Saint Lucia MODERATE ADVANCEMENT

In 2013, Saint Lucia made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The Government ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. The Government also ratified the Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict and the Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons. In addition, the Government continued to fund education initiatives, including after-school programs, transportation subsidies, and school meals. However, although evidence is limited, children in Saint Lucia are reported to engage in child labor in agriculture and in the worst forms of child labor in commercial sexual exploitation. Saint Lucia also continues to face legislative gaps. The law does not fully protect children from exploitation in pornography and illicit activities, and the Government has not adopted a list of hazardous activities prohibited for children. Further, Saint Lucia has not conducted research to assess the nature and scope of child labor. I. PREVALENCE AND SECTORAL DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD LABOR Although evidence is limited, children in Saint Lucia are reported to engage i