FOLLOW UP TO BELIZE UPDATES ON WORST FORMS OF CHILD LABOR

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000017

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DRL/IL (DANG),WHA/CEN (MACK)

LABOR FOR DOL/ILAB (MCCARTER)

GENEVA FOR INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM SOCI USAID BH
SUBJECT: FOLLOW UP TO BELIZE UPDATES ON WORST FORMS OF CHILD LABOR

REF: A. 06 State 184972 B. 06 Belmopan 93


1. Since the submission of Ref. B, the Government of Belize (GoB)
has provided additional information to Post on its efforts to combat
the worst forms of child labor. Post believes it is important that
these additional points be included in any reporting on child labor
in Belize.


2. The GoB's definition of the "worst forms of child labor" mimics
that of ILO Convention 182. In August 2006, the Hazardous Work List
Recommendations was drafted for legislative adoption. Hazardous
work includes:

- work involving and/or exposure to chemicals (hazardous
substance);
- work involving exposure to excessive temperatures, noise, light or
radiation;
- work involving use of dangerous and heavy machinery or dangerous
tools and implements, or electrical and mechanical equipment without
proper supervision;
- work involving carrying or pulling of heavy loads which endangers
or stunts a child's physical growth and development;
- work that is morally harmful to a child, including exotic dancing,
prostitution, pornography, drug trafficking and stealing;
- work in an aquatic environment including fishing, diving and other
underwater activities; working on a vessel; cleaning of swimming
pools and large aquariums; aquaculture farming;
- employment on premises where alcohol is produced or consumed;
- work on premises where firearms, dangerous weapons, explosives and
ammunition are handled, sold or produced; and
- work in garbage collection, disposal and sanitation.

At this point, Post does not know if the Hazardous Work List
Recommendations have been adopted by the GoB. The GoB conducted no
child labor investigations in 2006.


3. As reported in Ref. B, the National Committee for Families and
Children (NCFC) participated in a regional International Labour
Organization (ILO) pilot project to identify and assist victims of
child labor. The GoB contributed US$28,500 in cash and in-kind
contributions to the project. In addition, during the 2006/2007
fiscal year the GoB has spent roughly US$8,300 to ensure that the
children identified in the pilot project remain in their educational
programs during the current academic year. Finally, the Ministry of
Human Development supports programs that target children from
indigent and at-risk families, ensuring their continued access to
primary- and secondary-level education. Thus far in the 2006/2007
fiscal year, the Ministry of Human Development has spent US$42,653
on these programs.

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