Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports
British Virgin Islands
No Advancement
Although research found no evidence that child labor exists in the British Virgin Islands, in 2023, the government made no advancement in efforts to prevent the worst forms of child labor. In addition, there is no list of hazardous work prohibited for children, nor does the law criminalize the use of children in illicit activities, including in the production and trafficking of drugs. Further, as the minimum age for work of 16 years old is lower than the compulsory education age of 17 years old, children may be encouraged to leave school before the completion of compulsory education.
Research found no evidence that child labor exists in the British Virgin Islands.
Barriers to Education Access
The Ministry of Education has employed truancy officers to ensure that children continue to attend school until the age of 17. While education in the British Virgin Islands is free, the cost of uniforms, books, and lunches prevents some children from attending school. In addition, violence in schools can deter children from attending. Children not in school may be vulnerable to engage in child labor.
Standard | Age | Meets International Standards | Legislation |
---|---|---|---|
Minimum Age for Work | 16 | ✓ | Articles 3 and 128 of the Labor Code |
Minimum Age for Hazardous Work | 18 | ✓ | Articles 3 and 130 of the Labor Code |
Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children | ✗ | Articles 130 and 146 of the Labor Code | |
Prohibition of Slavery, Debt Bondage, and Forced Labor | ✓ | Articles 3 and 130 of the Labor Code; Article 14 of the Constitution Order; Section 201A of the Criminal Code | |
Prohibition of Child Trafficking | ✓ | Section 201A of the Criminal Code | |
Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children | ✗ | Sections 127, 201A, and 284A of the Criminal Code; Articles 3 and 130 of the Labor Code | |
Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities | ✗ | Articles 3 and 130 of the Labor Code | |
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 | ✗ | ||
Compulsory Education Age | 17 | ✓ | Section 2b of the Education Amendment Act of 2014; Part 2, Division 3, Section 28(1) of the Education Act |
Free Public Education | ✗ | Article 22 of the Constitution Order; Section 17 of the Education Act |
* Country has no conscription
† Country has no standing military
In the British Virgin Islands, there is no criminal prohibition against using children in illicit activities, including in the production and trafficking of drugs. In addition, the laws prohibiting the commercial sexual exploitation of children do not meet international standards by not covering girls ages 16–17 or boys for use of a child in prostitution. The Labor Code specifies that hazardous work be defined by the Minister of Labor, but the Minister of Labor has not defined hazardous work for children, including seafaring, or light work that may be engaged in by children who are at least age 14. Furthermore, as the minimum age for work is lower than the compulsory education age, children may be encouraged to leave school before the completion of compulsory education. Additionally, free public education is not available up until the compulsory education age and public schools may charge tuition fees.
Organization/Agency | Role & Activities |
---|
Ministry of Labor: Enforces labor laws and collects data and statistics on violations of the Labor Code and plans and conducts labor inspections. |
As there is no evidence of a child labor problem, there appears to be no need for policies, programs, or a mechanism to coordinate efforts to address child labor.
Area | Suggested Action |
---|---|
Legal Framework | Ratify ILO Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor. |
Ratify the UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict. | |
Ratify the UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child Pornography. | |
Ratify the Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons. | |
Raise the minimum age of work from age 16 to age 17 to align with the compulsory education age. | |
Determine by national law or regulation the types of hazardous work prohibited for children, after consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. | |
Criminally prohibit the use of girls ages 16–17 and boys for prostitution. | |
Criminally prohibit the use of children in illicit activities, including in the production and trafficking of drugs. | |
Criminally prohibit the recruitment of children under age 18 by non-state armed groups. | |
Ensure that tuition and other school fees are not imposed that would hinder free public education. | |
Social Programs | Enhance efforts to eliminate barriers and make education accessible for all children by eliminating prohibitive school costs and violence in schools. |
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