81. Although the Ivorian Government has long made education for all a priority, it has not established a fixed age for the end of compulsory schooling. As a result, many children find themselves on the streets without having completed primary education. In order to comply with articles 28, 29 and 32 of the Convention, which set forth the right of the child to education and occupational training, Act No. 95-685 of 7 September 1995 on education should be amended to make education compulsory and free for all up to the age of 16 years.

86. In reality the lack of training, the failure to match training to jobs and the persistent economic crisis lead to high unemployment among young people. Some of them resort to the informal sector. Moreover, the abdication of parental responsibility and inadequate action by the public authorities lead to the exploitation of children in the labour sector. Some children under the age of 14 years go to work with or without the parents’ consent. Similarly, article 23-9 of the Labour Code protecting the health and development of the child is being infringed since many children perform arduous and hazardous tasks.

90. […] Personal consent is required for marriage, even from minors (art. 3 of Act No. 64-375 of 7 October 1964 on marriage, as amended by Act No. 83-800 of 2 August 1983). Article 5 of this Act requires the consent of the father and mother or legal representative for a spouse below 21 years of age. […] The minor does not therefore enjoy complete freedom because his or her consent alone is not sufficient. The personal consent of spouses, even if minors, puts an end to forced marriages. However, this phenomenon still persists in violation of the law, with tragic consequences.