97. The punishment prescribed for violation of the provisions of the Employment Act relating to child labour does, however, seem to lessen the gravity of such offences and the harm that such violations could cause to a child (a fine of MVR 1000 – 5000‐ (64 – 324).171 98. In 2013, Maldives ratified 8 ILO core conventions which includes C182: Worst form of Child Labour Convention and C138: Minimum Age of Convention. Government is yet to publish list of hazardous occupations prohibited by children. 99. There are accounts of household poverty and broken family circumstances that forced children to seek employment in informal sectors and were subject to exploitation.172 Note also must be made here of the under aged children who migrate to islands other than islands of their birth for educational purposes and are placed in situations where they are forced to work as informal domestic workers in exchange for accommodation and food.173 100. Demographic Health Survey (DHS) undertaken in 2009 found evidence of children’s involvement in economic productive labour.174 The proportion of children between 5‐14 years age working at the time this survey was conducted was 34.2 percent. Older children (10‐14 years of age) and girls were found more often to work than younger children (5‐9 years of age) and boys.175 It has to be noted that children were performing mostly domestic work: 21.6% for less than four hours a day and 10.6% for four or more hours a day.176 101. The labour inspections conducted by Labour Relations Authority (LRA) from 2007 to 2013 did not find any cases relating to child labour exploitation.177 102. A total of 3 cases where children accompanied parents in begging were brought to the attention of HRCM in 2013. The committee may wish to ask the government 1. The measures taken against those who fail to follow the procedures specified in Employment Act in recruitment of children ( parental consent, maintenance of register etc) 2. Measures taken to eliminate exploitation of children in begging. Illicit use of narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances (Article 33) 103. The enactment of the new Drugs Act (17/2011) brought substantial changes to the legislative framework. This Act provides measures to motivate drug dependent persons to treatment and rehabilitation programmes with a view to reduce or eliminate their dependency on drugs and to facilitate their reintegration into the community as responsible citizens. 104. National Drug Use Survey conducted in 2011/2012 found that majority of drug users belong to age group of 15‐19 years, and most of them unemployed and unmarried which could be due to lower age of onset for consuming drugs.178 The report also noted that considerable population of drug users in the country were IDUs (Injecting Drug User) with a grave possibility of spread of HIV and transmittable diseases.179 Nearly 40 percent of cases of juvenile delinquent cases submitted to JJU and MPS were related to drug offences.180 105. Drug related offences were the third most common crime reported to Maldives Police Service.181 It predominantly remains as a male phenomenon; with experimentation, peer pressure, for fun being reasons for initiation of drug use182.Minors are targeted and exploited in trafficking of drugs. 183 . There are no drug treatment services available during the period of remand and Page 25 of 39