run by municipality contractors.25 Similar reports indicated that juveniles between the ages of 12 and 15 have been hired by companies contracted by the municipality of Tehran to collect recycling and garbage.26 In 2014, the municipality of Tehran denied any responsibility for hiring child labour.27 These reports suggest that Iranian authorities may condone the employment of child workers, even in hazardous conditions such as waste disposal services. Acquiescence or approval of the employment of child laborers in these industries may limit accountability of perpetrators and limit opportunity for redress and rehabilitation for victims. While some reports have emerged, NGOs are reportedly typically prevented from doing research on child labour and waste management, limiting comprehensive assessments of the current situation in Iran.2829 In its General Comment on Article 6 of the Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights stipulated that “States parties must take effective measures, in particular legislative measures, to prohibit labour of children under the age of 16.” 30 The legal and regulatory framework of the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consistently determine the minimum age for employment and child labour is permitted in agriculture, domestic service and some small businesses. The limitations within the Iranian legal framework do not effectively prohibit the employment of children below the age of 18 years in hazardous conditions. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights further stipulated that “States parties must adopt effective measures to ensure that the prohibition of child labour will be fully respected.”31 In the Islamic Republic of Iran, child labour legislation that prohibits the employment of children in hazardous conditions has reportedly been ineffective and inadequately monitored and enforced. Such gaps in efficacy and enforcement hinder accountability for employers exploiting child labour. There is no readily available information that might indicate that the Government has engaged in steps to strengthen its legislation prohibiting child labour in accordance with international standards. The lack of legal safeguards protecting children workers contributes to the continued employment of children working in hazardous conditions, in contravention of Iranian law and/or international standards. 25 Radio Farda, https://en.radiofarda.com/a/rubbish-children-iran/28713558.html Child Labor in Municipality Contractors, Islamic Republic News Agency Published on 20 November 2014 http:// www.irna.ir/fa/News/81394069/ 27 Iranian Labor News Agency, http://ilna.ir/news/news.cfm?id=225126 28 Radio Farda, https://en.radiofarda.com/a/rubbish-children-iran/28713558.html 29 See more: Civil society report to the CRC, 2016, Coalition Impact Iran, https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2fCRC%2fNGO%2fIRN%2f19809 &Lang=en 30 General Comment No. 18 on Article 6 of the Convention on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, E/C.12/GC/186, http://docstore.ohchr.org/SelfServices/FilesHandler.ashx?enc=4slQ6QSmlBEDzFEovLCuW1a0Szab0oXTdImnsJZZVQfUKxX Visd7Dae%2FCu%2B13J25Nha7l9NlwYZ%2FTmK57O%2FSr7TB2hbCAidyVu5x7XcqjNXn44LZ52C%2BIkX8AGQrVyIc 31 General Comment No. 18, on Article 6 of the Convention on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, E/C.12/GC/186, http://docstore.ohchr.org/SelfServices/FilesHandler.ashx?enc=4slQ6QSmlBEDzFEovLCuW1a0Szab0oXTdImnsJZZVQfUKxX Visd7Dae%2FCu%2B13J25Nha7l9NlwYZ%2FTmK57O%2FSr7TB2hbCAidyVu5x7XcqjNXn44LZ52C%2BIkX8AGQrVyIc 26 3