Charter with effect from 26 February 1990. Article 7 (8) reads: "With a view to ensuring the effective exercise of the right of children and young persons to protection ... persons under 18 years of age shall not be employed in night-work with the exception of certain occupations provided for by national laws or regulations." 335. The Government's decision is based on its continuing commitment to remove unnecessary and outdated barriers to employment and to extend opportunities to young people. There is no question of reducing meaningful protection. Indeed, the Government is concerned to ensure that requirements continue in force where it is satisfied that there are health and safety reasons for their retention; it does not believe that restrictions on night-work fall into that category. CCPR/C/58/Add.6 page 73 336. The Government considers that in England and Wales and in Scotland the United Kingdom is in compliance with article 7 (3) of the European Social Charter which states that: "persons who are still subject to compulsory education shall not be employed in such work as would deprive them of the full benefit of their education". There has, however, been controversy in relation to provisions in by-laws in Northern Ireland; the Committee of Independent Experts to the Charter has argued that the by-laws are inconsistent with the objectives of article 7 (3). The Government believes that the criticism by the Committee is based on a misinterpretation of Northern Ireland law, but it is none the less intended to include provisions in the revised child care legislation for Northern Ireland which will secure compliance with article 7 (3) of the Charter. Protection of children 337. Article 24 of the Covenant deals with measures of protection for children. There have been a number of developments in the United Kingdom since the last periodic report which increase the protection afforded to children. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the UK's compliance with international human rights treaties related to the protection of children and young persons. It focuses on employment and education, highlighting the government's efforts to ensure the effective exercise of children's rights and protection.

**Category**
Employment, Education