Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee raises its concern on the situation of children involved in camel races who are subjected to exploitation and are placed in conditions in which they cannot freely give their consent, nor can such consent validly be provided by their parents in their place.

The Committee notes the concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/15/Add.161, paragraph 51), noting the risks incurred by children involved in camel racing. According to the above Committee, very young children are employed as jockeys in races which endanger their life and safety.

The Committee notes that working as camel jockeys is liable to jeopardize the health and safety of jockeys by reason of its nature and the extremely hazardous conditions in which it is performed.

The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to prevent children who are involved in camel races being subjected to conditions of forced labour and exploitation.

The Committee also addresses a direct request to the Government concerning other points.