Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee takes note of the Government’s first report. Referring to the comments made by the Committee under the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), in so far as Article 3(a) of Convention No. 182 provides that the worst forms of child labour include "all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour", the Committee is of the view that the issue of the use of children as camel jockeys can be examined more specifically under this Convention. The Committee requests the Government to supply further information on the following points.

Article 3. The worst forms of child labour. Clause (d). Hazardous work. In its previous comments, the Committee had expressed concern at the situation of children under 18 years of age involved in camel racing and subject to exploitation. It had also noted that by its nature and the extremely hazardous conditions in which it is performed, camel racing is likely to harm the health and safety of camel jockeys under 18 years of age. The Committee notes that the Government is aware of the dangers of camel jockeying and understands the importance of social dialogue with camel owners. The Government also states that it organized meetings with officials to avoid the negative impact and hazards encountered by contestants. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that, in consultation with the Omani Federation of Riding and Camel Racing, it discussed and promulgated by-laws which, in light of the obligation arising from the ratification of Conventions Nos. 29 and 182, prohibit forced labour and the worst forms of child labour.

The Committee reminds the Government that, by virtue of Article 3(d) of the Convention, the Government shall take the necessary measures to ensure that no children under 18 perform work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals. The Committee asks the Government to supply a copy of the abovementioned by-laws prohibiting the worst forms of child labour. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that camel jockeys under 18 years of age do not perform their work under circumstances that are detrimental to their health and safety.

Article 7, paragraph 1. Penalties. The Committee reminds the Government that, by virtue of Article 7, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the Government shall take the necessary measures to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of the provisions giving effect to the Convention, including through the provision and application of penal sanctions. The Committee accordingly asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that persons who exploit children in camel racing are prosecuted and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed.

The Committee is also addressing a direct request to the Government concerning other detailed points.