The Role of the ILO in Extending the Scope of International Criminal Law to the Worst Forms of Child Labour

Abstract

Our dissertation attempts to demonstrate that the combination of international labour standards and of criminal accountability could provide beneficial protection to children against the worst forms of child labour. We will thus explore the role played by the ILO, through the adoption of ILO Convention (no.182) on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, in extending the protection of children against the worst forms of child labour. By analyzing the codified and the customary concepts of international criminal law, we can identify under which principles some of the worst forms of child labour can be taken in charge by the international criminal law sphere while the ILO can play a complementary role in the domestic criminalization and the practical application of criminal laws against the worst forms of child labour.