Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) established a National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) whose task was to prepare and follow up on the implementation of programmes aimed at combating child labour in collaboration with the ILO–IPEC, international organizations and NGOs, and that a Special Unit to Combat Child Labour had been constituted within the MOL. The Committee requested the Government to continue to provide information on national policy measures designed to ensure the effective elimination of child labour, and the results achieved.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour and the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour have carried out some activities resulting in: (i) the preparation of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” in collaboration with the ILO, the MOL, UNICEF and other relevant bodies (2015 Study); (ii) the launch of a broad information campaign on the issue of child labour in a certain number of companies and in news bulletins; (iii) the preparation of a guiding manual on using Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour; (iv) the launch of the website on the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour (www.clu.gov.lb), and (v) the coordination with the ILO of the project “Tackling child labour among Syrian refugees and their host communities in Jordan and Lebanon” July 2015–March 2017.The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide information on the steps taken, within the framework of the NCCL to ensure the effective abolition of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. Referring to its previous comments with regard to the preparation of a survey on working children in Lebanon, the Committee takes note of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude”. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that a training course on child labour in agriculture and its risks was organized in August 2015, with the collaboration of the ILO.The Committee requests that the Government provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, in particular statistical data on the employment of children and young persons by age group, extracts from the reports of inspection services, and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Scope of application. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Code only applies to work performed under an employment relationship (by virtue of sections 1, 3 and 8 of the Code). The Committee recalled that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all types of employment or work, whether they are carried out on the basis of an employment relationship or not, and whether they are remunerated or not. The Committee also noted that under Chapter 2, section 15, of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, it seemed that the employment or work of young persons would also include non-traditional forms of employment relationship. The Committee therefore requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in relation to the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code.

The Committee notes an absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. Considering that the Government has been referring to the draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years, the Committee once again expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary steps to ensure that the amendments to the Labour Code relating to self-employed children and children in the informal economy are adopted in the very near future. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 2(2). Raising the minimum age for admission to employment or work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, at the time of ratifying the Convention, Lebanon declared 14 years as the minimum age for admission to employment or work and that Act No. 536 of 24 July 1996, amending sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Labour Code, prohibits the employment of young persons before the age of 14. The Committee also noted the Government’s intention to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years of age and that the draft amendments to the Labour Code would include a provision in this regard (section 19). The Committee requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code on the minimum age for employment or work.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Committee’s comments have been taken into account in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The draft has also been submitted to the Council of Ministers for its examination.The Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on any progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code regarding the minimum age for employment or work.

Article 2(3). Compulsory education. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the age limit for compulsory education is 12 years of age (Act No. 686/1998 relating to free and compulsory education at the primary school level). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that a draft law aimed at raising the minimum age of compulsory education to 15 years had been sent to the Council of Ministers for examination. The Committee requested that the Government indicate the progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour took into account the Committee’s comments which were inserted in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is concerned at the number of children, especially refugee children, who are not in school or have quit school owing to the insufficient capacity of the educational infrastructure, the lack of documentation, and the pressure to work to support their families, among other reasons (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 62).

In this regard, the Committee recalls the necessity of linking the age of admission to employment to the age limit for compulsory education. If the two ages do not coincide, various problems may arise. If the minimum age for admission to work or employment is lower than the school leaving age, children may be encouraged to leave school as children required to attend school may also be legally authorized to work (see 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 370). Noting the Government’s intention to raise the age of completion of compulsory schooling to 15 years, the Committee once again reminds the Government that pursuant to Article 2(3) of the Convention, the minimum age for admission to employment (currently 14 years) should not be lower than the age of completion of compulsory schooling.Therefore, the Committee urges once again the Government to intensify its efforts to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years, and to provide for compulsory education up until that age, within the framework of the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 6. Vocational training and apprenticeship. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Government had stated that the draft amendments to the Labour Code (section 16) had set the minimum age for vocational training under a contract at 14 years. The Committee expressed the firm hope that such a provision under the draft amendments would be adopted in the near future.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 16 will be adopted along with the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Government also indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training is in charge of carrying out vocational training and apprenticeships.The Committee once again expresses the firm hope that section 16 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, setting a minimum age of 14 years for entry into an apprenticeship, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention, will be adopted in the very near future.

Article 7. Light work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 19 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, employment or work of young persons in light work may be authorized when they complete 13 years of age under certain conditions (except in different types of industrial work in which the employment or work of young persons under the age of 15 years is not authorized). The Committee also noted that light work activities would be determined by virtue of an Order from the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requested that the Government provide information on any progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has asked for light work to be included in the ongoing ILO–IPEC Project “Country level engagement and assistance to reduce child labour in Lebanon” (CLEAR Project) and that a few meetings have been held in this regard. The Government indicates that, once the CLEAR Project is launched, it will be able to prepare a statute on light work in accordance with the relevant international standards.The Committee once again requests that the Government take the necessary measures to ensure the formulation and adoption of a statute determining light work activities, including the number of hours during which, and the conditions in which, light work may be undertaken. It requests that the Government provide information on the progress achieved.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) established a National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) whose task was to prepare and follow up on the implementation of programmes aimed at combating child labour in collaboration with the ILO–IPEC, international organizations and NGOs, and that a Special Unit to Combat Child Labour had been constituted within the MOL. The Committee requested the Government to continue to provide information on national policy measures designed to ensure the effective elimination of child labour, and the results achieved.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour and the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour have carried out some activities resulting in: (i) the preparation of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” in collaboration with the ILO, the MOL, UNICEF and other relevant bodies (2015 Study); (ii) the launch of a broad information campaign on the issue of child labour in a certain number of companies and in news bulletins; (iii) the preparation of a guiding manual on using Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour; (iv) the launch of the website on the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour (www.clu.gov.lb), and (v) the coordination with the ILO of the project “Tackling child labour among Syrian refugees and their host communities in Jordan and Lebanon” July 2015–March 2017. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide information on the steps taken, within the framework of the NCCL to ensure the effective abolition of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. Referring to its previous comments with regard to the preparation of a survey on working children in Lebanon, the Committee takes note of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude”. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that a training course on child labour in agriculture and its risks was organized in August 2015, with the collaboration of the ILO. The Committee requests that the Government provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, in particular statistical data on the employment of children and young persons by age group, extracts from the reports of inspection services, and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Scope of application. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Code only applies to work performed under an employment relationship (by virtue of sections 1, 3 and 8 of the Code). The Committee recalled that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all types of employment or work, whether they are carried out on the basis of an employment relationship or not, and whether they are remunerated or not. The Committee also noted that under Chapter 2, section 15, of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, it seemed that the employment or work of young persons would also include non-traditional forms of employment relationship. The Committee therefore requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in relation to the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code.

The Committee notes an absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. Considering that the Government has been referring to the draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years, the Committee once again expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary steps to ensure that the amendments to the Labour Code relating to self-employed children and children in the informal economy are adopted in the very near future. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 2(2). Raising the minimum age for admission to employment or work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, at the time of ratifying the Convention, Lebanon declared 14 years as the minimum age for admission to employment or work and that Act No. 536 of 24 July 1996, amending sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Labour Code, prohibits the employment of young persons before the age of 14. The Committee also noted the Government’s intention to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years of age and that the draft amendments to the Labour Code would include a provision in this regard (section 19). The Committee requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code on the minimum age for employment or work.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Committee’s comments have been taken into account in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The draft has also been submitted to the Council of Ministers for its examination. The Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on any progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code regarding the minimum age for employment or work.

Article 2(3). Compulsory education. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the age limit for compulsory education is 12 years of age (Act No. 686/1998 relating to free and compulsory education at the primary school level). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that a draft law aimed at raising the minimum age of compulsory education to 15 years had been sent to the Council of Ministers for examination. The Committee requested that the Government indicate the progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour took into account the Committee’s comments which were inserted in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is concerned at the number of children, especially refugee children, who are not in school or have quit school owing to the insufficient capacity of the educational infrastructure, the lack of documentation, and the pressure to work to support their families, among other reasons (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 62).

In this regard, the Committee recalls the necessity of linking the age of admission to employment to the age limit for compulsory education. If the two ages do not coincide, various problems may arise. If the minimum age for admission to work or employment is lower than the school leaving age, children may be encouraged to leave school as children required to attend school may also be legally authorized to work (see 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 370). Noting the Government’s intention to raise the age of completion of compulsory schooling to 15 years, the Committee once again reminds the Government that pursuant to Article 2(3) of the Convention, the minimum age for admission to employment (currently 14 years) should not be lower than the age of completion of compulsory schooling. Therefore, the Committee urges once again the Government to intensify its efforts to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years, and to provide for compulsory education up until that age, within the framework of the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 6. Vocational training and apprenticeship. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Government had stated that the draft amendments to the Labour Code (section 16) had set the minimum age for vocational training under a contract at 14 years. The Committee expressed the firm hope that such a provision under the draft amendments would be adopted in the near future.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 16 will be adopted along with the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Government also indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training is in charge of carrying out vocational training and apprenticeships. The Committee once again expresses the firm hope that section 16 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, setting a minimum age of 14 years for entry into an apprenticeship, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention, will be adopted in the very near future.

Article 7. Light work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 19 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, employment or work of young persons in light work may be authorized when they complete 13 years of age under certain conditions (except in different types of industrial work in which the employment or work of young persons under the age of 15 years is not authorized). The Committee also noted that light work activities would be determined by virtue of an Order from the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requested that the Government provide information on any progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has asked for light work to be included in the ongoing ILO–IPEC Project “Country level engagement and assistance to reduce child labour in Lebanon” (CLEAR Project) and that a few meetings have been held in this regard. The Government indicates that, once the CLEAR Project is launched, it will be able to prepare a statute on light work in accordance with the relevant international standards. The Committee once again requests that the Government take the necessary measures to ensure the formulation and adoption of a statute determining light work activities, including the number of hours during which, and the conditions in which, light work may be undertaken. It requests that the Government provide information on the progress achieved.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) established a National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) whose task was to prepare and follow up on the implementation of programmes aimed at combating child labour in collaboration with the ILO–IPEC, international organizations and NGOs, and that a Special Unit to Combat Child Labour had been constituted within the MOL. The Committee requested the Government to continue to provide information on national policy measures designed to ensure the effective elimination of child labour, and the results achieved.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour and the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour have carried out some activities resulting in: (i) the preparation of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” in collaboration with the ILO, the MOL, UNICEF and other relevant bodies (2015 Study); (ii) the launch of a broad information campaign on the issue of child labour in a certain number of companies and in news bulletins; (iii) the preparation of a guiding manual on using Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour; (iv) the launch of the website on the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour (www.clu.gov.lb), and (v) the coordination with the ILO of the project “Tackling child labour among Syrian refugees and their host communities in Jordan and Lebanon” July 2015–March 2017. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide information on the steps taken, within the framework of the NCCL to ensure the effective abolition of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. Referring to its previous comments with regard to the preparation of a survey on working children in Lebanon, the Committee takes note of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude”. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that a training course on child labour in agriculture and its risks was organized in August 2015, with the collaboration of the ILO. The Committee requests that the Government provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, in particular statistical data on the employment of children and young persons by age group, extracts from the reports of inspection services, and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Scope of application. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Code only applies to work performed under an employment relationship (by virtue of sections 1, 3 and 8 of the Code). The Committee recalled that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all types of employment or work, whether they are carried out on the basis of an employment relationship or not, and whether they are remunerated or not. The Committee also noted that under Chapter 2, section 15, of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, it seemed that the employment or work of young persons would also include non-traditional forms of employment relationship. The Committee therefore requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in relation to the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code.

The Committee notes an absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. Considering that the Government has been referring to the draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years, the Committee once again expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary steps to ensure that the amendments to the Labour Code relating to self-employed children and children in the informal economy are adopted in the very near future. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 2(2). Raising the minimum age for admission to employment or work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, at the time of ratifying the Convention, Lebanon declared 14 years as the minimum age for admission to employment or work and that Act No. 536 of 24 July 1996, amending sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Labour Code, prohibits the employment of young persons before the age of 14. The Committee also noted the Government’s intention to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years of age and that the draft amendments to the Labour Code would include a provision in this regard (section 19). The Committee requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code on the minimum age for employment or work.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Committee’s comments have been taken into account in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The draft has also been submitted to the Council of Ministers for its examination. The Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on any progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code regarding the minimum age for employment or work.

Article 2(3). Compulsory education. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the age limit for compulsory education is 12 years of age (Act No. 686/1998 relating to free and compulsory education at the primary school level). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that a draft law aimed at raising the minimum age of compulsory education to 15 years had been sent to the Council of Ministers for examination. The Committee requested that the Government indicate the progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour took into account the Committee’s comments which were inserted in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is concerned at the number of children, especially refugee children, who are not in school or have quit school owing to the insufficient capacity of the educational infrastructure, the lack of documentation, and the pressure to work to support their families, among other reasons (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 62).

In this regard, the Committee recalls the necessity of linking the age of admission to employment to the age limit for compulsory education. If the two ages do not coincide, various problems may arise. If the minimum age for admission to work or employment is lower than the school leaving age, children may be encouraged to leave school as children required to attend school may also be legally authorized to work (see 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 370). Noting the Government’s intention to raise the age of completion of compulsory schooling to 15 years, the Committee once again reminds the Government that pursuant to Article 2(3) of the Convention, the minimum age for admission to employment (currently 14 years) should not be lower than the age of completion of compulsory schooling. Therefore, the Committee urges once again the Government to intensify its efforts to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years, and to provide for compulsory education up until that age, within the framework of the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 6. Vocational training and apprenticeship. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Government had stated that the draft amendments to the Labour Code (section 16) had set the minimum age for vocational training under a contract at 14 years. The Committee expressed the firm hope that such a provision under the draft amendments would be adopted in the near future.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 16 will be adopted along with the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Government also indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training is in charge of carrying out vocational training and apprenticeships. The Committee once again expresses the firm hope that section 16 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, setting a minimum age of 14 years for entry into an apprenticeship, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention, will be adopted in the very near future.

Article 7. Light work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 19 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, employment or work of young persons in light work may be authorized when they complete 13 years of age under certain conditions (except in different types of industrial work in which the employment or work of young persons under the age of 15 years is not authorized). The Committee also noted that light work activities would be determined by virtue of an Order from the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requested that the Government provide information on any progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has asked for light work to be included in the ongoing ILO–IPEC Project “Country level engagement and assistance to reduce child labour in Lebanon” (CLEAR Project) and that a few meetings have been held in this regard. The Government indicates that, once the CLEAR Project is launched, it will be able to prepare a statute on light work in accordance with the relevant international standards. The Committee once again requests that the Government take the necessary measures to ensure the formulation and adoption of a statute determining light work activities, including the number of hours during which, and the conditions in which, light work may be undertaken. It requests that the Government provide information on the progress achieved.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) established a National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) whose task was to prepare and follow up on the implementation of programmes aimed at combating child labour in collaboration with the ILO–IPEC, international organizations and NGOs, and that a Special Unit to Combat Child Labour had been constituted within the MOL. The Committee requested the Government to continue to provide information on national policy measures designed to ensure the effective elimination of child labour, and the results achieved.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour and the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour have carried out some activities resulting in: (i) the preparation of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” in collaboration with the ILO, the MOL, UNICEF and other relevant bodies (2015 Study); (ii) the launch of a broad information campaign on the issue of child labour in a certain number of companies and in news bulletins; (iii) the preparation of a guiding manual on using Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour; (iv) the launch of the website on the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour (www.clu.gov.lb), and (v) the coordination with the ILO of the project “Tackling child labour among Syrian refugees and their host communities in Jordan and Lebanon” July 2015–March 2017. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide information on the steps taken, within the framework of the NCCL to ensure the effective abolition of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. Referring to its previous comments with regard to the preparation of a survey on working children in Lebanon, the Committee takes note of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude”. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that a training course on child labour in agriculture and its risks was organized in August 2015, with the collaboration of the ILO. The Committee requests that the Government provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, in particular statistical data on the employment of children and young persons by age group, extracts from the reports of inspection services, and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Scope of application. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Code only applies to work performed under an employment relationship (by virtue of sections 1, 3 and 8 of the Code). The Committee recalled that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all types of employment or work, whether they are carried out on the basis of an employment relationship or not, and whether they are remunerated or not. The Committee also noted that under Chapter 2, section 15, of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, it seemed that the employment or work of young persons would also include non-traditional forms of employment relationship. The Committee therefore requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in relation to the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code.

The Committee notes an absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. Considering that the Government has been referring to the draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years, the Committee once again expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary steps to ensure that the amendments to the Labour Code relating to self-employed children and children in the informal economy are adopted in the very near future. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 2(2). Raising the minimum age for admission to employment or work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, at the time of ratifying the Convention, Lebanon declared 14 years as the minimum age for admission to employment or work and that Act No. 536 of 24 July 1996, amending sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Labour Code, prohibits the employment of young persons before the age of 14. The Committee also noted the Government’s intention to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years of age and that the draft amendments to the Labour Code would include a provision in this regard (section 19). The Committee requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code on the minimum age for employment or work.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Committee’s comments have been taken into account in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The draft has also been submitted to the Council of Ministers for its examination. The Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on any progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code regarding the minimum age for employment or work.

Article 2(3). Compulsory education. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the age limit for compulsory education is 12 years of age (Act No. 686/1998 relating to free and compulsory education at the primary school level). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that a draft law aimed at raising the minimum age of compulsory education to 15 years had been sent to the Council of Ministers for examination. The Committee requested that the Government indicate the progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour took into account the Committee’s comments which were inserted in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is concerned at the number of children, especially refugee children, who are not in school or have quit school owing to the insufficient capacity of the educational infrastructure, the lack of documentation, and the pressure to work to support their families, among other reasons (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 62).

In this regard, the Committee recalls the necessity of linking the age of admission to employment to the age limit for compulsory education. If the two ages do not coincide, various problems may arise. If the minimum age for admission to work or employment is lower than the school leaving age, children may be encouraged to leave school as children required to attend school may also be legally authorized to work (see 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 370). Noting the Government’s intention to raise the age of completion of compulsory schooling to 15 years, the Committee once again reminds the Government that pursuant to Article 2(3) of the Convention, the minimum age for admission to employment (currently 14 years) should not be lower than the age of completion of compulsory schooling. Therefore, the Committee urges once again the Government to intensify its efforts to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years, and to provide for compulsory education up until that age, within the framework of the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 6. Vocational training and apprenticeship. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Government had stated that the draft amendments to the Labour Code (section 16) had set the minimum age for vocational training under a contract at 14 years. The Committee expressed the firm hope that such a provision under the draft amendments would be adopted in the near future.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 16 will be adopted along with the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Government also indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training is in charge of carrying out vocational training and apprenticeships. The Committee once again expresses the firm hope that section 16 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, setting a minimum age of 14 years for entry into an apprenticeship, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention, will be adopted in the very near future.

Article 7. Light work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 19 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, employment or work of young persons in light work may be authorized when they complete 13 years of age under certain conditions (except in different types of industrial work in which the employment or work of young persons under the age of 15 years is not authorized). The Committee also noted that light work activities would be determined by virtue of an Order from the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requested that the Government provide information on any progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has asked for light work to be included in the ongoing ILO–IPEC Project “Country level engagement and assistance to reduce child labour in Lebanon” (CLEAR Project) and that a few meetings have been held in this regard. The Government indicates that, once the CLEAR Project is launched, it will be able to prepare a statute on light work in accordance with the relevant international standards. The Committee once again requests that the Government take the necessary measures to ensure the formulation and adoption of a statute determining light work activities, including the number of hours during which, and the conditions in which, light work may be undertaken. It requests that the Government provide information on the progress achieved.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) established a National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) whose task was to prepare and follow up on the implementation of programmes aimed at combating child labour in collaboration with the ILO–IPEC, international organizations and NGOs, and that a Special Unit to Combat Child Labour had been constituted within the MOL. The Committee requested the Government to continue to provide information on national policy measures designed to ensure the effective elimination of child labour, and the results achieved.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour and the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour have carried out some activities resulting in: (i) the preparation of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude” in collaboration with the ILO, the MOL, UNICEF and other relevant bodies (2015 Study); (ii) the launch of a broad information campaign on the issue of child labour in a certain number of companies and in news bulletins; (iii) the preparation of a guiding manual on using Decree No. 8987 on the worst forms of child labour; (iv) the launch of the website on the Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour (www.clu.gov.lb), and (v) the coordination with the ILO of the project “Tackling child labour among Syrian refugees and their host communities in Jordan and Lebanon” July 2015–March 2017. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide information on the steps taken, within the framework of the NCCL to ensure the effective abolition of child labour.

Application of the Convention in practice. Referring to its previous comments with regard to the preparation of a survey on working children in Lebanon, the Committee takes note of the 2015 study “Children living and working on the streets in Lebanon: Profile and Magnitude”. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that a training course on child labour in agriculture and its risks was organized in August 2015, with the collaboration of the ILO. The Committee requests that the Government provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, in particular statistical data on the employment of children and young persons by age group, extracts from the reports of inspection services, and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Scope of application. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Code only applies to work performed under an employment relationship (by virtue of sections 1, 3 and 8 of the Code). The Committee recalled that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all types of employment or work, whether they are carried out on the basis of an employment relationship or not, and whether they are remunerated or not. The Committee also noted that under Chapter 2, section 15, of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, it seemed that the employment or work of young persons would also include non-traditional forms of employment relationship. The Committee therefore requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in relation to the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code.

The Committee notes an absence of information in the Government’s report on this point. Considering that the Government has been referring to the draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years, the Committee once again expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary steps to ensure that the amendments to the Labour Code relating to self-employed children and children in the informal economy are adopted in the very near future. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 2(2). Raising the minimum age for admission to employment or work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that, at the time of ratifying the Convention, Lebanon declared 14 years as the minimum age for admission to employment or work and that Act No. 536 of 24 July 1996, amending sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Labour Code, prohibits the employment of young persons before the age of 14. The Committee also noted the Government’s intention to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years of age and that the draft amendments to the Labour Code would include a provision in this regard (section 19). The Committee requested that the Government provide information on the progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code on the minimum age for employment or work.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Committee’s comments have been taken into account in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The draft has also been submitted to the Council of Ministers for its examination. The Committee once again requests that the Government provide information on any progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code regarding the minimum age for employment or work.

Article 2(3). Compulsory education. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the age limit for compulsory education is 12 years of age (Act No. 686/1998 relating to free and compulsory education at the primary school level). The Committee also noted the Government’s indication that a draft law aimed at raising the minimum age of compulsory education to 15 years had been sent to the Council of Ministers for examination. The Committee requested that the Government indicate the progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour took into account the Committee’s comments which were inserted in the draft amendments to the Labour Code. Moreover, the Committee notes that in its 2016 concluding observations, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is concerned at the number of children, especially refugee children, who are not in school or have quit school owing to the insufficient capacity of the educational infrastructure, the lack of documentation, and the pressure to work to support their families, among other reasons (E/C.12/LBN/CO/2, paragraph 62).

In this regard, the Committee recalls the necessity of linking the age of admission to employment to the age limit for compulsory education. If the two ages do not coincide, various problems may arise. If the minimum age for admission to work or employment is lower than the school leaving age, children may be encouraged to leave school as children required to attend school may also be legally authorized to work (see 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 370). Noting the Government’s intention to raise the age of completion of compulsory schooling to 15 years, the Committee once again reminds the Government that pursuant to Article 2(3) of the Convention, the minimum age for admission to employment (currently 14 years) should not be lower than the age of completion of compulsory schooling. Therefore, the Committee urges once again the Government to intensify its efforts to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years, and to provide for compulsory education up until that age, within the framework of the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Committee requests that the Government provide a copy of the new provisions, once adopted.

Article 6. Vocational training and apprenticeship. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that the Government had stated that the draft amendments to the Labour Code (section 16) had set the minimum age for vocational training under a contract at 14 years. The Committee expressed the firm hope that such a provision under the draft amendments would be adopted in the near future.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 16 will be adopted along with the draft amendments to the Labour Code. The Government also indicates that the National Centre for Vocational Training is in charge of carrying out vocational training and apprenticeships. The Committee once again expresses the firm hope that section 16 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, setting a minimum age of 14 years for entry into an apprenticeship, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention, will be adopted in the very near future.

Article 7. Light work. In its earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 19 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, employment or work of young persons in light work may be authorized when they complete 13 years of age under certain conditions (except in different types of industrial work in which the employment or work of young persons under the age of 15 years is not authorized). The Committee also noted that light work activities would be determined by virtue of an Order from the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requested that the Government provide information on any progress made in this regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has asked for light work to be included in the ongoing ILO–IPEC Project “Country level engagement and assistance to reduce child labour in Lebanon” (CLEAR Project) and that a few meetings have been held in this regard. The Government indicates that, once the CLEAR Project is launched, it will be able to prepare a statute on light work in accordance with the relevant international standards. The Committee once again requests that the Government take the necessary measures to ensure the formulation and adoption of a statute determining light work activities, including the number of hours during which, and the conditions in which, light work may be undertaken. It requests that the Government provide information on the progress achieved.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. In previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that in 2000 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Labour (MoL) and ILO–IPEC aimed at formulating policies and programmes for the eradication of child labour and the protection of working children, especially from hazardous work. It noted the Government’s information that, following the MoU, the MoL established a National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) whose task was to prepare and follow up on the implementation of programmes aimed at combating child labour in collaboration with the ILO–IPEC, international organizations and non governmental organizations (NGOs), and that a Special Unit to Combat Child Labour had been constituted within the MoL.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that a new MoU was signed between the MoL and the ILO in 2010, the aim of which is to increase the capacities of the Government with a view to progressively eliminating child labour and abolishing the worst forms of child labour. The Government indicates that, following the signing of the MoU, cooperation agreements were signed between the MoL, the social partners, and a variety of NGOs, with a view to implementing the activities and programmes contained therein. Moreover, the Committee notes the Government’s information, in its report communicated under the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), 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 and has prepared and undertaken several activities with regard to combating child labour. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on national policy measures designed to ensure the effective elimination of child labour, and the results attained.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s information under Convention No. 182 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. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the Convention is applied, including, for example, statistical data on the employment of children and young persons by age group, extracts from the reports of inspection services, and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Repetition

The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement that the draft amendments to the Labour Code had reached an advanced stage and would be referred to the competent authority for its adoption in the shortest delay.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has submitted the draft amendment to the Labour Code to the Council of Ministers for its examination and approval, but that this was delayed due to a change in governments. 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. 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 been referring to the draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years, the Committee once again expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendments are adopted in the very near future. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to take into consideration, during the review of the relevant legislation, the following comments on discrepancies between national legislation and the Convention.

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee previously noted that the Labour Code only applies to work performed under an employment relationship (by virtue of sections 1, 3 and 8 of the Code). The Committee reminded the Government that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all types of employment or work, whether they are carried out on the basis of an employment relationship or not, and whether they are remunerated or not. The Committee noted that Chapter 2, section 15, of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, prepared by a tripartite committee, provides for rules governing “the employment or work of young persons”. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that the principles in this amendment therefore include all young persons, and not solely those bound by an employment relationship. The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption in the near future of the draft amendments to the Labour Code relating to self-employed children or children in the informal economy, and to provide a copy, once adopted.

Article 2(2). Raising the minimum age for admission to employment or work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, at the time of ratifying the Convention, Lebanon declared 14 years as the minimum age for admission to employment or work and that Act No. 536 of 24 July 1996, amending sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Labour Code, prohibits the employment of young persons before they complete 13 years of age (i.e. beginning of 14 years). The Committee also noted that the Government intended to amend the Labour Code to prohibit the employment or work of young persons before they complete 14 years (that is, beginning of 15 years). The Committee noted that section 19 of the draft amendment to the Labour Code prohibits the employment or work of persons under the age of 15 years. Noting that the Government specified a minimum age of 14 years at the time of ratification, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that Article 2(2) of the Convention establishes the possibility for a State which decides to raise the initially specified minimum age for admission to employment or work to notify the Director-General of the ILO by means of a further declaration, thus enabling the age fixed by the national legislation to be aligned to that provided for at the international level. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in the adoption of the provisions of the draft amendments to the Labour Code regarding the minimum age for employment or work.

Article 2(3). Compulsory education. The Committee previously noted that Act No. 686/1998 relating to free and compulsory education at the primary school level insufficient educational facilities. The Committee noted the information in the November 2008 report of the Minister of Education and of Higher Education submitted to UNESCO for the 48th International Conference on Education entitled “The Development of Education in Lebanon”, that the Government intended to raise the age at which compulsory education ends, from the current 12 years to 15 years of age.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that the Higher Council for Childhood of the Ministry of Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Jesuit University and “Sidroom”, has prepared a draft law which raises the minimum age of compulsory education to 15 years and that this draft law has been sent to the Council of Ministers for examination. The Committee once again emphasizes the necessity of linking the age of admission to employment to the age limit for compulsory education. If the two ages do not coincide, various problems may arise. If the minimum age for admission to work or employment is lower than the school-leaving age, children may be encouraged to leave school as children required to attend school may also be legally authorized to work (see the 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions concerning rights at work, paragraph 370). Noting the Government’s intention to raise the age of completion of compulsory schooling to 15 years, the Committee once again reminds the Government that pursuant to Article 2(3) of the Convention the minimum age for admission to employment (currently 14 years) should not be lower than the age of completion of compulsory schooling. Therefore, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work to 15 years (with the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code), and to provide for compulsory education up until this minimum age. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any new developments on this point.

Article 6. Vocational training and apprenticeship. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that section 16 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code provides for the definition of “training contract” and states that the minimum age to receive vocational training under a contract is 14 years, provided that conditions to safeguard the health, safety or morals of the young persons in question are respected. The Committee once again expresses the firm hope that section 16 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, fixing a minimum age of 14 years for entry into an apprenticeship, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention, will be adopted in the very near future.

Article 7. Light work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 19 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code provides that employment or work of young persons in light work may be authorized when they complete 13 years of age (except in different types of industrial work in which the employment or work of young persons under the age of 15 years old is not authorized), on the condition that such employment or work, by its nature or the circumstance in which it is carried out, does not jeopardize their development, health, safety or morals. Section 19 further states that this work should not weaken their capacity to benefit from the instruction received, nor should it impact on their participation in vocational orientation and training approved by the competent authority. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that light work activities would be determined by virtue of an Order promulgated by the Ministry of Labour. The Committee further noted that the Ministry of Labour set up a committee, pursuant to Memorandum 58/1 of 20 June 2009, which in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, shall formulate this statute, among other labour standards.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that a study on the legal shortcomings was prepared, including a comparative analysis of the national laws and international conventions relating to child labour, which will lead to a review of the existing legislation and the formulation of a draft law on light work. The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the formulation and adoption of a statute determining light work activities, in conformity with Article 7 of the Convention, following the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code. It requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. In previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that in 2000 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of Labour (MoL) and the ILO–IPEC aimed at formulating policies and programmes for the eradication of child labour and the protection of working children, especially from hazardous work. It noted the Government’s information that, following the MOU, the MoL established a National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) whose task was to prepare and follow up on the implementation of programmes aimed at combating child labour in collaboration with the ILO–IPEC, international organizations and NGOs, and that a Special Unit to Combat Child Labour had been constituted within the MoL. The Committee noted the Government’s information that, following the finalization in 2004 of a study on child labour commissioned by the ILO–IPEC, the MoL had launched a national strategy to eliminate child labour.

The Committee noted the copy of the National Strategy to Eliminate Child Labour, submitted with the Government’s report under Convention No. 182. It also noted the information in the ILO–IPEC Final Technical Progress Report (ILO–IPEC TPR) of 30 March 2008 that the Government is implementing a Social Action Plan, within the framework of an overall social strategy, and that child labour is a key element in this plan. The Committee noted the information in the ILO–IPEC TPR that this plan targets poor households and large families with children either not enrolled in school or under the legal age to work. In this regard, the Social Action Plan 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. This Social Action Plan also includes programmes focusing on the prevention of school drop-outs. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on national policy measures designed to ensure the effective elimination of child labour, and results attained.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee previously noted that, according to the 2004 ILO–IPEC survey, the percentage of children aged 10–14 years working proportionally rose with the age of the child, and that while only 0.3 per cent of 10-year-olds worked, 4.5 per cent of 14 year olds worked. According to the same source, the majority of boys worked in artisanal/handicraft occupations, including small industrial establishments such as mechanic shops and auto body repair, and young working girls were mostly found in unskilled occupations. It also noted that children worked very long hours and were unpaid. Most of the children found working were above 10 years old, but younger working children, even as young as 6 years of age, were identified, especially on the street and on tobacco plantations.

The Committee noted the Government’s statement that information on the practical application of the Convention is not yet available. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the Convention is applied, as soon as it is available, including, for example, statistical data on the employment of children and young persons by age group, extracts from the reports of inspection services, and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee previously noted that the Labour Code only applies to work performed under an employment relationship (by virtue of sections 1, 3 and 8 of the Code). The Committee reminded the Government that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all types of employment or work, whether they are carried out on the basis of an employment relationship or not, and whether they are remunerated or not. It requested the Government to provide information on the manner in which children who are not bound by an employment relationship are covered by the protection provided for in the Convention. The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that Chapter 2, section 15, of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, prepared by a tripartite committee, provides for rules governing “the employment or work of young persons”. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that the principles in this amendment therefore include all young persons, and not solely those bound by an employment relationship. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption in the near future of the draft amendments to the Labour Code relating to self-employed children or children in the informal economy, and to provide a copy, once adopted.

Article 2(2). Minimum age for admission to employment or work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, at the time of ratifying the Convention, Lebanon declared 14 years as the minimum age for admission to employment or work and that Act No. 536 of 24 July 1996, amending sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Labour Code, prohibits the employment of young persons before they complete 13 years of age (i.e. beginning of 14 years). The Committee also noted the Government’s information that it intended to amend the Labour Code, to prohibit the employment or work of young persons before they complete 14 years (i.e. beginning of 15 years). The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that section 19 of the draft amendment to the Labour Code prohibits the employment or work of persons under the age of 15 years. Noting that the Government specified a minimum age of 14 years at the time of ratification, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that Article 2(2) of the Convention establishes the possibility for a State which decides to raise the initially specified minimum age for admission to employment or work to notify the Director-General of the International Labour Office by means of a further declaration. This enables the age fixed by the national legislation to be aligned to that provided for at international level. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code.

Article 2(3). Compulsory education. The Committee previously noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in its concluding observations of 2002 (CRC/C/15/Add.169), while noting that basic education was free and compulsory until the age of 12, expressed concern about its implementation in practice. It noted the Government’s indication that Act No. 686/1998 relating to free and compulsory education in the primary phase has not so far been applied, due to the economic conditions of the country and the insufficient educational facilities. The Committee also noted that, according to the 2004 ILO–IPEC survey that in Lebanon, 18.9 per cent of children drop out of school at the elementary level (6–11 years), 22.8 per cent at the intermediate level (12–15 years) and 10.6 per cent at the secondary level. According to this survey, dropping out of school was a major contributing factor to the early participation of boys and girls in the labour market.

The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that 250 children (in three schools), who were at risk of dropping out, were assisted and given additional lessons through a programme entitled “Strengthening courses in basic subjects”. The Committee also noted the information in the November 2008 report of the Minister of Education and of Higher Education submitted to UNESCO for the 48th International Conference on Education entitled “The Development of Education in Lebanon”, that the Government intends to raise the age at which compulsory education ends, from the current 12 years to 15 years of age. The Committee further noted that the CRC, in its concluding observations of 8 June 2006 expressed concern that in primary education, parents are still charged for some costs of education despite the legal guarantee of free education, and that dropout rates have increased at this level while enrolment in secondary education declined (CRC/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 63).

The Committee was of the view that compulsory education is one of the most effective means of combating child labour and it is important to emphasize the necessity of linking the age of admission to employment to the age limit for compulsory education. If the two ages do not coincide, various problems may arise. If compulsory schooling comes to an end before the young persons are legally entitled to work, there may be a period of enforced idleness. However, if young persons are legally entitled to work before the end of completion of compulsory schooling, children from poor families might be tempted to drop out of education and work in order to earn money (see ILO: Minimum Age, General Survey of the reports relating to Convention No. 138 and Recommendation No. 146 concerning minimum age, Report of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, Report III (Part 4(B)), ILC, 67th Session, Geneva, 1981, paragraph 140). Noting the Government’s intention to raise the age of completion of compulsory schooling to 15 years, the Committee reminded the Government that pursuant to Article 2(3) of the Convention the minimum age for admission to employment (currently 14 years) should not be lower than the age of completion of compulsory schooling. Therefore, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to provide for compulsory education up until the minimum age for admission to work (which is currently 14 years, and will be 15 years with the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any new developments on this point.

Article 3(1) and (2). Minimum age for admission to, and determination of, hazardous work. The Committee previously noted 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 also noted that Decree No. 700 of 1999 provides for a detailed list of the types of hazardous work in which it is prohibited to employ young persons. The Committee further noted the information in the Government’s report that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) was formulating a statute on the worst forms of child labour which, in accordance with Article 3(1) and (2) 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.

The Committee noted that section 20 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code prohibits the employment or labour of children before they reach 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 of age in work which is likely to jeopardize their health, safety or morals” (Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work), was issued by Advisory Opinion No. 239 of the State Council on 26 May 2009 and will be promulgated following approval by the Council of Ministers. The Committee 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 further noted that section one of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work provides for the annulment of Decree No. 700 of 1999, and that section two contains 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 urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption by the Council of Ministers of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work (as issued by Advisory Opinion No. 239 of the State Council on 26 May 2009).

Article 3(3). Authorization to undertake hazardous work from 16 years. The Committee previously noted that section 23(1) of the Labour Code prohibits the employment of young persons under 15 years of age in industrial projects and activities which are physically demanding or detrimental to their health, as set out in Annexes 1 and 2. The Committee observed that section 23(1) of the Labour Code was not in conformity with Article 3(3) of the Convention, to the extent that it appeared to allow young persons from 15 to 16 years to perform hazardous work. The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that the draft amendment to the Labour Code includes the principles specified in Article 3(3) of the Convention.

The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that, by virtue of an order of the Ministry of Labour, section 20(3) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code authorizes employment or work in hazardous types of employment as of 16 years of age, under certain conditions. The Committee also noted that section 3 of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work contains a list of activities which may be authorized as of 16 years of age, on the condition that the health, safety and morals of young persons are fully protected and that they have received adequate specific instruction or vocational training in the relevant branch of activity. The Committee observed that this list prohibits the employment of children under 16 years in work with chemical hazards, physical hazards, intellectual or social hazards, safety hazards (such as heights), some types of agricultural work, work in slaughterhouses, work in construction, work in transport, work in horse races, work in restaurants or hotels, or work in factories with more than 20 employees. The Committee expresses the firm hope that section 3 of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work, concerning the authorization of some types of hazardous work for persons between the ages of 16 and 18, will be adopted shortly and requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard.

Article 4. Exclusion from the application of the Convention of limited categories of employment or work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that section 7 of the Labour Code excludes from its application, and consequently from the scope of application of the Convention, the following categories of work: (a) workers in households in Beirut; (b) agricultural undertakings which are unrelated to trade and industry and which shall have their own legislation; (c) undertakings which only employ family members under the management of the father, mother or guardian; and (d) Government departments and municipal bodies with respect to daily and temporary workers not covered by the regulations governing officials. The Committee also noted the Government’s reference to the draft amendments to the Labour Code which would regulate the first three of the abovementioned four excluded categories, by a decree issued by the Council of Ministers.

The Committee noted that section 2(2) of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work, submitted with the Government’s report, prohibits, for persons under the age of 18, work with psychological hazards, including domestic work and work where the young person sleeps outside of the home. The Committee also noted that section 3(2) of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work, concerning work prohibited for children under the age of 16, prohibits the employment of a young person in agricultural work (including family undertakings) which requires a tractor, work involving sharp equipment, work involving high ladders or trees or the mixing or dispersal of pesticides and fertilizers and the picking or handling of poisonous plants (including tobacco). The Committee observed that, by virtue of these provisions in the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work, effect is given to the Convention with regard to the previously excluded categories of employment. The Committee expresses the firm hope that the provisions of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work relating to domestic workers and children employed in agricultural work (including family undertakings) will be adopted shortly and requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard.

Article 6. Vocational training and apprenticeship. The Committee previously noted the information in the Government’s report that section 16 of the draft amendment to the Labour Code provides for the definition of “training contract” and states that the minimum age to receive vocational training under a contract is 14 years, provided that conditions to safeguard the health, safety or morals of the young persons in question are respected. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that amendments are still ongoing to the proposed draft amendments. It requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in adopting section 16 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, fixing a minimum age of 14 years for entry into an apprenticeship, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention.

Article 7. Light work. Following its previous comments, the Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that section 19 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code provides that employment or work of young persons in light work may be authorized when they complete 13 years of age (except in different types of industrial work in which the employment or work of young persons under the age of 15 years old is not authorized), on the condition that such employment or work, by its nature or the circumstance in which it is carried out, does not jeopardize their development, health, safety or morals. Section 19 further states that this work should not weaken their capacity to benefit from instruction received, nor should it impact on their participation in vocational orientation and training approved by the competent authority. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that light work activities shall be determined by virtue of an Order promulgated by the Ministry of Labour. The Committee further noted that the Ministry of Labour set up a committee, pursuant to Memorandum 58/1 of 20 June 2009, which in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, shall formulate this statute, among other labour standards. In addition, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour, in coordination with ILO–IPEC, is preparing a study on the classification of occupations undertaken by working children, within the framework of the ILO–IPEC programme “Supporting the national strategy for the elimination of child labour in Lebanon, third phase”, so as to formulate this statute on light work. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the formulation and adoption of a statute determining light work activities, in conformity with Article 7 of the Convention, following the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code.

The Committee noted the Government’s statement that the draft amendments to the Labour Code have reached an advanced stage and will be referred to the competent authority for its adoption in the shortest delay. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that some amendments are still ongoing to the draft amendments, to achieve additional conformity between its provisions and the provisions of Arab and international labour Conventions. Considering that the Government has been referring to the draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendments are adopted in the near future. 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.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. National policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour. In previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s information that in 2000 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of Labour (MoL) and the ILO–IPEC aimed at formulating policies and programmes for the eradication of child labour and the protection of working children, especially from hazardous work. It noted the Government’s information that, following the MOU, the MoL established a National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) whose task was to prepare and follow up on the implementation of programmes aimed at combating child labour in collaboration with the ILO–IPEC, international organizations and NGOs, and that a Special Unit to Combat Child Labour had been constituted within the MoL. The Committee noted the Government’s information that, following the finalization in 2004 of a study on child labour commissioned by the ILO–IPEC, the MoL had launched a national strategy to eliminate child labour.

The Committee noted the copy of the National Strategy to Eliminate Child Labour, submitted with the Government’s report under Convention No. 182. It also noted the information in the ILO–IPEC Final Technical Progress Report (ILO–IPEC TPR) of 30 March 2008 that the Government is implementing a Social Action Plan, within the framework of an overall social strategy, and that child labour is a key element in this plan. The Committee noted the information in the ILO–IPEC TPR that this plan targets poor households and large families with children either not enrolled in school or under the legal age to work. In this regard, the Social Action Plan 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. This Social Action Plan also includes programmes focusing on the prevention of school drop-outs. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on national policy measures designed to ensure the effective elimination of child labour, and results attained.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee previously noted that, according to the 2004 ILO–IPEC survey, the percentage of children aged 10–14 years working proportionally rose with the age of the child, and that while only 0.3 per cent of 10-year-olds worked, 4.5 per cent of 14 year olds worked. According to the same source, the majority of boys worked in artisanal/handicraft occupations, including small industrial establishments such as mechanic shops and auto body repair, and young working girls were mostly found in unskilled occupations. It also noted that children worked very long hours and were unpaid. Most of the children found working were above 10 years old, but younger working children, even as young as 6 years of age, were identified, especially on the street and on tobacco plantations.

The Committee noted the Government’s statement that information on the practical application of the Convention is not yet available. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the Convention is applied, as soon as it is available, including, for example, statistical data on the employment of children and young persons by age group, extracts from the reports of inspection services, and information on the number and nature of contraventions reported.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee previously noted that the Labour Code only applies to work performed under an employment relationship (by virtue of sections 1, 3 and 8 of the Code). The Committee reminded the Government that the Convention applies to all branches of economic activity and covers all types of employment or work, whether they are carried out on the basis of an employment relationship or not, and whether they are remunerated or not. It requested the Government to provide information on the manner in which children who are not bound by an employment relationship are covered by the protection provided for in the Convention. The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that Chapter 2, section 15, of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, prepared by a tripartite committee, provides for rules governing “the employment or work of young persons”. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that the principles in this amendment therefore include all young persons, and not solely those bound by an employment relationship. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption in the near future of the draft amendments to the Labour Code relating to self-employed children or children in the informal economy, and to provide a copy, once adopted.

Article 2(2). Minimum age for admission to employment or work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that, at the time of ratifying the Convention, Lebanon declared 14 years as the minimum age for admission to employment or work and that Act No. 536 of 24 July 1996, amending sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Labour Code, prohibits the employment of young persons before they complete 13 years of age (i.e. beginning of 14 years). The Committee also noted the Government’s information that it intended to amend the Labour Code, to prohibit the employment or work of young persons before they complete 14 years (i.e. beginning of 15 years). The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that section 19 of the draft amendment to the Labour Code prohibits the employment or work of persons under the age of 15 years. Noting that the Government specified a minimum age of 14 years at the time of ratification, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that Article 2(2) of the Convention establishes the possibility for a State which decides to raise the initially specified minimum age for admission to employment or work to notify the Director-General of the International Labour Office by means of a further declaration. This enables the age fixed by the national legislation to be aligned to that provided for at international level. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code.

Article 2(3). Compulsory education. The Committee previously noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in its concluding observations of 2002 (CRC/C/15/Add.169), while noting that basic education was free and compulsory until the age of 12, expressed concern about its implementation in practice. It noted the Government’s indication that Act No. 686/1998 relating to free and compulsory education in the primary phase has not so far been applied, due to the economic conditions of the country and the insufficient educational facilities. The Committee also noted that, according to the 2004 ILO–IPEC survey that in Lebanon, 18.9 per cent of children drop out of school at the elementary level (6–11 years), 22.8 per cent at the intermediate level (12–15 years) and 10.6 per cent at the secondary level. According to this survey, dropping out of school was a major contributing factor to the early participation of boys and girls in the labour market.

The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that 250 children (in three schools), who were at risk of dropping out, were assisted and given additional lessons through a programme entitled “Strengthening courses in basic subjects”. The Committee also noted the information in the November 2008 report of the Minister of Education and of Higher Education submitted to UNESCO for the 48th International Conference on Education entitled “The Development of Education in Lebanon”, that the Government intends to raise the age at which compulsory education ends, from the current 12 years to 15 years of age. The Committee further noted that the CRC, in its concluding observations of 8 June 2006 expressed concern that in primary education, parents are still charged for some costs of education despite the legal guarantee of free education, and that dropout rates have increased at this level while enrolment in secondary education declined (CRC/C/LBN/CO/3, paragraph 63).

The Committee was of the view that compulsory education is one of the most effective means of combating child labour and it is important to emphasize the necessity of linking the age of admission to employment to the age limit for compulsory education. If the two ages do not coincide, various problems may arise. If compulsory schooling comes to an end before the young persons are legally entitled to work, there may be a period of enforced idleness. However, if young persons are legally entitled to work before the end of completion of compulsory schooling, children from poor families might be tempted to drop out of education and work in order to earn money (see ILO: Minimum Age, General Survey of the reports relating to Convention No. 138 and Recommendation No. 146 concerning minimum age, Report of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, Report III (Part 4(B)), ILC, 67th Session, Geneva, 1981, paragraph 140). Noting the Government’s intention to raise the age of completion of compulsory schooling to 15 years, the Committee reminded the Government that pursuant to Article 2(3) of the Convention the minimum age for admission to employment (currently 14 years) should not be lower than the age of completion of compulsory schooling. Therefore, the Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to provide for compulsory education up until the minimum age for admission to work (which is currently 14 years, and will be 15 years with the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any new developments on this point.

Article 3(1) and (2). Minimum age for admission to, and determination of, hazardous work. The Committee previously noted 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 also noted that Decree No. 700 of 1999 provides for a detailed list of the types of hazardous work in which it is prohibited to employ young persons. The Committee further noted the information in the Government’s report that the National Committee to Combat Child Labour (NCCL) was formulating a statute on the worst forms of child labour which, in accordance with Article 3(1) and (2) 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.

The Committee noted that section 20 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code prohibits the employment or labour of children before they reach 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 of age in work which is likely to jeopardize their health, safety or morals” (Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work), was issued by Advisory Opinion No. 239 of the State Council on 26 May 2009 and will be promulgated following approval by the Council of Ministers. The Committee 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 further noted that section one of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work provides for the annulment of Decree No. 700 of 1999, and that section two contains 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 urges the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the adoption by the Council of Ministers of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work (as issued by Advisory Opinion No. 239 of the State Council on 26 May 2009).

Article 3(3). Authorization to undertake hazardous work from 16 years. The Committee previously noted that section 23(1) of the Labour Code prohibits the employment of young persons under 15 years of age in industrial projects and activities which are physically demanding or detrimental to their health, as set out in Annexes 1 and 2. The Committee observed that section 23(1) of the Labour Code was not in conformity with Article 3(3) of the Convention, to the extent that it appeared to allow young persons from 15 to 16 years to perform hazardous work. The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that the draft amendment to the Labour Code includes the principles specified in Article 3(3) of the Convention.

The Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that, by virtue of an order of the Ministry of Labour, section 20(3) of the draft amendments to the Labour Code authorizes employment or work in hazardous types of employment as of 16 years of age, under certain conditions. The Committee also noted that section 3 of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work contains a list of activities which may be authorized as of 16 years of age, on the condition that the health, safety and morals of young persons are fully protected and that they have received adequate specific instruction or vocational training in the relevant branch of activity. The Committee observed that this list prohibits the employment of children under 16 years in work with chemical hazards, physical hazards, intellectual or social hazards, safety hazards (such as heights), some types of agricultural work, work in slaughterhouses, work in construction, work in transport, work in horse races, work in restaurants or hotels, or work in factories with more than 20 employees. The Committee expresses the firm hope that section 3 of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work, concerning the authorization of some types of hazardous work for persons between the ages of 16 and 18, will be adopted shortly and requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard.

Article 4. Exclusion from the application of the Convention of limited categories of employment or work. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that section 7 of the Labour Code excludes from its application, and consequently from the scope of application of the Convention, the following categories of work: (a) workers in households in Beirut; (b) agricultural undertakings which are unrelated to trade and industry and which shall have their own legislation; (c) undertakings which only employ family members under the management of the father, mother or guardian; and (d) Government departments and municipal bodies with respect to daily and temporary workers not covered by the regulations governing officials. The Committee also noted the Government’s reference to the draft amendments to the Labour Code which would regulate the first three of the abovementioned four excluded categories, by a decree issued by the Council of Ministers.

The Committee noted that section 2(2) of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work, submitted with the Government’s report, prohibits, for persons under the age of 18, work with psychological hazards, including domestic work and work where the young person sleeps outside of the home. The Committee also noted that section 3(2) of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work, concerning work prohibited for children under the age of 16, prohibits the employment of a young person in agricultural work (including family undertakings) which requires a tractor, work involving sharp equipment, work involving high ladders or trees or the mixing or dispersal of pesticides and fertilizers and the picking or handling of poisonous plants (including tobacco). The Committee observed that, by virtue of these provisions in the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work, effect is given to the Convention with regard to the previously excluded categories of employment. The Committee expresses the firm hope that the provisions of the Draft Decree Prohibiting Hazardous Work relating to domestic workers and children employed in agricultural work (including family undertakings) will be adopted shortly and requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard.

Article 6. Vocational training and apprenticeship. The Committee previously noted the information in the Government’s report that section 16 of the draft amendment to the Labour Code provides for the definition of “training contract” and states that the minimum age to receive vocational training under a contract is 14 years, provided that conditions to safeguard the health, safety or morals of the young persons in question are respected. The Committee noted the Government’s statement that amendments are still ongoing to the proposed draft amendments. It requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in adopting section 16 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code, fixing a minimum age of 14 years for entry into an apprenticeship, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention.

Article 7. Light work. Following its previous comments, the Committee noted the information in the Government’s report that section 19 of the draft amendments to the Labour Code provides that employment or work of young persons in light work may be authorized when they complete 13 years of age (except in different types of industrial work in which the employment or work of young persons under the age of 15 years old is not authorized), on the condition that such employment or work, by its nature or the circumstance in which it is carried out, does not jeopardize their development, health, safety or morals. Section 19 further states that this work should not weaken their capacity to benefit from instruction received, nor should it impact on their participation in vocational orientation and training approved by the competent authority. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that light work activities shall be determined by virtue of an Order promulgated by the Ministry of Labour. The Committee further noted that the Ministry of Labour set up a committee, pursuant to Memorandum 58/1 of 20 June 2009, which in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, shall formulate this statute, among other labour standards. In addition, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour, in coordination with ILO–IPEC, is preparing a study on the classification of occupations undertaken by working children, within the framework of the ILO–IPEC programme “Supporting the national strategy for the elimination of child labour in Lebanon, third phase”, so as to formulate this statute on light work. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure the formulation and adoption of a statute determining light work activities, in conformity with Article 7 of the Convention, following the adoption of the draft amendments to the Labour Code.

The Committee noted the Government’s statement that the draft amendments to the Labour Code have reached an advanced stage and will be referred to the competent authority for its adoption in the shortest delay. The Committee also noted the Government’s statement that some amendments are still ongoing to the draft amendments, to achieve additional conformity between its provisions and the provisions of Arab and international labour Conventions. Considering that the Government has been referring to the draft amendments to the Labour Code for a number of years, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that the amendments are adopted in the near future. 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.