ILO - ILC 108 - EU Statement - Committee on Application of Standards: Cabo Verde, Convention 182

17.06.2019
Geneva

ILO - 108th Session of the International Labour Conference
Geneva, 10 June – 21 June 2019
EU Statement - Committee on Application of Standards: Cabo Verde, Worst forms of child labour Convention, 182

Thank you, Chair.

I am speaking on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries the Republic of North Macedonia[1], Montenegro*, and Albania* as well as the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, and Georgiaalign themselves with this statement.

We are committed to the promotion of universal ratification and implementation of the eight fundamental Conventions as part of our Strategic Framework on Human Rights. We call on all countries to protect and promote all human rights and freedoms to which their people are entitled. Compliance with ILO Convention 182 is essential in this respect.

Cabo Verde and the EU have a very close and constructive relationship, based first of all on significant and continuing development cooperation. Cabo Verde and the EU also share a strong commitment to the common values of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. This close cooperation and dialogue is anchored in the EU-Cabo Verde special partnership launched in 2007. The EU also grants to Cabo Verde preferential access to the EU market Generalised Scheme of Preferences +. It is specifically premised upon the ratification and effective implementation of the ILO core Conventions

We are taking the floor on this case as we deem important to recognize when progress is made. Indeed, the CEACR report on the case of Cabo Verde expresses satisfaction with regard to the amendments of the Penal Code aiming at bringing its provisions in conformity with Convention 182. We welcome that based on the amended provisions, the use of minors under 18 for prostitution is now criminalized and punishable by imprisonment. Offences related to encouraging or facilitating the prostitution of children 16-18 years old and the use of children aged 14-18 in pornography production and performances as well as  offences related to encouraging or facilitating sexual exploitation or prostitution of children under 18 in a foreign country are also criminalized.

We encourage the government to ensure that these new provisions are duly implemented in practice and offenders duly prosecuted and punished with dissuasive sanctions. Although related to Convention 138, we also encourage the government to implement the minimum age Convention with regard to employment of children in hazardous work.

Children in Cabo Verde and in every part of the world should be guaranteed the highest possible protection against  any form of child  labour or any other form of exploitation and enjoy a life that is conducive to their physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development.

The EU and its Member States remain committed to their close cooperation and partnership with Cabo Verde.

Thank you chair.

 


[1] The Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.