Through the National Commission for the Eradication of Child Labor, the government of Nicaragua, in collaboration with international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector, has developed a strategic plan for addressing child labor in the country. The current plan of action includes a national campaign, "Study First, Work Later," as well as initiatives aimed at the progressive elimination of child labor in the indigenous community of Subtavia, Leon, on the streets of Managua, and in the market of Santos Barcenas.
In , the ILO estimated that Education is free and compulsory through the sixth grade age 12 in Nicaragua. The Labor Code of sets the minimum age for employment at Parental consent is required for children ages 14 to 16 to be employed. The Constitution also prohibits slavery and servitude and provides protection from any type of economic or social exploitation. Article 76 of the Children and Adolescents' Code of calls for the different sectors of society β government, private institutions, family, community and schools β to share responsibility for ensuring the welfare of children who are in difficult circumstances, including those who are abused, exploited, or working.
Articles and of the Code provide for a penalty of four to 10 years in prison for a person who entices or forces a child under the age of 12 to engage in sexual activities. Individuals who sexually exploit persons between the ages of 12 and 18 years may be sentenced to between one and five years in prison. The Ministry of Labor has a child labor office that responds to complaints related to children working illegally. In recent years, the number of child labor complaints received by the Ministry has risen dramatically, from 14 in to 1, in the first three months of According to the ILO, 74, children were working.
Embassy-Managua, unclassified telegram no. Department of State, [hereinafter Country Reports ], Section 6d, at http: See also "Elimination of Child Labor at la Chureca", 2. Although primary education is compulsory in Nicaragua, some children drop out or repeat grades, particularly in the early years.
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