Pathfinder country

Costa Rica

SDG indicator 8.7.1 Proportion of children engaged in economic activity
With household chores - age 5-17 (2018) Without household chores - age 5-17 (2018)
Total 3.4 % 3.8 %
Female 2.7 % 3.2 %
Male 4 % 4.3 %
SDG indicator 5.3.1 Proportion of women aged 20 - 24 years who were married or in a union before age 15 and before age 18
2.00%
Before age 15 (2018)
17.10%
Before age 18 (2018)
Latest ratifications - View all
C138
11 Jun 1976
Ratified
C182
10 Sep 2001
Ratified
P029
16 Nov 2020
Ratified
SDG indicator 16.2.2 Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population
2008
0.22
2009
1.8
2010
2011
0.46
2012
0.61
2013
0.1
2014
2015
0.1
2016
1.2
2017
0.42
2018
1.22
2019
1
2020
2021
2022
SDG indicator 16.2.2 Number of victims of human trafficking for forced labour, servitude and slavery, per 100,000 population
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
0.1
2013
2014
2015
2016
0.18
2017
0.14
2018
0.2
2019
0.25
2020
2021
2022
Sources: UN SDG & ILO Normlex

Learn more about Costa Rica

Progress

  • Strengthened Identification and Monitoring: Efforts were made to strengthen coordination among institutions and sectors involved in addressing child labour. Guidelines were developed for detecting and referring suspected child labour cases in various sectors, including agriculture. Focal points were designated at regional and local levels to address and refer underage workers.
     
  • Intersectoral Information Management System: Progress was made in assessing the feasibility of implementing an intersectoral information management system. Evaluation was conducted to incorporate child labour indicators into existing national information systems. Coordination between different departments within the Ministry of labour and Social Security was improved to enhance information systems.
     
  • Combatting Hidden Child Labour in Value Chains: Measures were taken to combat child labour within value chains. Clauses prohibiting child labour were incorporated into procurement and subcontracting instruments in the agricultural sector. An annual survey on child labour was developed for all productive sectors. A rrecognition system for good practices in preventing child labour was established in the business sector.
     
  • Protection of Child Migrants: Migration officers received training on protocols for attending to underage individuals and considering the best interests of the child in human mobility. Joint operations were conducted by relevant ministries and agencies to protect child and adolescent workers in sectors with high labour demand.
     
  • Participation of Children and Adolescents: Dialogue spaces were promoted, led by the National Board for Children, allowing child and adolescent workers to contribute to monitoring and evaluating public policies related to child labour.
     
  • Technical-Vocational Training: Regional training and professional development opportunities were promoted for adolescents aged 15 to 18 who were in the process of withdrawing from child labour, facilitating their reintegration into the education system.
     
  • Promotion and Awareness-raising: Various public institutions and workers' organizations carried out awareness-raising and training activities on child labour. Technical support was provided by the Office of Attention and Eradication of Child labour and Protection of the Adolescent Worker (OATIA). Messages on child labour and the prevention of commercial sexual exploitation were disseminated.
     
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: The Ministry of labour and Social Security, through OATIA, took the lead in the accountability process, compiling information and producing monitoring and follow-up reports on the commitments outlined in the roadmap.
     
  • Normative Updating and Social Dialogue: Progress was made in the revision and updating of the Children and Adolescents’ Code through the Special Commission on Youth, Childhood, and Adolescence in the Legislative Assembly. Technical reviews were conducted to strengthen special protection regulations.

International Instruments

Area Ilo Instrument Status Ratification date CEACR comments
Child Labour
C138
Ratification of C138 - Minimum Age Convention (1973)
In Force 11 Jun 1976
Child Labour, Forced Labour, Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery
C182
Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (1999)
In Force 10 Sep 2001
Child Labour, Modern Slavery
C029
Forced Labour Convention (1930)
In Force 02 Jun 1960
Forced Labour, Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery
P029
Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention (1930)
In Force 16 Nov 2020
Forced Labour, Modern Slavery
C105
Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (1957)
In Force 04 May 1959
Freedom of Association
C087
Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (1948)
In Force 02 Jun 1960
Freedom of Association
C098
Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (1949)
In Force 02 Jun 1960
Discrimination
C100
Equal Remuneration Convention (1951)
In Force 02 Jun 1960
Discrimination
C111
Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (1958)
In Force 01 Mar 1962
Sources: ILO Normlex & UN Treaty Collection
RESOURCES
Hoja de Ruta - Costa Rica
Hoja de Ruta - Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Progress Report Costa Rica
Cover Costa Rica
Costa Rica Pathfinder Country Progress Report 2022-2023