Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports
Nicaragua
Minimal Advancement
In 2021, Nicaragua made minimal advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The government participated in an IOM social media anti-trafficking in persons awareness campaign called Recognize the Signs (Atendé las Señales) and conducted 1,409 nationwide door-to-door visits to families of children ages six and under to promote school attendance. However, children in Nicaragua are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture. Laws do not establish a clear compulsory education age, and the government lacks adequate services for human trafficking victims, such as shelters. Additionally, labor and criminal law enforcement agencies lack the financial and human resources necessary to fulfill their mandates. The government also lacks a specific and consistent mechanism to coordinate efforts to address child labor.
Children in Nicaragua are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. (1) Children also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture. (2,3) Table 1 provides key indicators on children’s work and education in Nicaragua. Data on some of these indicators are not available from the sources used in this report.
|
Children |
Age |
Percent |
|---|---|---|
|
Working (% and population) |
10 to 14 |
47.7 (342,076) |
|
Working children by sector |
10 to 14 |
|
|
Agriculture |
53.5 |
|
|
Industry |
8.7 |
|
|
Services |
37.8 |
|
|
Attending School (%) |
10 to 14 |
88.3 |
|
Combining Work and School (%) |
10 to 14 |
40.3 |
|
Primary Completion Rate (%) |
Unavailable |
Primary completion rate was unavailable from UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2022.(4)
Source for all other data: International Labor Organization's analysis of statistics from Encuesta Continua de Hogares (ECH), 2012.(5)
Based on a review of available information, Table 2 provides an overview of children's work by sector and activity.
|
Sector/Industry |
Activity |
|---|---|
|
Agriculture |
Harvesting coffee, bananas, tobacco,† and sugarcane (2,6,7) |
|
Raising livestock† (8,9) |
|
|
Fishing,† including collecting shellfish† (9-11) |
|
|
Industry |
Construction,† including transporting materials† (8,9,12) |
|
Quarrying† of pumice and limestone, and mining† of gold (2,9-13,14) |
|
|
Production of gravel (crushed stones)† (15) |
|
|
Services |
Domestic work (8-12) |
|
Work in transportation† (8,9) |
|
|
Work in tourism and the hotel industry (8,10) |
|
|
Work in restaurants (10) |
|
|
Street work (8-11) |
|
|
Categorical Worst Forms of Child Labor‡ |
Commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking, and use in the production of pornography (1,10,12,16,17) |
|
Forced labor in domestic work, agriculture, construction, and mining (12,16,17) |
|
|
Forced begging (12,13,18) |
|
|
Use in illicit activities, including in drug production and drug trafficking, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (8,12) |
† Determined by national law or regulation as hazardous and, as such, relevant to Article 3(d) of ILO C. 182.
‡ Child labor understood as the worst forms of child labor per se under Article 3(a)–(c) of ILO C. 182.
Information about the prevalence of child labor in Nicaragua is limited because the last known national survey on child labor was published in 2012. (8,19) However, available research indicates that children are subjected to commercial sexual exploitation, particularly in Granada, Managua, the Caribbean Autonomous Regions, and San Juan del Sur. (13,20) Children from poor rural areas, those in the Caribbean Autonomous Regions, and migrants from the Northern Triangle countries are particularly vulnerable. (13,21) In addition, Nicaragua is a destination country for child sex tourists from the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. (22) Limited research suggests that after the political upheaval that took place in 2018 the Nicaraguan National Police began focusing resources on responding to antigovernment protests, as well as surveilling and arresting political opposition members, possibly impacting public security and its ability to address the worst forms of child labor. (1,10,17) This trend continued following increased actions by the government targeting democratic groups and civil society actors since May 2021. (10) During the reporting period, the government impeded the work of civil society, including groups working on children's issues by threatening civil society organizations with fines or closure if deemed in opposition to the government, which may increase the vulnerability of children to exploitation. (10) Children in Nicaragua who lack identification documents, sometimes due to a lack of birth registration, may not have access to social services and are at an increased risk of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. (23)
Due to the continued COVID‐19 pandemic and a stalled economy, many Nicaraguans have established informal family businesses, which are more likely to utilize child labor. (10) Reports indicate that as a direct result of the pandemic child labor has increased in Nicaragua, with a visible increase of children working at traffic lights. Due to government's actions against several civil society organizations, some NGOs that offered free childcare for children of parents working in the informal sector were closed. (24) This could have a negative impact as parents who work in the informal sector, such as selling at traffic lights, and who cannnot afford to pay for child care or school now have limited options and must take their children with them while they work, increasing their vulnerability. (24)
Education is free and compulsory in Nicaragua; however, the costs associated with school supplies and transportation make it difficult for some children, particularly those from poor backgrounds and rural areas, to attend school. (1,8) Another barrier facing children from rural areas is the long distances and a lack of secure transportation. (10) There are also reports of poor preschool education, particularly among disadvantaged rural households, insufficient learning materials, and limited school infrastructure. Only 50 percent of schools in the country provide basic drinking water. (25) School infrastructures are also very susceptible to damage or destruction during natural disasters. Children from indigenous groups and of African descent face significant discrimination in accessing education. (25)
Nicaragua has ratified all key international conventions concerning child labor (Table 3).
|
Convention |
Ratification |
|---|---|
|
ILO C. 138, Minimum Age |
✓ |
|
ILO C. 182, Worst Forms of Child Labor |
✓ |
|
UN CRC |
✓ |
|
UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict |
✓ |
|
UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography |
✓ |
|
Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons |
✓ |
The government has established laws and regulations related to child labor (Table 4). However, gaps exist in Nicaragua’s legal framework to adequately protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including establishing a compulsory education age.
|
Standard |
Meets International Standards |
Age |
Legislation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Age for Work |
Yes |
14 |
Articles 130 and 131 of the Labor Code; Articles 2 and 73 of the Childhood and Adolescence Code; Article 84 of the Constitution (26-29) |
|
Minimum Age for Hazardous Work |
Yes |
18 |
Articles 130, 133, and 135 of the Labor Code; Article 1 of Ministerial Agreement No. JCHG-08-06-10; Articles 2 and 74 of the Childhood and Adolescence Code (26-28,30) |
|
Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children |
Yes |
Articles 1 and 6 of Ministerial Agreement No. JCHG-08-06-10; Articles 133 and 135 of the Labor Code (26,30) |
|
|
Prohibition of Forced Labor |
Yes |
Article 40 of the Constitution; Articles 5, 6, and 61 of the Law Against Trafficking in Persons; Articles 16, 182, 182 bis, and 315 of the Penal Code (29,31,32) |
|
|
Prohibition of Child Trafficking |
Yes |
Part III and Articles 3, 6, and 61 of the Law Against Trafficking in Persons; Articles 16, 182, and 182 bis of the Penal Code; Article 40 of the Constitution (29,31,32) |
|
|
Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children |
Yes |
Articles 6 and 61 of the Law Against Trafficking in Persons; Articles 175, 176, 178-180, 182, and 182 bis of the Penal Code; Articles 5 and 26 of the Childhood and Adolescence Code (28,31,32) |
|
|
Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities |
Yes |
Articles 6 and 61 of the Law Against Trafficking in Persons; Articles 182, 182 bis, 349, 351,352, 359, and 362 of the Penal Code (31,32) |
|
|
Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment |
Yes |
18 |
Annex 1 of the Code on the Organization, Jurisdiction, and Social Welfare of the Military (34) |
|
Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military |
N/A* |
||
|
Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups |
Yes |
Article 509 of the Penal Code; Article 79 of the Childhood and Adolescence Code; Article 95 of the Constitution (28,29,31) |
|
|
Compulsory Education Age |
No |
12‡ |
Article 121 of the Constitution; Articles 19 and 23 of the Education Law; Article 43 of the Childhood and Adolescence Code (28,29,35) |
|
Free Public Education |
Yes |
Article 121 of the Constitution; Articles 8, 19, and 23 of the Education Law; Article 43 of the Childhood and Adolescence Code (28,29,35) |
* Country has no conscription (29)
‡ Age calculated based on available information (28,29,35)
Nicaraguan law is not clear regarding the age up to which education is compulsory. Article 121 of the Constitution states that primary school education is compulsory; however, it does not specify an age. (29) Under Articles 19 and 23 of the Education Law, education is compulsory only through the sixth grade, which it specifies is up to age 12 and the end of primary school. (35) Article 43 of the Childhood and Adolescence Code states that both primary and secondary school education are compulsory, suggesting up to age 17; however, it does not specifically state an age. (28) The lack of clarity regarding the age up to which education is compulsory, and the potential gap between the compulsory education age and the minimum age for work, may leave children vulnerable to child labor, including its worst forms. (36)
The government has established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labor (Table 5). However, gaps exist within the operations of enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate enforcement of their child labor laws.
|
Organization/Agency |
Role |
|---|---|
|
Ministry of Labor (MITRAB) |
Enforces labor laws and sets child labor policy priorities. Conducts labor inspections through its General Labor Inspectorate, and conducts child labor inspections through its Child Labor Inspections Unit. (10,17) Conducts training on child labor issues and inspections. Maintains a mailbox in each of Nicaragua’s 17 departments to receive complaints of child labor violations. (10,17) |
|
Nicaraguan National Police |
Addresses cases of child labor and human trafficking through the Police Intelligence Unit, which detects crimes, and the Special Crimes Unit, which investigates crimes. Maintains a hotline for reporting violations of children’s rights. (10,17) |
|
Ministry of Governance |
Coordinates participation between MITRAB and the Nicaraguan National Police in labor inspections in which employers resist inspection. (10,17) |
|
Prosecutor's Office |
Prosecutes cases of child trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and the use of children in illicit activities. Contains 2 national-level and 35 department-level prosecutors who prosecute these and other crimes. (10,17) |
|
Human Rights Attorney for Children |
Assists in the enforcement of laws related to child labor and hazardous child labor. (10,17) |
Labor Law Enforcement
In 2021, labor law enforcement agencies in Nicaragua took actions to address child labor (Table 6). However, gaps exist within the operations of the Ministry of Labor (MITRAB) that may hinder adequate labor law enforcement, including resource allocation.
|
Overview of Labor Law Enforcement |
2020 |
2021 |
|---|---|---|
|
Labor Inspectorate Funding |
$1,380,000 (1) |
$1,310,000 (10) |
|
Number of Labor Inspectors |
97 (1) |
97 (10) |
|
Mechanism to Assess Civil Penalties |
Yes (26) |
Yes (26) |
|
Initial Training for New Labor Inspectors |
N/A (1) |
Yes (37) |
|
Training on New Laws Related to Child Labor |
N/A (1) |
N/A (10) |
|
Refresher Courses Provided |
Yes (1) |
Yes (10) |
|
Number of Labor Inspections Conducted |
15,182 (1) |
14,815 (37) |
|
Number Conducted at Worksite |
Unknown (1) |
Unknown (10) |
|
Number of Child Labor Violations Found |
4 (1) |
3 (37) |
|
Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed |
Unknown (1) |
Unknown (10) |
|
Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected |
Unknown (1) |
Unknown (10) |
|
Routine Inspections Conducted |
Yes (1) |
Yes (10) |
|
Routine Inspections Targeted |
Yes (1) |
Yes (10) |
|
Unannounced Inspections Permitted |
Yes (38) |
Yes (38) |
|
Unannounced Inspections Conducted |
Unknown (1) |
Yes (10) |
|
Complaint Mechanism Exists |
Yes (1) |
Yes (10) |
|
Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services |
Yes (1) |
Yes (10) |
In 2021, a total of 14,815 labor inspections were conducted, representing approximately 153 inspections carried out by each inspector. This is a high number of inspections conducted by each inspector, and it is likely that this high number impacts the quality of such inspections. (10) The government conducted 2,281 child labor specific inspections, all of which were carried out in worksites. (10,37) During inspections several children were identified working in the agricultural sector, hotels, and restaurants and were immediately removed from these child labor situations. (37,39) A lack of resources may hinder MITRAB’s capacity to enforce child labor laws. (8,9) For example, the number of labor inspectors is likely insufficient for the size of Nicaragua’s workforce, which includes more than 3 million workers. According to the ILO’s technical advice of a ratio approaching 1 inspector for every 15,000 workers in industrializing economies, Nicaragua would need to employ about 201 inspectors. (40,41) Although the government maintains that its budget for the inspectorate is sufficient, civil organizations indicate that funding levels do not permit the inspectorate to address the scope of the problem. For example, reports indicate that Nicaragua has a large informal and rural workforce, and the General Labor Inspectorate is unable to cover the country’s vulnerabilities to, and the magnitude of, labor violations adequately. (1,9) The government indicated that 42 percent of the Ministry of Labor's overall budget goes to labor inspections. (10,37)
Criminal Law Enforcement
In 2021, criminal law enforcement agencies in Nicaragua took actions to address child labor (Table 7). However, gaps exist within the operations of the criminal enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate criminal law enforcement, including the insufficient allocation of resources to inform monitoring and investigations of the worst forms of child labor.
|
Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement |
2020 |
2021 |
|---|---|---|
|
Initial Training for New Criminal Investigators |
Unknown (1) |
Unknown (10) |
|
Training on New Laws Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor |
Unknown (1) |
N/A (10) |
|
Refresher Courses Provided |
Unknown (1) |
Unknown (10) |
|
Number of Investigations |
7 (1) |
Unknown (61) |
|
Number of Violations Found |
7 (1) |
Unknown (61) |
|
Number of Prosecutions Initiated |
7 (1) |
Unknown (61) |
|
Number of Convictions |
9 (1) |
Unknown (61) |
|
Imposed Penalties for Violations Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor |
Yes (1) |
Unknown (61) |
|
Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services |
Yes (1) |
Yes (10) |
While comprehensive information about the training provided to criminal law enforcement investigators was unavailable, reports indicate that government officials, including police and prosecutors, received training on trafficking in persons issues during the reporting period. (10,21)
The government reported it presented 28 criminal accusations for crimes related to the commercial sexual exploitation of minors, and 7 for trafficking in persons in which the victims were minors; however, this number is low compared to the severity of the problem in the country. (1,10,37) Moreover, the government does not publicize the judicial proceedings and independent observers are unable to verify arrests, detentions, and convictions of individuals. (42) Research indicates that criminal law enforcement agencies lack sufficient financial resources to adequately carry out criminal investigations. In addition, research points out that all government efforts related to the worst forms of child labor do not adequately address the scope of the problem. (43)
The Ministry of the Family, Adolescence, and Childhood (MIFAN) maintains a hotline for receiving reports on human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, as well as assists in providing officials with training on child labor violations. (44) Although MIFAN also maintains a guide for assisting child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, reports indicate that the government had no formal procedures for the identification of human trafficking victims among high-risk populations, including children who are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation. (22)
While there is a reciprocal referral mechanism between criminal authorities and social services in the country, there is no information as to the extent it is used or how effective it is. (10)
The government has established mechanisms to coordinate its efforts to address child labor (Table 8). However, gaps exist that hinder the effective coordination of efforts to address child labor, including a lack of efficacy in accomplishing mandates.
|
Coordinating Body |
Role & Description |
|---|---|
|
National Social Welfare System |
Coordinates efforts on child labor and ensures that government institutions protect the rights of children and provide social services to them as part of its mandate to assist the Nicaraguan population. Comprises various government ministries, including MITRAB; the Ministry of the Family, Adolescence, and Childhood (MIFAN); the Ministry of Education (MINED); the Ministry of Health (MINSA); and the Ministry of Governance. (10) Reports indicate that it was active during the reporting period. (37) |
|
National Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons (NCATIP) |
Coordinates efforts to address human trafficking for labor and commercial sexual exploitation. Led by the Ministry of Governance and comprises law enforcement agencies, the Supreme Court of Justice, and NGOs. (10,20,45) During the reporting year, it met monthly, while its 17 departmental committees met regularly. (10) |
Although the National Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons (NCATIP) led several working groups in 2021, for the fifth year in a row NCATIP did not engage local civil society, despite being required to do so by law. Local civil society organizations were also unable to corroborate increased NCATIP activity in the local working groups, and in general, the government did not coordinate with or fund NGOs. (1,10,13,16,20,21,22) Some civil organizations report a continued dismantling of once-active NCATIP regional committees and state that it has had no measurable impact since its creation. (21,42) NCATIP has still not announced or appointed a person to the position of Executive Secretariat, which is mandated by the Law Against Trafficking in Persons. (1,10)
Reporting indicates that the National Social Welfare System does not have a specific and consistent coordinating mechanism due to limited coordination among constituent ministries and a lack of financial resources dedicated to addressing child labor. (15)
The government has established policies related to child labor (Table 9). However, policy gaps exist that hinder efforts to address child labor, including a lack of implementation of key national policies.
|
Policy |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Good Government Plan |
Sets development goals for government ministries, including MITRAB, MINED, and MINSA. Prioritizes human trafficking investigations; aims to protect children from commercial sexual exploitation; and commits to training teachers by creating 1,000 primary school teaching positions and increasing access to education, including for indigenous and Afro-descendant children. (47) Research was unable to determine whether activities were undertaken during the reporting period to implement the Good Government Plan. |
|
National Action Plan on Human Trafficking (2018–2022) |
Focused on awareness raising, capacity building, trainings, victim attention and protection, and monitoring. The Supreme Court of Justice oversaw the design and implementation of the plan. IOM collaborated by editing the document and provided training for government officials. (13) In 2021, the government participated in an IOM social media anti-trafficking in persons awareness campaign called Recognize the Signs (Atendé las Señales). The government also reported carrying out informational meetings with tourism centers, trainings for judicial staff, meetings with high school parent-teacher associations, and radio programs on the topic of trafficking in persons. (10) It also provided post-graduate training to 56 government officials on the topic of trafficking in persons, and coordinated a virtual workshop with 84 government officials on the Protocol for the Repatriation of Trafficking in Persons Victims. (10) |
|
National Strategy for the Comprehensive Care and Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking |
Describes the process for identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking. (48) Research was unable to determine whether activities were undertaken during the reporting period to implement the National Strategy for the Comprehensive Care and Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking. |
In 2021, the government funded and participated in programs that include the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor (Table 10). However, gaps exist in these social programs, including the insufficient scope of their operations.
|
Program |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Love Program (Programa Amor)† |
MIFAN program that supports vulnerable or impoverished children, including children involved in child labor such as street work. Provides educational assistance for children and vocational training for parents. (49) Promotes school attendance, house-to-house and school visits, and extra-curricular activities. (1) Overseen by Nicaragua’s Vice President in coordination with MINED, MINSA, MITRAB, and the Ministry of Governance. (49) Allows MIFAN to carry out activities with other government institutions, civil society, and religious organizations, as well as with communities and families. (1) Its Love Program for the Smallest Ones includes children from birth to age 6. (49) Conducted 1,409 nationwide door-to-door visits to families of children ages 6 and under to promote school attendance, as well as 47,102 school and door-to-door awareness visits to at-risk families to support continued schooling in 2021. It also provided 2,951 adolescents with seed funding and/or technical education. (10) During the reporting period, the government supported 22,912 at-risk children to enter the school system. This resulted in 22,454 of the students staying in school and 21,308 of them passing their grade. (10) The government provided 3,352 families with at least eight foodstuff packages through a handout program that benefits mothers of two or more children. These packages benefitted 6,267 children under the age of 12. (10) They also assisted 43 children or adolescents currently living under government protection to receive identification documents. (10) |
|
Educational Bridges (Puentes Educativos)† |
MITRAB and MINED public-private partnership implemented by World Vision that provides education to children of coffee workers to prevent child labor during coffee harvests. (50,51) Research was unable to determine whether activities were undertaken during the reporting period to implement the Educational Bridges program. |
|
Integral School Meal Program (Merienda Escolar)† |
MIFAN and WFP initiative that provides children and adolescents with meals at school to address poverty and improve attendance. (44) In 2021, the government reported providing this assistance to 100 percent of students in public schools, and independent reports indicate that this program was active during the year. (39,52) The government reinforced the aid provided though the program several times in the areas worst affected by hurricanes Eta and Iota, providing children in 15 municipalities with an extra meal. (53) |
|
National School Supply Program (Paquetes Escolares Solidarios)† |
MINED program that distributes packages of school supplies to preschool, primary, and secondary school children in the poorest districts to increase attendance and completion rates. (44) In 2021, the government provided one million school supply packages to students and 60 thousand briefcases to teachers. (54) |
|
Women for Life, Peace, and Wellbeing Plan (Plan Mujeres por la Vida, Paz y Bien)† |
Government initiative that began in February 2020. Provides critical attention to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. (1) Mostly consists of awareness-raising activities. (1) The government reported 106,040 participants either received a door-to-door visit, or participated in a workshop, forum, or a recreational activity during the reporting period. (10) |
† Program is funded by the Government of Nicaragua.
‡ The government had other social programs that may have included the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor. (1,10,37,55)
The government reports that there are 272 Child Development Centers (pre-school and after-school centers), of which 160 receive public funding, this is an effort to increase schooling for children under the age of six. (10)
MIFAN coordinates services for child trafficking victims, including access to medical and legal services, as well as education. (22,18,37) Yet, the country still lacks adequate services for human trafficking victims, such as shelters and specialized services for victims with disabilities and male trafficking victims. Furthermore, child trafficking victims have at times been returned to their families despite the risk of re-victimization. (22)
The scope of current social programs is not sufficient to assist children who are subjected to human trafficking or engaged in the worst forms of child labor, including commercial sexual exploitation. (17)
Civil society organizations in Nicaragua and international organizations have raised concerns about a law that was passed in December 2020, which they state has had a significant negative impact in the ability of independent civil society organizations to carry out their work. (56,57) This law requires NGOs, individuals, and other entities receiving funds from outside the country to register with the Interior Ministry as "foreign agents" and provide detailed reports of their finances. If they fail to do as mandated, they could face hefty fines, jail time, and seizure of their property. (57,58) Critics state that the law has served to silence civil society. Reports indicate that numerous civil society organizations have been forced to close or suspend their activities in the country, including groups working on children's issues and education, which may increase the vulnerability of children to exploitation. (56,57,59,60)
Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Nicaragua (Table 11).
|
Area |
Suggested Action |
Year(s) Suggested |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Framework |
Ensure that the law is consistent and provides a compulsory education age that is not less than the minimum age for work. |
2014 – 2021 |
|
Enforcement |
Ensure that all criminal investigators receive training and refresher courses. |
2019 – 2021 |
|
Increase the number of labor inspectors from 97 to 201 to meet the ILO’s technical advice. |
2009 – 2021 |
|
|
Publish labor law enforcement information on the number of inspections conducted at worksites, and on the number of child labor violations for which penalties were imposed and collected. |
2015 – 2021 |
|
|
Ensure that the Ministry of Labor has sufficient funding to enforce labor laws adequately, including those related to child labor, and that resource needs are met. |
2018 – 2021 |
|
|
Ensure that criminal law enforcement efforts are sufficient to address the scope of the problem and that agencies have the funding and resources necessary to carry out duties. |
2014 – 2021 |
|
|
Establish an adequate mechanism for identifying human trafficking victims, particularly children, among high-risk populations. |
2018 – 2021 |
|
|
Make publicly available criminal law enforcement information on efforts related to the worst forms of child labor to allow for the verification of the information. |
2021 |
|
|
Coordination |
Ensure that the government has a specific and consistent mechanism to coordinate efforts to address child labor, including with NGOs, and to publicly report on these efforts. |
2014 – 2021 |
|
Ensure that the National Coalition Against Trafficking of Persons works with relevant local stakeholders to address human trafficking issues, and ensure that it establishes a person to the position of Executive Secretariat, as mandated by the Law Against Trafficking in Persons. |
2015 – 2021 |
|
|
Government Policies |
Ensure that activities are undertaken to implement the key policies related to child labor and that data on these activities to address child labor are published during the reporting period. |
2009 – 2021 |
|
Social Programs |
Collect and publish updated data on the prevalence of child labor in the country. |
2018 – 2021 |
|
Expand birth registration programs to ensure that children have access to basic services. |
2009 – 2021 |
|
|
Remove barriers to education, such as transportation and the cost associated with school supplies, for all children, particularly those from poor backgrounds and rural areas; improve school infrastructure and access to learning materials. |
2009 – 2021 |
|
|
Implement social programs that address the full scope of the worst forms of child labor in the country, including commercial sexual exploitation. |
2009 – 2021 |
|
|
Develop social services for human trafficking victims, such as shelters and specialized services, and ensure that services are available throughout the country, especially in areas where children are most vulnerable. |
2010 – 2021 |
|
|
Ensure that social programs are adequately funded and implemented, and that they report on their yearly efforts. |
2019 – 2021 |
|
|
Ensure that civil society organizations and NGOs are able to carry out their work freely and independently. |
2021 |
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. January 15, 2021.
- ILO Committee of Experts. Individual Direct Request concerning Minimum Age Convention (No. 138) Nicaragua (ratification: 1981). Published: 2018.
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:13100:0::NO:13100:P13100_COMMENT_ID:3333000 - ES Global. Trabajo en manos de niños. August 6, 2018.
https://www.esglobal.org/trabajo-en-manos-de-ninos/ - UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Gross intake ratio to the last grade of primary education, both sexes (%). Accessed March 3, 2022. For more information, please see "Children's Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions" in the Reference Materials section of this report.
http://data.uis.unesco.org/ - ILO. Analysis of Child Economic Activity and School Attendance Statistics from National Household or Child Labor Surveys. Original data from Encuesta Continua de Hogares (ECH), 2012. Analysis received March 2022. Please see "Children's Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions" in the Reference Materials section of this report.
- Andrews, Deborah. Teen Workers May Be Dying to Produce Sugar in Nicaragua. September 21, 2017.
https://stopchildlabor.org/?p=4438 - U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. February 10, 2011.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. January 29, 2019.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. January 12, 2018.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. January 14, 2022.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. January 12, 2022.
- U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report- 2021 Nicaragua. Washington, DC, July 1, 2021.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-trafficking-in-persons-report/nicaragua/ - U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. February 15, 2019.
- Instituto de Estudios Estratégicos y Políticas Públicas. Historias de Vida: Rostros de la Explotación de la Niñez y la Adolescencia en Nicaragua. 2012. Source on file.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. June 22, 2018.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. February 20, 2020.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. January 23, 2020.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. February 26, 2021.
- ILO Committee of Experts. Direct Request concerning Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Nicaragua (ratification 1981). Published 2019.
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:13100:0::NO:13100:P13100_COMMENT_ID,P11110_COUNTRY_ID,P11110_COUNTRY_NAME,P11110_COMMENT_YEAR:3956621,102780 - U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. February 12, 2018.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. January 28, 2022.
- U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report- 2020 Nicaragua. Washington, DC, June 25, 2020.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-trafficking-in-persons-report/nicaragua/ - U.S. Department of State. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices- 2021: Nicaragua. Washington, DC, April 12, 2022.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/nicaragua/ - Vega Sánchez, Lorenzo. Pandemia Incide en Aumento del Trabajo Infantil en Nicaragua, Dicen Organismos. VOS TV. January 8, 2021.
https://www.vostv.com.ni/reportajes/15907-el-trabajo-infantil-en-managua-defensores-de-la-ni/ - UN Human Rights Council. Compilation on Nicaragua- Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. November 26, 2019. Source on File.
- Government of Nicaragua. Código del Trabajo - Compilación de normas laborales de la República de Nicaragua a septiembre del 2009. Enacted: 1996 and 2009. Source on file.
- Government of Nicaragua. Ley núm. 474 por la que se dicta la Ley de reforma al Título VI, Libro Primero del Código de Trabajo, núm. 474. Enacted October 21, 2003.
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex_browse.details?p_lang=en&p_isn=67286 - Government of Nicaragua. Código de la Niñez y la Adolescencia, No. 287. Enacted: May 1998.
http://www.oas.org/dil/esp/Codigo_de_la_Ninez_y_la_Adolescencia_Nicaragua.pdf - Government of Nicaragua. Constitución Política de la República de Nicaragua. Enacted: 1987, with 1995, 2002 and 2005 reforms.
http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Nica/nica05.html - Government of Nicaragua. Acuerdo Ministerial núm. JCHG-08-06-10 sobre prohibición de trabajos peligrosos para personas adolescentes y listado de trabajos peligrosos. Enacted: June 23, 2010. Source in file.
- Government of Nicaragua. Código Penal de la República de Nicaragua, No. 641. Enacted: November 13, 2007.
http://www.poderjudicial.gob.ni/pjupload/noticia_reciente/CP_641.pdf - Government of Nicaragua. Ley Contra la Trata de Personas, No. 896. Enacted: February 25, 2015. Source on file.
- Government of Nicaragua. Ley de Reformas y Adiciones a la Ley No. 177, Ley de Estupefacientes, Sicotrópicos, y Sustancias Controladas, No. 285. Enacted: April 15, 1999. Source on file.
- Government of Nicaragua. Código de Organización, Jurisdicción, y Previsión Social Militar, con sus reformas incorporadas, No. 181. Enacted: March 3, 2014. Source on file.
- Government of Nicaragua. Ley General de Educación, No. 582. Enacted: March 22, 2006.
http://www.oei.es/quipu/nicaragua/Ley_Educ_582.pdf - ILO Committee of Experts. Individual Observation concerning Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Nicaragua (ratification 1981). Published 2019.
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:13100:0::NO:13100:P13100_COMMENT_ID,P11110_COUNTRY_ID,P11110_COUNTRY_NAME,P11110_COMMENT_YEAR:3956625,102780,Nicaragua,2018 - Government of Nicaragua. Written Communication, Actions and Good Practices of the Government of Nicaragua to Prevent and Address Child Labor. December 10, 2021. Source on file.
- Government of Nicaragua. Ley General de Inspección del Trabajo, No. 664. Enacted: September 19, 2008.
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/travail/docs/2127/Ley664Nic.pdf - Government of Nicaragua. Written Communication, Note to the U.S. Embassy. January 11, 2022. Source on file.
- UN. World Economic Situation and Prospects 2021 Statistical Annex. New York, 2021. Please see “Labor Law Enforcement: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
https://www.un-ilibrary.org/content/books/9789210054980/read - ILO modelled estimates and projections (ILOEST) – Population and labour force. Accessed (January 25, 2022). Labor force data is modelled on a combination of demographic and economic explanatory variables by the ILO. Please see "Labor Law Enforcement: Sources and Definitions" in the Reference Materials section of this report.
https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/ - U.S. Embassy- Managua official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. July 1, 2021.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. February 10, 2017.
- U.S. Embassy- Managua. Reporting. January 13, 2017.
- International Organization for Migration. UN Migration Agency Helps Strengthen Nicaragua's National Coalition against Trafficking in Persons. Managua, June 6, 2018.
https://www.iom.int/news/un-migration-agency-helps-strengthen-nicaraguas-national-coalition-against-trafficking-persons - International Labor Organization. Roadmap to make Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic a Child Labour Free Zone. March 2010.
https://www.ilo.org/ipec/Informationresources/WCMS_IPEC_PUB_13376/lang--en/index.htm - Government of Nicaragua. Plan de Buen Gobierno 2016. 2016: Report. Source on file.
- U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report- 2019: Nicaragua. Washington, DC, June 2019.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2019-trafficking-in-persons-report-2/nicaragua/ - El 19 Digital. Acciones del Estado de Nicaragua en la Luncha contra el Trabajo Infantil. October 18, 2018.
https://www.el19digital.com/articulos/ver/titulo:82846--acciones-del-estado-de-nicaragua-en-la-lucha-contra-el-trabajo-infantil - World Vision. Por los Ninos. Puentes Educativos: La compañía es el mejor regalo. January 16, 2019.
http://www.worldvision.org.ni/essential_grid/puentes-educativos-la-compania-es-el-mejor-regalo/ - El Nuevo Diario. 160 niños recibieron educación en haciendas cafetaleras. February 27, 2017.
https://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni/nacionales/420141-160-ninos-recibieron-educacion-haciendas-cafetaler/ - Areas Esquivel, Norely. Más de 9 Mil Escuelas de Nicaragua Recibirán la Merienda Escolar. July 28, 2021.
https://www.el19digital.com/articulos/ver/titulo:118875-mas-de-9-mil-escuelas-de-nicaragua-recibiran-la-merienda-escolar - Peña, Antenor. Refuerzan Merienda Escolar en Zonas Afectadas por Huracanes Eta y Iota. TN8. September 28, 2021.
https://www.tn8.tv/nacionales/merienda-escolar-zonas-afectadas-huracanes-eta-iota/ - El 19 Digital. Gobierno de Nicaragua Entregará Más de un Millón de Paquetes Escolares a Estudiantes. January 5, 2021.
https://www.el19digital.com/articulos/ver/titulo:111593-gobierno-de-nicaragua-entregara-mas-de-un-millon-de-paquetes-escolares-a-estudiantes - Government of Nicaragua. Written communication. Submitted in response to U.S. Department of Labor’s “Request for Information on Efforts by Certain Countries to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor.” February 2017. Source on file.
- Deutsche Welle. PEN Nicaragua Cierra por Polémica Ley Promovida por Ortega. May 2, 2021.
https://www.dw.com/es/pen-nicaragua-cierra-por-polémica-ley-promovida-por-ortega/a-56462279 - Associated Press. Nicaragua Foundation Announces Suspension in Face of New Law. February 5, 2021.
https://apnews.com/article/violeta-chamorro-philanthropy-nicaragua-latin-america-laws-f9bcca83a428801f4f565acbefbc213a - Human Rights Watch. Nicaragua: Ortega Tightening Authoritarian Grip. October 9, 2020.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/10/08/nicaragua-ortega-tightening-authoritarian-grip - Associated Press. Nicaragua’s Congress Bans 4 Universities and 6 Aid Groups. February 2, 2022.
https://kstp.com/associated-press/ap-international/nicaraguas-congress-bans-4-universities-and-6-aid-groups/ - Associated Press. Ortega Cierra Otras 15 ONG en Nicaragua; Suman 55. August 26, 2021.
https://apnews.com/article/noticias-acc04d874bc16aba8b36ce2919f40076 - U.S. Embassy- Managua official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. July 8, 2022.
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