Embedded Files
By: Amelia-Andrea Ramirez
Who Is Covered
Paraguay’s Law 1680/01, otherwise known as the Childhood and Adolescence Code applies to all individuals under the age of 18 within Paraguay- including indigenous, migrant, and rural children- regardless of their formal documentation in the country
Key Rights and Protections
The minimum working age in Paraguay is defined as the age of 14, with strict prohibition of child labor under the specified age (with some exceptions to be approved by authorities). (Article 77)
Labor by adolescents aged 14-17 is allowed, roles of work must not be harmful to their health, development, or education, and requires approval from the labor authority. Work days must not exceed 4 hours per day or 24 hours per week if the adolescent remains in school, or 6 hours per day and 36 hours per week if the adolescent is not enrolled in school. Adolescents are prohibited from working in hazardous or unhealthy conditions; these environments are classified as those involving intense physical strain, exposure to toxic substances, and exposure to psychological harm. (Articles 78-80)
Indigenous children are guaranteed the right to preserve their cultural identity, receive protections and equal access in line with their cultural traditions. They have equal rights to health, education, and protection in accordance with their culture. (Article 31)
All actions and decisions affecting and regarding children must prioritize the best interests of the child to ensure full development and protection. (Article 1)
Every child and adolescent is entitled to equal rights and protection under the law- regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, social status, or cultural background. (Article 3)
Common Violations
● Criadazgo
● Child agricultural labor in rural areas
● Weak enforcement of educational accessibility
● Excessive work hours for adolescents
● Unregistered adolescent workers
What Workers Should Know
● You do not need to be a Paraguayan citizen to be protected under this law
● Children under 14 cannot legally work
● Children 14-17 who can legally work can only work under limited conditions respectable to their safety. No child / adolescent should legally work in dangerous or abusive conditions- even criadazgo.
● All children in Pargauya have equal rights to education and protection- no matter if they are indigenous, rural, low income, or migrant.
● Discrimination and Abuse must be reported. Labor inspectors, human rights organizations, and child protection officers can offer assistance or support.
Where to Get Help
● Ministerio de la Niñez y Adolescencia (MINNA)
● Dirección General de Inspección y Fiscalización Laboral
● UNICEF Paraguay
Sources
Ley Nº 1680 / CÓDIGO DE LA NIÑEZ Y LA ADOLESCENCIA. (2017, May 11). Ley Nº 1680 / CÓDIGO DE LA NIÑEZ Y LA ADOLESCENCIA. Retrieved July 17, 2025, from https://www.bacn.gov.py/leyes-paraguayas/5261/ley-n-1680-codigo-de-la-ninez-y-la-adolescencia
MINNA. (n.d.). MINNA. minna.gov.py
UNICEF. (2025, February 4). Country programme document - Paraguay (First regular session 2025). unicef.org. https://www.unicef.org/executiveboard/documents/country-programme-document-paraguay-frs-2025
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