Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: The violations highlighted are those issues raised with the State by more than one international mechanism. This is done with the intention of identifying children's rights which have been repeatedly violated, as well as gaps in the issues covered by NGOs in their alternative reports to the various human rights monitoring bodies. These violations are listed in no particular order.
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- Low minimum ages for employment
- Corporal punishment
- High incidence of child abuse
- Inadequate legal protections against the trafficking of children (particularly boys)
- Absence of a specialised juvenile justice system
- Detention of children with adults
- Poor access to education for vulnerable groups of children and high drop-out rates
- Discrimination against Carib children and inequality in their access to services
- Discrimination against, and social exclusion experienced by, children with disabilities
- High rate of teenage pregnancy and inadequate adolescent health services
- Child labour
- Life imprisonment
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Low minimum ages for employment
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)
The Committee is concerned that the minimum age for access to employment (12 years) is not in harmony with the age at which compulsory education ends (16 years). Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that the distinction between a child (under 14 years) and a young person (between the ages of 14 and 18 years) may result in confusion and less protection for a young person.
The Committee recommends that the State party increase the minimum age for admission to employment in order to harmonise it with the age at which compulsory education ends. It also recommends that the State party ensure that, despite the current distinction between a child and a young person, both receive the same protection under the Convention. (Paragraphs 19 and 20)
International Labour Organisation
CEACR: Individual Observation concerning the Minimum Age Convention (No. 138)
Published: 2011
Article 2(1) of the convention. Minimum age for admission to employment or work.
Although the Government of Dominica specified a minimum age of 15 years when it ratified the Convention, the minimum age of admission to employment remains 12 years of age under section 3 of the Employment of Children Prohibition Ordinance. Furthermore, the minimum age remains at 14 years under section 4 subsections (1) and (5) of the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Ordinance. Consequently, the ILO once again in 2011 urges the Government to take the necessary measures to raise the minimum statutory age to 15 years, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
The Committee also expresses concern that statutory provisions on minimum age apply only to persons employed under an employment relationship or under a contract of employment, whereas the Convention also covers work performed outside any employment relationship, including work performed by young persons on their own account.
Article 3. Hazardous work.
According to the ILO's Individual Observations, the Government has yet to ensure a higher minimum age for workers to engage in work which is likely to jeopardise the health, safety or morals of young people. The Committee urges the Government to take measures to set higher minimum age(s) in accordance with Article 3(1) of the Convention, and to determine the types of employment or work to which higher minimum age(s) should apply, in accordance with Article 3(2) of the Convention.
Article 7. Light work.
The Committee expresses concern that national legislation allows exceptions to the above mentioned minimum ages in the employment of children under the age of 12 in domestic work or agricultural work of a light nature by the parents or guardian of such children (section 3 of the Employment of Children Prohibition Ordinance). In addition, it allows the employment of children under the age of 14 years on a ship where only members of the same family are employed (section 4, subsection 1 and section 5, of the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Ordinance). The Committee recalls that under Article 7 of the Convention, national laws or regulations may permit the employment or work of persons aged 13-15 in light work which is: (a) not likely to be harmful to their health or development; and (b) not such as to prejudice their attendance at school, their participation in vocational orientation or training programs approved by the competent authority or their capacity to benefit from the instruction received. Another condition is that the activities involved and the conditions of work and employment should be determined by the competent authority. Consequently, the ILO Committee urges the Government to take measures to restrict, in accordance with this provision, the possibility to employ children below the minimum age specified, and to determine the activities and conditions of their employment or work.
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UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)
The Committee is deeply concerned at the wide use of corporal punishment in the State party. It also notes with concern that corporal punishment is mentioned in the Education Act of 1997 and that the Magistrate Code of Procedure allows the whipping of a male child or a young person.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Remove all provisions from laws that allow corporal punishment and explicitly prohibit corporal punishment by law in the family, schools and other institutions;
(b) Continue the constructive dialogue with political leaders and the judiciary with the aim of abolishing corporal punishment;
(c) Continue to strengthen public education campaigns among community leaders, school administrators and parents about the negative consequences of corporal punishment of children and promote positive, non-violent forms of discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment;
(d) Establish an effective mechanism, either separate or as a part of a mechanism that includes dealing with child abuse, to receive, monitor and investigate complaints, including intervening where necessary, and ensure that victims of corporal punishment have access to assistance for recovery; and
(e) Seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF in this regard. (Paragraphs 28 and 29)
Universal Periodic Review (December 2009)
NC - 4. Prohibit corporal punishment of children in all settings (Slovenia), to remove all provisions from laws that allow corporal punishment and explicitly prohibit corporal punishment by law in the family, schools and other institutions (Italy) as a method to discipline children (Chile); (no clear position)
Universal Periodic Review (June 2014)
94.31 Take appropriate legislative and administrative measures to combat domestic violence and physical ill-treatment against children, including the prohibition of the practice of corporal punishment (Costa Rica); (pending)
94.32 Continue its efforts to promote the rights of the child and work towards the elimination of the use of corporal punishment in school (Maldives); (pending)
94.34 Prohibit sentences of corporal punishment for children and life imprisonment of children under the age of 14, under all systems of justice and without exception, to ensure full compliance with international standards (Germany); (pending)
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UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)
The Committee welcomes the establishment of the Child Abuse Prevention Programme by the State party and other efforts to address child abuse and neglect. However, it remains concerned about the high incidence of child abuse in the State party.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse of children, including sexual abuse within the family, in order to adopt effective policies and programmes to combat all forms of abuse;
(b) Develop a national system for receiving, monitoring and investigating complaints and, when necessary, prosecuting cases, in a manner which is child sensitive and ensures the victims’ privacy;
(c) Strengthen the activities of the Social Welfare Division and its cooperation with non-governmental organisations and provide it with the necessary resources to establish a comprehensive and nationwide response system which would provide, where appropriate, support and assistance to both victims and perpetrators;
(d) Seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF and UNDP in this regard. (Paragraphs 34 and 35)
Universal Periodic Review (December 2009)
A - 35. Strengthen measures to protect children who are victims of abuse, following, the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of Children, UNIFEM and UNICEF, among others (Netherlands); (accepted)
Universal Periodic Review (June 2014)
93.56 Take further measures to address domestic violence and physical child abuse, including by ensuring adequate reporting of child abuse (Portugal); (accept)
93.57 Take effective measures to respond to child abuse by establishing a comprehensive child protection policy (Trinidad and Tobago); (accept)
93.58 Adopt administrative and legislative measures to combat domestic violence and physical ill-treatment of children (Chile); (accept)
93.59 Continue efforts to protect the rights of the child, by taking all necessary measures to combat violence against children and child labour (France); (accept)
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Inadequate legal protections against the trafficking of children (particularly boys)
International Labour Organisation
CEACR: Individual Direct Request concerning the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182)
Submitted: 2011
Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. 1. Sale and trafficking of children.
According to section 22(1) of Dominica's Sexual Offences Act No. 1 of 1998, any person who unlawfully takes away, causes to be taken away, detains another person for marriage or for sexual intercourse, or for the commission of a crime shall be guilty of an offence. Furthermore, under section 51 of the country's Offences Against the Person Act it is an offence to fraudulently allure, take away or detain a woman under the age of 18 years. However, the Committee observes that the above laws only prohibit the abduction of girls under 18 years of age for sexual purposes, and not boys. As a result, the Committee has requested the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the sale and trafficking of all children, including boys under the age of 18 years for sexual as well as labour exploitation.
Universal Periodic Review (December 2009)
A - 1. Consider the possibility of acceding to the Palermo Protocol to Prevent Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (Belarus); (accepted)
ILO (Direct Request CEACR, 2015)
Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Dominica (Ratification: 2001)
Article 3 of the Convention. Worst forms of child labour. Clause (a). All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Sale and trafficking of children.
The Committee previously noted that according to section 22(1) of Sexual Offences Act No. 1 of 1998, any person who unlawfully takes away or causes to be taken away or detains another person for marriage or for sexual intercourse or for the commission of a crime shall be guilty of an offence. The Committee also noted the Government’s indication in its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/8/Add.48, 15 October 2003, paragraph 460) that section 51 of the Offences Against the Person Act makes it an offence to fraudulently lure, take away or detain a woman under the age of 18 years. The Committee observed that the above laws only prohibit the abduction of girls under 18 years of age for sexual purposes.
The Committee notes an absence of information on any legislative developments relating to prohibiting the trafficking in children in the Government’s report. Recalling that Article 3(a) prohibits the sale and trafficking of both boys and girls for the purposes of both labour and sexual exploitation, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to prohibit this worst form of child labour for all children under 18 years of age.
Clause (b). Use, procuring or offering of a child for the production of pornography and for pornographic performances.
The Committee previously noted that the national legislation did not appear to contain any provision addressing child pornography. Noting an absence of information on this point in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the use, procuring or offering of a child under 18 years for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances is prohibited.
Clause (c). Use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities.
The Committee previously noted that section 6 of Children and Young Persons Act No. 17 of 1970 prohibits the use of a juvenile under 18 years in begging, but noted that the Government did not provide information on legislation prohibiting the engagement of children in other illicit activities. Noting an absence of information on this point in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the legislative provisions prohibiting the use, offering or procuring of a child under 18 years for the production and trafficking of drugs. If there are no such provisions, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures in this regard, as well as to adopt appropriate penalties pursuant to Article 3(c) of the Convention.
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Absence of a specialised juvenile justice system
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)
The Committee is concerned at the lack of juvenile courts and at the fact that children may be sentenced to a penalty at the “President’s pleasure”, to life imprisonment and to whipping in private.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Ensure the full implementation of juvenile justice standards and in particular articles 37, 39 and 40 of the Convention, as well the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules) and the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (the Riyadh Guidelines), and in the light of the Committee’s 1995 day of general discussion on the administration of juvenile justice (CRC/C/69);
(b) Enhance training programmes on relevant international standards for all professionals involved with the system of juvenile justice;
(c) Seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF and OHCHR.
The Committee also recommends that the State party:
(a) Review the sentencing of children at the “President’s pleasure” so that the decision is in the hands of the judge;
(b) Abolish the sentences of whipping and life imprisonment;
(c) Separate children from adults in detention, including in pre-trial detention centres. (Paragraphs 46 to 48)
Universal Periodic Review (December 2009)
A - 37. Consider setting up a juvenile justice system, bearing in mind the minimum standards for administration of justice for minors under the guidelines of the United Nations for preventing juvenile delinquency (Algeria); (accepted)
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Detention of children with adults
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(c) Separate children from adults in detention, including in pre-trial detention centres (Paragraph 48)
Universal Periodic Review (December 2009)
A - 39. Separate children from adults in detention in line with the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of Children, enhance training programmes on relevant international standards for all professionals involved with the system of juvenile justice and ensure the full implementation of juvenile justice standards of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Germany); (accepted)
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Poor access to education for vulnerable groups of children and high drop-out rates
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)
The Committee takes note of the efforts undertaken by the State party to establish programmes such as the Education Trust Fund and Free Textbooks in order to assist children living in poverty. However, the Committee is concerned at the sustainability of such programmes. Furthermore, the Committee is deeply concerned about the quality of education, access to education by pregnant girls and teenage mothers and the high drop-out rate, in particular among boys.
The Committee recommends that the State party, in the light of the Committee’s General Comment No. 1 (2001) on the aims of education:
(a) Carefully examine the budget allocations and measures taken within this field with regard to their impact on the progressive implementation of the child’s right to education and leisure activities;
(b) Seek to implement further participatory measures to encourage children, especially boys, to stay in school during the period of compulsory education; take further measures to facilitate the access to education of children from all groups in society, particularly children living in poverty;
(c) Ensure that school attendance officers use child-sensitive means to bring more children to school and take other measures to give children incentives to stay in the educational system;
(d) Provide education opportunities for pregnant girls and teenagers mothers so that they can complete their education;
(e) Continue and strengthen the training of young teachers in particular and retain teachers in primary and secondary education;
(f) Include human rights education in the curriculum
(g) others. Include human rights education in the curriculum; Seek further technical assistance from UNICEF and UNESCO, among others (Paragraphs 42 and 43)
International Labour Organisation
CEACR: Individual Observation concerning the Minimum Age Convention (No. 138)
Published: 2011
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Education.
The Committee notes that the provisions of the Education Act No. 11 provide for free and compulsory education to all children from the ages of 5-16 years (sections 2, 14, 15 and 16). Section 27 of the Education Act requires every child of compulsory school age to attend a school and section 36 requires every parent to ensure that the child receives education through regular attendance at a school. However, according to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations (CRC/C/15/Add.238, 30 June 2004, paragraph 42) there is reason to be concerned with quality of education some children receive. In particular, access to education for pregnant girls and teenage mothers remains problematic and there are high drop-out rates particularly among boys. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take the necessary measures to improve access to education of pregnant girls and teenage mothers and to reduce the drop-out rates of children, in particular boys.
Universal Periodic Review (December 2009)
A - 49. Continue its efforts to ensure a quality education for every citizen of Dominica and especially for the most disadvantaged children (Djibouti); (accepted)
ILO (Direct Request CEACR, 2015)
Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Dominica (Ratification: 2001)
Article 7(2). Effective and time-bound measures. Clause (a). Prevent the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour. Access to free basic education.
In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the provisions of Education Act No. 11 provide for free and compulsory education to all children from the ages of 5–16 years (sections 2, 14, 15 and 16). Section 36 of the Education Act requires every parent to ensure that the child receives education through regular attendance at a school.
The Committee notes the information in the 2011 UNESCO Global Monitoring Report – Education for All that, between 1999 and 2008, the net enrolment rate for primary education fell from 94 per cent to 72 per cent. This report also indicates that the number of out-of-school children of primary school age rose from 400 children in 1999 to 3,000 children in 2008. Considering that education contributes to preventing the engagement of children in the worst forms of child labour, the Committee encourages the Government to strengthen its efforts to improve access to free basic education for all children. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken in this regard, and on the results achieved, particularly with regard to increasing school enrolment rates and reducing school drop-out rates.
Universal Periodic Review (June 2014)
93.74 Provide an inclusive education for all children, in particular children with disabilities and migrant children (Thailand); (accept)
93.76 Promote cross-cutting measures to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities in the education system, including measures that allow for a safe physical access to education centres and classrooms (Mexico); (accept)
93.77 Strengthen the measures aimed at guaranteeing the full integration of persons with disabilities through an inclusive education plan (Argentina); (accept)
93.78 Take steps to ensure the provision of inclusive education for all children with disabilities, including specialized centres for assessment and support, as needed (Canada); (accept)
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Discrimination against Carib children and inequality in their access to services
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)
The Committee is concerned that societal discrimination persists against vulnerable groups of children, including children with disabilities and Carib Indian children.
The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to ensure implementation of existing laws guaranteeing the principle of non-discrimination and full compliance with article 2 of the Convention, and adopt a proactive and comprehensive strategy to eliminate discrimination on any grounds and against all vulnerable groups. (Paragraphs 21 and 22)
While taking note of the positive measures undertaken by the State party to address the issues related to health services, the Committee remains concerned at the poor availability of drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities in certain areas of the country and specifically in the Carib Territory.
The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to ensure access to drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities throughout the country. (Paragraphs 38 and 39)
The Committee is concerned at the high incidence of teenage pregnancies and alcohol abuse among adolescents and the insufficient level of youth mental health services, particularly in rural areas and for Carib Indian children.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Undertake effective measures to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies through, inter alia, making health education, including sex education, part of the school curriculum and strengthening the campaign of information on the use of contraceptives;
(b) Undertake effective preventive and other measures to address the rise in alcohol consumption by adolescents and increase the availability and accessibility of counselling and support services, in particular for Carib Indian children;
(c) Strengthen mental health and counselling services, ensuring that they are accessible to, and appropriate for, all adolescents, including Carib Indian children and those in rural areas. (Paragraphs 40 and 41)
The Committee acknowledges the various measures undertaken with regard to the Carib Indian children. However, the Committee is concerned about the limited enjoyment of their rights; particularly with regard to their access to education and health owing to widespread poverty.
The Committee recommends that the State party continue and strengthen its efforts to improve the enjoyment of the rights of Carib Indian children, in particular by effective measures to reduce poverty in the Carib Indian Territory. (Paragraphs 49 and 50)
International Labour Organisation
CEACR: Individual Direct Request concerning the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182)
Submitted: 2011
Clause (d). Identify and reach out to children at special risk. Carib Indian children.
The Committee noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations (CRC/C/15/Add.238, 30 June 2004, paragraph 49), expressed concern about the limited enjoyment of the rights of Carib Indian children particularly with regard to their access to education. As a result, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote access of Carib Indian children to education, thereby preventing them from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour.
ILO (Direct Request CEACR, 2015)
Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Dominica (Ratification: 2001)
Clause (d). Identify and reach out to children at special risk. Carib Indian children.
The Committee previously noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its concluding observations (CRC/C/15/Add.238, 30 June 2004, paragraph 49) expressed concern about the limited enjoyment of the rights of Carib Indian children particularly with regard to their access to education. Noting an absence of information on this point in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote access of Carib Indian children to education, thereby preventing them from being engaged in the worst forms of child labour.
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Discrimination against, and social exclusion experienced by, children with disabilities
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)
The Committee is concerned about children with disabilities who often suffer from societal discrimination, and that a significant proportion of them do not attend school or participate in social and cultural life.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Continue to strengthen efforts to combat discriminatory attitudes towards children with disabilities, particularly amongst children and parents, and promote their participation in all aspects of social and cultural life;
(b) Formulate a strategy that includes appropriate teacher training, to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to education and, wherever possible, that they are integrated into the mainstream education system;
(c) Take note of the Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96, annex) and of the Committee’s recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities (CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339). (Paragraphs 36 and 37)
Universal Periodic Review (December 2009)
A - 27. Continue strengthening efforts to combat discriminatory attitudes towards children with disabilities and promote their participation in all aspects of social and cultural life (Germany); (accepted)
A - 48. Introduce school programmes for children with learning or other disabilities (Canada); (accepted)
Universal Periodic Review (June 2014)
93.47 Take further steps to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of women and children, including through strengthening support services (Australia); (accept)
93.76 Promote cross-cutting measures to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities in the education system, including measures that allow for a safe physical access to education centres and classrooms (Mexico); (accept)
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High rate of teenage pregnancy and inadequate adolescent health services
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)
The Committee is concerned at the high incidence of teenage pregnancies and alcohol abuse among adolescents and the insufficient level of youth mental health services, particularly in rural areas and for Carib Indian children.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Undertake effective measures to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies through, inter alia, making health education, including sex education, part of the school curriculum and strengthening the campaign of information on the use of contraceptives;
(b) Undertake effective preventive and other measures to address the rise in alcohol consumption by adolescents and increase the availability and accessibility of counselling and support services, in particular for Carib Indian children;
(c) Strengthen mental health and counselling services, ensuring that they are accessible to, and appropriate for, all adolescents, including Carib Indian children and those in rural areas. (Paragraphs 40 and 41)
Universal Periodic Review (December 2009)
A - 43. Take measures to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies, to provide a sufficient level of youth health services, especially in rural areas, taking into account the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, among other bodies (Netherlands); (accepted)
Universal Periodic Review (June 2014)
93.67 Further strengthen measures to ensure equal access to health services for all, while giving special attention to the needs of children, women and elderly persons (Sri Lanka); (accept)
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Universal Periodic Review (June 2014)
93.59 Continue efforts to protect the rights of the child, by taking all necessary measures to combat violence against children and child labour (France); (accept)
93.60 Adopt a comprehensive list of hazardous work prohibited to children and amend its laws to raise the minimum age for employment to at least 15 and to expressly prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child for pornography (United States of America); (accept)
93.61 Implement actions and immediate measures for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, in conformity with ILO Convention No. 182 (Uruguay); (accept)
ILO (Observation CEACR, 2015)
Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Dominica (Ratification: 1983)
Article 2(2) of the Convention. Raising the initially specified age for admission to employment or work.
Noting that the Government initially specified a minimum age of 15 years upon ratification, the Committee observes that the Education Act of 1997 provides for a minimum age for admission to work of 16 years of age. In this regard, the Committee takes the opportunity to draw the Government’s attention to the provisions of Article 2(2) of the Convention which provides that any Member having ratified this Convention may subsequently notify the Director-General of the International Labour Office, by a new declaration, that it has raised the minimum age that it had previously specified. This allows the age fixed by the national legislation to be harmonized with that provided for at the international level. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would consider sending a declaration of this nature to the Office.
Article 3(1). Minimum age for admission to hazardous work.
The Committee previously noted that, according to section 7(1) of the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, no young person (under 18) shall be employed or work during the night in any public or private industrial undertaking, other than an undertaking in which only members of the same family are employed. However, the Committee observes that there is no other provision which prohibits the employment of young persons in work which is likely to jeopardize their health, safety or morals. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the performance of hazardous work is prohibited for all persons under 18 years of age.
ILO (Direct Request CEACR, 2015)
Medical Examination of Young Persons (Sea) Convention, 1921 (No. 16) - Dominica (Ratification: 1983)
Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. Medical examination of young seafarers.
The Committee has been drawing the Government’s attention to the need to adopt specific laws or regulations to regulate the medical examination of young seafarers, especially since the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act permits young persons on board ships already from the age of 14 and also in view of the fact that Dominica has a sizeable fleet under its flag. In its last report, the Government indicates that regrettably no progress has been made on this matter other than that the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee is planning to examine the question of the medical examination of young seafarers with a view to modifying the legislation and complying with the requirements of the Convention. The Committee recalls that the employment of any young person under 18 years of age on any vessel should be conditional on the production of a medical certificate delivered by a medical practitioner and also that the continued employment at sea of any such young person should be subject to the repetition of such medical examination at intervals of not more than one year. The Committee also recalls that the same requirements have been incorporated in Standard A1.2(1) and (7) of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) which revises Convention No. 16. Noting that the Government has indicated in earlier reports its preparedness to update its laws to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any progress made in this regard.
Universal Periodic Review (June 2014)
94.33 Align the definition of children in all juridical instances and ensure that no life sentence is applied to any child under the age of 18 years (Mexico); (pending)
94.34 Prohibit sentences of corporal punishment for children and life imprisonment of children under the age of 14, under all systems of justice and without exception, to ensure full compliance with international standards (Germany); (pending)