Benin report - Institut Africain de la Gouvernance

CHAPTER FIVE: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE__________________________________________________________________________the lack of inspection, more especially in rural areas and in the informaleconomy 60 .652. During the meetings with stakeholders, the CRM learnt that a distinction ismade between children working at home to help their parents in the fields,especially during school holidays and weekends; children who are sent to learna trade with farmers, craftsmen and other specialised workers; and childrenwho undertake paid work in violation of the international conventions on childlabour. The CRM was informed that this latter practice was rare, whereas thefirst two were widespread. Very few stakeholders were sensitive to theproblems of child labour and even their possible exploitation. Many wereready to defend these child labour practices, particularly household chores andthe learning of a useful trade locally.653. Given people‟s apparent acceptance of, and resignation to, the problem ofchild labour, the CRM feels that children in Benin are extremely vulnerableand quite often exposed to exploitation. Families need to be sensitised to thedangers of child labour, and should be helped to rather look for vocationalschools and training centres for their children. Craftsmen and otherprofessionals employing children as apprentices should be encouraged tovoluntarily adhere to codes of ethics, which define codes of conduct on how totreat apprentices.654. Health of employees. The labour code requires employers to bear 60% of allpossible hospitalisation costs incurred by an employee, and to provide securityfor 60% of the amount of costs in case of hospitalisation of one of themembers of his/her family. Therefore, businesses have an incentive to take outa group insurance policy, and such action (which is beneficial to employees) isconsidered to be a benefit in kind by the tax services and is taken into accountin the calculation of the basis of assessment.655. Compliance with labour laws. Benin has laws and agencies that deal withoccupational safety standards. While the Ministry of Labour and PublicService has a general responsibility to ensure occupational health andindustrial safety in Benin, surveillance and control fall under the jurisdictionof the National Occupational Health and Safety Board (CNSST). TheDepartment of Occupational Health, for its part, coordinates, oversees andproposes draft laws on issues of occupational health.656. Agencies such as the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), the Ministry ofMines, Energy and Water, and the National Road Safety Authority carry outhealth and safety related activities in their respective spheres. Section 189 ofthe labour code regulates the setting up of Security and Occupational SafetyCommittees (CSSTs) within enterprises, which have a duty to provide suitable60 ICFTU. 28 and 30 June 2004. Internationally Recognized Core Labour Standards in Benin, BurkinaFaso and Mali. Report for the WTO General Council Review of the Trade Policies of Benin, BurkinaFaso and Mali: Geneva. Page 8-11.224