Selected Child Labor Measures Adopted by Governments
| Ratified Convention 138 |
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| Ratified Convention 182 |
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| ILO-IPEC Associated Member |
X |
| 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
The ILO estimated that less than 1 percent of children ages 10 to 14 years in Suriname were working in 2002.[3758] According to the ILO, economically active children work in agriculture, fishing, timber production, mining, domestic service, construction, the furniture industry, and as street vendors.[3759] The ILO found that while hours of work vary substantially, 41 percent of those surveyed worked more than 5 hours per day. Children also work without adult supervision in some cases.[3760] Commercial sexual exploitation of girls and boys is allegedly increasing in Suriname.[3761] There were reports of girls being trafficked to and through the country for commercial sexual exploitation.[3762] Sexual exploitation of Maroon girls in the interior of the country is also reportedly a concern.[3763] Young Maroon children also work in the transportation and agricultural sectors.[3764]
The Constitution of Suriname mandates free and compulsory primary education.[3765] Despite this Constitutional guarantee, most public schools impose school fees.[3766] Under the Compulsory School Attendance Act, children in Suriname must be provided with the opportunity to attend school between ages 7 and 12.[3767] In 2001, the gross primary enrollment rate was 125.8 percent, and the net primary enrollment rate was 97.4 percent.[3768] 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. In 2000, the net primary attendance rate was 78 percent. School attendance is significantly lower in the rural interior than in the rest of the country at 61.2 percent. As of 2000, 84.0 percent of children who started primary school were likely to reach grade 5.[3769] Problems within the education system include an inefficient allocation of resources, low teacher quality, outdated curricula, a shortage of instructional materials, and limited monitoring of school performance. Less than 1 percent of children finish senior secondary school (12 years of schooling).[3770] In addition, classes are taught in Dutch.[3771] Although the government covers the majority of primary school costs, parents must pay school registration fees and provide school supplies and uniforms. These costs limit access to education for children from poor and large families.[3772] Lack of transportation, appropriate facilities, and a teacher shortage also present barriers to school attendance.[3773] Parents who permit their children to work, in violation of child labor laws, can be prosecuted.[3774]
Child Labor Laws and Enforcement
The Labor Act sets the minimum age for employment at 14 years.[3775] Under Article 18 of the Labor Act, children who have reached age 12 may work if it is necessary for training or is specifically designed for children, does not require much physical or mental exertion, and is not dangerous.[3776] Article 20 of the Labor Act prohibits children from performing night work or work that is dangerous to their health, life, or morals.[3777] Children below the age of 15 are prohibited from working on fishing boats. Violations of child labor laws are punishable by fines and up to 12 months in prison.[3778]
The Constitution prohibits forced labor.[3779] Prostitution is illegal,[3780] and procuring a minor child for sexual activities is prohibited and punishable with up to three years in prison.[3781] The legal age for sexual consent is 14 years.[3782]
The Ministry of Labor’s Department of Labor Inspections, in cooperation with the Juvenile Police Division, enforces child labor laws.[3783] However, due to staff shortages and lack of funding, child labor investigations are inadequate and do not take place outside of urban areas.[3784] The Labor Inspection office does not enforce the laws in the informal sector.[3785] No violations of child labor laws were reported in 2003.[3786] The Ministry of Social Affairs’ Bureau for Child Rights is responsible for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.[3787]
Current Government Policies and Programs to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor
The Government of Suriname developed a Policy Plan Concerning Children 2002-2006, which addresses child policies and the worst forms of child labor.[3788] The government coordinates with ILO/IPEC on the second phase of a regional child labor project in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The project aims to identify and raise awareness about specific worst forms of child labor in Suriname, establish a national child labor committee, and train labor inspectors and other personnel.[3789]
The Justice Department has been reviewing national legislation on child abuse and exploitation to ensure its conformity with the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. The Bureau for Child Development, an office within the Foundation for Human Development, provides training to the Department of Justice, the police, and health workers to sensitize them to child rights and child abuse issues. This exercise is now a standard component of police cadet training.[3790] The Ministry of Justice and Police heads an anti-trafficking commission comprised of several government ministries and a local NGO. The Public Prosecutor’s Office established a “Special Victims Unit” and telephone hotline to assist victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.[3791] In July, members of government and civil society attended a one-day counter-trafficking training session provided by the IOM that focused on strengthening their capacity to respond to the trafficking of women and children.[3792] A follow-up 2-day counter-trafficking seminar was held in October 2004 for government counterparts, NGOs, and community representatives.[3793]
The Ministry of Education and Community Development will implement an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded project to reform the education sector. Project activities include the creation of a new curriculum, teacher training, rehabilitation of schools, improving school management, and building the capacity of the Ministry of Education and Community Development.[3794]
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