Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports
St. Vincent and the Grenadines


Moderate Advancement
In 2020, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines made moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit funded and conducted specialized human trafficking training for 181 new police recruits, the entire staff of the Sexual Offenses Unit, and participants in the police force's 2020 Basic Development Training Course. In addition, a new National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking was approved for 2021–2025, and campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness of human trafficking were conducted at Argyle International Airport and other popular gathering sites, as well as on radio and television announcements. Although research is limited, there is evidence that children in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation. Gaps remain in the legal framework, as the law does not fully meet international standards because the use of children for prostitution, pornography, or pornographic performances is not prohibited. In addition, the minimum age for hazardous work falls below international standards and there is no legislation prohibiting the using, procuring and offering of children in illicit activities, including in the production of drugs.
Although research is limited, there is evidence that children in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation. (1,2) Table 1 provides key indicators on children’s work and education in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Data on some of these indicators are not available from the sources used in this report.
Children |
Age |
Percent |
---|---|---|
Working (% and population) |
5 to 14 |
Unavailable |
Attending School (%) |
5 to 14 |
Unavailable |
Combining Work and School (%) |
7 to 14 |
Unavailable |
Primary Completion Rate (%) |
105.5 |
Source for primary completion rate: Data from 2018, published by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2021. (3)
Data were unavailable from International Labor Organization's analysis, 2021. (4)
Based on a review of available information, Table 2 provides an overview of children's work by sector and activity.
Sector/Industry |
Activity |
---|---|
Agriculture |
Activities unknown (1,2) |
Services |
Street vending, including selling fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets (5) |
Categorical Worst Forms of Child Labor‡ |
Commercial sexual exploitation (1,2) |
‡ Child labor understood as the worst forms of child labor per se under Article 3(a)–(c) of ILO C. 182.
Limited information received from various sources suggests that some children in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are subjected to commercial sexual exploitation, including by their relatives, in exchange for money or goods. (1,2)
All children in the country are able to access education; however, inadequate public transportation for children in rural villages causes them to walk long distances to get to school, which may make attending school difficult. (1,6) Children out of school are vulnerable to engaging in child labor.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ legal framework to adequately protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including the minimum age for hazardous work and the prohibition of using children in illicit activities.
Standard |
Meets International Standards |
Age |
Legislation |
---|---|---|---|
Minimum Age for Work |
Yes |
14 |
Article 8 of the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act (7) |
Minimum Age for Hazardous Work |
No |
Schedule, Part I, Articles 1, 2 and 5 of the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act (7) |
|
Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children |
No |
Part I, Sections 3 and 4, and Articles 1, 2 and 5 of the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act; Section VI(37) of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2017 (7,8) |
|
Prohibition of Forced Labor |
Yes |
Chapter XII, Part 207 of the Criminal Code (9) |
|
Prohibition of Child Trafficking |
Yes |
Part II, Articles 5–8 of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (10) |
|
Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children |
No |
Part II, Article 7 of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (10) |
|
Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities |
No |
||
Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment |
N/A* |
||
Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military |
N/A*† |
||
Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups |
No |
||
Compulsory Education Age |
Yes |
16 |
Part I, Article 2 of the Education Act (6) |
Free Public Education |
Yes |
Part III, Articles 14–16 of the Education Act (6) |
* No conscription (11)
† No standing military (12)
The government has not determined by national law or regulation the types of hazardous work prohibited for children. (7,8) In addition, the law does not fully meet international standards as it does not prohibit the use of children for prostitution, pornography, or pornographic performances. (10)
The minimum age for work is lower than the compulsory education age, which may encourage children to leave school before the completion of compulsory education. (6,7)
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 |
Enforces child labor laws through its Department of Labor, and refers victims to appropriate social services. (13) Moreover, if the Department finds a criminal violation, it forwards the case to the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. (1) |
Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force |
Makes criminal arrests, including those involving the worst forms of child labor. Addresses human trafficking through the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU); refers victims to appropriate social services; and funds financial requests made by ATIPU. (14) |
Ministry of Social Development |
Maintains the Child Protection Unit, which includes Child Protection Officers who report cases of child abuse. (1) |
Labor Law Enforcement
In 2020, labor law enforcement agencies in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines took actions to combat child labor (Table 6). However, gaps exist within the operations of the Ministry of Labor that may hinder adequate labor law enforcement, including financial resource allocation.
Overview of Labor Law Enforcement |
2019 |
2020 |
---|---|---|
Labor Inspectorate Funding |
$626,076 (15) |
$618,758 (1) |
Number of Labor Inspectors |
6 (15) |
6 (1) |
Inspectorate Authorized to Assess Penalties |
No (15) |
No (16) |
Initial Training for New Labor Inspectors |
N/A (15) |
No (1) |
Training on New Laws Related to Child Labor |
N/A (15) |
N/A (1) |
Refresher Courses Provided |
No (15) |
No (1) |
Number of Labor Inspections Conducted |
42 (15) |
37 (1) |
Number Conducted at Worksite |
42 (15) |
37 (1) |
Number of Child Labor Violations Found |
0 (15) |
0 (1) |
Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed |
0 (15) |
0 (1) |
Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected |
0 (15) |
0 (1) |
Routine Inspections Conducted |
Yes (15) |
Yes (1) |
Routine Inspections Targeted |
Yes (15) |
Yes (1) |
Unannounced Inspections Permitted |
Yes (15) |
Yes (16) |
Unannounced Inspections Conducted |
Yes (15) |
Yes (1) |
Complaint Mechanism Exists |
Yes (15) |
Yes (1) |
Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services |
Yes (15) |
Yes (1) |
During the reporting period, the Department of Labor reported that the number of inspectors and funding was sufficient; however, a lack of appropriate resources, such as computers and training, hampered the Department's abilities to enforce child labor laws. (1,17)
Criminal Law Enforcement
In 2020, criminal law enforcement agencies in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines took actions to combat child labor (Table 7). However, gaps exist within the operations of the criminal enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate criminal law enforcement, including allocating financial and human resources.
Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement |
2019 |
2020 |
---|---|---|
Initial Training for New Criminal Investigators |
Yes (15) |
Yes (18) |
Training on New Laws Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor |
N/A (15) |
N/A (1) |
Refresher Courses Provided |
Yes (15) |
Yes (18) |
Number of Investigations |
0 (15) |
0 (1) |
Number of Violations Found |
0 (15) |
0 (1) |
Number of Prosecutions Initiated |
0 (15) |
0 (1) |
Number of Convictions |
0 (15) |
0 (1) |
Imposed Penalties for Violations Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services |
Yes (15) |
Yes (1) |
In 2020, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU) funded and conducted specialized human trafficking training for 181 new police recruits, the entire staff of the Sexual Offenses Unit, and participants in the police force's 2020 Basic Development Training Course. (18)
During the reporting period, insufficient resources, including limited personnel and vehicles, hampered the capacity of ATIPU to combat human trafficking throughout the country, especially in remote, mountainous areas. (18)
The government has established mechanisms to coordinate its efforts to address child labor (Table 8). However, gaps exist that hinder effective coordination of efforts to address child labor, including efforts to address all forms of child labor.
Coordinating Body |
Role & Description |
---|---|
National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons |
Develops a national plan to address human trafficking, coordinates the collection of data among government agencies, establishes policies to enable government agencies to work with NGOs to prevent human trafficking and assist victims, and provides training to all relevant government officials and authority figures. Chaired by the Prime Minister. (10) Comprises representatives from police, immigration, public prosecutions, social services, gender affairs, the Department of Labor, and a local NGO. (19) During the reporting period, in collaboration with the ATIPU, coordinated various efforts by the police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Social Services Division, the Coast Guard, the Department of Labor and other government agencies. (18) |
Research shows that there is no specific coordinating mechanism dedicated solely to addressing issues related to the worst forms of child labor, outside the scope of human trafficking.
The government has established policies related to child labor (Table 9). However, policy gaps exist that hinder efforts to address child labor, including implementation.
Policy |
Description |
---|---|
National Child Protection Policy Framework (2015–2020) |
Strengthened national child protection strategies and programs, and ensured effective coordination among all organizations and entities working for the protection and development of children in the country, including child labor victims. (20) Research was unable to determine whether activities were undertaken to implement the National Child Protection Policy Framework during the reporting period. |
National Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons (2016–2020) |
Established procedures to eradicate human trafficking, including training for frontline staff and other relevant stakeholders; conducted awareness-raising campaigns; and provided victim protection and assistance. Administered by the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons. (19,21) In July 2020, the ATIPU hosted a 2-day symposium to review the National Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons and the Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Human Trafficking in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Moreover, the government conducted human trafficking awareness trainings for four churches, an NGO and two schools, addressing topics such as the definition of human trafficking, child trafficking, victim care, human trafficking indicators, causes and consequences, and examinations on the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act. (18) All trainings were funded by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. (18) |
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Countering Human Trafficking in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Outlines the responsibilities of each signatory agency in combating human trafficking and the worst forms of child labor. Assigns tasks and responsibilities among nine government stakeholders regarding trafficking in persons. (22) Includes the Department of Labor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce, ATIPU, and others. (23) In 2020, the government supported the MOU between signatory agencies, and a local NGO also signed the MOU during the reporting period. (1,18) |
In 2020, a new National Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking was approved for 2021–2025. (5)
In 2020, 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 adequacy of programs to address the full scope of the problem.
Program |
Description |
---|---|
Government-Funded Educational Programs† |
Provide free meals to students and low-income families through the Supplementary Feeding Program. (24) In 2020, the government also continued to fund other programs, such as the Book Loan Program, the Street Children Rehabilitation Program, and the Foster Care Program. (1) |
Zero Hunger Trust Fund† |
Provides meals, materials, and uniforms to children in need. (25) Reports indicate that during the reporting period, limited resources prevented the program from sufficiently assisting all children in need. (1) |
† Program is funded by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
During the reporting period, the ATIPU continued to conduct awareness-raising campaigns by displaying posters and handing out materials aimed at increasing public awareness of human trafficking at Argyle International Airport and other popular gathering sites. The ATIPU also raised awareness through radio and television announcements, and partnered with a local NGO to place new banners in the arrivals and departure areas of the airport. (18)
Although the government has implemented programs to address educational and food needs, research found no evidence that it has carried out programs specifically to assist children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. (26)
Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Table 11).
Area |
Suggested Action |
Year(s) Suggested |
---|---|---|
Legal Framework |
Determine the types of hazardous work prohibited for children, in consultation with workers’ and employers’ organizations, and ensure that the minimum age for hazardous work is age 18. |
2009 – 2020 |
Ensure the the use of children for prostitution, pornography, and pornographic performances is criminally prohibited. |
2017 – 2020 |
|
Ensure that laws prohibit the using, procuring and offering of children for illicit activities, including in the production of drugs. |
2011 – 2020 |
|
Ensure that the law criminally prohibits the recruitment of children under age 18 by non-state armed groups. |
2016 – 2020 |
|
Raise the minimum age for work to the age up to which education is compulsory. |
2018 – 2020 |
|
Enforcement |
Authorize the labor inspectorate to assess penalties for labor law violations. |
2016 – 2020 |
Strengthen the labor inspectorate by providing sufficient resources to conduct labor inspections, including by providing computers and training. |
2015 – 2020 |
|
Ensure that labor inspectors are provided initial trainings and refresher courses related to child labor. |
2018 – 2020 |
|
Increase the amount of resources, including personnel and vehicles, for the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit. |
2017 – 2020 |
|
Coordination |
Establish coordinating mechanisms to combat all forms of child labor. |
2019 – 2020 |
Government Policies |
Ensure that activities are undertaken to implement the National Child Protection Policy Framework. |
2019 – 2020 |
Social Programs |
Collect and publish data on the extent and nature of child labor to inform policies and programs. |
2017 – 2020 |
Enhance efforts to eliminate barriers and make education accessible for all children, including children in rural communities, by providing public transportation. |
2018 – 2020 |
|
Institute programs to address the worst forms of child labor in commercial sexual exploitation. |
2017 – 2020 |
|
Ensure that the Zero Hunger Trust Fund program has sufficient resources to assist all children in need. |
2019 – 2020 |
- U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. January 13, 2021.
- U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report- 2020: St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Washington, DC, June 16, 2020.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-trafficking-in-persons-report/st-vincent-and-the-grenadines/ - UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Gross intake ratio to the last grade of primary education, both sexes (%). Accessed March 3, 2021. 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 National Child Activity Survey (SIMPOC), 2013, Analysis received March 2021. Please see “Children's Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
- U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. May 3, 2021.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Education Act Revised 2005. Enacted: 1992. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act, no. 85. Enacted: July 1, 1938. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2017. November 24, 2017. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Criminal Code. 1988. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, no. 27. Enacted: September 29, 2011. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Police Act Revised Edition 1990, Chapter 280. Enacted: 1947. Source on file.
- CIA. The World Factbook: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Accessed March 6, 2019. Please see “Labor Law Enforcement: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines/ - U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. January 12, 2018.
- IOM. Baseline Assessment in the field of Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening to Combat Human Trafficking. June 27, 2016. Source on file.
- U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. January 22, 2020.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Factories Act, Chapter 335. Revised Edition: 1990.
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/legosh/en/f?p=LEGPOL:1100:6423512078601::::P1100_THEME_ID:100497 - U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. January 10, 2019.
- U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. February 16, 2021.
- U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. February 14, 2020.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. SVG’s National Child Protection Policy Framework (2015–2020). March 16, 2016. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. National Plan of Action (NAP) to Combat Human Trafficking 2016–2020. 2016. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Human Trafficking in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. June 30, 2017. Source on file.
- U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. February 2, 2018.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ministry of Education. School Feeding Programme.
http://www.education.gov.vc/education/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=81 - U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. January 12, 2017.
- U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. February 6, 2019.
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