of working children. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide further information on the measures taken under the CGL programme to eliminate the worst forms of child labour and the results achieved.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee had previously noted that sections 515, 526, 527 and 618 of the Penal Code establish sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties of imprisonment and fines for breach of the provisions prohibiting: abduction; unlawful detention for purpose of prostitution; incitement to prostitution; begging. It had also noted that sections 107 and 108 of the Labour Code establish penalties of imprisonment and fines for breach of the provisions of the Labour Code, including the prohibition of hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the penalties set out in Act No. 17/9/1962, which repeals sections 107 and 108 of the Labour Code, have been increased by virtue of the Acts on the budget for 1991 and 2000. The new penalties imposed on any person who violates the Labour Code consist of a fine varying from 250,000 and 2,500,000 Lebanese pounds and imprisonment from one to three months. It also notes the Government’s information that section 4 of Act No. 17/9/1962 as amended by Decree No. 9816, and the Acts of the budget for 1991 and 2000, provides that if the person in violation obstructs the official who is responsible for taking down the violation during his duty, or stops him from doing his job, he/she shall be punished by paying a fine varying from 1,250,000 and 2,500,000 Lebanese pounds in addition to the penalties set up in the Penal Code and be sentenced to imprisonment of one to three months.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Measures taken to prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. 1. Free basic education. The Committee had previously noted that Law No. 686 of 16 March 1998 provides for free and compulsory primary education until 12 years of age, but has not been implemented. The Committee had also noted that, according to the Government’s report to the Committee on the Rights on the Child (CRC/C/70/Add.8, 26 September 2000, paragraph 199), education is not free even for families who register in state schools or in private non-fee-paying schools. The Committee notes that, according to the 2004 IPEC survey on gender, education and child labour in Lebanon, 18.9 per cent of children drop out of school at elementary level (6-11 years), 22.8 per cent at the intermediate level (12-15) and 10.6 per cent at the secondary level. According to the same source, the figures confirm that dropping out of school is a major contributing factor to the early participation of boys and girls in the labour market. The majority of working children are illiterate or drop out of school before the completion of elementary level. According to the IPEC survey, poor families who intend to give their children an education in the public system cannot always do so for many reasons, including the lack of availability of public transportation in all areas, and the direct and indirect costs of education, which are unaffordable for poor families. Moreover, the public school system does not offer children an environment that protects them from going to the labour market. The Committee considers that education contributes to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. It once again requests the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken or envisaged to ensure free basic education for children throughout the country.

2. Project for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil Borj Hammoud Area. The Committee had previously noted that Lebanon had launched, with the assistance of ILO/IPEC, a "Comprehensive project for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil Borj Hammoud Area" in 2001, which was expected to be completed in September 2004. The Committee notes the Government’s information that eight institutions participated in this project. It notes that this project is mainly aimed at providing for preventive measures, such as: (a) training social assistants on educational and social issues regarding children; (b) raising awareness on child education issues, involving children, parents, teachers, public and semi-public institutes; (c) studying the causes of dropouts; (d) stimulating children’s attendance at school also through participation in social events; and (e) counselling families and children on educational issues. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the project for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil Borj Hammoud Area.

3. Centre for Child Labour Prevention in Nabbatiye District and Centre for Protection against Child Labour in El Tebana, Tripoli. The Committee had previously noted that a Centre for Child Labour Prevention in Nabbatiye District was established as a result of the cooperation between the Ministry of Education and ILO/IPEC during the 2001-02 project "Prevention, rehabilitation and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Caza of Nabbatiye, South Lebanon". It notes that, according to the statistical data provided by this Centre, based on 30 schools analysed, in 2003-04 144 boys (71 per cent) and 59 girls (29 per cent) dropped out from school. The percentage of dropouts is higher at the age between 15 and 16. The Committee notes the Government’s information that a number of preventive measures have been taken by the El Tebana, Tripoli, Centre for protection against child labour, on the issue of combating the worst forms of child labour, especially with regard to raising awareness and disseminating informative material. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the programmes adopted by the Centre for Child Labour Prevention in Nabbatiye District, and by the Centre for Protection against Child Labour in El Tebana, Tripoli, and results achieved with regard to preventing children from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee had previously noted that the Centre for the Prevention of the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Nabbatiye District and the Coordination Committee of the Sin El Fil Borj Hammoud have taken a number of measures aimed at rehabilitating children involved in the worst forms of child labour. It had also noted that, one of the objectives of the ILO/IPEC project on "Prevention, rehabilitation and combating the worst forms of child labour in El Tebana, Tripoli" was to withdraw 100 children from workplaces classified as dangerous. The Committee encourages the Government to redouble its efforts to withdraw children from the worst forms of child labour and to provide assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration throughout the country. It once again asks the Government to continue providing information on the time-bound measures taken to this end and the results achieved.

Clause (d). Identify and reach out to children at special risk. 1. Self-employed and unpaid child workers in hazardous work. In its previous comments, the Committee had asked the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that unpaid and self-employed workers under 18 years of age are protected against types of work which, by their nature and the circumstances in which they are carried out, are likely to harm their health, safety or morals. The Committee notes the Government’s information that Decree No. 3273 of 2000 on working inspections applies to all employers and workers prescribed by the Labour Code, including self-employed workers if they are under 18 years. On the other hand, Decree No. 3273 of 2000 entrusted to the labour inspectorate the monitoring of the safety and preventive measures in family undertakings, especially with respect to hazardous work. The Committee takes note of this information.

2. Palestinian children. The Committee had previously requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to protect Palestinian children under 18 years from the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour includes direct interventions in some regions and gives priority to regions where the phenomenon of child labour exists on a wide scale, most important of which are the camps of Palestinian refugees and the surrounding regions. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken pursuant to the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour aimed at protecting Palestinian children from the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. The Committee had previously asked the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken or envisaged to address the special situation of girls. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour also targets domestic work undertaken by girls, and street children. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the concrete measures taken pursuant to the National Strategy to Combat Child Labour aimed at addressing the special situation of girls and street children.

Article 8. International cooperation. The Committee notes the Government’s information that the United States Government contributes to the reduction of the worst forms of child labour in the Middle East and North Africa through the project "Alternatives to combating child labour through education and continued services in Middle East and North Africa - ACCESS MENA". It notes the Government’s statement that in Lebanon this project is targeted at children under 15 years or children who are under the threat of dropping out from school for economic reasons or difficulty in learning. The activities proposed under this project include: literacy sessions; expedited vocational training sessions and raising awareness on the rights of the child. The Ministry of Education, Labour and Social Affairs, ILO/IPEC, NGOs and civil society collaborate on the ACCESS-MENA project. Moreover, under this project a "Workshop on working Children" with the slogan "From work to education" was organized on 8 July 2005 in collaboration with the unit to combat child labour at the Ministry of Labour, IPEC/ILO and NGOs. The aim of such a workshop was to raise awareness on the rights of working children as well as giving them the right to express their views and needs. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the activities and programmes undertaken under the project ACCESS-MENA aimed at the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Part III of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s information that no decisions have been issued relating to the legislation relevant to the application of the Conventions. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any court decisions involving questions of principle relating to the application of the Convention, as soon as this information becomes available.

Part V of the report form. The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the Centre for Prevention against Child Labour in the Nabbatiye District, in the period 2003-04, 275 children were found working in hazardous conditions in the manufacturing industry; 189 in the tobacco plantations; 112 in repairing workshops; and 43 in street vending. The Committee notes that, according to the 2004 IPEC survey on gender, education and child labour in Lebanon, non-Lebanese children constitute a larger proportion of the children working on the street. Moreover, all studies documented that children worked very long hours, were unpaid and, in the case of the street children, were involved in prostitution. Most of the children were above 10 years of age, but younger boys and girls, even as young as 6 years, were identified especially on the street and in tobacco plantations. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the nature, extent and trends of the worst forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed.

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

The Committee notes with interest that Lebanon signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ILO in 2000. The Committee requests the Government to supply further information on the following points.

Article 1 of the Convention. Measures taken to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a joint cooperation protocol was signed in 2002 between the Ministry of Social Affairs and UNICEF to ensure that children benefit from the rights laid down in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which includes the right to be protected from economic and sexual exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s education. Pursuant to the Protocol, a four-year project on child labour was launched in 2002. It aims at: (a) developing intervention mechanisms to guarantee the rights of working children to education, health, social and psychological support; and (b) consolidating earlier achievements in the fields of child labour and support interventions in favour of child workers by making them part of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ activities. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the concrete measures taken to guarantee the rights of working children involved in the worst forms of child labour to education, health, social and psychological support as well as the results achieved.

Article 3. Worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the draft amendment to the Labour Law, drawn up by a tripartite commission established by Decision No. 210 of 21 October 2001 of the Ministry of Labour, prohibits actions mentioned in Article 3, clauses (a), (b) and (c) of the Convention and prohibits the employment or work of juveniles under 18 years of age in any form of work or employment which could threaten their life, health or morals. The Government further indicates that the revision aims at determining, on the basis of Convention No. 182, the types of work to be considered as the worst forms of child labour. The Committee hopes that the Government takes the necessary measures to ensure that the national legislation will be amended shortly so as to bring it into line with the Convention. It also asks the Government to provide a copy of the amended text as soon as it is adopted.

Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Trafficking. The Committee observes that the Government indicated in a communication dated 5 August 2003 on the application of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) that the Labour Code does not specifically prohibit the trafficking of women and children. However, sections 514 and 515 of the Penal Code of 1943 are relevant to this end. Section 514 states that a person who abducts a girl or a woman for the purpose of marriage commits an offence. Section 515 of the Penal Code states that a person who abducts a person for the purpose of committing an act of debauchery commits an offence. The Committee requests the Government to define the term "act of debauchery" used under section 515 of the Penal Code. It also asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the trafficking of children for purposes other than committing acts of debauchery (for example for the purpose of labour exploitation) is prohibited.

2. Forced or compulsory labour. The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. However, it observes that section 8(3a) of Decree No. 3855 of 1 September 1972 prohibits the exaction of illegal forced or compulsory labour.

3. Compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that children under 18 years of age do not take part in armed conflict, either as part of the governmental armed forces or any other armed groups or militias.

Clause (b). 1. Use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Chapter 7 of the Penal Code (sections 503 and following) deals with crimes against public morals. According to section 525 of the Penal Code, it is an offence to maintain a person against his/her will in a brothel or to force such a person to become a prostitute. It also notes that, by virtue of section 526 of the Penal Code, a person who facilitates the soliciting of another person for the purpose of prostitution commits an offence. According to section 527 of the Penal Code, it is also an offence to live off the earnings of prostitution.

2. Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee observes that, by virtue of section 533 of the Penal Code, a person who produces, exports, imports or possesses writings, drawings, illustrations, photographs, films, emblems, or any other obscene object, with a view to selling or distributing such object commits an offence. It also notes that section 509 states that anyone who commits an obscene act on a child under 15 years of age or induces a child under 15 years of age to commit an obscene act commits an offence. However, the Committee observes that there do not appear to be any provisions in the Penal Code specifically addressing the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years of age for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is prohibited.

Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities. 1. The use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs.  The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Decree No. 673 of 16 March 1998 prohibits the use, manufacturing, extraction, possession, transport, trafficking, importation or exportation of drugs. Since the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs does not appear to be prohibited, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to this end. The Committee also requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 673 of 16 March 1998.

2. Causing or allowing children to be used for begging. The Committee observes that, according to section 618 of the Penal Code, it is prohibited to cause or allow a child to be used for begging.

Clause (d). Hazardous work. The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 23(1) of the Labour Law (as amended in 1996 and 1999), young persons who have not turned 15, shall not be employed in industrial projects and activities which are physically demanding or detrimental to their health as set out in Annexes 1 and 2. Section 23(1) of the Labour Law also prohibits the employment of young persons who are under 16 in activities that are dangerous by nature or which endanger their life, health or morals owing to the circumstances in which they are carried out. However, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the draft amendment to the Labour Law, drawn up by a tripartite commission established by Decision No. 210 of 21 October 2001, prohibits the employment of juveniles under 18 years of age in any work which could threaten their life, health or morals. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that Decree No. 700/1999 "prohibits the employment of young persons before they have completed 16 years (i.e. turned 17 years of age) or completed 17 years (i.e. turned 18 years of age) in work that is hazardous by nature or that threatens their life, health or morals. The Government also states that the Decree will be revised by the Ministry of Labour and the National Committee to Combat Child Labour to bring it into line with the Convention. This National Committee is composed of representatives of organizations of employers and workers. The Committee reminds the Government that, in accordance with Article 3(d) of the Convention, work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour and as such shall not be performed by children under 18 years of age. The Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that Decree No. 700/199 and the Labour Law will be amended soon to clearly state that children under 18 years of age shall not perform hazardous work. It asks the Government to provide a copy of the amended texts as soon as they are adopted.

Article 4, paragraph 1. Determination of hazardous work. The Committee observes that Decree No. 700/1999 provides for a detailed list of the types of hazardous work in which it is prohibited to employ a child who is under 17 years of age. The list of types of hazardous work includes the manufacture or handling of explosives, demolition work, crystal and glass manufacturing, underwater work, and work performed in mines or quarries. However, it notes that according to the Government’s indication to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/70/Add.8, 26 September 2000, paragraph 411), 8 per cent of child workers aged 10 to 13 years, and 11 per cent of child workers aged 14 to 17 work in mines and quarries. A large number of child workers (34 per cent of child workers aged 10 to 13 and 24 per cent  of child workers aged 14 to 17) are employed in mine facilities and in the repair of electrical and electronic equipment even though such work is prohibited.

Paragraph 2. Identification of hazardous work. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the identification of the types of hazardous work will be based on the results of studies undertaken on this matter and the national study on child labour. However, it observes that one of the objectives of the ILO/IPEC project entitled: "Prevention, rehabilitation and combating the worst forms of child labour in the Al Tebana, Tripoli District", launched in June 2002, is to identify health and safety hazards that child workers suffer from and develop solutions to eliminate this phenomenon. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the types of work identified as hazardous as a result of the ILO/IPEC project and to provide further information on studies undertaken on this point in regions other than the Al Tebana, Tripoli District.

Article 5. Monitoring mechanisms. 1. Labour inspection. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Decree No. 3273 of 26 June 2000 entrusts the Labour Inspection, Safety and Prevention Authority in the Labour Ministry, with the supervision of the implementation of all labour laws and regulations. It also notes that according to the Child Labour Project Report (dated 28 February 2002) provided by the Government, laws and legislation on child labour are not fully enforced in practice. In its report, the Government states that the heads of the Regional Central Units of the Labour Inspections Authority were consequently requested to carefully examine undertakings and assess whether they comply with relevant legal provisions on child labour. Labour inspectors were asked to give priority to the supervision of legislation on child labour. The Committee further notes that the Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with IPEC, has organized several seminars to explain the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), to labour inspectors. The Committee notes that, according to section 3 of Decree No. 3273 of 26 June 2000, labour inspectors shall submit annual reports on the outcome of their activities to the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of labour inspectors, including the number of workplaces investigated per year, and on the findings.

2. The National Committee to Combat Child Labour. The Committee notes that Decree No. 13/1 of 11 February 1998 establishes a National Committee to Combat Child Labour which is responsible, with the assistance of the ILO/IPEC, for preparing and monitoring programmes to combat the worst forms of child labour. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken by the National Committee to Combat Child Labour to monitor the implementation of the provisions giving effect to the Convention.

Article 6. Programmes of action to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes that a study is being prepared by the ILO/IPEC on child labour in Lebanon and that it will contain guidelines and general recommendations for a national policy on child labour. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the guidelines provided by IPEC as well as the concrete measures taken to eliminate the worst forms of child labour.

1. Elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil Borj Hammoud Area. The Committee notes that the Government launched with the assistance of ILO/IPEC a "Comprehensive project for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Sin el Fil Borj Hammoud Area" in September 2001. The project is expected to come to an end in September 2004. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken to implement the abovementioned project, and the results achieved. It also asks the Government to indicate whether this project will be expanded to other parts of the country.

2. Programmes of action undertaken by the General Confederation for Labour (CGL) to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the CGL, with the assistance of ILO/IPEC, launched a programme to combat the worst forms of child labour. To this end, it established: (a) a special unit to combat child labour at the CGL headquarters endowed with manpower and equipment; (b) labour committees in charge of inspecting workshops; and (c) a central committee composed of representatives of all governorates and representatives of the region. The Government further states that according to the CGL, the establishment of these labour and central committees resulted in discovering and dismantling a child pornography network as well as providing work for the families of working children (in supermarkets or factories). The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the CGL to eliminate the worst forms of child labour and the results achieved.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee notes that, according to section 515 of the Penal Code, a person who abducts another person for the purpose of committing an act of debauchery is liable to forced labour for a fixed period of time. A person, who maintains another person against his/her will in a brothel or forces this person to become a prostitute, is punishable by two months’ to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of between 25 and 250 Lebanese pounds (section 525 of the Penal Code). Section 526 of the Penal Code provides that a person who facilitates the soliciting of a person for the purpose of prostitution is liable to imprisonment for one month to one year and a fine of 10 to 100 Lebanese pounds. According to section 527 of the Penal Code, a person who lives off the earnings of prostitution is punishable by six months’ to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of between 10 and 100 Lebanese pounds. The Committee also observes that a person who causes or allows a child to be used for begging is liable to six months’ to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of between 10 and 100 Lebanese pounds (section 618 of the Penal Code). Sections 107 and 108 of the Labour Code provide for a fine of 100 to 1000 Lebanese pounds and 30 days’ to three months’ imprisonment for anyone who infringes the provisions of the Labour Code and regulations based on it, which include the prohibition to employ children under 16 years of age in hazardous work (section 23(1) of the Labour Code, and Decree No. 700/1999). The Committee asks the Government to indicate the penalties applicable for the violation of section 8(3a) of Decree No. 3855 of 1 September 1972 which prohibits forced or compulsory labour. It also requests the Government to provide information on the penalties imposed in practice.

Article 7, paragraph 2. Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Measures taken to prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. 1. Centre for Child Labour Prevention. The Committee notes that a Centre for Child Labour Prevention in the Nabbattiye District was established as a result of the cooperation between the Ministry of Education and ILO/IPEC during a one-year project (September 2001 to September 2002) entitled "Prevention, rehabilitation, and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in the Caza of Nabbattiye, South Lebanon". The Centre is responsible for setting up a database on the phenomenon of child labour, setting up educational, cultural and recreational programmes, and increasing social awareness on the risks arising out of child labour and disseminating information on the rights of the child. The Committee notes that the CGL also contributes to awareness raising by preparing pamphlets and posters to combat the worst forms of child labour; these pamphlets and posters are then distributed in schools. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, especially in districts other than Nabbattiye. It also asks the Government to provide information on the data and findings of the studies conducted on child labour in Nabbattiye District. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken by the Centre for Child Labour Prevention on preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour.

2. Ensuring access to free basic education. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Law No. 686 of 16 March 1998 provides for free and compulsory primary education until 12 years of age, but has not been implemented. The Committee also notes the Government’s indications to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/70/Add.8, 26 September 2000, paragraph 199) that education is not free even for families who register in state schools or in private non-fee paying schools. The cost of education in these schools is much lower; the average cost nevertheless amounts to 421,000 Lebanese pounds per student per year. The Committee notes, for instance, that the ILO/IPEC project on "Prevention, rehabilitation and combating the worst forms of child labour in Al-Tebana, Tripoli" aims at training 25 teachers for primary education and at providing financial support to low-income families. It also observes that, in 2000, the World Bank approved loans to Lebanon to enhance the Ministry of Education’s capacity to improve the quality and efficiency of the education system. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken or envisaged to ensure free basic education for children throughout the country.

Clause (b). Direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labour, and for their rehabilitation and social integration. The Committee notes that the ILO/IPEC project on "Prevention, rehabilitation and combating the worst forms of child labour in Al-Tebana, Tripoli" aims at identifying working children and withdrawing them from degrading work. One of its objectives is to withdraw 100 children from workplaces classified as dangerous by improving their working conditions, to move them to a place of work with better working conditions, or to enrol them in vocational training or educational programmes.

The Committee notes that a Social Associations Joint Committee was established in the Nabbatiye district to provide assistance to child workers. According to the report from the Centre for Child Labour Prevention provided by the Government, the number of working children in the Nabbatiye District amounts to 1,968 children, of which 82 per cent are employed in occupations that could be classified, according to the report, as "worst forms of child labour". The Committee observes that a Centre for the Prevention of the Worst Forms of Child Labour was created by the Ministry of Education, the Vocational Training Directorate and ILO/IPEC following a study undertaken by UNICEF in 2000 which revealed that the situation of child workers was problematic. Since March 2002, the Centre has undertaken activities and provided many services such as vocational training courses in sanitary installations and men’s hairdressing. The vocational training courses organized in mechanics resulted in 29 children graduating. It also provided training courses on accidents at work, and on the danger of working in mines.

The Committee observes that the Coordination Committee of the Sin El Fil Borj Hammoud institutions has taken measures to provide children aged 14 to 18 years who are either not at school, on the street or at work, with education. Thus, 150 children were trained in car mechanics, electricity supplies, hairdressing, tailoring, carpentry and nursing. According to the report on the activities of the Coordination Committee, a "substantial" number of children aged 10 to 15 years are unable to read or write and considering that these children are too young and do not have the ability to undertake vocational training, the Coordination Committee consequently launched a special teaching programme to provide these children with reading and writing courses.

The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to withdraw children from the worst forms of child labour and to provide assistance for their rehabilitation and social integration throughout the country. It also asks the Government to continue to provide information on the time-bound measures taken to this end, and the results achieved.

Clause (d). Identifying and reaching out to children at special risk. 1. Self-employed and unpaid child workers in hazardous work. The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 23 of the Labour Law, children under 16 shall not be employed on any work which is harmful to their health, safety or morals. However, the Committee observes that, by virtue of section 1 of the Labour Law, the scope of application of this Act (and regulations based on it) is limited to persons who work in an industrial, commercial or agricultural undertaking for a wage or for another kind of remuneration. It also observes that, according to the ILO/IPEC Rapid Assessment on Child Labour on Tobacco Plantations (page 9), 6.6 per cent of child workers aged 10 to 14 years were unpaid workers and 6.8 per cent were unpaid family workers in 1997. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that unpaid and self-employed workers under 18 years of age are protected against types of work, which, by their nature or the circumstances in which they are carried out, are likely to harm their health, safety or morals.

2. Palestinian children. The Committee notes that the Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern about the high rate of Palestinian children living below the poverty line, as well as the lack of access by Palestinian children to many basic rights, including health, education and an adequate standard of living (CRC/C/15/Add.169, 21 March 2002, paragraph 54). The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to protect Palestinian children under 18 from the worst forms of child labour.

Clause (e). Special situation of girls. The Committee notes the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide information on the time-bound measures taken or envisaged to address the special situation of girls.

Article 7, paragraph 3. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour is responsible for supervising the implementation of the provisions of the Labour Code, including those regarding the employment of juveniles, through its various bodies, in particular, the Labour Inspection, Prevention and Safety Authority. Complaints are investigated by the Department of Investigation and Labour Questions. The Government also indicates that the other ministries concerned by the provisions of the Convention each have their own supervisory bodies.

Article 8. International cooperation. The Committee notes that Lebanon is a member of Interpol which helps cooperation between countries in the different regions especially in the fight against trafficking of children. It also notes that Lebanon ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, the Convention on Combating Transnational Organized Crime in 2002 and signed the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography in 2000. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any steps taken to assist other member States in giving effect to provisions of the Convention through enhanced international cooperation and/or assistance including support for social and economic development, in conformity with the requirements of the Convention.

Part III of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that courts of law have not yet given decisions involving questions of principle relating to the application of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to supply any court decisions regarding the legislation relevant to the application of the Convention.

Part V. The Committee notes that, according to the ILO/IPEC Rapid Assessment on Child Labour on Tobacco Plantations of 2002 (page 9), the majority of working children are paid very low salaries. A study conducted in Beirut’s northern suburbs in 1996 revealed that 65 per cent of child workers get less than half the minimum wage rate and were working more than ten hours per day without being registered by employers in the National Social Security Fund and consequently were not covered by health or medical insurance. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the worst forms of child labour, including information on the nature, extent and trends of those forms of child labour, the number of children covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention. The Committee also requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the number and nature of infringements reported, investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penal sanctions applied.

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