Selected Child Labor Measures Adopted by Governments
| Ratified Convention 138 10/8/91 |
X |
| Ratified Convention 182 7/17/01 |
X |
| ILO-IPEC Member |
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| National Plan for Children |
X |
| National Child Labor Action Plan |
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| Sector Action Plan |
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Incidence and Nature of Child Labor
Statistics on the number of working children under age 15 in Croatia are unavailable.[1244] There is also limited information on the nature of child labor in Croatia. Reports indicate that Croatia is primarily a transit country, and to a limited extent is also a destination country for trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation.[1245]
Education is free and compulsory in Croatia.[1246] The Elementary Education Law (1990) requires 8 years mandatory education for children to begin at 6 years of age.[1247] Children generally complete compulsory education at age 15. However, most Croatian children remain in school until age 18.[1248] In 2001, the gross primary enrollment rate was 95.6 percent, and the net primary enrollment rate was 88.5 percent.[1249] 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. Recent primary school attendance statistics are not available for Croatia. In general, ethnic Roma children face many obstacles to continuing their schooling, such as discrimination in schools and lack of family income to continue studies.[1250]
Child Labor Laws and Enforcement
The Labor Law sets the minimum age for employment at 15 years, and children ages 15 to 18 may only work with written permission from a legal guardian.[1251] The minimum work age is enforced by the Ministry of Economy, Labor, and Entrepreneurship.[1252] According to stipulations in the Labor Law and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, children under age 18 are prohibited from working overtime, at night, under dangerous labor conditions, or in any other job that may be harmful to a child’s health, morality, or development.[1253] The fine for employing an underage person unlawfully is USD 1,687 to 6,749.[1254] The Family Law contains provisions for the protection of the rights and welfare of children.[1255] The Children’s Ombudsman coordinates government efforts to promote and protect the interests of children and is obligated to report any findings of exploitation to the State’s Attorney’s Office.[1256] The Constitution prohibits forced or bonded labor.[1257]
The Criminal Code also outlaws international prostitution, including solicitation of a minor, and prohibits procurement of minors for sexual purposes.[1258] The law also forbids using children for pornographic purposes.[1259] In July 2004, the Criminal Code was amended, introducing the trafficking of persons as a separate criminal act with a minimum prison sentence of 5 years when a child or a minor are involved.[1260]
Current Government Policies and Programs to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor
The Government of Croatia is implementing its National Plan of Action on Trafficking through a National Committee for the Suppression of Trafficking in Persons.[1261] The trafficking action plan calls for training programs for all professionals working with groups at high risk of trafficking, including children, and schools are to develop curricula on the issue.[1262] Since 2003, women and children taken into custody as illegal migrants are screened as potential trafficking victims.[1263] The local Social Welfare Center is informed and provides assistance to detainees suspected of being underage.[1264] The Government has provided space for a shelter for victims of trafficking; IOM provides assistance and support to victims.[1265] The government also conducted in-service police training on trafficking-recognition, funded a national hotline for victims of trafficking, and funded two NGOs to carry out awareness-raising activities on trafficking in persons.[1266]
In June 2004, a working group on child trafficking was established.[1267] The Child Trafficking Prevention Program is being implemented by the Center for Social Policy Initiatives, a national NGO. Modules have been developed on child trafficking, child exploitation, sexual exploitation of children, child pornography, and the worst forms of child labor. Teachers have been trained to use the program and a pilot project is underway in 5 elementary schools in Zagreb.[1268] The government also works with international organizations to assist trafficking victims, and cooperates with other governments in the region.[1269] In 2003, the Ministry of Justice reported 6 criminal charges for procurement or pimping of children, 37 for exploitation of children for use in pornography, and 19 for allowing children access to pornography.[1270]
The Office for National Minorities has a special program for the inclusion of Roma children in the education system in Croatia.[1271] A school feeding program is available to children.[1272]
Croatia participates in a regional program implemented by ILO-IPEC on combating child labor in the Stability Pact Countries, with a special focus on the worst forms of child labor.[1273]
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