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(G_UNLOGO1.WPG _ C)  Rl@..$    ڄ z C)  )8 8 #)  @ .$    ڄ($    / | e$  882    .GeneralAssemblyresolution44/25,annex.("2׻$ !UKUS.,  TRY3'3' 3' Letter3'TX  +88   {?s { fXC @ $#C--$882 X$  ++Ӏ  0  / u e$  882    .A/CONF.157/24(PartI),chap.III. i e$  882    .E/CN.4/1994/91,annex. e$  882    .OfficialRecordsoftheEconomicandSocialCouncil,1994,SupplementNo.4(E/1994/24andCorr.1),chap.II,sect.A,resolution1994/91. m e$  882    .Ibid.,resolution1994/90. l e$  882    .CRC/C/24,paras.159-161. } e$  882    .GeneralAssemblyresolution34/180,annex. k C)  882   @ .$    ڄ k C)  882   @ .$    ڄ k C)  882   @ .$    ڄ k C)  882   @ .$    ڄ k C)  882   @ .$    ڄ k C)  882   @ .$    ڄ k C)  882   @ .$    ڄ e$  88    .OfficialRecordsoftheGeneralAssembly,FortyninthSession,SupplementNo.41(A/49/41),paras.425445. i e$  88    .Ibid.,paras.554559. k C)  88   @ .$    ڄ dTable_A k C)  882   @ .$    ڄ J'  (  X 882   j={YIEz|  p @@j H"  ^882   @X .    ڄTable_B  5u{13Right-Aligned Paragraph NumbersI.A.1.a.(1)(a)i)a)3|d) `CG Timesc PE37P<6X9`(Courierd6X@`7@) `CG Times PE37P* `CG Timesxx PE37xP* `CG Times PE37P) `CG TimesO PE37P<6X9`(CourierMP6X@`7@($UKUS.,  TRY3'3' 3' Letter3'TX  +88   {?s { fXC @ $#C--$882 X$# e37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)w|)h) !UKUS.,  TRY3'3' 3' Letter3'TX  +88   {?s { fXC @ $ C--$882 X$  [ 8hX88$$$$Z% {?sA/51/41=]TD@z 8 X ` @@ELOOLO߈     r  { UnitedNations   ] Q  #aPddxXx r^xXxxxXReportoftheCommitteeontheRights  oftheChild^r x^xXr  ^r#dPaPGeneralAssembly   r^OfficialRecords^ {^ {^ { {^ԀFiftyfirstSession   SupplementNo.41(A/51/41)  C7  E) `CG TimesE    M A/51/41    E) `CG TimesEReportoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild#dPE^* `CG TimesEGeneralAssembly  OfficialRecordsE) `CG TimesEE^* `CG TimesEԀFiftyfirstSessionSupplementNo.41(A/51/41) * b=`QA=z (  ` @@b - UnitedNationsE) `CG TimesEE^* `CG TimesEԀNewYork,1996  E) `CG TimesERl 4  4    @.. NOTESymbolsofUnitedNationsdocumentsarecomposedofcapitalletterscombinedwithfigures.MentionofsuchasymbolindicatesareferencetoaUnitedNationsdocument. #/ @..ISSN1020-1823#dd A UK     \R3'\ X      + 8  8 C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sa882   )  #..[Original:English]#..[18June1996]@..\CONTENTS 88tChaptert..tParagraphs󀀀Page   , )8 8 #) .I.0 .CONCLUSIONSANDRECOMMENDATIONSADOPTEDBYTHE . .COMMITTEEONTHERIGHTSOFTHECHILDATITSSIXTHTO . .ELEVENTHSESSIONS................................................# ."1 . .A. .Informalregionalmeetings...................................# ."1 . .B. .Publicinformationactivities................................# ."2 . .C. .RelationswithotherUnitedNationsorgansand . . .treatybodies................................................# ."2 . .D. .Advisoryservicesandtechnicalassistance...................# ."8 .II. .ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS..................... .16# .L"10 . .A. .StatespartiestotheConvention................. . .1# .L"10 . .B. .SessionsoftheCommittee........................ . .2# .L"10 . .C. .MembershipandofficersoftheCommittee......... . .35# .L"10 . .D. .Adoptionofthereport........................... . .6# .L"11 .4III. .REPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE44OFTHE . .CONVENTION........................................... .71035# .L"12 . .A. .Submissionofreports............................ . .7# .L"12 . .B. .Considerationofreports......................... . .81035# .L"12 .IV. .OVERVIEWOFTHEOTHERACTIVITIESOFTHECOMMITTEE....10361148# .!144 . .A. .Methodsofwork..................................10361048# .!144 . .B. .Publicinformationactivitiesandeducationon . .children'srights................................10491051# .!146 . .C. .Internationalcooperationandsolidarityforthe . . .implementationoftheConvention.................10521075# .!146 . .D. .Generalthematicdiscussions.....................10761148# .!150@ .Annexes .I. .StatesthathaveratifiedoraccededtotheConventiononthe . .RightsoftheChildasat26January1996........................# .!163 .II. .MembershipoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild...........# .!168 .4III. .StatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesunderarticle44 . .oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildasat26January1996# .!169+   A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sb882   @ .( I.CONCLUSIONSANDRECOMMENDATIONSADOPTEDBYTHE@ .( COMMITTEEONTHERIGHTSOFTHECHILDATITS@ .( SIXTHTOELEVENTHSESSIONS@ .A.Informalregionalmeetings@ .z Seventhsession,recommendation2@ .Informalregionalmeetings2 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2ReaffirmingthedecisiveroleregionalmeetingscanplayinpromotinggreaterawarenessoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild d   ׀andoftheworkoftheCommittee,aswellasprovidingthemembersoftheCommitteewithadeeperknowledgeandbetterunderstandingoftherealitiesofagivenregion,2 .2ConvincedoftherelevanceofthesemeetingsforenhancinginternationalcooperationandjointeffortsbetweenUnitedNationsbodies,thespecializedagenciesandothercompetentbodiesactiveinthefieldoftherightsofthechild,2 .2Reiteratingtheimportanceoftheparticipationinsuchmeetingsofnon-governmentalorganizationsactiveinthefieldoftherightsofthechild,2 .2RecallingthattheimplementationoftheConventionisadynamicandcontinuousprocess,designedtoensuretherealizationofthefundamentalrightsofchildrenandtheprogressiveimprovementoftheirsituation,2 .2RecognizingthatinformalregionalmeetingsareofthegreatestrelevancetoachieveuniversalratificationoftheConvention,aswellasitseffectiveimplementation,asrecommendedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,2 .2WelcomingtherichnessanddiversityoftheexperiencesgainedinitsvisittodifferentAfricancountries,inthecourseofitsthirdregionalinformalmeeting,2 .21. .Reaffirmsthedecisiveroleofinformalregionalmeetingsincontributingtoawiderpromotionoftherightsofthechild;2 .22. .Welcomesthepossibilityofcontinuingtoholdinformalregionalmeetings,aswellasofundertakingfuturetripsbysomeofitsmemberstoparticularcountries,withaviewtoencouraginguniversalratificationoftheConvention,contributingtoitseffectiveimplementationand,wheneverappropriate,ensuringafollow-uptotheconsiderationofaStatepartyreportbytheCommittee.&  @ .z B.Publicinformationactivities@ . Sixthsession,recommendation1@ .tDisseminationofinformation2 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,'  2 .2RecognizingtheimportanceoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild1/andthepoliticalcommitmentexpressedtowardsitseffectiveimplementationbytheunprecedentednumberofratifications,2 .2RecallingthattheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,initsfinaldocument, f   ׀urgedtheuniversalratificationoftheConventionby1995anditseffectiveimplementationbyStatesparties,2 .2RecallingalsothehighexpectationsfortheeffectivefunctioningoftheCommitteeasanessentialmechanismfortheimplementationoftheConvention,2 .2RecognizingtheimportanceofpromotinggreaterawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,aswellasofitsimplementationsystem,includingtheactivitiesdevelopedbytheCommitteeasatreatymonitoringbody,2 .2DecidestorequesttheSecretary-GeneraltoensurethetranslationofthereportsoftheCommitteeoneachofitssessionsintotheofficiallanguagesoftheUnitedNations.@ .( C.RelationswithotherUnitedNationsorgansand@ .( treatybodies󀀀@ . 1.Childreninarmedconflicts@ . (a)Sixthsession,recommendation2@ . CooperationwithUnitedNationsbodiesChildrenin@ .armedconflicts2 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2Recallingitsgeneraldiscussiononthetopic"Childreninarmedconflicts"andtherecommendationsadoptedthereon,2 .2TakingintoconsiderationtheseriousattentionpaidbytheGeneralAssemblyandtheCommissiononHumanRightstothisquestionandtheimportantresolutionsadoptedinthisfield,2 .2EncouragedbythesupportexpressedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightstotheCommittee'sproposalthattheSecretary-Generalinitiateastudyofmeansofimprovingtheprotectionofchildreninarmedconflicts,2 .2TakingnoteoftherequestaddressedtoitbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightstostudythequestionofraisingtheminimumageofrecruitmentintothearmedforces,2 .2HavingsubmittedtotheCommissiononHumanRightsatitsfiftiethsessionthepreliminarydraftoptionalprotocoltheCommitteehadpreparedonthisissueatitsthirdsession, g   ̀2 .21. .WelcomesthedecisionoftheCommissiononHumanRightstoestablishanopen-endedworkinggrouptoelaborateasamatterofpriorityadraftoptionalprotocoltotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild1/andtouseasabasisforitsdiscussionsthepreliminarydraftsubmittedbytheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild;2 .22. .Decidestosubmit,inthelightoftheinvitationaddressedtoitbytheSecretary-General,itscommentsonthisimportantissue,forconsiderationbytheworkinggroup;2 .23. .Alsodecidestopreparesuchcommentsinthelightofthethematicgeneraldiscussionithadpreviouslyheldonthequestionof"Childreninarmedconflicts"andtomakeavailabletotheworkinggrouptherelevantchaptersofitsreportsonthissameissue.@ . (b)Seventhsession,recommendation12 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .22 .2Recallingitsgeneraldiscussiononthetopic"Childreninarmedconflicts"andtherecommendationsadoptedthereon,2 .2TakingintoconsiderationtheattentionpaidbytheGeneralAssemblyandtheCommissiononHumanRightstothisquestion,2 .2RecallingthedecisionoftheCommissiononHumanRights h   ׀toestablishaworkinggrouptoelaborateadraftoptionalprotocoltotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild1/ontheinvolvementofchildreninarmedconflicts,andtouseasabasisforitsdiscussionsthepreliminarydraftsubmittedbytheCommittee,2 .2RecallingalsothesupportexpressedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsfortheCommittee'srecommendationthatamajorstudybeinitiatedonthemeansofimprovingtheprotectionofchildreninarmedconflicts,2 .2TakingintoconsiderationGeneralAssemblyresolution48/157of20December1993,inwhichtheAssemblyrequestedtheSecretary-Generaltoappointanexperttoundertakeacomprehensivestudyofthisquestion,2 .21. .WelcomestheappointmentofMrs.Gra aMachelastheexpertentrustedwiththetaskofcarryingoutthisstudy;2 .22. .AlsowelcomestheopportunityofmeetingMrs.Machelandexchangeviewswithheronthemainareastobecoveredbythestudy;2 .23. .DecidestocooperatecloselywithMrs.Machelinthepreparationofthismajorstudy.̇@ . 2.Sixthsession,recommendation3@ .Saleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography2 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2Recallingitsgeneraldiscussionon"Economicexploitationofchildren"andtherecommendationsadoptedthereon,2 .2HavingconsideredtheattentionpaidbytheGeneralAssemblyandtheCommissiononHumanRightstothequestionofthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornographyandtheresolutionsadoptedbytheminthisfield,2 .2TakingnoteoftheadoptionbytheCommissiononHumanRightsofresolution1994/90of9March1994entitled"Needtoadopteffectiveinternationalmeasuresforthepreventionanderadicationofthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography", i   2 .2EncouragedthattheCommissiononHumanRightsinitsresolutionrecognizedtheessentialvalueoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild1/anditseffectiveimplementationsystematthenationalandinternationallevelsasanessentialmeanstopreventandcombatsituationsofsaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography,2 .2EncouragedalsobytheappealtoallStatesmadeintheresolutiontoadoptthenecessarymeasurestoeradicatemoreeffectivelythepracticesofthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography,2 .2RecallingtheconsiderationgivenbytheCommitteetoGeneralAssemblyresolution48/156of20December1993onthesameissue,asreflectedinthereportoftheCommitteeatitsfifthsession, j   ׀2 .2RecallingalsotheimportanceitattachestoensuringclosecooperationwiththeSpecialRapporteuronthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornographyandtothevariousmeetingsheldwithhimtoexchangeviewsonmattersofcommonconcern,2 .21. .TakesnoteofthedecisionoftheCommissiononHumanRights5/toestablishanopen-endedworkinggroupresponsibleforelaborating,asamatterofpriority,inclosecooperationwiththeSpecialRapporteurandtheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,guidelinesforapossibledraftoptionalprotocoltotheConventionontheRightsoftheChildonthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography,aswellasthebasicmeasuresneededfortheirpreventionanderadication;2 .22. .Decidestosubmit,inthelightoftheinvitationaddressedtoitbytheSecretary-General,itscommentsonguidelinesforapossibledraftoptionalprotocolforconsiderationbytheworkinggroup;2 .23. .Alsodecidestopreparesuchcommentsinthelightofthethematicgeneraldiscussionheldon"Economicexploitationofchildren"andtomakeavailabletotheworkinggrouptherelevantchaptersofitsreportsonthisissue,inordertoensurethatdueconsiderationisgivenbytheworkinggrouptotherecommendationsincludedtherein;2 .24. .ReaffirmstheimportantframeworkestablishedbytheConventiontodealwithsituationsofthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography,andinparticularinordertoimprovethesystemofprevention,aswellastheprotectionandrehabilitationofchildren,atthenational,bilateralandmultilaterallevels;2 .25. .RecallsthattheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsintheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofAction2/calleduponStatestointegratetheConventionintotheirnationalactionplans;2 .26. .StressesthedecisivepoliticalcommitmentexpressedbyanunprecedentednumberofStatestotheeffectiveimplementationoftheConvention;2 .27. .ReaffirmsthatStatespartiesshouldadoptallappropriatemeasurestoensureandrespecttherightsrecognizedintheConventiontoeachchildwithoutdiscriminationofanykind,thebestinterestsofthechildbeingtheirprimaryconsiderationanddueweightbeinggiventotheviewsexpressedbythechild;2 .28. .Stressesthatthechildaffectedbysituationsofsale,prostitutionandpornographyshouldbeconsideredmainlyasavictimandthatallmeasuresadoptedshouldensurefullrespectforhisorherhumandignity,aswellasspecialprotectionandsupportwithinthefamilyandsociety;2 .29. .Encouragestheworkinggroup,withintheframeworkofitsmandate,toconsidertheholisticapproachoftheConventiontothefundamentalrightsofthechildren,asacontinuoussourceofinspiration;2 .210. .ExpressesthehopethattheactivitiesdevelopedbytheCommittee,inparticularinthefieldofthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography,willbegivendueweightbytheworkinggroup.@ .` 3.ParticipationandcontributiontotheFourthWorld@ .` ConferenceonWomen:ActionforEquality,@ .` DevelopmentandPeace󀀀@ . (a)Eighthsession,recommendation2 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2RecognizingtheimportanceofmaintainingeffectivecommunicationandmeaningfuldialoguewithUnitedNationsbodiesactiveinthefieldofhumanrightsingeneralandchildren'srightsinparticular,2 .2ConsideringtheneedtoensureitsactiveparticipationinactivitiesofrelevancetoitsworkwhicharetakingplacewithintheframeworkoftheUnitedNationssystem-wideaction,2 .2Recallingitspreviousdecisiontoberepresentedat,andactivelycontributeto,thepreparatoryprocessoftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen:ActionforEquality,DevelopmentandPeace,totakeplaceatBeijinginSeptember1995,2 .2Encouragedbytherichnessofthedebateheldatitseighthsessionduringitsthematicdayofgeneraldiscussiononthegirlchild,2 .2ReaffirmingtheimportanceoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild1/andofitsimplementationprocessindecisivelyimprovingthesituationofgirlsaroundtheworldandensuringthefullrealizationoftheirfundamentalrights,2 .2Recallingthat,asstressedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,thehumanrightsofwomenandthegirlchildareaninalienable,integralandindivisiblepartofhumanrights,2 .2RecallingalsothattheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen k   haveacomplementaryandmutuallyreinforcingnature,andrecommendingthattheyshouldbeanessentialframeworkforaforward-lookingstrategytopromoteandprotectthefundamentalrightsofgirlsandwomenanddecisivelytoeradicateinequalityanddiscrimination,2 .21. .ReaffirmsitsdecisiontoparticipateintheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen:ActionforEquality,DevelopmentandPeace,totakeplaceatBeijinginSeptember1995,andrequeststheSecretariattoadoptallnecessarymeasurestoallowforsuchparticipation;2 .22. .Decidestotransmitthecontentofthegeneraldiscussiononthegirlchild,asreflectedinthereportofitseighthsession,tothesecretariatoftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen;2 .23. .RequeststhattheplatformforactionfortheConferencereflectthroughoutitsdifferentchaptersthesituationandthefundamentalrightsofthegirlchild,namelyintheareasspecificallyaddressedduringthegeneraldiscussionoftheCommittee,asreflectedinthereportofitseighthsession;2 .24. .AlsorequeststhattheCommitteebeclearlyconsideredasanessentialmechanismwithintheframeworkoftheinternationalmachinerythatwillbeentrustedwiththetaskofmonitoringandperiodicallyreviewingtheimplementationoftheplatformforaction.@ .H (b)Ninthsession,recommendation2 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2ReaffirmingtheimportanceitattachestomaintainingeffectivecooperationandmeaningfuldialoguewithUnitedNationsbodiesactiveinthefieldofhumanrightsingeneralandchildren'srightsinparticular,2 .2RecognizingtheneedtoensureitsactiveparticipationinactivitiesofrelevancetoitsworkwhicharetakingplacewithintheframeworkoftheUnitedNationssystem-wideaction,2 .2Recallingthat,asstressedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,thehumanrightsofwomenandthegirlchildareaninalienable,integralandindivisiblepartofhumanrights,andshouldbeintegratedintothemainstreamofUnitedNationssystem-wideactivityandregularlyandsystematicallyaddressedthroughouttherelevantUnitedNationsorgansandmechanisms,̇2 .2RecallingalsothattheConventionontheRightsoftheChild1/andtheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen7/haveacomplementaryandmutuallyreinforcingnature,andthattheyconstituteanessentialframeworkforaforward-lookingstrategytopromoteandprotectthefundamentalrightsofgirlsandwomenanddecisivelytoeradicateinequalityanddiscrimination,2 .21. .Reiteratesitsdecisiontoberepresentedat,andactivelycontributeto,theFourthWorldConferenceonWomen:ActionforEquality,DevelopmentandPeace;2 .22. .DecidestoberepresentedbytwoofitsmembersandurgestheSecretariattoadoptallnecessarymeasurestoensuretheirparticipation;2 .23. .Alsodecidestocontinuetofollowcloselythedraftingprocessoftheplatformforactionwithaviewtoensuringthatthesituationandthefundamentalrightsofthegirlchildareclearlyreflectedthroughoutthedocumentandadequatelyaddressedintherelevantseparatechapterincludedtherein;2 .24. .ReaffirmstheimportanceofalsoincludingtheCommitteeasanessentialmechanismwithintheframeworkoftheinternationalmachinerytobeentrustedwiththetaskofmonitoringandperiodicallyreviewingtheimplementationoftheplatformforaction.@ .( 4.UnitedNationsConferenceonHumanSettlements@ .( (HabitatII)@ . Eleventhsession,recommendation2 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2ReaffirmingtheimportanceitattachestomaintainingeffectivecooperationandmeaningfuldialoguewithUnitedNationsbodiesactiveinthefieldofhumanrightsandinareasofimportancetotherealizationofchildren'srights,2 .2RecognizingtheneedtoensureitsactiveparticipationinactivitiesofrelevancetoitsworkwhicharetakingplacewithintheframeworkoftheUnitedNationssystemwideaction,2 .2StressingtheimportanceofensuringtheinvolvementoftheCommitteeintheUnitedNationsConferenceonHumanSettlements(HabitatII)andinitspreparatoryprocess,2 .2Recallingtheimportanceoftherighttohousingasanillustrationoftheindivisibilityandinterdependenceofchildren'shumanrights,2 .21. .WelcomestheparticipationoftheCommitteeintheExpertGroupMeetingontheHumanRighttoAdequateHousing,organizedbytheCentreforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsCentreforHumanSettlements(Habitat)aswellastheattentionpaidbytheMeetingtothespecificsituationofchildren;2 .22. .AlsowelcomesthedecisionoftheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundtoorganize,incooperationwiththeUnitedNationsCentreforHumanSettlements(Habitat),anexpertseminaronchildren'srights,housingandneighbourhood,whichwilltakeasabasicreferencetheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild;1/2 .23. .DecidestoberepresentedbyoneofitsmembersandurgestheSecretariattoadoptallnecessarymeasurestoensuresuchparticipation;2 .24. .AlsodecidestosubmitawrittencontributiontotheUnitedNationsConferenceonHumanSettlements(HabitatII)andtofollowcloselythedraftingprocessoftheHabitatagendawithaviewtoensuringthatthesituationandthefundamentalrighttoanadequatehousingofchildrenareclearlyreflectedinthedocument;2 .25. .StressestheimportanceofensuringtheparticipationofajointdelegationofhumanrightstreatybodiesintheConferenceasameanstoreinforcethehumanrightscomponentinthedeliberationsofandfollowuptotheConference.@ . D.Advisoryservicesandtechnicalassistance@ .z Seventhsession,recommendation3@ . Advisoryservicesandtechnicalassistance2 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2RecognizingthedecisiveroleoftheprogrammeofadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistanceoftheCentreforHumanRightsinthepromotionofhumanrightsingeneralandchildren'srightsinparticular,2 .2Recognizingalsothat,asstressedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,suchassistanceshouldbemadeavailableonspecifichumanrightsissues,asinthecaseofthepreparationofreportsunderhumanrightstreaties,fortheimplementationofcoherentandcomprehensiveplansofactionforthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrightsorwithaviewtostrengtheninganindependentadministrationofjustice,inthelightofapplicablehumanrightsstandardsadoptedbytheUnitedNations,̀2 .2Recallingtheimportanceithassystematicallyattached,inthelightofarticle45oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,1/totheareasoftechnicaladviceorassistancedesignedtopromoteagrowingawarenessandamoreeffectiveimplementationofthisinternationalinstrument,2 .2Reaffirmingtheimportanceofidentifyingspecificareaswheretechnicaladviceorassistanceprogrammeswouldseemappropriate,followingtheconsiderationofaStatepartyreport,aswellasofensuringasystemofperiodicevaluationandfollow-uptosuchprogrammes,2 .21. .ReaffirmsitswillingnesstocontinuetocooperatewiththeCentreforHumanRights,otherrelevantbodieswithintheUnitedNationssystemaswellasothercompetentbodies,includingnon-governmentalorganizations;2 .22. .WelcomestheinvitationaddressedbytheCommissiononHumanRightstohumanrightsbodies,includingtheCommittee,toindicateintheirrecommendationsproposalsforspecificprojectstoberealizedundertheprogrammeoftechnicalassistanceandadvisoryservicesoftheCentreforHumanRights,suchastheorganizationofseminarsandtrainingcoursesandthedraftingofbasiclegaltextsinconformitywithinternationalconventionsonhumanrights;2 .23. .DecidestocontinueidentifyingthemainareaswheretechnicaladviceorassistancewouldseemappropriatetofostertheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtoindicatetheminthepreliminaryorconcludingobservationsadoptedfollowingtheconsiderationofStatespartiesreports;2 .24. .Alsodecidestobringtherecommendationsitmayadoptinthisregardtotheconsiderationoftheconcernedbodies,includingUnitedNationsorgans,thespecializedagenciesandothercompetentbodies,aswellastotheprogrammeoftechnicalassistanceandadvisoryservicesoftheCentreforHumanRights.@ . II.ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS@ . A.StatespartiestotheConvention .21.3  2 .2Asat26January1996,theclosingdateoftheeleventhsessionofthe  CommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,therewere187StatespartiestotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheConventionwasadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution44/25of20November1989andopenedforsignatureandratificationoraccessioninNewYorkon26January1990.Itenteredintoforceon2September1990,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofitsarticle49.AlistofStatesthathavesigned,ratifiedoraccededtotheConventioniscontainedinannexItothepresentreport.@ .BB.SessionsoftheCommittee  22.3  2 .2TheCommitteehasheldsixsessionssincetheadoptionofitspreviousbiennialreport.ThereportsoftheCommitteeonitssixth(special),seventh,eighth,tenthandeleventhsessionsarecontainedindocumentsCRC/C/29,CRC/C/34,CRC/C/38,CRC/C/43,CRC/C/46andCRC/C/50,respectively.@ .T C.MembershipandofficersoftheCommittee  23.3  2 .2Inaccordancewitharticle43oftheConvention,theFifthMeetingoftheStatesPartiestotheConventionwasconvenedon21February1995atUnitedNationsHeadquarters.ThefollowingfivemembersoftheCommitteewereelectedforatermoffouryearsbeginningon28February1995:Mrs.AkilaBelembaogo,Mr.ThomasHammarberg,Mrs.JudithKarp,Mr.YouriKolosovandMs.SandraPrunellaMason.ThelistofthemembersoftheCommittee,togetherwithanindicationofthedurationoftheirtermofoffice,appearsinannexIItothepresentreport.  24.3  2 .2TheofficerselectedbytheCommitteeatitsfourthsessioncontinuedtoholdofficeatthesixth,seventhandeighthsessions.TheywereMrs.HodaBadran(Egypt),Chairperson;Mrs.AkilaBelembaogo(BurkinaFaso),Mr.ThomasHammarberg(Sweden)andMs.SandraPrunellaMason(Barbados),Vice-Chairpersons;andMrs.MartaSantosPais(Portugal),Rapporteur.  25.3  2 .2Atits211thmeeting,on22May1995,theCommitteeelectedthefollowingofficersforatermoftwoyearsinaccordancewithrule16ofitsprovisionalrulesofprocedure:2 .2Chairperson:Mrs.AkilaBelembaogo(BurkinaFaso)2 .2Vice-Chairpersons:Mrs.FloraC.Eufemio(Philippines)2 .2 . .  .  . Mr.ThomasHammarberg(Sweden)2 .2 . .  .  . Mrs.MariliaSardenberg(Brazil)2 .2Rapporteur:Mrs.MartaSantosPais(Portugal)  &  @ .D.Adoptionofthereport26.3  2 .2Atits287thmeeting,on26January1996,theCommitteeconsideredthedraftofitsthirdbiennialreport,coveringitsactivitiesatthesixthtoeleventhsessions.ThereportwasadoptedunanimouslybytheCommittee.'  A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sl882   ݀III.REPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE44̀OFTHECONVENTION@ . A.SubmissionofreportsS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)S27.3  2 .2ThestatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesunderarticle44oftheConventionasat26January1966,theclosingdateoftheeleventhsessionoftheCommittee,appearsinannexIIItothepresentreport.@ .tB.Considerationofreports28.3  2 .2Duringitssixthtoeleventhsessions,theCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportsofArgentina,Belgium,BurkinaFaso,Canada,Chile,Colombia,Croatia,Denmark,Finland,France,Germany,HolySee,Honduras,Iceland,Indonesia,Italy,Jamaica,Jordan,Madagascar,Mongolia,Nicaragua,Norway,Pakistan,Paraguay,Philippines,Poland,Portugal,RepublicofKorea,Senegal,Spain,SriLanka,Tunisia,Ukraine,UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland,YemenandYugoslavia.29.3  2 .2Thefollowingsection,arrangedonacountrybycountrybasisaccordingtothesequencefollowedbytheCommitteeinitsconsiderationofreportsatitssixthtoeleventhsessions,containsconcludingobservationsreflectingthemainpointsofthediscussionandindicating,wherenecessary,issuesthatwouldrequireaspecificfollowup.210.3  2 .2MoredetailedinformationiscontainedinthereportssubmittedbytheStatespartiesandinthesummaryrecordsoftherelevantmeetingsoftheCommittee.@ . 1.Concludingobservations:Pakistan211.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofPakistan(CRC/C/3/Add.13)atits132ndto134thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.132134),on5and6April1994,andadopted,atits156thmeeting,on22April1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction212.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotestheStateparty'searlyratificationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildanditsroleasoneofthesixinitiatorsoftheWorldSummitforChildrenin1990,whichwasessentialtothepromotionandprotectionofchildren'srights.213.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthatwrittenresponseswereprovidedtothequestionsraisedbytheCommitteebeforethesession.ItregretsthattheStatepartyreportwasnotpreparedinaccordancewiththeguidelinesonreporting.214.3  2 .2Onthebasisofinformationprovidedintheinitialreportandfromthedialogueensuingfromitsconsideration,theCommitteefeelsthatexistinglegislativeandothermeasuresarenotsufficienttoensuretheimplementationoftheConvention.Atthesametime,theCommitteetakesnoteofthestatementsmadebytheStatepartyrepresentativethatfurthereffortswillbemadetoaddressproblemsraisedbytheCommittee.Inviewofthis,theCommitteerequeststhataprogressreportbesubmittedbeforetheendof1996.(b)2 .2Positivefactors215.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthatanationalconferencewasorganizedinDecember1991todiscusspriorityareasofsurvival,protectionanddevelopmentofchildren.Ithastakennotewithappreciationofthe"IslamabadDeclaration"adoptedatthatconference.216.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthepositivesupportandencouragementtheGovernmentisgivingtotheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC)DecadefortheGirlChild.217.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthecommentsmadebytheStateparty'sdelegationontheimportanceitattachestotheguidanceofferedbytheCommitteeastothestepstobetakentoimplementeffectivelytheConventionwiththeassistanceof,amongothers,internationalbodiesandagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizations.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention218.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisawarethattherateofpopulationgrowthinPakistanishighandthatalmosthalfthepopulationisunder18.Italsonotesthateconomicconditionshavenotbeenfavourableandpercapitaincomeisrelativelylow.Theinfluxofmorethan3millionrefugeesfromAfghanistanhasplacedafurtherstrainonresources.OtherdifficultiesnotedbytheCommitteerelatetothehighlevelofilliteracyandtheexistenceoftraditionalcustomsandvalueswhichhavedelayedeffortstocombatdiscriminationagainstgirls.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern219.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatthebroadandimprecisenatureofthereservationmadetotheConventionraisesdeepconcernastoitscompatibilitywiththeobjectandpurposeoftheConvention.220.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatdueregardmaynothavebeenaccordedinthepreparationofthereporttothepossibilityofconductingacomprehensiveoverviewoftheexistingsituationwithregardtotherealizationoftherightsofthechildsoastoprovidethebasisforcarefullytargetedstrategies,includingtheestablishmentofpriorities,aswellasformonitoringprogressmade.NorisitcleartowhatextenttheprocessofreviewingthesituationofchildreninPakistanwasdesignedtoencourageandfacilitatepopularparticipationandpublicscrutinyofgovernmentpolicies.221.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsotakesnoteofthecomplexitiesarisingfromthefederalstructureofgovernmentwithregardtothedelineationofresponsibilitiesbetweenthefederalandprovinciallevels;thelackofadministrativecoordinationappearstobeaseriousproblem.Anotherareaofconcernisthelackofconsistencyandclaritybetweensomeofthelawsandtheirapplicationwithinandbetweentheprovinces.222.3  2 .2WhiletheCommitteetakesnoteoftheStateparty'sstatementthatmuchofthenationallegislationisnotincontradictionwiththerightsofthechildascontainedintheConvention,itisconcernedthatseveralrightsarenotrecognizedinnationallaw.Inparticular,thelegislationdoesnotappeartoensurethatallchildren,includingnon-citizens,areprotectedbytherightsguaranteedundertheConvention.Inaddition,theCommitteenotesthenon-compatibilityofcertainareasofnationallegislationwiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,includingthepunishmentoffloggingandthedeathpenaltyandlifeimprisonmentforchildrenbelowtheageof18.223.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientattentionseemstohavebeenpaidtotheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConvention,namelyinthefieldofbudgetaryallocationsandinviewofthedivisionofresponsibilitiesbetweenthefederalandprovinciallevels.TheCommitteenotesthatinternationalagencieshavequestionedthepresentbalanceofresourceallocationsintheStatepartybetweenthesocialandothersectors,includingdefence.224.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernabouttheapparentlowlevelofawarenessamongstthegeneralpublic,includingchildren,andprofessionalsastotheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.225.3  2 .2TheCommitteeobservesthatsufficientattentiondoesnotappeartohavebeengiventotheimplementationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,namelyitsarticles2,3,6and12,inguidingthemeasurestobetakentomakealltherightsofthechildareality.226.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedatthesituationofgirlchildrenasregards,ontheonehand,theeffectoflegislationinplace,measuresadopted,andpracticesandcustomsthatservetodiscriminateagainstgirlchildren,suchasearlymarriage,and,ontheotherhand,theinsufficientattentionaccordedtotheirschooling.227.3  2 .2DiscriminationagainstdisabledchildrenisalsoamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.228.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedtonotethatnationalhealthplansappeartoemphasizethetrainingofdoctorsratherthannursesandotherhealthpersonnel,includingparamedics.Itsattentionhasalsobeendrawntotheapparentlackofacleardivisionofresponsibilitiesbetweentheprovincialandfederallevelsforthedevelopmentofastrongprimaryhealth-caresystem.229.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedabouttheeffectivenessofmeasurestoattainthegoalofprimaryeducationforall,particularlyforgirls.230.3  2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizesthatitisverymuchconcernedaboutthesystemofadministrationofjuvenilejusticeanditsnon-compatibilitywiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,includingarticles37,39and40,andotherrelevantUnitedNationstandardsinthisfield,namelytheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheAdministrationofJuvenileJustice(TheBeijingRules),theUnitedNationsGuidelinesforthePreventionofJuvenileDelinquency(TheRiyadhGuidelines)andtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.231.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisseriouslyalarmedatthereportsoftheforcedlabourofchildren,theexploitationofchildlabourintheinformalandagriculturesectorsandthetraffickingofchildrenwhichhavebeenbroughttoitsattention.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations232.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesthefirmhopethattheStatepartywillreviewitsreservationwithaviewtowithdrawingit.233.3  2 .2WhilenotingtheinformationcontainedinthereportthatareviewoftheconformityofnationallegislationwiththeConventionhasbeenundertaken,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytocontinuetoscrutinizecarefullylegislativeandothermeasuresatboththefederalandprovinciallevelstoensuretheirfullconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inacomprehensiveandholisticmanner.Thehopeisalsoexpressedthat,inthisendeavour,theStatepartywilltakeintoaccounttheCommittee'sconcerns,particularlyitsrecommendationswithregardtotheabolitionoffloggingandcapitalpunishmentforchildrenundertheageof18,andthatdeprivationoflibertyshouldonlybeusedasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestperiodoftime,aswellasthesuggestionsmadeinrespectofthedefinitionofthechild,forinstanceconcerningtheageofcriminalresponsibility.234.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoundertakeathoroughreviewofitsnationalplanofactiononchildren.Itisrecommendedthatthegoalsoftheplanshouldbeachieved,measurably,withinaspecifictime-frameandthattheConventionshouldbefullyintegratedintotheplan.235.3  2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizestheimportanceandvalueofsettingupacoordinatingmechanismwiththemandateofdeterminingprioritiesandregularlymonitoringandevaluatingprogressintheimplementationoftherightsofthechildatthefederal,provincialandlocallevels.Asafirststepinthisdirection,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofsettingupaninterministerialcommitteeorsimilarbodywithpoliticalauthoritytoreviewinitiallyanddetermineappropriateactiontofollowupontheobservationsmadeduringtheconstructivedialoguebetweentheStatepartyandtheCommittee.236.3  2 .2ThebestinterestsofthechildisaguidingprincipleintheimplementationoftheConvention,includingitsarticle4.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenotestheimportance,inreviewingbudgetallocationstothesocialsector,bothatthefederalandprovinciallevels,ofimplementingthatprincipleandensuringthatthemaximumamountofresourcesaremadeavailableforchildren'sprogrammes.237.3  2 .2IntheviewoftheCommittee,measuresmustbetakentomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknownamongadultsandchildrenalike.Toassistintheseefforts,itissuggestedthatpolitical,religiousandcommunityleadersbeencouragedtotakeanactiveroleinsupportingeffortstoeradicatetraditionalpracticesorcustomsthatdiscriminateagainstchildren,particularlythegirlchild,orareharmfultothehealthandwelfareofchildren.Inaddition,itisrecommendedthattrainingaboutchildrightsshouldbegiventorelevantprofessionalgroups.Lawenforcementpersonnel,includingpoliceofficialsandjudges,shouldbeawareoftheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallythoserelatingtothesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.238.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyshoulddevelopawareness-raisingandtrainingprogrammestocombatviolenceagainstchildrenandpreventtheirabuse,neglect,abandonmentandill-treatment.Suchprogrammesshouldbeaddressed,amongothers,toparents,teachersandlawenforcementofficials.Considerationshouldalsobegiventotheestablishmentofeffectivecomplaintsproceduresinsuchcases.239.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttocontinuetakingmeasurestostrengthentheprimaryhealth-caresystem.TheCommitteewouldliketoseegreateremphasisonfamilyeducation,includingfamilyplanning,andencouragesthetrainingofcommunityhealthcareworkerstoassistinthesetasks.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatanoutreachprogrammebedevelopedatthecommunityleveltoaddressissuesrelatingtodisabledchildren,inviewoftheirparticularvulnerability.240.3  2 .2Inlinewithinternationalrecommendations,theCommitteewishestoemphasizetheimportanceoffocusingattentiononimprovingtheprovisionandqualityofeducation,especiallyinviewofitspotentialbenefitforaddressingvariousconcerns,includingthesituationofgirlsandtheincidenceofchildrenatwork.TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttoconsidertakingactiveandurgentmeasurestotackletheproblemsofthelowenrolmentofgirlsinschool,thehighincidenceofschooldrop-out,andilliteracy,especiallyofgirlsandwomen.Attentionisdrawntothepossibilityofbenefitingfromtheactivitiesofwomen'sgroupstoimproveaccesstoeducationforgirlsatthecommunitylevel.241.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatthesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticebereviewedtoensureitscompatibilitywiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.TechnicaladviceandassistanceinthisregardcouldbesoughtfromtheprogrammeofadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistanceoftheCentreforHumanRights.242.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyevaluatethoroughlytheadequacyofmeasurestakentodealwithissuesoftheexploitationofchildren.Inthelightofthelegislationrecentlyadoptedinthisarea,namelytheEmploymentofChildrenActandtheBondedLabourSystem(Abolition)Act,aswellastheconclusionsoftheAsianRegionalSeminaronChildreninBondage,heldatIslamabad,theCommitteewouldliketoemphasizetheimportanceofmeasurestobetakenfortheirenforcement,particularlythroughtheestablishmentofcomplaintsandinspectionproceduresandvigilancecommittees.Arehabilitationprogrammeforchildrenreleasedfrombondedlabourisalsorecommended.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatgreaterattentionbegiventotheissuesoftheemploymentofchildrenintheinformalsectorandinagricultureandthatmeasuresbetakentoaddresstheseissues.TheCommitteebelievesthattechnicaladvice,particularlyfromtheInternationalLabourOrganization(ILO),maybeappropriatewithregardtothesematters.243.3  2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgesthewillingnesstheStatepartyhasshownformanyyearstoacceptrefugees,particularlyfromneighbouringcountries,andexpressesthehopethattheFederalGovernmentwillcontinuetograntrefugeestatustochildren-andtheirfamilies-assuchneedsariseinthefuture,andtoensureatthesametimeacomprehensivesystemofregistration.244.3  2 .2TheCommitteedrawsattentiontotheprovisionsofarticle45(b)oftheConventionrelatingtotheprovisionoftechnicalassistanceandadvice,andencouragestheGovernmenttocontinueitscooperationwithintergovernmentalandnon-governmentalorganizationsforimprovementofthesituationofchildren.Moreover,theCommitteeencouragestheCentreforHumanRights,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund(UNICEF),ILOandotherinterestedorganizationsandagenciestoprovide,ifrequested,assistanceandadvicetotheStatepartyforitsprogrammestoimplementtheConvention.245.3  2 .2Finally,theCommitteewelcomestheundertakingbytheStateparty'sdelegationthatresponseswillbesubmittedtothequestionsthatremainedunansweredduringthedialogue.ItalsowelcomestheinvitationaddressedtomembersoftheCommitteetovisitPakistan.ItproposesthataprogressreportontheimplementationoftheConvention,inconformitywiththeguidelinesonreportingandtakingintoaccounttheobservationsmadeduringthedialoguebetweentheCommitteeandtheStateparty,besubmittedtotheCommitteebeforetheendof1996.@ . 2.Concludingobservations:BurkinaFaso246.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofBurkinaFaso(CRC/C/3/Add.19)atits135thto137thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.135137),on7and8April1994,andadopted,atits156thmeeting,on22April1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction247.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsreport,whichhasbeenpreparedinconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelines,andforthesubmissionbytheGovernmentofBurkinaFasoofwrittenrepliestoitslistofissues.ItnoteswithsatisfactionthatthesupplementaryinformationprovidedbythedelegationmadeitpossibletoengageinafrankandconstructivedialoguewiththeStateparty.(b)2 .2Positivefactors248.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthemeasuresundertakenbytheGovernmentofBurkinaFasosincetheentryintoforceoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildin1990topromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild.ItnotestheadoptionbytheGovernmentofBurkinaFasoofthenationalplanofactionandtheestablishmentofthefollow-upandEvaluationCommitteetomonitoritsimplementation;theadoptionoflegislativemeasuresprohibitingfemalecircumcisionandthesettingupofaNationalCommitteetoCombatFemaleCircumcision;andtheannouncedrevisionofpenalandlabourlegislation,whichwill,interalia,bringthenationallawintoconformitywiththeinternationalstandardsfortheprotectionoftherightsofthechildsetforthintheConvention.249.3  2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatesverymuchthewillingnessandthereadinessoftheGovernmentofBurkinaFasotocooperatewithvariousintergovernmentalandnon-governmentalinstitutionsinthefieldofthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechildinaccordancewiththestandardssetforthintheConvention.TheeffortsmadebytheGovernmenttoinvolve,atthenationalandlocallevels,customaryandreligiousleadersintheimplementationoftherightsofthechildarealsoappreciated.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheConvention250.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisawareofthedifficultiesencounteredbyBurkinaFaso,particularlythoseassociatedwiththelowlevelofadequateresources,andtheimplementationofthestructuraladjustmentpoliciesandtherecentdevaluationoftheCommunautfinancireafricaine(CFA)franc.Certaintraditionalpracticesandcustoms,prevailingparticularlyinruralareas,alsocreatedifficultiesfortheapplicationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteenotesthattheGovernmentofBurkinaFasoiswellawareoftheexistingdifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConventionandmuchappreciatesthefranknessandself-criticalapproachofthereportinthisrespect.TheCommittee,furthermore,notesthecommitmentexpressedbytheGovernmenttodoeverything,throughnationalaswellasinternationalactions,insuchadifficultsituation,toensurethatchildren'sproblemsaretreatedwiththehighestpossiblepriority.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern251.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthenegativeeffectsofpovertyandstructuraladjustmentsonthesituationofchildreninBurkinaFaso,asillustratedbythehighrateofinfantmortality,malnutrition,aswellasthelowlevelofhealthservicesandschoolattendance.252.3  2 .2Thelackofadequatemechanismsforthecollectionofdataonthesituationofchildrenisalsoamatterofconcern.253.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsseriousconcernatthepersistenceofdiscriminationagainstgirlsandwomen.TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelowschoolattendanceandhighdrop-outratesamonggirls,especiallyattheprimarylevel,andatthecontinuingpracticesoffemalecircumcision,forcedmarriagesanddomesticviolence,aswellasthelowcoverageandacceptanceoffamilyplanningprogrammes.254.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutthepersistenceofsomediscriminatorysocialattitudestowardsvulnerablegroupsofchildren,includingthosebornoutofwedlockanddisabledchildren.Thelackofadequaterecourseandcomplaintsproceduresforchildren,victimsofcrueltreatment,includingdomesticviolence,forculturalaswellasmaterialreasons,isalsoamatterofconcern.255.3  2 .2TheCommitteefeelsthatthevaccinationprogrammesarenotadequate,bothintermsoftherangeofvaccinesofferedandthegroupscovered,anddonotcorrespondtotherealneeds,especiallyinruralareas.256.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthesanctionssetforthinthelegislationasregardsjuvenileoffenders,especiallyincasescarryingthedeathpenaltyorlifeimprisonment,reducedrespectivelytolifeimprisonmentorto20years'imprisonment,areexcessivelyhigh.Harshsentences,aswellastheoccurrenceofarbitrarydetentionofjuvenilesandtheadmittedlyverydifficultconditionsofdetention,arenotinconformitywiththeprovisionsofarticles37and40oftheConvention.257.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernaboutthelackofadequatetrainingprovidedtolawenforcementofficialsandjudicialpersonnelinthelightofarticle3oftheConvention.258.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutthelackofadequateprotectionprovidedtochildworkers,inparticularthoseemployedinagriculture,domesticserviceandtheinformalsector.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations259.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatacomprehensivestrategybeelaboratedandeffectivelyimplementedbytheGovernmentoftheStatepartytoeradicatetheexistingdiscriminationagainstgirlsandwomen.Inthatcontext,specialeffortsshouldbemadetopreventexistingpracticesofforcedmarriage,femalecircumcisionanddomesticviolence.Moreattentionshouldbepaidtothewiderdisseminationofknowledgeaboutmodernmethodsoffamilyplanning.260.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatspecialeffortsshouldbemadebytheGovernmenttopursuetheprocessofbringingtheexistinglegislationintolinewiththeprovisionsoftheConventionandtotakefullyintoaccounttheinterestsofthechildinthecourseofdraftingnewlegislation,includingthroughthepossibilityofconsideringacomprehensivelegislativeactontherightsofthechild.Thepenalandlabourcodes,nowunderrevision,shouldbebroughtintolinewiththerelevantprovisionsoftheConvention.261.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthepersonneldealingwithchildrenbeprovidedwithadequatetraining,withparticularemphasisbeingplacedontheprovisionsoftheConvention.262.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatpartofthetrainingoflawenforcementpersonnel,judgesandotherrelevantpersonnelbedevotedtoanunderstandingofinternationalstandardsonjuvenilejustice,includingtheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.Thenationalpenitentiarysystemshouldbereformedtoassureappropriatetreatmentofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,includingthroughnon-institutionalmeasures.263.3  2 .2TheCommittee,beingawareofthelackofnecessaryfinancialresourcestoimplementsomeoftherecommendationsformulatedabove,stronglyrecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderrequestingassistancefromtheCentreforHumanRights,underitsprogrammeofadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistance,inthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.Itisalsosuggestedthatsupportfromtheinternationalcommunitybemadeavailable,inparticularinthefieldsoflegislativereview,trainingoflawenforcementpersonnel,judgesandotheradministrationofjusticeofficials,andforthedevelopmentofanadequatesystemforthecollectionofdataonthesituationofchildren.@ . 3.Concludingobservations:France264.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofFrance(CRC/C/3/Add.15)atits139thto141stmeetings(CRC/C/SR.139-141),on11and12April1994,andadopted,atits156thmeeting,on22April1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction265.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthepromptratificationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildbytheStatepartyandthepreparationoftheinitialreportwhichisverycomprehensiveandcloselyfollowstheCommittee'sguidelines.266.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoexpressitsappreciationforthepresenceofahigh-leveldelegationfromtheStateparty,includingofficialsfromministriesdirectlyinvolvedintheimplementationoftheConvention.TheCommitteehopesthattheexchangeofviewsheldwiththedelegationoftheStatepartyandthedecisionoftheGovernmenttomakeitsinitialreportwidelyavailablewillcontributetoanopendiscussiononchildren'srightsatthenationallevel.(b)2 .2Positivefactors267.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisparticularlyencouragedbytheStateparty'scommitmenttoreflectonandreviewthemeasurestakenandpolicychosentoimplementtheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventioninthelightofthechangingrealityofthesituationofchildren.268.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecognizestheimportanceoftheannualmeetingheldbetweenthepublicauthoritiesandthenon-governmentalcommunityontheanniversaryoftheadoptionoftheConventionbytheGeneralAssembly.TheCommitteestressesthevalueofsuchameetinginlaunchingafruitfuldialoguebetweentheGovernmentandthe"civilsociety",aswellasinensuringaseriousevaluationofthegovernmentalpoliciesadoptedforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.269.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomesthedecisiontakenbytheGovernmenttosubmitanannualreporttotheParliamentaryAssembliesontheimplementationoftheConventionandonitspoliciesinrelationtothesituationofchildrenintheworld.Thisprocedurewillcontributetoemphasizingtheimportanceoftheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild,whichisaprimaryconsiderationtobetakenintoaccountinallactionsconcerningchildren,includingthoseundertakenbylegislativebodies.270.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthemeasurestakenbytheStatepartytorecognizetherightofthechildtohavehisorherviewsheardandtakenintoaccountinproceedingsaffectingthechild.Noteistakenofthevariousinitiativestoinformchildrenabouttheirrightsandtoencouragechildrentoexpresstheiropinionthroughspecialcouncilsestablishedwithinschoolsandthelocalcommunity.271.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisfurtherencouragedbythestepstakentotraincertainprofessionalgroupsabouttherightsofthechild.Italsocommendstheinitiativesundertakenbymembersofthelegalprofessiontoestablishasystemoflegalinformationandassistancetochildreninthefieldofjuvenilejustice.272.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotestheactiveparticipationofFranceininternationalcooperationactivities,includingintheareaofdevelopmentassistance.273.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthesignificantcontributionbeingmadebytheStatepartytotheinternationalcampaignaddressingtheissueofthehazardousimpactofanti-personnelland-minesonthecivilianpopulationand,inparticular,onchildren.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern274.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthereservationmadebytheStatepartytoarticle30oftheConvention.TheCommitteewishestoemphasizethattheConventionseekstoprotectandguaranteetheindividualrightsofchildren,includingtherightsofchildrenbelongingtominorities.275.3  2 .2Inviewofarticle55oftheConstitution,referredtointhecoredocumentsubmittedbytheStatepartytothehumanrightstreatybodies,whichprovidesthatthenormsofinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentsareself-executinginFranceandmaybeinvokedbeforenationalcourts,theCommitteeisunclearastothestatusoftheConventioninthenationallegalframework,namelyinthelightofrecentdecisionsadoptedbytheCourtofCassationinthisregard.276.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheneedtotakesufficientsafeguardsagainstthepossiblenegativesocialimpactofdecentralization,forinstance,inordertoavoidtheriskofaggravateddisparitiesbetweentheregions,inregardtothestandardofliving,andtominimizethepossibleadverseeffectsontheenjoymentofeconomicandsocialrightsbychildren,especiallythosebelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.277.3  2 .2Regardingtherightofthechildtoknowhisorherorigins,includingincasesofamotherrequestingthatheridentityremainsecretduringthebirthanddeclarationofthebirth,adoptionandmedicallyassistedprocreation,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthelegislativemeasuresbeingtakenbytheStatepartymightnotfullyreflecttheprovisionsoftheConvention,particularlyitsgeneralprinciples.278.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthesituationofunaccompaniedchildrenwhoarrive"unexpectedlyinFrancetoobtainrefugeestatus"(asreferredtoinpara.389oftheStateparty'sreport).Itisalsoconcernedaboutthelackofacomprehensivesystemofprotectioninvolvingthesocialand/orjudicialauthoritieswhichwouldapplytothosechildrenwhiletheyaresubjecttothejurisdictionoftheStateparty,aswellasintheprocessofreturningtotheircountryoforigin.279.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatlegislationandpracticerelatingtoarrest,detention,sentencingandimprisonmentwithinthesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticemightnotbefullyconsistentwiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,andinparticulararticles37and40.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations280.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytoconsiderreviewingitsreservationtoarticle30oftheConventionwithaviewtowithdrawingit.281.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowishestosuggestthattheStatepartyenvisagetheestablishmentofapermanentmechanismofcoordination,evaluationandfollow-upforpoliciestakentoimplementtheConvention.282.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoemphasizetheimportanceofclosecooperationbetweenthecentralGovernmentandthelocalauthorities,includingonbudgetarymatters,tominimizedisparitieswhichmayarisebetweentheregionsastotheprovisionofservices.ItalsoemphasizesthevalueofadoptingacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftherightsofthechildwhichisbotheffectiveandconsistentwiththeprovisionsandgeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlythebestinterestsofthechildandnon-discriminationwhichapplyirrespectiveofbudgetaryresources.283.3  2 .2WhiletheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthemeasuresinplacetoguaranteeminimumsocialincomeandtoimproveaccesstohousingforthemostdisadvantagedgroups,itrecommendsthattheStatepartyinthisperiodofeconomicrecessioncarefullymonitortheenjoymentoftheindividualrightsofchildren.Inthisconnection,itissuggestedthatthenecessarymeasuresbetakentoensurethefullrealizationoftheeconomicandsocialrightsofchildrenbelongingtothepoorestandmostvulnerablesectorsofsociety,includingthoselivinginsuburbs,thechildrenofmigrantworkersandsociallymarginalizedchildren.284.3  2 .2TheCommitteedrawstheattentionoftheStatepartytotherecommendationsofUnitedNationsorgansandspecializedagencieswhichemphasizetheprioritizationofsocialprogrammeswithintheframeworkofdevelopmentassistance.ItwouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderthesef&aspectsofthepromotionofsocialdevelopmentwithinitsinternationalcooperationprogramme.285.3  2 .2WithintheframeworkoflegalreformandinthelightofthebasicprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlyitsarticle2,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderreviewingthepresentlawonminimumageformarriage.286.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatfurtherconsiderationbegiventowaysofencouragingtheexpressionofviewsbychildrenandthoseviewsbeinggivendueweightinthedecision-makingprocessesaffectingtheirlives,inparticularwithinschoolandthelocalcommunity.287.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldalsoliketosuggestthatfurtherawareness-raisingandeducationalmeasuresbeundertakentopreventchildabuseandthephysicalpunishmentofchildren.288.3  2 .2Inviewofthefactthat,followingthesubmissionoftheinitialreport,importantlegislationhasbeenadopted,namelyinthefieldsofnationality,entryandresidenceofforeigners,refugeesandasylum-seekers,aswellasfamilyreunification,theCommitteewouldappreciatereceiving,by1October1994,additionalwritteninformationonthoseareasandonthewaythenewlegislativemeasuresmightaffecttheenjoymentoftherightsofthechildasrecognizedbytheConvention,inparticularitsarticles7,9,10and22andtakingintodueaccountthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention.289.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsideritslegislationinthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,inparticularwithregardtochildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,inordertoensurethatdeprivationoflibertyisusedonlyasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestperiodoftime,inthelightoftheprovisionsoftheConvention,notablyitsarticles37,39and40,aswellasrelevantinternationalstandards,namelytheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.290.3  2 .2InthelightofthebestinterestsofthechildandotherprovisionsoftheConvention,aswellasthoseofILOConventionNo.138towhichFranceisaparty,theCommitteebelievesthattheemploymentofchildrenwhohavenotyetcompletedtheircompulsoryschooling,asadmittedbythelegislationinthecaseofdomesticservantsandfamilyenterprises,includingintheareaofagriculture,deservesreconsiderationbytheStateparty.ItalsoencouragestheStatepartytoreviewtheaccessbychildrentoactivitiesinthefashionindustryinordertoensurethatthisonlytakesplaceonthebasisofacase-by-caseapproachandinthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild.291.3  2 .2InlightoftheimportancetheCommitteeattachestothemonitoringoftheimplementationoftheConventionatthenationallevel,itwouldappreciatereceivingacopyoftheannualreportstobesubmittedbytheGovernmenttotheParliamentaryAssembliesonthepoliciesadoptedtoensuretherealizationoftherightsofthechildrecognizedbytheConvention.@ . 4.Concludingobservations:Jordan292.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofJordan(CRC/C/8/Add.4)atits143rdto145thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.143-145),on13and14April1994,andadopted,atits156thmeeting,on22April1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations.+&  (a)2 .2Introduction293.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofJordan.Whilethereportprovidescomprehensiveinformationonthelegislationandprogrammesthatgiveeffecttotherightsrecognizedinthe'  ConventionontheRightsoftheChild,itprovideslessinformationonfactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConventionandtheactualenjoymentbychildrenoftheirrights.AlthoughsomewrittenreplieswereprovidedtothequestionsraisedbytheCommitteebeforethesession,furtherinformation,includingstatistics,wouldhavebeenparticularlyusefulwithregardtogeneralmeasuresofimplementation,theapplicationoftheprincipleofnon-discriminationandtheenforcementofcivilrights.294.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheadditionalinformationprovidedbythedelegationmadeitpossibletounderstandbetterthesituationofchildreninJordan.TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsappreciationofthedelegation'sconstructiveattitudetowardsnon-governmentalorganizations.Furthermore,itappreciatestheassurancesgiventhattheCommittee'scommentstogetherwithanyunansweredquestionswouldbetransmittedtotheGovernmentforappropriateaction.(b)Positivefactors295.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthestepstakenduringtheperiodunderreviewtobringdomesticlawintolinewiththeConvention,throughtheenactmentofnewlawsortheadoptionofspecificprogrammesaimedatpromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechild.ItwelcomesthefactthatastudyiscurrentlybeingundertakentoreviewnationallegislationanditscompatibilitywiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionandthatadraftpersonalstatusactisalsobeingstudiedwiththesamegoal.296.3  2 .2TheCommitteeparticularlywelcomesthenotableprogressachievedinrecentyearsinsuchcrucialissuesasinfantmortalityandlifeexpectancy,whichhasdemonstratedtheauthorities'commitmenttoallocatesubstantialresourcesforsocialexpenditures,despitestringenteconomicdifficulties.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention297.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheeconomicandsocialdifficultiesthathavebeenfacedbyJordanintheaftermathoftheGulfcrisisandhave,consequently,adverselyaffectedthesituationofchildren.Thepresenceofaverylargenumberofrefugees,particularlyofPalestinianorigin,constitutesafurtherdifficultyimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention.298.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthatthesurvivalofcertaintraditionsandcustomssometimesconstitutesanobstacletotheimplementationoftheConvention,particularlywithregardtotheequalityofboysandgirls.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern299.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthebroadnatureofthereservationsmadetoarticles14,20and21oftheConventionbytheStatepartymayaffecttheimplementationoftherightsguaranteedinthesearticlesandmayraisequestionsaboutthecompatibilityofthereservationswiththeobjectandpurposeoftheConvention.2100.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientstepstakenintheframeworkoflegalreformtobringexistinglegislationintofullconformitywiththeConvention,includinginthelightofthebasicprinciplesoftheConvention,inordertoovercomediscrepanciesorlacunaeinnationallegislation,particularlyinlawsrelatingtomarriageageandtheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.2101.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,althoughtheNationalCharterguaranteesequalitybetweenthesexesinJordan,discriminatoryattitudesandprejudicesarestillvividwithinthesociety,andthattherearestilldisparitiesinpractice,inparticularwithregardtoinheritancerights,therighttoleavethecountryandtheacquisitionofJordaniannationality.Inthislastrespect,theCommitteeisconcernedthat,inthelightofJordanianlegislation,casesofstatelessnessmightarise.Itisalsoconcernedthatthenationallegislationwithrespecttotheminimumageformarriagemaynotbefullycompatiblewiththenon-discriminationprovisionsoftheConvention,asreflectedinitsarticle2.2102.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernattheuncertaintyinthestatusofchildren,andthepossibleensuingdiscrimination,resultingfromthecoexistenceofdifferentpersonalstatusregulationsaccordingtothechild'sreligion.TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheundertakinginthiscontextbythedelegationtoprovidefurtherinformationinregardtotherightsofchildrenoftheBaha'ifaith.2103.3  2 .2AnotherissuerelatestogroupsofrefugeechildrenandtheconcernthattheymaynotbegivenfullprotectioninviewofthefactthattheKingdomofJordanhasnotyetratifiedrelevantinternationalrefugeetreaties.2104.3  2 .2TheCommitteeunderstandsthatthereareunder-agechildrenatworkinJordanandthatsomechildreninremoteareasareevenkeptfromschoolforsuchreasons.TheKingdomofJordanhasnotaccededtoILOConventionNo.138andotherconventionsontheminimumageofemploymentrelatingtotheprotectionofchildrenandyoungpersonsatwork.2105.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackofadequatemeasurestakenbytheauthoritiestoevaluateandaddresstheproblemofdomesticviolence.2106.3  2 .2Inthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheapplicationofarticle92ofthePenalCode,inaccordancewithwhich,althoughnooneunder18yearsofagemaybeheldcriminallyresponsible,criminalproceedingsmaybebroughtagainstchildrenover7yearsofage.Italsodeploresthefactthatchildrentakenintocustody,thoughnotconvictedofanycriminaloffence,mayneverthelessbekeptindetentioninthesamepremisesasconvictedpersons.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2107.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesthehopethattheGovernmentwillconsiderthepossibilityofreviewingitsreservationstoarticles14,20and21oftheConvention,withaviewtothewithdrawalofthesereservations.2108.3  2 .2SpecialeffortsshouldbemadetobringtheexistinglegislationfullyintolinewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includinginthecontextofthepreparationofanewpersonalstatusact.2109.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentenvisagetheestablishmentofanationalmechanismwiththepurposeofcoordinatingtheimplementationoftheConventionandthemonitoringthereof.Coordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizationsinvolvedintheimplementationoftheConventionandthemonitoringthereofshouldbestrengthened.2110.3  2 .2MeasuresshouldbetakentodevelopmechanismsforthedeterminationofappropriateindicatorsandforthecollectionofstatisticaldataandotherinformationonthestatusofchildrenasbasesfordesigningprogrammestoimplementtheConvention.2111.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatlawenforcementofficials,judges,otheradministrationofjusticeofficialsand,moregenerally,membersofprofessionsconcernedwiththeimplementationoftheConventionbeprovidedwithadequatetrainingonthebasicprinciplesandnormscontainedintheConvention.2112.3  2 .2Measuresshouldbetakentopreventandeliminatediscriminatoryattitudesorprejudiceandtoensureeffectiveprotectionagainstdiscrimination,particularlywithregardtothegirlchildandchildrenbornoutofwedlock,aswellasanydifferentiationresultingfromthestatusofparents.2113.3  2 .2Astudyontheextentandnatureofdomesticviolenceisrecommended.Appropriatefollow-upmeasuresshouldbeenvisaged,notleastinthefieldoffamilyeducationandsocialsupport.2114.3  2 .2Inlinewitharticle4oftheJordanianEducationActandarticle29oftheConvention,emphasisshouldbegiveninschooleducationtotheimportantvaluesofpeace,toleranceandrespectofhumanrights.Theactiveparticipationofchildrenshouldbeencouraged.Similarly,effortsshouldbeundertakentodevelopnewchannels,includingmembershipofassociations,throughwhichchildrenmaymaketheirviewsknownandhavethemtakenintoaccount.2115.3  2 .2Stepsshouldbetakentoimproveschoolattendanceforchildrenlivinginremoteareas,toreducetheschooldrop-outrateandtoraisethelevelofliteracy,particularlyamongfemales.SchoolcurriculashouldbeadjustedtomakeroomforeducationabouttheConvention.2116.3  2 .2InordertoensurethatallrefugeechildrenorchildrenseekingrefugeestatusenjoytheirrightsundertheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheKingdomofJordanconsiderthepossibilityofratifyingthe1951ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesandits1967Protocol.2117.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformofthesystemofjuvenilejusticeandthattheConventionandotherinternationalstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty,beseenasaguideinthisrevision.Attentionshouldalsobepaidtomeasuresforrehabilitationandsocialreintegration,inlinewitharticle39oftheConvention.2118.3  2 .2ThemechanismalreadyestablishedtomonitorthesituationofworkingchildrenshouldbestrengthenedinordertoassesstheimplementationoftheConventionandtonarrowthegapbetweenthelawandpractice.Furthermore,theCommitteeencouragestheeffortscurrentlyunderwaytoprepareforaccessiontoILOConventionNo.138andotherconventionsontheminimumageofemploymentrelatingtotheprotectionofchildrenandyoungpersonsatwork.̇2119.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthereportsubmittedbytheStateparty,thesummaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswidelyaspossiblewithinthecountry,particularlytoofficialsandprofessionalsworkingwithchildren,parliamentarians,non-governmentalorganizationsandthemedia.@ . 5.Concludingobservations:Chile2120.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofChile(CRC/C/3/Add.18)atits146thto148thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.146-148),on14and15April1994andadopted,atits156thmeeting,on22April1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2121.3  2 .2TheCommitteecommendstheStatepartyforitscomprehensivereport,whichhasbeenpreparedinconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelinesandreflectsaforward-lookingstrategy,andforthesubmissionofdetailedwrittenrepliestoitslistofissues.ItnoteswithsatisfactionthatthedetailedadditionalinformationprovidedbythedelegationanditsinvolvementinnationalpoliciesconcerningchildrenmadeitpossibletoengageinanopenandconstructivedialoguewiththeStateparty.2122.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthatthereportsubmittedbytheStatepartyistheresultofawideconsultation,atthenationallevel,betweenthepublicauthoritiesandthenon-governmentalcoalitionontherightsofthechild.(b)Positivefactors2123.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthattheConventionontheRightsoftheChildisself-executingintheStatepartyandthatitsprovisionsmaybe,andinpracticehavebeen,invokedbeforethecourts.2124.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthemeasuresundertakenbytheGovernmentofChileinordertopromoteandtoprotecttherightsofthechildinaccordancewiththestandardssetforthintheConventionaswellasthedynamicandselfcriticalapproachoftheChileanGovernmenttowardsitsimplementation.2125.3  2 .2ItnotestheadoptionbytheGovernmentofChileoftheNationalPlanofActioninFavourofChildrenandthereadinessoftheGovernmenttocooperatewithallinterestedparties,bothnationallyandinternationally,inimplementingit.2126.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthatduringtheperiodunderreviewimportantstepshavebeenundertakenatthelegislativelevelwithaviewtoharmonizingthenationallegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,aswellasestablishmentofmonitoringmechanismsincludingtheNationalServiceforMinors(SENAME),apublicserviceundertheMinistryofJusticechargedwithassistingandprotectingchildrenandyoungpeopleinparticularlydifficultcircumstances.2127.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactiontheprioritiessetbytheGovernmentanditsseriouseffortstofaceexistingsocialproblems,includinginthefieldsofhealthandeducation,aswellastoensuretheprotectionoftherightsofdisabledchildren.̇2128.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthestatementbythedelegationoftheStatepartythattheGovernmentofChileisconsideringratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheConvention2129.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatpoverty,inspiteofeffortsbytheChileanGovernment,hasaffectedalargenumberofchildrenandhasaconstraininginfluenceontheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention.2130.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecognizesthatthedemocraticGovernmenthasfacedtheneedformajorlegalandadministrativereformsintheaftermathoftheperiodofnon-democraticrule.Thedemandsintheareaofrehabilitationandsocialreintegrationhavealsobeenconsiderable,notleastinregardtochildren.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2131.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedwiththefactthatthedecentralizationprocessmightleadtoadeteriorationinthequalityofandeffectiveaccesstohealthservicesandeducation,inparticularforthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.2132.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheexistinggeographicalandsocialdisparitiesintheenjoymentoftherightsprovidedforundertheConvention.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2133.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialeffortsshouldbemadebytheGovernmenttoharmonizefullytheexistinglegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,aswellastoensurethatthebestinterestsofthechild,asstipulatedinarticle3oftheConvention,isaprimaryconsiderationinallactionsconcerningchildren,includingthoseundertakenbyParliament.2134.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatanoverallnationalmechanismbesetupwiththemandatetoassurecontinuingsupervisionandevaluationthroughoutthecountryoftheimplementationoftheConvention,whichisparticularlyimportantwithinthecontextoftherealizationbytheGovernmentofthedecentralizationprogramme.2135.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentoftheStatepartyconsiderpursuingthemeasuresadoptedtofightsituationsofchildill-treatment.Itstressestheimportanceofensuringtrainingactivitiesfortheprofessionalgroupsconcerned,aswellasofdevelopingmediationmeasures.2136.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatalegalsystemofadministrationofjuvenilejusticebeestablishedinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37and40,aswellasotherrelevantUnitedNationsstandards,includingtheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.Suchalegalsystemshouldalsoaddresstheimportantquestionoftheminimumageofcriminalresponsibility,particularlyinthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild.Inthisrespect,theCommitteedrawstheattentionoftheStatepartytotheavailabilityoftheprogrammeofadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistanceoftheCentreforHumanRights.2137.3  2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthattheprovisionsoftheConventionshouldbewidelypublicizedamongthegeneralpublicand,inparticular,amongteachers,socialworkers,lawenforcementofficials,thestaffincorrectionalfacilities,judgesandmembersofotherprofessionswhoareconcernedwiththeimplementationoftheConvention.TheCommitteeparticularlyrecommendsthat,inaccordancewitharticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,thereportsubmittedbytheChileanGovernment,thewrittenrepliestotheCommittee'slistofquestions,aswellasthesummaryrecordsoftheconsiderationofthereportandtheCommittee'sconcludingobservationsbemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlarge.Inthesamespirit,theCommitteeexpressesthehopethatthepresentconcludingobservationswillinspireanopendebateatthenationallevelonthepoliciesinthefieldoftherightsofthechild,includingattheparliamentarylevel.@ . 6.Concludingobservations:Norway2138.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofNorway(CRC/C/8/Add.7andCorr.1and2)atits149thto151stmeetings(CRC/C/SR.149-151),on18and19April1994,andadopted,atits156thmeeting,on22April1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2139.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthereport,whichfollowstheCommittee'sguidelines,andforthesupplementaryinformationprovidedonNorway'sdevelopmentassistancepolicy.ItalsowishestoexpressappreciationtotheStatepartyforthesubmissionofwrittenrepliestoitslistofissuesaswellasfortheadditionalinformationprovidedduringthecourseofthediscussion,whichenabledtheCommitteetoengageinafrankandconstructivedialoguewiththerepresentativesoftheStateparty.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2140.3  2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatestheStateparty'sfirmcommitmenttopromotingmeasuresforthebetterimplementationoftherightsofthechildbothnationallyandinternationally.Inthisconnection,itnotesthatNorwaywasthefirstcountryintheworldtoestablishanombudsmanworkingforthebenefitofchildren.ItalsonotesthespiritofdialogueexistingbetweentheGovernment,themunicipalitiesandtheombudsmanandcivilsocietyincludingthenon-governmentalcommunity.Inaddition,theCommitteenotestheimportancetheGovernmentattachestocooperationwiththesevariousbodiesandorganizationsinassessingtheprogressachievedandtheproblemsencountered,thebettertodeterminethestrategiesneededtoaddressissuesastheyarise.2141.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoconsidersasespeciallynoteworthythefactthatNorwayisoneofthecountriesmoststronglyemphasizingthepriorityofthesocialsector,bothwithinitsowndevelopmentassistanceprogrammesandthroughitsparticipationinrelevantinternationalforums.Likewise,theCommitteenoteswithinteresttheStateparty'ssupporttotheestablishmentoftheresearchorganization,ChildwatchInternational,anditsdevelopmentofNORDEM,whichaimstofacilitatetheofferingofnationalexpertassistanceon,interalia,humanrightsmatters,inaspiritofdialogueandcooperation.2142.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthestepstakenbytheGovernmentofNorwaytoreviewitsreservationtotheConventionontheRightsoftheChildwithaviewtoitswithdrawal.ItalsoappreciatestheconcernexpressedbytheGovernmentastoreservationsmadebyanyStatepartythatareincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeoftheConventionasprohibitedintheConvention'sarticle51.2143.3  2 .2Equally,theCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatduringthepresentperiodofeconomicrecession,whichisaffectingmanycountries,andtheprogressiontowardsdecentralizationofsocialservices,thebudgetaryresourcesforchildwelfareprogrammeshavebeenincreasinginNorway.Italsoappreciatesthatasystemofmonitoringthepoliciesandmeasuresofmunicipalitieswithregardtotheirimplementationofchildren'swelfareprogrammeshasbeensetinplacethroughtheCountyGovernorreportingprocedure.2144.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheconsiderableeffortsbeingmadebytheStatepartytocombattrendstowardsintoleranceagainstforeignersandtoaddresstheissuesofracismandxenophobia,includingthroughtheinvolvementandparticipationofyouth.ItalsowelcomestheactiverolebeingtakenbytheStatepartyinencouragingsuchapproachestofacingtheseproblemswithinforumsattheregionallevel.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2145.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotethatagovernmentalcommitteereporthasproposedtoamendtheConstitutiontoincludeaspecialprovisionincorporatingcertainhumanrightstreatiesandthatthissuggestiondoesnotcovertheincorporationoftheConvention.2146.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatalthoughanopting-outsystemexistsforchildrenwishingtoabstainfromcompulsoryreligiouseducation,thisrequirestheirparentstosubmitaformalrequestexposingthefaithofthechildreninvolvedandassuchmaybefelttobeaninfringementoftheirrighttoprivacy.2147.3  2 .2Concerningtherightofachildtoknowhisorherorigins,theCommitteenotesthepossiblecontradictionbetweenthisprovisionoftheConventionwiththepolicyoftheStatepartyinrelationtoartificialinsemination,namelyinkeepingtheidentityofspermdonorssecret.2148.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutsomeaspectsofthepracticalapplicationofthelawandpolicyconcerningchildrenseekingasylum,particularlyinrelationtomethodsofinterviewingchildren,includingunaccompaniedminors.Furthermore,itisconcernedthatthepolicemaynotbeinstructedtodelaytheexpulsionofsomemembersofthefamilyinordertoensurethatthewholefamilyremainstogetherandthatunduestrainonthechildrenisavoided.2149.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatallchildrenwhohavehadtheirasylumrequestsrejectedbutremaininthecountryhavehadtheirrightstohealthcareandeducationprovideddefactobutnotdejure.ItistheviewoftheCommitteethatsuchservicesshouldbeprovidedasamatterofprincipleaccordingtotheletterandspiritofarticles2and3oftheConvention.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2150.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytotakethenecessarystepsforwithdrawingitsreservationtotheConventionintheverynearfutureandwouldliketobekeptinformedofdevelopmentsonthismatter.2151.3  2 .2IncasetheGovernmentofNorwayshoulddecidetoamenditsConstitutiontoincludethereinaspecialprovisionontheincorporationofcertainhumanrightstreaties,theCommitteewouldliketoencouragetheincorporationofareferencetotheConvention.2152.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderinitslegislationtheimplicationsofarticle37(a)oftheConventionand,inthisconnection,thatitalsopayattentiontothedefinitionoftortureprovidedforinarticle1oftheConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishment,towhichNorwayisalsoaparty.2153.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofstrengtheningtheroleoftheMinistryofChildrenandFamilyAffairs,inrelationtorefugeechildren.2154.3  2 .2Aspartoftheongoingeffortstopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyundertakeorencourageresearchonvariousmattersraisedduringthediscussion,includingthereasonsfortherelativelyhighnumberofsuicidesamongyoungpeopleinNorwayandthedevelopmentanduseofindicatorstomonitortheprogressorotherwiseoftheimplementationofalltherightsguaranteedundertheConvention.2155.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheparticulardifficultiesfacing,forinstance,childreninsingle-parentfamiliesmightalsodeservefurtherstudy.2156.3  2 .2InconnectionwiththeStateparty'songoingeffortstoraisegreaterawarenessoftheConvention,theCommitteeisoftheopinionthatconsiderationshouldbegiventoincorporatingeducationontheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionintrainingprogrammesforvariousprofessionalgroups,includingteachers,socialworkers,lawenforcementpersonnelandjudges.2157.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatappropriatewaysandmeansbeusedtotargetfurtherpublicityontheConvention,especiallyaboutthoseprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionrelevanttothesituationofparticulargroupsofchildren,forinstance,childreninthesystemofadministrationofjusticeandthepreventionofdiscriminationagainstchildrensufferingfromtheacquiredimmunedeficiencysyndrome(AIDS)andthehumanimmunodeficiencyvirus(HIV).2158.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomesthepoliciesbeingpursuedbytheStatepartywithregardtothepromotionofhumanrightseducation,especiallyinviewofGeneralAssemblyresolution48/127onthepossibilityofestablishingadecadeforhumanrightseducation,andencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderusingthisopportunitytopromotetheincorporationofeducationabouttheConventionincurriculaforschoolchildren.2159.3  2 .2Equally,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyencouragemeasuresfurthertoinvolveandfacilitatetheparticipationofchildreninmattersaffectingthem,especiallyatthelocallevel.2160.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyreconsideritspolicyonreligiouseducationforchildreninthelightofthegeneralprincipleofnon-discriminationandtherighttoprivacy.2161.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderundertakinganothercomprehensivereviewofthepolicyinrelationtochildrenseekingasyluminthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Inthisconnection,itissuggestedthatsolutionsshouldalsobesoughttoavoidexpulsionscausingtheseparationoffamilies.ItalsosuggeststhattheStatepartymightwishtodiscussfurthertheprovisionofeducationandhealthservices,includingwithrespecttoallchildrenunderitsjurisdiction,inordertoensurethatdifferentstandardsofservicedonotarisebetweenmunicipalities.2162.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderreviewingitsjuvenilejusticesysteminordertoensurethatproceedingsagainstpersonsunder18yearsofagearefullycompatiblewiththespiritofarticle40,paragraph3,oftheConvention.2163.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytocontinuemakingthesubstanceoftheConventionknowntoallchildrenandadultsinNorwayandtotranslatematerialsrelatingtotheConventionintothelanguagesofmajorimmigrantgroupsinNorway.ItwouldalsoliketorecommendthattheStatepartyprepare,inaspecialpackage,thereportoftheStatepartytotheCommittee,thesummaryrecordsandconcludingobservationsfollowingthediscussionintheCommittee,aswellasthelistofissuesandthewrittenresponsestothem,andtomakethisavailableonaswideabasisaspossible.@ . 7.Concludingobservations:Honduras2164.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofHonduras(CRC/C/3/Add.17)atits158thto160thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.158160),on27and28September1994,andadopted,atits183rdmeeting,on14October1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2165.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthereportandthedetailedwrittenresponsessubmittedbytheGovernmentofHondurastotheCommittee'slistofissues.TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthatthesereplieswereself-criticalandofferedsuggestionsastofutureprioritiesforactiontobetakentoimprovethesituationofchildreninHonduras.TheCommitteenoteswithparticularsatisfactionthatthewrittenreplieswerepreparedinconsultationwithvariousentities,includingnon-governmentalorganizations,involvedinimplementingtherightsofthechildinHonduras.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2166.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthecommitmentwithinthecountrytoundertakemeasurestoimprovetheimplementationoftherightsprovidedforundertheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.IttakesnoteofthefactthattheGovernmentrecognizestheproblemsfacingthecountryandthatmajoreffortsarerequiredtoaddressthem.Inthisregard,noteistakenofthelegislativereformenvisaged,inparticular,thedraftminor'scodeandtheproposaltomakemilitaryservicevoluntaryandtoensurethatitdoesnottakeplacebeforetheageof18.Therevisionofpolicy,includingthegreaterprioritybeingaccordedtomeetingthebasicsocialneedsofthepoorersectionsofthepopulation,isalsowelcomed.2167.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthepositivesupportandencouragementtheGovernmentisgivingtodevelopingcooperationwiththeNationalCommissionerfortheProtectionofHumanRightsandintergovernmentalandnon-governmentalorganizationsindeterminingmeasuresandprioritiestoimprovetheprotectionandpromotionoftherightsofthechildinHonduras.2168.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithinterestthesigningofthe"Pactforchildren",aninitiativeaimedatstrengtheningthemunicipalities'involvementintheapplicationandmonitoringoftherightsguaranteedundertheConvention.TheCommitteeacknowledgestheStateparty'ssupporttoinitiativesattheregionallevel,includingthroughtheCentralAmericanParliament'sCommissionontheChild,toaddressissuesrelatingtochildren,suchastraffickinginchildren,addictionandchildlabour.2169.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheinitiativetocollectinformationontheorganizationsworkingforandwithchildrenthroughoutthecountry.Italsotakesnoteoftheinitiativetomapoutthepoorestareasofthecountrywithaviewtoprioritizingtheprovisionofbasicservicestotheareasmostinneed.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2170.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthemeasurestakenbytheGovernmentofHondurastorepaytheexternaldebtandtoimplementthestructuraladjustmentprogrammehaveputastrainonthecountry'sresources.ThedeterioratingeconomicsituationinHondurasiscausingaworseninginthelivingandsocialconditionsofthecountry,somuchsothatabout60percentofthepopulationlivesinextremepoverty.Italsorecognizesthatdrought,floodsandotherecologicalproblemshavehadseriousconsequencesforHonduranfamilies,dependentonagricultureasameansoflivelihood,tomaintainanadequatestandardoflivingandthussupportthemselvesandtheirchildren.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2171.3  2 .2Asalmost60percentoftheHonduranpopulationisundertheageof18,thecountry'sworseningeconomicsituationhashadseriousconsequencesforthechildreninHonduras.TheCommitteenotesthatthesocialinequalitiesexistinginthecountry,includingthroughtheunequaldistributionofincomeandland,havecontributedtotheconsiderableproblemsfacingchildreninHonduras.2172.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheresourcesavailablefortheimplementationoftherightsrecognizedintheConventionareinsufficienttoensureadequateprogressinimprovingthesituationofchildreninHonduras.2173.3  2 .2TheabsenceofacomprehensivestrategydesignedtopromoteawarenessandunderstandingoftherightsofthechildamongalladultsandchildreninHondurasisnoted.2174.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattraditionalattitudesprevailinginthecountrymaynotbeconducivetotherealizationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,including,inparticular,article2relatingtonon-discrimination,includingonthegroundsofgenderandethnicorigin,andarticle12relatingtotherespectfortheviewsofthechild.2175.3  2 .2DespitethemeasurestakenbytheGovernmentofHondurastoimproveandfacilitatetheregistrationofchildren,theCommitteeremainsworriedthatdifficultiespersistinprovidingchildreninHonduraswiththenecessaryregistrationcertificatesandthattheabsenceofsuchbasicdocumentationdetailingthechild'sageandfamilyaffiliationsmayhampertheimplementationofachild'sotherrights,includinghis/heraccesstopublichealthservicesandtothenecessaryprotectionthatachildshouldbeaccordedunderthesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.2176.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheapparentinadequacyofthemeasurestakenbytheStatepartytoensurethatitsadoptionproceduresareconductedinaccordancewiththerelevantprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulararticles3,12and21.2177.3  2 .2ThenumberofteenagepregnanciesinHondurasisrelativelyhighandtheCommittee,therefore,hasseriousdoubtsregardingtheadequacyoffamilyandsexeducation,particularlywithregardtothegenerallevelofunderstandingandknowledgeaboutfamilyplanningmethodsandtheavailabilityoffamilyplanningservices.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatcertainattitudesremaininsocietywhichhampereffortstoeradicatesexualabuseandexploitation.2178.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthelackofprovisionofandaccesstohealthservicesandfacilitiesandcleanwaterandsanitationisanextremelyseriousprobleminruralareas.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheprevalenceofthemalnutritionofchildrenfromthepoorerandmoredisadvantagedsectorsofthepopulation,especiallyasregardstheadverseeffectsoftheinsufficiencyofnutritiousfoodonthechild'srighttosurvivalandahealthydevelopment.2179.3  2 .2AsrecognizedbytheStateparty,theCommitteeisconcernedthatmeasuresarelackingtoimplementtheprovisionsofarticle23oftheConventionrelatingtodisabledchildren.2180.3  2 .2NotwithstandingtheinitiativetakenbytheStatepartytoprovidebilingualeducationtochildreninschools,theCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedattheinsufficiencyofmeasurestakenbytheStatepartytoimplementtheprovisionsofarticle28oftheConventionconcerningtherightofthechildtoeducation,especiallyinviewofthelowlevelofenrolmentandretentionofchildreninschoolsandthelackofvocationaltraininginschools,aswellastheinadequacyofteachertrainingprogrammesandteachingmaterial.2181.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeasitworksinpracticeinHonduras.InthisregarditnoteswithparticularconcernthatinthemajorityofdepartmentsintheStatepartyjuvenilejudgeshavenotbeenappointedandthatthereisalackoftrainingprogrammesforjuvenilejudges.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheproposalstolowertheageofcriminalresponsibilityfrom18to16.2182.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernatinformationithasreceivedregardingtheexploitationandabuseofgirlsworkinginthemaquilas(assemblyfactories,mainlyformingpartofthetextileindustry).(e)2 .2Recommendationsandsuggestions2183.3  2 .2TheConventionmustbeseenastheframeworkforactiontoimprovetheconditionofchildren.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewishestoemphasizetheimportanceoftheapplicationoftheConvention'sgeneralprinciples,asreflectedinitsarticles2,3,6and12,inguidingtheactiontobetakentoimplementtherightsofthechild.Inparticular,theCommitteewishestodrawtheattentionoftheStatepartytothesignificanceoftheprovisionsofarticle3oftheConventionconcerningthebestinterestsofthechild,interaliaindirectingfuturediscussionsanddecisionsabouttheallocationandprovisionofresourcesfortheimplementationoftherightsofthechild.2184.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthenecessarymechanismsbeestablishedatthenationalleveltoensuretheongoingmonitoringoftheimplementationoftherightsguaranteedundertheConvention.Inthisconnection,theCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentmightwishtoconsiderthepossibilityofaccordingtotheNationalCommissionontheRightsoftheChildtheappropriateofficialstatus,includingthepossibilityofconstitutionalstatus,asameanstoenhancetheeffectivefunctioningofthisCommission.TheCommitteewishestoemphasizetheimportanceoftheparticipationandrepresentationofvariousentities,includingnon-governmentalorganizationsworkingwithandforchildren,inanydesignatedcoordinationandmonitoringmechanismfortherightsofthechild.ItissuggestedthatanannualreportontheprogressmadeintheimplementationoftherightsofthechildshouldbepreparedbythenationalmonitoringmechanismandpresentedtoParliament.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatsystemsforthecollectionofstatisticsandotherdatawhichwouldprovideindicationsandtrendsastotherealizationofchildren'srightsshouldbefurtherstrengthenedanddeveloped.2185.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentconsiderthepossibilityoforganizingameetingtodiscussthematteroftheavailabilityofresourcesfortheimplementationoftherightsrecognizedintheConvention,includingwithintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation.ParticipantsinsuchameetingcouldincludemembersoftheCommittee,thedonorcommunity,theWorldBank,theInternationalMonetaryFund(IMF),UNICEF,otherintergovernmentalandnon-governmentalorganizations.2186.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatgreatereffortsarerequiredtomaketheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionwidelyknowntoandunderstoodbyadultsandchildrenalike,includingarticle12oftheConventionrelatingtotherightofthechildtoexpresshisorherviewsandhavethemtakenintoaccount.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatacomprehensivestrategybeworkedoutandputintooperationasquicklyaspossibletorealizethisobjective.Itisimportantthatsuchinformationshouldbepreparedinthelanguagesofchildrenbelongingtominoritiesorindigenousgroupsandshouldreachthepeoplelivingintheremoterruralareas.Trainingmaterialandprogrammesabouttherightsofthechildshouldalsobepreparedandprovidedtopersonnelandprofessionalsworkingwithchildren,includingjudges,teachers,thoseworkingininstitutionsforchildrenandlawenforcementofficials.2187.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsidersthatgreatereffortsarerequiredtosensitizesocietytotheneedsandsituationofthegirlchild,tochildrenlivinginruralareasandtosociallydisadvantagedchildrenlivinginurbanareas,inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention.2188.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatfurthermeasuresandeffortsareurgentlyrequiredtofacilitatetheregistrationofchildrensoastoensurethatallchildreninHonduraspossessthenecessaryregistrationcertificates/documentation.2189.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyensurethatitsadoptionproceduresareinconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyitsarticles3,12and21,andotherrelevantinternationalinstruments.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsidersigningandratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.2190.3  2 .2TheCommitteeurgestheStatepartytostrengthenfurtherfamilyeducationprogrammes,whichshouldprovideinformationonparentalresponsibilitiesintheupbringingofachild,includingtheimportanceofavoidingphysicalpunishmentofthechild.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatgreaterattentionandresourcesbeextendedtotheprovisionoffamilyplanninginformationandservices.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytosupportfurthermeasuresthatpromotetheprovisionofchildcareservicesandcentresforworkingmothers.2191.3  2 .2WhiletheCommitteerecognizesthattheStatepartyhasintroducedanddevelopedprimaryhealthcareandachievedmajorprogressinimmunizationcoverage,itnotesthatinsomeareasofthecountry,particularlyinruralareas,aseriousproblemofaccesstothepublichealthsystem,includingprimaryhealth,persists.TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakenurgentlytoextendandstrengthentheprimaryhealthcaresystemandtoimprovethequalityofhealthcare,includingthroughincentivestoattracthighernumbersofvolunteersintothesystematthecommunitylevelandthroughtheprovisionofessentialmedicinesandmedicalequipmentatthevariouslevelsofhealthcareinthecountry.2192.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheeffortsmadebytheStatepartytoprovidefamilyandsocialassistanceprogrammesaswellastoimplementsupplementaryfoodprogrammeswiththeaidofinternationalcooperation,includingfromtheWorldFoodProgramme(WFP).Notwithstandingtheseefforts,theCommitteerecommendsthatmajorattentionandresourcesbefocusedonfurthermeasurestoaddresstheproblemsofextremepovertyaffectingthemajorityofthepopulation,whichhaveadverselyaffectedtherightsofthechild,interalia,toadequatenutrition,clothingandhousing.2193.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatathoroughreviewoftheeducationsystemisurgentlyrequired.Itrecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoimprovethequalityofeducation.Itissuggestedthatmorevocationaltrainingbeprovidedinschoolsandthatfurthermeasuresbeintroducedtotrainmoreteachers.Itisalsosuggestedthathumanrightseducationbeincorporatedintotheschoolcurriculum.2194.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatmuchgreaterattentionbeaccordedtoimprovingchildren'saccesstotheeducationsystemandreducingthehighincidenceofschooldrop-out.Inthisregard,theCommitteetakesnoteofthesuggestionoftheGovernmentwhichhasnotyetbeenimplementedtoorganizetheschoolyeararoundtheagriculturalseasonswithaviewtoorganizingschoolvacationsatsowingandharvestingperiods.Equally,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartygiveconsiderationtotheprovisionofmealsandtocomplementtheprovisionofhealthcarethroughtheschools.2195.3  2 .2Asregardslegislativereformintheareaoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteewishestoemphasizethatanynewlegislativemeasurestobeintroducedintheStatepartymustbeguidedbytheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalinstruments,inparticular,theBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.Inthisregard,theCommitteeurgestheGovernmenttoensurethattheageofcriminalresponsibilitynotbereduced.TheCommitteealsowishestorecommend,inparticular,thatthesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticebeadequatelysupportedtofunctionappropriately.Thisrequires,interalia,thatjuvenilejudgesbetrainedandfunctioninallareasor"departments"ofHonduras.Equally,theCommitteerecommendsthatthesystemsforthesupervisionofandvisitstoplacesofjuveniledetentionmustbeadequatelyprovidedfor.ItalsorecommendsthattheStatepartyfurtherstrengthenmeasurestoreducetheperiodofcustodyofjuvenilestoensurethatajuvenile'sdeprivationoflibertybeusedonlyasameasureoflastresort.̇2196.3  2 .2Topreventfurtherabusesbeingcommittedagainstchildren,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatallegationsofabusesagainstchildrenandtheill-treatmentofchildrenbepromptlyinvestigatedthroughanadequatelyestablishedsystemandthatpersonscommittingsuchabusesdonotbenefitfromimpunity.2197.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentundertakethenecessarymeasurestointroducelegislationfortheprotectionoftherightsofrefugees,inlinewiththerelevantinternationalstandards,includingtheConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesanditsProtocol.TechnicalassistancefromtheOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees(UNHCR)couldberequestedinthisregard.2198.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatthereisanurgentneedfortheGovernmenttoconsiderreviewingitslegislativeandothermeasuresrelatingtotheminimumageforchildlabourastoitsconformitywithILOConventionNo.138.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatemeasuresbetakentoprotectchildrenfromeconomicexploitationandtoprovideforappropriatesanctions.TheCommitteerecommends,inparticular,thatactionbetakentoensurethatthegirlsworkinginthemaquilasarenotexploitedandabused.Moreover,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofadoptingadequatemeasurestoimplementILOConventionNo.169concerningIndigenousandTribalPeoplesinIndependentCountries.2199.3  2 .2Finally,theCommitteewouldliketoproposethatconsiderationbegiventopublicizingandwidelydisseminatingwithinthecountrytheinitialreportandadditionalinformationsubmittedbytheStatepartytotheCommitteeaswellasthesummaryrecordsandconcludingobservationsemergingfromthediscussionofthereportofHondurasintheCommittee.@ .N 8.Concludingobservations:Indonesia200.2 .2TheCommitteebeganconsiderationoftheinitialreportofIndonesia(CRC/C/3/Add.10)atits79thto81stmeetings(CRC/C/SR.79-81),on22and23September1993.Inviewofthefactthattherewasnotsufficienttimeduringthesessiontoclarifyfullyanumberofquestions,theCommitteedecidednottoconcludetheconsiderationofthatreport.TheStatepartywasrequestedtoprovideadditionalinformation,before31December1993,inresponsetoconcernsspelledoutintheCommittee'spreliminaryobservations(CRC/C/15/Add.7,paras.7-18),forconsiderationbytheCommitteeatitsseventhsession.AfterconsideringtheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheGovernmentofIndonesia(CRC/C/3/Add.26)atits161stand162ndmeetings,on28and29September1994(CRC/C/SR.161and162),theCommitteeconcludeditsconsiderationoftheinitialreportofIndonesiaandadopted,atits183rdmeeting,on14October1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations. A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sm882   (a)02 .2IntroductionS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)S  2201.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationoftheGovernmentofIndonesia'scooperationinprovidinginformationadditionaltoitsinitialreportandcomplyingwiththeCommittee'srequesttoresumetheconsiderationofthatreportatitsseventhsession.However,theCommitteeconsidersthatseveraloftheconcernsitraisedpreviouslywithregardtotheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildbytheStatepartystillremaintobeaddressedeffectively.(b)02 .2Positivefactors  2202.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheimportanceattachedbytheStatepartytotheCommittee'sadviceandassistanceonmeasurestobetakentoimprovetheimplementationoftherightsofthechild,andwelcomestheStateparty'scommitmenttocooperatingwiththeCommittee,otherUnitedNationsbodiesandagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizationswithaviewtoreviewinganddevelopingpoliciesandprogrammesaimedatenhancingthesituationofchildren.    2203.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofthewillingnessexpressedbytheStatepartytoreviewitsnationallegislationinthelightofitsobligationsundertheConvention.Itwelcomes,inparticular,theintegrationoftherightsofthechildintothenationaldevelopmentprogrammes,pursuanttotheBasicGuidelinesofStatePolicyof1993anditsNationalHumanRightsProgramme,inconformitywiththeViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofAction.Thedecisiontointroducea"VillageProgramme"withaviewtopromotingchildwelfareandagreaterawarenessoftherightsofthechildatthegrass-rootslevel,aswellastheorganizationofseminarsandworkshopsinthefieldofhumanrights,areotherpositivedevelopments.  2204.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthedecisionoftheStatepartytowithdrawthereservation(qualifiedbythedelegationoftheStatepartyasadeclaration)made,atthetimeofratification,withregardtoarticles1,14,16and29oftheConvention.ItalsonotesthestatementmadebytheStatepartythatitwillsooninformtheSecretaryGeneralthatallarticlesoftheConventionareregardedasapplicablebytheStateparty.(c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention  2205.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofthedifficultiesimpedingtherapidimplementationoftheConventioninIndonesia,particularlytheexistenceof360ethnicgroups,thedispersalofthepopulationthroughouttheIndonesianarchipelagoandtheeconomicproblemsstillfacingtheStatepartyingeneralandsectorsoftheIndonesianpopulationinparticular.(d)02 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern  2206.3  2 .2Thestatusofthereservation,madeatthetimeofratification,inparticularvisvisarticles17,21and22oftheConvention,isnotfullyclearatpresent.TheCommitteeis,however,encouragedbythewillingnessoftheStatepartytoenvisagewithdrawingthereservationwithrespecttothoseprovisionsinthenearfuture.  2207.3  2 .2TheCommitteebelievesthatthereisneedofacomprehensivereviewofthedomesticlegislationtobringitintolinewiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,toensurethatallchildrensubjecttothejurisdictionofIndonesiaareadequatelyprotectedbytherightsguaranteedundertheConventionandtoprovidethebasisforspecificallytargetedstrategiesaswellasformonitoringprogressmade.  2208.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatnationallegislationwithrespecttotheageatwhichachildmaymarryisnotcompatiblewiththenon-discriminationprovisionsoftheConvention,asreflectedinarticle2oftheConvention.  2209.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheapparentlowlevelofawarenessamongthegeneralpublic,includingchildren,andpersonnelworkingdirectlywithchildrenastotheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.  2210.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatproperattentionhasnotyetbeengiventotheimplementationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlyitsarticles2,3and12.TheCommitteereiteratesthattheimplementationoftheseprinciplesisnottobemadedependentonbudgetaryconstraints.  2211.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedatthesmallproportionofthebudgetdevotedtothesocialsectors,particularlyprimaryhealthcareandprimaryeducation,incontradictiontotheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConventionwhichemphasizethateconomic,socialandculturalrightsshouldbeimplementedtothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheCommitteenotesthatinternationalagencieshavequestionedthepresentlevelofresourcesallocatedintheStatepartytothesocialsector.  2212.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernregardingtheimplementationofarticles14and15oftheConvention.Itreiteratesthatlimitingofficialrecognitiontocertainreligionsmaygiverisetopracticesofdiscrimination.Itisalsoconcernedthattheauthoritiesseemtogiveawideinterpretationtolimitationsfor"lawfulpurposes"oftheexerciseoftherightstofreedomofreligion,expressionandassembly,whichmaypreventthefullenjoymentofsuchrights.  2213.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisparticularlyworriedatthelackofcompatibilityofthesystemofadministrationofjuvenilejusticewiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,includingarticles37,39and40thereof,andotherrelevantUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,namelytheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.  2214.3  2 .2TheStatepartyhasgivenassurancesthatviolationssimilartothosethatoccurredinNovember1991,whensecurityforcesusedexcessiveviolenceagainstchildrenpeacefullydemonstratingatDili,wouldnotoccuragain.TheCommittee,however,remainsseriouslydisturbedbythecontinuingpatternofviolationoftherighttofreedomofassemblyandthegreatnumberofcomplaintsofilltreatmentofchildrenattributedtothepolice,securityormilitarypersonnel,inparticularinsituationsofarrestanddetention.TheCommitteeisalsodisturbedbythefailureoftheauthoritiestotakeeffectivestepstopunishthosefoundguiltyofsuchviolationsandtorehabilitateandcompensatethevictimsofsuchacts.  2215.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedaboutthelargenumberofchildrenwhohavebeenforced,inordertosurvive,toliveand/orworkinthestreet.  2216.3  2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthatseriousdiscrepanciesorlacunaestillexistinnationallegislationrelatingtochildlabour.Inparticular,itnotesthatLawNo.1/1951hasneverbeenfullyenactedorimplementedandthatthe1987ministerialregulationdoesnotprovidethenecessaryprotectionforworkingchildren.ItisalsoconcernedabouttheleniencyofthepenaltiesprovidedforunderthelawaswellasthelackofsupervisionbytheinspectorsoftheMinistryofManpower.&  (e)02 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations  2217.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofIndonesiatocompletethereviewofchildrelatedlawssoastoensuretheirconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheConventionand,inthatregard,drawsattentiononceagaintotheactivities'  developedbytheProgrammeofAdvisoryServicesandTechnicalAssistanceoftheCentreforHumanRights.Principlesrelatingtothebestinterestsofthechildandprohibitionofdiscriminationinrelationtochildrenshouldbeincorporatedintodomesticlaw,anditshouldbepossibletoinvokethembeforethecourts.  2218.3  2 .2TheGovernmentshouldtakeallnecessarystepstoensuretherespectandeffectiveimplementationoftheprovisionscontainedintheConventionandaccordinglyreflectedinnationallegislation,includingthoserelatingtochildlabour.Relevantmechanismsshouldbesetuptomonitortheimplementationofallchildrelatedlawsorregulationsatthenationalandlocallevels.Cooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsinvolvedintheimplementationoftheConventionandthemonitoringthereofshouldbestrengthened.  2219.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivereformofthesystemofjuvenilejusticeandthattheConventionandotherinternationalstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty,beseenasaguideinthisrevision.Attentionshouldalsobepaidtomeasuresforrehabilitationandsocialreintegration,inlinewitharticle39oftheConvention.  2220.3  2 .2Theauthoritiesshouldundertakeallappropriatemeasurestothemaximumextentoftheiravailableresourcestoensurethatsufficientresourcesareallocatedtochildren,particularlychildrenlivinginpoverty,childrenlivingand/orworkinginthestreets,childrenbelongingtominoritygroupsandothervulnerablechildren.  2221.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthaturgentmeasuresbeadoptedtocombatdiscriminationagainstchildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups,inparticularchildrenlivinginpoverty,childrenlivingand/orworkinginthestreets,childrenlivinginremotepartsofthecountryandchildrenbelongingtominorities,includingmeasurestoeliminateandpreventdiscriminatoryattitudesandprejudicessuchasthosebasedongender.  2222.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheeffortscurrentlyunderwaytoadoptadequatenormsandimplementingregulationsrelatingtotheprotectionofyoungchildrenandyoungpersonsatwork.ThemechanismsestablishedtomonitorthesituationofworkingchildrenshouldbestrengthenedinordertoassesstheimplementationoftheConventionandtonarrowthegapbetweenthelawandpractice.TheCommitteebelievesthattechnicaladvice,particularlyfromILO,maybeappropriatewithregardtothesematters.  2223.3  2 .2TheCommitteeurgesthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestopreventdisappearances,torture,illtreatmentandillegalorarbitrarydetentionofminors;thatallsuchcasesbesystematicallyinvestigatedinordertobringthosesuspectedofhavingcommittedsuchactsbeforethecourts;andthatthosefoundguiltybepunishedandthatthevictimsbecompensated.  2224.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheprovisionsoftheConventionshouldbewidelypublicizedamongthegeneralpublicand,inparticular,amongteachers,socialworkers,lawenforcementofficials,thestaffincorrectionalfacilities,judgesandmembersofotherprofessionswhoareconcernedwiththeimplementationoftheConvention.  2225.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandadditionalinformationalongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandthepreliminaryandconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommitteebemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlarge,includingnon-governmentalorganizations.  2226.3  2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph4,oftheConvention,additionalinformationbesubmittedtotheCommitteewithintwoyearsaboutprogressinrelationtothelegalreformsenvisagedandtheirimplementation.@ . 9.Concludingobservations:Madagascar  2227.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofMadagascar(CRC/C/8/Add.5)atits163rdto165thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.163-165),on29and30September1994,andadopted,atits183rdmeeting,on14October1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)02 .2Introduction  2228.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationforthedetailedandcomprehensivereportsubmittedbyMadagascaraswellasfortheextensiveadditionalinformationprovidedinitswrittenresponsestothelistofissues.TheCommitteewelcomestheopennessreflectedinthereportwithrespecttodifficultiesencounteredintheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeendorses,ingeneral,themanyrecommendationscontainedinthereportaimedatimprovingtheeffectiveapplicationoftheConventioninMadagascar.TheCommitteeregardsthereportasavaluabledocument,whichmaybeusedinMadagascarinpromotingawarenessoftheConvention,especiallyinregardtoitsapplicationinlawandpractice.  2229.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressesitappreciationtothedelegationforitsfrankandopenattitude,whichcontributedtoaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.Inthisregard,theCommitteetakesnoteofthestatementmadebythedelegationregrettingthatithadnotbeenpossibletoincluderepresentativesfromthedepartmentsconcernedwiththeactualimplementationoftheConventioninMadagascar.(b)02 .2Positivefactors  2230.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentoftheIntersectoralFollowupCommittee,whichdraftedtheinitialreportandwhichisenvisagedasapermanentcoordinatingbodytoensureaneffectivefollowupincloseevaluationandmonitoringofthesituationofchildreninMadagascar,aswellasanappropriatefollowupinclosecollaborationwithnon-governmentalorganizations.TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionthatrepresentativesofinternationalorganizationsareincludedinthefollowupcommittee,whichmayfacilitatebettercoordinationintheareaofinternationalcooperationanddevelopmentassistanceaimedatimprovingthesituationofchildreninMadagascar.&  (c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention  2231.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthedifficultiesfacingtheGovernmentoftheRepublicofMadagascarinaperiodofpoliticaltransition.  '  2232.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthatnaturaldisastersandsevereeconomicproblemshavehadanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.TheCommitteerecognizesthatcertaintraditionalvaluesintheruralareashavenotfavouredtherapidimplementationoftheConvention.(d)02 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern  2233.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthefundamentallegalandadministrativereformsneededtoapplytheConventionhavestillnotbeenfullyundertakeninMadagascar.Asaresult,manyofthelawsaffectingchildrendatefromtheperiodimmediatelyfollowingindependenceandneedtobebroughtintofullconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.  2234.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthepersistenceofdisparitiesintheenjoymentoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionbetweenthedifferentregionsofthecountry,tothedetrimentinparticularofgirls,ruralchildrenandchildrenlivinginsituationsofextremepoverty.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatlastingprejudicesandtraditionalbeliefsaffectcertaingroupsofchildren,includingdisabledchildrenandchildrenbornonacertaindayoftheweek(consideredtobringbadluck),preventingthemfromfullyenjoyingtherightsrecognizedbytheConvention.  2235.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthenationallegislationestablishesadifferentminimumageformarriagebetweenboysandgirlsandthatitauthorizesthemarriagesofgirlsasyoungas14yearsofagewhohaveobtainedparentalconsentfromthefatherorthemother.Suchsituationsmayraisethequestionofcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesofnon-discriminationandthebestinterestsofthechild,inparticularasthesechildrenwillbeconsideredasadultsandthereforenolongereligiblefortheprotectionaffordedbytheConvention.Furthermore,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelegalstatusofchildrenbornoutofwedlock,particularlyofincestuousunions.  2236.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthedifficultiestoensurebirthregistrationofchildren.Suchasituationimpliesthenon-recognitionofthesechildrenaspersonsbeforethelaw,whichwillaffectthelevelofenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrightsandfreedoms.Inaddition,suchchildrenarenotincludedinrelevantstatisticalandotherinformationonchildrenandtheirsituation,therefore,cannotbeproperlymonitored.  2237.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheproblemsassociatedwithilltreatment,abuseandviolencedirectedtowardschildreninschoolandinthefamily,whichisreinforcedbysocialcustom.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthatchildabusehasnotyetbeenclearlyaddressed,thatadequatelegalremediesforabusedchildrendonotexistandthatthereareinadequatesafeguardsagainstreprisalsagainstchildrenwhoreportabuse.  2238.3  2 .2Withrespecttobasichealthandwelfare,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthatinMadagascar,childrenhaveincreasinglyhaddifficultyinobtainingaccesstoadequateprimaryhealthcareandthatmanycontinuetosufferfromlackofmedicineandsafedrinkingwater.Inparticular,theCommitteeisconcernedoverthealarmingtrendthatchildimmunizationisonthedecrease.  2239.3  2 .2Withrespecttoeducation,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthattherehasbeenlittleprogressinimplementingtherelevantarticlesoftheConventionandthat,inparticular,thenumberofhoursduringwhichschoolsareopenhavebeenrestricted,thatteachertraininghasbeeninadequateandthatahighproportionofpupilsdropoutbeforefinishingprimaryschool.Moreover,theCommitteeisconcernedatthedifficultiesarisingfromthechangesintroducedintheeducationsystemasfarasthelanguageofinstructionisconcerned.  2240.3  2 .2Withregardtochildexploitation,theCommitteeisconcernedthatchildlabourcontinuestobeaseriousprobleminMadagascar,particularlyintheruralareasandintheinformalsector.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenoteswithalarmthatthereisnoeffectiveinspectioninruralareastocombatthisproblemnoristherelabourlegislationcoveringdomesticworkers.  2241.3  2 .2Withrespecttosexualexploitationofthechild,theCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentopreventandcombatchildpornographyaswellasprostitutioninvolvingchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreets,particularlychildrenwhoarevictimizedbytourists.  2242.3  2 .2Withregardtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheexistinglegislationdoesnotreflectthespiritortheprovisionsoftheConvention.Inparticular,theCommitteeisconcernedthatchildrenmaybesubjecttosituationsofdeprivationofliberty,namelylengthypre-trialdetention,andthattheymightnotbenefitfromthesafeguardsrecognizedintheConvention,inthelightofarticles37and40.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedbytheseriousconditionsinthecorrectionalfacilitieswhich,asrecognizedbythedelegation,mayadverselyaffectthefulfilmentoftheStateparty'sobligationsundertheConventionandotherinternationalhumanrightsstandards.(e)02 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations  2243.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentdevelopinformationandawarenesscampaignsontheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,wheneverappropriateinclosecooperationwithcommunityandreligiousleaders,inordertocreateawiderawarenessandcontributetotheeradicationofprevailingprejudicesandculturaltraditionsthatmaybedetrimentaltotheenjoymentoftherightsofthechild.Itfurthersuggeststhatspecialattentionbepaidtothetrainingofprofessionalgroups,workingwithandforchildren,ontherightsofthechild.  2244.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentundertakeacomprehensivereviewofnationallegislation,withaviewtoensuringitsfullcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Newlegislationshouldbeadoptedinthoseareaswheretheprotectionofchildrenisnotyetadequatelyaddressed,suchasinthefieldsofchildabuseandnationalandintercountryadoptionortheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.Tothisend,theCommitteesuggeststhatthemandateoftheIntersectoralFollowupCommitteebebroadenedaccordingly.  2245.3  2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizestheimportanceofestablishinganeffectiveandpermanentsystemofmonitoringtheimplementationoftheConventionandnewlyadoptedlegislationrelatingtochildren,andrecognizesthattheIntersectoralFollowupCommitteecouldbeenvisagedasthefocalpointforthatpurpose.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatsuchamonitoringmechanismmaystrengthenitscooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsandrelevantprofessionalgroups,aswellasreligiousandcommunityleaders.̇  2246.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatseriousconsiderationbegiventotheallocationofavailableresources,includingthosederivingfrominternationaldevelopmentaid,inorderthattheybeused,tothemaximumextentpossible,fortheeffectiveimplementationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,inparticularthosebelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.  2247.3  2 .2Withrespecttochildexploitation,theCommitteerecommendsthateffortstopreventandcombatchildlabour,inparticularintheinformalsector,begreatlyintensified,andthattheGovernmentconsiderratifyingtheILOMinimumAgeConvention,1973(No.138).Inthisregard,theCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderseekingassistancefromILO,inparticularwithaviewtoreinforcingitscapacitytomonitortheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.  2248.3  2 .2Withrespecttotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthatthenecessaryfacilitiesbeprovidedtoimplementfullytheprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatthelawreformtobeundertakeninthisfieldadequatelyreflecttheprovisionsoftheConventionaswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandards,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.Inthisregard,itissuggestedthatseriousattentionbepaidtothebestinterestsandthedignityofthechild,andtheconsiderationofdeprivationoflibertyasameasureoflastresortandfortheminimumperiodpossible.TheCommitteeunderlinestheimportanceoftechnicalassistanceprogrammesinthisareaandencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderrequestingsuchassistancefromtheCentreforHumanRightsaswellasfromtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeBranchoftheSecretariat.  2249.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatinthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,thereportsubmittedbytheGovernmentbemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.@ . 10.Preliminaryobservations:Paraguay  2250.3  2 .2TheCommitteebeganconsiderationoftheinitialreportofParaguay(CRC/C/3/Add.22)atits167thand168thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.167and168),on4and5October1994,andadopted,atits183rdmeeting,on14October1994,thefollowingpreliminaryobservations.(a)02 .2Introduction  2251.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthesubmissionofitsinitialreportandforitswillingnesstoengageinadialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteewelcomestheselfcriticalapproachtakenbytheStatepartyinitsinitialreport,especiallyinindicatingthefactorsanddifficultiesencounteredintheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.However,theCommitteeregretsthattheinformationprovidedintheinitialreportandinthedialogueensuingfromitsconsiderationisnotsufficientfortheCommitteetoformacompleteandaccurateassessmentoftheimplementationoftherightsofthechildinParaguay.Thus,theCommitteerequeststheStatepartytosubmitanadditionalreporttoitwithinoneyear.TheCommitteewouldappreciatereceivingwithinsuchareportmoredetailedandcompleteinformationinresponsetoboththeCommittee'swrittenlistofissuesandtotheadditionalquestionsraisedandconcernsexpressedbyitsmembersduringtheexaminationofthereport,includingwithregardtoprioritiesforactiontoimplementtherightsprovidedforundertheConvention.(b)02 .2Positivefactors  2252.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotethatdifferentmechanismshavebeenestablishedwithintheStatepartytodealwithquestionsrelatingtothesituationofchildren.TheintentionoftheStatepartytoadoptanewjuvenilecodeforimprovingtheprotectionandpromotionoftherightsofthechildisalsonoted.Additionally,theCommitteewishestodrawattentiontotheprovisionincorporatedwithintheConstitutionthatnotlessthan20percentofthenationalbudgetbedevotedtoeducation.ItalsonotesthateffortsarebeingundertakenbytheStatepartytoprovidebilingualprogrammeswithintheprimaryeducationsystem.(c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention  2253.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatParaguayisgoingthroughaperiodoftransitiontodemocracy,havingonlyrecentlyemergedfromadictatorshipformofgovernance.TheCommitteerecognizesthatthelegacyofcertainattitudesandtraditionsfromthisperiodhampertheeffectiveimplementationoftherightsofthechild.(d)02 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern  2254.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsufficientattentiondoesnotseemtohavebeenpaidtothedevelopmentofacoordinatinginstitutiontomonitortheimplementationoftherightsofthechildinParaguay.TheCommitteeisequallyconcernedabouttheextenttowhichthebodiesestablishedtoconsiderthesituationofchildrenareprovidedwiththerequisitesupportandresourcesinordertopermitthemtofulfiltheirdesignatedfunctions.Inaddition,theCommitteeremainsunclearastotheextenttowhichtheprocessofreviewingtheimplementationoftherightsofthechildintheStatepartywasdesignedtoencourageandfacilitatepopularparticipationandpublicscrutinyofgovernmentpolicies.  2255.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatadequatemeasureshavenotyetbeentakentomaketheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionknowntoadultsandchildrenalike.Similarly,itisnotedthatprofessionalsandpersonnelworkingwithorforchildren,includingmilitarypersonnel,lawenforcementofficials,judges,healthworkersandteachers,lacksufficienttrainingabouttheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalstandardsrelatingtotherightsofthechild.  2256.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoexpressitsgeneralconcernthattheStatepartydoesnotappeartohavefullytakenintoaccounttheprovisionsoftheConvention,includingitsgeneralprinciples,asreflectedinitsarticles2,3,6and12,inthelegislativeandothermeasuresrelevanttochildreninParaguay.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenotesthatthelowmarriageableageforgirls,presentlystandingat12andthefactthatthisageislowerforgirlsthanboysareincompatiblewiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,includingthoseofitsarticle2.Inaddition,theCommitteeisoftheopinionthatotherlegislationinforceinParaguayrelatingtothedefinitionofthechildwithregardtotheperformanceofmilitaryserviceandtothenon-validityofchildren'sstatementsincasesofallegedsexualabusealsoraisesconcernastoitscompatibilitywiththespiritandpurposeoftheConvention,especiallyinensuringthatthebestinterestsofthechildshallbeaprimaryconsiderationinallactionsconcerningchildren.  2257.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisgenerallyconcernedthatParaguayansocietyisnotsufficientlysensitivetotheneedsandsituationofthegirlchild.Italsonotesthepersistenceofdiscriminationagainstchildrenbelongingtominorityandindigenousgroupscontrarytotheprovisionsofarticle2oftheConvention.  2258.3  2 .2Moreover,withintheframeworkoftheapplicationofarticle4oftheConvention,relatingtotheallocationofresourcestothemaximumextentpossible,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientportionofthenationalandlocallevelbudgetsallocatedtosocialandhumanneeds,especiallywithregardtorespondingtothesituationofthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewishestoemphasizetheimportanceoftheprovisionsofarticle3oftheConvention,relatingtothebestinterestsofthechild,inguidingdeliberationsanddecisionsonpolicy,includingwithregardtotheallocationofhumanandeconomicresourcesfortheimplementationoftherightsguaranteedundertheConvention.TheCommitteealsowishestounderlineitsconcernabouttheadequacyofstatisticalandotherdatacollectionsystemsexistingwithintheStatepartytoassistintheformulationanddesignofstrategiestoimplementtherightsofthechild.  2259.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentoimplementtheprovisionsofarticles7and8oftheConvention,particularlywithregardtoensuringbirthregistrationandthatchildrenareprovidedwiththenecessaryregistrationcertificatesandotherdocumentswhichaccuratelyprotectandpreservetheelementsoftheiridentity.Itisnotedthattheabsenceofappropriatemeasuresforregistrationmayseriouslyaffectthelevelofthechild'senjoymentofotherfundamentalrightsandfreedoms.  2260.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsgraveconcernovertheinformationbroughttoitsattentionofallegedtraffickinginintercountryadoptionsinviolationoftheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.Itisfurtherconcernedabouttheabsenceofanormativeframeworkinthefieldofintercountryadoptions,namelyinthelightofarticles3,12and21oftheConvention.  2261.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthesocialinequalitiesexistinginthecountry,includingthroughtheunequaldistributionofincomeandland,havecontributedtotheconsiderableproblemsfacingchildreninParaguay.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedthatthedifficultiesbeingfacedbychildrenlivinginruralandindisadvantagedurbanareasmayleadtotheirparentsorguardiansplacingthemintheserviceofwealthierfamilies,whichfrequentlyleadstotheilltreatmentandabuseofthesechildren.  2262.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisverymuchalarmedatreportsithasreceivedoftheilltreatmentofchildrenindetentioncentres.Inviewoftheseriousnessofsuchallegedviolations,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficienttrainingprovidedtolawenforcementofficialsandpersonnelofdetentioncentresontheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalinstrumentssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.  2263.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,inspiteofthefactthattheeducationalsystemisundergoingaconsiderableprocessofreform,theproblemsofalowrateofaccesstoandretentioninschool,aswellasahighlevelofschooldropout,remain.(e)02 .2Furtheraction  2264.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthat,duringtheinitialdialoguewiththeStateparty,mattersrelatingtobasichealthandspecialprotectionmeasureswerenotaddressed.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheadditionalreportrequestedoftheStatepartycovertheseissues.Inaddition,theCommitteewishestobeinformedoftheprogressachievedwithregardtotheestablishmentofanationalcoordinatingmechanismtomonitortherightsofthechildandoftheparticipationofvariousbodiesinvolvedinpromotingandprotectingchildren'srights,includingnon-governmentalorganizations,insuchmonitoringactivities.TheCommitteewouldalsowishtobeinformedofthemeasurestakentoensurethattheprovisionsoftheConvention,particularlyitsarticles3,12and21,arefullytakenintoconsideration,includinginthedeterminationandapplicationoflegislationandprocedurespertainingtothematterofadoption.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewishestoencouragetheGovernmentofParaguaytoconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993andconcludingbilateralagreementswiththecountriesofprospectiveadoptiveparents.  2265.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthestatementcontainedinparagraph160oftheStateparty'sreportwhichindicatestheimportancetheGovernmentofParaguayattachestotheCommittee'sadviceonmeasurestobetakentoimprovetheimplementationoftherightsofthechild,andwelcomestheStateparty'scommitmenttocooperatingwiththeCommitteeandotherUnitedNationsbodiesandagencieswithaviewtopromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechild.Inthisconnection,theCommitteetakesfurthernoteofthetechnicalcooperationcurrentlyprovidedtotheGovernmentofParaguaythroughajointprogrammesupportedbytheCentreforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP).TheCommitteerecommendsthattheconcernsraisedbytheCommitteewithregardtotherealizationoftherightsofthechildshouldbeincorporatedwithintheactivitiesorganizedunderthisjointprogramme.@ . 11.Concludingobservations:Spain  2266.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofSpain(CRC/C/8/Add.6)atits171stto173rdmeetings(CRC/C/SR.171-173),on6and7October1994,andadopted,atits183rdmeeting,on14October1994,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)02 .2Introduction  2267.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitscomprehensivereportandforengaging,throughahighrankingdelegation,inaconstructiveandfrankdialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthewritteninformationprovidedbytheGovernmentofSpaininreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissuesthatwascommunicatedtoitbeforethesession,although,owingtolackoftime,thewritteninformationcouldbemadeavailableintheoriginallanguageofsubmissiononly.(b)02 .2Positivefactors  2268.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthedeclarationmadebySpainatthetimeofitsratificationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildwithregardtotheprovisionsofparagraphs2and3ofarticle38andthecommitmentoftheStatepartynottopermittherecruitmentandparticipationinarmedconflictofpersonsbelowtheageof18years.̇  2269.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheopenandselfcriticalapproachtakenbytheGovernmentofSpaininpreparingitsreport.  2270.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthejudgementoftheSpanishConstitutionalCourtof14February1991declaringunconstitutionaltheprocedurethatjuvenilecourtsfollowedinthepast.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontherulingoftheConstitutionalCourt,whichexplicitlytakesupinfullthetermsofarticle40,paragraph2(b),oftheConventionandconcludes,interalia,thatthefundamentalrightsbroughttogetherbytheSpanishConstitutionhavetoberespectedalsoincriminalproceedingsagainstminors.  2271.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherwelcomesthefactthat,inSpain,discriminatoryactscommittedbyapublicofficialareconsideredcriminaloffencesunderthelaw.(c)02 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern  2272.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthefactthateffectivecoordinationhasnotbeenfullydevelopedbetweencentralauthoritiesandregionalandlocalauthoritiesintheimplementationofpoliciesforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.Coordinationisalsonecessaryforthepurposeofmonitoringinordertoavoiddisparitiesdevelopingintheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalprogrammesrelatingtochildren.  2273.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheimpactontherightsofthechildofthehighrateofunemploymentandthedeteriorationoftheeconomicandsocialenvironment.  2274.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedaboutoneaspectofthetreatmentofunaccompaniedminorsseekingrefugewhichmaycontradicttheprinciplethateachcasebedealtwithonanindividualbasisandonitsownmerits.Thepracticeofautomaticallyinformingtheauthoritiesoftheircountryoforiginmayleadtotheirpersecution,orthepersecutionoftheirrelatives,forpoliticalreasons.  2275.3  2 .2Furthermore,theCommitteeexpressesconcernatthewordingofarticle154oftheSpanishCivilCode,whichprovidesthatparents"mayadministerpunishmenttotheirchildrenreasonablyandinmoderation",whichmaybeinterpretedtoallowforactionsincontradictionwitharticle19oftheConvention.  2276.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthehighpercentageofsingleparentfamiliesandtheneedforspecialprogrammesandservicestoprovidethenecessarycareforchildrenfromsuchfamilies.(d)02 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations  2277.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenthecoordinationmechanismsexistinginitsconstitutionalandlegislativeframeworkanddevelopevaluationandmonitoringatalllevelsoftheadministration,central,regionalandlocal(includingthecomunidadesaut;nomas),toensurethattheConventionisfullyrespectedandimplemented.  2278.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheGovernmentofSpaingatherallthenecessaryinformationinordertohaveanoverallviewofthesituationinthecountryandtoensureacomprehensiveandmultidisciplinaryevaluationofprogressanddifficultiesinimplementingtheConvention.Thisevaluationshouldenableittoshapeappropriatepoliciestocombatdisparitiesandlastingprejudices.̇  2279.3  2 .2TheStatepartyisrecommendedtopayparticularattentiontotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandensureabalanceddistributionofresourcesatthecentral,regionalandlocallevels.Inestablishingthebudgetallocatedtothepromotionandprotectionofeconomic,socialandculturalrights,thebestinterestsofthechildshouldbetakenasaprimaryconsiderationandavailableresourcesshouldbeallocatedtotheirmaximumextent.  2280.3  2 .2ItisrecommendedthattheStatepartyconsiderreviewingitsprogrammeforinternationalcooperationinordertoassessthepossibilityofgivingmoreemphasistothesocialsectorsandtodirecttheassistancetothemostunderprivilegedchildren.  2281.3  2 .2MeasuresshouldbetakentodisseminateinformationandincreaseawarenessabouttheConventionandtopreventdiscriminatoryattitudesorprejudicestowardsvulnerablegroupsofchildren,includingmigrantchildrenandgypsies.Tothiseffect,theCommitteesuggeststhatlawenforcementofficials,judges,otheradministrationofjusticeofficialsand,moregenerally,membersofprofessionsconcernedwiththeimplementationoftheConventionbeprovidedwithadequatetrainingonthebasicprinciplesandnormscontainedinit.  2282.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderinstitutionalizingtheexistingrelationswithnon-governmentalorganizationsandresearchinstitutionsinordertomobilizepopularparticipationinactivitiesandprogrammesrelatingtothepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.  2283.3  2 .2Furthermore,theCommitteeencouragestheSpanishauthoritiestopursuethelawreformtoensurefullcomplianceofthedomesticlegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthatthelawreformincludethereviewofthelanguageusedinlegalprovisionsand,inparticular,therevisionofarticle154oftheSpanishCivilCodestatingthatparents"mayadministerpunishmenttotheirchildrenreasonablyandinmoderation",inordertobringitintofullconformitywitharticle19.  2284.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderlegalamendmentsinordertoensuretherighttoparticipationofchildren,includingtherighttofreedomofassociationandtofreedomofpeacefulassemblyasreflectedinarticle15oftheConvention.  2285.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheGovernmentofSpainimprovethesystemofsafeguardsinthecasesofintercountryadoption.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeencouragesSpaintoconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.  2286.3  2 .2Furtherstepsshouldbetakentostrengthenthesystemofassistancetobothparentsintheperformanceoftheirchildrearingresponsibilities,inparticularinthelightofarticle18.Itisfurthersuggestedthattheproblemofsingleparenthoodbestudiedandthatrelevantprogrammesbeestablishedtomeettheirparticularneeds.  2287.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentofSpaintakeallthenecessarymeasurestoguaranteethatrefugeechildren,childrenwhoareasylumseekersandunaccompaniedchildrenenjoytherightsrecognizedbytheConventionandthat,inaccordancewithitsarticle10,applicationsforasylummadeforthepurposeoffamilyreunificationbedealtwithinapositive,humaneandexpeditiousmanner.  2288.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofSpaintoconsidersigningandratifyingtheInternationalConventionontheProtectionoftheRightsofAllMigrantWorkersandMembersofTheirFamilies.  2289.3  2 .2TheStatepartyshouldgiveparticularattentiontotheimplementationoftheprovisionsofarticle32oftheConventionaimedatprotectingthechildagainsteconomicexploitationaswellastotheimplementationoftherelevantILOconventionsthatithasratified.  2290.3  2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportofSpain,thesummaryrecordsofthemeetingsoftheCommitteeinwhichthereportwasconsideredandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteeonthereportbepublishedanddisseminatedaswidelyaspossibleinSpain.@ . 12.Concludingobservations:Argentina  2291.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredatitsseventhsessiontheinitialreportofArgentina(CRC/C/8/Add.2)atits177thto179thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.177-179),on10and11October1994.Inviewofthefactthattheadditionalreport,whichhadbeenrequestedfromtheGovernmentofArgentinatosupplementtheinformationcontainedinArgentina'sinitialreport,wasreceivedjustbeforetheconsiderationofthereport,theCommitteedecidedtopostponetheadoptionofitsconcludingobservationsuntilitsnextsession.TheCommitteethereforeadopted,atits208thmeeting,on26January1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)02 .2Introduction  2292.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaginginadialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteenoteswithregretthatthereportsubmittedbytheGovernmentofArgentinadoesnotcoverallrightsenshrinedintheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandthatitwasnotpreparedinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sguidelinesforthepreparationofinitialreports.Itnotesthatthereportmainlydealswiththelegalframeworkanddoesnotcontainsufficientinformation,eitheranalyticalorstatistical,ontheactualimplementationoftheprinciplesandrightssetforthintheConvention.TheextensiveadditionalinformationsubmittedbytheGovernmentcametoolatefortheCommitteememberstostudyandexaminebeforethediscussionwiththeStatepartydelegation.(b)02 .2Positivefactors  2293.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthedeclarationmadebytheStatepartyuponratificationinregardtoarticle38thataprohibitionexistsinnationallegislationontheuseofchildrenunder18inarmedconflicts.  2294.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheestablishmentoftheNationalCouncilforChildrenandFamily,thedevelopmentofaNationalPlanofActionforChildrenaswellasthesigningofafederalPactforMothersandChildren.  2295.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsundertakenbytheGovernmentoftheStatepartytopublicizetheConvention.  2296.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheincorporationoftheConvention,aswellasotherhumanrightstreatiesratifiedbyArgentina,intothedomesticlegalsystemandthehighlegalstatusattributedtothembyvirtueofwhichtheyaregivenprecedenceovernationallaws.  2297.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthesuccessfulimmunizationprogrammewith99percentcoverageandthehighliteracyrate-95percentin1990.(c)02 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern  2298.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisfurthermoreconcernedaboutthereservationsenteredbytheGovernmentofArgentinaupontheratificationoftheConventionwithrespecttoarticle21(b)to(e)owingtotheirbroadnature.  2299.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsufficientadministrativeandothermeasuresseemnottohavebeentakentofacilitateaneffectivecoordinationoftheimplementationoftheConventiononlocal,regionalandnationallevels.  2300.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofthedisparityofmarriageagesforboysandgirlsinArgentinelaw,whichseemstobecontrarytotheprovisionsofarticle2oftheConvention.  2301.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithspecialconcernthesituationofchildrenfromvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroups,suchasdisabledchildren,abandonedchildrenandchildrenlivingand/orworkinginthestreets,aswellaschildrenbelongingtohouseholdslivinginpoverty.  2302.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoworriedaboutthehighnumberofsinglemothersinArgentinabetweentheagesof12and18andaboutreportsontheoccurrenceofdomesticviolenceandsexualabuse.  2303.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotestheproblemsintheschools,withhighturnoverofteachersandchildrendroppingout.(d)02 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations  2304.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentofArgentinaconsiderreviewingthereservationentereduponratificationoftheConventionwithaviewtowithdrawingit.Inthatconnection,theattentionoftheStatepartyisdrawntotheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofActionadoptedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsinJune1993,whichencouragedStatestowithdrawreservationstotheConvention.  2305.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,giventhefederalnatureoftheArgentineState,acomprehensiveapproachbetakenbytheGovernmentinimplementingtheConvention,particularlyinassuringbettercoordinationbetweenthevariousmechanismsandinstitutionsalreadyinplacetodealwiththepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofchildren.Ofimportance,inthatcontext,wouldbetheestablishmentofanappropriateinfrastructureatalllevelsandincreasedcoordinationbetweeneffortsundertakenatthelocalandprovinciallevelwiththosetakenatthenationallevel.Itisrecommendedthatemphasisalsobeputontheaspectofmonitoring,includingthroughanombudsman,andoncooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsworkingfortherightsofthechild.  2306.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatthebudgetarymeasuresbereviewedwithaviewtoensuringthatthemaximumamountofavailableresourcesisallocatedtopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechildatthefederal,regionalandlocallevels.  2307.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthereffortsbemadetoensurethatpersonneldealingwithchildrenbeprovidedwithadequatetrainingthatemphasizestheprinciplesandnormsintheConvention.  2308.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatalargerpartoftheeducationandtrainingoflawenforcementpersonnel,judgesandotheradministrationofjusticeofficialsbedevotedtoanunderstandingofinternationalstandardsonjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatjuvenilecourtsbesetupinallprovinces.  2309.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderundertakinggreatereffortstoprovidefamilyeducationanddevelopingawarenessoftheequalresponsibilityofparents.Healtheducationprogrammesshouldbedevelopedtocounterthehighincidenceofteenagepregnancy.  2310.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsidersthepossibilityofintroducingmoreeffectivelegislationandfollowupmechanismstopreventviolencewithinthefamilyinthespiritofarticle19.  2311.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakenbytheGovernmenttoreducedropoutratesinschoolsandtoensurethattheschoolsareadequatelystaffedwithqualifiedpersonnel.Itisalsorecommendedthatfurtherstepsbetakentoencouragetheactiveparticipationofchildrenintheschools,aswellasoutside,inthespiritofarticle12oftheConvention.  2312.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthereportandtheadditionalinformationsubmittedbytheStateparty,thesummaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswidelyaspossiblewithinthecountry.@ . 13.Concludingobservations:Philippines  2313.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofthePhilippines(CRC/C/3/Add.23)atits185thto187thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.185-187),on10and11January1995,andadopted,atits208thmeeting,on26January1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)02 .2Introduction  2314.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofthePhilippines,whichwasoneofthefirstStatestobecomepartytotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationthatthereportfollowedtheCommittee'sguidelinesandthatitcontaineddetailedinformationonthelegalframeworkwithinwhichtheConventionisimplementedaswellassomementionofthedifficultiesencounteredbytheState.TheCommitteewelcomesthewritteninformationprovidedbytheGovernmentinreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissuesthatwascommunicatedtoitbeforethesession.TheCommittee,however,noteswithregretthelackofinformationontheconcreteeffectsofmeasuresadopted.  2315.3  2 .2ThesupplementaryinformationprovidedbythenumerousmembersofthedelegationofthePhilippinesandthefactthatthedelegationwascomposedofmembersinvolvedinadiversityofsectorsinvariouschildrelatedissuesmadeitpossibletosupplementinformationreceivedinwritingandtoengageinanopenandconstructivedialogue.&  (b)02 .2Positivefactors  2316.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofthefirmcommitmentoftheGovernmentofthePhilippinestothepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.TheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsmadebytheStatepartyinbringingdomesticlawintolinewiththeConvention,throughtheenactmentofnewlawsandtheadoptionofprogrammesspecificallyaimedatpromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechild.Amongtheseachievementswastheadoption,followingtheWorldSummitforChildrenin1990,ofthePhilippineplanofactionforchildrenentitled"TheFilipinoChildren:2000andBeyond".(c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention  2317.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthegeographicalandculturaldiversity,thedispersalofthepopulationthroughoutthe7,000islandsofthearchipelago,andthewideeconomicandsocialdisparitiesexistinginthecountry.  2318.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecognizesthedifficultiesarisingfrompoliticalinstabilityinaperiodofdemocratization,includingtheadverseeffectsofthearmedconflictonchildren.  2319.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthatnaturaldisastershavehadanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.(d)02 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern  2320.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinspiteofseriouseffortsandachievementsintheareaoflegislativereform,stepsremaintobetakentobringnationallegislationintofullconformitywiththeConvention,includinginregardtotheminimumageofcriminalresponsibility,minimumageforsexualconsent,minimumageofaccesstoemployment,compulsoryschoolingagelimit,statusofchildrenbornoutofwedlock,theprohibitionoftorture,intercountryadoptionandlegislationconcerningtheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,includingdeprivationoflibertyandcriminalizationofvagrancy.  2321.3  2 .2Thelackofefficientmechanismstomonitorthesituationofchildrenisamatterofconcern.TheCommitteenotesinthisregardalackofreliablequalitativeandquantitativedata,ashortageofmeanstoimplementprogrammes,andalackofindicatorsandmechanismstoevaluatetheprogressandimpactofpoliciesadopted.  2322.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisequallyconcernedthatinsufficientattentionseemstohavebeenpaidtotheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConventionconcerningbudgetaryallocations.ThepresentbalanceofresourceallocationsintheStatepartybetweenthesocialandothersectors,andthehighproportionofmilitaryexpenditurestothedetrimentofchildrelatedissues,arenotedwithconcern.Inthisregard,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheunequaldistributionofthenationalwealthinthecountryandthedisparitiesintheenjoymentoftherightsprovidedforundertheConvention,tothedetrimentofpoorurbanchildren,childrenlivinginruralareasandchildrenbelongingtominorities(or"cultural"communities).  2323.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthedifficultiesinensuringtheregistrationofchildrenafterbirth,aswellasattheproblemsfacedbychildrenwhohavenotbeenregisteredintheenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrightsandfreedoms.'    2324.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernatthelackofpracticalmeasurestoensurethefullenjoymentoftherightsrecognizedintheConventionbycertaincategoriesofchildren,includinggirlchildren,disabledchildren,childrenofmixedmarriages,childrenofoverseasworkers,workingchildrenandchildrenaffectedbyarmedconflicts.  2325.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisseriouslyalarmedbytheexistenceofchildabuse(includingsexualabuse)andneglectwithinthefamily,whichoftenleadtochildrenbeingabandonedorrunningaway,thusfacingtheadditionalrisksofviolationsoftheirhumanrights.  2326.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsopreoccupiedbythelevelofviolenceandthehighincidenceofilltreatmentandabuseofchildren,includingcasesattributedtothepoliceormilitarypersonnel.ItnoteswithconcernthattheeffortsoftheGovernmenttocombatchildabuseandneglectareinsufficient,bothfromthepreventionandthesanctionpointofview.Thelackofrehabilitationmeasuresforsuchchildrenisalsoamatterofconcern.Thefailuretotakeeffectivestepstoprosecuteandpunishthoseresponsibleforsuchviolationsortomakepublicdecisionstakeninthisregard,includingtowardspaedophiles,mayleadtoafeelinginthepopulationthatimpunityprevailsandthatitisthereforeuselesstobringcomplaintsbeforethecompetentauthorities.  2327.3  2 .2Withrespecttotherighttoeducation,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthattherehasbeenlittleprogressinfullyimplementingtherelevantprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticularwithrespecttogirlchildren,childrenlivinginruralorremoteareasandchildrenaffectedbythearmedconflict.TheCommitteeisalsoworriedbythelackofvocationaltrainingopportunities,thehighdropoutrateinprimaryeducationandthelowrateofenrolmentinsecondaryeducation.  2328.3  2 .2Thelargeandgrowingnumberofchildrenwho,owingtoruralexodus,extremepoverty,abandonment,aswellassituationsofviolencewithinthefamily,areforcedtoliveand/orworkinthestreets,aredeprivedoftheirfundamentalrightsandexposedtovariousformsofexploitation,isamatterofdeepconcern.  2329.3  2 .2SpecificconcernisalsoexpressedaboutthepresentorganizationofthesystemofadministrationofjuvenilejusticeanditslackofcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandotherinternationalstandardsrelatingtojuvenilejustice.(e)02 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations  2330.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartycontinuetoharmonizedomesticlegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheConvention.Seriousconsiderationshouldbegiventoraisingtheagelimitforsexualconsentandpenalresponsibility,eliminatingdiscriminationtowardschildrenbornoutofwedlock,prohibitingtortureandrevisinglegalprovisionswithregardtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyenvisageratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheGovernmenttakeallnecessarystepstoensuretherespectandeffectiveimplementationoftheprovisionscontainedintheConvention.  2331.3  2 .2CoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalagenciesinvolvedintheimplementationoftheConventionanditsmonitoringshouldbeensured,andeffortsshouldbemadetowardsclosercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizations.  2332.3  2 .2MeasuresshouldbetakentostrengthenthemonitoringmechanismsoftheConvention.Qualitativeandquantitativedataandindicatorsforevaluatingtheprogressandefficiencyofprogrammesaimingatthefullenjoymentofchildren'srightsshouldbedeveloped.Publicityshouldalsobegiventothemonitoringreportsontheimplementationoftherightsofthechild.  2333.3  2 .2Theauthoritiesshouldundertakeallappropriateeffortstothemaximumextentoftheiravailableresourcestoensurethatsufficientresourcesareallocatedtochildren,takingintospecialconsiderationtheneedsofthemostvulnerablegroups.  2334.3  2 .2Morechildren'srightsorientedtrainingprogrammesshouldbeorganizedforvariousprofessionalgroupssuchasteachers,judges,socialworkersandpoliceofficials.Suchprogrammesshouldemphasizethepromotionandprotectionofthefundamentalrightsofthechildandthechild'ssenseofdignity.Greatereffortsshouldbemadetoprovidefamilylifeeducationanddevelopawarenessoftheresponsibilityoftheparents.TheCommitteeencouragesnon-governmentalorganizationsandchildrenandyouthgroupstopayattentiontotheneedtochangeattitudesaspartoftheiradvocacyaction.  2335.3  2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizesthattheprincipleofnon-discrimination,asprovidedforunderarticle2oftheConvention,mustbefullyapplied.Amoreactiveapproachshouldbetakentoeliminatediscriminationagainstcertaingroupsofchildren,inparticularchildreninremoteareas,childrenbelongingto"cultural"communities,girlchildren,disabledchildrenandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.  2336.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateintensifyitsactionagainstallviolencedirectedatandilltreatmentofchildren,inparticularsexualabuse.Anincreasednumberofprogrammesshouldaimatthepreventionofsexualmisbehaviourtowardschildren.Thedeepcausesofthephenomenonshouldbeseriouslylookedat.TheCommitteealsorecommendstheactiveparticipationofnon-governmentalorganizationsaswellaschildrenandyouthgroupsinchangingandinfluencingattitudesinthatregard.  2337.3  2 .2TheStatepartyshouldensurethatadequateproceduresandmechanismstodealwithcomplaintsofilltreatmentofchildrenaredeveloped,thatcasesofviolationsofchildren'srightsaredulyinvestigatedandthattheresultsofsuchinvestigationsaregivenpublicity.  2338.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentoimplementtheprovisionsofarticle32,includinginrelationtotheminimumageofaccesstoemployment,andthateffortsbemadetopreventandcombatchildlabourinthecountry.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtochildrenworkingintheinformalsector.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyseektechnicalassistancefromILOinthisarea.  2339.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivereformofthesystemofadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandthatthisreformbeguidedbytheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionaswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.TheCommitteesuggeststhattrainingofthelawenforcementpersonnel,judgesandotheradministrationofjusticeofficialsbeorganizedandthatpartofsuchtrainingbedevotedtotheseinternationalstandardsofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteeunderlinestheneedfortechnicalassistanceinthisareaandencouragestheStatepartytoseeksuchassistancefromtheCentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeBranchoftheSecretariatinthisregard.  2340.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthereportsubmittedbytheStateparty,thesummaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswidelyaspossiblewithinthecountry.@ .N 14.Concludingobservations:Colombia  2341.3  2 .2TheCommitteebeganconsiderationoftheinitialreportofColombia(CRC/C/8/Add.3)atits113thto115thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.113-115),on17and18January1994.InviewofthefactthatitwasnotpossibleduringthesessiontoclarifyfullyanumberofseriousconcernsabouttheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,theCommitteedecidednottoconcludetheconsiderationofthatreportandadoptedinsteadasetofpreliminaryobservations.TheStatepartywasrequestedtoprovide,by28February1994,writtenanswerstotheCommittee'slistofissuesandinformationonparticularareasofconcernidentifiedbytheCommitteeinitspreliminaryobservations,forconsiderationbytheCommitteeatafuturesession.AfterconsideringtheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheGovernmentofColombiaatits188thand189thmeetings,on12January1995(CRC/C/SR.188and189),theCommitteeconcludeditsconsiderationoftheinitialreportofColombiaandadopted,atits208thmeeting,on26January1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)02 .2Introduction  2342.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofColombiaforthesubmissionofwrittenanswerstoitslistofissues,theresponsestoitspreliminaryobservationsandotheroralquestionsposedduringconsiderationofthereport,andtheadditionalinformationontheparticularareasofconcernidentifiedbytheCommittee.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrankandcooperativetoneofthediscussion,inwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatednotonlythepolicydirectionsrelativetotheConvention,butalsothedifficultiesencounteredduringimplementation.(b)02 .2Positivefactors  2343.3  2 .2Asrecognizedinitspreliminaryobservations,theCommitteewelcomesthemajorlegislativeinitiativesadoptedwithaviewtoprovidingalegalframeworkfortheimplementationoftheConvention.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheinitiativestakentowardscreatingspecialmechanismsfortheimplementationoftheConvention.Itparticularlywelcomestheemphasisplacedontheprotectionofhumanrightsasreflected,interalia,bytheestablishmentofaUnitonHumanRightswithintheAttorneyGeneral'sOffice.  2344.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheeffortsmadetofacilitatetheparticipationofnon-governmentalorganizationsintheimplementationprocess.  2345.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotestheprogressmadeoverthelast10yearsinloweringtheinfantmortalityrate.ItalsowelcomestheformulationbytheStatepartyofanationalplanofactionandthesettingofconcretegoalsasfollowuptotheWorldSummitforChildren.TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheGovernment'seffortstoprovideeducationtochildreninruralareasandtoimprovetheirnutritionallevel.(c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention  2346.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotethatColombiaisgoingthroughadifficulteconomicperiodthatadverselyaffectsthesituationofchildren.Itfurthernotestheprevailingdisparitiesexistinginthecountryattheeconomicandsociallevels.  2347.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotestheseriousimpactonchildrenofpoliticalproblemsstemmingfromdrugrelatedterrorismandviolence.(d)02 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern  2348.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthesignificantgapbetweenthelawsadoptedtoimplementtheConventionandthepracticalapplicationofthoselawstotheactualsituationofagreatnumberofchildreninColombia.  2349.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressesconcernoverthelackofsufficientcoordinationbetweenthevariousentitiesinvolvedinhumanrightsandchildren'srights,aswellasatthelackofcomprehensiveconsiderationofdifferentsectoralpoliciesaimingatthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.  2350.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheinsufficientstepstakentogatherrelevantinformationontheimplementationoftheConventionaswellastoensureaneffectivemonitoringsystematthenational,regionalandlocallevels.  2351.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsgraveconcernoverthelargeproportionofColombianchildrenwhocontinuetoliveinextremepovertydespitethefactthatColombiahasoneofthemostfavourableeconomicgrowthratesandoneofthelowestamountsofpercapitaforeignindebtednessintheregion.ManychildreninColombia,includingalargeproportionofruralandindigenouschildren,havebeeneconomicallyandsociallymarginalizedandhavelimitedornoaccesstoadequateeducationorhealthcareservices.  2352.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutdiscriminatoryandadversesocialattitudes,particularlyamonglawenforcementofficials,towardsvulnerablegroupsofchildren.TheCommitteeexpressesitsgraveconcernoverthelifethreateningsituationfacedbyanalarmingnumberofchildreninColombia,particularlythosewho,inordertosurvive,areworkingand/orlivingonthestreets.Manyofthosechildrenarevictimsof"socialcleansing"campaignsandsubjecttoarbitraryarrestandtortureandotherinhumanordegradingtreatmentbyauthorities.Theyarealsosubjecttocoercion,disappearance,traffickingandmurderbycriminalgroups.  2353.3  2 .2Therulesontheminimumageofemploymentarebelowinternationalstandardsandeventhenarenotenforced.Hazardouschildlabour,includinginmines,isamatterofthedeepestconcern.(e)02 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations  2354.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartytakestepstoensuretheeffectivecoordinationbetweentheexistinginstitutionsinvolvedintheareasofhumanrightsandchildren'srightswithaviewtoestablishingamonitoringmechanismfortheimplementationoftheConventionatthenational,regionalandlocallevels,whichmayassesstheactualsituationofchildrenandnarrowthegapbetweenthelawanditspractice.  2355.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatreliablequantitativeandqualitativeinformationbesystematicallycollectedandanalysedtoevaluateprogressintherealizationoftherightsofthechildandtomonitorcloselythesituationofmarginalizedchildren,includingthosebelongingtothepoorestsectorsofsocietyandtoindigenousgroups.  2356.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty,inthelightofarticles3and4oftheConvention,undertakeallappropriatemeasurestothemaximumextentoftheavailableresourcestoensurethatsufficientbudgetaryallocationisprovidedtoservicesforchildren,particularlyintheareasofeducationandhealth,andthatparticularattentionispaidtotheprotectionoftherightsofchildrenbelongingtovulnerablegroups.  2357.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatfirmmeasuresbetakentoensuretherighttosurvivalforallchildreninColombia,includingthosewholiveinasituationofpoverty,whohavebeenabandoned,orthosewhotosurviveareforcedtoliveand/orworkinthestreets.Suchmeasuresshouldaimattheeffectiveprotectionofchildrenagainsttheoccurrenceofviolence,disappearance,assassinationorallegedorgantrafficking.Thoroughandsystematicinvestigationshouldbecarriedoutandseverepenaltiesappliedtothosefoundresponsibleforsuchviolationsofchildren'srights.Violationsofhumanrightsandchildren'srightsshouldalwaysbeexaminedbyciviliancourtsundercivilianlaw,notmilitarycourts.Theoutcomeofinvestigationsandcasesofconvictionsshouldbewidelypublicizedinordertodeterfutureoffencesandthuscombattheperceptionofimpunity.  2358.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatinthefieldofadministrationofjuvenilejustice,greatereffortsshouldbemadetoensurerespectforthestandardsandlegalsafeguardscontainedintheConvention,inparticularinthelightofarticles37,39and40,andtakingintodueconsiderationotherrelevantinternationalinstrumentsadoptedinthisfieldbytheUnitedNations.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatfurthereffortsbemadetoensurethatallchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,whohavebeenabandonedorwhoareatriskareregisteredandtheirsituationcloselymonitoredinordertoensurethattheyareaffordedtheprotectionprovidedbytheConvention.  2359.3  2 .2Inregardtotheproblemsofworkingchildren,theCommitteesuggeststhatColombiaconsiderratifyingILOConventionNo.138concerningtheminimumageforadmissiontoemploymentandreviewallrelevantnationallegislationwithaviewtobringingitintoconformitywiththeConventionandotherinternationalstandards.Childlabourlawsshouldbeenforced,complaintsshouldbeinvestigatedandseverepenaltiesimposedforviolations.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentconsiderseekingcooperationfromILOinthisarea.  2360.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatstepsbetakentostrengthentheeducationalsystem,particularlyintheruralareas,toimprovethequalityofteachingandtoreducethehighnumberofschooldropouts.ConsiderationshouldbegiventointegratingtheRightsoftheChildintheschoolcurriculum,namelyintheframeworkoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation.  2361.3  2 .2Educationalcampaignsshouldbeundertakentoreduceviolenceinsocietyandinthefamilyandtocombatprejudiceonthebasisofgender.Counsellingservicesforyouthshouldbedevelopedasapreventivemeasureaimedatloweringthehighincidenceofteenagepregnanciesandstemmingthedramaticriseinthenumberofsinglemothers.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentmoreactivelyenlistthesupportofnon-governmentalorganizationsandotherprivateorganizationsinraisingpublicawarenessoftherightsofthechildandinmonitoringenforcementofthelaws.  2362.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatseriousconsiderationbegiventotrainingintherightsofthechildofprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildren,includingteachers,judgesanddefensoresdefamiliaydemenores.TheCommitteebelievesthatanewattitudeandapproachshouldbedeveloped,particularlyasregardsthepoliceandthemilitary,inordertoenhancerespectforallchildren,regardlessoftheirsocial,economicorotherbackground,andtoreaffirmthevalueoftheirfundamentalrights.Inthisconnection,informationandtrainingprogrammesshouldbestrengthened,includingatthelevelofthecommunityandthefamily,andtherightsofthechildshouldbeincludedintheframeworkofthetrainingcurriculumoftheprofessionalgroupsconcerned.  2363.3  2 .2Furthermeasuresshouldbeenvisagedtostrengthencooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsaimingatgreatersocialmobilizationonbehalfoftherightsofthechild.  2364.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyseekclosercooperationwithUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagencies,includingtheCentreforHumanRightsanditsTechnicalCooperationBranch,inordertoobtaintheassistanceandexpertiserequiredandtoembarkuponmajorreformintheareaswhereaconcernhasbeenidentifiedbytheCommittee.  2365.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatinthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,theStatepartywidelypublicizeitsreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereon.@ . 15.Concludingobservations:Poland  2366.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofPoland(CRC/C/8/Add.11andHRI/CORE/1/Add.25)atits192ndto194thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.192-194),on16and17January1995andadopted,atits208thmeeting,on26January1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)02 .2Introduction  2367.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsreportandforengaging,throughahighrankingdelegation,inaconstructiveandfrankdialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteewelcomesthewritteninformationprovidedbytheGovernmentofPolandinreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissuesthatwascommunicatedtoitbeforethesession.(b)02 .2Positivefactors  2368.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheformaladoptionofthereportbytheCouncilofMinisters.  2369.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheintentionexpressedbythedelegationtoreviewthecontentsofthereservationsanddeclarationsmadeatthemomentoftheratificationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildwithaviewtoconsideringtheirpossiblewithdrawal.̇  2370.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisencouragedbytheGovernment'swillingnesstoidentifyandaddressthevariousproblemsimpedingtheimplementationoftherightsprovidedforintheConventionandtoseekappropriatesolutions,particularlyintheareaofchildhealthcare.  2371.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesmeasuresadoptedbytheGovernmenttopromoteawarenessofchildren'srights.ItalsowelcomesthepublicationofthetextoftheConventionbythePolishCommitteeforUNICEFandtheCommitteefortheProtectionofChildren'sRights,aswellastheorganizationofseveralworkshopsandseminars.ItisencouragedbystepstakenwithregardtothetrainingofteachersintherightsandprinciplesoftheConventionaswellassimilaractivitiesundertakenforthebenefitofjudges.  2372.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtheactivitiesundertakenbytheCommissionerforCivilRightsandtherecentdecisiontore-establishtheOfficeoftheGovernmentPlenipotentiaryforWomenandFamilyAffairsfortheprotectionofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,includingchildren'srights.  2373.3  2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatesthatPoland,despiteitspresentfinancialdifficulties,isparticipatingininternationalcooperationactivities,includingintheareaofeducationofstudentsfromdevelopingcountries.  2374.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecognizestheimportanceaccordedbytheStateparty,atatimeofcriticalpoliticalandeconomicchangeinthecountry,tointroducingpositivechangesforthebenefitofchildrenandtopursuepoliciesthattakeintoaccounttheneedsofchildren.Inthatconnection,itparticularlywelcomestheassurancesgivenbythedelegationthattheCommittee'sconcludingobservationswillbebroughttotheattentionoftheCouncilofMinistersforappropriateaction.(c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention  2375.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthedifficultiesfacingPolandinthepresentperiodofpoliticaltransitionandinaclimateofsocialchangeanddeepeconomiccrisis.Itnotesthatthesituationofmanychildrenisaffectedbygrowingpovertyandincreasingunemployment.  2376.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthedifficultiesthathavebeencausedbyprejudices,intoleranceandothersocialattitudesincontradictionwiththegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention.(d)02 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern  2377.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedabouttheimpactonchildrenofthedifficulteconomicsituationprevailinginthecountry.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedastowhetherappropriatemeasureshavebeenundertakentoprotectchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups,frombeingthevictimsofeconomicreform,inthelightofarticles3and4oftheConvention.  2378.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattraditionalattitudesstillprevailinginthecountrymaynotbeconducivetotherealizationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,including,inparticular,article2(principleofnon-discrimination),article3(principleofthebestinterestofthechild)andarticle12(respectfortheviewsofthechild).  2379.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientstepstakenintheframeworkoflegalreformtobringexistinglegislationintofullconformitywiththeConvention,includinginthelightofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,asinthecaseofminimumageformarriage,familylawandintheareaofjuvenilejustice.  2380.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientcoordinationbetweenthevariousministries,aswellasbetweencentralauthoritiesandregionalandlocalauthorities,intheimplementationofpoliciesforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.  2381.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthelackofasystematicmonitoringmechanisminthefieldoftherightsofthechildaswellasatthelackofacomprehensivesystemofdatagatheringonthesituationofchildren,whichresultsinaninabilityadequatelytoovercometheprevailingeconomicandsocialdisparitiesintheimplementationoftheConvention.  2382.3  2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthatanationalstrategyinthefieldoftherightsofthechildhasnotyetbeenadoptedandthatspecificprogrammesaimingatprotectingvulnerablechildren,includingthroughtheadoptionofanationalplanofaction,withaviewtoensuringthatsafetynetsareinplacetopreventadeteriorationoftheirrights,havenotyetbeenestablished.  2383.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientawarenessinvarioussectorsofthepopulationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Inthisregard,itisalsoconcernedthatsocietyisnotsufficientlysensitivetotheneedsandsituationofparticularlyvulnerablechildrensuchaschildreninfectedwithHIVorAIDSandRomachildren.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackofadequatetraininggiventoprofessionalgroups,inparticularsocialworkers,lawenforcementofficialsandjudicialpersonnel,ontheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.  2384.3  2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthatappropriatemeasureshavenotyetbeentakentopreventeffectivelyandcombatcorporalpunishmentandilltreatmentofchildreninschoolsorininstitutionswherechildrenmaybeplaced.TheCommitteeisalsopreoccupiedbytheexistenceonalargescaleofchildabuseandviolencewithinthefamilyandtheinsufficientprotectionaffordedbytheexistinglegislationinthatregard.  2385.3  2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37and40oftheConventionaswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLibertyisamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Inthatregard,theCommitteedeplorestheprovisionsrelatingto"juveniledemoralization",whichdonotappeartobecompatiblewiththeConvention.  2386.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthegrowinguseandinvolvementofchildrenincriminalactivitiesandthevulnerabilityofchildrentosexualabuse,drugabuseandalcoholism,aswellastortureandilltreatment.(e)02 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations  2387.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofPolandtoconsiderthepossibilityofreviewingitsreservations,aswellasthedeclarationmadeinrelationtotheexerciseoftherightsdefinedinarticles12to16,withaviewtowithdrawingthem.̇  2388.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenthecoordinationbetweenthedifferentgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinhumanrightsandchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,andensureaclosercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizations,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringaneffectiveevaluationoftheimplementationoftheConventioninthecountry.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhatconsiderationbegiventostrengtheningthepowersandresponsibilitiescurrentlyheldbytheCommissionerforCivilRightsandtherecentlyre-establishedOfficeoftheGovernmentPlenipotentiaryforWomenandFamilyAffairs.  2389.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyundertaketogatherallthenecessaryinformationonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConvention,includinginrelationtothosechildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.ItalsosuggeststhatamultidisciplinarymonitoringsystembeestablishedtoassesstheprogressachievedandthedifficultiesencounteredintherealizationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionatthecentral,regionalandlocallevels,andinparticulartomonitorregularlytheeffectsofeconomicchangeonchildren.SuchamonitoringsystemshouldenabletheStatepartytoshapeappropriatepoliciesandtocombatprevailingdisparitiesandtraditionalprejudices.  2390.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofPolandtopayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandtoensureajudiciousdistributionoftheresourcesatthecentral,regionalandlocallevels.Budgetallocationsfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsshouldbeensuredtothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesandinthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild.  2391.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherencouragestheGovernmenttogiveconsiderationtotheadoptionofanationalplanofactioninthefieldoftherightsofthechildandtodevelopspecificprogrammesaimingatprotectingchildrenandatensuringthatsafetynetsareestablishedtopreventadeteriorationoftheirrightsinthecontextofeconomictransition.  2392.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatgreatereffortsarerequiredtomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknownandunderstoodbyadultsandchildrenalike,inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention.  2393.3  2 .2Furthermeasuresshouldalsobetakentopreventariseindiscriminatoryattitudesorprejudicestowardsvulnerablechildren,particularlyRomachildrenandchildreninfectedwithHIV/AIDS,inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention.  2394.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatperiodictrainingprogrammesontherightsofthechildbeorganizedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildren,includingteachers,lawenforcementofficialsandjudges,andthathumanrightsandchildren'srightsbeincludedintheirtrainingcurricula.  2395.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartypursueitslegalreformwithaviewtoensuringthefullconformityofitsnationallegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheConventionandtoclearlyreflectingitsgeneralprinciples,includingonnon-discrimination,bestinterestsofthechildandrespectfortheviewsofthechild.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthatthe1968FamilyCodebereviewedandthatthesafeguardscurrentlyinforceincasesofintercountryadoptionbeimproved.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofPolandtoconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.  2396.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheclearprohibitionoftortureorothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment,aswellasthebanoncorporalpunishmentinthefamily,bereflectedinthenationallegislation.Inthisfield,theCommitteealsosuggeststhedevelopmentofproceduresandmechanismstomonitorcomplaintsofmaltreatmentandcrueltywithinoroutsidethefamily.Moreover,specialprogrammesshouldbesetuptopromotephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofchildrenvictimsofanyformofneglect,abuse,exploitation,tortureorilltreatmentinanenvironmentwhichfostersthehealth,selfrespectanddignityofthechild.  2397.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,intheframeworkofitslegalreform,theGovernmentenvisageaddressingthesituationofunaccompaniedchildrenandchildrenhavingbeenrefusedrefugeestatusandawaitingdeportationinthelightoftheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefromUNHCR.  2398.3  2 .2Inthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteesuggeststhatacomprehensivereformbeundertakenandthattheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andotherrelevantinternationalstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty,beseenasaguideinthisrevision.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtothepreventionofjuveniledelinquency,theprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedofliberty,aswellasrespectforfundamentalrightsandlegalsafeguardsinallaspectsofthejuvenilejusticesystem,includingunderthepretextofpublicassistance.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallthoseprofessionalsinvolvedwiththesystemofjuvenilejustice,inparticularjudges,lawenforcementofficials,correctionalofficersandsocialworkers.TheCommitteerecommendsthattechnicalassistanceinthisareabesoughtfromtheCentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeBranch.  2399.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsidersthatgreatereffortsshouldbemadetoprovidefamilyeducationandtodevelopawarenessoftheroleofthefamilyinsocietyandoftheequalresponsibilitiesofparents.Furtherstepsshouldbetakentostrengthenthesystemofassistancetobothparentsintheperformanceoftheirchildrearingresponsibilities,inparticularinthelightofarticles18and27oftheConvention.Itisfurthersuggestedthattheproblemofsingleparenthoodbestudiedandthatrelevantprogrammesbeestablishedtomeettheparticularneedsofsingleparents.  2400.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoaddressthesituationofchildrenininstitutions,withaviewtoenvisagingandmakingavailablepossiblealternativestoinstitutionalcareandtoestablishingeffectivemonitoringmechanismsoftherealizationoftherightsofthechildplacedinaninstitution.  2401.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoseekinternationaltechnicalassistanceandadvicefrom,amongothers,theCentreforHumanRightsandUNICEF,initseffortstoimplementtheConventionand,inparticular,toharmonizenationallegislationwiththeConvention,developacoordinatingandmonitoringmechanismonchildren'srightsandadoptacomprehensivesocialpolicyidentifyingtherightsofthechildasaclearpriority.̇  2402.3  2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,thereportsubmittedbytheGovernmentbemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.@ . 16.Concludingobservations:Jamaica  2403.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofJamaica(CRC/C/8/Add.12)atits196thto198thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.196-198),on18and19January1995,andadopted,atits208thmeeting,on26January1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)02 .2Introduction  2404.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaging,throughahighrankingdelegationinaconstructiveandfrankdialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthewrittenrepliessubmittedbytheGovernmentofJamaicainresponsetotheCommittee'slistofissuesthatwasmadeavailabletotheStatepartybeforethesession. A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sn882   (b)2 .2PositivefactorsS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)S2405.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthecommitmentshownbytheGovernmentofJamaicainfulfillingitsobligationsundertheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Thatcommitmentisreflectedintheintentiontoincludechildrightsintheconstitutionalreformcurrentlyunderway,andinthelegislativereviewwhichaimsatbringingnationallegislationintoconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,includingthroughthedraftingofachildcareandprotectionact.Otherwelcomedevelopmentsincludetheintentiontoissueapolicystatementonchildren,thedraftingofthefive-yeardevelopmentplanforchildren,theholding,incooperationwithnon-governmentalagencies,ofworkshopsonstepstobetakentoensuretheimplementationoftheConvention;theadoptionofacountryprogrammeforchildreninespeciallydifficultcircumstances;andtheestablishmentoftheSpecialistCommitteeonChildAbuse.2406.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthewillingnessoftheGovernmentofJamaicatoseekadviceandtechnicalassistancefromUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagenciesandfromnationalandinternationalnon-governmentalinstitutionsinthefieldofthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechildinaccordancewiththestandardssetoutintheConvention.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2407.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatsevereeconomicandsocialproblemshavehadanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.Theveryhighlevelofexternaldebtandtherequirementsofstructuraladjustmentprogrammeswhichhaveresultedinbudgetaryreallocationstothedetrimentofsocialservices,aswellasunemploymentandpoverty,haveaffectedtheenjoymentofchildren'srights.2408.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthedifficultiescausedbysomesocialattitudes,traditionsandprejudices.&  (d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2409.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatintheframeworkofthelegislativereformunderway,anumberofareasremainwherenationallegislationhasnotyetbeenbroughtintofullconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,including'  itsgeneralprinciples,asreflectedinarticles2,3,6and12.Inthisregard,theCommittee'sconcernsrelateinparticulartothedefinitionofthechild,theneedtoprotectchildrenagainstcorporalpunishmentandharmfulinformation,parentalresponsibilities,childabuseandneglect-includingsexualabuse-healthissues,theminimumageofaccesstoemploymentandtheprotectionofworkingchildren,aswellastheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.2410.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofanoverallintegratedmechanismtomonitortheactivitiesdesignedtopromoteandprotectchildren'srights.Theinsufficientcoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentaldepartments,aswellasbetweencentralandregionalauthorities,intheimplementationofpoliciestopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechildisamatterofconcern.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheabsenceofeffectivemechanismsforcollectingstatisticaldataandotherrelevantinformationaboutthestatusofchildren,whichareofparamountimportancefortheelaborationoftargetedprogrammesfortheimplementationoftherightsrecognizedintheConvention.2411.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedabouttheeffectonchildrenofthedifficulteconomicsituationandthesocio-economicdisparitiesprevailinginthecountry.Inthisregard,itisconcernedastowhethersufficientbudgetaryallocationsaremadeandadequatesocialmeasuresarebeingtakentoprotectchildren,inparticularthoselivinginpovertyorbelongingtovulnerablegroups,frombeingthevictimsofthissituation,inthelightoftheprovisionsofarticles3and4oftheConvention.2412.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthedifficultiesinensuringtheregistrationofchildrenatbirth.Suchasituationimpliesthenon-recognitionofthosechildrenaspersonsbeforethelaw,whichwillaffectthelevelofenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrightsandfreedoms.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthedifficultiesinensuringtheregistrationofpost-nataldeaths.2413.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattraditionalattitudesprevailinginthecountrymaynotbeconducivetotherealizationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularasregardsthepersistenceofgenderstereotypesandtheexistingroledistributionbetweenboysandgirls,theabusivesexualpracticeswhichmightaffectveryyounggirlsandthediscriminatoryattitudetowardscertaincategoriesofparticularlyvulnerablechildrensuchasyoungsinglemothers,disabledchildren,childrenaffectedbyHIV/AIDSorRastafarianchildren.2414.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthemeasuresbeingtakentoprotectchildrenfrominformationinjurioustotheirwell-beingareinsufficient,inthelightoftheprovisionsofarticle17oftheConvention.2415.3  2 .2Thelackofsufficientparentalguidanceandunderstandingbymanyparentsoftheirjointparentalresponsibilitiesandtheoccurrenceofchildabuseandneglectwithinthefamilyaremattersofconcern.Thehighincidenceofteenagepregnanciesandfemale-headedhouseholdsmakechildrenparticularlyvulnerabletosexualabuse,domesticviolence,neglectandabandonment,sometimesleadingtochildrenbecominginvolvedinactivitiesconflictingwiththelaw.̇2416.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsotakesnoteoftheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoimplementtherelevantprovisionsoftheConventionwithrespecttotherighttohealth,inparticularintheareaofpreventivehealthcareandhealtheducation.2417.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedbytheproblemsinvolvedinthepracticalapplicationoftherighttoeducation.Thelackofadequateschoolingfacilities,thereductionoftheeducationalbudget,thelawstatusofteachers,leadingtoashortageoftrainededucators,andtheinsufficientmeasurestoensurevocationaltrainingaremattersofseriousconcern.2418.3  2 .2Withregardtochildexploitation,theCommitteeisconcernedthatchildlabourcontinuestobeaseriousprobleminJamaica,particularlyintheruralareasandintheinformalsector,anditnotesthelackofadequatelabourlegislationtoprotectchildworkers.TheCommitteeisalsoworriedaboutthegrowingnumberofchildrenlivingand/orworkinginthestreetswheretheyareexposedtovariousformsofexploitationandabuse.2419.3  2 .2Withregardtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthepresentsituationdoesnotreflectthespiritandtheprovisionsoftheConvention.Inparticular,theCommitteeisalarmedatreportsoflengthypre-trialarrestsanddetentionofchildreninpolicelockups,wheretheymaynotbenefitfromthesafeguardsrecognizedintheConventioninthelightofarticles37and40.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2420.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentofJamaica,withintheframeworkoftheconstitutionalreformandlegislativereviewcurrentlyunderway,ensurethattheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionarefullyincorporatedintotheConstitutionandothernationallegislation.Inparticular,itissuggestedthatthenewlegislationshouldaddressissuessuchasthedefinitionofthechild,theminimumageofpenalresponsibilityandemployment,parentalresponsibilities,theprotectionofchildrenagainstabuseandneglectandthesystemofadministrationofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoseekassistancefromtheCentreforHumanRightsinundertakingthislawreform.2421.3  2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizestheneedtoestablishaneffectiveandintegratedsystemformonitoringtheimplementationoftheConvention.Itstressestheneedactivelytoinvolvevarioussectorsofthesocietyinsuchasystem,includinggovernmentalandnon-governmentalstructures,bothatthenationalandthelocallevels,aswellasparliamentarians.Abettercoordinationisalsoneededbetweennationalauthoritiesandthevariousinternationalagenciesprovidingtechnicalassistance,inordertoensurethatdueconsiderationisgiven,inthelightofarticles3and4oftheConvention,tochild-orientedprojectsandtheireffectiveimplementation.TheCommitteerecommendsthatacomprehensivesystemforthecollectionofdataonchildrenandtrendsontherealizationoftheirrightsbeestablishedintheStateparty.Inthisrespect,theCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentconsiderthepossibilityoforganizingameetingtodiscuss,withintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation,theimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConventioninthelightofthepresentobservations.2422.3  2 .2WhileacknowledgingtheeffortsmadebytheStatepartyinprovidingreliefandsocialassistancetofamiliesmostaffectedbytheeconomicsituation,theCommitteeemphasizesthatallappropriateeffortsshouldbeundertakentoensure,tothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesandwithintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation,thatsufficientresourcesareallocatedtochildren.Inthisregard,dueattentionshouldbegiventotheneedsofparticularlyvulnerableandpoverty-strickenchildrensoastoprovideadequatesafetynetsforsuchchildrenandtheirfamiliesinordertoavoidafurtherdeteriorationoftheirrights.2423.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatanationwideeducationcampaignbelaunchedtosensitizethepopulationatlargetotheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandthatacomprehensivestrategybeworkedoutandimplementedinordertoincreaseawarenessamongchildrenandadultsabouttherightsofthechildandtocombatexistingprejudicesaffectingvulnerablegroupsofchildren.TheCommitteesuggestsinparticularthatmembersofprofessionalgroupsworkingwithchildrenorconcernedwiththeapplicationoftheConventionsuchasjudges,lawyers,policeandstaffindetentioncentres,teachersandsocialworkersbegiven,includingwithinthetrainingcurricula,systematictrainingontheConvention.2424.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsidersthatgreatereffortsarerequiredtoimplementfullytheprovisionsofarticle2oftheConvention.Measuresshouldbetakentocombattraditionalattitudesandstereotypesandsensitizethesocietytothesituationandneedsofthegirlchild,disabledchildren,childrenaffectedbyHIV/AIDS,childrenlivinginruralareasorsociallydisadvantagedchildrenandRastafarianchildren.2425.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentofacilitatetheregistrationofchildren,incooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsandwiththesupportofinternationalorganizations.2426.3  2 .2TheCommitteestressestheneedforgreatereffortsindevelopingfamilyeducationandawarenessofthecommonparentalresponsibilitiesofbothparentsinthelightofarticle18oftheConvention.Familyplanninginformationandservicesshouldbegivengreaterattentionandresources.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytosupportfurthermeasurestopromoteearlychildhooddevelopmentandtheprovisionofchildcareservicesandcentresforworkingmothers.2427.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartytakeadditionalmeasurestocombatviolenceandabuseofchildren,includingsexualabuse.Comprehensiveschoolguidanceprogrammestoaddresstheneedsofchildrenexposedtoviolentconditionsandcrisisservicesforchildrenshouldbeexpanded.Programmesfortherehabilitationandreintegrationofphysicallyorpsychologicallydisturbedandtraumatizedchildrenneedtobedeveloped,withthecooperationofnon-governmentalorganizations.2428.3  2 .2TheStatepartyshouldensurethatadequateproceduresandmechanismsbedevelopedtodealwithcomplaintsoftheill-treatmentofchildren,andthatcasesofviolationsofchildren'srightsbedulyinvestigated.2429.3  2 .2WhilerecognizingimportantachievementsoftheStatepartyinthefieldofimmunizationcoverage,theCommitteerecommendsthatfurthereffortsbemadetoextendandstrengthentheprimaryhealthcaresystem.Healtheducationshouldalsobedevelopedsoastoensureabetterunderstandingbythepopulationofthebenefitsofpreventivehealthcareandthedetrimentaleffectsonchildrenofthepersistenceoftraditionalpracticesprejudicialtotheirhealth.2430.3  2 .2Itissuggestedthatathoroughreviewoftheeducationsystembeundertaken.ItisrecommendedthattheStatepartyrequesttechnicalassistancefromtheUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization(UNESCO)inthisregard.Measuresshouldbeenvisagedtoimprovethequalityofeducation,andtointensifyteachertrainingandvocationaltraining.2431.3  2 .2Withrespecttochildexploitation,theCommitteerecommendsthateffortstopreventandcombatchildlabour,particularlyintheinformalsector,beintensified.Itissuggestedthatthelegislativereviewgivedueconsiderationtotheissueoftheminimumageforadmissiontoemployment,andthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingILOConventionNo.138onthissubject.ItisrecommendedthatJamaicaconsiderseekingassistancefromILOandUNICEFinthisarea.2432.3  2 .2Withregardtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,itissuggestedthatthenecessarymeasuresbetakentoimplementfullytheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteerecommendsthatthelawreformtobeundertakeninthisfieldadequatelyreflecttheprovisionsoftheConventionaswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandards,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationalRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.Itissuggestedthatdueattentionbepaidtothebestinterestsandthedignityofthechild,andthatdeprivationoflibertybeconsideredasameasureoflastresortandfortheminimumperiodpossible.ItisrecommendedthattheStatepartyenvisagerequestingtechnicalassistanceinthisareafromtheCentreforHumanRightsaswellasfromtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeBranch.2433.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthereportsubmittedbytheStateparty,summaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswideaspossiblewithinthecountry.@ . 17.Concludingobservations:Denmark2434.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofDenmark(CRC/C/8/Add.8)atits199thto201stmeetings(CRC/C/SR.199201),on19and20January1995,andadoptedatits208thmeeting,on26January1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2435.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsreport,whichhasbeenpreparedinconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelines,andforthesubmissionbytheGovernmentofDenmarkofwrittenrepliestoitswrittenlistofissues.ItnoteswithsatisfactionthatthesupplementaryinformationprovidedbythedelegationanditsinvolvementinmattersrelatedtotheConventionontheRightsoftheChildmadeitpossibletoengageinaconstructivedialoguewiththeStateparty.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2436.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthemeasurestakenbytheGovernmentofDenmark,sincetheentryintoforceoftheConventionin1991topromoteandprotecttherightsofchildren.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewelcomestheadoptionofalawwhichmakesitillegaltopossesschildpornography.Italsowelcomestheproposedamendmenttothelegislationrelatingtorulesonjointcustody,visitationrightsandotherrelatedmatters.̇2437.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisencouragedtonotetheexistenceoftheGovernment'sChildren'sCommitteeandtheInter-MinisterialCommitteeonChildren,whichiscomposedofcivilservantsfrom16ministries.TheCommitteewelcomesthepreparationin1994bytheChildren'sCommitteeofanactionplantoaddresstheproblemsfacingtheweakestandmostvulnerablegroupsofchildreninDenmark.Itisfurthernotedthatthisactionplancontemplatesthedevelopmentofprojectstoaddresstheseissuesthroughinterdisciplinarycooperationwithineachmunicipality.2438.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsappreciationthatagovernmentpolicypaperonhumanrightsanddemocracypreparedinJune1993,andofrelevancetointernationaldevelopmentassistance,containedachapterdevotedtotheproblemsfacingchildrenindevelopingcountries.2439.3  2 .2Likewise,theCommitteenoteswithappreciationthecreationbytheGovernmentofDenmarkoftheChildren'sCouncilforaninitialperiodofthreeyears,whichwill,interalia,reflectonandreviewthemeasurestakenandthepoliciesadoptedtoimplementtheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventioninthelightofthechangingsituationofchildren.2440.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheappointmentofaboardforethnicqualitywhichhasbeenestablishedpursuanttoActNo.466of30June1993.TheCommitteeisfurtherencouragedbytheproposalsoftheGovernment'sCityCommitteetoestablishasystemofsocialassistanceandlegalinformationforrefugeeandimmigrantchildren.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2441.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheStatepartymadeareservationtoarticle40(2)(b)(v)oftheConvention,butalsonotesthattheGovernmentmayreconsiderthatreservation.2442.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheadequacyofmeasurestakentoensurethattheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionarewidelyknowntochildrenandadultsalike.2443.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatcertainprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlythoseguaranteedinarticles3,12,13and15,havenotbeenadequatelyreflectedinnationallegislationandpolicy-making.2444.3  2 .2Concerningtherightofachildtoknowhisorherorigins,theCommitteenotesapossiblecontradictionbetweenthisprovisionoftheConventionandthepolicyoftheStatepartywithrespecttoartificialinsemination.2445.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthehighpercentageofsingleparentfamiliesandnotestheneedforspecialprogrammesandservicestoprovidethenecessarycareforchildrenfromsuchfamilies.2446.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheapplicationofthelawandpolicyconcerningchildrenseekingasylum,particularlywithregardtomethodsofinterviewingchildren,includingunaccompaniedminors,andtoensuringthatapplicationsforthepurposeoffamilyreunificationaredealtwithinapositive,humaneandexpeditiousmanner.2447.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatallchildrenwhohavehadtheirasylumrequestsrejected,butwhoremaininthecountryhavehadtheirrightstohealthcareandeducationprovideddefactobutnotdejure.ItistheviewoftheCommitteethatthissituationisnotfullycompatiblewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesofarticles2and3oftheConvention.2448.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowishestoexpressitsconcernabouttheoccurrenceofthesexualexploitationofchildrenandtheproblemofchildlabour.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2449.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytoconsiderthepossibilityofwithdrawingitsreservationtotheConvention,andwouldliketobekeptinformedofdevelopmentsonthismatter.2450.3  2 .2Theinformationcontainedinparagraphs14to21ofthereportappearstoindicatethattheConventionhasnotyetbeenestablishedastheframeworkfortheworkoftheChildren'sCommitteeandtheInter-ministerialCommitteeonChildren.Thus,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsideraccordingsuchstatustotheConventionwithregardtotheworkofthesetwoCommittees.2451.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowishestosuggestthatnationalmechanismsestablishedtocoordinate,evaluateandfollowupthepoliciesandmeasurestakentoimplementtheConventionshouldworkinclosecooperationwithlocalauthoritiesandmunicipalities.Inaddition,theCommitteewishestoencouragetheGovernmentofDenmarktoconsiderstrengtheningitscooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsinvolvedinmattersrelatingtotherightsofthechild.2452.3  2 .2Inthelightoftheprovisionsofarticles3and4oftheConvention,theCommitteewishestoemphasizetheimportanceofensuringthatresourcesaremadeavailabletothemaximumextentpossiblefortheimplementationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,especiallyforthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.Monitoringmechanismsareessentialinthisareatoensureparityinalllocalitiesasregardstheprovisionofservicestochildrenandtheeffectsonchildrenofanyreductionsinsocialexpenditures,particularlyduringperiodsofeconomicrecession.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderfurtherstrengtheninginternationalcooperationandassistance,particularlyforthebenefitofvulnerablegroupssuchasdisabledchildrenandchildrenneedingspecialprotection.2453.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderthepossibilityofprovidingfundingtotheChildren'sCounciltoenableittoundertakeindependentstudiesonissuesrelatingtochildren.2454.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatvariousmattersraisedduringthediscussionmightdeservefurtherstudy,includingthereasonsfortherelativelyhighnumberofsuicidesamongyoungpeopleinDenmarkandthedevelopmentanduseofsocialandotherindicatorstomonitortheimplementationofalltherightsprovidedforintheConvention.2455.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketoencouragetheStatepartytodevelopanongoingandsystematicapproachtomakingtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionwidelyknowntochildrenandadultsalike.Inaddition,theCommitteerecommendsthattheprinciplesandpurposesoftheConventionbemadewidelyknowninthemainlanguagesoftheminority,refugeeandimmigrantgroupslivinginDenmark.2456.3  2 .2InconnectionwiththeStateparty'songoingeffortstocreateagreaterawarenessoftheConvention,theCommitteewouldalsoliketosuggestthateducationabouttheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionbesystematicallyincorporatedintoretrainingprogrammesandtrainingcurriculaforvariousprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildrensuchasteachers,socialworkers,lawenforcementpersonnelandjudges.2457.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketoemphasizethatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,namelyitsarticles2,3,6and12,shouldbeclearlyreflectedinlegislationandpolicies.TheCommitteerecommendstotheStatepartythatitconsiderthepossibilityofreviewingitslegislationtoensurethattheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlythoserelatingtoitsarticles3,12,13and15,areincorporatedintonationallawsandprocedures.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatfurtherconsiderationbegiventoestablishingmechanismstoensurethatchildrenmayexpresstheirviewsandhavethemtakenintoaccountindecision-makingprocessesaffectingthem,includingatschoolandwithinthecommunity.2458.3  2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteesuggeststhatfurthermeasuresbetakentopreventandcombatdiscriminationagainstvulnerablegroupsofchildren,includingrefugeeandimmigrantchildrenandchildreninfectedwithHIVorsufferingfromAIDS.2459.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsshouldbetakentostrengthenawarenessoftheequalresponsibilitiesofparentsinchild-rearing,inparticularinthelightofarticle18oftheConvention.Itisalsosuggestedthatthesituationofsingleparentsbefurtherstudiedandthatrelevantprogrammesbeestablishedtomeettheirparticularneeds.2460.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttotakestepstomonitormorecloselythesituationofforeignchildrenplacedinadoptivefamiliesinDenmark.Inaddition,itrecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.2461.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldalsoliketosuggestthatfurthermeasuresbetakeneffectivelytoputanendtoviolenceagainstchildren,includinginthehome.2462.3  2 .2InviewoftherecentadoptionbytheGeneralAssemblyofresolution49/184proclaimingtheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderusingthisopportunitytopromotetheincorporationofeducationabouttheConventioninschoolcurricula.TheCommitteewouldalsoliketosuggestthatmeasurestoteachaboutchildren'sandhumanrightscouldbeusedasatooltoadvocatefurtherthepurposesoftheEuropeanYouthCampaign,andtheparallelNordiccampaign,tocombatracism,xenophobia,anti-Semitismandintolerance.ItisalsotheviewoftheCommitteethatitisequallyimportantthattheteachingmethodsusedinschoolsshouldreflectthespiritandphilosophyoftheConventionandtheaimsofeducationlaiddowninitsarticle29.2463.3  2 .2Withregardtothesituationofrefugeechildrenandchildrenseekingasylum,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderreviewingitsAlienActasregardsitscompatibilitywiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,includingthatcontainedinitsarticle10whichstipulatesthatapplicationsforfamilyreunificationshouldbedealtwithinapositive,humaneandexpeditiousmanner.Similarly,withregardtotheprovisionofhealthandeducationservicestochildreninasylum-seekingsituations,theCommitteewishestodrawattentiontotheprovisionsofarticle2oftheConventionwhichstate,interalia,that"StatespartiesshallrespectandensuretherightssetforthinthepresentConventiontoeachchildwithintheirjurisdiction".2464.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderreviewingitsjuvenilejusticesysteminordertoensurethatproceedingsagainstpersonsunder18yearsofagearefullycompatiblewiththeprovisionsofarticle40oftheConvention.2465.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakefurthermeasurestoimplementtheprovisionsofarticles32,34and39oftheConventionrelatingtothepreventionandprotectionofchildrenfromeconomicandsexualexploitationandtheirrehabilitationandrecovery.Specifically,withregardtotheissueofchildlabour,theCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttoconsiderthepossibilityofratifyingILOConventionNo.138concerningminimumageforemployment.2466.3  2 .2Finally,theCommitteeappreciatesthewillingnessoftheGovernmentofDenmarktopublishtheinitialreportofDenmark,thesummaryrecordsofthemeetingsoftheCommitteeinwhichthereportwasexaminedandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteeonthereport,andrecommendsthatthesedocumentsbedisseminatedaswidelyaspossibleinDenmark.̀18.Concludingobservations:UnitedKingdomofGreatBritaiǹandNorthernIreland2467.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland(CRC/C/11/Add.1)atits204th206thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.204-206),on24and25January1995,andadopted,atits208thmeeting,on26January1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2468.3  2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatestheopportunitytoengageinaconstructivedialoguewiththeStatepartyandwelcomesthetimelysubmissionbytheGovernmentofthewrittenresponsestotheCommittee'slistofissues.TheCommitteewelcomestheadditionaloralinformationprovidedbythedelegationoftheStatepartywhichgreatlyassistedinclarifyingmanyoftheissuesraisedbytheCommittee.Theadditionaloralinformationwasparticularlyuseful,inviewoftheCommittee'sobservationthattheinitialreportoftheStatepartylackedsufficientinformationonthefactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationofvariousrightsprovidedforintheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2469.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheadoptionbytheStatepartyofaChildren'sActapplicabletoEnglandandWales.TheCommitteealsoobservesthattheStatepartyhasextendedtheapplicationoftheConventiontomanyofitsdependentterritories.TheCommitteewelcomestheintentionoftheStatepartytoconsiderwithdrawingthereservationitmadetoarticle37oftheConventionasitrelatestotheproceduresgoverningchildren'shearingsinScotland.2470.3  2 .2Moreover,theCommitteewelcomestheinitiativesbeingtakenbytheStatepartytoreducetheincidenceofsuddeninfantdeathsyndromeandtocombattheproblemofbullyinginschool.Inaddition,theCommitteeisencouragedbythestepstakentoaddresstheissueofsexualabuseofchildren,includingthroughthedevelopmentofthe"WorkingTogether"initiative,whichadvocatesandpromotesaninterdisciplinaryapproachtoaddressingthisseriousproblem.2471.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinformationitreceivedconcerningthecommitmentoftheGovernmenttoreviewitslegislationintheareaoftheemploymentofchildrenandtopresentnewlegislationinmattersrelatingtothefamily,domesticviolenceanddisability.Likewise,theCommitteewelcomesthemeasuresbeingtakentopassfurtherlegislationintheareaofadoption,includingtheintentionoftheGovernmenttoratifythe1993HagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheCodeofPracticeforChildrenwithSpecialEducationalNeeds,whichhasstatutoryforceandhasbeendevelopedwithintheframeworkofthe1993EducationAct.2472.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheGovernment'scommitmenttoextendtheprovisionofpre-schooleducation.TheCommitteeisequallyappreciativeoftherecentinitiativetakenbytheStatepartytorequirelocalauthorities,inconjunctionwithhealthauthoritiesandnon-governmentalorganizations,todrawupChildren'sServicePlans.&  (c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2473.3  2 .2'  TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthebroadnatureofthereservationsmadetotheConventionbytheStatepartywhichraiseconcernastotheircompatibilitywiththeobjectandpurposeoftheConvention.Inparticular,thereservationrelatingtotheapplicationoftheNationalityandImmigrationActdoesnotappeartobecompatiblewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingthoseofitsarticles2,3,9and10.2474.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsunclearabouttheextenttowhichaneffectivecoordinatingmechanismexistsfortheimplementationoftheConvention.Itisconcernedwhethersufficientconsiderationhasbeengiventotheestablishmentofmechanisms,includingofanindependentnature,tocoordinateandmonitortheimplementationoftherightsofthechild.2475.3  2 .2Withrespecttoarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.ItappearstotheCommitteethatinsufficientexpenditureisallocatedtothesocialsectorbothwithintheStatepartyandwithinthecontextofinternationaldevelopmentaid;theCommitteewonderswhethersufficientconsiderationhasbeengiventotheenjoymentoffundamentalrightsbychildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroupsinsociety.2476.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheinitialreportoftheStatepartycontainslittleinformationonthedifficultiesexperiencedbychildrenlivinginNorthernIrelandandtheeffectonchildrenoftheoperationofemergencylegislationthere.TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheabsenceofeffectivesafeguardstopreventtheill-treatmentofchildrenundertheemergencylegislation.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeobservesthatunderthesamelegislationitispossibletoholdchildrenasyoungas10forsevendayswithoutcharge.Itisalsonotedthattheemergencylegislationwhichgivesthepoliceandthearmythepowertostop,questionandsearchpeopleonthestreethasledtocomplaintsofchildrenbeingbadlytreated.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthissituationwhichmayleadtoalackofconfidenceinthesystemofinvestigationandactiononsuchcomplaints.̇2477.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheapparentinsufficiencyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,namelytheprovisionsofitsarticles2,3,6and12.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeobservesinparticularthattheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildappearsnottobereflectedinlegislationinsuchareasashealth,educationandsocialsecurity,whichhaveabearingontherespectfortherightsofthechild.2478.3  2 .2Withregardtoarticle2oftheConventionrelatingtonon-discrimination,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheinsufficientmeasuresundertakentoensureitsimplementation.Inparticular,itisconcernedaboutthepossibleadverseeffectsonchildrenoftherestrictionsappliedtounmarriedfathersintransmittingcitizenshiptotheirchildren,incontradictionoftheprovisionsofarticles7and8oftheConvention.Inaddition,theCommitteeisconcernedthatchildrenofcertainethnicminoritiesappeartobemorelikelytobeplacedincare.2479.3  2 .2Furthermore,inthelightofarticle6oftheConvention,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthehealthstatusofchildrenofdifferentsocio-economicgroupsandthosebelongingtoethnicminorities.2480.3  2 .2Inrelationtotheimplementationofarticle12,theCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientattentionhasbeengiventotherightofthechildtoexpresshis/heropinion,includingincaseswhereparentsinEnglandandWaleshavethepossibilityofwithdrawingtheirchildrenfrompartsofthesexeducationprogrammesinschools.Inthisasinotherdecisions,includingexclusionfromschool,thechildisnotsystematicallyinvitedtoexpresshis/heropinionandthoseopinionsmaynotbegivendueweight,asrequiredunderarticle12oftheConvention.2481.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheincreasingnumberofchildrenlivinginpoverty.TheCommitteeisawarethatthephenomenonofchildrenbeggingandsleepingonthestreetshasbecomemorevisible.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthechangedregulationsregardingbenefitentitlementstoyoungpeoplemayhavecontributedtotheincreaseinthenumberofyounghomelesspeople.Therateofdivorceandthenumberofsingle-parentfamiliesandteenagepregnanciesintheStatepartyarenotedwithconcern.Thesephenomenaraiseanumberofissues,includingasregardstheadequacyofbenefitallowancesandtheavailabilityandeffectivenessoffamilyeducation.2482.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisdisturbedaboutthereportsithasreceivedonthephysicalandsexualabuseofchildren.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeisworriedaboutthenationallegalprovisionsdealingwithreasonablechastisementwithinthefamily.Theimprecisenatureoftheexpressionofreasonablechastisementascontainedintheselegalprovisionsmaypavethewayforittobeinterpretedinasubjectiveandarbitrarymanner.Thus,theCommitteeisconcernedthatlegislativeandothermeasuresrelatingtothephysicalintegrityofchildrendonotappeartobecompatiblewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,includingthoseofitsarticles3,19and37.TheCommitteeisequallyconcernedthatprivatelyfundedandmanagedschoolsarestillpermittedtoadministercorporalpunishmenttochildreninattendancetherewhichdoesnotappeartobecompatiblewiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,includingthoseofitsarticle28,paragraph2.2483.3  2 .2TheadministrationofthejuvenilejusticesystemintheStatepartyisamatterofgeneralconcerntotheCommittee.ThelowageofcriminalresponsibilityandthenationallegislationrelatingtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeseemnottobecompatiblewiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,namelyarticles37and40.2484.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedaboutcertainoftheprovisionsoftheCriminalJusticeandPublicOrderAct1994.TheCommitteenotesthatitsprovisionsprovide,interalia,forthepossibilityofapplying"securetrainingorders"onchildrenaged12to14inEnglandandWales.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthecompatibilityoftheapplicationofsuchsecuretrainingordersonyoungchildrenwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,particularlyitsarticles3,37,39and40.Inparticular,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheethosoftheguidelinesfortheadministrationandestablishmentofSecureTrainingCentresinEnglandandWalesandtheTrainingSchoolsinNorthernIrelandappearstolayemphasisonimprisonmentandpunishment.2485.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisequallyconcernedthatchildrenplacedincareunderthesocialwelfaresystemmaybeheldintrainingschoolsinNorthernIrelandandmaybeplacedinthefutureinSecureTrainingCentresinEnglandandWales.2486.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattheCriminalEvidence(NorthernIreland)Order1988appearstobeincompatiblewitharticle40oftheConvention,inparticularwiththerighttopresumptionofinnocenceandtherightnottobecompelledtogivetestimonyorconfessguilt.Itisnotedthatsilenceinresponsetopolicequestioningcanbeusedtosupportafindingofguiltagainstachildover10yearsofageinNorthernIreland.Silenceattrialcanbesimilarlyusedagainstchildrenover14yearsofage.2487.3  2 .2ThesituationofGypsyandTravellerchildrenisamatterofconcerntotheCommittee,especiallywithregardtotheiraccesstobasicservicesandtheprovisionofcaravansites.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2488.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytoconsiderreviewingitsreservationstotheConventionwithaviewtowithdrawingthem,particularlyinthelightoftheagreementsmadeinthisregardattheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsandincorporatedintheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofAction.2489.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderestablishinganationalmechanismforthepurposeofcoordinatingtheimplementationoftheConvention,includingbetweengovernmentaldepartmentsandbetweencentralandlocalgovernmentalauthorities.Furthermore,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyestablishapermanentmechanismforthemonitoringoftheChildren'sActandtheConventionthroughouttheUnitedKingdom.ItisfurthersuggestedthatwaysandmeansbeestablishedtofacilitateregularandclosercooperationbetweentheGovernmentandthenon-governmentalcommunity,particularlywiththosenon-governmentalorganizationscloselyinvolvedinmonitoringtherespectfortherightsofthechildintheStateparty.2490.3  2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlytheprovisionsofitsarticle3,relatingtothebestinterestsofthechild,shouldguidethedeterminationofpolicy-makingatboththecentralandlocallevelsofgovernment.Thisapproachisofrelevancetodecisionstakenabouttheallocationofresourcestothesocialsectoratthecentralandlocalgovernmentallevels,includingwithregardtothatallocationofbenefitstochildrenwhohavecompletedcompulsoryschoolingandhavenofull-timeemployment.TheCommitteenotestheimportanceofadditionaleffortstoovercometheproblemsofgrowingsocialandeconomicinequalityandincreasedpoverty.2491.3  2 .2Withregardtomattersrelatingtothehealth,welfareandstandardoflivingofchildrenintheUnitedKingdom,theCommitteerecommendsadditionalmeasurestoaddress,asamatterofpriority,problemsaffectingthehealthstatusofchildrenofdifferentsocio-economicgroupsandofchildrenbelongingtoethnicminoritiesandtotheproblemsofhomelessnessaffectingchildrenandtheirfamilies.2492.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatinlinewiththeprovisionsofarticle42oftheConvention,theStatepartyshouldundertakemeasurestomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknowntoadultsandchildrenalike.Itisalsosuggestedthatteachingaboutchildren'srightsshouldbeincorporatedintothetrainingcurriculaofprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren,suchasteachers,thepolice,judges,socialworkers,healthworkersandpersonnelincareanddetentioninstitutions.2493.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatgreaterprioritybegiventoincorporatingthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,especiallytheprovisionsofitsarticle3,relatingtothebestinterestsofthechild,andarticle12,concerningthechild'srighttomaketheirviewsknownandtohavetheseviewsgivendueweight,inthelegislativeandadministrativemeasuresandinpoliciesundertakentoimplementtherightsofthechild.ItissuggestedthattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofestablishingfurthermechanismstofacilitatetheparticipationofchildrenindecisionsaffectingthem,includingwithinthefamilyandthecommunity.2494.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatracerelationslegislationbeintroducedinNorthernIrelandasamatterofurgencyandisencouragedbytheinformationpresentedbythedelegationoftheStatepartyregardingtheGovernment'sintentiontofollowuponthismatter.2495.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldalsoliketosuggestthatareviewbeundertakenofthenationalityandimmigrationlawsandprocedurestoensuretheirconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.2496.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbeundertakentoeducateparentsabouttheirresponsibilitiestowardstheirchildren,includingthroughtheprovisionoffamilyeducationwhichshouldemphasizetheequalresponsibilitiesofbothparents.WhilerecognizingthattheGovernmentviewstheproblemofteenagepregnanciesasaseriousone,theCommitteesuggeststhatadditionalefforts,intheformofprevention-orientedprogrammeswhichcouldbepartofaneducationalcampaign,arerequiredtoreducethenumberofteenagepregnancies.2497.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsooftheopinionthatadditionaleffortsarerequiredtoovercometheproblemofviolenceinsociety.TheCommitteerecommendsthatphysicalpunishmentofchildreninfamiliesbeprohibitedinthelightoftheprovisionssetoutinarticles3and19oftheConvention.Inconnectionwiththechild'srighttophysicalintegrity,asrecognizedbytheConvention,namelyinitsarticles19,28,29and37,andinthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofundertakingadditionaleducationcampaigns.Suchmeasureswouldhelptochangesocietalattitudestowardstheuseofphysicalpunishmentinthefamilyandfosteracceptanceofthelegalprohibitionofthephysicalpunishmentofchildren.2498.3  2 .2Withregardtomattersrelatingtoeducation,theCommitteesuggeststhatchildren'srighttoappealagainstexpulsionfromschoolbeeffectivelyensured.Itisalsosuggestedthatproceduresbeintroducedtoensurethatchildrenareprovidedwiththeopportunitytoexpresstheirviewsontherunningoftheschoolsinmattersofconcerntothem.Further,theCommitteerecommendsthatthetrainingcurriculaofteachersshouldincorporateeducationabouttheConvention.ItisrecommendedthatteachingmethodsshouldbeinspiredbyandreflectthespiritandphilosophyoftheConvention,inthelightofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConventionandtheprovisionsofitsarticle29.TheCommitteewouldalsoliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofintroducingeducationabouttheConventionintoschoolcurricula.Legislativemeasuresarerecommendedtoprohibittheuseofcorporalpunishmentinprivatelyfundedandmanagedschools.2499.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyprovidefurthersupporttotheteachingoftheIrishlanguageinschoolsinNorthernIrelandandtointegratededucationschooling.2500.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheemergencyandotherlegislation,includinginrelationtothesystemofadministrationofjuvenilejusticeatpresentinoperationinNorthernIrelandshouldbereviewedtoensureitsconsistencywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.2501.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatlawreformbepursuedinordertoensurethatthesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeischild-oriented.TheCommitteealsowishestorecommendthattheStatepartytakethenecessarymeasurestopreventjuveniledelinquencyassetdownintheConventionandcomplementedbytheRiyadhGuidelines.2502.3  2 .2Morespecifically,theCommitteerecommendsthatseriousconsiderationbegiventoraisingtheageofcriminalresponsibilitythroughouttheareasoftheUnitedKingdom.TheCommitteealsorecommendstheintroductionofcarefulmonitoringofthenewCriminalJusticeandPublicOrderAct1994withaviewtoensuringfullrespectfortheConvention.Inparticular,theprovisionsoftheActwhichallowfor,interalia,placementofsecuretrainingordersonchildrenagedbetween12and14,indeterminatedetention,andthedoublingofsentenceswhichmaybeimposedon15-to17-year-oldchildrenshouldbereviewedwithrespecttotheircompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.2503.3  2 .2Withinthecontextofthelawreformbeingconsideredwithregardtomattersrelatingtotheemploymentofchildren,theCommitteeexpressesthehopethattheStatepartywillconsiderreviewingitsreservationwithaviewtoitswithdrawal.Similarly,theCommitteeexpressesthehopethattheGovernmentwillconsiderthepossibilityofbecomingapartytoILOConventionNo.138.2504.3  2 .2Theissuesofsexualexploitationanddrugabuseastheyaffectchildrenshouldalsobeaddressedonanurgentbasis,includingwithregardtotheundertakingoffurthermeasurestopreventthem.2505.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthattheimplementationoftheprovisionsofarticle39oftheConventiondeservesgreaterattention.Programmesandstrategiesshouldbedevelopedtoensurethatmeasuresareinplacetopromotethephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofachildvictimof,interalia,neglect,sexualexploitation,abuse,familyconflict,violence,drugabuse,aswellasofchildreninthesystemofadministrationofjustice.Suchmeasuresshouldbeappliedwithinthenationalcontextbutalsowithintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation.2506.3  2 .2Inaddition,theCommitteerecommendsproactivemeasuresfortherightsofchildrenbelongingtoGypsyandTravellercommunities,includingtheirrighttoeducation,andthatasufficientnumberofadequatelyappointedcaravansitesforthesecommunitiesbesecured.2507.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatinformationontheimplementationoftheConventioninthedependentterritoryofHongKongbesubmittedtotheCommitteeby1996.2508.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytodisseminatewidelytheStateparty'sreport,summaryrecordsofthediscussionofthereportwithintheCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentandthatthesuggestionsandrecommendationsforactioncontainedthereinbefollowedup.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhatclosercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsbepursued.@ . 19.Concludingobservations:Nicaragua2509.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofNicaragua(CRC/C/3/Add.25)atits211thto213thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.211-213),on22and23May1995,andadopted,atits233rdmeeting,on9June1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2510.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotethattheproblemsfacingchildreninNicaraguaareexpressedfranklyinthereportoftheStateparty.TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatthedialoguewiththeGovernmentanditsrepresentatives,includingthroughtheirwrittenandoralresponsestoquestionsposedbytheCommittee,isconstructiveandvaluableinclarifyingthemeasuresbeingtakenandconsideredfortheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2511.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheGovernmentrecognizesthatmajoreffortsarerequiredtoaddresstheseriousproblemsfacingchildrenintheStateparty.TheCommitteesharestheopinionoftheStatepartythatsocialandeconomicdevelopmentinadditiontolegislativereformarerequiredtoimprovethesituationofchildren.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenotesthatatthenationalleveltheGovernmenthasincludedthesituationofchildrenasatopiconitsagendaonsocialdevelopmentandthatatthelocallevelinitiativeshavebeentakenbythemayorsoftownstoallocatefurtherresourcestotheeducationalsector.2512.3  2 .2Withrespecttolegislativereform,theCommitteetakesnote,inparticular,oftheStateparty'sconsiderationofthepossibilityofamendingtheConstitutiontoincludeaprovisionwhichwouldaffordconstitutionalstatustotheConvention.ItisalsonotedthattheNationalAssemblyofNicaraguahassponsoredmajorchangesinsomelawsthatrelatetothesexualabuseofwomenandchildrenandthatitisengagedinacomprehensiveexaminationofvariouslawsaffectingchildrensoastoensuretheircompatibilitywiththeprovisionsoftheConvention.2513.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentin1994oftheNationalCommissionforthePromotionandDefenceoftheRightsofChildrenandtheproposedcreationofanOfficeofOmbudsmanforChildren.ItalsonoteswithsatisfactionthattheNationalCommissionhascontactswiththeNicaraguanCoordinatingBodyforNon-GovernmentalOrganizationsAssistingChildrenandthatthisisseenasfacilitatingthecoordinationandcarryingoutofvariousoverallplansandeventswhichhaveanimpactonchildren.2514.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthattheStatepartyviewstheobligationtoreportundertheConventionasanopportunitytoprepareadocumentandtoengageinadialoguethatwouldserveasareferencepointandasourceofinspirationforthetakingofmoreconcreteactioninregardtochildren.&  (c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2515.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecognizesthatnaturaldisastersandthey'  earsofinternalconflicthavehadseriousnegativeconsequencesforthesituationofchildrenandfamiliesinNicaragua.2516.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisawarethatasNicaraguahasoneofthehighestexternaldebtsintheworld,theburdenofdebtrepaymentisparticularlyheavy.TheCommitteenotesthatNicaraguaisoneofthepoorestcountriesinLatinAmerica,whereunemploymentandunderemploymentaffectsalmost60percentofthepopulationandwheremorethan70percentofthepopulationislivinginpoverty,withalmost25percentlivinginextremepoverty.Inviewofthisreality,aswellasthefactthatover50percentofthepopulationofNicaraguaisunder18,theCommitteenotesthatthesefactorsprovidefurtherindicationsofthedifficultiesconfrontingchildreninNicaragua.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern .2517.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattraditionalculturalattitudestowardschildrenandtheirroleinthefamilyandsocietymaycontributetohamperingtheimplementationoftheConvention.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenotesthatanunderstandingofchildrenasasubjectofrightsdoesnotappeartobefullyreflectedinlegislativeandothermeasuresintheStatepartyandasaresultmaypreventchildreninNicaraguafromfullyenjoyingtheirfundamentalrightsasrecognizedintheConvention.2518.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatthereisalackofawarenessandunderstandinginthecountryoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Thislacunaisalsoreflectedintheabsenceofadistinctchildrightscomponentintrainingprogrammesforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildren.2519.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedattheapparentlackofsufficientcoordinationofthevariouseffortstoimplementtheConvention.2520.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoviewstheinadequacyofmechanismstogatherandanalysestatisticalandotherinformationrelatingtodifferentgroupsofchildren,includingindigenouschildren,girlchildrenandchildrenlivinginpoverty,asamajorproblemtoensuringtheeffectivemonitoringoftheimplementationoftheConvention.2521.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthelackoffullconformityofpresentandproposednationallegislationwithmattersrelatingtothelegaldefinitionofthechild.ItistheCommittee'sviewthattheearlyandlowermarriageableageforgirlsascomparedwithboysraisesseriousquestionsastotheircompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticularthoselaiddowninitsarticles2,3and6.2522.3  2 .2Thelegislativereformssettingtheageofcompletionofeducationat12years,andtheminimumageforemploymentat14years,renderingchildrenbetweentheagesof12and14vulnerabletotheriskofeconomicexploitation,raiseconsiderableconcernsintheCommittee.2523.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheapparentpersistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudesdirectedtowardsgirls,childrenbornoutofwedlock,childrenfrompoorerincomegroupsandchildrenbelongingtominorityandindigenousgroups.2524.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthecontinuingdifficultiesencounteredinensuringthebirthregistrationofchildren,particularlyattherurallevel.Theregistryofallchildrenisnecessary,inparticular,toensuretheirrecognitionaspersonsbeforethelawandthefullerenjoymentoftheirrightsand,ingeneral,tofacilitatetheeffectivemonitoringofthesituationofchildrenandthusassistinthedevelopmentofsuitablyappropriateandtargetedprogrammes.2525.3  2 .2TheCommitteesharestheconcernexpressedbytheStatepartyaboutthefactthatchildrenareoftenabusedinthemediatothedetrimentoftheirpersonalityandstatusasminors.2526.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheadequacyofmeasurestakentoensurethattheconditionsininstitutionscaringforchildrenareregularlymonitoredandsupervised.Equally,theCommitteeremainsconcernedaboutthesufficiencyofmeasurestakentoimplementtheprovisionsoftheConventionrelatingtoadoption,particularlyintercountryadoption,andwithrespecttocombatingtraffickinginchildren.2527.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttherelativelyhighmaternalmortalityrate,especiallyasitaffectsyounggirls,inNicaragua.Italsonotesthatclandestineabortionsandteenagepregnanciesappeartobeaseriousprobleminthecountry.2528.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatNicaraguanwomenonaveragegivebirthtofivechildren,thatthepercentageofsingleparenthouseholdsiscomparativelyhigh,thatfamilieshavedifficultiesinensuringanadequatestandardoflivingfortheirchildrenandthattherearechildreninNicaraguawhosufferfromstuntingandmalnutrition.2529.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsworriedaboutthesufficiencyofmeasuresbeingtakentoimproveaccesstoeducationandtoreducethehighratesofschooldrop-outandrepetitionofclasses.2530.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedabouttheproblemsofabuseandviolence,whichpersistinthefamilyandsocietyingeneral.Inviewofthisreality,theadequacyofmeasurestopreventsuchabuseandviolence,torespondtochildren'sreportsoftheirabuse,tosafeguardchildrenwhoreportabuseandtopreventtheimpunityofthosewhohavecommittedabuseagainstchildrenremainamatterofconsiderableconcerntotheCommittee.2531.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernabouttheimplementationoftheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventioninrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteenotestheabsenceofmeasurestocreateajuvenilejusticesystemmouldedtotheneedsandprotectingtherightsofchildren.Inthisregard,itisconcernedthatasmechanismsforalternativetreatmentarelacking,thesystemcurrentlyinplaceappearstobeunabletorespondtotheneedsofchildrenbelowtheageof15whohavebehaviouralproblems.Similarly,withrespecttothesituationof15-to18-year-oldswhofindthemselvesinvolvedwiththeadministrationofjusticesystem,thereappearstobeanabsenceofalternativemeasurestodetentionforsuchchildrenandtodifficultiesinensuringtheseparationofjuvenilesfromadultsinprisons.TheCommitteealsotakesnoteoftheinformationcontainedintheStatepartyreportwhichhighlightstheproblemsassociatedwiththelackofsufficienttraininginchildren'srightsoflawenforcementofficials,whichhascontributedtoinfringementsoftherightsofthechildbeingcommitted.2532.3  2 .2Withrespecttochildexploitation,theCommitteeisconcernedthatchildlabourremainsaseriousprobleminNicaragua,especiallyinviewofthehighlevelofadultunemploymentexistinginthecountry.Itisconcernedabouttheapparentinadequacyofmeasurestoaddressthisissue,includingforthemanychildrenworkingintheinformalsector,includingindomesticservice,wherenoeffectivemechanismsappeartoexistfortheprotectionofchildrenengagedinsuchwork.2533.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsgraveconcernthattheincreasingnumberofchildrenwhomakealivingbysellingandbeggingonthestreetsareespeciallyvulnerabletosexualexploitation.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2534.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,withinthecontextofthelegalreformpresentlybeingundertakenbytheGovernmentofNicaragua,nationallegislationbemadecompatiblewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.SuchreformshouldaddresstheconcernsraisedbytheCommitteeduringitsdiscussionswiththeStateparty,includingwithregardtomattersrelatingtothelegaldefinitionofthechild.WithrespecttothematterofthestatusoftheConventioninnationallegislation,theCommitteewouldliketoencouragetheStatepartytopursueitsconsiderationofaccordingconstitutionalstatustotheConvention.2535.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatfurtherattentionandpriorityshouldbegiventoestablishinganeffectivesystemofcoordinatingtheimplementationoftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheNationalCommissionforthePromotionandDefenceoftheRightsofChildrenbestrengthened.2536.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoimprovethesystemforcollectingstatisticalandotherdataaboutthestatusofchildren.TheCommitteewouldalsoliketoindicatethatthedevelopmentofsuchmechanismswouldprovideanimportantopportunityforraisingawarenessoftheimplicationsoftheratificationoftheConventionanditseffectiveimplementation.2537.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldalsoliketoexpressthehopethatanofficeofanombudsmanforchildrenwillbecreatedwithaviewtopromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechild.2538.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderusingtheConventionasatoolforthepreventionofviolenceandabuse.Onewaytoachievethis,theCommitteesuggests,isbyteachingchildrentodefendtheirrightsandfortrainedindividualsworkingwithandforchildrentotransmitthevaluesoftheConventiontochildren.Thus,theCommitteerecommendsthateducationabouttheConventionbeincorporatedintonon-formalandformaleducationalcurriculaandintotrainingandretrainingprogrammesforprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren,includingteachers,healthworkers,socialworkers,judgesandlawenforcementofficials.2539.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentdeveloppubliccampaignsontherightsofthechildwithaviewtoeffectivelyaddressingtheproblemofpersistingdiscriminatoryattitudesandpracticesagainstparticulargroupsofchildrensuchasgirlchildren,childrenbelongingtoaminorityorindigenousgroupandpoorchildren.Itisalsosuggestedthatfurtherproactivemeasuresbedevelopedtoimprovethestatusofthesegroupsofchildren.2540.3  2 .2Withrespecttoarticle4,andnotwithstandingtheeconomicdifficultiesfacedbytheStateparty,theCommitteerecognizesthatmoresubstantialbudgetaryallocationsarerequiredtoincreasethecoverageandqualityofservicesforchildren,withparticularattentionbeingpaidtothemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren,inthelightofarticles2and3oftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteewishestoencourageandexpressitssupportforinitiativesdesignedtofacilitateinternationalcooperationinassistingtheStatepartytomeetitsobligationsundertheConvention.2541.3  2 .2Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticles12,13and15oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatconsiderationbegiventoextendingandbroadeningtheinvolvementofchildrenintheinitiativesbeingundertakenwithintheStatepartytofacilitatechildren'sparticipationindecisionsaffectingthem.2542.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,onanurgentbasis,measuresbetakentoensuretheprotectionofthechildfrominformationandmaterialinjurioustohisorherwell-beingandtoprotectthechild'srighttoprivacy,inthelightoftheprovisionsofarticles16and17oftheConvention.2543.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityoffocusingitsattentionontheorganizationofamorecomprehensiveandcoordinatedcampaigninordertoaddresstheinterrelatedfamilyandsocial-relatedproblemsof:thehighnumberoffamilyseparations,therelativelyhighratesofmaternalmortalityandteenagepregnancy,thenumberofchildrenwhoarevictimsofviolenceorabuseandtherisingnumberofchildrenlivingorbeggingonthestreetwhoareatriskofsexualexploitation.2544.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesthehopethattheStatepartywillconsiderthepossibilityofratifyingthe1993HagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.2545.3  2 .2Inviewofthegeneralproblemsthatexistwithregardtothehealthstatusofthepopulation,particularlychildren,theCommitteesuggeststhattheprovisionofprimaryhealthcarebeemphasized,withfamilyplanningservicesandknowledgeofnutritionastwoofitsmajorcomponents,andthatstrategiesbedevelopedtoprovidefamilieswiththenecessarytechnicalandothersupporttogrowtheirownfood.2546.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatgreatereffortsshouldbedirectedtodevelopinglow-costbuteffectivestrategiestoincreasesubstantiallytheenrolmentandattendanceratesofchildrenineducationandtoimprovethequalityandappropriatenessofeducation.Theintroductionofsuchmeasureswouldassistinfurthersignallingthecommitmentwhichexiststoattractingchildrentoattendschoolaswellastoconvincingfamiliesofthevalueofeducation.ItisalsosuggestedthattheGovernmentconsiderextendingtheprovisionofcompulsoryeducationtonineyearsofschooling,therebyensuringatthesametimethattheageofcompletionofcompulsoryeducationwouldbeharmonizedwiththeminimumageforemployment.InthelightoftherecentlaunchingoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderusingthisopportunitytopromotetheincorporationofeducationabouttheConventionincurriculaforschoolchildren,itbeingunderstoodthatthechildrenwouldbetaughtabouttheirrightsbysuitablytrainedandqualifiedteachers.2547.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatanadministrationofjuvenilejusticesystembeestablishedinlinewiththerelevantprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticularitsarticles37,39and40,andinlightofotherrelatedinternationalinstruments.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewishestoemphasizetheimportanceandrelevanceoftheUnitedNationsGuidelinesforthePreventionofJuvenileDelinquency(TheRiyadhGuidelines),whichenvisageandcallforthestrengtheningandsupportingofthevitalroleofthefamilyandcommunityinordertohelpeliminatethesocialconditionsleadingtosuchproblemsasdelinquency,crimeanddrugaddictionandtoassistthefamiliesandcommunitiesfacingsuchproblems.2548.3  2 .2ItistheviewoftheCommitteethatlegalreformsandapreventivecampaignshouldbeurgentlyintroducedtoaddresstheissueofchildlabour.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheGovernmentofNicaraguaconsiderrequestingfurthertechnicalassistancefromILOinthesematters.2549.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinvitationaddressedtotheCommitteetovisitNicaragua.TheCommitteeproposesthattheStatepartyprepareapublicationofthereportofNicaragua,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionwiththeStatepartyandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoring,bothwithintheGovernmentandthegeneralpublic,includingwiththeconcernednon-governmentalorganizationcommunity.@ . 20.Concludingobservations:Canada2550.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofCanada(CRC/C/11/Add.3)atits214thto217thmeetings(CRC/C/11/Add.3)atits214thto217thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.214-217),on24and26May1995,andadopted,atits233rdmeeting,on9June1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2551.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitscomprehensivereport,whichfollowstheCommittees'sguidelines,andforengaging,throughahigh-rankingdelegation,inaconstructiveandfrankdialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteewelcomesthewritteninformationprovidedbythedelegationofCanadainreplytothequestionsincludedinthelistofissuesthatwascommunicatedtoitbeforethesession,aswellastheadditionalinformationprovidedduringthecourseofthediscussion,whichenabledtheCommitteetoassessbetterthesituationoftherightsofthechildinCanada.TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheadditionalwritteninformationsubmittedbytheStatepartyfollowingthedialogueheldwiththeCommittee.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2552.3  2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatestheStateparty'sfirmcommitmenttoadoptingfurthermeasuresfortheimplementationoftherightsofthechildasrecognizedintheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheCommitteeconsidersespeciallynoteworthythefactthatCanadaplayedaleadingroleinthedraftingprocessoftheConventionandinconveningthe1990WorldSummitforChildren.2553.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthegeneralstrengtheningoftheprotectionofhumanrights,particularlychildren'srights,throughtheCanadianCharterofRightsandFreedomsandthroughtheadoptionoflegislativemeasuresinthefieldofchildren'srights.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheestablishmentoftheNationalCouncilforCrimePrevention,whichspecificallypurportstoimplementbettertheConventionprovisionsintheareaofjuvenilejustice.2554.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheestablishmentoftheChildren'sBureaufollowingtheWorldSummitforChildrenanditsroleinensuringthattheConventionistakenintoaccountingovernmentpolicies,aswellasinenablingconsultationsbetweentheauthoritiesandtheprivateandvoluntarysectors.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthenumerousactivitiesundertakentodisseminateinformationrelatingtotheConvention.2555.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthecommitmentexpressedbythedelegationtoadoptmeasurestofaceincreasingpovertyandreduceexistingdisparities,inspiteofdifficultiesarisingfromthepresenteconomicrecession.TheCommitteenotesinthisregardtheestablishmentoftheFamilySupportEnforcementFundintendedtohelpprovincialandterritorialgovernmentsinthefieldofpromotionandprotectionofchildren'srights.2556.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesspecificactiontakenbyschoolsandlocalcommunityservicestoidentifychildren'sdisabilitiesatanearlystage.2557.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsotakesnoteoftheeffortsmadebyCanadainparticipatingininternationalprojectsincooperationwithUNICEFandothergovernmentalorinternationalnon-governmentalorganizations.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2558.3  2 .2TheCommittee,whiletakingnoteofthestatement,reflectedinthereportoftheStateparty,thatthefederalnatureofCanadaisacomplicatingfactorintheimplementationoftheConvention,andthattheexactdivisionofresponsibilitiesbetweenfederal,provincialandterritorialgovernmentsovermattersaffectingchildrenmayinvolveanelementofuncertainty,stressesthatCanadaisboundtoobservefullytheobligationsassumedbyratifyingtheConvention.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsufficientattentionhasnotbeenpaidtotheestablishmentofapermanentmonitoringmechanismthatwillenableaneffectivesystemofimplementationoftheConventioninallpartsofthecountry.DisparitiesbetweenprovincialorterritoriallegislationandpracticesthataffecttheimplementationoftheConventionareamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Itseems,forinstance,thatthedefinitionofthelegalstatusofchildrenbornoutofwedlockbeingamatterofprovincialresponsibilitymayleadtodifferentlevelsoflegalprotectionofsuchchildreninvariouspartsofthecountry.2559.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheStatepartymadereservationstoarticles21and37(c)oftheConvention.2560.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthevalueoftheConventionindomesticlaw.CertainbasicprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlythoserelatingtonon-discrimination,thebestinterestsofthechildandtherespectfortheviewsofthechild,havenotalwaysbeenadequatelyreflectedinnationallegislationandpolicy-making.2561.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedbytheemergingproblemofchildpoverty,especiallyamongvulnerablegroups.Itisalsoworriedbytheincreasingnumberofchildrenwhoarebroughtupbysingleparentfamilies,orinotherproblematicenvironments.Whileappreciatingtheprogrammesalreadysetup,theCommitteeemphasizestheneedforspecialprogrammesandservicestoprovidethenecessarycare,especiallyintermsofeducation,housingandnutrition,forsuchchildren.2562.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecognizestheeffortsmadebyCanadaformanyyearsinacceptingalargenumberofrefugeesandimmigrants.Nevertheless,theCommitteeregretsthattheprinciplesofnon-discrimination,ofthebestinterestsofthechildandoftherespectfortheviewsofthechildhavenotalwaysbeengivenadequateweightbyadministrativebodiesdealingwiththesituationofrefugeeorimmigrantchildren.Itisparticularlyworriedbytheresortbyimmigrationofficialstomeasuresofdeprivationoflibertyofchildrenforsecurityorotherrelatedpurposesandbytheinsufficientmeasuresaimedatfamilyreunificationwithaviewtoensuringthatitisdealtwithinapositive,humaneandexpeditiousmanner.TheCommitteespecificallyregretsthedelaysindealingwithreunificationofthefamilyincaseswhereoneormoremembersofthefamilyhavebeenconsideredeligibleforrefugeestatusinCanadaaswellascaseswhererefugeeorimmigrantchildrenborninCanadamaybeseparatedfromtheirparentsfacingadeportationorder.2563.3  2 .2Furthermeasuresseemtobeneededtoeffectivelypreventandcombatallformsofcorporalpunishmentandill-treatmentofchildreninschoolsorininstitutionswherechildrenmaybeplaced.TheCommitteeisalsopreoccupiedbytheexistenceofchildabuseandviolencewithinthefamilyandtheinsufficientprotectionaffordedbytheexistinglegislationinthatregard.2564.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurthernotestheurgentneedtoensureadequateprotectionofchildrenfromharmfulinformation,andparticularlyfromtelevisionprogrammesincitingorcontainingviolence.2565.3  2 .2Theincreasingincidenceofsuicideamongyoungpeopleisanadditionalcauseforconcern.2566.3  2 .2Whilerecognizingthestepsalreadytaken,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthespecialproblemsstillfacedbychildrenfromvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroups,suchasaboriginalchildren,withregardtotheenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrights,includingaccesstohousingandeducation.&  (d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2567.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencourageCanadatoreviewitsreservationstotheConventionandtoconsiderthepossibilityofwithdrawingthem,andwouldliketobekeptinformedofdevelopmentsonthisfundamentalmatter.'  2568.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueanddevelopitspolicyaimedatdisseminatinginformationandincreasingpublicawarenessoftheConvention.Itrecommendsthatanationwideeducationcampaignbelaunched,intheframeworkoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,tosensitizethepopulationatlarge-includingchildrenthemselves-totheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,andthatconsiderationbegiventoincorporatingtherightsofthechildintheschoolcurricula.Atthesametime,theStatepartyshouldintegratetheConventionintothetrainingcurriculaforprofessionalgroupsdealingwithchildren,especiallyjudges,lawyers,immigrationofficers,peace-keepersandteachers.2569.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenthecooperationbetweenmechanismsexistinginitslegalandadministrativeframeworkandenhancethecoordinationbetweenfederal,provincialandterritorialauthoritiesinthefieldofchildren'srightswithaviewtoeliminatinganypossibilityofdisparityordiscriminationintheimplementationoftheConventionandensuringthattheConventionisfullyrespectedinallpartsofitsterritory.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatemphasisbeplacedonfederalmonitoringmechanisms-suchastheCommitteeofOfficialsonHumanRights-withaviewtomakingthemmoreeffective.TheestablishmentofacomprehensivenetworkforthecollectionofdatacoveringallareasoftheConventionandtakingintoaccountallgroupsofchildrenwithinCanadianjurisdictionisrecommended.Cooperationinthefieldoftherightsofthechildbetweentheauthoritiesandnon-governmentalorganizationsaswellasaboriginalcommunitiesshouldalsobefurtherstrengthened.2570.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofCanadatoensurethefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventioninthelightofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthebestinterestsofthechild.Availableresourcesshouldbeallocatedtotheirmaximumextenttoensuretheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrights.TheCommitteealsoemphasizestheneedtotakeimmediatestepstotackletheproblemofchildpovertyandmakeeveryfeasibleefforttoensurethatallfamilies,particularlysingleparentfamilies,haveadequateresourcesandfacilities.2571.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytousetheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionasaframeworkfortheprogrammeofinternationaldevelopmentassistance.2572.3  2 .2InviewofthefactthattheConventioncanonlybereferredtobeforethecourtsasameansofinterpretationofnationallegislation,theCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsbetakentoensuretheeffectiveimplementationoftheConventionatthenationallevel.Inthisregard,theCommitteealsowishestoemphasizetheimportanceoftakingactiontoensurethatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlythoserelatingtonon-discrimination,thebestinterestsofthechildandtherespectfortheviewsofthechildasguaranteedunderarticles2,3and12,respectively,arereflectedindomesticlaw.Withregardtoarticle12inparticular,itisrecommendedthatchildrenbeprovidedwiththeopportunitytobeheardinjudicialandadministrativeproceedings.2573.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartypayparticularattentiontotheimplementationofarticle22oftheConventionaswellasofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthebestinterestsofthechildandrespectforhisorherviews,inallmattersrelatingtotheprotectionofrefugeeandimmigrantchildren,includingindeportationproceedings.TheCommitteesuggeststhateveryfeasiblemeasurebetakentofacilitateandspeedupthereunificationofthefamilyincaseswhereoneormoremembersofthefamilyhavebeenconsideredeligibleforrefugeestatusinCanada.Solutionsshouldalsobesoughttoavoidexpulsionscausingtheseparationoffamilies,inthespiritofarticle9oftheConvention.Moregenerally,theCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentaddressthesituationofunaccompaniedchildrenandchildrenhavingbeenrefusedrefugeestatusandawaitingdeportationinthelightoftheConvention'sprovisions.Deprivationoflibertyofchildren,particularlyunaccompaniedchildren,forsecurityorotherpurposesshouldonlybeusedasameasureoflastresortinaccordancewitharticle37(b)oftheConvention.2574.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyexaminethepossibilityofreviewingthepenallegislationallowingcorporalpunishmentofchildrenbyparents,inschoolsandininstitutionswherechildrenmaybeplaced.Inthisregardandinthelightoftheprovisionssetoutinarticles3and19oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatthephysicalpunishmentofchildreninfamiliesbeprohibited.Inconnectionwiththechild'srighttophysicalintegrityasrecognizedbytheConvention,namelyinitsarticles19,28and37,andinthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild,theCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofintroducingnewlegislationandfollow-upmechanismstopreventviolencewithinthefamily,andthateducationalcampaignsbelaunchedwithaviewtochangingattitudesinsocietyontheuseofphysicalpunishmentinthefamilyandfosteringtheacceptanceofitslegalprohibition.2575.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenitseffortstoensurethatchildrenfromvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroups,suchasaboriginalchildren,benefitfrompositivemeasuresaimedatfacilitatingaccesstoeducationandhousing.Researchshouldbedevelopedontheproblemsrelatingtothegrowingrateofinfantmortalityandsuicideamongchildrenwithinaboriginalcommunities.2576.3  2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportpresentedbyCanadabemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.@ . 21.Concludingobservations:Belgium2577.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofBelgium(CRC/C/11/Add.4)atits222ndto224thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.222-224),heldon31Mayand1June1995,andadopted,atits233rdmeeting,on9June1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.&  A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)So882   (a)2 .2IntroductionS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)ASA2578.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsverycomprehensivereport,andwelcomestheopenandself-criticalapproachtakenbytheGovernmentofBelgiuminpreparingthereport.ItalsowishestoexpressappreciationtotheStatepartyforthesubmissionofwrittenrepliestoits'  listofissues,aswellasfortheadditionalinformationprovidedduringthecourseofthediscussion.2579.3  2 .2Thepresenceofahigh-leveldelegationenabledtheCommitteetoengageinafrankandconstructivedialoguewiththosedirectlyresponsiblefortheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,atthefederalandcommunitieslevels.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2580.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheopennessofthedelegationtoreviewofthedeclarationsmadeuponratificationanditswillingnesstoconsiderwithdrawingthem.2581.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthemeasurestakenbytheGovernmentofBelgium,sincetheentryintoforceoftheConventionin1992,topromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeparticularlywelcomestheadoptionofacomprehensivelegalframeworktoensurefullconformitywiththeConventionandtheadoptionofarecentlawwhichextendsthenationaljurisdictionincasesofchildprostitutionandpornographyandallowstheStatetoprosecuteanypersonaccusedof"sextourism";therevisionofarticle371oftheCivilCode,whichnowprovidesfor"mutualrespectbetweenparentsandchildren";thestepstakeninviewoftheratificationofthe1993HagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption;theannouncedintentiontorevisetheCivilCodewithaviewtoloweringtheminimumageofconsenttoadoption,inthespiritofarticle12oftheConvention;aswellastheestablishmentofinstitutionsandmechanismsforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightofthechildbythecommunities.TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsappreciationforthelaunchingofawareness-raisingcampaignsforthepreventionofchildabuseandneglect.2582.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthattheConventionisself-executingandthatitsprovisionsmaybe,andinpracticehavebeeninseveralinstances,invokedbeforethecourt.ItalsonoteswithsatisfactionthefactthatBelgiumappliestheprincipleoftheprimacyofinternationalhumanrightsstandardsovernationallegislationincaseofconflictoflaw.2583.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatduringthepresentperiodofeconomicrecession,attentionhasbeenpaidbytheauthoritieswithaviewtoensuringthatthebudgetaryresourcesforthesocialwelfareofthemostdisadvantagedgroupsofthepopulationand,amongthemchildren,willnotdecreaseintheStateparty.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2584.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderestablishingapermanentnationalmechanismforthepurposeofcoordinatingtheimplementationoftheConventionanditnotestheneedforaneffectiveoverallsystemforthecollectionofdataontherightsofthechildatthefederallevel,includinginparticularonespeciallyvulnerablegroupsofchildren.2585.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheapplicationofthelawandpolicyconcerningchildrenseekingasylum,includingunaccompaniedchildren.Itisparticularlyconcernedthatunaccompaniedminorswhohavehadtheirasylumrequestrejected,butwhocanremaininthecountryuntiltheyare18yearsold,maybedeprivedofanidentityanddeniedthefullenjoymentoftheirrights,includinghealthcareandeducation.Suchasituation,intheviewoftheCommittee,raisesconcernastoitscompatibilitywitharticles2and3oftheConvention.2586.3  2 .2Withregardtotheprovisionsofarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthatchildrenbelongingtodisadvantagedgroupsofthepopulationappearmorelikelytobeplacedincare.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecallstheimportanceofthefamilyintheupbringingofachildandemphasizesitsviewthattheseparationofachildfromhisorherfamilymusttakethechild'sbestinterestasaprimaryconsideration.2587.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthepossibilityofrelinquishmentofjurisdictionprovidedforinarticle38oftheYoungPersons'ProtectionAct,whichallowsforyoungpersonsbetweentheagesof16and18tobetriedasadultsandtherebyfacetheimpositionofadeathsentenceorasentenceoflifeimprisonment.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofarticle53ofthesameAct,childrenmaybekeptinprisonforaperiodof15daysandbekeptinisolation.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2588.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytoconsiderreviewingthedeclarationsmadeuponratificationoftheConventionwithaviewtoconsideringwithdrawingthem.2589.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestosuggestthattheStatepartyenvisagetheestablishmentofapermanentmechanismofcoordination,evaluation,monitoringandfollow-upforpoliciesaimingattheprotectionofthechildtoensurethattheConventionisfullyrespectedandimplemented,atthefederalandcommunitieslevels.InthisrespectandaspartoftheongoingeffortsoftheStatepartytopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild,theCommitteesuggeststhatwaysandmeansbeestablishedtofacilitateregularandclosercooperationbetweenthefederalandcommunitiesgovernmentsincooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsinvolvedinmonitoringtherespectfortherightsofthechildinBelgium.2590.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatBelgiumenvisagethecreationofapermanentmechanismofdatacollectionatthenationallevel,inordertohaveanoverallassessmentofthesituationofchildreninthecountryandtoensureacomprehensiveandmultidisciplinaryevaluationofprogressanddifficultiesinimplementingtheConvention.2591.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthateffortstoharmonizenationallegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheConventionshouldbefurtherpursued,inparticularasregardsarticles38and53oftheYoungPersons'ProtectionActofApril1965withaviewtoensuringitsfullconformitywiththeConvention.TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytocontinuetotakestepswithaviewtoensuringtheabolitionofthedeathpenaltyinpeaceaswellasinwartime.TheCommitteefurtherencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderreformingitslegislationwithaviewtoensuringtheprohibitionofcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamily.2592.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldalsoliketosuggestthatfurtherconsiderationbegiveninthelightofarticle12oftheConventiontowaysofencouragingtheexpressionofviewsbychildrenandthoseviewsbeinggivendueweightinthedecision-makingprocessesaffectingtheirlives,inparticularinfamilylife,atschoolandlocallevelsaswellaswithinthejudicialsystem,includinginsituationswherethechildparticipatesintheproceedingsasawitness.2593.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketoencouragetheStatepartytodevelopfurtheranongoingandsystematicapproachtomakingtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionwidelyknowntochildrenandadultsalike.Inaddition,theCommitteerecommendsthattheprinciplesandpurposesoftheConventionbemadewidelyknowninthelanguagesspokeninBelgium,andtranslatedalsointothelanguagesofmajorrefugeeandimmigrantgroups.InviewoftheadoptionbytheGeneralAssemblyofresolution49/184proclaimingtheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderusingthisopportunitytopromotetheincorporationofeducationabouttheConventioninschoolcurricula.ItistheviewoftheCommitteethatitisimportantthattheteachingmethodsusedinschoolsshouldreflectthespiritandphilosophyoftheConventionandtheaimsofeducationlaiddowninitsarticle29.2594.3  2 .2ConsiderationshouldalsobegiventoincorporatingeducationontheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionintrainingprogrammesforvariousprofessionalgroups,includingteachers,socialandhealthworkers,immigrationofficers,lawenforcementpersonnel,judgesandpersonnelincareanddetentioninstitutions.2595.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytoensurethatapplicationsforthepurposeoffamilyreunificationinthecasesofrefugeesandmigrantworkersaredealtwithinapositive,humaneandexpeditiousmanner.2596.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofBelgiumtoconsidersigningandratifyingtheInternationalConventionontheProtectionoftheRightsofAllMigrantWorkersandMembersofTheirFamilies.2597.3  2 .2Finally,theCommitteeappreciatesthewillingnessoftheGovernmentofBelgiumtopublishtheinitialreportofBelgium,aswellasthesummaryrecordsofthemeetingswiththeCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteeonthereport,andrecommendsthatthesedocumentsbedisseminatedaswidelyaspossibleinthelanguagesspokeninBelgium.@ . 22.Concludingobservations:Tunisia2598.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofTunisia(CRC/C/11/Add.2)atits225thto227thmeetings,on1and2June1995(CRC/C/SR.225-227)andadopted,atits233rdmeeting,on9June1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2599.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthesubmissionofthereport,whichcontainscomprehensiveinformationonthelegalframeworkwithinwhichtheConventionontheRightsoftheChildisimplementedandonothermeasuresadoptedsincetheratificationoftheConventionbyTunisia.2600.3  2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatesthewritteninformationprovidedbytheGovernmentinreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissues.Furthermore,thepresenceofahigh-leveldelegationenabledtheCommitteetoengageinaconstructivedialoguewiththosedirectlyresponsiblefortheimplementationoftheConvention.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2601.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsmadebytheGovernmentinbringingdomesticlawintolinewiththeConvention,throughtheenactmentofthedraftcodefortheprotectionofthechild.SatisfactionisexpressedatthefactthatvariousnationallegislativeprovisionsaremoreconducivetotherealizationoftherightsofthechildthanthosecontainedintheConvention.TheCommitteealsonoteswithappreciationtheadoption,followingtheWorldSummitforChildrenin1990,ofthenationalplanofactionforthesurvival,protectionanddevelopmentofchildren,aswellastheadoptionofvariousprogrammes,specificallyaimedatpromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechild,suchasprogrammesfordisabledchildren,andprogrammesaimingatsensitizingteacherstothephilosophyoftheConvention.TheCommitteenoteswithparticularappreciationthesustainedpolicieswithaviewtoprotectingchildrenagainstthenegativeeffectsofstructuraladjustment.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2602.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattherearestillpracticeswhichimpedethefullenjoymentofcertainrightsofthechild.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2603.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheextentofthereservationsanddeclarationsmadetotheConventionbytheStateparty.Inparticular,thereservationrelatingtotheapplicationofarticle2raisesconcernastoitscompatibilitywiththeobjectandpurposeoftheConvention.2604.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention,particularlyarticles2,3,12,13and19,arestillinsufficient.TheCommitteeisconcernedatpracticesofdiscriminationagainstchildrenbornoutofwedlock.2605.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthesystemofcollectingdatarelevantforthemonitoringoftheimplementationoftheConventionneedstobeimprovedandextended.Itisconcernedwhethersufficientconsiderationhasbeengiventothereinforcementofmechanisms,includingofanindependentnature,tofollowupandevaluatetheimplementationoftheConventionatthenationalandlocallevels.2606.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthelegislativediscrepancybetweentheageforcompletionofmandatoryeducationandtheminimumageforadmissiontoemploymentmayleadtoencourageadolescentstodropoutfromtheschoolsystem.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2607.3  2 .2InthespiritofthefinaldocumentoftheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,theCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytoconsiderreviewingitsreservationsanddeclarationstotheConventionwithaviewtowithdrawingthem,includingparticularlythereservationrelatingtoarticle2oftheConvention.̇2608.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttopursueitseffortsaimingatcreatingawarenessoftheConventionandhavingitsbasicprinciplesunderstoodbythegeneralpublic,andtocontinuetrainingrelevantprofessionalgroupssuchasteachers,judges,lawenforcementofficials,socialworkersandthepersonnelincareanddetentioninstitutions,aswellasmilitarypersonnel.2609.3  2 .2ThedatacollectiononmattersrelatingtotheConventionshouldbesystematizedandamplified,withaviewtocoveringallareasaddressedbytheConvention.2610.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderreinforcingthemechanismsformonitoringandevaluatingtheimplementationoftheConvention.AmoreefficientcoordinationbetweenthecentralGovernmentandthegovernoratesisalsorecommended.2611.3  2 .2TheStatepartyisencouragedtopursuelegislativereformsandtoadoptmeasurestranslatingintopracticethegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulartheprincipleofnon-discriminationagainstchildrenbornoutofwedlock,theprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildandtherightofthechildtoexpresshisorherviewsfreely.2612.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendstotheStatepartytogivefurtherthoughttopossibleratificationofILOConventionNo.138ontheminimumageforadmissiontoemployment.Campaignstoprevententryofadolescentsintothelabourforce,includingintheinformalsectorandagriculture,shouldbereinforced.Inthisregard,theCommitteewouldliketoencouragetheStatepartytoconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefromILO.2613.3  2 .2Regardingtherightsoftherefugeeandasylum-seekingchild,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderasapreventivemeasureadoptingrelevantlegislativeprovisions,inconsultationwithUNHCR.2614.3  2 .2Asfarasprotectionfromill-treatmentisconcerned,theCommitteerecommendsthatthesocialpreventiveapproachbestrengthenedandthatfurthermeasuresbeundertakentoeducateparentsabouttheirresponsibilitiestowardstheirchildren,includingthroughtheprovisionoffamilyeducationwhichshouldemphasizetheequalresponsibilitiesofbothparentsandcontributetothepreventionoftheuseofcorporalpunishment.2615.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinvitationaddressedbythedelegationtotheCommitteetovisitTunisia.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheinitialreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionbetweenthedelegationandtheCommitteeandthepresentconcludingobservationsbewidelydisseminatedinordertodeepenthedebateontherightsofthechildinTunisia.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentandthatthesuggestionsandrecommendationsforactioncontainedthereinbefollowedup.@ . 23.Concludingobservations:SriLanka2616.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofSriLanka(CRC/C/8/Add.13)atits228thto230thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.228-230),on5and6June1995andadopted,atits233rdmeeting,on9June1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.&  (a)2 .2Introduction2617.3  '  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofSriLankaandthewrittenanswerstoitslistofissues.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrankandcooperativetoneofthedialogue,inwhichthedelegationoftheStatepartyindicatednotonlytheprogressachievedwithregardtotheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,butalsothedifficultiesencounteredduringimplementation.TheCommitteetakesnoteofthestatementmadebythedelegationthatitwasunfortunatelynotpossibleforalargerdelegationtobepresentduringthedialogue,ashadinitiallybeentheintentionoftheGovernment.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2618.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtheestablishmentin1993ofaNationalCommitteefortheMonitoringoftheRightsoftheChildundertheMinistryofHealth,HighwaysandSocialService.Italsowelcomesthelaunchingin1991oftheactionplanforchildreninSriLankatobeimplementedduringtheperiod1992-1996.TheCommitteeisencouragedtonotetheexistenceofadialoguebetweentheStatepartyandnon-governmentalorganizations,particularlytheNonGovernmentalOrganizationForum.2619.3  2 .2Withrespecttolegislativereform,theCommitteewelcomestheStateparty'sconsiderationofthepossibilityofamendinglawsrelatingtochildabuse,childlabourandjuvenilejustice,toensuretheircompatibilitywiththeprovisionsoftheConvention.2620.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthewillingnessofthedelegationofSriLankatoseekadviceandtechnicalassistancefromtheUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagenciesandfromnationalandinternationalnon-governmentalinstitutionsinthefieldsofchildabuse,childlabourandjuvenilejustice.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2621.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofthedifficulteconomicandsocialsituationofSriLanka,particularlyduetotheadverseeffectsofstructuraladjustmentmeasuresandtheongoingcivilarmedconflictintheNorthandEastregionsofthecountrywhichdrainsnationalresources.Eightofthe25provincesofthecountryareaffectedbytheconflictwhichduringthelast12yearshastakenthelivesof30,000peopleandcurrentlyhasanimpactonoverhalfamillionchildren.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2622.3  2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthattheGovernmentofSriLankahasnottakendueconsiderationoftheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConvention.Itregretsthatonlyasmallpartofthenationalbudgetisdedicatedtotheprotectionofthechildandnotesthehighproportionofmilitaryexpenditures.2623.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatneithertheConventionnortheCharteronChildren'sRightsisofbindingnaturewithinthenationallegalsystem.TheCommitteeisconcernedbythefactthatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,including,inparticular,article2(principleofnon-discrimination),article3(principleofthebestinterestsofthechild)andarticle12(respectfortheviewsofthechild)arenotreflectedinthenationallegislation.2624.3  2 .2Thelackofefficientandintegratedmechanismstomonitorthesituationofchildrenisamatterofconcern,particularlysincetheconstitutionalchangegaveincreasingpoliticalpowertotheprovinces.TheCommitteenotesinthisregardalackofreliablequantitativeandqualitativedata,ashortageofmeanstoimplementprogrammes,andalackofindicatorsandmechanismstoevaluatetheprogressandimpactofpoliciesadopted.2625.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedbytheabsenceofcoordinationwithinthegovernmentaldepartmentsandministries,aswellasbetweencentralandregionalauthorities.Thisaffectsnegativelytheimplementationofglobalpoliciestopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild.2626.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedabouttheexistenceofdisparitiesconcerningthethreedifferentlaws(SriLankan,KandyanandMuslim)regulatingtheminimumageformarriage.Theselegislationsestablishdifferentminimumagesformarriagebetweenboysandgirlsandauthorizethemarriagesofgirlsasyoungas12yearsofagewhohaveobtainedparentalconsentfromtheparents.Suchsituationsmayraisethequestionofcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesofnon-discriminationandthebestinterestsofthechild(arts.2and3).2627.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheapparentpersistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudesdirectedtowardsgirls,childrenbornoutofwedlock,childrenfrompoorerincomegroups,ruralchildren,childrefugeesordisplacedchildren,workingchildren,childrenaffectedbyarmedconflictsandchildrenofoverseasworkers.2628.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernregardingtheimplementationofarticle12oftheConvention.Theviewsofthechildarenotsufficientlytakenintoaccount,especiallywithinthefamily,theschoolandthejuvenilejusticesystem.2629.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthecontinuingdifficultiesencounteredinensuringbirthregistration,particularlyofchildrenbornoutofwedlock.Theregistrationisnecessaryforallchildrensothattheycanfullyenjoytheirfundamentalrightsandfreedoms.2630.3  2 .2Withrespecttochildabuse,includingsexualabuse,theCommitteeisseriouslyalarmedbytheprevalenceofthistypeofabuse.TheCommitteeisworriedaboutthefactthatnospecificrehabilitationmeasuresexistforabusedchildrenandthattheyaretreatedlikedelinquents.CorporalpunishmentalsopersistsinSriLankansocietyandisacceptedinschools.2631.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthesituationofchildrenwhosemothersareworkingabroad,especiallyinGulfcountries,leavingtheirchildrenbehind.Thosechildren(between200,000and300,000)oftenliveindifficultcircumstancesandmaybesubjectedtodifferenttypesofabuseorexploitation.2632.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheSriLankanauthoritieshaveenactednewlegislationoninternationaladoption,whichensuressafeguardsagainstthesaleandtraffickingofchildren.TheCommitteeremainsworriedaboutthefactthatthesamemeasureshavenotbeentakentoregulatenationaladoptions.2633.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernaboutthehighlevelofmalnutritionamongchildren.Itisestimatedthat23percentofinfantsarebornwithlowbirthweight.2634.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsodeeplyconcernedaboutthesurprisinglyhighrateofsuicideamongyoungsters.2635.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinadequatemeasurestakentoimprovetheaccessofdisplacedandrefugeechildrentoeducationandhealthservices.2636.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedaboutthehighratesofschooldropout,thediscrepanciesineducationfacilities,especiallyinruralareas,andtheinsufficiencyofpreschoolestablishmentswhichareusuallymanagedbynon-governmentalinstitutionsandarenotunderStateresponsibility.2637.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutimplementationoftheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventioninrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.Itisdeeplyconcernedbythelowageofcriminalresponsibility(8yearsold)andthestatusofchildrenbetween16and18yearsoldwhoareconsideredbypenallawasadults.Thosechildrenareexaminedbyadultcourts.2638.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsgraveconcernaboutthesubstantialnumberofchildrenworkingasdomesticservantsandwhoareoftensubjectedtosexualabuse.Itisalsodeeplyworriedabouttheincreasingnumberofchildrenexploitedsexually,especiallyyoungboysforcedintoprostitution,bothlocallyandininternationalsextourism.2639.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisseriouslypreoccupiedbythelargenumberofchildrenaffectedbythearmedconflictandespeciallythosewhohavebeendisplacedandthosewhohavebecomeorphansasaresultofthewar.TheCommitteeisalsoworriedaboutthehazardousprovisionofhealthservicesinareasaffectedbythearmedconflict.TheCommitteenoteswithregretthattheinitialreportofSriLankadidnotgivecomprehensiveinformationontheeffectofarmedconflictonchildren,theirinvolvementinthearmedforcesandthewaytheauthoritieshandlechildsoldiersprisonersofwar.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2640.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyharmonizeitsnationallegislationwiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.Principlesrelatingtothebestinterestsofthechildandtheprohibitionofdiscriminationinrelationtochildrenshouldbereflectedindomesticlaw,anditshouldbepossibletoinvokethembeforethecourts.2641.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisawarethattheStatepartyisintheprocessofreviewingitslegislationrelatingtochildabuse,childlabourandjuvenilejusticeand,inthatregard,drawstheattentionoftheStatepartytotheactivitiesdevelopedbytheprogrammeofadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistanceoftheCentreforHumanRights.2642.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheadoptionofanationalCharteronChildren'sRightsbutrecommendsthatitbegiventhestatusoflawanditsprovisions,wherenecessary,raisedtothestandardsoftheConvention.2643.3  2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatconsiderationshouldbegiventoraisingandstandardizingtheageforcontractingmarriageinallcommunities,toraisingtheageforengaginginlabourandforpenalresponsibilityandtoeliminatediscriminationtowardschildrenbornoutofwedlock.2644.3  2 .2MeasuresshouldbetakentostrengthentheChildrenSecretariatandtheNationalCommitteefortheMonitoringoftheRightsoftheChild.TheCommitteerecommendsthatanindependentmonitoringmechanismbeimplemented.Inthisregard,theestablishmentofanombudspersonwouldbewelcomed.Coordinationmechanismsshouldalsobestrengthenedbetweenallauthoritiesinvolvedinhumanrightsandchildren'srights,especiallywiththeMinistryofWomanAffairs,atbothnationalandlocallevels.TheCommitteesuggeststhatmeasuresbetakentoimprovethesystemforcollectingstatistics,accurateindicatorsandotherdataaboutthestatusofchildren.2645.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofSriLankatopayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandtoensureajudiciousdistributionoftheresourcesatcentral,regionalandlocallevels.Budgetallocationsfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrights,particularlyprobationandcareservices,shouldbeensuredtothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesandinthelightofthebestinterestofthechild.2646.3  2 .2Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticles12,13and15oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatconsiderationbegivenbytheStatepartytofacilitatechildren'sparticipationandtherespectoftheirviewsindecisionsaffectingthem,especiallyinthefamily,atschoolandincourts.2647.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakemeasurestocombatviolenceandabuseofchildren,includingsexualabuseandcorporalpunishment.Duringtheprocessofreviewingitslawonchildabuse,theStatepartyshouldcarefullytakeintoaccountalltheprovisionsguaranteedbyarticle19oftheConvention.Itfurthersuggeststhatprofessionalgroups,includingteachers,lawenforcementpersonnel,socialworkersandthemilitary,betrainedwithrespecttotheprovisionsontheConvention.Internationaltechnicalassistancecouldberequestedbytheauthoritiesinrelationtothismatter.2648.3  2 .2Toavoidtheabandonmentofchildrenbymothersworkingabroad,theCommitteesuggestthattheStatepartyengageindialoguewithreceivingcountriestoensureaninternationalagreementthatpermitsmigrantworkerstotaketheirchildrenabroad.RatificationoftheInternationalConventionontheRightsofAllMigrantWorkersandMembersofTheirFamiliesshouldbeconsidered.2649.3  2 .2Tocombatinstitutionalizationandabandonmentofchildrenbornoutofwedlock,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyestablishesanadequatealternativefamilycaresystemthatrespondstothenationalcultureandcustoms.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheauthoritiestogivefullsupporttomothersofchildrenbornoutofwedlockwishingtokeeptheirchild.2650.3  2 .2Withregardtonationaladoption,theCommitteestressestheneedtoraisethestandardstothoseexistingforinternationaladoption.TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthatSriLankawasoneofthefirstStatestoratifytheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.2651.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatrehabilitationmeasuresbetakenforabusedchildrenandthattheGovernmentprohibitsthepublicationbythemediaofthenamesofthevictims.2652.3  2 .2Toimprovetheunderstandingandthepreventionofsuicide,theCommitteeencouragestheauthoritiestolaunchastudyandasurveyconcerningthisphenomenon.̇2653.3  2 .2Inviewofthegeneralproblemofdisplacedandrefugeechildren,theCommitteerecommendsthatallappropriatemeasuresbetakentoensurethatthosevulnerablegroupshaveaccesstobasicservices,particularlyinthefieldsofeducation,healthandsocialrehabilitation.2654.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheMinistryofEducationshouldtakeunderitsresponsibilitytheestablishmentandmanagementofpreschoolfacilities.2655.3  2 .2Withregardtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,itissuggestedthatnecessarymeasuresbetakenbytheStatepartytoimplementfullytheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteerecommendsthatthelawreformtobeundertakeninthisfieldadequatelyreflecttheprovisionsoftheConventionaswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandards,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.Itissuggestedthatdueattentionbepaidtothebestinterestofthechildandtohisorherrighttobeheardandthatdeprivationoflibertybeconsideredasameasureoflastresortandfortheminimumperiodpossible.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthatthecriminalageshouldberaisedandthatpersonsagedbetween16and18beconsideredaschildren.2656.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthelawreformonchildlabourraisestheminimumageofaccesstolabourto15yearsoldandthecompulsoryeducationagetothesamelimit.TheCommitteesuggeststhatamonitoringandinspectionmechanismbeestablishedtofacilitateaneffectiveimplementationofthenewlaw.TheStatepartyshouldgivedueattentiontodomesticchildworkersandencourage,throughthepromotionandimplementationoftheConvention,achangeofmentalityandattitudes.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheGovernmentofSriLankaconsiderrequestingtechnicalassistancefromILOintheperspectiveofthelegislativereformandsuggeststhattheStatepartyenvisageratifyingILOConventionNo.138.2657.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernaboutthedevelopmentofsexualexploitationofchildren,especiallyofboys,throughsextourism.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheauthoritiesengageapreventioncampaignontheHIVvirusandstrengthenitsprocedurestosupervisetouristareaswheretheproblemprevails.2658.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatinthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,thereportsubmittedbytheGovernmentbemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.2659.3  2 .2WithregardtothetraumaticimpactonchildrenofthecivilarmedconflictinSriLanka,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph4,oftheConvention,additionalinformationbesubmittedtotheCommitteewithintwoyearsabouttheeffectsofthearmedconflictonchildren,theirparticipationincombatandthewayauthoritieshandlechildsoldiersprisonersofwar.&  @ . 24.Concludingobservations:Italy2660.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofItaly(CRC/C/8/Add.18)'  atits235thto238thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.235-238),on31Octoberand1November1995,andadopted,atits259thmeeting,on17November1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction . 2661.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaging,throughahigh-levelandmultidisciplinarydelegation,inanopenandfruitfuldialoguewiththeCommittee.ItwelcomesthewritteninformationsubmittedbythedelegationofItalyinreplytothequestionsincludedinitslistofissues,aswellasstatisticaldataprovidedinthecourseofthediscussion.WhilenotingwithsatisfactionthatsuchsupplementaryinformationenabledtheCommitteetoengageinaconstructivedialoguewiththeStateparty,theCommitteeregretsthatitsguidelinesforthepreparationofStateparties'reportshavenotbeenfollowedbytheGovernmentandthatacertainnumberofissuesaddressedinthewrittenlistofissueshavebeenleftunanswered.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2662.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthelegislativeandadministrativemeasurestakenbytheGovernmentofItalysincetheentryintoforceoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildin1991topromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild.ItappreciatesthattheConventionisself-executinginItalyandassuchcanbe,andinfacthasbeen,applieddirectlybytheItaliancourts,andthatItalyappliestheprincipleoftheprimacyofinternationalhumanrightsstandardsovernationallegislationincaseofconflictoflaw.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthepreliminarystepstakeninviewoftheratificationofthe1993HagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.2663.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthesettingupofvariousinstitutionsandmechanismsfortheprotectionandmonitoringoftherightsofthechildinItaly,includinginparticulartheSpecialCommitteeonChildIssuesestablishedwithintheParliament;theDepartmentoftheFamilyandSocialAffairscreatedwithinthePrimeMinister'sOffice;theNationalCentrefortheProtectionofChildren,entrustedwiththecollectionofdataconcerningchildren;andtheNationalObservatoryfortheProblemsofMinors,whichanalysesdatacollectedbytheNationalCentreandpreparesannualreportsfortheParliament.2664.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheprogressachievedinthefieldofchildhealthandwelfare,includinginparticularthenoticeabledecreaseinperinatalmortality.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2665.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofanoverallintegratedmechanismtomonitortheactivitiesdesignedtopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild.Itstressesthatcoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalentitiesinvolved,aswellasbetweennational,regionalandmunicipallevels,isinsufficientandthatthereisaneedforacomprehensivenetworkforthecollectionofdatacoveringallareasoftheConventionandtakingintoaccountallgroupsofchildrenwithinItaly,whichisessentialfortheimplementationoftargetedprogrammesontherightsofthechildandtheevaluationoftheeffectivenessoflegislativeandadministrativemeasures.2666.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensurethattheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionarewidelyknowntochildrenandadultsalikeandtoprovideadequatetrainingontheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventiontothevariousprofessionalgroupsinvolvedwithchildren.2667.3  2 .2Asregardstheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.ItappearstotheCommitteethatinsufficientexpenditureisallocatedtothesocialsectorbothwithintheStatepartyandwithinthecontextofinternationaldevelopmentassistance.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedoverthelaginthecivilparticipationofcitizensinissuesrelatingtochildren.2668.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatthebasicprinciplesoftheConvention,namelytheprovisionsofitsarticles2,3and12,havenotalwaysbeenadequatelyreflectedinnationallegislationandpolicy-making.2669.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutpersistingandsignificanteconomicandsocialdisparitiesbetweenthenorthernandsouthernpartsofthecountry,whichbearanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.2670.3  2 .2Withregardtoarticle2oftheConventionrelatingtonon-discrimination,theCommitteeisconcernedthatsufficientmeasureshavenotbeentakentoassessandprovidefortheneedsofchildrenfromvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroups,suchaschildrenfrompoorfamiliesandfromsingle-parenthouseholds,childrenofforeignandRomaoriginandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatchildrenbelongingtothesedisadvantagedgroupsseemmorelikelytobestigmatizedinpublicperception,todropoutofschool,tobeemployedinclandestineworkoreveninillegalactivities,includingbeinginstrumentalizedinorganizedcriminalactivities.2671.3  2 .2TheCommitteeispreoccupiedbytheexistenceofchildabuse,includingphysicalandsexualabuseandviolencewithinthefamily,andtheinsufficientprotectionaffordedbythePenalCodeinthisregard,aswellasthelackofadequatemeasuresforthepsycho-socialrecoveryofchildvictimsofsuchabuses.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2672.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatanationalpermanentmechanismbedevelopedforthepurposeofcoordinatingandmonitoringtheimplementationoftheConvention,includingbetweengovernmentaldepartmentsandbetweencentral,regionalandmunicipalauthorities.ItisalsosuggestedthattheGovernmentconsiderensuringcloserandmoreactivecooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsworkingfortherightsofthechild.Suchmeasurescouldcontributetopromotinganongoingdialoguewiththecivilsocietyandpublicscrutinyofgovernmentalactioninthefieldofthepromotionandprotectionofchildren'srights.2673.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthesystematiccollectionofdataonchildrenandresearchonchild-relatedissues,includingchangesinthefamilystructure,withaviewtoensuringadequatepolicy-makinginthefieldofchildren'srights.2674.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytodevelopfurtherasystematicapproachtomakingtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionwidelyknowntochildrenandadultsalike,thusincreasingpublicawarenessofandcivilparticipationinpromotingchildren'srights.InthespiritoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteefurtherencouragestheGovernmenttogiveconsiderationtotheincorporationoftherightsofthechildintheschoolcurricula.Similarly,trainingabouttheConventionshouldbeincorporatedintothecurriculaofprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren,includingteachers,socialworkers,lawenforcementofficials,judicialpersonnelandpersonneloftheItaliancontingentsoftheUnitedNationspeace-keepingforces.2675.3  2 .2TheStatepartyshouldpursueitseffortswithaviewtofullyreflectinginitslegislationandpracticetheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulartheprinciplesofnon-discrimination,thebestinterestsofthechildandtherightofthechildtoexpressfreelyhisorherviews.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthatexistinglegislationbemodifiedtoensurefullyequaltreatmentbetweenchildrenborninandoutofwedlock.2676.3  2 .2Furthermeasuresshouldalsobetakentopreventariseindiscriminatoryattitudesandprejudicestowardsparticularlyvulnerablechildrensuchaschildrenlivinginpoverty,childrenfromthesouthernregion,Romachildrenandforeignchildren.TheGovernmentshouldconsideradoptingamoreactivestandandcoherentpolicywithrespecttothetreatmentofthesechildrenandtocreateanenvironmentfavourabletotheirfullestpossibleintegrationintoItaliansociety.Comprehensivemeasuresshouldbeprovidedforresponsibleparenthoodandforsupporttoneedyfamilies,inordertoassistthemintheirchild-rearingresponsibilitiesinthelightofarticles18and27oftheConvention,thuslimitingfamilydisruption,reducingthenumbersofinstitutionalizedchildrenandlimitingtherecoursetoinstitutionalizationtoameasureoflastresort.2677.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofItalytopayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventioninthelightofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthebestinterestsofthechild.TheCommitteealsostressestheneedforajudiciousdistributionoftheresourcesatthecentral,regionalandmunicipallevelswithaviewtoovercomingpersistingeconomicandsocialdisparities,andtopayparticularattentiontothemostdisadvantagedgroupsinsociety,includingsingle-parentfamilies.2678.3  2 .2ItisalsosuggestedthattheStatepartyshouldusetheprinciplesoftheConventionasaframeworkforstrengtheninginternationaldevelopmentassistanceinordertoassessthepossibilityofgivingmoreemphasistothesocialprioritiesforchildren.2679.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheclearpreventionandprohibitionoftortureorothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment,aswellasabanoncorporalpunishmentwithinthefamily,bereflectedinthenationallegislation.2680.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresincludingassistancetodisadvantagedfamiliesbeundertakentopreventtheillegaluseofchildreninthelabourforceandtopreventjuveniledelinquencyandtheinstrumentalizationofchildrenincriminalactivities.Inthisconnection,itisalsosuggestedthatanadequateadjustmentofthecontentsofschoolcurriculasoastoincorporatevocationaleducation,inthelightofarticle28oftheConvention,mightcontributetoreducingthedrop-outrateandpreventtheentryofchildrenintotheillegallabourmarketoreventheirinvolvementincriminalactivities.2681.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliessubmittedbytheStateparty,thesummaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswidelyaspossiblewithinthecountry,andtransmittedtoParliamentforfurtherdebateandfollow-up.Inthisregard,theCommitteealsoinvitestheStatepartytotransmittoittheannualreportsthattheNationalObservatoryfortheProblemsofMinorswillsubmittoParliament,andwouldliketosuggestthatsuchannualreports,aswellastheplanofactionwithspecifictargetsandtime-frameforthenextfiveyears,shouldtakeintoconsiderationthepriorityareasidentifiedbytheCommitteeinitsconsiderationoftheinitialreportofItaly,asreflectedintherelevantsummaryrecords.@ . 25.Concludingobservations:Ukraine2682.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofUkraine(CRC/C/8/Add.10/Rev.1)atits239thto242ndmeetings(CRC/C/SR.239242),on2and3November1995,andadoptedatits259thmeeting,on17November1995,thefollowingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2683.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofUkraineforthesubmissionofitsinitialreportanditsopennessandfruitfuldialogue.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrankandcooperativetoneofthediscussion,inwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatednotonlythepolicyandprogrammedirectionsbutalsothedifficultiesencounteredduringimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2684.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheattentionpaidbytheGovernmenttothesituationofchildreninthepresentperiodofpoliticaltransition.2685.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentofmechanismstodealwithchildren'sissuesandthequestionofchildren'srights,inparticulartheParliamentaryCommissiononHealthCare,MotherandChildWelfarewithitsdepartmentsandregionaldivisions,andthePresidentialCommitteeforWomen's,MaternalandChildren'sAffairs.2686.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtheimportanteffortsbytheGovernmentinthefieldoflawreform,especiallytherevisionoftheConstitutionwithaviewtoincorporatingtherightsofthechild,andseverallawssuchastheFamilyCodeandthePenalCode,whichaimtopromoteandprotectchildren'srights.2687.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheadoptionbytheGovernmentofanumberofnationalprogrammesaimingattheeffectiveimplementationofchildren'srightsinthecountryandtheestablishmentofavoluntaryfundtosupportchildrenundertheauspicesoftheParliamentaryCommissiononHealthCare,MotherandChildWelfare.(c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2688.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthedifficultiesfacingUkraineinthepresentperiodofpoliticaltransitionandinaclimateofsocialchangeanddeepeconomiccrisis.TheCommitteealsonotestheproblemsrelatingtothetransitioneconomyandthatthesituationofmanychildrenhasworsenedasaconsequenceofgrowingpovertyandincreasingunemployment.TheCommitteerecognizesthattheStatepartyisexperiencingmajordifficultiesincounteringthenegativeconsequencesoftheChernobylnuclearplantdisaster,inparticularontheenvironmentandonthephysicalandpsychologicalhealthofthepopulation,includingchildren.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2689.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernastofullcompatibilityofnationallegislation,measuresandprogrammeswiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlywithregardtotheprinciplesofnon-discrimination(art.2),includinginrelationtothedifferentageofmarriageforgirlsandboys,thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andtherightofthechildtoexpresshis/heropinioninalldecisionsaffectinghim/her(art.12).TheCommitteealsonotesthatthereisadiscrepancyinthelegislationbetweentheageforcompletionofmandatoryeducation,whichis15,andtheminimumageforlabour,whichis16.2690.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientbudgetaryallocationprovidedfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren.2691.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidtotheneedforanefficientcoordinatingandmonitoringmechanismthatcouldprovideasystematicandcomprehensivecompilationofdataandindicatorsonallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,includingchildreninsingle-parentfamilies,childrenofdivorcedparents,abandonedchildrenandinstitutionalizedchildren.SuchamechanismwouldenabletheGovernmenttoidentifyareasofconcernandtohelptodefinestrategiestoaddressthem.2692.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedbythehighrateofabandonmentofchildren,especiallynew-bornbabies,andthelackofacomprehensivestrategytoassistvulnerablefamilies.Thissituationcanleadtoillegalintercountryadoptionorotherformsoftraffickingandsaleofchildren.InthiscontexttheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheabsenceofanylawprohibitingthesaleandtraffickingofchildren,andthefactthattherightofthechildtohavehis/heridentitypreservedisnotguaranteedbylaw.2693.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthehealthstatusofchildren,particularlyintheaftermathoftheChernobylnucleardisaster,theincreasingchildmortalityrate,theapparentprioritygiventocurativeratherthanpreventivehealthcare,thelowprevalenceofbreast-feeding,thehighnumberofabortions,theinsufficienthealth,educationandservicesonfamilyplanningandthediscrepancybetweentheurbanandruralhealthsystems.2694.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheabsenceinUkraineofaprogrammeinvolvingsocialwork.Inparticular,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthesituationoftheinstitutionalization,treatmentandprotectionofhandicappedchildren.Alternativestoinstitutionalizationarenotsufficientlytakenintoaccount;supportservicestoparentswhokeeptheirhandicappedchildathomeareinadequate.2695.3  2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthatappropriatemeasureshavenotyetbeentakentoeffectivelypreventandcombatill-treatmentofchildreninschoolsorininstitutionswherechildrenmaybeplaced.TheCommitteeisalsopreoccupiedbytheexistenceonalargescaleofchildabuseandviolencewithinthefamilyandtheinsufficientprotectionaffordedbytheexistinglegislationandservicesinthatregard.Theproblemofsexualexploitationofchildrenalsorequiresspecialattention.2696.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedbytheabsenceofanationalinformationanddisseminationstrategyregardingtheConvention.2697.3  2 .2ThepresentsituationinthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeisamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2698.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofUkrainetopursuetherevisionofthelegislativeframeworkinordertoreflectfullytheConventionandtoensuretherealizationofchildren'srightsinrelationtoallthechildrensubjecttothejurisdictionofUkraine,andfullcompliancewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,especiallytheprinciplesofnon-discrimination(art.2)andthebestinterestsofthechild(art.3),therighttolife,survivalanddevelopment(art.6)andtherightofthechildtoexpresshis/heropinioninalldecisionsaffectinghim/her(art.12).TheCommitteesuggeststhatlegislationconcerningtheageofmandatoryeducationandthatconcerningtheminimumageforemploymentbeadjustedandthattheageofmarriageforgirlsandboysbethesame.2699.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenthecoordinationbetweenthedifferentgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,bothatthenationalandlocallevels,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringaneffectiveevaluationoftheimplementationoftheConventioninthecountry.Closercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsshouldbepromoted.2700.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertaketogatherallthenecessaryinformationonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConvention,includinginrelationtochildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.2701.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofUkrainetopayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandtoensureajudiciousdistributionoftheresourcesatthecentral,regionalandlocallevels.Budgetaryallocationsfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsshouldbeensuredduringtheperiodoftransitiontomarketeconomytothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesandinthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild.2702.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatsystematicandcontinuousstepsarerequiredtomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknownandunderstoodbyadultsandchildrenalike,inthelightoftheConvention.TheConventionshouldbemadeavailableinallthelanguagesspokenbyminoritiesinUkraineandspecifictrainingshouldbeprovidedtoallprofessionalgroupsworkingwithchildren(judges,teachers,socialworkers,lawenforcementofficials,etc.).InthelightoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,attentionshouldbegiventoincorporatingtheConventionintheschoolcurriculum.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytogivefurtherconsiderationtotheestablishmentofanombudspersonforchildren,orofanyequivalentpermanentandindependentcomplaintandmonitoringmechanism.Theparticipationofchildrenthemselvesinthepromotionoftherightsofthechildisofgreatimportance,especiallyatthecommunitylevel.2703.3  2 .2Inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,measuresshouldbetakentopreventariseindiscriminatoryattitudesorprejudicestowardschildrenbelongingtominoritygroups,childrenlivinginruralareas,RomachildrenandchildrenafflictedwithHIV/AIDS.2704.3  2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketoseeastrongeremphasisplacedonprimaryhealthcareactivities,especiallyinruralareas,whichwouldincludethedevelopmentofeducationalprogrammestocoversuchmattersasfamilyeducation,familyplanning,sexeducationandthebenefitsofbreast-feeding.2705.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragesinternationalsupportformeasurestocopewiththenegativeconsequencesoftheChernobylnucleardisaster,inparticularinthesocial,healthandenvironmentalareas.2706.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsidersthatgreatereffortsshouldbemadetodevelopawarenessoftheimportantroleofthefamilyandoftheequalresponsibilitiesofparents.Furtherstepsshouldbetakentostrengthenthesystemofassistancetobothparentsintheperformanceoftheirchild-rearingresponsibilities.2707.3  2 .2Inviewofthehighrateofabandonmentofchildrenandofabortion,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptastrategyandpolicytoassistvulnerablefamiliesforthesupportoftheirchildren.Theadequacyofthecurrentsocialsecuritysystemandofthefamilyplanningprogrammesshouldbeevaluated.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthetrainingofsocialworkerswiththeaimofmobilizingandstrengtheningcommunities.2708.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoaddressthesituationofchildrenininstitutions,withaviewtoenvisagingandmakingavailablepossiblealternativestoinstitutionalcarethrough,forexample,guidanceandcounselling,fostercareandeducationandvocationaltrainingprogrammes.TheCommitteealsorecommendstheestablishmentofeffectivemonitoringmechanismsoftherealizationoftherightsofthechildplacedinaninstitution.2709.3  2 .2Withregardtothesaleandtraffickingofchildren,theCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttoclearlyprohibitthisillegalactivityandtoensurethattherightofthechildtohavehis/heridentitypreservedisfullyendorsed.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyconsidertheratificationoftheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.2710.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheclearprohibitionoftortureorothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment,aswellasabanoncorporalpunishmentinthefamily,bereflectedinthenationallegislation.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhedevelopmentofproceduresandmechanismstomonitorcomplaintsofmaltreatmentandcrueltywithinoroutsidethefamily.Specialprogrammesshouldbesetuptopromotephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofchildvictimsofanyformofneglect,abuse,exploitation,tortureorill-treatmentinanenvironmentthatfostersthehealth,self-respectanddignityofthechild,inthelightofarticle39oftheConvention.2711.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisagethepossibilityoftransferringthesupervisionofcorrectionallabourcoloniesforjuvenilesfromtheMinistryoftheInteriortothestructureitmayconsiderthemostappropriatetoensurethepromotionandprotectionofchildren'srights.2712.3  2 .2Inthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthatthecurrentlegalreformtakefullyintoaccounttheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andthatotherrelevantinternationalstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLibertybeseenasaguideinthisrevision.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtothepreventionofjuveniledelinquency,theprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedofliberty,respectforfundamentalrightsandlegalsafeguardsinallaspectsofthejuvenilejusticesystemandthefullindependenceandimpartialityofthejuvenilejudges.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallthoseprofessionalsinvolvedwiththesystemofjuvenilejustice,inparticularjudges,lawenforcementofficials,correctionalofficersandsocialworkers.2713.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytodisseminatewidelytheStateparty'sreport,summaryrecordsofthediscussionofthereportwithintheCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentandthatthesuggestionsandrecommendationsforactioncontainedthereinbefollowedup.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhatcooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsbepursued.@ . 26.Concludingobservations:Germany2714.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofGermany(CRC/C/11/Add.5)atits243rdto245thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.243-245),on6and7November1995,andadopted,atits259thmeeting,on17November1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2715.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthereportpreparedbytheStatepartyofferedacomprehensiveexplanationofthelegislativeframeworkfortheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild;however,itdidnotcontainsufficientinformationontheactualimplementationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionthroughoutthecountry.TheCommittee,therefore,expressesitsappreciationforthefrankandself-criticalapproachofthedelegationtoansweringthequestionsraisedbytheCommitteeandfortheclarificationsregardingthemeasuresbeingtakenandenvisagedfortheimplementationoftheConvention.TheCommitteewelcomestheconstructivediscussionandexchangeofviewswiththedelegation.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2716.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthestatementbythedelegationexpressingthewillingnessoftheStatepartytoconsiderreviewingthedeclarationsmadetotheConventionwithaviewtotheirpossiblewithdrawal.2717.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthedeclarationmadebytheStatepartythattheparticipationofchildrenaged15andoverassoldiersinarmedconflictisnotcompatiblewiththebestinterestsofthechild,aswellasthewillingnessoftheGovernmenttosupportthedraftingofanoptionalprotocoltotheConventioninthisarea.TheStateparty'ssupportfortheinternationalcallforabanonthemanufacturingandtradeinanti-personnelland-minesisalsowarmlywelcomed.2718.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatacommitteeofexpertshasbeenestablishedtoprepareacomprehensivepictureoftheactualsituationofchildreninGermanyandhasembarkeduponitswork,withaviewtocontributingtothechildandyouthreporttobepresentedtotheBundestagandBundesrat.2719.3  2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgesthedeterminationoftheStatepartytopreventandcombatxenophobictendenciesandmanifestationsofracism.TheGovernmentistobecommendedfortheextensiveeffortsundertakentoensuretheinvolvementofandeffectivecooperationbetweenthefederal,stateandlocalauthoritiesintheimplementationofacountry-widecampaigntopreventandcombatsuchphenomenaandtopromoteethnicandracialharmony,inthegeneralframeworkoftheYouthCampaignlaunchedbytheCouncilofEurope.2720.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoappreciatesthewillingnessoftheStatepartytoundertakeresearchandadditionalmeasuresfortheearlydetectionandpreventionofviolenceandsexualabusewithinthefamily.Equally,theCommitteewelcomestheStateparty'swillingnesstoorganizeinitiativestoeducatethemediaabouttheneedtoprotectchildrenfromharmfulinfluences.2721.3  2 .2ThemeasuresbeingtakenbytheGovernmenttopreparethegroundforthefutureratificationbyGermanyoftheHagueConventionontheProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoptionarewelcomed.2722.3  2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgestheeffortsmadebytheStatepartywithaviewtoacceptingcomparativelylargenumbersofrefugeesandasylum-seekers,particularlyfromtheformerYugoslavia.2723.3  2 .2WithregardtotheeffortsundertakenbytheStatepartytocombatthesexualexploitationofchildren,theCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheCriminalLawhasbeenextendedtomakesexualabuseofchildrenabroadacriminaloffence.Inaddition,noteistakenoftherecentmeasurestomakethepossessionofpornographicmaterialsfeaturingchildrenapunishableoffence.2724.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotewithappreciationofthesupportoftheStatepartyfortheILOprogrammefortheeliminationofchildlabour.2725.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithinterestthatasof1996everychildinGermanywillhavethelegalrighttoaplaceinakindergarten.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2726.3  2 .2TheCommitteeregretstheextentofthedeclarationsmadebytheStatepartytotheConvention.ItistheviewoftheCommitteethatseveralofthedeclarationsmaderaiseconcernastotheirimplicationsandcompatibilitywiththefullenjoymentoftherightsrecognizedbytheConvention.2727.3  2 .2ItisamatterofconcerntotheCommitteethatinsufficientattentionappearstohavebeengiventothematteroftheestablishmentofaneffectivecoordinationandmonitoringmechanismatthefederal,stateandlocallevelsfortheimplementationoftheConvention.Suchamechanismisofessentialimportancefortheevaluationandpromotionofthedevelopmentofpoliciesandprogrammesforthebenefitofchildren,inthelightoftheConvention.2728.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientawarenessandunderstandingamongadultsandchildrenoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.2729.3  2 .2WhileacknowledgingtheclearlystatedcommitmentoftheStatepartytotaketheConventionastheframeworkforactiononbehalfofthechild,theCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientreflectiongiventothechildasasubjectofrightsasprovidedforintheConventioninnationallegislation,policyandprogrammes.Inthisregard,itisofconcerntotheCommitteethattheincorporationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConventionaslaiddown,interalia,initsarticles2and3appearstohavebeenneglected.2730.3  2 .2Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticles12,13and15oftheConventioninsufficientattentionhasbeenaccordedtoensuringtheinvolvementofchildrenindecisions,includingwithinfamily,andinadministrativeandjudicialproceduresregardingthem.2731.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecognizesthatwhileconsiderableeffortshavebeenundertakenbytheGovernmentandsubstantialprogresshasbeenachievedinensuringcompleteunitybetweentheoldandnewLnder,thegoalsofequalizinglivingconditionsandestablishingcomparablestructuresforchildandyouthservicesthroughoutthecountryremaintobeaccomplished.Thus,theCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheprevailingdisparitiesinlivingstandardsandinthequalityofservicesbetweenthedifferentLnderandaboutthedifficultiesfacedbyparticularlyvulnerablegroupsinsociety,suchaschildrenbornoutofwedlockandsingle-parentfamilies.2732.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheextenttowhichaccountistakenofthespecialneedsandrightsofchildreninasylum-seekingandrefugeesituations.Proceduresgoverningasylum-seekingchildren,particularlythoserelatingtofamilyreunification,expulsionofchildrentosafethirdcountriesandthe"airportregulation"givecauseforconcern.InthisrespecttheCommitteenotesthattheguaranteesprovidedforintheConvention,inparticularinitsarticles2,3,12,22and37(d),donotappeartobecompliedwith,whileinsufficientattentionseemstohavebeenensuredtotheimplementationofarticles9and10oftheConvention.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthattheprovisionofmedicaltreatmentandservicestoasylumseekingchildrendoesnotappeartobeinterpretedinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,initsarticles2and3.2733.3  2 .2Withregardtomattersrelatingtojuvenilejustice,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthedeclarationmadebytheStatepartytoarticle40(2)(b)(ii),whichappearstolimitthechild'srightstoaccesstojusticeandtoafairhearingaswellastherighttolegalassistanceanddefence.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2734.3  2 .2TheCommitteewarmlywelcomestheinformationprovidedbytheStatepartythatconsiderationisbeinggiventotheincorporationoftheConventionintheConstitutionofGermanyand,inthisspirit,itencouragestheStatepartytopursuetheongoingeffortsaimingataccordingconstitutionalstatustotheConvention.2735.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartypursuethereviewofthedeclarationsenteredtotheConventionwithaviewtoconsideringtheirwithdrawal.TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthat,inthelightofproposedreformstonationallegislation,itwouldappearthatsuchdeclarationsareunnecessary;doubtsareraisedastotheircompatibilitywiththeConvention.2736.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartygivefurtherconsiderationtotheestablishmentofapermanentandeffectivecoordinationmechanismontherightsofthechildatthefederal,stateandlocallevels.Considerationshouldalsobegiventothedevelopmentofanevaluationandmonitoringsystem,addressingallareascoveredbytheConventionbasedonthecomprehensiveandsystematiccollectionofdataandensuringpriorityattentiontothemostvulnerablegroups,whilebridgingprevailingeconomicandsocialdisparities.TheCommitteeisencouragedbytheStateparty'scommitmenttocontinuefosteringclosercooperationanddialoguewiththenon-governmentalorganizationsandchildren'sgroupsinvolvedinthemonitoringandimplementationofchildren'srights.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytolookmorecloselyintotheworkoftheOmbudsinstitutionforchildren,particularlywithrespecttoitspotentialcontributionformonitoringtheimplementationoftherightsofthechild.2737.3  2 .2Withrespecttoarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteeemphasizestheimportanceoftheallocationofresourcestothemaximumextentfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofthechildatfederal,stateandlocallevels,inthelightoftheprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthoseofitsarticles2and3relatingtonon-discriminationandthebestinterestsofthechild.2738.3  2 .2WhileacknowledgingthestrongcommitmentofGermanytoprovidingstructuralassistancetothirdcountries,theCommitteewouldliketoencouragetheStatepartyinitseffortstoachievethe0.7percenttargetforinternationalassistancetodevelopingcountries,aswellastogiveconsiderationtotheuseofdebtconversionandforgivenessmeasuresinfavourofprogrammestoimprovethesituationofchildren.Inthisrespect,theCommitteeemphasizesthattheundertakingofastudyontheimpactonchildrenofaStateparty'sinternationalcooperationanddevelopmentassistanceprogrammeshasprovedausefultoolinevaluatingtheeffectivenessofsuchinitiativesfortheimplementationoftheConvention.2739.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheacknowledgementbytheStatepartythatakeyareaofattentionshouldbethedevelopmentofacomprehensiveandsystematicstrategyfordisseminatinginformationandcreatingawarenessoftherightsofthechild.Thedevelopmentofpubliccampaignsthroughtheuseofthemediaandtheinvolvementofthecivilsociety,includingnon-governmentalorganizationsandchildren'sgroups,wouldcontributetoeffectivelyaddressingtheneedtoincreaseunderstandingandtopromoterespectfortherightsofthechild.2740.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartymakefulluseoftheopportunityofferedbytheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,topursuefurtherthepreparationofeducationalmaterialsonhumanandchildren'srightsandtheincorporationofhumanrightseducation,particularlyabouttherightsofthechild,intoschoolcurriculaandintothetrainingprogrammesofprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildren,includingteachers,judges,lawyers,socialworkers,healthservicepersonnel,policeandimmigrationofficials.2741.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisencouragedbytheStateparty'sproposedreformofnationallegislationinthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,interalia,toensurethatchildrenbornoutofwedlockarenotdiscriminatedagainst.TheCommittee,therefore,recommendsthattheeffortstoharmonizelegislationwiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionbefurtherpursuedandthattheStatepartycontinuetogiveprioritytoreflectinitslegislationandpoliciesthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlythoselaiddowninarticles2(non-discrimination)and3(bestinterestsofthechild).2742.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatprovisionsoftheConventionrelatingtotheparticipationofchildren,includingitsarticles12,13and15,needtobemorethoroughlyconsideredandencouraged.Tothisendinformationandawarenesscampaignsshouldbedeveloped.Similarly,theCommitteerecommendsthatconsiderationbegiventoextendingandbroadeningtheinvolvementofchildrenindecisionsaffectingtheminthefamilyandinsociallife,includinginproceedingsrelatingtofamilyreunificationandadoption.2743.3  2 .2AppreciationisexpressedoftheStateparty'sacknowledgementofusingtheConventionasaninstrumenttosharpenawarenessoftheresponsibilitiesofpersonstakingcareofchildrenandtheneedtoequalizetheresponsibilitiesbetweenparentsinbringinguptheirchildren.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstowardschangingattitudeswithaviewtoeradicatingallformsofviolenceagainstchildren,includingtheuseofcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamily.Inthisregard,itfurtherencouragesthat,intheongoingprocessofreformoftheCivilCode,considerationbegiventotheincorporationofanabsolutebanoncorporalpunishment.2744.3  2 .2Takingnoteoftheallocationofadditionalresourcestofamily-relatedbenefitsandofthewillingnesstoundertakeothermeasurestoachievefurtherprogressinaddressingtheproblemsfacingsingleparents,andrecognizingtheStateparty'scommitmenttoundertakemeasurestoimprovepoorerchildren'saccesstoout-of-schoolactivities,includingleisureactivities,theCommitteebelievesthatgreaterpriorityshouldbegiventoananalysisoftheoccurrenceofchildpoverty.Suchananalysisshouldbeundertakenfromaholisticperspective,takingintoaccountthepossiblelinkagesbetweensuchmattersashousingconditions,familysupporttothechildathomeandinschool,andtheriskofdroppingoutofschool.TheresultsofthisresearchcouldserveasavehiclefordiscussionofthesemattersbothinParliamentandwiththerelevantauthoritiesaswellasforthedevelopmentofamorecomprehensiveandintegratedapproachforrespondingtotheproblemsidentified.2745.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyundertakemorecomprehensiveresearchonthepossibleeffectsofenvironmentalpollutiononthehealthofchildren.2746.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthattheissueofasylum-seekingandrefugeechildrendeservesfurtherstudywithaviewtoitsreforminthelightoftheConventionandoftheconcernsexpressedduringthediscussionwiththeCommittee.Suchinitiativesshouldreflect,interalia,ontheprocedures,especiallyastheyaffectchildren16to18yearsofage,thatgoverntheexpulsionofchildrentothirdsafecountries,familyreunificationandthe"airportregulation"astotheircompatibilitywiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthoseofitsarticles2,3,5,9,paragraphs3,10,12,22and37(d).2747.3  2 .2NoteistakenoftheGovernment'sintentiontoreformthesystemofjuvenilejustice,includingwithregardtoconsideringstrengtheningtheservicesandthedevelopmentofchild-friendlyproceedingsfordealingwithchildvictimsandwitnesses.Itisalsonotedthattheeliminationofthepossibilityofapplyinganindeterminatesentenceonjuvenileshasbeentakenintoaccountinthecontextofthisreform.Additionallywithinthisframework,theCommitteeexpressesthehopethatthedeclarationsmadebytheStatepartytoarticle40(2)(b)(ii)and(v)willbereviewedwithaviewtotheirpossiblewithdrawal.2748.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthataplanofactionwithtime-boundtargetsbepreparedfortheundertakingofthelegislativereform,policiesandactiontoimplementfullytheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheoccasionofthechildandyouthreporttobepresentedbytheFederalGovernmenttotheBundestagandBundesratbeusedtogenerateadebatebyparliamentariansoftheissuesfacingchildrenintheStatepartyandtodeterminepoliciestoaddressthesematters.2749.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty'sreporttotheCommittee,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionofthereportandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteebewidelydisseminatedinthecountrywithaviewtopromotingwiderawarenessofchildren'srights,includingattheLandandlocallevels,amongtheauthorities,non-governmentalorganizations,relevantprofessionalgroupsandthecommunityatlarge,includingchildren.@ . 27.Concludingobservations:Senegal2750.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofSenegal(CRC/C/3/Add.31)atits247thto249thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.247-249),on8and9November1995,andadopted,atits259thmeeting,on17November1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2751.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofSenegalforengaging,throughahigh-rankingdelegation,inaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thatthereporthasnotfollowedtheguidelinesforthepreparationofStatesparties'initialreportsandthatsomeareascoveredbytheConventionontheRightsoftheChildhavenotbeenaddressedtherein.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2752.3  2 .2TheCommittee,notingthelong-standingattachmentoftheStatepartytointernationalhumanrightsinstrumentsandrecallingitsactiveparticipationinthedraftingprocessoftheConvention,expressessatisfactionattheearlyratificationoftheConventionbySenegal.2753.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthatSenegalappliestheprincipleoftheprimacyofinternationalhumanrightsstandardsovernationallegislation.TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthefactthattheConventionisselfexecutingandthatitsprovisionsmaybeinvokedbeforethecourt.2754.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheactiveroleplayedbySenegaltopromoteawarenessofchildren'srights,asreflectedinthe1992DakarInternationalConferenceontheAssistancetotheAfricanChildandattherecentAfricanPreparatoryMeetingfortheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen,duringwhichparticularattentionwaspaidtothesituationofthegirlchild.2755.3  2 .2SpecificinitiativesadoptedinthecontextoftheratificationoftheConventionarealsowelcomed,includingtheestablishmentofchildren'sparliamentsatthenationalandregionallevels,theestablishmentofapresidentialcommitteetoensurefollow-uptotheWorldSummitforChildrenandthepromotionoftheMovementofMayorsforChildren.(c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheapplicationoftheConvention2756.3  2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgestheeconomicdifficultiesencounteredbytheStateparty,particularlythosearisingfromtheimplementationofthestructuraladjustmentpoliciesandtherecentdevaluationoftheCFAfranc.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2757.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsometraditionalculturalattitudestowardschildrenmayhamperthefullenjoymentoftherightsembodiedintheConventionbychildreninSenegal.AnunderstandingofchildrenassubjectsofrightshasnotyetpenetratedallstrataofSenegalesesociety.2758.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidtothesystematictrainingofprofessionalgroupsworkingforchildren,includingteachers,socialworkers,judgesandlawenforcementofficials.2759.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensureasystemofdatacollectionrelevantformonitoringtheimplementationoftheConvention;disaggregateddataandappropriateindicatorswouldallowforanassessmentofprogresstobemadeinallareas,inrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,atthenational,regionalandlocallevels.2760.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheinsufficientstepstakentoensurethefullconformityofnationallegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteenotesinparticularthelackofconformityoflegislativeprovisionsinmattersrelatingtothelegaldefinitionofthechild.TheearlyandlowermarriageableageforgirlscomparedwithboysraisesseriousquestionsastoitscompatibilitywiththeConvention,inparticularitsarticle2.Thediscrepancybetweentheageforcompletionofcompulsoryeducationandtheminimumageforadmissiontoemploymentisanothermatterofconcern.Thelackofaminimumagebelowwhichchildrenarepresumednottohavethecapacitytoinfringepenallawisalsonotedwithconcern.2761.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestoensuretheeffectiveimplementationoftheprincipleofnon-discrimination.Inthisregard,itnotesthepersistentdiscriminatoryattitudestowardsgirls,alsoreflectedintheirnotablylowerschoolattendanceandtheirhigherdrop-outrate.Italsoregretstheprevailingdefactoanddejurediscriminationtowardschildrenbornoutofwedlock.2762.3  2 .2Withregardtoarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheproportionofgrossdomesticproductallocatedtohealthisaccordingtotherecommendationsoftheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO).2763.3  2 .2Theabsenceofcompulsoryandfreeeducationattheprimarylevelraisesdeepconcern.2764.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisseriouslyworriedatthedifficultlivingconditionsfacedbyagreatnumberoftalibs,whoaredeprivedoftheenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrightsunderthelaw.̇2765.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthenumberofworkingchildren,particularlythoseworkingintheinformalsector,andaboutthesituationofgirlsworkingasdomesticservants.2766.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheinadequacyoftheexistingjuvenilejusticesystemanditslackofcompatibilitywiththeConvention.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2767.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttopursueitseffortsaimingatpromotingadvocacyandawarenessandunderstandingoftheConventionandhavingitsbasicprinciplesgraspedbythegeneralpublic,inparticularbyensuringthetranslationoftheConventioninallnationallanguagesandpayingparticularattentiontopeoplelivinginruralareas.TheGovernmentshouldpursuesucheffortsinclosecooperationwithcommunityandreligiousleaders,withaviewtopromotingchangeinpersistingnegativeattitudestowardschildren,particularlygirls,andtoabolishingpracticesprejudicialtothehealthofchildren,inparticularfemalegenitalmutilations.2768.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoensureonasystematicbasistrainingactivitiesontheConventiontoprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,judges,socialworkers,lawenforcementofficialsandpersonnelentrustedwiththetaskofensuringdatacollectionintheareascoveredbytheConvention.2769.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatapermanentandmultidisciplinarycoordinatingmechanismbedevelopedformonitoringandevaluatingtheprogressachievedintheimplementationoftheConvention.2770.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoimprovethesystemofcollectingstatisticalandotherdatainallareascoveredbytheConventionandonthebasisofappropriateindicatorsatthenational,regionalandlocallevels.Suchasystemshouldincludeallgroupsofchildren,whilepayingparticularattentiontothemostvulnerablegroups,includingpoorchildren,girls,domesticservantsandtalibs.2771.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatspecialeffortsbedevelopedtoensureaneffectivesystemofbirthregistration,inthelightofarticle7,toensuretheenjoymentofthefundamentalrightsoftheConventionbyallchildrenwithoutdiscriminationandasameaningfultooltoassessprevailingdifficultiesandtopromoteprogress.2772.3  2 .2Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatparticularattentionbepaidtotheneedtoensurebudgetallocations,tothemaximumextentofavailableresources,toimplementeconomic,socialandculturalrightsinthelightoftheprinciplesofnon-discriminationandthebestinterestofthechild.Effortsshouldbepursuedtoreducethenegativeimpactonchildrenofpoliciesofstructuraladjustment.2773.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyensurethatnationallegislationconformsfullytotheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,inthelightoftheconcernsidentifiedbytheCommitteeandofthestudyonacomprehensivelawreformconductedundertheauspicesofUNICEF.TheprinciplesoftheConvention,includingthoserelatingtothebestinterestsofthechildandtheprohibitionofdiscriminationandofparticipationofchildreninmattersaffectingthem,shouldbereflectedindomesticlaw.Specificprovisionsshouldbeincludedwithaviewtoforbiddingclearlyfemalegenitalmutilationandanyformoftortureorcruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment,aswellasofanyformofcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamily.Adequatelegislativeandothermeasuresshouldalsobetakentoestablishacomplaintsprocedureforchildrenwhosefundamentalrightshavebeenviolated.2774.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatlegislativemeasuresbetakentoestablishadefinitionofthechildinthelightoftheConvention,includingwithaviewtoensuringanequalageformarriageforgirlsandboysinthelightofarticle2,aminimumageofcriminalresponsibilityinthelightofarticle40,paragraph3(a),andanequalageofcompletionofcompulsoryeducationandminimumageforadmissiontoemployment,inthelightofarticles28,29and32.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheprincipleofnon-discriminationbeclearlyreflectedinthelaw,includinginrelationtochildrenbornoutofwedlock.2775.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatintheprocessofacomprehensivelawreformconsiderationbegiventothefullimplementationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandofotherrelevantUnitedNationsstandardsinthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,includingtheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty,aimingatachild-orientedsysteminthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild.2776.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatreformofchildlabourlegislationshouldaddressthesituationofchildrenworkingintheinformalsector,payingdueattentiontodomesticservice,inthelightoftherecommendationsmadeinthestudypreparedundertheauspicesofILO.Inthisregard,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderrequestingtechnicalassistancefromILO.2777.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatfurtherstepsbetakentostrengthentheeducationsystem,particularlyintheruralareas,toimprovethequalityofteachingandtoreducedrop-outrates.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptallnecessarymeasurestoensureasystemofcompulsoryandfreeprimaryeducation,onthebasisofequalopportunity,payingdueregardtothesituationofgirls.2778.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatintheimplementationprocessoftheConventiontheStatepartypayspecialattentiontothesituationoftalibs.Furthermeasuresshouldbeadoptedtoensuretheeffectiveenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrightsandthattheyareprotectedagainstanyformofdiscrimination.EffortsshouldbemadetoensureaneffectivemonitoringsystemoftheirsituationbytheStateparty,inclosecooperationwithreligiousandcommunityleaders.2779.3  2 .2Inthelightofarticle44,theCommitteesuggeststhattheinitialreportpresentedbySenegalbemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththesummaryrecordsofthediscussionandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.@ .N 28.Concludingobservations:Portugal2780.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofPortugal(CRC/C/3/Add.30)atits250thto252ndmeetings(CRC/C/SR.250-252),on9and10November1995,andadopted,atits259thmeeting,on17November1995,thefollowingobservations.&  A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sp882   (a)2 .2IntroductionS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a) S 2781.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatalthoughthereportpreparedbytheStatepartywascomprehensiveinofferinginformationonthelegislativeframeworkfortheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,itdidnotcontain'  sufficientinformationontheactualimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConventionthroughoutthecountry.TheCommittee,therefore,wishestoexpressitsappreciationtothedelegationwhichpresentedthereportforitsfrankandself-criticalapproachtoansweringthequestionsraisedbytheCommitteeandforthehelpfulandvaluableresponsesinclarifyingthemeasuresbeingtakenandconsideredfortheimplementationoftheConvention.ItistheviewoftheCommitteethatthediscussionandexchangeofviewswiththedelegationwasconstructiveandfruitful.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2782.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthepoliticalcommitmentsmadebytheStateparty'srecentlyelectedGovernmenttoimplementalltheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventioninthecountry.2783.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthedecisiontakenbytheGovernmenttoimprovetheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrights,andnoteswithsatisfactiontheestablishmentofanationalminimumguaranteedincome.2784.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthestepsundertakenbytheGovernmentconcerningeducation,i.e.,anincreaseinthebudgetaryallocationforeducationequivalentto1percentofthegrossdomesticproductuntil1999andanincreaseinthenetworkofpre-schoolfacilities.2785.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentofanombudsperson(ProvedadeJusti a)andthecreationintheombudsperson'sofficeofafocalpointonchildren'srights.2786.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthattheStatepartyhasindicateditsintentiontoconsideradheringtotheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoption.2787.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthatratificationofILOConventionNo.138iscurrentlybeingdiscussedwithaviewtoitsratificationinthenearfuture.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2788.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedbytheabsenceofanefficientcoordinatingandmonitoringmechanismthatisabletoofferasystematicandcomprehensivecompilationofdataandindicatorsonallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren.Suchamechanismwouldfacilitatecoordinationandmonitoringbetweenthelocal,regionalandnationallevelsandimprovetheimplementationofallpoliciesandprogrammesrelatingtotherightsofthechild.2789.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedbytheabsenceofasystematicinformationpolicyforthedisseminationoftheConventionamongchildrenandadults.ItalsoexpressesconcernabouttheinsufficienttrainingactivitiesontheConvention,especiallyforprofessionalgroupssuchasjudges,lawyers,teachers,socialworkers,doctors,lawenforcementpersonnel,etc.2790.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedbytheabsenceofapermanentconsultationmechanismthatwouldpermiteffectiveparticipationbythecivilsociety,inparticularnon-governmentalorganizations.2791.3  2 .2Withregardtoarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedbythefactthattheGovernmenthasnotyetfullyimplementedtheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofthechildtothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattheStateparty'sinternationalcooperationpoliciesdonotyetfullygiveprioritytochildren.2792.3  2 .2Withregardtoarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheprincipleofnon-discriminationisnotfullyimplementedforgirls,disabledchildrenandillegalimmigrantchildren,non-accompaniedchildrenandchildrenlivinginruralareas,especiallyinthefieldsofeducationandhealth.2793.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcerninrelationtothefullimplementationoftheparticipatoryrightsofchildren(art.12oftheConvention).2794.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedabouttheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtopreventandfightabuseandcorporalpunishment,inparticularwithinthefamily.2795.3  2 .2Withregardtoarticle17oftheConvention,theCommitteenotesthataccesstoappropriateinformationisnotalwaysguaranteedforchildren,especiallythoselivinginruralareas.2796.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedbytheincreasingnumberofchildrenlivinginthestreetsofthemaincitiesandthelackofinformationinthisarea.2797.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedaboutthefullimplementationoftheConventioninthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2798.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationandmonitoringbetweenthedifferentgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atnational,regionalandlocallevels,withaviewtoensuringeffectiveimplementationoftheConventionthroughoutthecountryandforallgroupsofchildren.Closercooperationwithnongovernmentalorganizationsshouldbepromoted.2799.3  2 .2IntheframeworkoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartylaunchapermanentinformationcampaign,bothforchildrenandadults,ontheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheGovernmentshouldconsiderincorporatingtheConventionintotheschoolcurriculaandtakeappropriatemeasurestofacilitateaccessbychildrentoinformationproducedforthem.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartypromoteacomprehensivetrainingprogrammepolicyforprofessionalgroupssuchasteachers,socialworkers,doctors,lawenforcementpersonnelandimmigrationofficers.2800.3  2 .2Theprincipleofnon-discriminationshouldbefullyimplementedbytheStateparty;theCommitteethereforerecommendsthateffectivemeasuresbetakentopromoteandimprovethesituationofthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren,includinggirlsanddisabledchildren,andthattherightsofillegalimmigrantchildrenandnon-accompaniedchildrenbefullyprotected.Informationonchildren'srightsshouldbemadeavailabletoallrefugeechildrenintheirownlanguage.2801.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortswithaviewtoratifyingILOConventionNo.138inthenearfuture.2802.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheauthoritiestakethenecessarymeasures,includingtheimplementationofanationalpolicy,topreventabuseandcorporalpunishmentofchildren,includingwithinthefamily.2803.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentogiveappropriatesupporttoallchildrenlivingatrisk,especiallychildrenlivingonthestreets.TheCommitteesuggeststhatacomprehensivestudybeundertakenbytheauthoritiessothattheymaybeinapositiontopromoteandimplementpoliciesandprogrammes.2804.3  2 .2Withregardtojuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthatallappropriatemeasuresbetakentoensurefullcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Alternativestoinstitutionalizationanddetentionshouldbesystematicallyreviewedtoensurethatthosemeasuresaretakenonlyasalastresort.2805.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstoimplementtheConventionintheterritoryofMacauandencouragesthesubmissionofinformationonthisprocesstotheCommitteeassoonasnewdevelopmentsoccur.2806.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytodisseminatewidelytheStateparty'sreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionofthereportwithintheCommitteeandtheCommittee'sconcludingobservations.ThesedocumentsmightbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentandthatthesuggestionsandrecommendationsforactioncontainedthereinbefollowedup.@ .N 29.Concludingobservations:HolySee2807.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheHolySee(CRC/C/3/Add.27)atits255thand256thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.255and256),on14November1995,andadopted,atits259thmeeting,on17November1995,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2808.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheHolySeeforitsinitialreport,although,owingtotheparticularnatureoftheStateparty,itdidnotfollowtheCommittee'sguidelines.Italsoexpressesitsappreciationforthefrankandopendialogueengagedwithahigh-leveldelegation.TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheanswersgiventothequestionsraisedbymembersandthedocumentationprovidedtotheCommitteeduringthediscussion,whichenabledtheCommitteetobetterassesstheroleoftheHolySeeintheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2809.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsoftheStatepartywithaviewtoencouraginguniversalratificationoftheConvention.2810.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheStateparty'srecognitionoftheimportantroletheHolySeeanditsconstituenciescouldplaythroughouttheworldtoachievetheaimsandobjectivesoftheConvention.TheCommitteetakesnoteofthenetworkofinstitutionsandstructuressetupbytheHolySeeforthewelfareofchildren,suchasthePontificalCouncilfortheFamily,theCongregationforCatholicEducation,thePontificalCouncilforPastoralAssistancetoHealthCareWorkersandthePontificalMissionarySocietyoftheHolyChildhood.2811.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthepositiveeffortsmadebytheStatepartytodisseminateandtranslatetheConventionworldwideandwelcomesitsreadinesstocooperateactivelywithandtoprovideassistancetootherStatespartiesinthatregard.2812.3  2 .2ItwelcomesthedecisiontakenbythePontificalCouncilfortheFamily,asaconcretecontributiontotheInternationalYearoftheFamily,tosetupsheltersforstreetchildreninBrazil,thePhilippinesandRwanda.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2813.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutreservationsenteredbytheHolySeetotheConvention,inparticularwithrespecttothefullrecognitionofthechildasasubjectofrights.2814.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatdiscriminationbetweenchildrenmayariseinCatholicschoolsandinstitutions,inparticularwithregardtogender.2815.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidtothepromotionofeducationofchildrenonhealthmatters,thedevelopmentofpreventivehealthcare,guidanceforparentsandfamilyplanningeducationandservices,inthelightoftheprovisionsoftheConvention.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2816.3  2 .2InthespiritofthefinaldocumentoftheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,theCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytoconsiderreviewingitsreservationstotheConventionwithaviewtowithdrawingthem.2817.3  2 .2InviewofthemoralinfluencewieldedbytheHolySeeandthenationalCatholicchurches,theCommitteerecommendsthateffortsforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsprovidedforintheConventionbepursuedandstrengthened.Inthatregard,theCommitteewishestounderlinetheimportanceofwidedisseminationoftheprinciplesoftheConventionanditstranslationintolanguagesspokenthroughouttheworld,andrecommendstotheStatepartytocontinuetoplayanactiveroletothatend.2818.3  2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizestheneedforprofessionalsandvoluntaryworkersinvolvedintheeducationandprotectionofchildrentoreceiveadequatetrainingandeducation,takingintoaccounttheprinciplessetforthintheConvention.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheConventionbeincludedinthecurriculaofCatholicschools.Inthisrespect,itistheviewoftheCommitteethattheteachingmethodsusedinschoolsshouldreflectthespiritandphilosophyoftheConventionandtheaimsofeducationlaiddowninitsarticles28and29.2819.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthepositionoftheHolySeewithregardtotherelationshipbetweenarticles5and12oftheConventionbeclarified.Inthisrespect,itwishestorecallitsviewthattherightsandprerogativesoftheparentsmaynotunderminetherightsofthechildasrecognizedbytheConvention,especiallytherightofthechildtoexpresshisorherownviewsandthathisorherviewsbegivendueweight.2820.3  2 .2ItalsorecommendsthatthespiritoftheConventionandtheprinciplessetforththerein,inparticulartheprinciplesofnon-discrimination,ofthebestinterestsofthechildandofrespectfortheviewsofthechild,befullytakenintoaccountintheconductofalltheactivitiesoftheHolySeeandofthevariouschurchinstitutionsandorganizationsdealingwiththerightsofthechild.@ . 30.Concludingobservations:Yemen2821.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofYemen(CRC/C/8/Add.20)atits261stto263rdmeetings(CRC/C/SR.261263)on9and10January1996,andadoptedatits287thmeeting,on26January1996,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2822.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofYemenanditsselfcriticalapproachinidentifyinganumberofareasofconcern.Itregrets,however,thatthereporthasnotfollowedtheguidelinesforthepreparationofStatesparties'initialreportsandthatsomeareascoveredbytheConventionontheRightsoftheChildhavenotbeenaddressedtherein.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2823.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthecommentsmadebytheStateparty'sdelegationontheimportanceitattachestotheguidanceofferedbytheCommitteeastostepstobetakentoimplementtheConventioneffectively,includingwithaviewtobringingdomesticlawintolinewiththeConvention.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2824.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthat,duringthelastfewyears,Yemenhashadtofaceseriouspolitical,economicandsocialchallenges,includingthosearisingfromtheunificationprocess,thereturnofalargenumberofYemeniexpatriatesaftertheGulfwar,thewarof1994andthesubstantialinfluxofrefugeesfromtheHornofAfrica.Thosefactorshaveadverselyaffectedthesituationofchildren.2825.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthepersistenceofcertaintraditionsandcustomsthatarecontrarytotheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2826.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheunclearstatusoftheConventioninthedomesticlegalframeworkandabouttheinsufficientstepstakentobringexistinglegislationintofullconformitywiththeConvention,includinginthelightofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulartheprinciplesofnondiscrimination(art.2),thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12).2827.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthelackofconformityoflegislativeprovisionswithrespecttothelegaldefinitionofthechild,asisthecaseoftheminimumageformarriageandtheageofcriminalresponsibility,whichissetattoolowanagelevel.2828.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernatthepersistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudestowardsgirls,hamperingtheenjoymentoftheirbasicrights,includinginsituationsofearlymarriage.ThelowermarriageableageforgirlsthanforboysraisesseriousquestionsastoitscompatibilitywiththeConvention,inparticularitsarticle2.2829.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresandprogrammesfortheprotectionoftherightsofthemostvulnerablechildren,inparticulargirls,childrenlivinginruralareas,childrenvictimsofabuse,childrenaffectedbyarmedconflicts,disabledchildrenakhdamchildrenandchildrenwhoareforcedtoliveand/orworkinthestreets,includingchildbeggars.2830.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensurethefullimplementationoftheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionintheareaoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,includingarticles37,39and40.2831.3  2 .2TheCommitteeregretstheinsufficientstepstakentocreateawarenessoftheConventionandtodisseminateinformationontherightsofthechildtochildrenandadultsalike,aswellasthelackoftrainingactivitiesforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,socialworkers,healthpersonnel,judgesandlawenforcementofficials.2832.3  2 .2Thelackofacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandofasystematicandcarefullyplannedcoordinationofmechanismsandprogrammestomonitorthesituationofchildrenisamatterofconcern.TheCommitteealsonotestheinsufficientmeasurestakentogatherreliablequantitativeandqualitativedata,toevaluatetheprogressachievedandtoassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedconcerningchildren.2833.3  2 .2Asregardstheimplementationofarticle4,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources,inparticularinrelationtothemostvulnerablegroups.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2834.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartypursueitseffortswithaviewtoensuringfullcompatibilityofitsnationallawwiththeConvention,takingdueregardofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,includingthoserelatingtotheprohibitionofdiscrimination,thebestinterestsofthechildandrespectfortheviewsofthechild.Inthisregard,specialmeasuresshouldbetakentoraisetheminimumageformarriagewhileensuringthattheageisthesameforboysandgirls.Similarly,theageofcriminalresponsibilityshouldnotbesettoolowanditshouldbeensuredthatbelowsuchanage,childrenarepresumednottohavethecapacitytoinfringethepenallaw,inthelightofarticle40,paragraph3(a),oftheConvention.2835.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofYementopursueitseffortstopromoteadvocacyandcreateawiderawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention.TheGovernmentshouldpursuesucheffortsinclosecooperationwithcommunityandreligiousleaders,aswellaswithnongovernmentalorganizations,withaviewtopromotingchangeinpersistingnegativeattitudestowardschildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.2836.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopayspecialattentiontoenhancingtheroleofthefamilyinthepromotionofchildren'srights,andinthisregardstressestheimportanceofthestatusofwomeninfamilyandsociallife.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecognizestheimportanceofdevelopingfamilycounsellingservices,inbothurbanandruralareas.2837.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyensurespecifictrainingactivitiesontheConventiontoprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,socialworkers,healthpersonnel,judgesandlawenforcementofficials.AttentionshouldbegiventoincorporatingtheConventioninschoolcurriculaasrecommendedbytheGeneralAssemblyinproclaimingtheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducationandbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRights.2838.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyestablishapermanentandmultidisciplinarymechanismforthecoordinationandmonitoringoftheimplementationoftheConventionontherightsofthechild,bothatthenationalandlocallevels,inurbanaswellasruralareas,andtoallowforthedefinitionofacomprehensivepolicyonchildren.Closercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsshouldalsobepromoted.2839.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttoimprovethesystemofcollectingstatisticalandotherdatainallareascoveredbytheConvention,withaviewtoevaluatingprogressintherealizationofchildren'srights.Appropriatedisaggregatedindicatorsshouldbeidentifiedinordertopayparticularattentiontoallgroupsofchildren,includingthemostvulnerableonessuchasgirls,childrenlivinginruralareas,childrenvictimsofabuse,childrenaffectedbyarmedconflicts,disabledchildren,akhdamchildrenandchildrenwhoareforcedtoliveand/orworkinthestreets.Researchactivitiesshouldalsobeundertakenintheseareasincooperationwithacademicinstitutionsandnon-governmentalorganizations.2840.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty,inthelightofarticle4oftheConventionandoftheprinciplesofnondiscriminationandthebestinterestsofthechild,undertakeallappropriatemeasures,tothemaximumextentoftheavailableresources,toensurethatbudgetaryallocationisprovidedtoservicesforchildren,particularlyintheareasofeducationandhealth,andthatpriorityattentionispaidtotheprotectionoftherightsofchildrenbelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,includinggirls,childrenlivinginruralareas,childrenaffectedbyarmedconflicts,disabledchildren,akhdamchildrenandchildrenwhoareforcedtoliveand/orworkinthestreets.2841.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialprotectionmeasuresbeadoptedandimplementedinrelationtorefugeechildren,childreninvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystem,particularlywhendeprivedoftheirliberty,childreninvolvedinchildlabourandchildrenforcedtoliveand/orworkinthestreets,includingchildbeggars.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakeintoconsiderationtherecommendationsformulatedbytheCommitteeatitsthematicdiscussions,includingontheeconomicexploitationofthechildandtheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.2842.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthataprogressreportbepreparedinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sguidelinesforinitialreportsandtakingintoaccounttheconcernsexpressedduringthedialogueheldwiththeGovernment,andsubmittedtotheCommitteebyJanuary1997.2843.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,thereportsubmittedbytheGovernment,therelevantsummaryrecordsofthedebatewiththeCommitteeanditsconcludingobservationsbemadewidelyavailabletothepublic.@ .N 31.Concludingobservations:Mongolia2844.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofMongolia(CRC/C/3/Add.32)atits264thto266thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.264266),on10and11January1996,andadopted,atits287thmeeting,on26January1996,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2845.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofMongoliaforthesubmissionofitsinitialreport,itswritteninformationinreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissues(CRC/C/11/WP.2)anditsconstructiveandfruitfuldialogue.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrankandcooperativetoneofthediscussion,inwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatednotonlythepolicyandprogrammedirections,butalsothedifficultiesencounteredduringimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2846.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotewithsatisfactionthattheGovernmenthasputchildrenhighonitspoliticalagenda,duringadifficultperiodofpoliticalandeconomictransition,byorganizingseveralhighlevelmeetings,suchastheNationalSummitonChildProtectionandDevelopment(1995),bydeclaring1995theYearforChildrenand1996theYearforEducationandbyallocating20percentofitsnationalbudgettoeducation.2847.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheStateparty'swishtoseekadviceandtechnicalassistancetoensurefullimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConventioninitslegislationandinthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.2848.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotestheeffortsbytheGovernmentinthefieldoflawreform,especiallytheadoptionofanewConstitution,anewlawoneducationandthecurrentdraftingoflegislationontherightsofthechild.2849.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheestablishmentofmechanismstodealwithchildren'sissuesandthequestionofchildren'srights,inparticulartheNationalCentreforChildrenandtheNationalCouncilforChildren.2850.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisencouragedbytheGovernment'swillingnesstodisseminatetheConventionwithinMongoliansocietyandtomakepublicthroughthemedia,andespeciallytelevisionprogrammes,allitsrelatedactions.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2851.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthedifficultiesfacingMongoliainthepresentperiodofpoliticaltransition,socialchangeanddeepeconomiccrisis.Thesituationofmanychildrenhasworsenedasaconsequenceofgrowingpovertyandincreasingunemployment.TheCommitteealsonotesthegeographicalandclimaticparticularitiesofMongolia,whichcan,tosomeextent,affectthedailylifeofchildren.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2852.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedabouttheimpactonchildrenofthedifficulteconomicsituationprevailinginthecountry.Inthisconnection,itisparticularlyconcernedastowhetherappropriatemeasureshavebeentakentoprotectchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups,inthelightofarticles3and4oftheConvention.2853.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidtotheneedforanefficientcoordinationmechanismbetweenvariousministries,aswellasbetweencentralauthoritiesandlocalauthorities,intheimplementationofpoliciesforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.2854.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidtosystematicandcomprehensivedatacollection,identificationofappropriateindicatorsandmonitoringmechanismsinallareascoveredbytheConvention,especiallythemosthidden,suchaschildabuseorilltreatment,andalsoinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,includingminoritygroupchildren,nomadchildren,childrenofsingleparentfamilies,childreninruralareas,institutionalizedanddisabledchildrenandchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreets.2855.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthattheStatepartyhasnotyettakenfullyintoaccountinitslegislationthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention:article2(principleofnondiscrimination),article3(principleofthebestinterestsofthechild),article6(righttolife,survivalanddevelopment)andarticle12(respectfortheviewsofthechild).2856.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientstepsundertakentoensurebirthregistrationofchildrenandbythefactthatchildrenlivinginremoteareasmightnotberegisteredandmaythereforebedeprivedoftheirfundamentalrights.2857.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedbytheabsenceoflegislationregulatinginternationaladoptions.2858.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedbythehighrateofschooldropouts,especiallyamongboyslivinginruralareas,andthereportedincreaseofchildlabour.Itisalsoconcernedbythedifficultiesencounteredbychildrenlivinginruralandremoteareasandbydisabledchildrenintheiraccesstobasicservices,suchashealthcare,socialservicesandeducation.2859.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatappropriatemeasureshavenotyetbeentakentopreventandcombateffectivelyilltreatmentofchildrenwithinthefamilyandabouttheinsufficientinformationexistingonthismatter.Theproblemofsexualexploitationofchildrenalsorequiresspecialattention.2860.3  2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantstandards,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.&  (e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2861.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakefurtherstepstostrengthencoordinationbetweenthedifferentgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinhumanrightsandchildren'srights,atboththecentralandlocallevels,andensureclosercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizations.'  2862.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyundertaketogatherallnecessaryinformationonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConvention,includingonchildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.ItalsosuggeststhatamultidisciplinarymonitoringsystembeestablishedtoassesstheprogressachievedanddifficultiesencounteredintherealizationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionatthecentralandlocallevels,andinparticulartomonitorregularlytheeffectsofeconomicchangeonchildren.SuchamonitoringsystemshouldenabletheStatepartytoshapeappropriatepoliciesandtocombatprevailingsocialdisparitiesandtraditionalprejudices.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoconsidertheestablishmentofanindependentmechanism,suchasanombudsperson.2863.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatgreatereffortsarerequiredtomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknownandunderstoodbyadultsandchildrenalike,inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention.TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytofurtherdevelopasystematicapproachtoincreasingpublicawarenessoftheparticipatoryrightsofchildreninthelightofarticle12oftheConvention.2864.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatperiodictrainingprogrammesontherightsofthechildbeorganizedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildrenincludingteachers,lawenforcementofficials,socialworkersandjudges,andthathumanrightsandchildren'srightsbeincludedintheirtrainingcurricula.2865.3  2 .2Children'sbirthregistrationshouldbegivenprioritytoensurethateverychildisrecognizedasapersonandenjoyshis/herfullrights.TheCommitteeencouragesfurtherstepstoensurebirthregistrationofchildren,includingtheestablishmentofmobileregistrationsoffices.2866.3  2 .2Inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestofightschooldropoutamongboysinruralareasandtopreventtheirinvolvementinchildlabour,andtoreinforceaccesstobasicservicesforchildren(health,educationandsocialcare)inruralareasandfordisabledchildrenthroughoutthecountry.2867.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,intheframeworkofitslegalreform,theGovernmenttakefullyintoaccounttheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyitsgeneralprinciples(arts.2,3,6and12).2868.3  2 .2Inrelationtointercountryadoption,theCommitteeisoftheopinionthattheStatepartyshould,assoonaspossible,draftandadoptlegislationtoregulatethisactivity.TheStatepartyisalsoencouragedtoratifytheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.2869.3  2 .2Inordertopromotetheprotectionofrefugeechildren,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyratifythe1951ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugees.2870.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofMongoliatopayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandtoensurejudiciousdistributionofresourcesatthecentralandlocallevels.Budgetallocationsfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsshouldbeensuredtothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesandinthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild.2871.3  2 .2Inthelightofarticle19oftheConvention,theCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheGovernmenttakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegislativeones,tocombatilltreatmentwithinthefamilyandsexualabuseofchildren.Itsuggests,interalia,thattheauthoritiesgatherinformationandinitiateacomprehensivestudytoimproveunderstandingofthenatureandscopeoftheproblemandsetupsocialprogrammestopreventalltypesofchildabuse.2872.3  2 .2Inthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthatlegalreformbepursuedandtakefullyintoaccounttheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andotherrelevantinternationalstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtothepreventionofjuveniledelinquency,theprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,respectforfundamentalrightsandlegalsafeguardsinallaspectsofthejuvenilejusticesystemandfullindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciarydealingwithjuveniles.2873.3  2 .2IntheframeworkoftheongoingtechnicalassistanceprogrammesoftheCentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeBranch,lawreforminthefieldofchildren'srightsandtrainingofprofessionalsworkingwithchildrenshouldbeinitiated.Specialattentionshouldbepaidtotrainingintherelevantinternationalstandards,inparticularforjudges,lawenforcementofficials,correctionalofficersandsocialworkers.TheGovernmentisencouragedtoconsiderrequestingthisspecificassistancefromtheCentreandtheBranch.ItisfurthersuggestedthattheGovernmentconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefromotherrelevantorganizations,includingILO,UNHCR,UNICEFandWHO.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheinternationalcommunitytoprovidetechnicalassistanceandadvicetotheStatepartyinitscurrentefforts.2874.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytodisseminatewidelytheStateparty'sreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionofthereportwithintheCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentandthatthesuggestionsandrecommendationsforactioncontainedthereinbefollowedup.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhatcooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsbereinforced.@ .32.Concludingobservations:FederalRepublicofYugoslavia2875.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheFederalRepublicofYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)(CRC/C/8/Add.16)atits269thmeeting(CRC/C/SR.269),on15January1996.AstheCommitteewasunabletobenefitfromthepresenceoftherepresentativesoftheStateparty,theexaminationoftheStateparty'sreportintheCommitteeproceededonthebasisofwritteninformationsubmittedbytheGovernmentaswellasotherdocumentsreceived,includingthereportsoftheSpecialRapporteuronthesituationofhumanrightsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslavia.SubsequenttotheconsiderationofthisinformationandtakingintoaccounttherecentpositivedevelopmentsinYugoslavia,theCommitteedecidedtorequesttheStatepartytosubmitaprogressreporttoitbeforetheendof1997.InviewoftheconsiderableimportancetheCommitteeattachestoadialoguewiththeStateparty'srepresentatives,theCommitteeexpressesthehopethatontheoccasionoftheexaminationoftherequestedprogressreport,theCommitteewillbeabletobenefitfromthepresenceofanexchangeofviewswiththerepresentatives.TheCommitteefurtherdecidedtoadopt,atits287thmeeting,on26January1996,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2876.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecognizesthatseriousdifficultieshavebeenfacedbytheFederalRepublicofYugoslaviasinceitbecameapartytotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Mentionmaybemade,inthisregard,oftheStateparty'stransitiontoamarketorientedeconomyandtheattendantproblemsexperiencedbythepopulationduringthisperiod.ThebreakupoftheformerYugoslaviaproducedotherseriousconsequences,includingofaneconomicnature.2877.3  2 .2AlthoughtheStatepartyhasnotbeenthetheatreofwar,theconsequencesofhostilitiesintheneighbouringterritorieshashadasevereimpactonthepopulation.2878.3  2 .2ThelargeinfluxofrefugeeshasplacedafurtherstrainonresourcesintheFederalRepublic,especiallyastheStatepartyappearstohavereceivedlessinternationalsupportinsharingtherefugeeburdenthanothercountriesintheregion.2879.3  2 .2SuchconsequencesofthewarontheterritoryoftheformerYugoslavia,combinedwiththerealitiesofsanctions,seemtohaveledtoaworseningoftheindicatorsofthehealthandeducationsituationofthechildrenoftheFederalRepublic,includinglowerimmunizationcoverage,morenutritionrelateddisordersandillnesses,andanincreaseinthenumberofchildrensufferingfrommildandseriousmentaldisorders.ThesanctionsagainsttheFederalRepublicmayhaveledtotheisolationofprofessionalsdealingwiththerightsofthechild.(b)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2880.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsuncertainastotheextenttowhichasystemfortheindependentmonitoringoftherightsofthechild,suchasanombudspersonforchildrenorasimilarnationalinstitution,existsandoperatesintheFederalRepublic.2881.3  2 .2TheCommitteeraisesvariouspointsofconcernwithreferencetotheimplementationofarticle2oftheConventionrelatingtonondiscrimination.ItexpressesgraveconcernaboutthesituationofAlbanianspeakingchildreninKosovo,especiallywithregardtotheirhealthandeducation,aswellasthedegreetowhichthispopulationisprotectedfromabusebythepolice.FromtheinformationreportedtotheCommittee,itappearsthattherejectionbythepopulationoftheGovernment'sdecisiontoapplyauniformeducationsystemandcurriculumhasbeenfollowedbythesummarydismissalof18,000teachersandothereducationprofessionalsandtomorethan300,000schoolagechildrennotattendingschool.ThesubsequentdevelopmentofaparallelsystemofeducationandthetensionssurroundingthisdevelopmentinKosovohaveresultedinfurtherdetrimentaleffects,includingtheclosureofschoolsandtheharassmentofteachers.2882.3  2 .2TheCommitteedrawsattentiontotheseriousproblemsthreateningthehealthcaresystem,whichhaveinvolvedlargescaledismissalsofhealthpersonnel,therebyadverselyaffectingthehealthandsocialprotectionofAlbanianspeakingchildreninKosovo.2883.3  2 .2Additionally,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheinformationithasreceivedconcerningtheabuseofchildrenandteachersbythepoliceaswellasattheprevailingopinionofthevictimsofsuchabusethatthepoliceareabletoactwithimpunity.2884.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowishestoexpressitsconcernoverreportsofthetreatmentofpersons,includingchildrenbelongingtoareligiousminority(Muslims),inSandjakwhereincidentsofharassment,policeabuse,violenthousesearchesandcommissionofhumanrightsviolationswithimpunityareallegedtohaveoccurred.TherehavealsobeenreportsaboutseriousincidentsofdiscriminationagainsttheRoma(Gypsy)population.2885.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinformationbroughttoitsattentionconcerningthehostilesentimentsapparentlybroadcastbycertainmassmedia.TheCommitteeisworriedabouttendenciesinthemediathatmayleadtotheincitementofhatredagainstcertainethnicandreligiousgroups.2886.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedabouttheabsenceofpluralismintheactivitiesofthemajororgansofmassmedia,limitingthefreedomofthechildtoreceiveinformationandthefreedomofthoughtandconscience,asprovidedforinarticles13and14oftheConvention.2887.3  2 .2TheCommitteeremainsuncertainastotheextenttowhichtheStatepartyhasundertakenmeasurestoensurethatthetraditionalviewofchildrenasmereobjectsofcarehasbeenreplacedbyanunderstandingandrecognitionofthechildasasubjectofrights.Inthisregard,clarificationisrequestedastotheapplicabilityoftheprovisionsoftheConstitutionguaranteeingrespectforthecivilrightsandfreedomsofchildren,includingtherighttoprivacyprovidedforinarticle16oftheConvention.2888.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheproblemofstatelessnesshasnotbeenresolved,inparticularwithregardtorefugeechildrenandchildrenbornoutsidetheterritoryoftheFederalRepublicandsubjecttoitsjurisdiction.2889.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoexpressitsconcernabouttheseemingoveremphasisontheresorttoanduseofinstitutionalcareforchildreninneedofassistance.TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatthisformofalternativecaremaynotnecessarilybethemosteffective,asitisreportedthattheassistanceprovidedmaynotbeofconsistentqualityandthatinsufficientattentionisgiventopreparingchildrenfortheireventualreturntotheirfamilyortheirintegrationintothecommunity.2890.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthereappearstobeanincreaseinviolentandaggressivebehaviouramongchildrenandadolescentsintheFederalRepublic.Inthiscontext,theproblemoftheabuseofchildrenisalsoaconcernoftheCommittee.2891.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoexpressconcernatinformationbroughttoitsattentionwhichindicatesthatdisparitiesexistbetweenregionsandbetweenruralandurbanareaswithregardtotheprovisionofhealthcaretochildren.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthataccordingtootherinformationbroughttoitsattentiontherehasbeenadiscernibleincreaseinthenumberofchildren,includingrefugeechildren,withmildandseriousmentaldisorders.ThesituationofdisabledchildrengenerallyisanissueofconcerntotheCommittee.TheCommitteerequiresmoreconcreteinformationonthemeasurestakenfortheearlyidentificationofdisabilitiesandthepreventionofneglectordiscriminationagainstchildrenwithdisabilities.2892.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotethatconcernhasbeenexpressedthatthecostsofchildren'seducationmaybegrowingbeyondthereachofcertainfamilies.Itisalsonotedthatadeclineinpreschooleducationhasbeenrecordedinrecentyears.ReportsoftheprogressiveexclusionofteachinginlanguagesotherthanSerbian,suchasBulgarian,arealsodisquietingtotheCommittee.2893.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestodrawtheattentionoftheStatepartytotheconstraintsthatarereportedtobehamperingthereunificationofunaccompaniedrefugeechildrenwiththeirfamiliesandtotheCommittee'sconcernabouttheextenttowhichtherightsofthesechildren,mostofwhomarelivingininstitutions,arebeingguaranteedandprotected.2894.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedaboutadministrativemeasureswhichhaveallegedlymadeitimpossibleforapplicantsfromcertainregionstoacquirerefugeestatus.Itisreportedthatoncerefugeestatusisdeniedtheapplicants,includingchildren,nolongerhavealegalbasisforremaininginthecountryandconsequentlybecomevulnerabletopoliceharassmentandtothelossofsocialwelfareentitlements.2895.3  2 .2WhiletheCommitteenotesthatmostrefugeesseemtobeplacedwithhostfamilies,itexpressesconcernthattheprevailingeconomicsituationofthesefamiliesisreportedtobegrowingmoreprecarious.2896.3  2 .2VariousmattersrelatingtojuvenilejusticeareacauseofconcerntotheCommittee.Forexample,theCommitteeisconcernedthatsocialwelfareagenciesandservicesmightenjoywidediscretionarypowerstothedetrimentoftheapplicationoftheprincipleoftherightsofthechildastheframeworkforthefunctioningoftheadministrationofthejuvenilejusticesystem.Theapparentlackofmechanismsfortheregistrationbychildrenofcomplaintsofilltreatmentandforthefullandimpartialinvestigationofthosecomplaintsisalsoacauseforconcern.Additionally,theCommitteeisconcernedastotheadequacyofmeasurestakenfortheprotectionoftherightsofthechildduringinvestigationproceduresandduringtheperiodofpretrialdetention.(c)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2897.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoreviewitsreservationtotheConventionwithaviewtoconsideringitswithdrawal.2898.3  2 .2WhileacknowledgingthatactivitieshavebeenundertakentomaketheConventionknowntoadultsandchildrenalike,theCommitteeisoftheopinionthatfurthereffortsseemtoberequiredinthisrespect.2899.3  2 .2ItistheopinionoftheCommitteethattrainingandretrainingprogrammesandopportunitiesneedtobesystematicallydevelopedforprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren,inparticularthepoliceandlawenforcementandarmypersonnel,toensurethattheyunderstandchildren'srightsandtheirresponsibilityforactionstakenwithimpactonthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.2900.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofundertakinganassessmentoftheeffectivenessofexistingarrangementsforcoordinatingactivitiescarriedoutwithinandbetweenministriesandcentralandlocalauthoritiesforthepromotionandprotectionofchildren'srights,withaviewtodeterminingwhethermeasuresarerequiredtoimprovethesystemofcoordinationandcooperationfortheimplementationoftheConventioninthecountry.2901.3  2 .2Withintheframeworkofnurturingfurtherinternationalcooperation,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytocontinuetogiveseriousconsiderationtothequestionoftheestablishmentofanofficeinBelgradewithintheambitoftheworkoftheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRightsonthesituationofhumanrightsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslavia.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytocooperateintheworkoftheInternationalTribunalfortheProsecutionofPersonsResponsibleforSeriousViolationsofInternationalHumanitarianLawCommittedintheTerritoryoftheoftheFormerYugoslaviasince1991.2902.3  2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatasolutionbefoundtotheconcernsoftheCommitteeforthesituationofAlbanianspeakingchildreninKosovo,especiallyinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingthoseofitsarticle3relatingtothebestinterestsofthechild.TheCommitteeobservesthattheStatecontrolledmassmedia,intheinterestsofhealingandbuildingtrustwithinthecountry,havearoleandaresponsibilitytocontributetotheeffortstofostertoleranceandunderstandingbetweendifferentgroupsandthatthebroadcastingofprogrammesthatruncountertothisobjectiveshouldend.TheCommitteerecommendsthatthesecuringanddisseminationofbroaderandmorediversesourcesofinformationdesignedforchildren,includingbybroadcastingthemonthemassmedia,wouldassistinensuringfurtherimplementationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingthoseofitsarticle17.Itisalsosuggestedthatmeasuresshouldbetakentoimprovetheactivitiesofthemassmediainimpartinginformationforchildrenintheirownlanguage,includingAlbanian.2903.3  2 .2Onthebasisofinformationpresentedtoit,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartygivefurtherconsiderationtotheneedtoallocategreaterresourcestoeducationandtoreverseanytrendsintheeducationsystemthatmayperpetuategenderdiscriminationorstereotyping,aswellastoaddressingotherproblems,includingthoserelatingtoteachinginnationallanguages.2904.3  2 .2Noteistakenoftheprovisionsofarticle2ofthePrimarySchoolAct,bywhichcertainoftheaimsofeducationlaiddowninarticle29oftheConventionhavebeenincorporatedintoschoolcurricula.ItistheviewoftheCommitteethattheprinciplecontainedinarticle29(1)(d),whichstipulatesthat"thepreparationofthechildforresponsiblelifeinafreesociety,inthespiritofunderstanding,peace,tolerance,equalityofsexes,andfriendshipamongallpeoples,ethnic,nationalandreligiousgroupsandpersonsofindigenousorigin",isanimportantdimensionthatshouldbeintegratedintocurriculaatalllevelsofschooling.Schoolcurriculamaterialsshouldbedeveloped,iftheydonotalreadyexist,whichaimateducatingchildreninthespiritoftoleranceofandregardfordifferentcivilizations.2905.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotethattheprincipleofrespectfortheviewsofthechildhasbeenreflectedinsuchsituationsasthechangeofnameoradoptionofthechild.Whileitisalsoacknowledgedthattheexpressionofchildren'sviewsinschoolsexiststhroughtheactivitiesofstudentsandclassgroups,theCommitteeisoftheopinionthattheundertakingoffurtherproactivemeasurestoencouragechildrentoparticipateinfamily,communityandsociallife,ingeneral,meritsgreaterattention.2906.3  2 .2LegislativeandothermeasuresshouldbeundertakentoensurethatchildrenareprotectedfromstatelessnessandthatforeachchildunderthejurisdictionoftheState,therightssetforthintheConventionarerespectedandensured.2907.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatthereappearstobeaneedformorepremarriagecounsellingandfamilylifeeducationprogrammes,includingasameanstopreventfamilybreakdown.2908.3  2 .2Asregardtheeffortsrequiredtoreducetherecoursetoinstitutionalcareforchildrenindifficultsituations,theCommitteerecommendsthatgreaterattentionbepaidtothedevelopmentanduseofalternativeformsofcare,suchasfostercareandadoption.2909.3  2 .2Withreferencetotheimplementationofarticle19oftheConventionandtheeffortsrequiredtopreventandcombattheabuseofchildren,theCommitteerecommendsthatconsiderationbegiventotheelaborationofacomprehensiveandintegratedpublicinformationcampaign,totheundertakingofareviewofthenationallegislativemeasuresinthisfieldandtheircompliancewiththeConvention'sprovisions,aswellastothefurtherdevelopmentoftrainingprogrammesforprofessionalsinvolvedinthisfieldofwork.2910.3  2 .2Withaviewtocontributingtothemosteffectiveuseofscarceresources,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyaccordgreaterattentionandconsiderationtothedevelopmentofastrongprimaryhealthcaresystem.Suchasystemwouldhavethebenefitsofaccordingdueattentiontodevelopingacultureofnutrition,hygieneandsanitationeducation,transmittinghealthskillstoparents,andenhancingparticipatoryapproachestothedistributionanduseofresourcesthroughoutthehealthcaresystem.2911.3  2 .2Inconnectionwiththeimplementationofarticle39oftheConvention,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderasamatterofprioritythefurtherdevelopmentofrehabilitativeprogrammes.Inthisregard,theproblemoftheapparentscarcityandinadequacyofprogrammesforthetreatmentofposttraumaticstressdisorders,identifiedprimarilyinrefugeechildren,needstobeadequatelyaddressed.2912.3  2 .2Inthecaseofallegedviolationsofhumanrightscommittedbygroupsofindividuals,theCommitteeemphasizestheresponsibilityoftheauthoritiestotakemeasurestoprotectchildrenfromsuchacts.ItisalsotheopinionoftheCommitteethatthoseaccusedofabusesshouldbetriedand,iffoundguilty,punished.Inaddition,theoutcomeofinvestigationsandcasesofconvictionshouldbewidelypublicizedinordertocombatanyperceptionofimpunity.2913.3  2 .2WithregardtotheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConventionconcerningpreventingandcombatingvariousformsofexploitation,theCommitteewishestoreceivefurtherinformationwithrespecttothefunctioningofthelabourinspectoratesystemandtheimplementationofsanctionsfornon-compliancewiththerequirementsofthelabourlegislation.2914.3  2 .2Concerningtheapplicationoftheprovisionsofarticle33oftheConvention,theCommitteesuggeststhatconsiderationbegiven,ifnecessary,tothefurtherdevelopmentofsystemsforthecollectionofreliabledataontheproblemofdrugabuseandtotheincorporationofauniformdrugpreventionprogrammewithintheeducationsystem.2915.3  2 .2FurtherinformationandresearchfindingsonthecausesofsexualexploitationandabusewouldbewelcomedbytheCommittee.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofreviewingitslegislationinrelationtotheageofsexualconsentinthelightoftheconcernsraisedonthismatterbytheCommittee.ItisalsotheviewoftheCommitteethatseriousconsiderationshouldbegiventothepossibilityofallocatingfurtherresourcesforprogrammesforthepreventionofsexualabuseandexploitationandtherehabilitationofvictims,includingtrainingofandsupporttotheprofessionalsdealingwiththeseissuesandthedevelopmentofanintegratedandcoordinatedapproachtoassistboththevictimsandtheperpetratorsofsuchabuse.Inconnectionwiththispoint,theCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytoconsidergreateruseofthemediainrelationtoawarenessraisingandeducationonthedangersofsexualexploitationandabuseandtheissuesofHIV/AIDSandothersexuallytransmitteddiseases.2916.3  2 .2InthelightofthecommitmentexpressedbytheStateparty,initswritteninformationtotheCommittee,topublishandwidelydisseminateitsreportaswellasthesummaryrecordsandtheCommittee'sconcludingobservations,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakethenecessarysteps.Additionally,theCommitteesupportstheintentionoftheStatepartytopresenttheaforementionedpublicationintheFederalAssemblyandtoholdadiscussionofitscontents.TheCommitteeisalsoencouragedbythemedia'spledgetogivefullcoveragetothediscussionoftheStateparty'sreportbytheCommittee.2917.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherproposesthataprogressreportontheimplementationoftheConvention,takingintoaccounttheconcernsraisedandobservationsmadeduringtheCommittee'sdiscussion,besubmittedtotheCommitteebeforetheendof1997. A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sq882   @ . 33.Concludingobservations:IcelandS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)S2918.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofIceland(CRC/C/11/Add.6andHRI/CORE/1/Add.26)atits272ndto274thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.272274),on16and17January1996,andadopted,atits287thmeeting,on26January1996,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2919.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitscomprehensivereport,establishedinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sguidelines.ItwelcomestheselfcriticalapproachtakenbytheGovernmentofIcelandinpreparingitsreport.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthewrittenanswerstotheCommittee'slistofissues,whichweresubmittedontime.2920.3  2 .2ThepresenceofahighleveldelegationenabledtheCommitteetoengageinaconstructivedialoguewiththosedirectlyinvolvedintheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2921.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthestatementofthedelegationthatthedeclarationsmadebyIcelandupontheratificationoftheConventiononitsarticles9,paragraph1,and37(c),maybereviewed,withaviewtotheireventualwithdrawal.2922.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthestrengtheningoftheprotectionofhumanrightsingeneralandofchildren'srightsinparticularintheConstitution;itparticularlywelcomestheinclusionintheConstitutionofaprovisiondirectlybasedonarticle3,paragraph2,oftheConvention.Italsonotesthatimportantinternationalinstruments,suchastheHagueConventionontheCivilAspectsofInternationalChildAbductionandtheEuropeanConventiononRecognitionandEnforcementofDecisionsConcerningCustodyofChildren,haverecentlybeenratifiedbyIceland.ThecommitmentoftheauthoritiestoratifyinthenearfutureILOConventionNo.138ontheminimumageforemploymentisalsonotedwithsatisfaction.2923.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentoftheOfficeofChildren'sOmbudsmananditsroleofdisseminatingamongthepublicinformationontherightsofthechildandofencouragingcompliancewiththeinternationalinstrumentsratifiedbyIcelandconcerningthoserights,amongthemtheConvention.2924.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheestablishmentoftheGovernmentAgencyforChildProtectioninMarch1995.Itsfunctions,asacentralizedauthorityprovidingtheChildWelfareCommitteeswithimprovedsupport,preparingtrainingprogrammesformembersoftheChildWelfareCommittees,orinformingfosterparentsandpreparingthemtoassumetheirtasks,areofgreatimportanceforabetterimplementationoftherightsenshrinedintheConvention.2925.3  2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgestheeffortsundertakenbytheauthoritiestofindcreativewaystoensuretheeffectivedisseminationoftheConvention,suchastheestablishmentofaninterministerialworkinggrouptodecideontheformthepublicitycampaignsontheConventionshouldtake.Italsoacknowledgesthecommitmentoftheauthoritiestostrengtheningtheirrelationshipsandcooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsworkinginthefieldoftheprotectionandpromotionofchildren'srights.2926.3  2 .2WithregardtothehighnumberofdomesticorotheraccidentswhosevictimsarechildreninIceland,theCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentoftheAccidentPreventionCouncilin1994.2927.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitiativeoftheMinistryofEducationtoappointaninterministerialcommitteetoformulateoverallpolicywithregardtoimmigrantsandtocoordinatetheauthorities'activitiesinrelationtoimmigrantissues.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheestablishment,undertheauspicesoftheMinistryofEducationsincetheautumnof1993,ofaspecialprogramme,forthebenefitofteachersatalllevels(fromnurseryschoolstosecondaryschoolsandadulteducation),oneducationforimmigrants.2928.3  2 .2TherecentdevelopmentsintheareaofrefugeemattersareconsideredbytheCommitteetobepromising;theestablishmentofaRefugeeCounciltoorganizetheacceptanceandarrivalofrefugeesinIceland,withspecialattentionbeinggiventochildrefugees,andtodealwithasylumseekerswhoserequestsarependingbeforetheauthorities,isviewedasaverypositivemeasure.Likewise,theCommitteewelcomesthelegalchangeabolishingtherequirementthatapersonseekingIcelandiccitizenshiphastoaddanIcelandicnametohisorheroriginalname.2929.3  2 .2Withregardtoarticle7,paragraph2,oftheConvention,theCommitteetakesnotewithsatisfactionoftheintentionexpressedbythedelegationthatagovernmentproposaldealingexpresslywiththestatusofstatelesschildrenwillbepresentedtotheAlthinginduetime.(c)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2930.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoemphasizethattheConventionprovidesfortheprotectionandcareofchildren,andinparticularfortherecognitionofthechildasthesubjectofhisorherownrights.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenotesthatthisessentialaspectoftheConventionisnotyetfullyreflectedinIcelandiclaw.2931.3  2 .2WhiletheCommitteenotesthattheConventionisnotanintegralpartofthenationallegislation,itisconcernedthatgapsmightexistinregardtothereflectionoftheConventioninnationallawsandregulations.2932.3  2 .2TheCommitteestressestheimportanceofthecoordinationofsectoralpoliciesofthedifferentgovernmentalagenciesanddepartmentsdealingwithchildissues.Inviewofthelargeautonomyofthelocalauthoritiesinthefield,amongothers,ofchildprotectionandwelfare,theCommitteealsonoteswithconcerntheabsenceofamechanismtocoordinatethedecisionstakenandtheactivitiesundertakeninthisfieldbetweenthecentralandlocalauthoritiesandbetweenthelocalauthoritiesthemselves.2933.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisparticularlypreoccupiedaboutthedisparitiesofthebudgetallocationsinthefieldofchildprotectionandwelfarebetweendifferentadministrativeregions,whichmayleadtodiscriminationbetweenchildrenlivingindifferentareas,forexampleinthefieldofeducationandafterschooltimecare.2934.3  2 .2WhilenotingthestepstakentodisseminatethetextoftheConventionamongstudentsatallschoollevels,theCommitteenotesthattheinclusionofhumanrightsingeneral,andofchildren'srightsinparticularasasubjectinschoolsanduniversitiesisstillpending.2935.3  2 .2Thelackofcomprehensiveandsystematictrainingprogrammesforprofessionalsworkingforandwithchildren,suchasteachersorsocialworkers,orwhoareincontactwithchildren,suchaspolicemen,lawyers,magistratesordoctors,onchildren'srightsandontheexerciseoftheirrights,isalsoamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.2936.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthebestinterestofthechildtospendtimeinhis/herfamilyenvironmentmaybeinfringedbythelongworkinghoursofparentsandthatsufficientmeasureshadnotbeentakentopreventchildrenfrombeingaloneathomeduringtheirparents'workinghours.Inthisconnection,theinsufficientavailabilityofplacesinnurseryschoolsisofconcern.(d)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2937.3  2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytoconsiderthepossibilityofwithdrawingitsdeclarationsontheConventionandwouldliketobekeptinformedofdevelopmentsonthismatter.2938.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatstepsbetakentohaveallthesubstantiveprovisionsoftheConventionreflectedinnationallawsorregulations,sothatthefullprotectionoftherightsenshrinedintheConventionisensured.̇2939.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyestablishamechanismtoenhancethecoordinationofgovernmentalpoliciesaswellasthoseofcentralandlocalauthoritiesinthefieldofchildren'srights,withaviewtoeliminatingpossibledisparitiesordiscriminationintheimplementationoftheConventionandensuringthattheConventionisfullyrespectedinallpartsofIceland.2940.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueandfurtherdevelopitspolicyaimedatdisseminatinginformationandatincreasingawarenessoftheConvention.ItalsourgestheauthoritiestointegratetheConventionandchildren'srightsintothetrainingcurriculaofprofessionalgroupsdealingwithchildrenandintheschoolanduniversitycurricula.2941.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthebudgetaryallocationsbeensuredtothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesinthelightofarticle4oftheConvention.Inthisconnection,dueattentionshouldalsobepaidtoarticles2and3oftheConvention,withaviewtoavoidingtheriskofdisparitiesinservicesforchildrenindifferentpartsofthecountry.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderstrengtheninginternationalcooperationandassistancewithaviewtoenhancingthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.2942.3  2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatappropriatemeasuresbetakentocountertheinequalitiesbetweenmenandwomenwithregardtoremuneration,sinceitmaybedetrimentaltothechild,inparticularinhomesheadedbysinglewomen.2943.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsafurtherreviewoftheprocedureswithregardtocustodyortotheseparationofthechildfromhisorherparents,inordertoensurethatthebestinterestsofthechildarealwaysaprimaryconsideration.2944.3  2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatthereportbemadewidelyavailabletothepublicinIcelandandthatpublicitybegiventoitsconsiderationbytheCommitteethroughthepublicationoftherelevantsummaryrecordsofthediscussionandoftheconcludingobservationsoftheCommittee.@ . 34.Concludingobservations:RepublicofKorea2945.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheRepublicofKorea(CRC/C/8/Add.21)atits266thto268thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.266268),on18and19January1996,andadopted,atits287thmeeting,on26January1996,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2946.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaging,throughahighlevelandmultidisciplinarydelegation,inanopenandfruitfuldialoguewiththeCommittee.Itwelcomesthewritteninformationsubmittedbythedelegationinreplytothequestionsincludedinthelistofissues,aswellastheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheStatepartyfollowingthedialogueheldwiththeCommittee.&  (b)2 .2Positivefactors2947.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheConventionontheRightsoftheChildisdirectlyapplicableinthedomesticlegalorderandcanbeinvokedbeforethecourts.'  2948.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthedevelopmentofanationalplanofactionforchildrenanditsincorporationintheseventhfiveyearsocioeconomicdevelopmentplanfor19921996,aswellastherecentestablishmentoftheNationalCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild.2949.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheimportanceattachedbytheGovernmenttoeducation,consideredasthe"drivingforceofsocialandeconomicdevelopment".2950.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheopenness,reflectedinthewrittenrepliesandreaffirmedbythedelegationduringthedialogue,towardsconsideringthepossibilityofwithdrawingthereservationsenteredbytheStatepartytotheConvention.TheCommitteeisencouragedbytherevisionoftheCivilCodethatisbeingundertakenwiththeaimofincorporatingtherightofthechildwhoisseparatedfromoneorbothparentstomaintainpersonalrelationsanddirectcontactwithbothparentsonaregularbasis.Itisalsoencouragedbythefactthat,asstatedbythedelegation,suchameasurewillenabletheStatepartytowithdrawitsreservationpertainingtoarticle9,paragraph3,oftheConvention.(c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention2951.3  2 .2TheCommitteenotesthedifficultiesfacingtheRepublicofKoreainthepresentperiodofpoliticalandeconomictransition.Theeffortstosecurerapideconomicgrowthhavenotalwaysbeenmatchedbyanappropriatelevelofrealizationofeconomic,socialandculturalrights,inparticularinrelationtochildrenbelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroupsaffectedbygrowingpoverty.Thefactthatthecountryhasonlyrecentlyemergedfromaperiodofmilitaryrulehashadanegativeimpactontheenjoymentofthefundamentalrightsandfreedomsofchildren.&  (d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2952.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatthereservationsmadebytheStatepartytoarticle9,paragraph3,article21,paragraph(a)andarticle40,paragraph2(b)(v)raisequestionsabouttheircompatibilitywiththeprinciples'  andprovisionsoftheConvention,includingtheprinciplesofthebestinterestsofthechildandrespectfortheviewsofthechild.2953.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoensureapermanentandeffectivecoordinatingandmonitoringmechanism.TheCommitteealsonotestheinsufficientmeasurestakentogatherreliablequantitativeandqualitativedataonallareascoveredbytheConvention,toevaluateprogressachievedandtoassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedonchildren,inparticularinrelationtothemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.2954.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensurethattheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionarewidelyknowntochildrenandadults.ThelackofadequatetrainingonthecontentsoftheConventionofthevariousprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,socialworkers,judges,lawenforcementofficials,psychologistsandhealthpersonnel,isnotedwithregret.2955.3  2 .2Asregardstheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.Insufficientattentionhasbeenpaidinthisregardtotheareasofthesocialandhumandevelopmentofchildrenandtotheneedsofthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.2956.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatthebasicprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulartheprovisionsofitsarticles2,3and12,havenotbeenadequatelyreflectedinlegislation,policiesandprogrammes.InsufficientmeasureshavebeenadoptedtocreateawarenessofthesebasicvaluesoftheConventionwithaviewtochangingtheprevailingconsiderationandtreatmentofthechildsimply"asamini-adultorimmatureadult",asrecognizedinthereport.TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthepersistentdiscriminatoryattitudesaffectinggirlsincludinginrelationtotheminimumageformarriagedisabledchildrenandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.2957.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinsufficientassistanceprovidedforfamiliestoassumetheirresponsibilitiesintheprotectionofchildren'srights.2958.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheinsufficientmeasuresadopted,includingofalegalnature,toensureeffectiveimplementationofthecivilrightsandfundamentalfreedomsofchildren,suchasinrelationtotherighttoanationality,freedomofexpression,thought,conscienceandreligion,aswellastofreedomofassociationandpeacefulassembly.ThethreatstonationalsecurityinvokedbytheGovernmenthavehamperedtheenjoymentofsuchfundamentalfreedoms.2959.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthattheapproachoftheStatepartyinthefieldofadoptionandtheprevailingsystemofdissolutionofadoption,raisesquestionsastoitscompatibilitywiththeConvention,includinginrelationtotheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildastheparamountconsideration,aswellastothelegalsafeguardsestablishedbyarticle21.Inthisregard,theCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensurethatadoptionisauthorizedbythecompetentauthorities,onthebasisofallpertinentandreliableinformationandoftheinformedconsentofallpersonsconcerned,includingthechild.ThehighrateofintercountryadoptionisalsoofconcerntotheCommittee.Withregardtochildabuseanddomesticviolence,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofpreventivepoliciesandofadequatereportingmechanisms.Abandonmentofchildren,thehighrateofchildheadedfamiliesandthepersistenceofcorporalpunishment,widelyenvisagedbyparentsandteachersasaneducationalmeasure,areothersubjectsofconcerntotheCommittee.2960.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientconsiderationgivenintheeducationsystemtotheaimsofeducationasreflectedinarticle29oftheConvention.Thehighlycompetitivenatureoftheeducationsystemriskshamperingthedevelopmentofthechildtothefullestpotentialofhisorherabilitiesandtalentsandthechild'spreparationforresponsiblelifeinafreesociety.2961.3  2 .2Concernisalsoexpressedattheinsufficientmeasuresadopted,includinginthefieldoflegalreform,topreventsituationsofchildlabour.Inthisregard,thediscrepancybetweentheageforcompletionofcompulsoryeducationandtheminimumageforadmissiontoemploymentisnotedwithparticularconcern.2962.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheexistingjuvenilejusticesystemanditslackofcompatibilitywiththeConvention,includingarticles37,39and40.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2963.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttocontinuetoconsiderreviewingitsreservationstoarticle9,paragraph3,article21,paragraph(a)andarticle40,paragraph(b)(v),withaviewtowithdrawingthem.2964.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentstrengthenitseffortsaimedatpromotingadvocacyandcreatingawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninthelightofitsarticle42.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentdeveloppubliccampaignswithaviewtoaddressingeffectivelytheproblemofpersistingdiscriminatoryattitudes,inparticulartowardsgirls,disabledchildrenandchildrenbornoutofwedlock,andthatitadoptsproactivemeasurestoimprovethestatusandprotectionofthesegroupsofchildren.2965.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoensuretrainingactivitiesontheConventiontoprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,socialworkers,judges,lawenforcementofficers,healthpersonnelandofficialsentrustedwiththetaskofensuringdatacollectionintheareascoveredbytheConvention.InthespiritoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteefurtherencouragestheGovernmenttogiveconsiderationtotheincorporationoftherightsofthechildintheschoolcurricula.2966.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttopursueitseffortsinordertoensurefullcomplianceofitsnationallegislationwiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,includingnon-discrimination(art.2),thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12).TheCommitteeparticularlyrecommendsthatlegislativemeasuresbeadoptedwithaviewtoensuringanequalminimumageformarriageforgirlsandboys,inthelightofarticle2;ensuringthebasicrightsofalldisabledchildren,inparticulartherighttoeducation,inthelightofarticle23;abolishinganydiscriminationtowardschildrenbornoutofwedlock;preventinganyriskofstatelessnessforachildborntoaRepublicofKoreamother;clearlyprohibitinganyformofcorporalpunishment;andraisingtheminimumageforemploymentwithaviewtoadjustingittotheageofcompulsoryeducation.Inthefieldofnationalandintercountryadoption,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoundertakecomprehensivelegalreformtoensurefullcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,aswellastoconsiderratifyingthe1993HagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.2967.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatapermanentandmultidisciplinarymechanismbedevelopedforcoordinationandmonitoringoftheimplementationoftheConvention,bothatthenationalandlocallevels,inurbanandruralareas.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytogivefurtherconsiderationtotheestablishmentofanombudspersonforchildrenoranyequivalentindependentcomplaintandmonitoringmechanism.TheCommitteealsoencouragesthepromotionofaclosercooperationwithnongovernmentalorganizations.̇2968.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthesystemofdatacollectionbeimprovedandappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorsidentifiedwithaviewtoaddressingallareascoveredbytheConventionandevaluatingprogressachieved,withdueregardbeingpaidtothesituationofchildrenbelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups.2969.3  2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheGovernmentoftheRepublicofKoreapayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandundertakeallappropriatemeasurestothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesfortheimplementationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren.Specialattentionshouldbepaidtothesituationofthemostdisadvantagedgroupsofchildreninthelightoftheprinciplesofnon-discriminationandthebestinterestsofthechild.2970.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsidersthatgreatereffortsshouldbemadetopromotetheparticipationofchildreninfamily,schoolandsociallife,aswellastheeffectiveenjoymentoftheirfundamentalfreedoms,includingthefreedomofopinion,expressionandassociation,whichshouldbesubjectonlytotherestrictionsprovidedbythelawandarenecessaryinademocraticsociety.2971.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoadoptfurthermeasurestoensureassistanceforthefamilytoensureitsresponsibilitiesintheupbringinganddevelopmentofthechild,inparticularinthelightofarticles18and27oftheConvention.Specialattentionshouldbepaidtothepreventionofchildabandonment,aswellastothepreventionof,andappropriateassistanceto,familiesheadedbychildren.2972.3  2 .2Intheareaofchildabuseanddomesticviolence,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStateadoptfurthermeasurestopreventsuchsituationsandtoprotectandensureappropriatephysicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofchildrenaffectedthereby.Considerationshouldbegiventotheestablishmentofasystemofearlydetection,surveillanceandreferral.2973.3  2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoreviewitseducationpolicywithaviewtoreflectingfullytheaimsofeducationsetoutinarticle29oftheConvention.2974.3  2 .2Intheareaofchildlabour,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoadoptappropriatemeasureswithaviewtoreflectingfullytheConvention,inparticulararticle32,initslegislationandpractice.ItrecommendsthatconsiderationbegiventotheratificationofILOConventionNo.138onminimumageforadmissiontoemploymentandencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderpursuingsuchactioninconsultationwithILO.2975.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformofthesystemofjuvenilejusticeinthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtotheconsiderationofdeprivationoflibertyonlyasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestperiodoftime,toprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedofliberty,todueprocessoflawandtothefullindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallthoseprofessionalsinvolvedwiththesystemofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheGovernmentoftheRepublicofKoreaconsiderseekinginternationalassistanceinthisareaoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,fromtheCentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeBranch.2976.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthereportsubmittedbytheStateparty,thesummaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswidelyaspossiblewithinthecountry.@ . 35.Concludingobservations:Croatia2977.3  2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofCroatia(CRC/C/8/Add.19)atits279thto281stmeetings(CRC/C/SR.279281),on23and24January1996,andadopted,atits287thmeeting,on26January1996,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction2978.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthatthedifficultcircumstancesresultingfromthewarhavenotunderminedtheState'scommitmenttotheprotectionandpromotionofchildren'srights,asevidencedbytheState'saccessiontotheConventionontheRightsoftheChildimmediatelyfollowingindependence,thetimelysubmissionoftheinitialreportdueundertheConventionandthefrankanddetailedanswersprovided,bothinwrittenandoralform,fortheconsiderationofthereportbytheCommittee.TheCommitteerequestsaprogressreportbeforetheendof1997.(b)2 .2Positivefactors2979.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthestatementbythedelegationthattheGovernmentintendstowithdrawitsreservationtoarticle9oftheConvention.2980.3  2 .2TheCommitteetakesnotewithsatisfactionoftheeffortstobringdomesticlawandpracticeintolinewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingtheenactmentoflegislationonthefamilyandontheprotectionofchildrenagainstalltypesofabuse.2981.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheprovisionscontainedinthenewConstitutionwhichaccordtointernationalhumanrightsinstrumentsratifiedbytheStatealegalstatussuperiortothatofdomesticlegislation.ItnoteswithappreciationtheestablishmentofthespecialparliamentaryCommitteeforHumanRightsandtheRightsofEthnicandNationalCommunitiesorMinorities,whichmonitorstheapplicationofinternationalinstrumentsandtherelevantprovisionsofconstitutionallawdealingwithhumanrights.2982.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessoftheGovernmentintheframeworkofarticle4oftheConvention,toensurecooperationwithUnitedNationsandothercompetentbodies,includingtheSpecialRapporteuronthesituationofhumanrightsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslavia,UNHCR,UNICEF,UNESCOandICRCinthefieldsofhumanrightsandhumanitarianassistance.2983.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheeffortspursuedbytheGovernment,incooperationwithnongovernmentalorganizations,withaviewtoraisingpublicawarenessontherightsofthechild.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewelcomestheEuropeanYouthCampaignbeingundertakenundertheauspicesoftheCouncilofEuropetocombatracism,xenophobia,antiSemitismandintolerance.2984.3  2 .2TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheprogressmadeinmodifyingtheLawonCitizenshipsoastoeliminaterisksofdiscrimination.2985.3  2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheintentionsexpressedbytheGovernmenttoprosecutepeoplewhocommittedcrimesagainstthecivilianpopulation,includingchildren,duringandafter"OperationStorm"inAugust1995intheKrajinaareaandtoprovidesafeconditionsforreturnees.(c)2 .2FactorsanddifficultiesaffectingtheimplementationoftheConvention2986.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecognizestheseriousdifficultiesfacedbytheStatepartyinimplementingtheprovisionsoftheConvention.ItnotesthattheStateparty'stransitiontoamarketorientedeconomyhashadaseriousimpactonthepopulation,inparticularonallvulnerablegroups,includingchildren.2987.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthemajorproblemsexperiencedasaconsequenceofwar,whichhasborneasevereimpactonthepopulation,includingchildren,leadingtoheavycasualties,longlastingphysical,emotionalandpsychologicaleffects,aswellasthedisruptionofsomebasicservices.Ittakesspecialnoteofanunknownnumberofchildrenwhohavesufferedthemostfundamentalviolationsoftheirrighttolife,andtheexistenceofalargepopulationofrefugeesanddisplacedpersons,exceeding500,000,whoarebeingattendedtobyinternationalaid.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern2988.3  2 .2TheCommittee,whilewelcomingtheexistenceofgovernmentbodiesandthecreationofnewonescompetenttodealwiththewelfareofchildrenatthenationalandlocallevels,expressesconcernthateffectivecoordinationmustbeestablishedamongtheminordertodevelopacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.2989.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceofanintegratedandsystematicmonitoringmechanismcoveringallareascoveredbytheConvention,andinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,especiallythoseaffectedbytheconsequencesofthewarandtheeconomictransition.2990.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheimpactonchildrenofeconomicdifficultiesresultingfromthetransitiontoamarketeconomy.Itisparticularlyworriedabouttheconsequencesoftheprivatizationofsomesocialservicesthatmightaffectthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.Inthisconnection,itisparticularlyconcernedastowhetherappropriatemeasureshavebeentakentoprotectchildreninthelightofarticle4oftheConvention.2991.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernabouttheLawonTemporaryPossession,accordingtowhichpropertymaybeoccupiedbytemporarysettlersintheabsenceofthepropertyowners.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatfamiliesaffectedbythislawwillfaceproblemsiftheyshouldreturnbeforethepresentoccupiershavefoundalternativeshelter.2992.3  2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatanumberofunaccompaniedchildrenwhohavelostcontactwiththeirfamiliesareininstitutionsorinfostercare.TheCommitteefurthernoteswithconcernthatsomefosterhomesmightacceptresponsibilityforthecareofchildrensolelyfortheeconomiccompensationprovidedtothem.Itstressesthattheconsequencesforthechildrenlivingundersuchconditionsarenotconducivetotheirsounddevelopment.2993.3  2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernthatchildrenmightberemovedfromtheirfamiliesbecauseoftheirhealthstatusorthedifficulteconomicsituationfacedbytheirparents.2994.3  2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithdeepconcerntheapparentdisregardforjudicialdecisions.Itnotesthatallegationscontinuetobemadeaboutincidentsinwhichmembersofminoritygroups,particularlyofSerbianandMuslimorigin,areharassedandtheperpetratorsleftunpunished.TheCommitteedrawsattentiontotheadverseconsequencesforsocietyasawholeandforthegenerationofchildrenwhowitnessthisphenomenonofimpunity.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations2995.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentdevoteitsfulleffortstoencouragingactivelyacultureoftolerancethroughallpossiblechannels,includingtheschools,themediaandthelaw.Theschoolsshouldteachchildrentobetolerantandtoliveinharmonywithpersonsfromdifferentbackgrounds.2996.3  2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommends,intheinterestsofhealingandtrustbuildingwithinthecountryandinthespiritofarticle17oftheConvention,thattheStatecontrolledmassmediashouldplayanactiveroleintheeffortstosecuretoleranceandunderstandingbetweendifferentethnicgroupsandthatthebroadcastingofprogrammesthatwouldruncountertothisobjectivecometoanend.2997.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyshouldtakefurthersteps,suchastheestablishmentofapermanentstructuretoimprovepolicyformulationandadoptmeasuresforthepromotionandprotectionofchildren'srights.2998.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatconsiderationbegiventotheestablishmentofaspecialindependentmonitoringstructure,whetherundertheexistingofficeoftheombudsmanorasaseparatebody,andtothatendrecommendsthatastudybeundertakenassoonaspossiblereviewingtheexperiencesofothernationssothatthemostappropriatedecisionmaybereached.2999.3  2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatpublicinformationactivitiesandotherappropriateactionbetakentomakebetterknowntheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingthroughtheirincorporationinschoolcurriculawithaviewtoenhancingdemocraticinstitutions,achievingnationalreconciliation,encouragingtheprotectionoftherightsofchildrenbelongingtominoritygroupsandeliminatingtheatmosphereofimpunityamongthosewhoharassthesegroups.21000.3  ԀInkeepingwitheffortstopromotetheprocessofnationalreconciliationandnationaldialogue,theCommitteerecommendsthattrainingprogrammesbeorganizedformembersofthearmy,policeandjudiciaryontheprovisionsoftheConvention.21001.3  ԀTheCommitteerecommendsthatthesystemoffostercarebecarefullymonitoredinordertoeliminateanypossibleactsofabuseagainstthechildrenplacedinsuchcare.21002.3  ԀTheCommitteerecommendsthatinthelightofthebestinterestsofthechildand,whennecessary,intheframeworkofinternationalcooperation,theGovernmentmakespecialeffortstoresolvetheproblemofpropertyownersreturningtotheirhomesbeforetheiroccupiershavebeenabletofindalternativeshelter.21003.3  ԀTheCommitteerecommendsthataprogressreportbesubmittedbytheendof1997foritsconsideration.ItrequeststhattheStateincludeinthatreportinformationaboutsubsequentdevelopmentsintheareasoflegalandjudicialreform,ofdecisionstoimprovecoordinationofpoliciesrelatingtochildrenandofthemonitoringoftheimplementationoftheConvention.TheprogressshouldalsocovertheconcernsexpressedbytheCommittee.21004.3  ԀTheCommitteerecommendsthatthereportoftheStateparty,therecordsofthedialogueheldbetweenitselfandtheStatedelegationandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteebewidelydisseminatedthroughoutthenationinallminoritylanguagesaswellasinCroatian.ItrecommendsthatanationaldebatebeencouragedabouttheStateparty'scompliancewiththeConventionwithinandamongtheGovernment,internationalorganizationsandnationalandnongovernmentalorganizationsandalsoamongthepublic.@ . 36.Concludingobservations:Finland21005.3  ԀTheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofFinland(CRC/C/8/Add.22)atits282ndto284thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.282284),on23and24January1996,andadoptedatits287thmeeting,on26January1996,thefollowingconcludingobservations.(a)2 .2Introduction21006.3  ԀTheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofFinlandforthesubmissionofitsinitialreport,whichhasbeenpreparedinconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelines,andforthesubmissionbytheStatepartyofwrittenrepliestoitslistofissues.ItnoteswithsatisfactionthatthesupplementaryinformationprovidedbythedelegationanditsinvolvementinmattersrelatedtotheConventionontheRightsoftheChildmadeitpossibletoengageinafrankandconstructivedialoguewiththeStateparty.&  (b)2 .2Positivefactors'  21007.3  ԀTheCommitteetakesnotewithsatisfactionthattheGovernmentprovidesacomprehensivesocialsecuritysystemandawiderangeofwelfareservicesforthebenefitofchildrenandtheirparents,particularlyfreehealthcare,freeeducation,extendedpregnancyleaverightsandalargedaycaresystem.21008.3  ԀTheCommitteewelcomestheStateparty'ssubmissiontoitsParliamentofanationalchildpolicyreportwiththeaimofprotectingtherightsofchildrenlivingunderthejurisdictionoftheStatepartyfullyimplementingtheprovisionsoftheConventionandbyreducingtothemaximumextenttheimpactonchildrenofthecurrenteconomicrecession.21009.3  ԀTheCommitteenotestheeffortsbytheGovernmentinthefieldoflawreform.ItwelcomestheamendmentoftheConstitutionofFinlandin1995,whichhassinceincludedhumanrightsandchildren'srightsfundamentalprinciples.ItwelcomesthecurrentdiscussionsinParliamentconcerningthefutureappointmentofachildren'srightsombudsperson.ItalsotakesnoteofthecurrenteffortstoreformtheFinnishPenalCode.Finally,itwelcomestherecentgovernmentstudyontheimpactofenvironmentalissuesonthelifeofchildrenandtherelatedmeasuresundertaken.̇21010.3  ԀTheCommitteealsowelcomestheGovernment'ssubmissionforratificationtotheFinnishParliamentoftheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.21011.3  ԀTheCommitteenotesthelongstandingeffortsmadebytheStatepartyinthefieldofinternationalcooperation,althoughtheGovernment,owingtotheeconomicrecession,hassince1990temporarilyreduceditsbudgetallocationtodevelopmentaid.21012.3  ԀFinally,theCommitteetakesnoteoftheStateparty'swishtocirculateinParliamentthesummaryrecordsofthedialoguewiththeCommitteemembersandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommittee.(c)02 .2FactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConvention21013.3  ԀTheCommitteenotesthedifficultiesfacingFinlandinthepresentperiodofstructuralchangeandeconomicrecession.Decentralizationandprivatizationpolicies,severeunemploymentandStatebudgetarycutshaveundoubtedlyaffectedFinnishchildren,particularlythemostvulnerablegroups.(d)2 .2Principalsubjectsofconcern21014.3  ԀTheCommitteeisworriedabouttheimpactonchildrenofthedifficulteconomicsituationprevailinginthecountry,whichhaveresultedinbudgetarycuts,andtheexistingtrendstowardsdecentralizationandprivatization.Inthisconnection,itisparticularlyconcernedastowhetherappropriatemeasureshavebeentakentoprotectchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups,inthelightofarticles3and4oftheConvention.21015.3  ԀTheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidtotheneedforanefficientcoordinationmechanism,betweenvariousministries,aswellasbetweencentralauthoritiesandlocalauthorities(municipalities),intheimplementationofcomprehensivepoliciesforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.21016.3  ԀTheCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceofanintegratedmonitoringmechanismcapable,interalia,ofsupervisingtheeffectivenessofdecentralizedandsometimesprivatizedsocial(health,educationandsocialcare)municipalpoliciesandservicesforthemostvulnerablegroupsofsociety,particularlysingleparentsandpoorfamiliesanddisabled,refugeesandminoritychildren.21017.3  ԀTheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthattheStatepartyhasnotyetfullytakenintoaccountinitslegislationandinitspoliciesthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularnondiscrimination(art.2),thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12).21018.3  ԀTheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheabsenceofaglobalinformationanddisseminationstrategyfortheConventioninthecountry.ItisalsoworriedthattheConventiondoesnotyetexistinalllanguagesspokenbyminoritiesresidinginthecountry.21019.3  ԀInthelightofarticles2and3oftheConvention,theCommitteeisworriedabouttheincreasingnegativeattitudeinthesocietytowardsforeigners.21020.3  ԀTheCommitteeisworriedbytheStateparty'scurrentshortageoffacilitiesforthepsychiatrictreatmentofchildren.Thisshortagemayresultinthenonseparationofchildrenfromadultsinpsychiatricestablishments.Itisalsoconcernedbythehighratesofsuicideandtheincreasingratesofdrugabuseamongyouth.21021.3  ԀTheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheneedtoimprovethetrainingofsocialworkersthroughretrainingprogrammes,inparticularinrelationtothefullimplementationoftheparticipatoryrightsofthechild,inthelightofarticles3and12oftheConvention.Itisworriedbytheinsufficientdetectionandpreventionmeasuresintheareasofsexualabuseanddomesticviolence.21022.3  ԀTheCommitteeisconcernedattherecentincreaseofschooldropouts.Inthelightofarticle30oftheConvention,itisalsoworriedabouttheinsufficientnumberofteacherscapableofworkingwithminoritychildren.21023.3  ԀTheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedthatappropriate,inparticularlegislative,measureshavenotyetbeentakentoforbidthepossessionofchildpornographyandthepurchasingofsexualservicesfromchildprostitutes.Itisalsoseriouslyconcernedattheexistenceofsextelephoneservicesaccessiblebychildren.21024.3  ԀTheCommitteeisconcernedthatthelabourlegislationdoesnotappropriatelyprotectchildrenbetweentheagesof15and18years.(e)2 .2Suggestionsandrecommendations21025.3  ԀWithrespecttoarticle4oftheConvention,andinrelationtothecurrentdifficulteconomicsituation,theCommitteeemphasizestheimportanceoftheallocationofresourcestothemaximumextentpossiblefortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofthechildatboththecentralandlocallevels,inthelightoftheprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthoseofitsarticles2and3relatingtonondiscriminationandthebestinterestsofthechild.21026.3  ԀTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakefurtherstepstostrengthenthecoordinationbetweenthedifferentgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinhumanrightsandchildren'srights,atboththecentralandlocallevels,andtoconsidertheestablishmentofacoordinatingbodyormechanismtoharmonizesectoralactivitiesandpolicies.ItalsorecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenitscooperationwithnongovernmentalorganizations,includinginrelationtotheimplementationoftheCommittee'srecommendations.21027.3  ԀTheCommitteerecommendsthatanintegratedmonitoringsystemormechanismbeestablishedtoensurethatallchildreninallmunicipalitiesbenefittothesameextentfrombasicsocialservices.Theestablishmentofanindependentmonitoringmechanism,suchas,forinstance,anombudspersonforchildren,isalsorecommended.21028.3  ԀTheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatgreatereffortsarerequiredtomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknownandunderstoodbyadultsandchildrenalike,inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheConventionbetranslatedintoalllanguagesspokenbyminoritieslivingintheStateparty.TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytodevelopfurtherasystematicapproachtowardsincreasingpublicawarenessofparticipatoryrightsofchildren,inthelightofarticle12oftheConvention.21029.3  ԀToreducethecurrentincreaseinnegativefeelingandracismtowardsforeigners,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasures,includinginformationcampaignsinschoolsandsocietyatlarge.UponarrivalinFinland,allunaccompaniedchildrenseekingrefugeestatusshouldbepromptlyinformedintheirlanguageoftheirrights.21030.3  ԀTheCommitteerecommendsthatperiodictrainingandretrainingprogrammesontherightsofthechildbeorganizedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildren,especiallysocialworkers,butalsoteachers,lawenforcementofficialsandjudges,andthathumanrightsandchildren'srightsbeincludedintheirtrainingcurricula.Italsorecommendsthatintheareasofsexualabuseanddomesticviolencemoresystematicattentionbegiventodetectionmeasuresandpreventivepolicies.21031.3  ԀTheCommitteerecommendstheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventmentallyillchildrenbeinginstitutionalizedinthesamefacilitiesasadults.Italsosuggeststhatadditionalresearchbeundertakenintheareasofsuicideanddrugabusetoimprovetheunderstandingofthosephenomenaandgenerateappropriatemeasurestodealefficientlywiththem.21032.3  ԀTheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakeallnecessarymeasurestofightschooldropoutandencouragestherelevantauthoritiestotakeallappropriatemeasurestoensurethatsufficientteachersareavailableforminoritychildreninallregionsofthecountry.InthespiritoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteealsoencouragestheGovernmenttogiveconsiderationtotheincorporationoftherightsofthechildintheschoolcurricula.21033.3  ԀIntheprocessofreformingthePenalCode,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatthepossessionofchildpornographymaterialsandthepurchaseofsexualservicesfromchildprostitutesbemadeillegal.ItalsorecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestoprotectchildrenfromaccessingsextelephoneservicesandfromtheriskofbeingsexuallyexploitedbypaedophilesthroughthesetelephoneservicesthatcanbeaccessedbyanyone.Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakenfullytoprotectprofessionalswhoreportevidenceofsexualabusetotherelevantauthorities.21034.3  ԀTheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoreviseitslabourlegislationforchildrenbetweentheagesof15and18yearsinthelightoftherelevantinternationalstandards,especiallyILOConventionNo.138andILORecommendationNo.146.21035.3  ԀTheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytodisseminatewidelytheStateparty'sreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionofthereportintheCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentandthatthesuggestionsandrecommendationsforactioncontainedthereinbefollowedupinclosecooperationwiththenongovernmentalsociety.&  A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sr882   ݀IV.OVERVIEWOFTHEOTHERACTIVITIESOFTHECOMMITTEE@ .6A.Methodsofwork@ .1.Informalmeeting88 S @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a) S 21036.3   .TheinformalmeetingoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildfortheAfricanregionwasheldfrom11to22July1994.'  21037.3  ԀToenableabettercoverageoftheregion,ithadbeendecidedthattheCommitteememberswouldstartthetripinKenya,afterwardsdividingintotwogroups,onetovisitGhanaandMaliandtheothertotraveltoZimbabweandSouthAfrica.TheCommitteewouldthenmeetagainasagroupinC=ted'Ivoire,inordertoexchangeinformationonthefieldtripsandconsiderrecommendationsforitsfutureinformalmeetings.21038.3   .Inthedifferentcountries,theCommitteemembersheldimportantmeetingswithgovernmentofficials,membersofParliament,representativesofUnitedNationsbodies,specializedagencies,nationalinstitutionsinthefieldofhumanandchildren'srightsandactivenon-governmentalorganizations.Onseveraloccasionsthemediawereinvolved,pavingthewayforapublicdiscussionontheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandthesituationofchildrenatthenationalandinternationallevels.21039.3   .Duringtheregionalmeetingandcountryvisits,theCommitteeencouragedratificationoftheConventionbythoseStatesthatwerenotyetpartiestoit,andcalledforitseffectiveimplementationandfullrespectforitsprinciplesandprovisions.TheCommitteeemphasizedtheessentialvalueofthereportingsystem,inensuring,inacomprehensiveandmeaningfulmanner,thereviewandevaluationofthedifferentmeasurestakenbyeachcountrytoensureasharedawarenessofthesituationofchildrenandtheeffectiverealizationoftherightsofthechild.ThemembersoftheCommitteestressedtheimportanceofthecoordinationofactivitiesbetweenallthoseinvolvedinareasrelatingtochildren,inboththegovernmentalandnon-governmentalareas,asameanstogatherrelevantinformation,shapeadequateandconsistentpoliciesandmonitorprogress.21040.3   .TheregionalAfricameeting,andinparticulartheconstitutionofsubgroupsoftheCommitteetovisitdifferentcountriesandprojectsontheregion,wasconsideredasanextremelyrichexperience.TheCommittee,therefore,reaffirmedthatitwouldbedecisivelyimportanttocontinuetoorganizesuchinformalregionalmeetings,inclosecooperationwithUNICEFandotherUnitedNationsbodies.SuchoccasionswouldgreatlycontributetotheuniversalratificationoftheConventionandtoitsseriousconsiderationandeffectiveimplementation.TheywouldalsohelptomakebetterknownboththesystemofreportingundertheConventionandtheroletheCommitteeplaysinthatregard(seealsochap.I,sect.A,recommendation2).21041.3   .TheCommitteehelditsfourthinformalmeetingfortwoweeksinOctoberintheSouthAsiaregion.21042.3   .Thefourthinformalmeetingwasalsointendedtoallowforasubstantiveconsiderationofthesubjectofchildlabourinthespecificcontextoftheregionandinthelightofthestrategiesidentifiedtoaddresstheproblem.Forthatpurpose,athematicregionalconsultationthereonwasincludedintheagendaofthemeeting.̇21043.3   .TheCommitteemembers,indifferentgroups,visitedIndia,Pakistan,Bangladesh,NepalandSriLankawiththethreemaingoalsofexplainingthereportingsystemandencouragingthefinalizationofthenationalprocessinthatregard;becomingfamiliarwiththeexistingsituation,prevailingdifficultiesandrelevantachievementsineachcountry;andinthecaseofPakistanandSriLankaassessingtheconsiderationgiventotherecommendationsithadaddressedinitsconcludingobservationstotherespectiveGovernments.21044.3   .TheregionalthematicconsultationheldatKathmanduprovidedtheopportunityfortheCommitteememberstoexchangeviewsontheirdifferentvisitsandtoidentifythespecificstrategiesfollowedinthecountriesconcernedtopreventandcombattheexploitationofchildrenthroughwork,toensuretheeffectiveprotectionofchildren'srightsandtoabolishchildlabour.21045.3   .ThethematicdebateontheeconomicexploitationofchildrenandthesetofrecommendationstheCommitteeadoptedthereafterwereofcrucialimportancefortheprogrammesofILOandofnon-governmentalorganizationsinthatarea.21046.3   .InthedebatetheimportancewasstressedoftakingtheConventionasabasisfortheconsiderationofpoliciesdesignedtoaddresschildlabour,duerespectbeingpaidtothegeneralprinciplesofnon-discrimination,respectfortheviewsofthechild,survivalanddevelopmentofthechildandthebestinterestsofthechildasprimaryconsiderationsinallmeasuresadopted.Insituationswhere,inthelightoftheConvention,inparticularitsarticle32,andILOstandards,legalworkwasperformed,providingforminimumagesforadmissiontoemploymentandforappropriateregulationofthehoursandconditionsofemploymentwasofdecisiveimportance.21047.3   .Theabolitionofchildlabourwasidentifiedasanessentialandurgentgoalandtheneedrecognizedforspecificnationalstrategiestobedefinedtoachieveit.Inthatregard,compulsoryeducationwasidentifiedasanessentialtool.Itwasalsostressedthateachnationalstrategyshouldaddressallformsoflabour,inboththeformalandinformalsectors,andthatlessvisiblesituations,suchasdomesticservice,shouldnotbeneglected.Inaddition,thestrengtheningofinternationalcooperation,inparticularbetweenUNICEFandILO,wasencouragedasameansoffosteringtherealizationofchildren'srightsinthatimportantfield.@ . 2.Systemofdocumentationandinformation@ .T ComputerizationoftheworkoftheCommittee21048.3   .InviewoftheimportancetheCommitteeattachestotheestablishmentofanetworkofinformationanddocumentationinthefieldofchildren'srights,aswellastothecomputerizationofitswork,ameetingwasheldonthisissuewithrepresentativesofUNICEFandoftheCentreforHumanRightsattheCommittee'seleventhsession.&  ԀB.Publicinformationactivitiesandeducatioǹonchildren'srights21049.3   .Atitseightsession,theCommitteerecalledtheimportanceitattachedtotheareaofeducationonhumanrightsingeneral,andonchildren'srightsinparticular,asreflectedinitssecondreporttotheGeneralAssembly. s   ׀In'  thisframework,itwelcomedthelaunchingbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation(resolution49/184).ItwastimelythattheDecadeshouldstartintheInternationalYearofTolerance,ayearduringwhichtheUnitedNationswouldcelebrateitsfiftiethanniversary.21050.3   .IttooknoteofthecomprehensiveapproachfollowedbythePlanofActionoftheDecade,whichdefinedhumanrightseducationasalife-longprocessbasedontraining,disseminationandinformationeffortsdesignedtobuildauniversalcultureofhumanrights.ItwasparticularlyencouragedbytherecognitionoftheessentialroleofthetreatybodiesinformulatingappropriaterecommendationstoStatesinthisregard.ItfurtherstressedtheimportancegiventocooperationbetweenrelevantUnitedNationsbodieswithaviewtobettermobilizingexistingcapacitiesforhumanrightseducation,underthecoordinationoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRights.21051.3   .TheCommitteedecidedtopursueitseffortsinencouragingStatespartiestogiveconsiderationtotheinclusionoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildintheschoolandtrainingcurricula,aswellasintheframeworkofnon-formaleducation.̀C.InternationalcooperationandsolidarityforthèimplementationoftheConventioǹ1.PlanofactionoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner̀forHumanRightstostrengthentheimplementationof̀theConvention21052.3   .TheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightshasstressedonvariousoccasionstheimportanceheattachestopromotingtherightsofthechild,whichshouldbeseenasapriorityintheUnitedNationssystem-wideactiononhumanrights.21053.3   .Inthisconnection,hehaselaboratedandsubmittedtoGovernmentsforfundingaplanofactiontosupporttheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.SuchaplanwouldenabletheCommitteetoreceivesubstantivesupportinordertomeetthehighexpectationscreatedbytheConventionanditsimplementationsystemandtofacetheheavyworkload.ItwouldfacilitatethepracticalrealizationoftherecommendationsoftheCommitteeaimingatabetterimplementationoftheConventionatthenationallevelwithintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation,throughtheprovisionofadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistance.&  Ԁ2.CooperationwithUnitedNationsandothercompetent̀bodies21054.3   .Atitssixth(specialsession),theCommitteeadoptedtworecommendationsrespectivelyentitled"Childreninarmedconflicts"and"Saleofchildren,child'  prostitutionandchildpornography"(seechap.Iabove,sect.C.1,recommendation2,andsect.C.2,recommendation3).21055.3   .Atitsseventhsession,theCommitteedecidedtoholdameetinginJanuary1995withUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagenciestoevaluateprogressintheareaofinternationalcooperation,aswellastoconsiderwaystostrengthendialogueandinteractionandenhancethesystemofimplementationoftheConvention,namelyinthelightofitsarticle45.RepresentativesfromUNICEF,UNHCR,ILOandWHOparticipatedinthediscussion.21056.3   .ItwasrecognizedthatthespiritofcooperationandpartnershipbuiltaroundtheConventionhadbeenreinforced,bothintheframeworkofthereportingsystemandofthethematicdiscussionsorganizedbytheCommitteewhichprovidedanopportunitytomutuallysupporttheactiondevelopedbytheCommitteeandeachoftheUnitedNationsbodiesforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.TheConventionwasinfactrecognizedasbeingcomplementarytotheworkandtothestandardsoftheUnitedNationsbodiesandagencies,allowingthemtoactinahumanrightsframework.21057.3   .Itwasrecalledthatthesuccessofthereportingprocesswasessentiallyassessedbyitscapacitytoimprovethesituationatthecountrylevel,encourageprogressandstrengthenthenationalcapacitytoassessproblemsandshapeadequatestrategiestosolvethem.UnitedNationsbodiesandagenciesplayedanimportantroleinthisregard.21058.3   .TheadoptionofconcludingobservationsfollowingtheconsiderationoftheStateparty'sreportwasfelttobeextremelyusefulasitallowedforareassessmentofthecountryprogrammes,technicalassistanceprojectsandevenadvocacycampaigns.Whentheconcludingobservationsaddressedaspecificproblemthatfellwithinthecompetenceofaparticularbody,theapproachofthatbodywasgivenlegitimacyandwasreinforced.ThatwasalsothecasewhentheCommitteeencouragedaStatepartytoconsiderratifyingaparticularconventionadoptedwithintheframeworkofaUnitedNationsorganoraspecializedagency.21059.3   .Recallingtheimportanceitattachedtointernationalcooperationwithaviewtofosteringtherealizationoftherightsofthechild,theCommitteedecidedatitseighthsessiontoholdduringthesessionameetingwithUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagencies,aswellasothercompetentbodies.21060.3   .RepresentativesfromILO,UNICEF,WHO,UNHCR,UNESCOandtheCentreforHumanRights(AdvisoryServices,TechnicalAssistanceandInformationBranch),aswellastheInternationalCriminalPoliceOrganization(INTERPOL)andnon-governmentalorganizations,participatedinthediscussion.21061.3   .Forthisimportantexchangeofviews,aworkingdocumenthadbeenpreparedbyMr.ThomasHammarberg(Vicechairperson)ongoalsandstrategiesfortheworkoftheCommitteeforthenextfouryearsofitsactivities.InthelightoftheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofActionadoptedattheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,thedocumentidentifiedsixessentialgoals:universalratificationoftheConventionby1995,withdrawalofreservationsmadebyStatespartiesuponratification,submissionoftimelyandconstructivereports,effectiveinternationalmonitoring,supporttothenationalprocessandinternationalcooperation.21062.3   .TheCommittee,recallingitspreviousconsiderationoftheseareasaswellasitsearlierdeliberations,emphasizedtheimportantfieldofinternationalcooperation,inparticularasaddressedbyarticles4and45oftheConvention.Itrecalledtheattentionpaidbythislegalinstrumenttothebuildingupofaspiritofsolidarity,whichshouldbereflectedandtakenintoaccount,includingintheactivitiesoftheinternationalfinancialanddevelopmentinstitutionsaswellasintheactiondevelopedbydonorcountries.21063.3   .Moreover,theCommitteestressedtheessentialimportanceofthenationalprocessofimplementation,recognizingitscrucialroletoencouragetheratificationoftheConvention,tocreateawarenessandunderstandingofitsprinciplesandprovisions,toensureacomprehensivelawreformandtoestablishmechanismsofcoordinationandmonitoringonthebasisofacomprehensivesystemofdatacollection.ThenationalprocesswasalsoclearlyofdecisiverelevanceinthepreparationofthecountryreportontheimplementationoftheConventionandtoensureaneffectivefollow-uptotheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteeoncethereporthadbeenexamined.Inthatregard,referencewasmadetotheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsandtotheemphasisputinitsfinaldocumentonthe"comprehensivenationalapproachtakenbytheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild".TheencouragementtofollowthatapproachclearlyconfirmedtheimportanceofintegratingtheConventionintonationalactionplans,andtopavethewayforaholisticapproachtotherightsofthechildandfortheconsiderationofmultidisciplinaryactioninfavourofchildren.21064.3   .TheCommitteedecidedtoinstitutionalizethosemeetingsonatleastanannualbasis,thusallowingforaperiodicevaluationofprogressachievedanddifficultiesencountered.ItreiterateditsrecommendationthatafocalpointontheConventionbeestablishedwithineachUnitedNationsbodyorspecializedagencytoenhancetheexistingcoordination.ItwelcomedthedecisiontakenbysomeUnitedNationsbodiestosendtheirregionalornationalrepresentativestofollowthepreparationand/orthediscussionofthereportofthecountryconcerned.SuchameasurewouldundoubtedlyensuretheiractiveinvolvementintheimplementationoftherecommendationsadoptedbytheCommittee.21065.3   .Inrelationtotheprogrammeofadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistance,theCommitteerecognizedtheimportanceofensuringaclosercooperationwiththeAdvisoryServices,TechnicalAssistanceandInformationBranchoftheCentreforHumanRights.21066.3   .Atitssixth(special)session,theCommitteeadoptedarecommendationentitled"CooperationwithUnitedNationsbodiesChildreninarmedconflicts"(seechap.1,sect.C.1,recommendation2)inwhichitwelcomedthedecisionoftheCommissiononHumanRightstoestablishasamatterofpriorityanopenendedworkinggrouptoelaborateadraftoptionalprotocoltotheConventiononchildreninarmedconflictandtouseasabasisforitsdiscussionsthepreliminarydraftsubmittedbytheCommittee.Inanotherrecommendationadoptedatthesamesession,entitled"Saleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography"(seechap.1,sect.C.2,recommendation3)theCommitteetooknoteofthedecisionoftheCommissiononHumanRightstoestablishanopenendedworkinggroupresponsibleforelaborating,asamatterofpriority,inclosecooperationwiththeSpecialRapporteurandtheCommittee,guidelinesforapossibledraftoptionalprotocoltotheConventionontheSaleofChildren,ChildProstitutionandChildPornography,aswellasthebasicmeasuresneededfortheirpreventionanderadication.̇21067.3   .Atitseighthsession,theCommitteeconsideredthedevelopmentsthathadoccurredinthetwoworkinggroupsoftheCommissiononHumanRightsdealingwithchildren'srightsissues.Ittooknoteofthedraftingprocessintheworkinggrouponadraftoptionalprotocolontheinvolvementofchildreninarmedconflicts,whoseworkwasbasedonapreliminarydraftpreparedbytheCommittee,followingaspecificrequestbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsinthatregard. t   ׀Italsotooknoteofthediscussionsheldintheworkinggrouponguidelinesforapossibleoptionalprotocolonthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography.21068.3   .Atitseleventhsession,theCommitteedecidedtoparticipateinthesecondsessionoftheintersessionalopenendedworkinggroupoftheCommissiononHumanRightsonadraftoptionalprotocoloninvolvementofchildreninarmedconflict,duringwhichastatementstressingtheurgencyofraisingto18yearstheminimumageofrecruitmentintoarmedforcesandforbiddingtheparticipationofchildreninhostilitiesbelowthatagewaspresentedonbehalfoftheCommitteebyitsRapporteur(forthetextofthestatement,seeCRC/C/50,para.251).Atthesamesession,theCommitteealsodecidedtoberepresentedatthesecondsessionoftheopenendedworkinggroupoftheCommissiononguidelinesforapossibleoptionalprotocolonthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography.TheCommitteedecidedtosubmitastatementtotheworkinggroup,expressingitsviewsontheguidelinesandstressingtheimportanceoftakingintodueaccountexistinginternationalstandards,inparticulartheConvention,andrelevantmechanismstopreventandcombatthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography(forthetextofthestatement,seeCRC/C/50,para.254).21069.3   .Duringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theCommitteepursueditscooperationwiththeotherhumanrightstreatybodiesandotherUnitedNationshumanrightsmechanisms.Inthisconnection,mentioncanbemadeoftheactiveparticipationoftheCommittee'sChairpersoninthefifthandsixthmeetingsofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodiesaswellasinthemeetingheldinJune1995betweentheSecretaryGeneralandthechairpersons(seeCRC/C/34,para.173,andCRC/C/46,para.197).TheCommitteealsohadafruitfulexchangeofviewsandcooperationwiththeUnitedNationsexpertontheimpactofarmedconflictonchildren(seeCRC/C/34,paras.176178,CRC/C/43,paras.181185andCRC/C/46,para.199),theSpecialRapporteursoftheCommissiononHumanRightsonthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography(seeCRC/C/43,paras.192196)andonthesituationofhumanrightsintheterritoryofformerYugoslavia(seeCRC/C/29,para.186),andinitiatedadialoguewiththeSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRightsonRwanda(seeCRC/C/43,paras.186191).21070.3   .TheCommitteealsopursueditsclosecooperationwithothercompetentbodies,andreaffirmedthefundamentalroleofnon-governmentalorganizations(seeCRC/C/38,paras.260265).@ .T 3.ParticipationinUnitedNationsmeetings21071.3   .TheCommitteewasrepresentedatanumberofmeetingsrelevanttoitsactivities,includingmajorworldgatheringssuchastheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopment,heldatCairoinSeptember1994(seeCRC/C/29,para.185);theFourthWorldConferenceonWomen,heldatBeijinginAugust1995anditspreparatoryprocess(seeCRC/C/38,para.246,CRC/C/43,paras.179and180andCRC/C/46,para.198;seealsosect.Dbelow);andthepreparatoryprocessoftheSecondUnitedNationsConferenceonHumanSettlements(HabitatII),towhichitalsodecidedtoberepresentedinJune1996(seeCRC/C/50,paras.255258).TheparticipationandcontributionoftheCommitteetothosemeetingsandtheirfinaldocuments,aswellasitsconsiderationoftheissuesraisedattheWorldSummitforSocialDevelopment(Copenhagen,March1995)(seeCRC/C/34,para.174,andCRC/C/46,para.196),hadenabledtheCommitteetobealertedtoareasofconcernidentifiedelsewhereandtoplayanincreasingroleininternationalcooperationonbehalfofchildren.21072.3   .TheCommitteehasalsobeenactivelyinvolvedinthepreparatoryprocessoftheWorldCongressagainsttheCommercialSexualExploitationofChildren,tobeheldatStockholminAugust1996,towhichitwillberepresented(seeCRC/C/50,paras.262and263).21073.3   .Inthefieldofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteereportedatitseighthsessionontwoimportanteventstowhichithadbeenrepresentedtheUnitedNationsexpertgroupmeetingonchildrenandjuvenilesindetention:applicationofhumanrightsstandards,heldatVienna(30October-4November1994),andtheAsianRegionalConsultationonJuvenileJustice,organizedatBangkokincooperationwithUNICEFandASIANET.(Forfurtherdetailsonthesetwomeetings,seeCRC/C/38,paras.249252).@ .44.Programmeoftechnicalcooperationandadvisoryservices21074.3   .Atitsseventhsession,theCommitteeadoptedarecommendationentitled"Advisoryservicesandtechnicalassistance",inwhichit,interalia,decidedtocontinuetoidentifythemainareaswheretechnicaladviceorassistancewouldseemappropriatetofostertheimplementationoftheConventionandtoindicatetheminitsobservationsadoptedfollowingtheconsiderationofStatesparties'reports,andtobringrecommendationsinthisregardtotheconsiderationoftheconcernedbodies(seechap.I,sect.D,recommendation3).21075.3   .Atitseighthsession,theCommitteestatedthattheadoptionofconcludingobservationsfollowingtheconsiderationoftheStateparty'sreportwasextremelyusefulasitallowedforareassessmentofthecountryprogrammes,technicalassistanceprojectsandevenadvocacycampaigns.Whentheconcludingobservationsaddressedaspecificproblemthatfellwithinthecompetenceofaparticularbody,theapproachofthatbodywasgivenlegitimacyandwasreinforced.ThatwasalsothecasewhentheCommitteeencouragedaStatepartytoconsiderratifyingaparticularconventionadoptedwithintheframeworkofaUnitedNationsorganoraspecializedagency.@ . D.Generalthematicdiscussions̀1.Theroleofthefamilyinthepromotionofthèrightsofthechild21076.3   .InviewoftheimportanceitattachestotheenhancementofadeeperunderstandingoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,andtakingintoaccountthefactthat1994hadbeenproclaimedastheInternationalYearoftheFamily,theCommitteehaddecidedtodevoteonedayofitsseventhsessiontoageneraldiscussionontheroleofthefamilyinthepromotionoftherightsofthechild.21077.3   .Severalorganizationshadsubmitteddocumentsonthetheme.ThelistofthesedocumentsistobefoundinannexVItodocumentCRC/C/34.21078.3   .Representativesofvariousorganizationsandbodiesmadestatementsonthedayofthegeneraldiscussion.ThelististobefoundindocumentCRC/C/34,paragraph185.21079.3   .ThegeneraldiscussionwasframedbytheoutlinewhichhadbeenpreparedbytheCommittee.Twomainissueswereaddressed:theevolutionandimportanceofthefamily,stressingthediversityoffamilystructuresarisingfromdifferentculturalpatternsandemergingfamilyrelationships,andcivilrightsandfreedomswithinthefamily,includingtherighttoberegisteredwithaname,toanationality,topreservethechild'sidentityandnottobesubjectedtoanyformofmentalorphysicalviolence.21080.3   .Participantsemphasizedsomeoftheseissues,callingattentiontothepositiveroletheConventionhadplayedinpromotingtheconsiderationoftherightsofthechild,therightsandresponsibilitiesofparentsandotherfamilymembersandtheneedtotacklesituationsinwhichthehumandignityofthechildmightnotbefullyrespected.RepresentativesofUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagenciesstressedtheessentialvalueoftheConventionasaframeworkforshapingandimplementingtheirrespectiveprogrammesdesignedtoimprovethesituationofthefamilyandtopromotetheprotectionoftherightsofitsmembers.21081.3   .Attheconclusionofthegeneraldiscussion,theCommitteereachedsomepreliminaryconclusions,whicharesummarizedbelow.Whatisthefamily?21082.3   .Onthebasisofthedifferentinterventions,itwouldseemhardtoargueforasinglenotionofthefamily.Throughtheinfluenceofeconomicandsocialfactorsandoftheprevailingpolitical,culturalorreligioustraditions,thefamilyhasbeenshapedinadiversityofwaysandnaturallyfacesdifferentchallengesorlivingconditions.WoulditthereforebeacceptabletoconsiderthatonlysomekindsoffamilyorfamilysituationsdeserveassistanceandsupportfromtheStateandsocietyi.e.,nuclear,extended,biological,adoptiveorsingle-parentfamilies?Coulditbeconsideredthatonlyincertaincircumstanceswouldthefamilyorfamilylifehavedecisivesocialvalue?Onthebasisofwhatcriteria:legal,political,religiousorother?Woulditbepossibletofavouraperspectivewhereonlyundercertainconditionswouldchildrenbegiventheopportunitytoenjoyrightsthat,infact,areinherenttothedignityoftheirhumannature?21083.3   .Allthesequestionsseemtoplacetheessentialvalueoftheprincipleofnon-discriminationintheforefrontofthegeneraldiscussion.Whatisthechildwithinthefamily?21084.3   .Traditionally,thechildhasbeenseenasadependent,invisibleandpassivefamilymember.Onlyrecentlyhasheorshebecome"seen"and,furthermore,themovementisgrowingtogivehimorherthespacetobeheardandrespected.Dialogue,negotiation,participationhavecometotheforefrontofcommonactionforchildren.21085.3   .Thefamilybecomesinturntheidealframeworkforthefirststageofthedemocraticexperienceforeachandallofitsindividualmembers,includingchildren.Isthisonlyadreamorshoulditalsobeenvisagedasapreciseandchallengingtask?21086.3   .Itiswellknownthatmuchremainstobedone.Inviewoftheexternalcircumstancessurroundingthefamilyandthetensionsarisingtherein,betheyeconomic,socialorcultural,situationsstilloftenoccurinwhichthechildissupposedtoworkforandwiththefamily,thegirlisexpectedtotakecareofhersiblingsandreplacethemotherinallthetasksofthehousehold,encouragedatanearlystagetoprepareforher"role"asamother,etc.Childrenareoftenabusedandneglectedandtheirrighttophysicalintegrityignored,ontheassumptionthattheprivacyofthefamilyautomaticallyconfersonparentstheabilitytomakecorrectandinformedjudgementswithrespecttothe"responsibleupbringingoffuturecitizens".21087.3   .Thehopewasexpressedthat,byadheringtotheessentialprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildandmakinguseofactivecampaignsofawareness,informationandeducation,itwillbepossibletochangeprevailingprejudicesandculturalorreligioustraditionswhicharecontrarytothedignityofthechild,detrimentaltothechild'sharmoniousdevelopmentorpreventtheeffectiveenjoymentofthefundamentalrightsbychildren.Whatisthechildintheabsenceofafamily?21088.3   .Thediscussionalsoaddressedthe"usuallyforgotten"questionofwhatistherealityofachild,intheabsenceofafamily?Insuchcases,wouldthesystemofprotectionbeimproved?Wouldthebestinterestsofthechildeverbeassessed?Wouldtherebeanyroomfortheparticipationofthechild?Wouldtherebeanyonetolisten?Woulditbepossibletopreventandcombatdiscrimination?Inshort,woulditeverbepossibletoaddressseriouslythesituationofthesechildrenwithintheframeworkoffundamentalhumanrightsandfreedoms?21089.3   .Allthesequestionsareanaturalencouragementtofurtherelaboration,tofurtherstudiesanddiscussionsandtoconcreteprogrammesandstrategiesbothatthenationallevelandwithintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation.Forallofthem,theConventionwasreaffirmedasthecommonreferenceandtheinspiringdocument.TheConventionis,furthermore,themostappropriateframeworkinwhichtoconsider,andtoensurerespectfor,thefundamentalrightsofallfamilymembers,intheirindividuality.21090.3   .Children'srightswillgainautonomy,buttheywillbeespeciallymeaningfulinthecontextoftherightsofparentsandothermembersofthefamily-toberecognized,toberespected,tobepromoted.Andthiswillbetheonlywaytopromotethestatusof,andtherespectfor,thefamilyitself.21091.3   .TheCommitteeexpressedthehopethatthedebatemayhaveplayedacatalysingroleinthefutureconsiderationandactioninthisimportantissue.21092.3   .Thefollow-uptobeensuredinthefuture,bothbytheCommitteeandallotherpartners,intheimplementationoftheConventionwillcontributetofurtherdevelopingtheimportantconclusionsofthisgeneralthematicdiscussion.&  @ .h2.Thegirlchild21093.3   .Atitsseventhsession,theCommitteedecidedtoorganizeageneral'  discussiononthegirlchildon23January1995.ThedecisionwasintendedtoallowtheCommitteetocontributetotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen:ActionforEquality,DevelopmentandPeace,tobeheldinSeptember1995inBeijing,aswellastoallowtheconclusionsofitsthematicdiscussiontobereflectedintheplatformforactiontobeadoptedbytheConference.ItwasalsoanopportunityfortheCommitteetocreateawiderawarenessofthesituationandhumanrightsofgirls,asituationwhichhaddeservedlyreceivedspecialattention,bothinexaminingStatepartyreportsandinthecontextofpreviousthematicdiscussions.Thishadparticularlybeenthecaseduringthegeneraldiscussiononeconomicexploitationofchildren(CRC/C/20)andthediscussionheldduringtheInternationalYearoftheFamily(CRC/C/34).21094.3   .TheChairpersonhadpreparedanoutlineidentifyingareastobeaddressedduringthethematicday,emphasizingtheprincipleofnon-discriminationandtheneedforthegirlchildtoenjoyallherfundamentalrights,includingtherighttomakefreeandinformedchoicesconcerningherlife.TheoutlinehadbeensenttorelevantUnitedNationsbodies,specializedagencies,non-governmentalorganizationsandothercompetentbodieswithaninvitationtoparticipateinthegeneraldiscussionandtosubmitwrittencontributionsinadvance,tobeusedasbackgroundmaterialforthediscussion.21095.3   .Representativesofvariousorganizationsandbodiesparticipatedinthegeneraldiscussion(seeCRC/C/38,para.277).21096.3   .Duringthediscussion,itwasstressedthatinviewofthefactthattheConventionwasthemostwidelyratifiedinternationalinstrumentinthefieldofhumanrights,with168StatespartiesasatJanuary1995,itwasundoubtedlyalsothemostwidelyacceptedframeworkforactioninfavourofthefundamentalrightsofgirls.TherewasanundeniablecommitmentonthepartoftheinternationalcommunitytousetheprovisionsofConventionasanagendaforactiontoidentifypersistingformsofinequalityanddiscriminationagainstthegirlchild,toabolishpracticesandtraditionsdetrimentaltotheenjoymentoftheirrightsandtodefinearealforward-lookingstrategytopromoteandprotectthoserights.ThisexplainedtheessentialimportanceofreflectingtheConventionintheplatformforactiontobeadoptedbytheConferenceatBeijing.21097.3   .TheCommitteehadacrucialroletoplaywhenmonitoringprogressmadebyStatespartiesintherealizationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConvention,whenpromotingrespectforandprotectionofthoserights,andwhencombatingallformsofdiscrimination,includingonthebasisofgender.TheCommitteeshouldbeclearlyidentifiedasoneofthefundamentalinternationalinstitutionsdesignatedtoimplementtheplatformforactiontobeadoptedbytheBeijingConference.21098.3   .TheactivitiesdevelopedbytheCommitteecoincidedwithincreasingawarenessandactioninfavourofwomen'sandchildren'srightsattheinternational,regionalandnationallevels.TheimportanceofthismovementwashighlightedbytheorganizationoftheConferencein1995,theyearofthefiftiethanniversaryoftheUnitedNations.Thus,womenandgirlswereundeniablyinthefrontlineoftheprioritiesoftheOrganization.21099.3   .SuchanassessmentwasconfirmedbythefinaldocumentoftheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,whichrecognizedthatthehumanrightsofwomenandofthegirlchildwereaninalienable,integralandindivisiblepartofuniversalhumanrights;thattheyshouldformanintegralpartoftheUnitedNationshumanrightsactivitiesandberegularlyandsystematicallyaddressed.Furthermore,theeradicationofallformsofdiscriminationonthegroundsofsexwerepriorityobjectivesoftheinternationalcommunity.21100.3   .Yet,despitebeingrecognizedasapriority,theplaceinsocietyofgirls,andwomeningeneral,raisedseriousandunresolvedquestionsofinequalityandindifference,manifestedbydiscrimination,neglect,exploitationandviolence.ItwasimportanttorecognizethecomplementaryandmutuallyreinforcingnatureoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen.21101.3   .Addressingthequestionsofinequalityanddiscriminationonthebasisofgenderdidnotimplythattheyhadtobeseeninacompleteisolation,asifgirlswereaspecialgroupentitledtospecialrights.Infact,girlsweresimplyhumanbeingswhoshouldbeseenasindividualsandnotjustasdaughters,sisters,wivesormothers,andwhoshouldfullyenjoythefundamentalrightsinherenttotheirhumandignity.Therightsofthegirlshouldinnowaybeignoredorneglected,butratherpromotedandprotected.21102.3   .Withinthelargermovementfortherealizationofwomen'srights,historyhadclearlyshownthatitwasessentialtofocusonthegirlchildinordertobreakdownthecycleofharmfultraditionsandprejudicesagainstwomen.Onlythroughacomprehensivestrategytopromoteandprotecttherightsofgirls,startingwiththeyoungergeneration,woulditbepossibletobuildasharedandlastingapproachandawidemovementofadvocacyandawarenessaimedatpromotingtheself-esteemofwomenandallowingfortheacquisitionofskillsthatwouldpreparethemtoparticipateactivelyindecisionsandactivitiesaffectingthem.Suchanapproachmustbebasedontherecognitionofhumanrightsasauniversalandunquestionablereality,freefromgenderbias.21103.3   .Therewasaneedtoensurethatawoman'slifecyclewouldnotbecomeaviciouscycle,wheretheevolutionfromchildhoodtoadulthoodwouldbeblightedbyfatalismandasenseofinferiority.Onlythroughtheactiveinvolvementofgirls,whowereattherootofthelifecycle,woulditbepossibletoinitiateamovementforchangeandbetterment.Infact,iftheplatformforactionwastobeanagendaforchangeandadvancementofwomen,itcouldonlybemeaningfulifitplacedthehumanrightsofgirlsatitscore.21104.3   .MentionwasmadeoftheStatepartyreportssubmittedtotheCommitteeandtothefullpicturetheyprovidedofthesituationofgirlsaroundtheworld.SeveralStateshadidentifiedpersistenttraditionsandprejudicesasamaindifficultyaffectingtheenjoymentofgirls'fundamentalrights.Discriminationoftenarosefromthewayrolesweretraditionallydistributedwithinthefamily.Girlsoftensharedtheresponsibilitiesofthehousehold,takingcareofyoungersiblingsandrefusedaccesstoeducationandparticipationinsociallife.Thesonpreference,historicallyrootedinthepatriarchalsystem,oftenmanifesteditselfbyneglect,lessfoodandlittlehealthcare.Suchasituationofinferiorityoftenfavouredviolenceandsexualabusewithinthefamily,aswellasproblemsassociatedwithearlypregnancyandmarriage.Insomecasesithadledtosuchtraditionalpracticesasfemalecircumcisionandforcedmarriage.21105.3   .Reportshadalsoindicatedthatthesituationofthegirlwasofparticularconcerninruralorremoteareasunderthestronginfluenceofcommunityandreligiousleadersandaggravatedbythepersistenceofharmfultraditionsandbeliefs.̇21106.3   .Whileseriouslyconcernedatthepersistenceandextentofgenderdiscrimination,theCommitteewasencouragedbythefactthatStatespartiesoftenhadsoughttheadviceoftheCommitteeand,throughit,theassistanceoftheinternationalcommunitytoaddressdiscrimination,neglectandabuse.TheCommitteehadthereforehadtheopportunitytorecommend,initsconcludingobservations,thatacomprehensivestrategybeformulatedandeffectivelyimplementedtocreateawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention;launcheducationalprogrammestoeradicateallformsofdiscriminationagainstthegirlchild;andencouragetheparticipationofallsegmentsofsociety,includingnon-governmentalorganizations.Inthatconnection,theCommitteehadfurthersuggestedthatcustomary,religiousandcommunityleadersmightbesystematicallyinvolvedinthestepsundertakentoovercomethenegativeinfluencesoftraditionsandcustoms.21107.3   .Educationwasofessentialimportance.Itallowedfortheharmoniousandinformeddevelopmentofchildren,andgavethemthenecessaryconfidenceandskillstomakefreechoicesintheirlivesandtoactinacontextofgenderpartnership-bothattheprofessionalandatthefamilylevel.However,thelevelofilliteracyamonggirlswasstillextremelyhighandithadbecomeurgenttoensuretheireffectiveaccesstotheeducationalandvocationalsystem,toenhancetheirrateofschoolattendanceandtoreducethedrop-outrate.21108.3   .AttentionwasalsopaidtotheneedtoeliminatestereotypesineducationalmaterialsandtrainallthoseinvolvedwiththeeducationalsystemintheConventionandthefundamentalrightsofchildren.ItwaspointedoutthattherecentlaunchingbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducationprovidedatimelyopportunitytousetheConventionasameaningfuleducationaltooltoenhancethepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofgirlsandtoeradicategenderdiscrimination.Itsincorporationintheschoolandtrainingcurriculashouldalsobeconsideredasanimportantsteptoensuretheimplementationoftheplatformforaction.21109.3   .Referencewasalsomadetotheimportanceoferadicatingdegradingandexploitativeimagesofgirlsandwomeninthemediaandadvertising.Thevaluesandmodelsofbehaviourthatwereportrayedcontributedtotheperpetuationofinequalityandinferiority.21110.3   .Theinterventionsmadeduringthediscussion,alongwiththeexperiencegainedbytheCommitteethroughitsexaminationofStatepartyreports,showedthatdiscriminationagainstgirlswasoftenalsoreflectedinthelegislativesolutionsadoptedbyStates.Althoughtheeradicationofprevailingmentalandsocialattitudeswouldmainlybeachievedthroughadvocacy,informationandeducation,legislationwouldplayadecisiverole.Infact,legislativemeasuressentaformalmessagethattraditionsandcustomscontrarytotherightsofthechildwouldnolongerbeaccepted,wouldcreateameaningfuldeterrentandwouldclearlycontributetochangingattitudes.21111.3   .TheCommitteehadoftenrecommended,inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,thatnationallegislationofStatespartiesshouldclearlyrecognizetheprincipleofequalitybeforethelawandforbidgenderdiscrimination,whileprovidingforeffectiveprotectionandremediesincaseofnon-respect.Therewasalsoaneedtoreflectinthelegislationtheprohibitionofharmfultraditionalpractices,suchasgenitalmutilationandforcedmarriage,andanyotherformofviolenceagainstgirls,includingsexualabuse.21112.3   .TheCommitteehadalsoidentifiedcertainareaswherelawreformshouldbeundertaken,inboththecivilandpenalspheres,suchastheminimumageformarriageandthelinkingoftheageofcriminalresponsibilitytotheattainmentofpuberty.InseveralStatestheminimumageformarriagewasdifferentforgirlsandboys.Toexplainthat,Stateshadoftenarguedthatgirlsattainphysicalmaturityearlier.However,maturitycouldnotbeidentifiedsimplyasphysicaldevelopment;socialandmentaldevelopmentalsohadtobetakenintoaccount.Moreover,onthebasisofsuchcriteria,girlswereconsideredasadultsbeforethelawuponmarriage,therebybeingdeprivedofthecomprehensiveprotectionoftheConvention.ItwasnotedthatthefinaldocumentoftheInternationalConferenceonPopulationandDevelopmentheldatCairo(A/CONF.171/13)hasrecentlyencouragedGovernmentstoraisetheminimumageatmarriage,andtheSpecialRapporteuronviolenceagainstwomeninherpreliminaryreporttotheCommissiononHumanRightshadrecognizedthattheageofmarriagewasafactorcontributingtotheviolationofwomen'srights(E/CN.4/1995/42).21113.3   .Inthecriminalarea,somelegislationretainedthelinkagebetweentheageofcriminalresponsibilityandtheattainmentofpuberty.Onceagainbasedonasubjectivecriterionthataddressedonlythephysicalaspectofthedevelopmentofthechild,thatapproachallowedboysandgirlstobetreateddifferently,oftenapplyingtothelattercriminalpunishmentsapplicabletoadults.21114.3   .Thesituationofspecificvulnerablegroupsofchildrenwasalsoaddressed.Thesituationofgirlsaffectedbyarmedconflictsandthatofrefugeegirlsweregivenparticularattention.Inviewoftheprevailingcircumstancesofemergencysurroundingthem,suchgirlsdidnothavetimetoenjoytheirchildhood,andthetraditionalinferiorityaffectinggirls'liveswasseriouslyaggravated.Sexualviolenceandabuseandeconomicexploitationoftenoccurred,educationwasnotperceivedasaprioritywhenurgentbasicneedsmustbemetandforcedandearlymarriagewasseenasaprotectivemeasure.Andalthoughdramaticallyaffectedbyemergencysituations,girlsoftencouldnotvoicetheirfearandinsecurityorsharetheirhopesandfeelings.21115.3   .Concernwasalsoexpressedaboutthesituationofworkinggirls.Girlsbelowtheageof15oftendidthesamehouseholdworkasadultwomen;suchlabourwasnotregardedas"realwork"andwasthereforeneverreflectedinthestatisticaldata.Tofreegirlsfromthatcycletheymusthavetheequalchancesandequaltreatment,withspecialemphasisoneducation.21116.3   .Asinpreviousthematicdiscussions,therewasrecognitionoftheurgentimportanceofgatheringinformationandgender-disaggregateddata,inacomprehensiveandintegratedmanner,attheinternational,regional,nationalandlocallevels,withaviewtoassessingtheprevailingrealityaffectinggirls,identifyingpersistingproblemsandchallengingtheprevalenceofinvisibility,whichinturnallowedfortheperpetuationofvulnerability.Onlythroughaseriousanalysisoftherootcausesofgendergapswoulditbepossibletodevelopappropriatestrategiesandprogrammestoeliminategenderdisparityandempowergirlsandwomen.Internationalorganizationsshoulddevotegreatereffortstodefiningacomprehensiveandintegratedstrategytomonitorthesituationofgirlsinaccordancewiththeirmandates.21117.3   .Attheendofthethematicdiscussion,theCommitteestressedtheimportanceofwideparticipationbyUnitedNationsandnon-governmentalbodies,whichhadcontributedtotherichnessofthedebate.Itpresentedasetofconclusionswhichreflectedthemainareasaddressedduringthediscussion(seeCRC/C/38,annexV).TheCommitteeadoptedarecommendationonthissubject(seechap.I)whichitdecidedtotransmit,alongwiththecontentsofthegeneraldiscussion,tothesecretariatoftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen,inparticularwithaviewtoensuringthatparticularemphasisisgiventothefollowing:̀(a) .Theplatformforactionshouldreflect,throughoutitsdifferentchapters,thesituationandfundamentalrightsofthegirlchild,inparticularintheareasspecificallyaddressedduringthegeneraldiscussionoftheCommittee;̀(b) .TheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,togetherwiththeConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,shouldconstituteanessentialframeworkforaforward-lookingstrategytopromoteandprotectthefundamentalrightsofgirlsandwomenanderadicateinequalityanddiscrimination;̀(c) .TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,inviewofitscrucialroleinmonitoringtherightsofgirls,shouldbeclearlyconsideredasanessentialmechanismwithintheframeworkoftheinternationalmachinerythatwillbeentrustedwiththetaskofmonitoringandperiodicallyreviewingtheimplementationoftheplatformforaction.@ . 3.Theadministrationofjuvenilejustice21118.3   .TheCommitteeidentifiedtwomainareastobeconsideredduringthedebate:therelevanceoftheeffectiveimplementationofexistingstandards;andthevalueofinternationalcooperation,namelythroughprogrammesoftechnicalassistance.Itwasoftheopinionthatdiscussionofthosethemeswouldcontributetoemphasizingtheimportanceofaccountabilityfortheprotectionof,andrespectfor,thehumanrightsofchildren,andwouldstresstheneedtofosterinternationalsolidarityfortherealizationofthoserights.21119.3   .Asforpreviousthematicdiscussions,theCommitteehadinvited,inthelightofarticle45oftheConvention,representativesofUnitedNationsorgans,bodiesandspecializedagencies,andothercompetentbodies,includingnon-governmentalorganizationsandresearchandacademicinstitutions,tocontributetothediscussionandprovideexpertadviceonthetwoidentifiedtopics.21120.3   .Severalorganizationssubmitteddocumentsonthetheme.ThelistofthesedocumentsandcontributionsistobefoundinannexVItodocumentCRC/C/46.21121.3   .Representativesofvariousorganisationsandbodiesmadestatementsduringthegeneraldiscussion(seeCRC/C/46,para.211).21122.3   .ThethemedaywasintroducedbyaCommitteemember,Ms.SandraMason.Inherstatement,theholisticapproachoftheConventiontochildren'srightswasstressed,aswellastheessentialvalueofitsgeneralprinciples,whichwereofaparticularrelevanceintheareaofjuvenilejustice.Envisagingthechildasasubjectofrights,ensuringclearrecognitionandimplementationoftheprincipleofequalitybeforethelawandrecognizingtheinherentlinkexistingbetweenhumanrightsandlegalrightswereemphasizedasessentialmeanstoensurerespectforexistingstandards,inparticulartheConvention.21123.3   .ThevariousinterventionsofCommitteemembersandinvitedparticipantsensuredalivelydebateduringwhichtheimportanceofexistingUnitedNationsnormsandprincipleswasstressed,concreteexamplesofprojectscarriedoutatthecountryandregionallevelswerepresented,andsuccessfulachievementsordifficultiesencounteredintheprocessofensuringtherealizationofchildren'srightsworldwidewerementioned.21124.3   .Inthatframework,theuniversalityoftheConventionwasreferredtoashavingparticularsignificance.Inviewofthefactthatithadbeenratifiedby181States,theConventionprovidedacommonreferenceandanethicalvisionforaddressingtheissueoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.ThebindingnatureofitsprovisionsimpliedaclearrecognitiononthepartofStatespartiesoftherightssetforththerein.Inaddition,theConventioncalledfortheimplementationofthemostconduciveprovisionsfortherealizationoftherightsofthechild,andhadthereforetobeconsideredinconjunctionwithotherrelevantinternationalinstruments,namelytheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.ThoseinstrumentscomplementedandprovidedguidancefortheimplementationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionandconfirmedthattherewasnopossibleconflictbetweenhumanrightsandjuvenilejustice.21125.3   .ThatapproachwasprevalentintheconsiderationofStatespartiesreportsbytheCommittee,inthepreparationofthelistofissues,aswellasintheformulationofconcludingobservationsandoftherecommendationsaddressedtoGovernments.ItwouldfurtherguidetheCommitteeinthepreparationoftheguidelinesforthefutureperiodicreportstobesubmittedinthelightofarticle44oftheConvention.21126.3   .Suchanapproachshouldalsoinspireactionfortherealizationofchildren'srightsinabroadercontext,sincejuvenilejusticecouldnotbereducedtosituationswhereaconflictwithcriminallawhadarisen.Asanillustration,attentionwaspaidtotheareaofasylum-seeking,refugeeandunaccompaniedchildren.Infact,thediversityofprovisionsintheConventionapplicabletothem,andtheuniversalnatureofthatlegalinstrument,extendedtheleveloftheprotectionoftheirfundamentalhumanrightsandlegalsafeguards,inparticularinsituationsofdeprivationoflibertyorseparationfromtheirfamilies.Insuchcircumstances,itwasessentialtoensurethatthechildwastreatedinamannerconsistentwiththepromotionofhisorhersenseofdignityandworthandthatdecisionswereclearlytakeninthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild,inadueprocessthatgavethechildwhowascapableofforminghisorherownviewstherighttoexpressthoseviewsfreely.21127.3   .IntheevaluationoftheexperienceoftheCommitteeinitsmonitoringfunction,itwasstressedthatveryoftenreportslackedinformationconcerningjuvenilejustice,includingdataonthenumberofchildrendeprivedoflibertythrougharrest,detentionorimprisonment.Reportswereusuallylimitedtoageneraldescriptionoflegalprovisions,rarelyaddressingsocialfactorsleadingtotheinvolvementofjuvenileswiththesystemofadministrationofjusticeorthesocialconsequencesofthedecisionstakeninthatcontext.Similarly,theyusuallydidnotidentifyfactorsordifficultiesthatimpededprogresstowardstheeffectiverealizationofchildren'srights.21128.3   .ItwasparticularlyfeltthatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConventionhadnotbeenadequatelyreflectedinnationallegislationorpractice.Inrelationtonon-discrimination,particularconcernwasexpressedaboutinstanceswherecriteriaofasubjectiveandarbitrarynature(suchaswithregardtotheattainmentofpuberty,theageofdiscernmentorthepersonalityofthechild)stillprevailedintheassessmentofthecriminalresponsibilityofchildrenandindecidinguponthemeasuresapplicabletothem.Attentionwasalsopaidtothesituationofchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet,whoinviewoftheirlowstatuswereoftenconfrontedwithsocialexclusionandstigmatization,includingonthepartofpoliceofficials.Suchasituationpavedthewayforfrequentandextremeabusesthatwererarelymonitoredorpunishedandwerethereforecommittedwithunacceptableimpunity.21129.3   .TheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildwasreaffirmedbytheConventioninthecontextoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,particularlywhenitstressedthatthechildshouldbetreatedinamannerconsistentwiththepromotionofhisorhersenseofdignityandworthwhichreinforcedrespectforthechild'shumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsandtookintoaccountthechild'sageandspecialneeds.However,reportsrevealedthatspecialjuvenilejusticesystemswereoftennon-existent,thatjudges,lawyers,socialworkersorpersonnelininstitutionswerenotgivenanyspecialtrainingandthatinformationonfundamentalrightsandlegalsafeguardswerenotprovidedtochildren.Forthosereasons,andcontrarytotheConvention,deprivationoflibertywasnotusedonlyasameasureoflastresortorfortheshortestperiodoftimepossibleascalledforintheConvention,norwerecontactswiththefamilytherule;accesstolegalandotherassistancewasnotprovidedandfreelegalaidwasoftennotavailable.21130.3   .Similarly,inrelationtotherightofthechildtoparticipateinproceedingsaffectinghimorher,Statesparties'reportshadindicatedthatchildrenwereseldommadesufficientlyawareoftheirrights,includingtherighttoassistancefromalegalcounsel,orofthecircumstancessurroundingthecaseorofthemeasuresdecided.Theywerealsooftendeniedtherighttolodgecomplaintswhentheywerevictimsofviolationoftheirfundamentalrights,includingincasesofill-treatmentandsexualabuse.Moreover,theincreasingtrendforjuvenilejusticetobecomethesubjectofsocialandemotionalpressurewasamatterofparticularconcern,sinceitcreatedopportunitiestounderminerespectforthebestinterestsofthechild.21131.3   .Itwasnotedwithdeepregretthatthedeathpenaltywasstilladmittedinsomecountriesforpersonsbelowtheageof18,thatwhippingandfloggingwereusedaseducativeandpunitivemeasures,andthatinsufficientattentionwaspaidtotheneedforthepromotionofaneffectivesystemofphysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofthechild,inanenvironmentthatfosteredhisorherhealth,self-respectanddignity.21132.3   .Inthatcontext,itwasfeltthattherewasaclearneedtoensure,inthelightofarticle42oftheConventionandinthespiritoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,asystematiccampaignofinformationandawarenessoftherightsofthechild.Particulareffortsshouldbemadetoprovideaccessibleinformationtochildren,includingthroughtheschoolsystem,asameanstostrengthenthepreventionofviolationoftheirfundamentalrightsorneglectoffundamentallegalsafeguards.21133.3   .Similarly,furtherstepsshouldbetakentoensurethatsystematictrainingactivitieswereprovidedtorelevantprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildreninthatarea.Inthatconnection,theimportancewasstressedofincorporatingtheConventionintrainingcurriculaandofreflectingitsbasicvaluesinrelevantcodesofconduct.Particularreferencewasmadetotheroleplayedbyjudges,lawyers,socialworkers,lawenforcementofficials,immigrationofficersandpersonnelworkingininstitutionsforchildren.21134.3   .Itwasemphasizedthattherewasanurgentneedtoensurethepublicationandwidedisseminationofamanualonstandardsofjuvenilejustice,includingtheConventionandotherrelevantUnitedNationsstandardsadoptedinthisfield,ifpossiblewithacommentarythereon,aswellasofamanualontrainingforlawenforcementofficials.Expressingitswillingnesstobeassociatedinsuchefforts,theCommitteerecognizedtheimportanceofsuchmanualsastoolsforadvocacyandtrainingactivities,includingthosedevelopedbytheCentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeBranch.21135.3   .Allthosemeasureswouldfurthercontributetoensuringtheeffectiverealizationofchildren'srightsandwouldpromotethefullcomplianceofnationallegislationwithinternationalstandardsadoptedinthefieldofjuvenilejustice.21136.3   .Moreover,alltheabove-mentionedmeasureswouldhelptoensurethatthechildwasalwaysenvisagedasasubjectoftherightsinherenttothehumandignityofthepersonandthatthechildwasenvisagedmainlyasavictim,includinginsituationsofsexualabuse,childprostitutionandchildpornography.Thecriminalresponsibilityofthechildshouldbebasedonobjectivecriteriaclearlyexcludingsituationswherethechildwassimplyconfrontedwithpovertyandsocialexclusion.21137.3   .Moreover,deprivationofliberty,inparticularpre-trialdetention,shouldneverbeunlawfulorarbitraryandshouldonlybeusedonceallotheralternativesolutionswouldhaveprovedtobeinadequate.Whendeprivedoflibertyeverychildshouldhavetherighttopromptlegalorotherappropriateassistance,andtherighttochallengethedeprivationoflibertybeforeacourtorotherimpartialandindependentbody.Theprivacyofthechildshouldbefullyrespectedinallstagesoftheproceedings,includinginrelationtocriminalrecordsandpossiblereportingbythemedia.21138.3   .Inthesamecontext,concernwasexpressedattheplacementofchildrenininstitutions,underawelfarepretext,withouttakingintodueconsiderationthebestinterestsofthechildnorensuringthefundamentalsafeguardsrecognizedbytheConvention,includingtherighttochallengethedecisionofplacementbeforeajudicialauthority,toaperiodicreviewofthetreatmentprovidedtothechildandallothercircumstancesrelevanttothechild'splacementandtherighttolodgecomplaints.21139.3   .Itwasurgedthatalternativestoinstitutionalcareshouldbesought,andacallwasmadefortheadoptionofadequatemeasurestoendtheprevailinglackoftransparencyininstitutionsforchildren.Inthatregard,itwassuggestedthatseriousconsiderationbegiventothedevelopmentofindependentmechanisms,atthenationalandinternationallevels,toensureperiodicvisitstoandaneffectivemonitoringofsuchinstitutions,includinginrelationtocomplaintsthatmighthavebeenlodged.RecallingthesignificantroleplayedbytheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross,inparticularinsituationsofarmedconflict,andthecurrenteffortsoftheCommissiononHumanRightsaimedatintroducingasystemofperiodicvisitstoplacesofdetentionintheframeworkofanoptionalprotocoltotheConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishment,participantshighlightedtheparticularrelevanceofnationalindependentmechanisms.Inthatconnection,referencewasmadetotherolejudgesmightplayandtotheimportanceoftheinterventionofanombudsmantoensurerespectfortherightsandinterestsofyoungpersons.21140.3   .Duringthedebate,theroleofthefamilywasrecognizedasfundamentalensuringtheeffectiveenjoymentoftherightsofchildrenandtheirreintegrationinanenvironmentthatfosteredtheirself-respectanddignity.InthelightofboththeConventionandtheRiyadhGuidelines,familiesshouldbeencouragedtohavecloserandmorefrequentcontactswithchildrenplacedininstitutionsandtohaveasayinchildren'streatment.Thechild'ssocializationshouldbepromotedthroughincreasingtheinvolvementoffamiliesinchildren'sprogrammesandthroughfacilitatingthereleaseofchildrenforhomevisits.Researchonpsycho-socialimplicationsofjuvenilejusticewasrecommendedinthatregard.21141.3   .Itwasinterestingtonote,inthatconnection,theimportanceattachedbytraditionalsystemstothefamily,includingtheextendedfamily,aswellastothecommunity,intheprocessofensuringthesocialreintegrationofchildrenandthepromotionoftheiractiveparticipationinsociety.Suchsystemsallowedforrespectoftheprivacyofthefamilyandencouragedtheconsiderationofhealingandreconciliationmeasuresasalternativestocustodyorcorporalpunishment.21142.3   .ResearchinthatareawasthereforeconsideredasbeingimportanttoidentifythetraditionalsolutionsthatwerefullycompatiblewiththeConventionanditsbasicvalues.Whenwidelysharedinagivensociety,suchsolutionsmightbeinstrumentalintheeffectiverealizationofchildren'srights.21143.3   .Thegeneraldiscussionstressedthegreatrelevanceofinternationalcooperationinthefieldofjuvenilejustice,anareathathadbecomeaclearpriorityintheUnitedNationssystem.21144.3   .Relevantbodies,includingtheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,theCommissiononCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeBranchoftheUnitedNationsCentreforSocialDevelopmentandHumanitarianAffairs,theCommissiononHumanRights,aswellastheAdvisoryServices,TechnicalAssistanceandInformationBranchoftheCentreforHumanRightsshouldthereforecooperateincreasinglyintheareasofresearch,training,disseminationandtheexchangeofinformation,implementationandmonitoringofexistingstandards,aswellasinspecificprogrammesoftechnicalassistance.Onlyinthatwaywoulditbepossibletorationalizetheuseofresources,streamlineactivitiesandenhancetheefficiencyofprogrammes,whileclearlyreaffirmingtheinherentlinkbetweencriminaljusticeandhumanrights.Forthatreason,theparticipationinthethematicdiscussionofrepresentativesofsomeofthosebodieswaswelcomed.21145.3   .ThereportingsystemoftheConvention,includingthedialogueheldwiththeStatespartiesandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommittee,wasrecognizedasdecisivelyimportanttoensureacomprehensiveframeworkforprogrammesoftechnicalassistance.Itprovidedthebasisforaclearunderstandingofthesituationinanygivencountryandforfosteringinternationalcooperationandstrengtheningnationalcapacitiesandinfrastructures.21146.3   .TherecommendationsaddressedtoStatespartiesbytheCommitteecouldbeofspecialbenefitintheimplementationofprogrammesoftechnicalassistanceintheareasofresearch,lawreformandtrainingofprofessionalgroupsorintheconsiderationofalternativestocustodialmeasures,aswellasforneedsassessmentmissionsandevaluationprocedures.21147.3   .Forallthosereasons,andinthelightofthealmostuniversalratificationoftheConvention,theCommitteewasanaturalfocalpointandplayedacentralandcatalyticroleintheareaofinternationalcooperationandassistanceinthefieldofjuvenilejustice.21148.3   .Inthatspirit,theCommitteewelcomedtheinitiativesdesignedtoconsiderastrategyfortechnicalcooperationandtheestablishmentofapossiblenetworkforthatpurpose.ItfurtherwelcomedtheproposalsmadetoensureanincreasingassistancetotheCommittee,inthelightoftheplanofactionoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsorthroughtheestablishmentofanindependentinstitutionforthatpurpose. A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Su882   C?<6X9`(CourierC@ .ANNEXI@ .d StatesthathaveratifiedoraccededtotheConventiononthe@ . RightsoftheChildasat26January1996(187)*wx d, dd ,dd ,dd ,dd +  )>>E.)ЀStates >> Dateofsignature >> Dateofreceiptofinstrumentofratification/accessiona/ >> Dateofentryintoforce ""       ""Afghanistan  27September1990  28March1994  27April1994 ""Albania  26January1990  27February1992  28March1992 ""Algeria  26January1990  16April1993  16May1993 ""Andorra  Ѐ2October1995  2January1996  Ѐ1February1996 ""Angola  14February1990  Ѐ5December1990  Ѐ4January1991 ""       ""AntiguaandBarbuda  12March1991  Ѐ5October1993  Ѐ4November1993 ""Argentina  29June1990  Ѐ4December1990  Ѐ3January1991 ""Armenia    23June1993a/  22July1993 ""Australia  22August1990  17December1990  16January1991 ""Austria  26January1990  Ѐ6August1992  Ѐ5September1992 ""       ""Azerbaijan    13August1992a/  12September1992 ""Bahamas  30October1990  20February1991  22March1991 ""Bahrain    13February1992a/  14March1992 ""Bangladesh  26January1990  Ѐ3August1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Barbados  19April1990  Ѐ9October1990  Ѐ8November1990 ""       ""Belarus  26January1990  Ѐ1October1990  31October1990 ""Belgium  26January1990  16December1991  15January1992 ""Belize  Ѐ2March1990  Ѐ2May1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Benin  25April1990  Ѐ3August1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Bhutan  Ѐ4June1990  Ѐ1August1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""       ""Bolivia  Ѐ8March1990  26June1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""BosniaandHerzegovinab/      Ѐ6March1992 ""Botswana    14March1995a/  13April1995 ""Brazil  26January1990  24September1990  24October1990 ""BruneiDarussalam    27December1995a/  26January1996 ""       ""Bulgaria  31May1990  Ѐ3June1991  Ѐ3July1991 ""BurkinaFaso  26January1990  31August1990  30September1990 ""Burundi  Ѐ8May1990  19October1990  18November1990 ""Cambodia  22September1992  15October1992  14November1992 ""Cameroon  25September1990  11January1993  10February1993 ""       ""Canada  28May1990  13December1991  12January1992 ""CapeVerde    Ѐ4June1992a/  Ѐ4July1992 ""CentralAfricanRepublic  30July1990  23April1992  23May1992 ""Chad  30September1990  Ѐ2October1990  Ѐ1November1990 ""Chile  26January1990  13August1990  12September1990 ""       ""China  29August1990  Ѐ2March1992  Ѐ1April1992 ""Colombia  26January1990  28January1991  27February1991 ""Comoros  30September1990  22June1993  21July1993 ""Congo    14October1993a/  13November1993 ""CostaRica  26January1990  21August1990  20September1990 ""      ""C=ted'Ivoire  26January1990  Ѐ4February1991  Ѐ6March1991 ""Croatiab/      Ѐ8October1991 ""Cuba  26January1990  21August1991  20September1991 ""Cyprus  Ѐ5October1990  Ѐ7February1991  Ѐ9March1991 ""CzechRepublicb/      Ѐ1January1993 ""       "T"DemocraticPeople'sRepublic̀ofKorea  23August1990  21September1990  21October1990 ""Denmark  26January1990  19July1991  18August1991 ""Djibouti  30September1990  Ѐ6December1990  Ѐ5January1991 ""Dominica  26January1990  13March1991  12April1991 ""DominicanRepublic  Ѐ8August1990  11June1991  11July1991 ""       ""Ecuador  26January1990  23March1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Egypt  Ѐ5February1990  Ѐ6July1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""ElSalvador  26January1990  10July1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""EquatorialGuinea    15June1992a/  15July1992 ""Eritrea  20December1993  Ѐ3August1994  Ѐ2September1994 ""       ""Estonia    21October1991a/  20November1991 ""Ethiopia    14May1991a/  13June1991 ""Fiji  Ѐ2July1993  13August1993  12September1993 ""Finland  26January1990  20June1991  20July1991 ""France  26January1990  Ѐ7August1990  Ѐ6September1990 ""       ""Gabon  26January1990  Ѐ9February1994  11March1994 ""Gambia  Ѐ5February1990  Ѐ8August1990  Ѐ7September1990 ""Georgia    Ѐ2June1994a/  Ѐ2July1994 ""Germany  26January1990  Ѐ6March1992  Ѐ5April1992 ""Ghana  29January1990  Ѐ5February1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""       ""Greece  26January1990  11May1993  10June1993 ""Grenada  21February1990  Ѐ5November1990  Ѐ5December1990 ""Guatemala  26January1990  Ѐ6June1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Guinea    13July1990a/  Ѐ2September1990 ""GuineaBissau  26January1990  20August1990  19September1990 ""       ""Guyana  30September1990  14January1991  13February1991 ""Haiti  20January1990  Ѐ8June1995  Ѐ8July1995 ""HolySee  20April1990  20April1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Honduras  31May1990  10August1990  Ѐ9September1990 ""Hungary  14March1990  Ѐ7October1991  Ѐ6November1991 ""       ""Iceland  26January1990  28October1992  27November1992 ""India    11December1992a/  11January1993 ""Indonesia  26January1990  Ѐ5September1990  Ѐ5October1990 ""Iran(IslamicRepublicof)  Ѐ5September1991  13July1994  12August1994 ""Iraq    15June1994a/  15July1994 ""       ""Ireland  30September1990  28September1992  28October1992 ""Israel  Ѐ3July1990  Ѐ3October1991  Ѐ2November1991 ""Italy  26January1990  Ѐ5September1991  Ѐ5October1991 ""Jamaica  26January1990  14May1991  13June1991 ""Japan  21September1990  22April1994  22May1994 ""      ""Jordan  29August1990  24May1991  23June1991 ""Kazakstan  16February1994  12August1994  11September1994 ""Kenya  26January1990  30July1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Kiribati    11December1995a/  10January1996 ""Kuwait  Ѐ7June1990  21October1991  20November1991 ""       ""Kyrgyzstan    Ѐ7October1994  Ѐ6November1994 "T"LaoPeople'sDemocratic̀Republic    Ѐ8May1991a/  Ѐ7June1991 ""Latvia    14April1992a/  14May1992 ""Lebanon  26January1990  14May1991  13June1991 ""Lesotho  21August1990  10March1992  Ѐ9April1992 ""       ""Liberia  26April1990  Ѐ4June1993  Ѐ4July1993 ""LibyanArabJamahiriya    15April1993a/  15May1993 ""Liechtenstein  30September1990  22December1995  21January1996 ""Lithuania    31January1992a/  Ѐ1March1992 ""Luxembourg  21March1990  Ѐ7March1994  Ѐ6April1994 ""       ""Madagascar  19April1990  19March1991  18April1991 ""Malawi    Ѐ2January1991a/  Ѐ1February1991 ""Malaysia    17February1995a/  19March1995 ""Maldives  21August1990  11February1991  13March1991 ""Mali  26January1990  20September1990  20October1990 ""       ""Malta  26January1990  30September1990  30October1990 ""MarshallIslands  14April1993  Ѐ4October1993  Ѐ3November1993 ""Mauritania  26January1990  16May1991  15June1991 ""Mauritius    26July1990a/  Ѐ2September1990 ""Mexico  26January1990  21September1990  21October1990 ""       "T"Micronesia(FederatedStates̀of)    Ѐ5May1993a/  Ѐ4June1993 ""Monaco    21June1993a/  21July1993 ""Mongolia  26January1990  Ѐ5July1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Morocco  26January1990  21June1993  21July1993 ""Mozambique  30September1990  26April1994  26May1994 ""       ""Myanmar    15July1991a/  14August1991 ""Namibia  26September1990  30September1990  30October1990 ""Nauru    27July1994a/  26August1994 ""Nepal  26January1990  14September1990  14October1990 ""Netherlands  26January1990  Ѐ6February1995  Ѐ7March1995 ""       ""NewZealand  Ѐ1October1990  Ѐ6April1993  Ѐ6May1993 ""Nicaragua  Ѐ6February1990  Ѐ5October1990  Ѐ4November1990 ""Niger  26January1990  30September1990  30October1990 ""Nigeria  26January1990  19April1991  19May1991 ""Niue    20December1995a/  19January1996 ""       ""Norway  26January1990  Ѐ8January1991  Ѐ7February1991 ""Pakistan  20September1990  12November1990  12December1990 ""Palau    Ѐ4August1995a/  Ѐ3September1995 ""Panama  26January1990  12December1990  11January1991 ""PapuaNewGuinea  30September1990  Ѐ1March1993  31March1993""Paraguay  Ѐ4April1990  25September1990  25October1990 ""Peru  26January1990  Ѐ4September1990  Ѐ4October1990 ""Philippines  26January1990  21August1990  20September1990 ""Poland  26January1990  Ѐ7June1991  Ѐ7July1991 ""Portugal  26January1990  21September1990  21October1990 ""       ""Qatar  Ѐ8December1992  Ѐ3April1995  Ѐ3May1995 ""RepublicofKorea  25September1990  20November1991  20December1991 ""RepublicofMoldova    26January1993a/  25February1993 ""Romania  26January1990  28September1990  28October1990 ""RussianFederation  26January1990  16August1990  15September1990 ""       ""Rwanda  26January1990  24January1991  23February1991 ""SaintKittsandNevis  26January1990  24July1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""SaintLucia    16June1993a/  16July1993 "T"SaintVincentandthèGrenadines  20September1993  26October1993  25November1993 ""Samoa  30September1990  29November1994  29December1994 ""       ""SanMarino    25November1991a/  25December1991 ""SaoTomeandPrincipe    14May1991a/  13June1991 ""SaudiArabia    26January1996a/  25February1996 ""Senegal  26January1990  31July1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Seychelles    Ѐ7September1990a/  Ѐ7October1990 ""       ""SierraLeone  13February1990  18June1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Singapore    Ѐ5October1995a/  Ѐ4November1995 ""Slovakiab/      Ѐ1January1993 ""Sloveniab/      25June1991 ""SolomonIslands    10April1995a/  10May1995 ""       ""SouthAfrica  29January1993  16June1995  16July1995 ""Spain  26January1990  Ѐ6December1990  Ѐ5January1991 ""SriLanka  26January1990  12July1991  11August1991 ""Sudan  24July1990  Ѐ3August1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Suriname  26January1990  Ѐ1March1993  31March1993 ""       ""Swaziland  22August1990  Ѐ7September1995  Ѐ6October1995 ""Sweden  26January1990  29June1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""SyrianArabRepublic  18September1990  15July1993  14August1993 ""Tajikistan    26October1993a/  25November1993 ""Thailand    27March1992a/  26April1992 ""       "T"TheformerYugoslavRepublic̀ofMacedoniab/      17September1991 ""Togo  26January1990  Ѐ1August1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Tonga    Ѐ6November1995a/  Ѐ6December1995 ""TrinidadandTobago  30September1990  Ѐ5December1991  Ѐ4January1992 ""Tunisia  26February1990  30January1992  29February1992 ""       ""Turkey  14September1990  Ѐ4April1995  Ѐ4May1995 ""Turkmenistan    20September1993a/  19October1993 ""Tuvalu    22September1995a/  22October1995 ""Uganda  17August1990  17August1990  16September1990 ""Ukraine  21February1991  28August1991  27September1991"T"UnitedKingdomofGreatBritaiǹandNorthernIreland  19April1990  16December1991  15January1992 ""UnitedRepublicofTanzania  Ѐ1June1990  10June1991  10July1991 ""Uruguay  26January1990  20November1990  20December1990 ""Uzbekistan    29June1994a/  29July1994 ""Vanuatu  30September1990  Ѐ7July1993  Ѐ6August1993 ""       ""Venezuela  26January1990  13September1990  13October1990 ""VietNam  26January1990  28February1990  Ѐ2September1990 ""Yemen  13February1990  Ѐ1May1991  31May1991 ""Yugoslavia  26January1990  Ѐ3January1991  Ѐ2February1991 ""Zaire  20March1990  27September1990  27October1990 ""       ""Zambia  30September1990  Ѐ5December1991  Ѐ5January1992 ""Zimbabwe  Ѐ8March1990  11September1990  11October1990 )>) >  >  > п̀a/Accession.̀b/Succession.C?<6X9`(CourierC@ .\ANNEXII@ .` MembershipoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild@ .(19951997) 8822 .2Name .Countryofnationality2 .2Mrs.HodaBADRAN* .Egypt2 .2Mrs.AkilaBELEMBAOGO** .BurkinaFaso2 .2Mrs.FloraC.EUFEMIO* .Philippines2 .2Mr.ThomasHAMMARBERG** .Sweden2 .2Mrs.JudithKARP** .Israel2 .2Mr.YouriKOLOSOV** .RussianFederation2 .2MissSandraPrunellaMASON** .Barbados2 .2Mr.SwithunTachionaMOMBESHORA* .Zimbabwe2 .2Mrs.MartaSANTOSPAIS* .Portugal2 .2Mrs.MariliaSARDENBERG* .Brazil882 2 .2________________________2 .2 .* . Termexpireson28February1997.2 .2** . Termexpireson28February1999. A UK     \R3'\ X      +C?<6X9`(CourierCS @ $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sy882   N    \R'3\ X  H (  X z  @0 .nANNEXIII@0 . StatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatesPartiesunderarticle44of@0 .theConventionontheRightsoftheChildasat26January1996*|} d,q ld ,ld ,ld ,ld ,ld +  "x"Stateparty  Dateofentryintoforce  Datedue  Dateofsubmission  Symbol &x&A.Initialreportsduein1992 "/x"Bangladesh  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  15November1995  CRC/C/3/Add.38 "/x"Barbados  Ѐ8November1990  Ѐ7November1992     "x"Belarus  31October1990  30October1992  12February1993  CRC/C/3/Add.14andCorr.1 "/x"Belize  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     "/x"Benin  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     "/x"Bhutan  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     "/x"Bolivia  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  14September1992  CRC/C/3/Add.2 "/x"Brazil  24October1990  23October1992     "/x"BurkinaFaso  30September1990  29September1992  Ѐ7July1993  CRC/C/3/Add.19 "/x"Burundi  18November1990  17November1992     "/x"Chad  Ѐ1November1990  31October1992     "/x"Chile  12September1990  11September1992  22June1993  CRC/C/3/Add.18 "/x"CostaRica  20September1990  20September1992  28October1992  CRC/C/3/Add.8 "x"DemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea  21October1990  20October1992     "/x"Ecuador  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     "/x"Egypt  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  23October1992  CRC/C/3/Add.6 "x"ElSalvador  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  Ѐ3November1992  CRC/C/3/Add.9andCRC/C/3/Add.28 "/x"France  Ѐ6September1990  Ѐ5September1992  Ѐ8April1993  CRC/C/3/Add.15 "/x"Gambia  Ѐ7September1990  Ѐ6September1992     "/x"Ghana  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  20November1995  CRC/C/3/Add.39 "/x"Grenada  Ѐ5December1990  Ѐ4December1992     "/x"Guatemala  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  Ѐ5January1995  CRC/C/3/Add.33 "/x"Guinea  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     "/x"GuineaBissau  19September1990  18September1992     "/x"HolySee  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  Ѐ2March1994  CRC/C/3/Add.27 "/x"Honduras  Ѐ9September1990  Ѐ8September1992  11May1993  CRC/C/3/Add.17 "x"Indonesia  Ѐ5October1990  Ѐ4October1992  17November1992  CRC/C/3/Add.10andCRC/C/3/Add.26 "/x"Kenya  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     "/x"Mali  20October1990  19October1992     "/x"Malta  30October1990  29October1992     "/x"Mauritius  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  25July1995  CRC/C/3/Add.36 "/x"Mexico  21October1990  20October1992  15December1992  CRC/C/3/Add.11 "/x"Mongolia  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  20October1994  CRC/C/3/Add.32 "/x"Namibia  30October1990  29October1992  21December1992  CRC/C/3/Add.12 "/x"Nepal  14October1990  13October1992  10April1995  CRC/C/3/Add.34 "/x"Nicaragua  Ѐ4November1990  Ѐ3November1992  12January1994  CRC/C/3/Add.25 "/x"Niger  30October1990  29October1992  27April1994  CRC/C/3/Add.29 "/x"Pakistan  12December1990  11December1992  25January1993  CRC/C/3/Add.13 "/x"Paraguay  25October1990  24October1992  30August1993  CRC/C/3/Add.22 "x"Peru  Ѐ4October1990  Ѐ3October1992  28October1992  CRC/C/3/Add.7andCRC/C/3/Add.24 "/x"Philippines  20September1990  19September1992  21September1993  CRC/C/3/Add.23 "/x"Portugal  21October1990  20October1992  17August1994  CRC/C/3/Add.30 "/x"Romania  28October1990  27October1992  14April1993  CRC/C/3/Add.16 "/x"RussianFederation  15September1990  14September1992  16October1992  CRC/C/3/Add.5 "/x"SaintKittsandNevis  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     "/x"Senegal  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  12September1994  CRC/C/3/Add.31 "/x"Seychelles  Ѐ7October1990  Ѐ6October1992     "/x"SierraLeone  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     "x"Sudan  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  29September1992  CRC/C/3/Add.3andCRC/C/3/Add.20 "/x"Sweden  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  Ѐ7September1992  CRC/C/3/Add.1 "/x"Togo  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     "/x"Uganda  16September1990  15September1992     "/x"Uruguay  20December1990  19December1992  Ѐ2August1995  CRC/C/3/Add.37 "/x"Venezuela  13October1990  12October1992     "x"VietNam  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  30September1992  CRC/C/3/Add.4andCRC/C/3/Add.21 "/x"Zaire  27October1990  26October1992     "/x"Zimbabwe  11October1990  10October1992  23May1995  CRC/C/3/Add.35 &x&B.Initialreportsduein1993 "/x"Angola  Ѐ4January1991  Ѐ3January1993     "x"Argentina  Ѐ3January1991  Ѐ2January1993  17March1993  CRC/C/8/Add.2andCRC/C/8/Add.17 "/x"Australia  16January1991  15January1993  Ѐ8January1996  CRC/C/8/Add.31 "/x"Bahamas  22March1991  21March1993     "/x"Bulgaria  Ѐ3July1991  Ѐ2July1993  29September1995  CRC/C/8/Add.29 "/x"Colombia  27February1991  26February1993  14April1993  CRC/C/8/Add.3 "/x"C=ted'Ivoire  Ѐ6March1991  Ѐ5March1993     "/x"Croatia  Ѐ7November1991  Ѐ6November1993  Ѐ8November1994  CRC/C/8/Add.19 "/x"Cuba  20September1991  19September1993  27October1995  CRC/C/8/Add.30 "/x"Cyprus  Ѐ9March1991  Ѐ8March1993  22December1994  CRC/C/8/Add.24 "/x"Denmark  18August1991  17August1993  14September1993  CRC/C/8/Add.8 "/x"Djibouti  Ѐ5January1991  Ѐ4January1993     "/x"Dominica  12April1991  11April1993     "/x"DominicanRepublic  11July1991  10July1993     "/x"Estonia  20November1991  19November1993     "/x"Ethiopia  13June1991  12June1993  10August1995  CRC/C/8/Add.27 "/x"Finland  20July1991  19July1993  12December1994  CRC/C/8/Add.22 "/x"Guyana  13February1991  12February1993     "/x"Hungary  Ѐ6November1991  Ѐ5November1993     "/x"Israel  Ѐ2November1991  Ѐ1November1993     "/x"Italy  Ѐ5October1991  Ѐ4October1993  11October1994  CRC/C/8/Add.18 "/x"Jamaica  13June1991  12June1993  25January1994  CRC/C/8/Add.12 "/x"Jordan  23June1991  22June1993  25May1993  CRC/C/8/Add.4 "/x"Kuwait  20November1991  19November1993     "/x"LaoPeople'sDemocraticRepublic  Ѐ7June1991  Ѐ6June1993  18January1996  CRC/C/8/Add.32 "/x"Lebanon  13June1991  12June1993  21December1994  CRC/C/8/Add.23 "/x"Madagascar  18April1991  17May1993  20July1993  CRC/C/8/Add.5 "/x"Malawi  Ѐ1February1991  31January1993     "/x"Maldives  13March1991  12March1993  Ѐ6July1994  CRC/C/8/Add.15 "/x"Mauritania  15June1991  14June1993     "/x"Myanmar  14August1991  13August1993  14September1995  CRC/C/8/Add.9 "/x"Nigeria  19May1991  18May1993  19July1995  CRC/C/8/Add.26 "x"Norway  Ѐ7February1991  Ѐ6February1993  30August1993  CRC/C/8/Add.7andCorr.1and2 "/x"Panama  11January1991  10January1993     "/x"Poland  Ѐ7July1991  Ѐ6July1993  11January1994  CRC/C/8/Add.11 "/x"RepublicofKorea  20December1991  19December1993  17November1994  CRC/C/8/Add.21 "/x"Rwanda  23February1991  22February1993  30September1992  CRC/C/8/Add.1 "/x"SanMarino  25December1991  24December1993     "/x"SaoTomeandPrincipe  13June1991  12June1993     "/x"Slovenia  25June1991  24June1993  29May1995  CRC/C/8/Add.25 "/x"Spain  Ѐ5January1991  Ѐ4January1993  10August1993  CRC/C/8/Add.6 "/x"SriLanka  11August1991  10August1993  23March1994  CRC/C/8/Add.13 "x"TheformerYugoslavRepublicofMacedonia  17September1991  16September1993     "x"Ukraine  27September1991  26September1993  Ѐ8October1993  CRC/C/8/Add.10/Rev.1 "/x"UnitedRepublicofTanzania  10July1991  Ѐ9July1993  29April1994  CRC/C/8/Add.14 "/x"Yemen  31May1991  30May1993  14November1994  CRC/C/8/Add.20 "/x"Yugoslavia  Ѐ2February1991  Ѐ1February1993  21September1994  CRC/C/8/Add.16 &x&C.Initialreportsduein1994 "/x"Albania  28March1992  27March1994     "/x"Austria  Ѐ5September1992  Ѐ4September1994     "/x"Azerbaijan  12September1992  11September1994  9November1995  CRC/C/11/Add.8 "/x"Bahrain  14March1992  14March1994     "/x"Belgium  15January1992  14January1994  12July1994  CRC/C/11/Add.4 "/x"BosniaandHerzegovina  Ѐ6March1992  Ѐ5March1994     "/x"Cambodia  14November1992  15November1994     "/x"Canada  12January1992  11January1994  17June1994  CRC/C/11/Add.3 "/x"CapeVerde  Ѐ4July1992  Ѐ3July1994     "/x"CentralAfricanRepublic  23May1992  23May1994     "/x"China  Ѐ1April1992  31March1994  27March1995  CRC/C/11/Add.7 "/x"CzechRepublic  Ѐ1January1993  31December1994     "/x"EquatorialGuinea  15July1992  14July1994     "/x"Germany  Ѐ5April1992  Ѐ4May1994  30August1994  CRC/C/11/Add.5 "/x"Iceland  27November1992  26November1994  30November1994  CRC/C/11/Add.6 "/x"Ireland  28October1992  27October1994     "/x"Latvia  14May1992  13May1994     "/x"Lesotho  Ѐ9April1992  Ѐ8April1994     "/x"Lithuania  Ѐ1March1992  28February1994     "/x"Slovakia  Ѐ1January1993  31December1994     "/x"Thailand  26April1992  25April1994     "/x"TrinidadandTobago  Ѐ4January1992  Ѐ3January1994     "/x"Tunisia  29February1992  28February1994  16May1994  CRC/C/11/Add.2 "x"UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland  15January1992  14January1994  15March1994  CRC/C/11/Add.1 "/x"Zambia  Ѐ5January1992  Ѐ4January1994     &x&D.Initialreportsduein1995 "/x"Algeria  16May1993  15May1995  16November1995  CRC/C/28/Add.4 "/x"AntiguaandBarbuda  Ѐ4November1993  Ѐ3November1995     "/x"Armenia  23July1993  Ѐ5August1995     "/x"Cameroon  10February1993  Ѐ9February1995     "/x"Comoros  22July1993  21July1995     "/x"Congo  13November1993  12November1995     "/x"Fiji  12September1993  11September1995     "/x"Greece  10June1993  Ѐ9June1995     "/x"India  11January1993  10January1995     "/x"Liberia  Ѐ4July1993  Ѐ3July1995     "/x"LibyanArabJamahiriya  15May1993  14May1995     "/x"MarshallIslands  Ѐ3November1993  Ѐ2November1995     "/x"Micronesia(FederatedStatesof)  Ѐ4June1993  Ѐ3June1995     "/x"Monaco  21July1993  20July1995     "/x"Morocco  21July1993  20July1995  27July1995  CRC/C/28/Add.1 "/x"NewZealand  Ѐ6May1993  Ѐ5May1995  29September1995  CRC/C/28/Add.3 "/x"PapuaNewGuinea  31March1993  31March1995     "/x"RepublicofMoldova  25February1993  24February1995     "/x"SaintLucia  16July1993  15July1995     "/x"SaintVincentandtheGrenadines  25November1993  24November1995     "/x"Suriname  31March1993  31March1995     "/x"SyrianArabRepublic  14August1993  13August1995  22September1995  CRC/C/28/Add.2 "/x"Tajikistan  25November1993  24November1995     "/x"Turkmenistan  20October1993  19October1995     "/x"Vanuatu  Ѐ6August1993  Ѐ5August1995     &x&E.Initialreportsduein1996 "/x"Afghanistan  27April1994  26April1996     "/x"Eritrea  Ѐ2September1994  Ѐ1September1996     "/x"Gabon  11March1994  10March1996     "/x"Georgia  Ѐ2July1994  Ѐ1July1996     "/x"Iran(IslamicRepublicof)  12August1994  11August1996     "/x"Iraq  15July1994  14July1996     "/x"Japan  22May1994  21May1996     "/x"Kazakstan  11September1994  10September1996     "/x"Kyrgyzstan  Ѐ6November1994  Ѐ5November1996     "/x"Luxembourg  Ѐ6April1994  Ѐ5April1996     "/x"Mozambique  26May1994  25May1996     "/x"Nauru  26August1994  25August1996     "/x"Samoa  29December1994  28December1996     "/x"Uzbekistan  29July1994  28July1996     &x&F.Initialreportsduein1997 "/x"Botswana  13April1995  12April1997     "/x"Haiti  Ѐ8July1995  Ѐ7July1997     "/x"Malaysia  19March1995  18March1997     "/x"Netherlands  Ѐ7March1995  Ѐ6March1997     "/x"Palau  Ѐ3September1995  Ѐ3September1997     "/x"Qatar  Ѐ3May1995  Ѐ2May1997     "/x"Singapore  Ѐ4November1995  Ѐ3November1997     "/x"SolomonIslands  10May1995  Ѐ9May1997     "/x"SouthAfrica  16July1995  15July1997     "/x"Swaziland  Ѐ6October1995  Ѐ5October1997     "/x"Tonga  Ѐ6December1995  Ѐ5December1997     "/x"Turkey  Ѐ4May1995  Ѐ3May1997     "/x"Tuvalu  22October1995  21October1997     &x&G.Initialreportsduein1998 "/x"Andorra  Ѐ1February1996  31January1998     "/x"BruneiDarussalam  26January1996  25January1998     "/x"Kiribati  10January1996  Ѐ9January1998     "/x"Liechtenstein  21January1996  20January1998     "/x"Niue  19January1996  18January1998     "/x"SaudiArabia  25February1996  24February1998    п