Worst Forms of Child Labour Data

Gambia Region Africa Population 1,268,000 Population under 18 586,000

Total Child Labour NATIONAL STATISTICS * For the year 2000, the ILO projects that there will be 49,000 economically active children, 24,000 girls and 25,000 boys between the ages of 10-14, representing 33.83% of this age group. (ILO, International Labour Office - Bureau of Statistics, Economically Active Population 1950-2010, STAT Working Paper, ILO 1997) * 20,085 children are economically active. (ILO, Yearbook of Labour Statistics, 1998) * In 1995, there were 45,000 economically active children, 22,000 girls and 23,000 boys between the ages of 10-14, representing 36.99% of this age group. (ILO, International Labour Office - Bureau of Statistics, Economically Active Population 1950-2010, STAT Working Paper, ILO 1997) GENERAL NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS * In rural areas, most children assist their families in farm and housework. (US Dept of State, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 1999, 25 February 2000) Child Slavery - Child Trafficking GENERAL NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS * A report on the trafficking of children in West and Central Africa states that children are being trafficked to and from Senegal to neighbouring countries to work as domestics. Most of these children are ill treated and sexually abused and those that run away from the oppression end up in the street or get caught up in the circle of prostitution. (ECPAT, CSEC Database, http://www.ecpat.net/eng/ecpat_inter/projects/monitoring/online_database/index.asp) Child Prostitution and Pornography GENERAL NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS * Sex tourism is a problem in Gambia although the authorities are refusing to recognise its existence. There are reports of a sizable influx of European women seeking sex with underage boys but there are also incidents of men seeking sex with young girls. (ECPAT, CSEC Database, http://www.ecpat.net/eng/ecpat_inter/projects/monitoring/online_database/index.asp) * Observations and unofficial contacts with people have also confirmed the existence of CSEC with victims primarily girls, but lately boys with the increase of homosexual behaviour in the country. (ECPAT, CSEC Database, http://www.ecpat.net/eng/ecpat_inter/projects/monitoring/online_database/index.asp) Children in Crime - Child Soldiers NOTES ON GOVERNMENT FORCES * There are no indications of under-18s in government armed forces. (CSUCS, Global Report on Child Soldiers - 2001, 12 June 2001) * There is no evidence of underage recruitment in Gambia. (CSUCS, Africa Report, April 1999) * In January and February 1999, Gambia sent troops to Sierra Leone within the ECOMOG forces but there is no evidence of any underage soldiers being deployed. (CSUCS, Africa Report, April 1999, citing IRIN, West African Weekly Round-up 6-99, 12 February 1999) Domestic Child Servants GENERAL NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS * Anecdotal evidence in Gambia suggests that the existence of sexually exploitative activities amongst young people within domestic and work situation is overwhelming. (ECPAT, CSEC Database, http://www.ecpat.net/eng/ecpat_inter/projects/monitoring/online_database/index.asp) * A report on the trafficking of children in West and Central Africa states that children are being trafficked to and from Senegal to neighbouring countries to work as domestics. (ECPAT, CSEC Database, http://www.ecpat.net/eng/ecpat_inter/projects/monitoring/online_database/index.asp) Other Hazardous Child Labour GENERAL NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS * In urban areas, many children work as street vendors or taxi and bus assistants. (US Dept of State, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 1999, 25 February 2000) * Many children work in markets and in street trading. (EI, EI Barometer on Human and Trade Union Rights in the Education Sector, 1998) SPECIFIC SECTORS * Begging - There are a few instances of child street begging. (US Dept of State, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 1999, 25 February 2000)