CRC/C/15/Add.269
page 17
between refugees in camps in Algeria and the refugees’ communities of origin in Western Sahara
launched by the State party, the Government of Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO and
conducted by UNHCR and the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.
73.
In light of article 22 and other relevant provisions of the Convention, the Committee
recommends that the State party take all feasible measures to ensure full protection and
care, as well as access to health and social services and to education, of Western Saharan
refugee children living in refugee camps in Algeria, and in this respect continue its
cooperation with, among others, UNHCR and WFP.
Economic exploitation
74.
While appreciating the various positive measures taken, the Committee is concerned that
the minimum age for admission to employment (16 years) and the prohibition of hazardous work
(Act No. 90-11 of 21 April 1990) do not apply for children working in the informal sector (for
example, agriculture and domestic service).
75.
In accordance with article 32 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that
the State party:
(a)
Continue to take effective measures to prohibit the economic exploitation of
children, in particular in the informal sector where the phenomenon is more prevalent,
inter alia by designing special programmes aimed at combating child labour;
(b)
Strengthen the labour inspectorate to monitor the extent of child labour,
including unregulated work, through the provision of adequate human and financial
resources and training; and
(c)
Seek technical assistance from ILO and UNICEF.
Street children
76.
The Committee takes note of the findings of a study conducted in 2001 that children
become street children because of socio-economic problems such as poor housing,
unemployment and poverty, and family problems such as domestic violence and abuse, and is
concerned that these root causes of the phenomenon of street children are not sufficiently
addressed. In addition, the Committee is concerned about street children’s limited access to
adequate nutrition, clothing, housing, social and health services and education and their
vulnerability to economic and sexual exploitation.
77.
to:
The Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures in order
(a)
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy, with the active
participation of street children themselves, non-governmental organizations and other
relevant professionals, to address the root causes of the phenomenon of street children,
with the aim of reducing and preventing it;