Selected Child Labor Measures Adopted by Governments
| Ratified Convention 138 |
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| Ratified Convention 182 |
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| ILO-IPEC Member |
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| National Plan for Children |
X |
| National Child Labor Action Plan |
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| Sector Action Plan (Trafficking) |
X |
Incidence and Nature of Child Labor
Statistics on the number of working children under the age of 15 years in Armenia are unavailable.[271] Children work in family businesses and in agriculture.[272] There are reports of increasing numbers of children dropping out of school and starting to work in the informal sector, especially in agriculture.[273] Children in the streets of Yerevan can be observed, often during school hours, selling newspapers and flowers.[274] The commercial exploitation of girls is reportedly increasing in Armenia.[275] Trafficking of girls to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates for prostitution is a problem.[276] There are reports that children as young as 14 years were receiving military training.[277]
Primary and secondary education is free for all children for 8 years and compulsory through age 14.[278] In 2001, the gross primary enrollment rate was 96.3 percent and the net primary enrollment rate was 84.6 percent.[279] Gross and net enrollment ratios are based on the number of students formally registered in primary school and therefore do not necessarily reflect actual school attendance. The gross primary school attendance rate in 2001 was 127.3, while the net primary attendance rate was 97.2.[280] Dropout, retention, and absenteeism rates remain high in Armenia, possibly as a result of Armenia’s serious economic downturn, the high number of non-native Armenian-speaking students, and the requirement that all classes must be taught in the Armenian language.[281] Access to education in rural areas remains poor.[282] Agricultural responsibilities take precedence over school in rural areas, and children work in the fields during harvest season leading to prolonged absence from school.[283]
Child Labor Laws and Enforcement
The Labor Code sets the minimum age of employment for children at 16 years.[284] However, in special cases, a child of 15 years can work, with the consent of the trade union of the organization.[285] The Labor Code stipulates that all child workers are required to undergo a medical examination prior to starting work and annually thereafter until they reach 18 years of age.[286]
Children under the age of 18 years are prohibited by the Labor Code from working in “harmful or hazardous” conditions, such as underground work, and may not work overtime, on holidays, or at night.[287] Article 19 of the Law on Children’s Rights prohibits children from working in the production and/or sale of alcohol and tobacco products as well as in employment activities that may compromise their health, physical, or mental development, or interfere with their education.[288]
The Constitution prohibits forced and bonded labor of children.[289] The new Criminal Code specifically prohibits trafficking of persons for sexual exploitation, and child trafficking.[290] Having sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16 is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment of 3 to 8 years.[291] Article 9 of the Children’s Rights Act gives responsibility to the government to protect children from criminal activities, prostitution, and begging. The Criminal Code prohibits enticing underage girls into prostitution.[292]
Local community councils and unemployment offices are responsible for enforcing child labor laws.[293] Alleged violations of child labor laws are investigated by the Ministry of Social Welfare. If there is probable cause, the Ministry turns the case over to the National Police, which takes action. There are no reports of child labor complaints being investigated or prosecuted since 1994.[294]
Current Government Policies and Programs to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor
The Government of Armenia approved the National Plan of Action for the Protection of Children’s Rights 2003-2015 in December 2003. The plan was designed in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.[295] The government approved a National Action Plan to combat trafficking in January 2004, and continues to support the National Anti-Trafficking Commission.[296] The Government of Armenia is also a member of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and cooperates with other members to combat organized crime, including criminal activities concerning trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation of women and children.[297] The government, with international assistance, has trained its worldwide consular staff to recognize trafficking, and has collaborated with police in destination countries to apprehend traffickers.[298]
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is also implementing a small U.S. Department of State-funded project to provide technical assistance and training to local NGO trafficking research grantees.[299] The IOM launched a new trafficking hotline and hosted two one-day trafficking workshops for government officials, NGO’s, and the media.[300] UNICEF is active in Armenia and supports child protection activities as well as efforts to improve basic education.[301]
The Ministry of Education and Science works in partnership with UNICEF and World Vision on the Inclusive Education Project to integrate children with special needs into the education system.[302] The World Bank is currently funding several projects in Armenia. The Second Social Investment Fund Project aims to upgrade schools, repair school heating systems, and fund furniture purchases for schools, as well as carry out other community development activities that will strengthen local level institutions.[303] The Educational Quality and Relevance Project is building the capacity of the Ministry of Education and Science to develop education quality monitoring systems, strengthen ongoing education reforms, implement communications technology, and project evaluation.[304] The Ministry of Education and Science is implementing the final phase of the Educational National Plan[305] and works in cooperation with international development institutions to improve the quality of education and living conditions at boarding schools, as well as to provide social support for children who need special educational facilities.[306]
The Government of Armenia is a participating member of the Framework Program of Cooperation between the Council of Europe and Ministries of Education of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. The Framework aims to develop the education system in these countries, assist in structural reform of the education sector, develop curriculum and teaching methodologies, and support regional cooperation.[307]
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