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C)  @ 8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ C)  @ 8  8 882  @ .$    ڄ C)  @ 8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ J'  @ (  X 882   j=oYIEz| p @@j H"  ^882   C@<6X9`(CourierC@X .    ڄ dTable_A C)  @ 8  8 882   @ .$    ڄ  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(j$USUS.,'F` X'lll  # e37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)q)h)$ wj!USUS.,'F` X'lll   [  $$$$Z%A/53/41=]TD@z 8 X ` @@ELOOLO߈     d l UnitedNations      #aPddx x d^x x xxReportoftheCommitteeontheRights  oftheChild^d  x^xd  ^d#dPaPGeneralAssembly    d^  OfficialRecords^l ^l^l l^  ԀFiftythirdSession   SupplementNo.41(A/53/41)    E) `CG TimesE    M A/53/41    E) `CG TimesEReportoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild#dPE^* `CG TimesEGeneralAssembly  OfficialRecordsE) `CG TimesEE^* `CG TimesEԀFiftythirdSessionSupplementNo.41(A/53/41) * b=`QA=z (  ` @@b - UnitedNationsE) `CG TimesEE^* `CG TimesEԀNewYork,1998  E) `CG TimesERl 4  4    @.. NOTESymbolsofUnitedNationsdocumentsarecomposedofcapitalletterscombinedwithfigures.MentionofsuchasymbolindicatesareferencetoaUnitedNationsdocument. #/ @..ISSN1020-1823#dd ? UK     \R3'\ X      + 8  8 C@<6X9`(CourierCS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sa882     #..[Original:English]#..[7July1998]@..\CONTENTS 88tt..tParagraphs󀀀Page   , )8 8 ") .I.0 .CONCLUSIONSANDRECOMMENDATIONSADOPTEDBYTHE . .COMMITTEEONTHERIGHTSOFTHECHILDATITSTWELFTH . .TOSEVENTEENTHSESSIONS.........................................." .h"1 . .A. .Organizationofwork........................................." .h"1 . .B. .CooperationwithotherUnitedNationsorgansandother . . .competentbodies............................................." .h"2 .II. .ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS..................... .<17" .h"4 . .A. .StatespartiestotheConvention................ . .1" .h"4 . .B. .SessionsoftheCommittee....................... . .2" .h"4 . .C. .MembershipoftheCommittee..................... . .<36" .h"4 . .D. .Adoptionofthereport.......................... . .7" .h"5 .4III. .REPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE44OFTHE . .CONVENTION.......................................... . .<81340" .h"6 . .A. .Submissionofreports........................... . .<810" .h"6 . .B. .Considerationofreports........................ . .111340" .h"6 .IV. .OVERVIEWOFTHEOTHERACTIVITIESOFTHECOMMITTEE... .13411428" .!182 . .A. .Methodsofwork................................. .13411362" .!182 . .B. .Internationalcooperationandsolidarityforthe . . .implementationoftheConvention................ .13631382" .!186 . .C. .Generalthematicdiscussions.................... .13831428" .!189@ .Annexes .I. .StatesthathaveratifiedoraccededtotheConventiononthe . .RightsoftheChildasat23January1998........................" .!202 .II. .MembershipoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild..........." .!207 .4III. .StatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesunder . .article44oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildasat . .23January1998.................................................." .!208 ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C@<6X9`(CourierCS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sb882       ؀I.CONCLUSIONSANDRECOMMENDATIONSADOPTEDBYTHÈCOMMITTEEONTHERIGHTSOFTHECHILDATITS̀TWELFTHTOSEVENTEENTHSESSIONS@ .<A.Organizationofwork@ . 1.Sixteenthsession,recommendation2 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2Havingconsideredthereportoftheeighthmeetingofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodies, d   2 .2Agreesonthefollowing:2 .21. .Inviewofthespecificitiesofeachofthesixhumanrightstreaties,theconsolidationofreportstothesixhumanrightstreatybodiesintoasinglereportwouldnotbeconducivetotheimplementationoftherightsenshrinedineachtreaty,includingtheConventionontheRightsoftheChild; f   2 .22. .ThesuggestiontoconveneanextraordinarythreedaymeetingofthechairpersonsinFebruary1998iswelcomedasitwouldprovideanopportunitytofurtherexploretheissueofpossiblereformsdesignedtoenhancetheeffectivenessandefficiencyofthetreatybodysystem;2 .23. .WhiletakingdueaccountofthegeneralguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofperiodicreportsadoptedbytheCommitteeatitsthirteenthsession, g   ׀theStatespartiestotheConventionontheRightsoftheChildshouldfocusonalimitedrangeofissuesintheirperiodicreports,inparticularthoseissuesidentifiedintheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteeinrelationtothepreviousreport.@ . 2.Seventeenthsession,recommendation12 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2HavingconsideredtheorderofconsiderationofthereportssubmittedtoitbytheStatespartiestotheConvention,2 .2Agreesonthefollowing:2 .21. .AlthoughtheConventionontheRightsoftheChilddoesnotrequirethepresenceoftherepresentativesoftheStatespartiesatthemeetingsduringwhichtheirrespectivereportsareexaminedbytheCommittee,suchapresenceishighlydesirable;2 .22. .Rule68oftheprovisionalrulesofprocedureoftheCommitteeestablishesthat"representativesoftheStatespartiesshallbeinvitedtoattendthemeetingsoftheCommitteewhentheirreportsareexamined".TheintentionunderlyingthisruleistoenableaneffectiveandconstructivedialoguebetweentheCommitteeandthereportingStates,whichcanbefacilitatedbytheattendanceofhighlevelrepresentativesoftheStatesparties;2 .23. .Notwithstandingthedesirabilityofsuchadialogue,theCommitteemayuseitsrighttoexaminereportsevenintheabsenceofapositivereactiononthepartofaStatepartytotheinvitationtoattendthemeetingsoftheCommittee.SuchanapproachisdeemednecessaryinordertoenabletheCommitteetomeetitsmandateandheavyworkloadexpeditiouslyandefficiently.̀B.CooperationwithotherUnitedNationsorgans̀andothercompetentbodies@ . Seventeenthsession,recommendation22 .2TheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,2 .2WelcomingtheprogressmadebythePreparatoryCommitteeontheEstablishmentofanInternationalCriminalCourtinpreparingadraftconsolidatedtextofaconventionontheestablishmentofaninternationalcriminalcourt,2 .2WelcomingalsoGeneralAssemblyresolution52/160of15December1997,inwhichtheAssemblydecided,interalia,thattheUnitedNationsDiplomaticConferenceofPlenipotentiariesontheEstablishmentofanInternationalCriminalCourtshallbeheldinRomefrom15Juneto17July1998,withaviewtofinalizingandadoptingaconventionontheestablishmentofsuchacourt,2 .2Emphasizingtheimportanceofensuringthat,increatingapermanentmechanismforthepreventionandpunishmentofseriouscrimesofconcerntotheinternationalcommunityasawhole,thestatuteoftheinternationalcriminalcourtdulytakeintoaccounttheneedtoprotecttherightsofchildren,bothasvictimsandpossibleperpetratorsofthesaidcrimes,inaccordancewiththeprinciplesandprovisionssetforthbytheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,22 .2Consideringthat,inthisrespect,specialattentionshouldbedevotedtotheissuesofdefinitionofwarcrimes,ageofcriminalresponsibility,aggravatingandmitigatingcircumstancesofthecrimesandtheprotectionoftherightsofthechildwithinthecourt'sjurisdiction,2 .2Recallingthat,underarticle43,paragraph1,oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,theCommitteewasestablished"forthepurposeofexaminingtheprogressmadebyStatespartiesinachievingtherealizationoftheobligationsundertaken"intheConvention,2 .21. .RecommendstoallStatespartiestoandsignatoriesoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildtooperate,inthePreparatoryCommitteeontheEstablishmentofanInternationalCriminalCourtandatthe1998RomeDiplomaticConferenceofPlenipotentiaries,withaviewtoensuringthattheprovisionsofthecourt'sstatutebeinlinewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildwithrespecttothevariousaspectsoftheprotectionofchildren'srights;2 .22. .Furtherrecommendsthatspecialattentionbedevoted,inthiscontext,totherightsofthechildintheareasofdefinitionofwarcrimes,ageofcriminalresponsibility,aggravatingandmitigatingcircumstancesofthecrimesandtheprotectionoftherightsofthechildvictimwithinthecourt'sjurisdiction.@ . II.ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS@ . A.StatespartiestotheConvention1.2 .2Asat23January1998,theclosingdateoftheseventeenthsessionoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,therewere191StatespartiestotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheConventionwasadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution44/25of20November1989andopenedforsignatureandratificationoraccessioninNewYorkon26January1990.Itenteredintoforceon2September1990,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofitsarticle49.AlistofStatesthathavesigned,ratifiedoraccededtotheConventioniscontainedinannexItothepresentreport.@ .BB.SessionsoftheCommittee2.2 .2TheCommitteehasheldsixsessionssincetheadoptionofitspreviousbiennialreport.ThereportsoftheCommitteeonitstwelfth,thirteenth,fourteenth,fifteenth,sixteenthandseventeenthsessionsarecontainedindocumentsCRC/C/54,CRC/C/57,CRC/C/62,CRC/C/66,CRC/C/69andCRC/C/73,respectively.@ .T C.MembershipandofficersoftheCommittee3.2 .2Inaccordancewitharticle43oftheConvention,theSixthMeetingoftheStatespartiestotheConventionwasconvenedon18February1997atUnitedNationsHeadquarters.ThefollowingfivemembersoftheCommitteewereelectedforatermoffouryearsbeginningon28February1997:Mr.FrancescoPaoloFulci,Mrs.NafsiahMboi,Mrs.EstherMargaretQueenMokhuane,Mr.GhassanSalimRabahandMrs.MariliaSardenberg.ThelistofthemembersoftheCommittee,withanindicationoftheirtermofoffice,appearsinannexIItothepresentreport.4.2 .2Inaccordancewitharticle43,paragraph7,oftheConventionandrule14oftheCommittee'sprovisionalrulesofprocedure,Mrs.AkilaBelembaogoandMr.ThomasHammarberginformedtheCommitteeoftheirdecisiontoceasetofunctionasmembersoftheCommittee.Bynotesverbalesdated8Apriland28April1997,respectively,theGovernmentsofBurkinaFasoandSwedeninformedtheSecretaryGeneraloftheappointmentofMrs.AwaN'DeyeOuedraogoandMrs.LisbethPalmeasexpertsoftheCommitteefortheremainderofthetermsofMrs.BelembaogoandMr.Hammarberg.Atthestartofthesession,theCommitteeapprovedtheappointmentofMrs.OuedraogoandMrs.Palmebysecretballot,inaccordancewithrule14ofitsprovisionalrulesofprocedure.5.2 .2TheofficerselectedbytheCommitteeatitsninthsessioncontinuedtoholdofficeattheeleventh,twelfth,thirteenthandfourteenthsessions.TheywereMrs.AkilaBelembaogo(BurkinaFaso),Chairperson;Mrs.FloraC.Eufemio(Philippines),Mr.ThomasHammarberg(Sweden)andMrs.MariliaSardenberg(Brazil),ViceChairpersons;andMrs.MartaSantosPais(Portugal),Rapporteur.6.2 .2Atits372ndand373rdmeetings,on20May1997,theCommitteeelectedthefollowingofficersforatermoftwoyearsinaccordancewithrule16ofitsprovisionalrulesofprocedure:&  2 .2Chairperson:Ms.SandraPrunellaMason(Barbados)2 .2ViceChairpersons:Mrs.JudithKarp(Israel)̀2 .2 . . Mr.YuryKolosov(RussianFederation)'  2 .2 . . Mr.GhassanSalimRabah(Lebanon)2 .2Rapporteur:Mrs.NafsiahMboi(Indonesia)@ .D.Adoptionofthereport7.2 .2Atits453rdmeeting,on23January1998,theCommitteeconsideredthedraftofitsfourthbiennialreport,coveringitsactivitiesatthetwelfthtoseventeenthsessions.ThereportwasadoptedunanimouslybytheCommittee.ǀIII.REPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE44̀OFTHECONVENTION@ . A.Submissionofreports8.2 .2ThestatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesunderarticle44oftheConventionasat23January1998,theclosingdateoftheseventeenthsessionoftheCommittee,appearsinannexIIItothepresentreport.9.2 .2Asat23January1998theCommitteehadreceived113initialreportsand8periodicreports.Atotalof82reportshadbeenexaminedbytheCommittee.10.2 .2Duringtheperiodunderconsideration,theCommitteereceivedfromanumberofStatespartiesadditionalinformationsubmittedinaccordancewiththerecommendationsmadebytheCommitteeinitsconcludingobservations,ortransmittinginformationandviewsofStatespartieswithrespecttotheobservationsmadebytheCommittee(seeCRC/C/54,para.19,CRC/C/57,para.19,CRC/C/62,paras.18and19,CRC/C/66,paras.2225,CRC/C/69,paras.1921,andCRC/C/73,paras.2022).@ .tB.Considerationofreports11.2 .2Duringitstwelfthtoseventeenthsessions,theCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportsofAlgeria,Australia,Azerbaijan,Bangladesh,Bulgaria,China,Cuba,Cyprus,theCzechRepublic,Ethiopia,Ghana,Guatemala,Ireland,theLaoPeople'sDemocraticRepublic,Lebanon,theLibyanArabJamahiriya,Mauritius,Micronesia(FederatedStatesof),Morocco,Myanmar,Nepal,NewZealand,Nigeria,Panama,Paraguay,Slovenia,theSyrianArabRepublic,TrinidadandTobago,Togo,Uganda,theUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland:dependentterritories(HongKong),UruguayandZimbabwe.12.2 .2Thefollowingsection,arrangedonacountrybycountrybasisaccordingtothesequencefollowedbytheCommitteeinitsconsiderationofreportsatitstwelfthtoseventeenthsessions,containsconcludingobservationsreflectingthemainpointsofthediscussionandindicating,wherenecessary,issuesthatwouldrequireaspecificfollowup.13.2 .2MoredetailedinformationiscontainedinthereportssubmittedbytheStatespartiesandinthesummaryrecordsoftherelevantmeetingsoftheCommittee.@ . 1.Concludingobservations:Lebanon14.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofLebanon(CRC/C/8/Add.23)atits289thto291stmeetings,on20and21May1996(CRC/C/SR.289291),andatits314thmeeting,on7June1996,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction15.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofLebanonandthedialogueheldwiththeStateparty.WhiletheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationforthesupplementalwritteninformationprovidedbythedelegation,itregretsthattheStatepartydidnotsubmitwrittenrepliestothelistofissuespreviouslysubmittedbytheCommitteetotheGovernment.̇2 .2(b)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention16.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheseveredifficultiesfacingLebanonasaresultofalmost20yearsofwarandforeigninterventionwhichhasresultedinwidespreaddestructionofitsphysicalinfrastructureandpublicworks.TheCommitteealsotakesnoteofthedifficultiescausedbythefactthatLebanonhashostedagreatnumberofrefugeesforseveraldecades.TheCommitteealsonotestheinsufficientinternationalsupportforcopingwiththeabovementionedproblemsandfacilitatinganeffectivereconstructionofinfrastructureandsocialservices.2 .2(c) .Positiveaspects17.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentoftheHigherCouncilforChildhood,administeredbytheMinistryofSocialAffairs,whichservesasanindependentintermediarybodybetweenrelevantgovernmentministriesandwithnon-governmentalorganizationstoinitiateandcoordinateprogrammesandpolicies.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthedecisionoftheHigherCounciltoundertakeastudyonthelegalsituationinLebanonwithrespecttotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,whichitregardsasapotentiallyimportantstepinthedevelopmentofamorecomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.18.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheestablishmentoftheParliamentaryCommitteefortheProtectionofChildhoodaswellastheNationalCommitteefortheDisabled,bothofwhichcouldbeimportantintheendeavourstoimplementtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.19.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthedecisiontoestablishasystemforhealthinspectionsinschoolsandpre-schoolinstitutions.20.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheadoptioninSeptember1995oftheNationalPlanofActionforChildSurvival,ProtectionandDevelopment,whichfocusesonprogrammesrelatedtohealthandeducation.21.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthereportfromthedelegationthatthestigmatizinglabelof"illegitimate"willbeabolishednotonlyfromidentitycardsbutalsofromthebirthregistryandallotherofficialdocuments.22.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheroundtablesandtrainingcourses,someofthemincooperationwiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,toeducateandtrainteachers,aswellasplanstotrainpolice,socialworkersandotherprofessionalsabouttherightsofthechild.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheagreemententeredintobytheStatepartywiththeUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgrammetoundertakeastatisticaloverviewof7,000familiesrepresentingthedifferentregionsofLebanononrelevantsocialmatterssuchaseducation,illiteracy,unemploymentandchildlabour.Itfurtherwelcomestheplannedstudyonthehealthofmothersandchildren,andlooksforwardtoreceivingacopyoftheresultsfromthetwostudiesoncetheyarecompleted.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern23.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoensureapermanentandeffectivecoordinatingandmonitoringmechanismtoensureimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheCommitteealsonotestheinsufficientmeasurestosystematicallygatherreliablequantitativeandqualitativedataonallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,andtoevaluateprogressachievedandassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedonchildren,inparticularinrelationtoeducation,health,juvenilejusticeandchildrenwithdisabilities.24.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensurethattheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionaremadewidelyknowntochildrenandadults.25.2 .2Asregardstheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatinsufficientresourcesareallocatedtohumandevelopmentprojectsandbytheemerginggapsdevelopingbetweenthosewhocanaffordprivateeducationandmedicalcareandthosewhocannot.26.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatdespitethefactthattheprovisionsofinternationaltreatiestowhichLebanonisapartysupersededomesticlegislation,lawscontinuetoexistwhichareinconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandofotherinternationaltreaties.27.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatthebasicprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulartheprovisionsofarticles2,3and12,havenotbeenadequatelyreflectedinlegislation,policiesandprogrammes.28.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheapparentdiscriminationinthegrantingofnationalitytoachildofparentsofmixednationality;nationalitymayonlybeobtainedbyachildfromherorhisLebanesefatherbutnotfromthemotherand,inthecaseofunmarriedparents,onlyiftheLebanesefatheracknowledgesthechild.29.2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedaboutthewidespreadpracticeofearlymarriageandtherelatedconsequenceofhighchildmortalityratesandthenegativeimpactonthehealthofgirlsbearingchildrenatanearlyage.Itisalsoconcernedaboutconsanguineousmarriage.30.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthattheprovisionofsocialservicesappearstobeconcentratedinBeirut,tothedisadvantageofthepopulationlivingoutsidethecapital.TheCommitteealsonotestheapparentshortageinthenumberofsocialworkers.31.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheneedforfurtherreformintheschoolsectortoimprovethequalityofeducationandpreventstudentsfromdroppingout.Specificneedsappeartoexistinthefieldsofhealtheducationand,asrecognizedbythedelegation,teachingaboutvaluesandtheenvironment.32.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheneedforfurtherreformsinthefieldofjuvenilejusticeandtreatmentofyoungoffenderstoensurefullimplementationofarticles37,39and40oftheConvention.Problemsappeartoexistinrelationtothelowageofcriminalresponsibility,non-separationofchildrenfromadultdetainees,thelackofavailablehealthandeducationalfacilitiesforyoungdetainees,theexistenceandlengthofpre-trialcustodyandthenon-availabilityoflegalassistance.33.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedbyreportsaboutchildrenworkingonthestreetorindomesticservice,includingchildrenfromothercountries.34.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheneedforspecialeffortstoprotecttherightsofchildreninespeciallydifficultcircumstances,includingabandonedandstatelesschildren.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations35.2 .2ThoughwelcomingtheestablishmentoftheHigherCouncilforChildhood,theCommitteerecommendsareviewofthevariouscentralandlocaladministrativestructuresinordertoensuretheeffectivecoordinationofpoliciesandprogrammesonmattersofchildrightsandchildwelfare.36.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitiativeforacomprehensivereviewoflegislationinthelightoftheprinciplesandstandardsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthattheminimumageofcriminalresponsibility,formarriageandforchildlabourbereviewed.37.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatapermanentandmultidisciplinarymechanismbedevelopedforcoordinationandmonitoringoftheimplementationoftheConvention,atbothnationalandlocallevels,inurbanandruralareas.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytogivefurtherconsiderationtotheestablishmentofanombudspersonforchildrenoranyequivalentindependentcomplaintandmonitoringmechanism.TheCommitteefurtherencouragesthepromotionofclosercooperationforthispurposewithLebanesenon-governmentalorganizations,towhichitexpressesitsappreciationforthevaluableworktheyperforminthefieldoftherightsofthechild.38.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsbetakenbytheStatepartytodefinechildrelatedsocialindicatorsandtodevelopsystematicmeansofgatheringdataonanongoingbasistofacilitateacomparisonofprogresswithregardtochildrelatedinitiativesoveraperiodoftime.39.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentstrengthenitseffortsaimedatpromotingadvocacyandcreatingawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninthelightofarticle42.InthespiritoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteefurtherencouragestheGovernmenttogiveconsiderationtotheincorporationoftherightsofthechildinschoolcurricula.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheGovernmentdeveloppubliccampaignswithaviewtoaddressingeffectivelytheproblemofpersistentdiscriminatoryattitudes,inparticulartowardsgirls.40.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherprogrammesbeaimedattrainingpersonnelworkingwithchildren,suchassocialworkers,police,publichealthworkersandlegalandjudicialofficers.41.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttopursueitseffortstoensurefullcomplianceofitsnationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingnon-discrimination(art.2),thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12).Inthelightofarticles2and3,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatlegislativemeasuresbeadoptedwithaviewtoensuringrespectfortherightsofgirls,especiallyinrelationtopreventingearlymarriage.42.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthentheexistingoverallprioritywhichisgiveninthenationalbudgettochildrelatedprogrammesinaccordancewitharticle4oftheConvention.43.2 .2Concerningthegrowingroleofprivateeducationalandhealthinstitutions,theCommitteerecommendsthatastrongeremphasisbeplacedonpubliceducationandthesocialwelfaresystembytheGovernmentwithaviewtoensuringthatallchildrensubjecttothejurisdictionoftheStatepartyenjoythesefundamentalrights,aswellastopreventanyriskofdiscrimination.44.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthedevelopmentofamorecomprehensivesocialpolicywhichwouldincludetheimplementationoftheNationalPlanofActionforChildSurvival,ProtectionandDevelopment.Suchapolicywouldemphasizetheimportanceofhumandevelopment.TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsbetakentowardsdecentralizationofsocialservicessoastoaffordchildrenoutsidethecapitalopenandeasyaccesstobasicsocialservicesandeducation.45.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthestepstakentoreformtheschoolsystemandtoimprovethequalityofeducation,includingathoroughreviewofthecurricula.ItrecommendsmeasurestofullyrealizetheprovisionsoftheConventionrelatingtofreeandcompulsoryprimaryeducationforallchildren.46.2 .2Inviewoftheprinciplescontainedinarticle29,paragraph1(d),oftheConvention,whichstipulatesthattheeducationofthechildshallbedirectedto"thepreparationofthechildforresponsiblelifeinafreesociety,inthespiritofunderstanding,peace,tolerance,equalityofsexes,andfriendshipamongallpeoples,ethnic,nationalandreligiousgroupsandpersonsofindigenousorigin",theteachingofvaluesisanimportantdimensionthatshouldbeincorporatedinthecurriculaatalllevelsofschooling.Schoolcurriculamaterialsshouldberevisedaccordingly.47.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthebanonthecommercialmarketingofinfantformulabeimplementedandthatbreastfeedingbepromotedamongmothersinhealthfacilities.Itfurthersuggeststhatahealthinsurancecardbeissuedforchildrenwhoseparentsarenotentitledtosocialsecuritybenefits.48.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivestudytoexaminetheimplicationsoftheprincipleofthe"bestinterestsofthechild"inrelationtolawsandtheirimplementationaswellastoadministrativepracticeinallrelevantfields.49.2 .2TheCommitteebelievesthatopportunitiesfortheculturaldevelopmentofchildrenarecriticalandrecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentogivechildrenaccesstochildliteratureandmedia.Theneedforplaygroundsandchildfriendlyparksshouldbeconsideredincityplanning.50.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthepolicyofnotallowingcorporalpunishmentinschoolsorotherofficialinstitutionsandrecommendsathoroughreviewoftheproblemofdomesticviolence,includingthepossibilityofstricterlegislationagainstallformsofabuseagainstchildreninthespiritofarticle19oftheConvention,aswellassupportivesocialmeasurestoassistfamiliesincrisis.51.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatfurthereffortsshouldbeundertakentodisseminateinformationabouttherisksofconsanguineousmarriages,includingthroughthemediaandhealtheducationprogrammes.52.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatspecialprogrammesbedevelopedforchildrenwithdisabilitiesinordertodefinesocial,psychological,physicalandotherneeds,aswellastoeducateparentsaboutwaysofdealingwiththem.Furthereffortsarerecommendedtoencourageschoolstoensuretheparticipationofthesechildreninallactivities.53.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStateparty,incooperationwiththeUnitedNationsReliefandWorksAgencyforPalestineRefugeesintheNearEast,seekwaysofaddressingthesocio-economicproblemsamongPalestinianrefugeesthataffectchildrennegatively.54.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingthe1951ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesandits1967Protocol.55.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartygivecarefulconsiderationtoplacinggreateremphasisonpsycho-socialrecoveryandreintegrationof"passivevictims"ofviolenceandthearmedconflictinLebanon.56.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatinthelightofarticle32oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,furtherstepsbetakentoprotectchildrenfromhazardouswork,includingthroughtheadoptionofstricterlegislation,ratificationofallrelevantInternationalLabourOrganizationconventionsandtheappointmentofasufficientnumberofchildlabourinspectors.57.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformofthejuvenilejusticesysteminthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andrelevantUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfieldsuchasthe"BeijingRules",the"RiyadhGuidelines"andtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbegiventotheconsiderationofdeprivationoflibertyonlyasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestperiodoftime,totheprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedofliberty,todueprocessoflaw,andtothefullindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallthoseprofessionalsinvolvedwiththesystemofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheGovernmentofLebanonconsiderseekinginternationalassistanceintheareaoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticefromtheCentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsOfficeatVienna.58.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatrelevantinternationalagenciesandinstitutions,aswellasotherGovernments,developcooperationwithLebaneseauthoritiesandvoluntaryorganizationsinthereconstructioneffortafterthemanyyearsofwardevastation.Displacedpersonsandrefugeesshouldbegivenpriorityinsuchinternationalcooperation.59.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthereportsubmittedbytheStateparty,thesummaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswidelyaspossiblewithinthecountry.@ . 2.Concludingobservations:Zimbabwe60.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofZimbabwe(CRC/C/3/Add.35)atits293rdto295thmeetings,on22and23May1996(CRC/C/SR.293295),andatits314thmeeting,on7June1996,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.̇2 .2(a) .Introduction61.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaging,throughahighlevelandmultidisciplinarydelegation,inanopenandfruitfuldialoguewiththeCommittee.WhilenotingtheselfcriticalapproachofthereportoftheStateparty,theCommitteeregretsthattheinformationprovidedthereindidnotfollowtheCommittee'sguidelines.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects62.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthestepstakenbytheGovernmenttopromotetoleranceanddemocracyinsociety,includingthroughconstitutionalprovisions.Inthisregard,itwelcomestherecentamendmentNo.14totheConstitution,whichprohibitsdiscriminationonthegroundofgender.Itfurthernotesstepstakentocreateawarenessofchildren'srightsaswellastoencouragechildren'sparticipation,includingbyorganizingachildren'sparliamentandpromotingyouthcouncilsandchildmayors.63.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheestablishmentoftheInter-MinisterialCommitteeonHumanRightsandInternationalLawtocoordinateactivitiesofrelevantgovernmentministriesanddepartmentstoimplementtheConvention.TheCommitteewelcomesthedecisionoftheGovernmenttosubmitayearlyreporttotheCabinetandParliamentonmeasurestakentoimplementtherightssetforthintheConvention.64.2 .2TheCommitteeisencouragedbythecombinedeffortsoftheGovernmentandnon-governmentalorganizationstopromotechildren'srights.65.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtheestablishmentin1982oftheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanandwelcomesthedecisiontobroadenitsmandatetoincludetheinvestigationofallegedviolationsofchildren'srightsbymembersofthedefenceforces,thepoliceandcorrectionalofficials.66.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthemeasurestakenbytheGovernmenttoimprovelivingconditionsandalleviatepoverty,includingthroughtheexpansionoftheincomegeneratingcapacityofpeopleintheruralareas.67.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheintentionoftheGovernmenttoincorporatetheConventionintoschoolcurricula.ItfurtherwelcomestheattentionpaidbytheGovernmentto"Let'salltalkaboutit",thecampaignagainsttheacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome(AIDS)beingundertakenintheeducationalsystem.68.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomesthe"victimfriendlycourts"initiativeaimedatprovidingspecialcounsellingfortherehabilitationofvictimsofchildsexualabuse.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention69.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatZimbabwe,priorto1980,hadanon-democraticregimewherelegislationandpoliciesadoptedandimplementedbytheauthoritiesledtoracialsegregationanddiscriminationinsociety.Thecontinuingeffectsofthatsituation,togetherwiththeburdenofexternaldebtfacedbytheStatepartyandtherecentdrought,havehamperedtheimplementationoftheConvention.&  2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern70.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheStatepartyhasnotyetundertakenacomprehensivelegalreformwithaviewtoensuringthatthenationallegislationfullyconformstotheConvention.Itnotesthattheexistenceofadualsystem'  ofcommonlawandcustomarylawcreatesadditionaldifficultiesinimplementingtheConventionandimpedeseffectivemonitoringofitsenforcement.71.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatthelegislativemeasurestakentopreventandeliminateanyformofdiscriminationinthelightofarticle2oftheConventionareinsufficient.Itnotesinthisregardthat,accordingtosection23oftheConstitution,theprincipleofnon-discriminationdoesnotapplytoprivateprofessionalsorinstitutions;thesameprovisionallowsforderogationsinimportantareassuchasadoption,marriage,divorceandothermattersofpersonallawandprevents,interalia,girlsfromhavinginheritancerights.Inaddition,itallowsfordiscriminationonthebasisofraceinrelationtotheminimumageformarriage,inheritanceandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.TheCommitteefurthernotesinthisregardthedifferentminimumagesformarriageforgirlsandboysinthelegislation.72.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthepersistenceofbehaviouralattitudesinthesocietyaswellasculturalandreligiouspracticeswhich,asrecognizedbytheStateparty,hampertheimplementationofchildren'srights.Mentioncanbemadeinthisregardofthedifficultiesinensuringbirthregistrationinremoteareasofabandonedandrefugeechildren,aswellasofthesituationoffemalevictimsofpracticessuchasngozi(girlchildpledging),lobola(brideprice)andearlymarriage,andofdisabledchildren.73.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthelackofaneffectivemechanismtoensuresystematicimplementationoftheConventionandthemonitoringofprogressachieved.InsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentogatherreliablequantitativeandqualitativedatainallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups.74.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtotheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConventionandnotesthepersistenceofeconomicandsocialdisparitiesintheenjoymentoftherightsrecognizedbytheConvention,particularlyinrelationtochildrenlivinginruralareas,childrenoncommercialfarmsandchildrenlivinginpovertyinurbanareas.Itnotesinthisregardthat,asrecognizedbytheStateparty,theintroductionoffeesforhealthcareandeducation,aswellastheinadequatesocialassistancesystem,havenegativelyaffectedtheaccessibilityofsuchservicestolowerincomegroups.75.2 .2TheCommitteefurthernotesthatinsufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtotheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildbothinlegislationandinpractice,aswellastotherespectfortheviewsofthechildinschool,societyandfamilylife.Inthisregard,itisnotedthat,asrecognizedbytheStateparty,thecivilrightsandfreedomsofthechildaretobeexercisedsubjecttoparentalconsentordiscipline,thusraisingdoubtsastothecompatibilityofthispracticewiththeConvention,notablyarticles5and12.76.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthenumberoforphansandabandonedchildrenaswellasattheincreaseinchildheadedfamiliesasaresult,interalia,ofthehighincidenceofAIDS,attheinadequatemeasurestakentoensuretherealizationoftheirfundamentalrightsandatthelackofalternativestotheirinstitutionalization.77.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheacceptanceinthelegislationoftheuseofcorporalpunishmentinschool,aswellaswithinthefamily.Itstressestheincompatibilityofcorporalpunishment,aswellasanyotherformofviolence,injury,neglect,abuseordegradingtreatment,withtheprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticulararticles19,28,paragraph2,and37.78.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatprimaryeducationisneitherfreenorcompulsory.Moreover,itexpressesitsconcernatthelackoflearningandteachingfacilities,aswellasattheshortageoftrainedteachersinruralareasandinparticularoncommercialfarms.ItsharestheconcernexpressedbytheGovernmentatthelowqualityofeducation.Thecosttofamiliesofsecondaryeducationisleadingtoanincreasingdropoutrateforgirls,particularlyinruralareas.TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthegrowingdisparitywithintheeducationsystem,owingtotheparallelsystemsofprivateandpublicschools,whichresultsultimatelyinracialsegregationatschoolonthebasisoftheeconomicstatusofparents.79.2 .2Withregardtochildexploitation,theCommitteeisconcernedatthepersistenceofsituationsofchildlabour,includinginagriculture,domesticserviceandoncommercialfarms.Itnoteswithparticularconcernthelackofalegalprohibitionofchildlabour.80.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthepresentsystemofjuvenilejustice,includingthelackofaclearlegalprohibitionofcapitalpunishment,lifeimprisonmentwithoutthepossibilityofreleaseandindeterminatesentencing,aswellasattherecoursetowhippingasadisciplinarymeasureforboys.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations81.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivereviewofthenationallegalframework,withaviewtoensuringitsfullcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoensuringeffectiveimplementationoftheprincipleofnon-discrimination,includingbyrevisingrelevantconstitutionalprovisions,aswellasotherlegislativetextsreflectinganykindofdiscriminationsuchasonthebasisofgender,race,birthormaritalstatus.82.2 .2TheCommitteeemphasizestheimportanceofdevelopinganeffectiveandpermanentsystemofmonitoringtheimplementationoftheConventionbasedonclosecooperationbetweenalltherelevantgovernmentministriesanddepartmentsatthenationalandlocallevels,andencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortswithaviewtoinstitutionalizingcollaborationwithnon-governmentalorganizations.83.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatthesystemofdatacollectionbeimprovedandappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorsidentifiedwithaviewtoassessingtheprogressachievedinallareascoveredbytheConventioninallpartsofthecountryandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren.84.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttopursueitseffortsaimedatbroadeningthemandateoftheombudspersonwithaviewtoensuringthatviolationsofchildren'srightsaredulyinvestigated,includingwhencommittedbymembersofthedefenceforces,lawenforcementandcorrectionalofficials,andasameanstosupervisethesituationofchildrenplacedininstitutionsanddetentioncentres.85.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttoadoptadequatemeasurestopreventandeliminateprevailingsocialattitudesandculturalandreligiouspracticeshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights.SystematicinformationandawarenesscampaignsshouldbelaunchedtocreateadeeperunderstandingoftheConventionandoftheneedtorespectandprotectchildren'srights.Similarly,trainingactivitiesshouldbedevelopedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,lawenforcementandcorrectionalofficials,membersofdefenceforces,judges,socialworkersandhealthpersonnel.TheCommitteefurtherencouragestheStatepartytopursuethestepsundertakentoincludetheConventioninschoolcurriculaandtogiveconsiderationtoreflectingitinthetrainingcurricula.86.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoadoptallappropriatemeasurestoensurethebirthregistrationofallchildren,includingthoseborninruralareasandoncommercialfarms,andencourageseffortsdesignedtoestablishregistrationunitsatschoolsandclinics.87.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartypayparticularattentiontotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandundertakeallappropriatemeasures,totheextentpossiblewithavailableresources,fortherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren.Specialattentionshouldbepaidtothesituationofthemostdisadvantagedgroupsofchildren,includingthoselivinginruralareas,poorurbanareasandoncommercialfarms,aswellasorphansorabandonedchildren,andmeasuresshouldbeadoptedwithaviewtoprovidingadequatesafetynetsforsuchchildrenandprotectingthemagainsttheadverseeffectsofreductionsinbudgetaryallocationsandoftheintroductionoffeesinhealthandeducationservices.88.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytaketheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildasaprimaryconsiderationinallactionsconcerningchildren,includingthoseundertakenbycourts,publicorprivatewelfareinstitutions,administrativeauthoritiesorlegislativebodies.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoadoptappropriatemeasurestoassistparentsintheperformanceoftheirchildrearingresponsibilities.TheCommitteefurtherencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderappropriatealternativestoinstitutionalizationforchildrendeprivedofafamilyenvironment,aswellasspecialprotectionandassistanceforchildheadedfamilies.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventionfortheProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofInter-CountryAdoptionof1993.89.2 .2AppropriatemeasuresshouldalsobeadoptedbytheStatepartywithaviewtoensuringrespectfortheviewsofthechildinfamily,schoolandsociallifeandtopromotingtheexerciseoftherightsofthechildinamannerconsistentwithhisorherevolvingcapacities.90.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptappropriatelegislativemeasurestoforbidtheuseofanyformofcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamilyandinschool.91.2 .2Similarmeasuresshouldbeadoptedtoprohibitchildlabourbelowaminimumageinthelightofarticle32oftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsidertherecommendationsmadebytheInternationalLabourOrganizationinitsmissionstatementof1993and,inparticular,toprohibittheemploymentofyoungpersonsbelow18yearsofageinhazardousactivities,aswellastomakeeducationfreeandcompulsoryuptoage15.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderseekingassistancefromtheInternationalLabourOrganization.92.2 .2Inthefieldofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyraisetheminimumageofcriminalresponsibilityandincorporateinthelegislationaclearprohibitionofcapitalpunishment,lifeimprisonmentwithoutthepossibilityofreleaseandindeterminatesentencing,aswellasoftheuseofwhippingasadisciplinarymeasure.93.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatthereportsubmittedbytheStateparty,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsthereon,bedisseminatedaswidelyaspossibletothepublic.TheCommitteewouldalsoliketosuggestthatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentasameansofensuringafollowuptosuggestionsandrecommendationsmadebytheCommittee.@ . 3.Concludingobservations:China94.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofChina(CRC/C/11/Add.7)atits298thto300thmeetings,on28and29May1996(CRC/C/SR.298-300),andatits314thmeeting,on7June1996,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction95.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheinitialreportoftheStatepartywaspreparedinaccordancewiththegeneralguidelines.TheCommitteeappreciatestheself-criticalelementsofthereport,althoughitisnotedthatgreaterfocuswasplacedinthereportonthecontentofdomesticlegalandadministrativeprovisionsthanontheirpracticalapplication.ItalsowelcomestheStateparty'srepliestothewrittenlistofquestionsposedbytheCommittee.96.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatdifferentministerialdepartmentsandotherbodieswereinvolvedinthepreparationofthereport.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforhavingensuredthatmanyofthesedepartmentswererepresentedonthedelegationpresentingthereporttotheCommittee.TheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessoftheStatepartyanditsdelegationtoengageinaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.Itappreciatesthedelegation'sfrankadmissionthatvariousdifficultiesremaintobeovercomebeforetherightsandprinciplesprovidedforintheConventionareguaranteedtoallchildreninChina.2 .2(b) .Positivefactors97.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheconsiderableimprovementinthegeneralstandardoflivingwhichhasbeenrecordedinrecentyears.TheCommitteefurthernotestheprogrammeoutlinewhichhasbeendevisedatthenationallevelandwhichisintheprocessofbeingdevelopedinall30provincesandautonomousregionsandimplementedasafollow-uptothegoalssetintheDeclarationandPlanofActionadoptedbytheWorldSummitforChildrenin1990.Noteisalsotakenthatanoutlineisbeingpreparedasafollow-uptotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen,heldinBeijing.98.2 .2TheconsiderableprogressachievedbytheStatepartyinreducingtheinfantandunder-fivemortalityrates,especiallythroughtheextensiveeffortsfocusedonsustainingimmunizationcoverage,increasingimmunizationratesandreducingtheincidenceofchildmalnutrition,istobecommended.TheStateparty'scommitmenttoprotecting,promotingandsupportingbreastfeeding,aswellastoestablishingchildren'shospitals,isalsowelcomed.99.2 .2NoteworthyalsoarethevariousactivitiesundertakenandsupportedbytheStatepartytoincreaseschoolenrolment.TheStateparty'srecognitionoftheimportanceofsupportingeducationasatoolforfosteringsocialandeconomicdevelopmentisnoted.SpecialmentionisaccordedtoProjectHope,whichisdesignedtoassistchildreninpoordistricts,aswellastotheSpringBudsSchemetopromotegirls'enrolmentorreturntoschooltocompletetheirprimaryeducation.100.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotestheinformationcontainedinthereportthatvariouslawsandadministrativeregulationsrelevanttotherightsofthechildhavebeendevelopedandintroduced.TheCompulsoryEducationAct,theProtectionofMinorsActandtheProtectionoftheDisabledActandtheworkundertakenbytheHelptheDisabledMovementarenoted.2 .2(c) .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof2 .2 .theConvention101.2 .2TakingintoaccountthefactthatthenumberofchildreninChinarepresentsonefifthofthechildpopulationoftheworldandthatthepopulationisspreadthroughoutthevastterritoryofthecountry,theCommitteenotesthatthetaskfacingChinainmeetingtheneedsofallchildrenunderitsjurisdictionpresentsenormouschallenges,notleastintheeconomicandsocialfields.102.2 .2AswasstatedbytheStateparty,thelegacyofcertainhistoricalfeudaltraditionsinpartsofthecountryandthepersistenceofotherharmfulattitudesareadverselyaffectingchildren'slivesandhealthygrowth.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern103.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheestablishmentofvariousstructuresforthepromotionandcoordinationoftheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildthoughitremainsconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensuretheireffectivenesswithregardtomonitoringtheConvention'simplementationatthenational,provincialandlocallevels.104.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheprevailingdisparitiesbetweenurbanandruralareasandbetweenregionsinrelationtotheprovisionofandaccesstosocialservices,includingeducation,healthandsocialsecurity.̀105.2 .2ItistheCommittee'sviewthatinadequatemeasurestakeninthefieldofsocialsecuritymayhaveledtoanover-relianceonchildrenprovidingfuturecareandsupporttotheirparents.Thismayhavecontributedtotheperpetuationofharmfultraditionalpracticesandattitudessuchasapreferenceforboys,tothedetrimentoftheprotectionandpromotionoftherightsofgirlsandofdisabledchildren.106.2 .2TheCommitteefeelsthereisaneedtoconsiderquestionsrelatingtothedefinitionofthechild,includinginrelationtotheageofcriminalresponsibility,soastoensurethatnationallegislationandrelatedproceduresdulytakeintoconsiderationtheprovisionsandgeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,includingthebestinterestsofthechild.107.2 .2IntheviewoftheCommittee,insufficientstepshavebeentakentocreateawarenessoftheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,notablyarticles2,3,6and12,amongadults,includingprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren,andchildrenthemselves.108.2 .2Whilenotingthemeasurestakentoconfronttheproblemsofdiscriminationonthegroundsofgenderanddisability,theCommitteeremainsconcernedatthepersistenceofpracticesleadingtocasesofselectiveinfanticide.109.2 .2Seriousconcernsremainastotheeffectivenessofmeasurestakentoensuretheregistrationofallchildren,throughthehouseholdregistry.AsacknowledgedbytheStateparty,absenceofregistrationmaybeduetoparents'lackofknowledgeoftherelevantlawandpolicyandofthenegativeeffectsofnon-registrationonchildren'slegalstatus.Themigrationofpeoplefromtheirtraditionalplaceofresidencemaycausesimilardifficulties.Deficienciesintheregistrationsystemleadtochildrenbeingdeprivedofbasicsafeguardsforthepromotionandprotectionoftheirrights,includingintheareasofchildtrafficking,abduction,saleandmaltreatment,abuseorneglect.Inthisconnection,thesituationof"unregisteredgirls"asregardstheirentitlementtohealthcareandeducationisamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.110.2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheactualimplementationofthecivilrightsandfreedomsofchildren.TheCommitteewishestoemphasizethattheimplementationofthechild'srighttofreedomofthought,conscienceandreligionshouldbeensuredinthelightoftheholisticapproachoftheConventionandthatlimitationsontheexerciseofthisrightcanonlybeplacedinconformitywitharticle14,paragraph3,oftheConvention.111.2 .2TheCommitteeisextremelyconcernedaboutthesituationofchildrenprovidedwithcareinwelfareinstitutions.TheCommitteeobservesthattheveryhighmortalityrateinsuchinstitutionsisacauseforseriousalarm.WhiletheCommitteeappreciatesthestepsbeingtakentoensure,interalia,theseparationofchildrenfromadultsininstitutionsandinprovidingtrainingtothestaff,itremainsdeeplyconcernedabouttheinadequatemeasuresadoptedtoensurequalitativecaretochildrenasrequiredbyarticle3,paragraph3,oftheConvention.112.2 .2TheCommitteesharestheconcernexpressedbytheStatepartyasregardsthenumberofchildreninChinawhostilldonotattendschool.Itisalsoconcernedaboutreportsthatschoolattendanceinminorityareas,includingtheTibetAutonomousRegion,islaggingbehind,thatthequalityofeducationisinferiorandthatinsufficienteffortshavebeenmadetodevelopabilingualeducationsystemwhichwouldincludeadequateteachinginChinese.TheseshortcomingsmaydisadvantageTibetanandotherminoritypupilsapplyingtosecondaryandhigherlevelschools.113.2 .2Intheframeworkoftheexerciseoftherighttofreedomofreligionbychildrenbelongingtominorities,inthelightofarticle30oftheConvention,theCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcerninconnectionwithviolationsofhumanrightsoftheTibetanreligiousminority.StateinterventioninreligiousprinciplesandproceduresseemstobemostunfortunateforthewholegenerationofboysandgirlsamongtheTibetanpopulation.114.2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedthatnationallegislationappearstoallowchildrenbetweentheagesof16and18tobesentencedtodeath,withatwo-yearsuspensionofexecution.ItistheopinionoftheCommitteethattheimpositionofsuspendeddeathsentencesonchildrenconstitutescruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment.Furthermore,itisnotedthatunderthePenalCodeajuvenileoffenderagedbetween14and18maylegallybesentencedtolifeimprisonmentforaparticularlyseriouscrime.Althoughthesentenceoflifeimprisonmentmaybereducedonthegroundsof"repentance"or"merit",andjudicialexperienceinChinashowsthatsentencestolifeimprisonmentcanbenefitfromamitigation,theCommitteewishestostressthattheConventionprescribesthatneithercapitalpunishmentnorlifeimprisonmentwithoutthepossibilityofreleaseshallbeimposedforoffencescommittedbypersonsbelowtheageof18.ItistheCommittee'sviewthattheaforementionedprovisionsofnationallawareincompatiblewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,notablythoseofarticle37(a).115.2 .2Additionally,theCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheextenttowhichadequatesafeguardsareinplacewithinthepresentsystemofjuvenilejusticeinChina.Inthiscontext,theCommitteeexpressesconcernwithrespecttotheaccessofparentsduringthepre-trialdetentionoftheirchildren,thepossibilitiesfortheprovisionoflegalassistancetochildren,thesufficiencyofthetimeallocatedforthepreparationofachild'sdefence,aswellasrespectforthepresumptionofinnocenceandtheprincipleofnullumcrimensinelege,nullapoenasinelege,asreflectedinarticle40,paragraph2(a).116.2 .2TheCommitteesharestheStateparty'sconcernthattherehasbeenanupsurgeinrecentyearsofkidnappingandabductionofchildren.Inthisconnection,theCommitteewishestoexpressitsseriousconcernabouttheapparentinadequacyofmeasurestakentopreventandcombattheproblemsofthesale,traffickingandsexualexploitationofchildren.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations117.2 .2InthelightofthediscussionintheCommitteeonthequestionofthecontinuingneedfortheStateparty'sreservationtoarticle6oftheConventionandtheinformationprovidedbytheStatepartythatitisopentoconsideringmakingadjustmentsinregardtoitsreservation,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoreviewitsreservationtotheConventionwithaviewtoitswithdrawal.118.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatacomprehensivereviewofthedomesticlegalframeworkbeundertaken.SuchareviewrequiresthattheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionserveasbothitsguideandsupportandthatitencompassnotonlynationalbutalsolocal-levellegislativeandadministrativemeasuresimpactingontherightsofthechild.119.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofsettingupanindependentinstitutionsuchasanombudspersonforchildren'srights.Suchamechanismcanplayanimportantrolebothinmonitoringinstitutionsworkinginthefieldoftherightsofthechild,includingintheareasofwelfare,educationandjuvenilejustice,andincontributingtothemorerapididentificationofemergingproblemsinthesefieldswithaviewtotheirconstructivesolution.120.2 .2TheCommittee,intakingnoteoftheactivitiesundertakenthroughouttheStatepartytodevelopandimplementoutlinesforthefollow-uptotheWorldSummitforChildren,recommendsthatfutureoutlines,developmentplans,programmesorplansofactionontherightsofthechildbepreparedonthebasisofalltheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.121.2 .2TheStatepartyisurgedtotakefurtheractiontostrengthenitscapacityforasystematicapproachtocollectingdisaggregatedstatisticaldataandotherinformationonthestatusofchildren.TheCommitteerecommendsthatseriousconsiderationbegiventothismatterbytheStatepartyastheanalysisofsuchdataandinformationisoneadditionalandimportantmeansofdesigningprogrammesfortheimplementationoftherightsofthechild.122.2 .2ItistherecommendationoftheCommitteethattheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildbewidelydisseminatedthroughoutthecountry,includingthroughthemassmedia,suchasradioandtelevision.ItissuggestedthattheStatepartymaywishtorequestthecooperationoftheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundinthisregard.ThetranslationoftheConventionintothemajornationalminoritylanguageswouldformanintegralpartofthesedisseminationactivities.123.2 .2TheCommitteewouldalsoliketorecommendthatmeasuresbetakentoincorporateeducationontheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionintotrainingprogrammesfordifferentprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren,includingsocialworkers,personnelinwelfareinstitutions,doctors,healthandfamilyplanningworkers,teachers,judges,lawyers,police,personnelindetentionfacilitiesandarmedforcespersonnel,aswellasgovernmentofficialsanddecisionmakers.124.2 .2Areviewofthepolicyinplacefortheimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionisrecommendedbytheCommittee.TheCommitteewishestoemphasizethatthefocusofanysuchreviewshouldbeinrelationtothemeasuresbeingtakentoreduceregionalandurban-ruraldisparitiesintheallocationofresourcesfortherightsofthechild,especiallywithrespecttohealthandeducation.125.2 .2Equally,theCommitteerecommendsthatgreaterattentionandconsiderationbegiventotheprovisionofsocialsecurity.ItistheCommittee'sviewthatremedialmeasuresshouldbesoughttoavoidfamilies'over-dependenceontheirchildren,inparticularprovidingthemwithcareintheiroldage.126.2 .2FurthermeasuresarerequiredtoensuretheimplementationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention.Withregardtoarticle12oftheConvention,itistheCommittee'sviewthatgreaterattentionshouldbeaccordedtoprovidingchildrenwithopportunitiestoparticipateandhavetheirviewsheardandtakenintoaccount.Itisimportantthatawarenessbedevelopedofthechildasasubjectofrightsandnotonlyasarecipientofprotection.TheCommitteesuggeststhatfurtherattentionbeaccordedtoreviewingtheeffectivenessofproceduresavailabletochildrenforthepresentationandinvestigationofcomplaintsoftheirabuseorneglect,intheeventofsuchviolationsarisingfrom,interalia,domesticviolenceandabuseininstitutionsordetentionfacilities.127.2 .2TheCommitteeconcurswiththeobservationsoftheStatepartythatconcertedactioniscalledfortoaddresstheproblemsfacedbythegirlchild.WhileacknowledgingthemeasurestakenbytheStatepartyincampaigningandcreatingawarenessamongthepopulationoftheequalityofgirlsandboys,theCommitteesuggeststhatlocalandotherleadersbeinvitedtotakeamoreactiveroleinsupportingtheeffortstopreventandeliminatediscriminationagainstthegirlchildandtoprovideguidancetocommunitiesinthisregard.̇128.2 .2FrominformationprovidedbytheStateparty,theCommitteenotesthat,whiletheincidenceofdisabilityamongthechildpopulationislow,disabledchildrenhavebeenthevictimsofabandonmentanddiscrimination.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakefurtherresearchonthemeasuresrequiredtopreventandcombatdiscriminationonthegroundofdisability.129.2 .2ItistheCommittee'sviewthatfamilyplanningpolicymustbedesignedtoavoidanythreattothelifeofchildren,particularlygirls.TheCommitteerecommendsinthisregardthatclearguidancebegiventothepopulationandthepersonnelinvolvedinthefamilyplanningpolicytoensurethattheaimsitpromotesareinaccordancewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingthoseofarticle24.TheStatepartyisurgedtotakefurtheractionforthemaintenanceofstrongandcomprehensivemeasurestocombattheabandonmentandinfanticideofgirls,aswellasthetrafficking,saleandkidnappingorabductionofgirls.130.2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgestheinformationprovidedbytheStatepartyontheresultsoftwopopulationcensusesconductedin1982and1990andthatthenon-registrationofnewborngirlsisamajorfactorcontributingtotheimbalanceintheratioofboystogirls.TheCommittee,whilenotingthattheStatepartyhasadoptedmeasurestoreducetheunder-reportingofgirlchildren,recommendsthaturgentmeasuresbetakentodevelopmorewidespreadawarenessoftheimportanceofregistration.Inthelightofrecentdevelopments,suchaspopulationmovementswithinthecountry,theCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofreviewingtheeffectivenessoftheexistingsystemofregistration.131.2 .2ItistheopinionoftheCommitteethatfurthermeasuresshouldbetakenbytheStatepartytopromotethepossibilitiesforchildren,particularlythosewhohavebeenabandoned,togrowupinahome-likeenvironmentthrough,interalia,fosteringandadoption.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyreviewthepresentlegislationonadoption,inthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,notablythoseofitsarticles20and21,soastoevaluatetheeffectivenessofnationallegislationinfacilitatingdomesticadoption.132.2 .2TheStatepartyisurgedtotakefurtheractiontoimprovethesituationofchildreninwelfareinstitutions.Inthisregard,theCommitteewishestodrawtheparticularattentionoftheStatepartytotheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,notablythoseofarticles3,paragraph3,and25.TheCommitteerecommendsthatafurtherreviewofthetrainingprovidedtothestaffofsuchinstitutionsbeundertaken.Thetrainingshouldbereviewedfromtheperspectiveofsecuringthemosteffectivepedagogical,professionalandchildorientedapproachtotheprovisionofcare.Measuresarealsorequiredtoensuretheeffectivesupervisionofstaffandtheperiodicreviewofthetreatmentprovidedtochildreninsuchinstitutions.InthelightofotherissuesraisedduringthedialoguewiththeStateparty,theCommitteealsosuggeststhatfurtherconsiderationbegiventoreviewingthesystemsinplaceformonitoringwelfareinstitutionsandforprovidingsuchinstitutionswithadequatefinancing.Withintheframeworkoffacilitatingaccesstoknowledgeandthesharingofexpertiseandexperiencesonthesematters,includinginthelightoftheprovisionsofarticles4,23,24,28and45oftheConvention,theCommitteesuggeststhatconsiderationbegiventothepossibilityofinvitingtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,theWorldHealthOrganizationandtheUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganizationtocooperatewiththeStatepartyinthisregard.̇133.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatareviewbeundertakenofmeasurestoensurethatchildrenintheTibetAutonomousRegionandotherminorityareasareguaranteedfullopportunitiestodevelopknowledgeabouttheirownlanguageandculture,aswellastolearntheChineselanguage.Stepsshouldbetakentoprotectthesechildrenfromdiscriminationandtoensuretheiraccesstohighereducationonanequalfooting.134.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyseekaconstructiveresponsetotheconcernsexpressedinparagraph113above.135.2 .2TheCommitteeconcurswiththecontentsoftheobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteeagainstTorturewherethepointsraisedarerelevanttothesituationofchildrenbelowtheageof18.TheCommitteerecommendsthatathoroughreviewofthelegislativeandadministrativemeasuresandproceduresinplacewithintheStatepartyinrelationtojuvenilejusticebereviewedtoensuretheirconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,notablyarticles37,39and40,andotherinstrumentsrelevanttotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,inparticulartheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofrequestingassistanceinthisregardfromtherelevantUnitedNationsbodies,includingtheCentreforHumanRights.136.2 .2Withregardtothequestionofchildlabour,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderthepossibilityofbecomingapartytoInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138concerningtheminimumageforemployment.137.2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthatthewidestdisseminationbegiventotheStateparty'sreport,thediscussiononthereportintheCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationstheCommitteeadoptedfollowingexaminationofthereport.138.2 .2Inthelightoftheprovisionsofarticle44,paragraph4,oftheConvention,theCommitteerequeststhatfurtherwritteninformationbeprovidedtotheCommitteewithrespecttotheconcernsraisedinparagraphs111,114,115and116ofthepresentobservations.TheCommitteewouldappreciatereceivingthisinformationbyDecember1997.@ . 4.Concludingobservations:Nepal139.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofNepal(CRC/C/3/Add.34)atits301stto303rdmeetings,on29and30May1996(CRC/C/SR.301-303),andatits314thmeeting,on7June1996,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction140.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofNepalforthesubmissionofitsinitialreport,itswritteninformationinreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissues(CRC/C.12/WP.3),aswellastheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheStatepartyduringthedialoguewiththeCommittee,duringwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatedinaselfcriticalmannernotonlythepolicyandprogrammedirectionsbutalsothedifficultiesencounteredduringimplementationoftheConvention.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects141.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheeffortsmadebytheGovernmentinthefieldoflawreform,especiallytheadoptionofanewConstitution-withaspecialsectiontoensuretherightsofthechild-andtheChildren'sActwhichcoversmanyareasconcerningchildren'srights.TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthattheGovernmentiswillingtoreviewitspresentlegislation,includinginrelationtotheprohibitionoftortureandothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishment,aswellasasystemofcompensationtothevictims.ItalsowelcomesthefactthatthedelegationhasconfirmedtheGovernment'swillingnesstoratifyInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138.142.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheGovernment'seffortstoestablishmechanismstodealwithchildren'sissuesandthequestionofchildren'srights,inparticulartheCentralChildWelfareBoardandtheDistrictChildWelfareBoards.ItalsonoteswithsatisfactiontherecentestablishmentofaNationalCouncilforWomenandChildDevelopmentandofaChildandWomenDevelopmentSectionintheNationalPlaningCommissionSecretariat.143.2 .2TheCommitteealsonoteswithappreciationtheopennessoftheStatepartytointernationaladviceandtechnicalassistancetoensurefullimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,includinginthefieldsofdiscrimination,childlabour,childtrafficking,thesaleofchildrenandtheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.144.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheStatepartyhasadoptedaNationalPlanofActionandhasformulateda10-yearNationalProgrammeofActionforChildrenandDevelopmentforthe1990s.145.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthereadinessoftheStatepartytocollaboratewiththenon-governmentalorganizationcommunity,includingchildren'sorganizations,whichwasreflectedinthedraftingprocessoftheGovernment'sreportandinthepresenceduringthedialogueofachildrepresentativeofanon-governmentalorganization.146.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthedecisionoftheGovernmenttoholdapressconferenceinNepalpriortotheconsiderationbytheCommitteeofitsinitialreport,asameanstocreateawarenessinthepublicatlargeoftheinternationalcommitmentsundertakentopromoteandprotectchildren'srights.ItisfurtherencouragedbythestatementbythedelegationthatitwillpresenttheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteeinanotherpressconferenceuponreturntoNepal.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention147.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatNepalisoneofthepoorestcountriesintheworld,wheremorethanhalfthepopulationlivesinabsolutepovertywhichmainlyaffectsthemostvulnerablegroupsandhamperstheenjoymentofchildren'srights.Thisreality,addedtotheforeigndebtanddebtservicing,representsseriousdifficultiesaffectingthedegreeoffulfilmentoftheGovernment'sobligationsundertheConvention.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern148.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinadequatemeasuresadoptedtoensurethatnationallegislationfullyconformswiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteenotesinparticularthelackofconformityoflegislativeprovisionsconcerningnon-discrimination,includinginrelationtomarriage,inheritanceandparentalproperty,tortureandcorporalpunishment.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutthegapbetweenexistinglegislationanditspracticalimplementation.149.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthattheStatepartyhasnotfullytakenintoaccountinitslegislationandpolicy-makingthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention:article2(principleofnon-discrimination),article3(principleofthebestinterestsofthechild),article6(righttolife,survivalanddevelopment)andarticle12(respectfortheviewsofthechild).150.2 .2TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoensuretheeffectiveimplementationoftheprincipleofnon-discrimination.Itnotesthepersistentdiscriminatoryattitudestowardsgirls,asreflectedintheprevailingsonpreference,thepersistenceofearlymarriages,thenotablylowerschoolattendanceofgirlsandtheirhigherdrop-outrate.Italsoisconcernedatthedifferentmarriageageofgirlsandboys,whichisnotinconformitywitharticle2oftheConvention.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedatthecastesystemandtraditionssuchasthedeuki,kumarianddevis.TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernatsection7oftheChildren'sActwhichallowsparents,membersofthefamilyandteacherstobeatachild"ifitisthoughttobeintheinterestofthechild",aswellasatthefactthat,asrecognizedintheStateparty'sreport,theviewsofthechildareunlikelytoberespected.Thepersistenceofsuchtraditionalpracticesandattitudesseriouslyhamperstheenjoymentoftherightsofthechild.151.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheslowpaceoftheStatepartyinestablishinganefficientcoordinationmechanismbetweenrelevantministries,aswellasbetweencentralandlocalauthorities,intheimplementationofpoliciesforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.152.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidtosystematicandcomprehensivedatacollectionandidentificationofappropriateindicators,aswellastoamonitoringmechanismforallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,includingchildrenbelongingtominorities,tolowercastes,childrenofverypoorfamilies,childreninruralareas,disabledchildren,childrenplacedininstitutions,childrenvictimsofsale,traffickingandprostitutionandchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet.153.2 .2Asregardstheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthefailureoftheGovernmenttoaccordprioritytotheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildrentothemaximumextentofavailableresources.IntheviewoftheCommittee,insufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,inbothruralandurbanareas.154.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientstepstakentoensurebirthregistrationofchildren,particularlythoselivinginremoteareas,andtotheadverseeffectsarisingtherefromfortheenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrights.155.2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedaboutthehighrateofschooldrop-outs,especiallyamonggirlslivinginruralareas,andthehighincidenceofchildlabour.Itisalsoconcernedatthedifficultiesencounteredbychildrenlivinginruralandremoteareasanddisabledchildreninsecuringbasicservices,suchashealthcare,socialservicesandeducation.156.2 .2Inthelightofarticle28,theCommitteewishestoexpressitsdeepconcernaboutthefactthatprimaryeducationisnotcompulsoryforallchildren.Itisalsoconcernedatthehighlevelofilliteracyamongchildrenandadults.157.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatappropriatemeasureshavenotyetbeentakentoeffectivelypreventandcombatanyformofill-treatmentandcorporalpunishmentofchildrenwithinthefamily.Itisseriouslyworriedabouttheabsenceofadequatelegislationandmechanismsdesignedtoensuretherecoveryandreintegrationofchildvictimsinthelightofarticle39oftheConvention.158.2 .2Thelargeandgrowingnumberofchildrenwho,owingtoruralexodus,extremepovertyandviolenceandabusewithinthefamily,areforcedtoliveonthestreets,aredeprivedoftheirfundamentalrightsandareexposedtovariousformsofexploitationisamatterofdeepconcern.159.2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedaboutthefactthatalargenumberofchildrenareinvolvedinchildlabour,includingintheinformalsector,particularlyasdomesticservants,inagricultureandinthefamilycontext.160.2 .2Inviewofthescaleoftheproblemofsaleandtraffickingofchildren,especiallygirls,theCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedabouttheabsenceofaspecificlawandpolicytocombatthisphenomenon.161.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheincreasingphenomenonofchildprostitutionthataffectsinparticularchildrenbelongingtothelowercastes.Itisworriedabouttheabsenceofmeasurestocombatthisphenomenonandthelackofrehabilitationmeasures.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheinadequatemeasurestakentoaddressthesituationofchildrenaddictedtodrugs.162.2 .2Thesituationoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Itisconcerned,interalia,aboutthetoolowageofcriminalresponsibility,abouttheprovisionoftheMulukiAinNo.2thatallowsmentallyillchildrentobeputinjailandchained,andthelegaldefinitionoftorture,whichisnotincompliancewitharticle37(a)oftheConvention.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations163.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertake,inallnecessaryareas,adequatelegalreformtoensurefullconformityofitslegislationwithalltheprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticularthatittakefullyintoaccounttheConvention'sgeneralprinciples(arts.2,3,6and12).164.2 .2Inordertoeffectivelycombatpersistingdiscriminatoryattitudesandnegativetraditionsaffectinggirls,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytolaunchacomprehensiveandintegratedpublicinformationcampaignaimedatpromotingchildren'srightswithinthesociety,andparticularlywithinthefamily.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyensurespecifictrainingontheConventionforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,socialworkers,healthpersonnel,judgesandlawenforcementofficials.Internationalcooperationwith,interalia,theCentreforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundcouldbesoughttothiseffect.165.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatgreatereffortsarerequiredtomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknownandunderstoodbyadultsandchildrenalike,inthelightofarticles12and42oftheConvention.ItencouragestheStatepartytofurtherincreasepublicawarenessoftheparticipatoryrightsofchildren,aswellastoconsiderincorporatingtheConventionintheschoolcurriculum.166.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarystepstostrengthencoordinationbetweenthedifferentgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththecentralandlocallevels,andensureclosecooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizations.167.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyundertaketogatherallnecessaryinformationonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,includingthosebelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.ItalsosuggeststhatamultidisciplinarymonitoringsystembeestablishedtoassesstheprogressachievedanddifficultiesencounteredintherealizationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionatthecentralandlocallevels,payingparticularattentiontotheadverseeffectsofeconomicpoliciesonchildren.SuchamonitoringsystemshouldenabletheStatepartytoshapeappropriatepoliciesandtocombatprevailingsocialdisparitiesandtraditionalprejudices.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoconsidertheestablishmentofanindependentmechanism,suchasanombudspersonorahumanrightscommission,tomonitortherealizationoftherightsofthechildandtodealwithindividualcomplaintsrelatingthereto.168.2 .2Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatparticularattentionbepaidtotheneedtoensurebudgetallocations,tothemaximumextentofavailableresources,toimplementeconomic,socialandculturalrightsinthelightoftheprinciplesofnon-discriminationandthebestinterestsofthechild.Internationalcooperationresourcesshouldbechannelledtowardstherealizationofchildren'srightsandeffortsshouldbepursuedtoreducethenegativeimpactofforeigndebtanddebtservicingonchildren.169.2 .2Children'sbirthregistrationshouldbegivenprioritytoensurethateverychildisrecognizedasapersonandenjoyshisorherfullrights.TheCommitteeencouragesfurtherstepstoensurethebirthregistrationofchildren,includingtheestablishmentofmobileregistrationofficesandregistrationunitsinschools.170.2 .2Inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestoreducethedrop-outrateofgirlsinruralandurbanareasandtopreventtheirinvolvementinchildlabourorprostitution,andtoreinforcetheaccesstobasicservices(health,educationandsocialcare)forchildreninruralareasandfordisabledchildrenthroughoutthecountry.TheGovernmentshouldinparticulartakeconcretemeasures,includingawarenesscampaignstochangenegativeattitudes,toprotectchildrenbelongingtothelowestcastesfromanyformofexploitation.171.2 .2Inordertopromotetheprotectionofrefugeechildren,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderratifyingthe1951ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugees.172.2 .2Inthelightofarticle19oftheConvention,theCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheGovernmenttakeallappropriatemeasures,includingofalegislativenature,tocombatanyformofill-treatmentandsexualabuseofchildren,includingwithinthefamily.Itsuggests,interalia,thattheauthoritiesgatherinformationandinitiateacomprehensivestudytoimprovetheunderstandingofthenatureandscopeoftheproblemandsetupsocialprogrammestopreventalltypesofchildabuseandneglect.173.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatfirmmeasuresbetakentoensuretherightofsurvivalofallchildreninNepal,includingthosewholiveand/orworkonthestreet.Suchmeasuresshouldaimattheeffectiveprotectionofchildrenagainstanyformofexploitation,particularlychildlabour,prostitution,drugrelatedactivitiesandchildtraffickingandsale.174.2 .2Inregardtotheproblemofchildlabour,theCommitteesuggeststhatNepalconsiderratifyingInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138concerningtheminimumageforadmissiontoemploymentandreviewallrelevantnationallegislation,withaviewtobringingitintoconformitywiththeConventionontheRightsoftheChildandotherrelevantinternationalstandards.Childlabourlawsshouldbeenforced,asystemofinspectionestablished,complaintsinvestigatedandseverepenaltiesimposedincaseofviolation.Specialattentionshouldbepaidtotheprotectionofchildreninvolvedintheinformalsector,includingasdomesticservants.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentconsiderseekingcooperationfromtheInternationalLabourOrganizationinthisarea.175.2 .2Inordertoeffectivelycombatintercountrytraffickingandsaleofchildren,theCommitteestronglysuggeststhatNepaltakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegislativeandadministrativeones,andencouragestheStatepartytoconsideradoptingbilateralmeasurestopreventandeliminatesuchphenomena.Awarenesscampaignsshouldbedevelopedatthecommunitylevelandathoroughmonitoringsystemshouldbeestablished.176.2 .2Inthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthatlegalreformbepursued,takingfullyintoaccounttheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andotherrelevantinternationalstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoraisingtheminimumageofcriminalresponsibility,theestablishmentofjuvenilecourts,theenforcementofexistinglegislation,thepreventionofjuveniledelinquency,alternativestodeprivationoflibertyandinstitutionalcare,theprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedofliberty,respectforfundamentalrightsandlegalsafeguardsinallaspectsofthejuvenilejusticesystem,andthefullindependenceandimpartialityofthejuvenilejudiciary.Thelawpermittingtheplacementofmentallydisturbedchildreninjailsshouldbereviewedasamatterofurgency.177.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatatechnicalassistanceprogrammebedevelopedwiththeCentreforHumanRights,includingintheareasoflawreforminthefieldofchildren'srightsandtrainingofprofessionalsworkingwithchildren.Specialattentionshouldbepaidtotrainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandards,inparticularforjudges,lawenforcementofficials,correctionalofficersandsocialworkers.AttentionshouldalsobegiventoawarenessandinformationcampaignsontheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Moreover,considerationshouldbepursuedinrelationtotheestablishmentofacommissiononhumanrightsorotherindependentmechanismstomonitortherealizationofchildren'srightsissues.178.2 .2InthelightoftheareasofconcernidentifiedbytheCommitteeandtherecommendationsmade,theCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefromrelevantinternationalorganizations,includingtheInternationalLabourOrganization,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandtheWorldHealthOrganization.Considerationmaybegiventotheestablishmentofataskforceoftheinternationalorganizationspresentinthecountry,withaviewtopromotingandprotectingtherightssetforthintheConvention.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheinternationalcommunitytoassisttheStatepartyinitscurrentefforts.179.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytodisseminatewidelyitsinitialreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentasameansofensuringafollow-uptosuggestionsandrecommendationsmadebytheCommittee.@ .N 5.Concludingobservations:Guatemala180.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofGuatemala(CRC/C/3/Add.33)atits306thto308thmeetings,on3and4June1996(CRC/C/SR.306-308),andatits314thmeeting,on7June1996,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction181.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsreportanditsrepliestotheCommittee'slistofquestions,aswellasfortheinformationprovidedonthemostrecentmeasurestakentoimplementtheConvention.182.2 .2TheopennessoftheStateparty'shigh-leveldelegationinacknowledgingtheproblems,difficultiesandchallengesfacingtheStatepartyinimplementingtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionishighlyappreciated.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaginginaconstructivedialogueandforitswillingnesstotakeintoaccounttherecommendationsmadebytheCommittee.2 .2(b) .Positivefactors183.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthestepstakentosecureadurablepeacewithinGuatemala,particularlybyenhancingtheenjoymentofhumanrights,includingfortheindigenouspeoples.Inthisconnection,theCommitteenotestheadoptionoftheAgreementontheIdentityandRightsofIndigenousPeoplesandtheAgreementonSocio-EconomicAspectsandtheAgrarianSituation.TheratificationbyGuatemalaofInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.169concerningindigenousandtribalpeoplesinindependentcountriesisalsowelcomed.184.2 .2FurtherpositivedevelopmentsasevidencedbythesigningoftheComprehensiveAgreementonHumanRights,theAgreementonResettlementofthePopulationGroupsUprootedbytheArmedConflict,andtheestablishmentoftheUnitedNationsVerificationMissioninGuatemala(MINUGUA),particularlyitshumanrightscomponent,arenotedwithinterest.Additionalmeasurestakenwithaviewtostrengtheningthemonitoringandimplementationofhumanrightsarenoted.Inthisregard,theCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheestablishmentoftheOfficeoftheHumanRightsProcuratoranditsChildren'sOmbudsman.185.2 .2TheestablishmentofthePresidentialCommissionforCoordinatingPolicyintheFieldofHumanRightsandtheworkoftheSocialCommitteewithintheCabinetofMinistersarealsonotedwithinterest,especiallyasregardstheformulationofpoliciesforimprovingthesocialandeconomicdevelopmentofthemostvulnerablegroupsinGuatemalansociety.2 .2(c) .Factorsanddifficulties186.2 .2Morethan30yearsofarmedconflictinthecountryhaveleftalegacyofhumanrightsviolations,impunityandaclimateoffearandintimidationwhichhamperstheconfidenceofthepopulationintheabilityofproceduresandmechanismstoensurerespectforhumanrights.187.2 .2Thedecadesofconflictaffectingsocietyhaveresultedinthefrequentuseofviolence,includingwithinthefamily.188.2 .2AsrecognizedbytheStateparty,therootcausesofthearmedconflictneedtobetackled,embeddedastheyareinsocio-economicdisparitiesandunevenlanddistribution,aswellasinhistoricalsocialcontrastswithinthecountry.Highlevelsofpovertyandilliteracyanddiscriminationagainsttheindigenouspopulationandthoselivinginpovertycontributetowidespreadviolationsofhumanrights.189.2 .2Problemsrelatingtothesituationofrefugees,internallydisplacedpersonsandreturneeshavealsoarisenoutofthearmedconflict.Inthisconnection,thedifficulttaskofmeetingtheneedsandexpectationsofthepopulationthatremainedinorfledfromthecountryduringtheperiodofarmedconflictisrecognized.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern190.2 .2TheinadequacyofmeasuresadoptedtoallocateprioritytotheimplementationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandtheabsenceofanationalpolicyforchildrenaremattersofconcerntotheCommittee.191.2 .2TheCommitteeisequallyconcernedaboutthelackofmeasurestoharmonizenationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.ItisespeciallyconcernedthattheMinorsCodecurrentlyinforceinGuatemalacontainsprovisionswhichareincompatiblewiththeConventionanddoesnotaddressalltherightsrecognizedbytheConvention.192.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedabouttheinsufficienteffortstocollectdisaggregatedstatisticaldataandtoidentifyappropriatequalitativeandquantitativeindicatorsonthesituationofchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,includingthoselivingand/orworkingonthestreet,victimsofabuse,neglectorill-treatmentandinternallydisplacedchildren.̇193.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeenadoptedtopromotewidespreadawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventiontoadultsandchildrenalike,particularlytothosebelongingtoindigenouspopulations,inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention.ThefailuretoprovidesufficientactivitiestotrainandeducateprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildrenabouttheConventionistoberegretted.194.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutlacunaeidentifiedinnationallegislation.Inthisconnection,thefailuretoprovideforanageforthecompletionofcompulsoryeducationasrequiredbytheConstitutionofGuatemala,aswellasbyarticle2ofInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138,isamatterofconsiderableconcerntotheCommittee.Equally,theCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedthatnationallegislationdoesnotprohibitcapitalpunishmentorlifeimprisonmentwithoutthepossibilityofrelease,asrequiredbytheprovisionsofarticle37(a)oftheConvention.Moreover,theabsenceinnationallegislationofaminimumageforcriminalresponsibilitycausesdeepconcerntotheCommittee.Similarly,thelowageofmarriageforgirls,whichisdifferentfromthatforboys,is,intheCommittee'sview,alsoincompatiblewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.195.2 .2Inviewofthehistoricaldisparitiesaffectingindigenouschildrenandchildrenbelongingtogroupslivingbelowthepovertyline,aswellasgirls,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheadequacyofmeasurestoensuretheeffectiveimplementationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildrenatthenational,regionalandlocallevels,inthelightofarticles2,3and4oftheConvention.196.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientsupportgiventofamiliesfacingsevereproblemsinfulfillingtheirresponsibilitiesasregardstheupbringingoftheirchildren.TheCommitteesharestheconcernexpressedbytherepresentativeoftheStatepartyatthewidespreadseveremalnutritionandattheinadequaciesofdataandstatisticsmonitoringnutrition.197.2 .2ParticularconcernisexpressedattheinadequatemeasurestakentoensuretheeffectiveimplementationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildbothinlegislationandinpractice.198.2 .2DeficienciesinthesystemofbirthregistrationareofdeepconcerntotheCommitteesincethefailuretoregisterchildrenpreventsthemfrombeingrecognizedaspersons,fromhavingaccesstoeducationandhealthservicesandfrombeingprotectedagainsttraffickingandillegaladoption.199.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyalarmedatthepersistenceofviolenceagainstchildren,includingatthereportedinformationonthe84childrenkilled.Thehighnumberofchildvictimsofviolenceraisesseriousconcern,particularlyinviewoftheineffectivenessofinvestigationsintocrimescommittedagainstchildrenwhichpavesthewayforwidespreadimpunity.200.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinformationprovidedbytheStatepartythatanillegaladoptionnetworkhasbeenuncoveredandthatthemechanismstopreventandcombatsuchviolationsofchildren'srightsareinsufficientandineffective.201.2 .2Despitetheconsiderableprogressachievedinrecentyearsinimprovinginfantandmaternalcare,theCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttherelativelyhighmaternal,infantandunder-fivemortalityrates.TheCommitteeobservesthatsomefactorscontributingtohighmaternaldeathsmayberelatedtotheinadequaciesofthetraininggiventobirthattendantsandofhomedeliveries.ItisalsotheviewoftheCommitteethatmanyproblemsremainwithrespecttothereproductivehealthofwomen,thelowbirthweightofchildrenbeingapossiblemanifestationofthisfact.202.2 .2TheCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedthatthemajorityofchildrenofschoolagearenotattendingschool,butareinvolvedbothintheinformalandformalworksectors.Moreover,theCommitteeisdisturbedabouttheinadequacyandineffectivenessofthemeasuresdesignedtoensuretheestablishmentofappropriatestandardsandtomonitortheworkingconditionsofchildrenwhensuchactivitiesarecompatiblewitharticle32oftheConvention.TheCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedatthepersistenceofchildlabourandaboutthelackofaccurateassessmentbytheGovernmentofthedimensionsofthephenomenoninthecountry.203.2 .2ThejuvenilejusticesystemintheStatepartyraisesseriousconcernintheCommittee,inparticularthesystemofirregularbehaviour(conductairregular).TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedaboutthelackofspecializedtrainingofprofessionalsworkinginthefieldofjuvenilejustice,whichhamperseffortstoensuretheindependenceofthejudiciaryandthecapacityofthesystemtoeffectivelyinvestigatecrimescommittedagainstchildrenandunderminesmeasurestoeradicateimpunity.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations204.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatchildren'sissuesbeaccordedahigherpriorityintheStateparty.ItistheCommittee'sviewthatthedevelopmentofaglobalandnationalpolicyonchildrenmustbeattendedtourgently.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptallthenecessarymeasurestoensurethatitsnationallegislationfullyconformstotheConvention.Inthisregard,andinrecognitionoftheimportanceofensuringanintegratedlegalapproachtochildren'srightsinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortsaimedattheadoptionofacodeonchildrenandadolescents.205.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatlegislativemeasuresbeundertakentoensurethatnationallegislationconformswiththeprovisionsofarticles37and40oftheConvention,includingestablishingaminimumageofcriminalresponsibility.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartysettheageforcompletionofcompulsoryschoolingat15andconsiderraisingtheminimumageofemploymentto15.Furthermore,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitslegislationontheageofmarriageforgirlsinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,notablythoseofitsarticles2,3and24,withaviewtoraisingitandensuringthesameageforgirlsandboys.206.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstostrengthentheinstitutionalframeworkforthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrightsingeneralandtherightsofthechildinparticular.TheCommitteerecommendsthatapermanentandmultidisciplinarymechanismbedevelopedforcoordinatingandimplementingtheConventionatthenationalandlocallevelsandinurbanandruralareas.TheCommitteealsoencouragesthepromotionofclosecooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsinthisregard.207.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartygivepriorityattentiontothedevelopmentofasystemofdatacollectionandtotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorswithaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety.Suchmechanismscanplayavitalroleinsystematicallymonitoringthestatusofchildrenandevaluatingtheprogressachievedandthedifficultieshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights,andcanbeusedasabasisfordesigningprogrammestoimprovethesituationofchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,includinggirls,childrenlivinginruralareasandindigenouschildren.ItisfurthersuggestedthattheStatepartyrequestinternationalcooperationinthisregard,particularlyfromtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.208.2 .2InviewoftheStateparty'swillingnesstodevelopacultureofhumanrightsandtochangeattitudestowardschildreningeneralandtheindigenouspopulationinparticular,theCommitteerecommendsthatinformationandeducationaboutchildren'srightsbedisseminatedamongchildrenandadultsalike.Itisalsorecommendedthatconsiderationbegiventothetranslationofsuchinformationintothemainindigenouslanguagesandthatappropriatemeasuresbeadoptedtospreadsuchinformationinsuchawaythatitreachesgroupsaffectedbyahighlevelofilliteracy.InthelightoftheconsiderableexperienceoftheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandotherorganizationsinrespondingtosuchchallenges,itisrecommendedthatinternationalcooperationbesoughtinthisregard.209.2 .2ItistheviewoftheCommitteethattrainingandeducationintheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildisurgentlyrequiredandmustencompassallprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren.Inaddition,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinclusionofchildren'srightsintheschoolcurriculumbepursuedasameasuretoenhancerespectfortheindigenouscultureandmulticulturalismandtocombatpaternalisticanddiscriminatoryattitudeswhich,asrecognizedbytheStateparty,continuetoprevailinsociety.210.2 .2Withrespecttoarticle4oftheConvention,itistheCommittee'sopinionthatsufficientbudgetaryprovisionmustbemadetorespondtonationalandlocalprioritiesfortheprotectionandpromotionofchildren'srights.Whilenotingthetrendtowardsdecentralizingtheprovisionofservicestothemunicipallevelasameansofpromotinggreaterpopularparticipation,theCommitteeemphasizesthatsuchapolicymustbedesignedtoovercomeandremedyexistingdisparitiesbetweentheregionsandrural/urbanareas.Toensurethefullimplementationofarticle4,theCommitteerecommendsthatconsiderationbegiventotheprovisionofinternationalassistancewithinthegeneralframeworkoftheConvention.211.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthaturgentmeasuresbetakentoensureeffectiveconsiderationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,namely,itsarticles2,3,6and12,inthenationalprocessofimplementingtheConvention.212.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatacomprehensivepublicinformationcampaignbedevelopedandimplementedurgentlytocombattheabuseofchildreninthefamilyandwithinsociety,aswellastheuseofcorporalpunishmentinschools.213.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyintroducethemeasuresnecessarytomonitorandsuperviseeffectivelythesystemofadoptionofchildreninthelightofarticle21oftheConvention.Itisalsorecommendedthatadequatetrainingbeprovidedtoconcernedprofessionals.Inaddition,itisrecommendedthattheGovernmentconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.214.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytostrengthenitssupporttofamiliesincarryingouttheirchild-rearingresponsibilities,suchasbyprovidingnutritiousfoodandconductingvaccinationprogrammes.Asameansofaddressingtheproblemsofmaternaldeathandpoorantenatalcareanddeliveryservices,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderintroducingamoreeffectivesystemfortrainingmedicalpersonnelandbirthattendants.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderrequestinginternationalcooperationfromrelevantinternationalorganizationstoaddressissuesrelatingtothereproductivehealthofwomen.215.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoimplementthe"FoodforEducationProgramme"asanincentiveforchildrentoattendschool.Italsorecommendsthatacomprehensivenutritionalprogrammebedeveloped,takingintoparticularaccountthespecialneedsofchildren.216.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitsefforts,inconformitywiththeAgreementonSocio-EconomicAspectsandtheAgrarianSituation,toincreasethebudgetaryallocationsforeducationby50percentuptotheyear2000.Withaviewtoensuringtheimplementationofarticles28and29oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyfocusgreatereffortsonprovidingforcompulsoryandfreeprimaryeducation,eradicatingilliteracyandensuringtheavailabilityofbilingualeducationforindigenouschildren.Moreover,greatereffortsshouldbemadeintrainingqualifiedteachers.Suchmeasureswillcontributetothepreventionofanyformofdiscriminationonthebasisoflanguagewithregardtotherighttoeducation.217.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatprovisionbemadeforofferingsocialassistancetofamiliestohelpthemwiththeirchild-rearingresponsibilitiesaslaiddowninarticle18oftheConventionasameansofreducinginstitutionalizationofchildren.Furthereffortsarealsorequiredtoensuretheactiveparticipationofdisabledchildreninthecommunityinconditionswhichensuretheirdignityandpromotetheirself-reliance,aswellastoensurethatdisabledchildrenareseparatedfromadultssufferingfrommentalillhealth.TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoreviewperiodicallytheplacementandtreatmentofchildren,asrequiredunderarticle25oftheConvention.218.2 .2Theproblemsofchildrentraumatizedbytheeffectsofarmedconflictandviolenceinsocietyare,intheCommittee'sview,amatterofseriousconcern.Inthisconnection,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartygiveconsiderationtotheimplementationofspecificprojectsforchildren,tobecarriedoutinanenvironmentwhichfostersthehealth,self-respectanddignityofthechild.219.2 .2InviewofthefactthattheConstitutionofGuatemalarecognizesthepredominanceofdulyratifiedinternationalconventionsinthefieldofhumanrights,theCommitteeurgestheStatepartytoapplytheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionintheareaofjuvenilejustice,ratherthantheprovisionsofthenationallegislationwhichareincontradictionwiththeConvention,inparticularthoserelatingtothesystemof"irregularbehaviour".TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatthejuvenilejusticesystemberevisedtoensurethatitiscompatiblewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingitsarticles37,39and40,aswellasotherrelevantinternationalinstrumentsinthefield.Inthisconnection,itisrecommendedthattheStatepartyconsiderrequestingtechnicalassistancefrominternationalorganizations,includingtheUnitedNationsCentreforHumanRights.̇220.2 .2Asameansoftacklingtheinterrelatedissuesofeducationandchildlabour,theCommitteerecommendsthatallnecessarymeasuresbeadoptedtoensurethatchildrenhaveaccesstoeducationandthattheyareprotectedfrominvolvementinexploitativeactivities.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthateffectivepublicawarenesscampaignsbelaunchedforthepreventionandeliminationofchildlabourinthelightofarticle32oftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyseektechnicalassistancefromtheInternationalLabourOrganization.221.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderdevelopinganagendaforpriorityactiontoensureanintegratedapproachtotheimplementationofhumanrightsinGuatemalainthelightofthesuggestionsandrecommendationsaddressedtotheState,particularlyintheareaofchildren'srights.222.2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty'sreport,thesummaryrecordsoftheexaminationofthereportintheCommitteeandtheCommittee'sconcludingobservationsbegivenwidedisseminationinGuatemala.TheCommitteesuggeststhatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionoftheCongressasameansofensuringfollow-uptothesuggestionsandrecommendationsmadebytheCommittee.@ . 6.Concludingobservations:Cyprus223.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofCyprus(CRC/C/8/Add.24)atits309thto311thmeetings,on4and5June1996(CRC/C/SR.309-311),andatits314thmeeting,on7June1996,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction224.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofCyprusforthesubmissionofitsinitialreport,itswritteninformationinreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissues(CRC/C.11/WP.3)andtheconstructiveandfruitfuldialogue.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrankandcooperativetoneofthediscussion,inwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatednotonlythepolicyandprogrammedirectionsbutalsothedifficultiesencounteredduringimplementationoftheConvention.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects225.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsundertakenbytheGovernmenttoreviewthenationallegalframeworkinordertoharmonizeitwiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheJuvenileOffendersLawiscurrentlybeingrevised.ItalsonoteswithsatisfactionthatthedeathpenaltyforordinarycrimeshasbeenabolishedandwelcomesthefactthatParliamentiscurrentlydiscussingtheadoptionofabillprohibitingcapitalpunishmentforactsofhightreason.226.2 .2TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthattheConventionhasbeeninvokedincourtproceedingsanditwelcomesthecommitmentmadeduringthedialoguebythegovernmentdelegationtosendinformationonthosejudicialdecisions.227.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentoftheCentralCommitteeforMonitoringtheImplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.ItalsonoteswithsatisfactiontheorganizationbytheCommitteefortheProtectionandWelfareofChildrensince1989ofa"Children'sweek",focusingontheConvention.228.2 .2TheCommitteefurthernotestheexistenceofcomprehensiveprogrammesandservicesforthewelfareofchildren.229.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestherecentratificationbytheStatepartyoftheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption.230.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthereadinessoftheStatepartytocollaboratewiththenon-governmentalorganizationcommunity.2 .2(c) .Factorsanddifficultiesimpendingtheimplementationof2 .2 .theConvention231.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheStateparty,asaconsequenceofeventswhichoccurredin1974andwhichresultedintheoccupationofpartoftheterritoryofCyprus,isnotinapositiontoexercisecontroloverallofitsterritoryandconsequentlycannotensuretheapplicationoftheConventioninareasnotunderitscontrol.ThefactthatnoinformationonchildrenlivingintheoccupiedterritoriesisavailableisamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern232.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofconformitywiththeConventionoflegislativeprovisionsinsomemattersrelatingtothedefinitionofthechild,inparticulartheageofsevenforcriminalresponsibility.Itisalsoconcernedthatchildrenbetween16and18yearsofageareconsideredasadultoffendersinthecriminaljusticesystem.233.2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernthattheStatepartyhasnotyetfullytakenintoaccountinitslegislationandpolicy-makingthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention(seeinparticularparas.234,235and236below);article2(principleofnon-discrimination),article3(principleofthebestinterestsofthechild)andarticle12(respectfortheviewsofthechild).234.2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheapparentpersistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudestowardschildrenbornoutofwedlockwithregardtotheirrighttoanameandtocitizenship.235.2 .2Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticles12,13,14and15oftheConvention,insufficientattentionhasbeenaccordedtoensuringthatchildrenareinvolvedindecisions,includingwithinthefamily,andinadministrativeandjudicialproceduresregardingthem.236.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthedecisionstakeninmattersrelatingtoadoptionwithoutfullyrespectingtheprinciplesofarticle3(bestinterestofthechild).237.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidtosystematicandcomprehensivedatacollection,identificationofappropriateindicatorsandmonitoringmechanismsforallareascoveredbytheConventioninrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,includingminoritygroupchildren,childreninruralareas,institutionalizedanddisabledchildrenandchildvictimsofsexualexploitation.238.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthepersistenceoftraditionalpracticesandattitudesthatmayaffectthedevelopmentofsomechildren.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedabouttheconsequencesofearlymarriages.ItisalsoconcernedabouttheinsufficientawarenessandunderstandingamongadultsandchildrenoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.239.2 .2Inthelightofarticles7and8oftheConvention,theCommitteenotesthatwhiletheprocedureforbirthregistrationisadequate,itremainsconcernedthattheapplicationinsomeruralareasmayresultinsomechildrenbeinghamperedintheenjoymentoftheirrights.240.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattherecentincidenceofprostitutionwhichaffectsparticularlynon-Cypriotchildren.Itisalsoworriedabouttheincreasingnumberofchildrenworkingasdomesticservantsinillegalconditionsandwhoarevulnerabletoalltypesofabuse,includingsexualabuseandexploitation.241.2 .2Thesituationofthesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,andinparticularthelackofcompatibilitywitharticles37and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations242.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakelegislativereformtoensurethatlegislationconformsfullywithalltheprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticularitsgeneralprinciples(arts.2,3,6and12).243.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartygatherallnecessaryinformation,appropriateindicatorsanddisaggregateddataonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,includingchildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.244.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytofurtherdevelopasystematicapproachtoincreasingpublicawarenessoftheparticipatoryrightsofchildren,inthelightofarticle12oftheConvention.CurrenteffortstomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknownandunderstoodbyadultsandchildrenalikeshouldbepursuedanddevelopedinthelightofarticle42oftheConvention.245.2 .2Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticles12,13,14and15oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatconsiderationbegivenbytheStatepartytofacilitatingchildren'sparticipationandtherespectfortheirviewsindecisionsaffectingthem,especiallyinthefamily,atschoolandinthecourts.246.2 .2Toappropriatelycombatpersistingnegativeanddiscriminatoryattitudes,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytocarryoutacomprehensiveandintegratedpublicinformationcampaignaimedatpromotingchildren'srightswithinthesociety,andparticularlywithinthefamily.247.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyprovidespecifictrainingactivitiesontheConventiontoprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,socialworkers,healthpersonnel,judgesandlawenforcementofficials.248.2 .2TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderextendingthemandateoftheombudspersontoenablehimorhertoreceiveandprocessallcomplaintsrelatingtoalltypesofissuesaffectingchildren.249.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatstepsbetakentoensurethebirthregistrationofallchildren,particularlychildrenlivinginruralareas.250.2 .2Inthelightofarticles2,7and8oftheConvention,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheauthoritiestakeallnecessarymeasurestoensurethatchildrenbornoutofwedlockenjoyalltheirfundamentalrights.251.2 .2Inthelightofarticle19oftheConvention,theCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheauthoritiesgatherinformationandinitiateacomprehensivestudytoimprovetheunderstandingofthenatureandscopeoftheproblemofchildneglectandabuseandsetupsocialprogrammestopreventthem.252.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthenationallawandpracticeswithregardtoadoptionbemadetofullyconformwiththeConventionandtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoption,includingtheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild.253.2 .2Inthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthatlegalreformbepursuedandtakefullyintoaccounttheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andotherrelevantinternationalstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoraisingtheageofcriminalresponsibilityandensuringthatpersonsbetween16and18yearsofageenjoyalltherightsrecognizedintheConvention.254.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytodisseminatewidelytheStateparty'sreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionofthereportwithintheCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport.TheCommitteesuggeststhatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentandthatthesuggestionsandrecommendationsforactioncontainedthereinbefollowedup.@ . 7.Concludingobservations:Morocco255.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofMorocco(CRC/C/28/Add.1)atits317thto319thmeetings,on24and25September1996(seeCRC/C/SR.317-319),andatits343rdmeeting,on11October1996,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction256.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthesubmissionofthereport,whichcontainsinformationonthelegalframeworkwithinwhichtheConventionisimplementedandonothermeasuresadoptedsincetheratificationoftheConventionbyMorocco.TheCommitteeappreciatesthewritteninformationprovidedbytheGovernmentinreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissues(CRC/C/Q.Mor.1),aswellastheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheStatepartyinthecourseofthedialoguewiththeCommittee,duringwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatedinaselfcriticalmannernotonlythepolicyandprogrammedirections,butalsothedifficultiesencounteredinimplementingtheConvention.̇2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects257.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheestablishmentin1993oftheMinistryforHumanRightstodealwithchildren'srightsissues.TheCommitteealsonotestheestablishmentin1994oftheNationalCongressontheRightsoftheChild,whichhasrecentlybeendeclaredapermanentinstitution,andthecreationin1994ofthepostofHighCommissionerforDisabledPersons.TheCommitteerecognizesthewilloftheGovernmenttoengageinaprocessoflawreforminrelationtochildren'sissuesandisencouragedbythedraftingofanewLabourCode.TheCommitteealsonoteswithappreciationtheadoption,in1992,followingtheWorldSummitforChildren,oftheNationalPlanofActionfortheSurvival,ProtectionandDevelopmentofChildren.Finally,theCommitteewelcomestheGovernment'sinitiativetobroadcastanumberofspecialprogrammesonChildren'sInternationalRadioandTelevisionDay.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention258.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatsevereeconomicandsocialproblemshavehadanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.Thehighlevelofexternaldebtandtherequirementsofstructuraladjustmentprogrammeswhichhaveresultedinbudgetaryreallocationstothedetrimentofsocialservices,aswellasunemploymentandpoverty,haveaffectedtheenjoymentofchildren'srights.TheCommitteealsonotesthattherearestilltraditionalpracticesandcustomswhichimpedethefullenjoymentofcertainrightsofthechild.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern259.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthefactthattheConventionhasnotyetbeendulypublishedintheofficialgazette.260.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentoensurethattheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionarewidelyknowntochildrenandadults.261.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthereservationmadetoarticle14oftheConventionbytheStateparty,whichmayaffecttheimplementationoftherightsguaranteedinthisarticleandmayraisequestionsaboutthecompatibilityofthereservationwiththeobjectiveandpurposeoftheConvention.262.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientcoordinationbetweenvariousministries,aswellasbetweenthecentralandlocalauthorities,intheimplementationofpoliciesforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.263.2 .2InsufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtothecollectionofsystematicandcomprehensivedataandtheidentificationofappropriateindicatorsandmonitoringmechanismsinallareascoveredbytheConvention.Disaggregateddataandappropriateindicatorsseemtobelackingtoassessthesituationofchildren,especiallythosewhoarevictimsofabuse,illtreatmentorchildlabourorareinvolvedwiththeadministrationofjuvenilejustice,aswellasthegirlchild,childrenofsingleparentfamiliesandthosebornoutofwedlock,childreninruralareas,abandoned,institutionalizedanddisabledchildren,andchildrenwho,inordertosurvive,arelivingand/orworkingonthestreet.264.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresandprogrammesfortheprotectionoftherightsofthemostvulnerablechildren,especiallygirls,childrenlivinginruralareas,childrenwhoarevictimsofabuse,childrenofsingleparents,childrenbornoutofwedlock,abandonedchildren,disabledchildrenandchildrenwhoare,inordertosurvive,forcedtoliveand/orworkonthestreet.265.2 .2TheStatepartyhasnotyettakenfullyintoaccountinitslegislationandpoliciesthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention:non-discrimination(art.2),thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3),therighttolife,survivalanddevelopment(art.6)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12).266.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthelackofconformitywiththespiritandprinciplesoftheConventionoflegislativeprovisionswithrespecttothelegaldefinitionofthechild.Theearlymarriageableage,theminimumageforemploymentandtheageofcriminalresponsibilityaremattersofconcern.267.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernatthepersistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudestowardsgirls,includingthepracticeofearlymarriage,whichhampertheenjoymentoftheirbasicrights.ThelowermarriageableageforgirlsthanforboysraisesseriousquestionsastoitscompatibilitywiththeConvention,inparticulararticle2.268.2 .2Inthelightofarticle30,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofmeasurestakentoprovideschooleducationinalltheexistinglanguagesanddialects.269.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatappropriatemeasureshavenotyetbeentakentopreventandcombatilltreatmentofchildrenwithinthefamilyandatthelackofinformationonthismatter.Theproblemsoftheexploitationofchildlabour,inparticulartheuseofyounggirlsasdomesticworkers,andchildprostitutionalsorequirespecialattention.270.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantUnitedNationsstandardssuchastheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheAdministrationofJuvenileJustice(theBeijingRules),theUnitedNationsGuidelinesforthePreventionofJuvenileDelinquency(theRiyadhGuidelines)andtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.TheCommitteeis,interalia,concernedthatchildrenagedbetween16and18yearsaretreatedasadultsandthatchildrendeprivedoftheirlibertyarenotseparatedfromadults.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations271.2 .2TheCommitteeurgentlyrecommendsthattheStatepartypublishtheConventionintheofficialgazette.272.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthatgreatereffortsarerequiredtomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknownandunderstoodbyadultsandchildrenalike,inaccordancewitharticle42oftheConvention.TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytodevelopfurtherasystematicapproachtoincreasingpublicawarenessoftheparticipatoryrightsofchildren,inthelightofarticle12oftheConvention.273.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatperiodictrainingandretrainingprogrammesontherightsofthechildbeorganizedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildren,includingteachers,lawenforcementofficials,socialworkersandjudges,andthathumanrightsandchildren'srightsbeincludedintheirtrainingcurricula.Inthisrespect,theCommitteeencouragestheauthoritiestopursuetheircooperationwiththeUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRights.274.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentofMoroccoconsiderreviewingthereservationentereduponratificationoftheConventionwithaviewtowithdrawingit,inthespiritoftheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofAction, h   ׀adoptedinJune1993,inwhichtheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsurgedStatestowithdrawreservationstotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.275.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakefurtherstepstostrengthencoordinationbetweenthedifferentgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinhumanrightsandchildren'srights,atbothcentralandlocallevels,andtoensureclosercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizations.276.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyundertaketogatherallnecessarydataandstatisticsonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConvention,includingonchildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.Effortsshouldbemadetoensureimplementationofpoliciesandmeasuresforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild,atbothcentralandlocallevels,incooperationwithUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagencies,includingtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandtheInternationalLabourOrganization.ItisalsosuggestedthatamultidisciplinarymonitoringsystembeestablishedtoassesstheprogressachievedanddifficultiesencounteredintherealizationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionatthecentralandlocallevels,andinparticulartomonitorregularlytheeffectsofeconomicchangeonchildren.SuchamonitoringsystemshouldenabletheStatepartytoshapeappropriatepoliciesandtocombatprevailingsocialdisparitiesandtraditionalprejudices.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoconsidertheestablishmentofanindependentmechanism,suchasanombudspersonfortherightsofthechild.277.2 .2Withrespecttoarticle4oftheConvention,andinthelightofthecurrentdifficulteconomicsituation,theCommitteeemphasizestheimportanceoftheallocationofresourcestothemaximumextentpossiblefortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofthechildatboththecentralandlocallevels,inaccordancewiththeprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthoserelatingtonon-discriminationandthebestinterestsofthechild(arts.2and3).278.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatepoliticalandlegislativemeasuresbetakentobringlegislationintoconformitywiththeConventionandotherrelevantinternationalnorms.Inparticular,theCommitteerecommendsthereformofthepenalandlabourcodes.ItstronglyencouragestheGovernmentofMoroccotoratifyInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138ontheminimumageforadmissiontoemploymentandforthatpurposetoconsiderseekingfurthertechnicalcooperationfromtheInternationalLabourOrganization.̇279.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatawarenesscampaignsconcerningtherightsofthegirlchildbepursuedinbothruralandurbanareas.ItalsourgestheStatepartytoimplementacomprehensivenationalpolicytopromoteandprotectthoserights.Itfurtherrecommendsthatinthelightofarticles2and3oftheConvention,themarriageableageberaisedandmadeequalforgirlsandboys.280.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialprotectivemeasuresbeimplementedinrelationtochildrenlivinginruralareas,childrenwhoarevictimsofabuse,childrenofsingleparentfamilies,childrenbornoutofwedlock,abandoned,institutionalizedanddisabledchildren,childreninvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystem,particularlywhendeprivedoftheirliberty,childreninvolvedinchildlabourandchildrenwho,inordertosurvive,areforcedtoliveand/orworkonthestreet.281.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofMoroccototakeallmeasurestopreventandcombatilltreatmentofchildren,includingchildabusewithinthefamily,corporalpunishment,childlabourandthesexualexploitationofchildren.Itrecommendsthatcomprehensivestudiesbeinitiatedwithregardtothoseimportantissuestomakepossibleabetterunderstandingofthosephenomenaandfacilitatetheelaborationofpoliciesandprogrammestocombatthemeffectively.Inthisperspective,theGovernmentshouldpursueitseffortsinclosecooperationwithcommunityleadersandwithnon-governmentalorganizations,withaviewtopromotingchangeinpersistingnegativeattitudestowardschildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.282.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformofthesystemofjuvenilejusticeinthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheAdministrationofJuvenileJustice(theBeijingRules),theUnitedNationsGuidelinesforthePreventionofJuvenileDelinquency(theRiyadhGuidelines)andtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoconsideringdeprivationoflibertyonlyasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestpossibleperiodoftime,totheprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,todueprocessoflawandtothefullindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallthoseprofessionalsinvolvedwiththesystemofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheGovernmentofMoroccoconsiderseekinginternationalassistanceinthisareaoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticefromtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsOfficeatVienna.283.2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inaccordancewitharticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theinitialreportpresentedbyMoroccobemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatconsiderationbegiventothepublicationofthereport,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.&  @ . 8.Concludingobservations:Nigeria284.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofNigeria(CRC/C/8/Add.26)atits321stto323rdmeetings,on26and27September1996(CRC/C/SR.321-323),'  and,atits343rdmeeting,on11October1996,adoptedthefollowingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction285.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforsendingahighleveldelegationtodiscussthereport.TheCommitteenotesthatthereport,althoughfollowingthethematicstructureforreportingsetoutinthegeneralguidelines,wasincompleteinitsappreciationofthesituationofchildrenthroughoutthecountry.TheCommitteewishestoemphasizethatthepurposeofreportingistoindicatenotonlythemeasuresadoptedbutalsotheprogressmadesincetheentryintoforceoftheConventionandprioritiesidentifiedforaction,aswellasthedifficultiesencounteredinguaranteeingtherightsprovidedforintheConvention.2 .2(b) .Positivefactors286.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentoftheNationalHumanRightsCommission.TheCommitteealsotakesnoteoftheestablishmentin1994oftheNationalChildRightsImplementationCommittee,interalia,toensurethepopularizationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtheOrganizationofAfricanUnityCharterontheRightsandWelfareofChildren;toreviewcontinuouslythestateofimplementationoftheConvention;todevelopspecificprogrammesandprojectsthatwillenhancethestatusoftheNigerianchild;tocollectandcollatedataontheimplementationoftherightsofthechild;andtoprepareandsubmitreportsontheimplementationofchildren'srightsfortheUnitedNationsandtheOrganizationofAfricanUnity.287.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheGovernmentofNigeriahaspreparedanationalplanofactioninresponsetotherecommendationsandgoalsenunciatedintheDeclarationandPlanofActionadoptedbytheWorldSummitforChildreninSeptember1990.288.2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatestheimportanceattachedbytheStatepartytoimprovingthestatusandsituationofwomenandthepositiverolethiscanplayincontributingtothemeasuresrequiredtoaddresstheproblemsfacingchildreningeneralandthegirlchildinparticular.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention289.2 .2TheCommitteerecognizesthatthesituationinNigeriaischaracterizedbyparticulareconomicandsocioculturalcomplexities.ItnotesthatNigeriaisthemostpopulatedAfricancountryandthatitismulti-ethnicincomposition,withover250ethnicgroupswhichhavediverseculturesandlanguages.ItisadditionallynotedthatthepersistenceofcertainharmfultraditionalpracticesandcustomshashadanegativebearingontheenjoymentoftherightsguaranteedundertheConvention.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern290.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsdeepconcernthattherightsofthechildasprovidedforintheConventionhaveyettobeinvestedwitheffectivelegalstatusinNigeriaasthedraftchildren'sdecreeremainstobefinalizedandadopted.TheCommittee,whilenotingthepositivedevelopmentrepresentedbythedraftingandrevisionofachildren'sdecree,expressesitsregretthatacopyofthedraftdecreeinitsentiretywasnotmadeavailabletotheCommittee.ThelackofsuchenablinglegislationraisesseriousdoubtsastotheprioritypreviouslygiventotherightsofthechildinNigeria.TheCommitteeraisesthesepointsinthelightoftheconclusionitreachedfromexaminingtheStateparty'sreportanditsdialoguewiththedelegationthatcertainlegislationcurrentlyinforceinNigeriainrelationtotherightsofthechildisnotinconformitywithvariousarticlesoftheConvention,includingarticle1.291.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthecompatibilityofcustomarylawandlawspassedattheregionalandlocallevelsandtheirapplicationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.292.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheapparentabsenceofadequatemechanismsforthedeterminationofappropriateindicators,aswellasforthecollectionofstatisticaldataandotherinformationonthestatusofchildrenforuseasbasesfordesigningprogrammestoimplementtheConvention.293.2 .2WithrespecttotheimplementationofvariousprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticularthosesetoutinarticles3and4,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheimpactofeconomicpolicy,asatpresentdesignedandpursued,mayhaveledtheGovernmenttoresort,onamoreregularbasisthanitwouldwish,totemporaryadhocfundingmeasurestocoversignificantshortfallsinincomefortherealizationofparticularprogrammaticobjectives.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthegapbetweenthecountry'sgrossnationalproductandtheinsufficiencyofresourcesbeingmadeavailablefortheimplementationoftherightsofthechild,inparticularintheareasofprimaryhealthcare,primaryeducationandothersocialservices,aswellastheprotectionofthemostdisadvantagedgroupsofchildren.Equally,theCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheeffectivenessofmeasuresatpresentinplacetogiveprioritytoprojectsfortheimplementationoftherightsofthechild,aswellastoreduceanydisparitiesbetweenandwithinregionsasregardstheavailabilityofresourcesfortherealizationofsuchprojects.294.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatconsiderableprogressisstillrequiredtowardsensuringthatalladultsandchildrenareawareoftherightsofthechildascontainedintheConvention.Additionally,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelackoftrainingandeducationabouttheConventionforindividualsworkingwithorforchildren,suchaspoliceofficers,chiefsofpolice,staffininstitutionswherechildrenaredetained,leadersatthecommunityandwardlevelsandothergovernmentofficials,aswellasjudges,lawyers,teachers,healthworkersandsocialworkers.295.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,aslaiddowninitsarticles2,3,6and12,arenotbeingappliedanddulyintegratedintotheimplementationofallarticlesoftheConvention.Concernisexpressedatthestatusandsituationofgirlchildrenandtheinsufficiencyofmeasurestopreventandcombatdiscriminationpractisedagainstthem.OfequalconcerntotheCommitteeistheapparentabsenceofproactivemeasurestocombatdiscriminationagainstdisabledchildren,childrenbelongingtoethnicminoritiesandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.296.2 .2Inthelightoftheprovisionsofarticle3oftheConvention,theCommitteeisoftheviewthattheGovernmenthasnotyetfullydevelopedaproceduretoensurethatthe"bestinterestsofthechild"guidethedecisionmakingprocess.Considerationoftheimpactofvariouspolicyoptionsontheenjoymentoftherightsofthechildshouldformanintegralpartofthisprocess.297.2 .2ItisalsotheviewoftheCommitteethattraditionalattitudesconcerningtherolechildrenshouldplayinthefamily,school,thecommunityandsocietyingeneralmaybefrustratingeffortstoachievethefullerparticipationofchildren,asenvisagedinarticles12and13oftheConvention.298.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthepersistenceofearlymarriage,childbetrothals,discriminationininheritance,widowhoodpracticesandotherharmfultraditionalpractices.ThesepracticesareincompatiblewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Moreparticularly,thecontinuationofthepracticeoffemalegenitalmutilationisofdeepconcerntotheCommittee;althoughmeasuresarebeingtakentoaddressthispractice,theCommitteeisoftheviewthattheyareinsufficient.Theproblemsofviolenceagainstchildrenandthephysicalabuseofchildreninthefamily,inschools,inthecommunityandinsocietyarealsoofmajorconcerntotheCommittee.299.2 .2TheCommitteeviewsthetrendofrisingchildmortalityratesasamatterofdeepconcern.DespitetheGovernment'sstatedpolicyofsupportingprimaryhealthcareprogrammesoverthoseprovidingcurativehealthcare,theCommitteeviewstheaccesstoqualityhealthcareservicesasunsatisfactory.Equally,theeffectivenessofmeasurestakentoavoidregionalvariationsintheprovisionofhealthcareservicesandmedicalsuppliesremainsacauseofconcerntotheCommittee.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheproblemsencounteredinprovidingaccesstosafewater.300.2 .2Inviewoftheconsiderableincidenceofpovertyinthecountryandtheinsufficiencyoftheminimumwageinmeetingbasicneeds,theCommitteeviewstheabsenceofsocialsupporttofamilies,includingsingleparentfamilies,especiallyfemaleheadedhouseholds,asamatterofseriousconcern.301.2 .2TheStateparty'srecognitionoftheimportanceofpromotingeducationforallasatooltoimprovethesituationofchildren,especiallygirlchildren,iswelcomed.However,theCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheeffectivenessofmeasuresbeingtakentoharmonizepolicyprioritiesinthisareawithadequatebudgetaryallocations.302.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsregretthatinsufficientmeasuresarebeingtakentoaddresstheproblemsofchildabuse,includingsexualabuse,andthesaleandtraffickingofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography.303.2 .2ItistheviewoftheCommitteethatcurrentlegislationwithregardtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandtheinstitutionalizationofchildrendoesnotappeartoconformtotheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Inthisregard,theprovisionsofnationallegislationwhichpermitsentencingtocapitalpunishmentareincompatiblewiththeprovisionsofarticle37(a)oftheConvention.304.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattheprovisionsofnationallegislationbywhichachildmaybedetained"atHerMajesty'spleasure"maypermittheindiscriminatesentencingofchildrenforindeterminateperiods.Furthermore,theCommitteeisworriedabouttheprovisionsofnationallegislationwhichprovideforthedetentionofchildrenassessedtobe"beyondparentalcontrol".Thepossibilitythatabandonedchildrenorchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreetwouldhavesuchmeasuresappliedagainstthemisofspecialconcerntotheCommittee.ItistheviewoftheCommitteethattheselegislativemeasuresdonotappeartobecompatiblewiththeprovisionsofarticle37(b)oftheConvention,whichlaysdownthatthearrest,detentionorimprisonmentofachildshallonlybeusedasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestappropriateperiodoftime.Equally,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheapplicationinpracticeoftheprovisionsofsection3oftheChildrenandPersonsLawmayleadtothearbitrarydetentionofchildren,whichisincompatiblewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.305.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithseriousconcernthelowageofcriminalresponsibilityforchildreninNigeria,atpresentsevenyearsofage,andthatchildrenevenundertheageofsevenmaybebroughtbeforethecourts.TheCommitteeisalsoseriouslyconcernedabouttheadequacyofsafeguardsforallchildrenbroughtbeforethecourts,requiredunderarticle40oftheConvention.306.2 .2Moreover,theCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedabouttheconditionsinplacesofdetentionforchildren,especiallywithregardtochildren'saccesstotheirparents,themedicalservicesandeducationalprogrammesofferedandtheservicesinplacetofacilitatetherecoveryandrehabilitationofchildren.Itisequallyconcernedabouttheinappropriatenessandineffectivenessofmeasuresforthesupervisionandmonitoringofthesituationofchildrenindetention,includingfordealingwithchildren'scomplaintsofabuseorilltreatment,andthelackofmeasurestoensurethatthesecomplaintsareaddressedinaseriousandexpeditiousmanner.307.2 .2Furthermore,theCommitteeisdeeplyalarmedthatthenecessarysafeguardsagainsttheexcessiveuseofforcebylawenforcementofficialsoranyoneelseactinginthiscapacityareunderminedbytheprovisionsofsection73oftheCriminalCode.Thismaygiverisetotheviolationofchildren'srights,includingtheirrighttolife,andleadstoimpunityfortheperpetratorsofsuchviolations.Therefore,itistheviewoftheCommitteethattheabovementionedprovisionsoftheNigerianCriminalCodeareincompatiblewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.308.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeentakenfortheimplementationofarticle32oftheConventiontopreventandcombattheeconomicexploitationofchildren.&  2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations309.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentconsider,onanurgentbasis,theadoptionofthechildren'sdecree,draftedinconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessofthe'  delegationoftheStatepartytoprovidetheCommitteewithinformationregardingprogressinrelationtothedraftchildren'sdecreeandtosubmittotheCommittee,assoonaspossible,acopyofthefulltextofthedraftdecree.310.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStateparty,inundertakingacomprehensivereviewofthenationallegalframeworkanditsconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,alsotakeintoaccountthecompatibilityofthesystemofcustomarylawandregionalandlocallawswiththearticlesoftheConvention.311.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheGovernmentconsiderthepossibilityofundertakingareviewoftheeffectivenessofmeasuresbeingtakentoimplementtheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConventioninrespectoftheallocationofresourcestothemaximumextentpossiblefortheimplementationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofthechild.ItisfurthersuggestedthatsuchareviewbeundertakeninthelightoftheprioritiesfortheimplementationoftheConventionidentifiedduringthediscussionofthereportofNigeria.312.2 .2TheCommitteeappreciatesthewillingnessoftheStatepartytoundertakefurthermeasurestoensurethateffectivemechanismsareputinplacefortheimplementationandmonitoringoftheConventionatalllevelsofgovernmentincludingthewardlevel,throughthemandategiventotheMinistryofWomenAffairsandSocialDevelopment.TheCommitteenotesthatthetaskofcooperatingandcoordinatingwithothermechanismsatdifferentlevelswithregardtothemonitoringoftheimplementationoftherightsofthechildisachallengingoneandexpressesthehopethatfurtherdiscussionswithingovernmentcirclesandthroughoutthevariouslevelsofgovernmentonhowbesttoachievethepriorityobjectivesbeundertakenonanurgentbasis.313.2 .2TheCommitteesharestheviewoftheStatepartythateffectiveeducationandawarenessraisingamongallchildrenconcerningtheirrightsshouldbeundertakenandthatanevaluationoftheextentofawarenessoftherightsofthechildamongchildrenandadultsshouldbecarriedout.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatsuchanawarenessraisingprogrammeshouldbeextendedtoalladultsandprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren.314.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatprioritybegiventothedevelopmentofmechanismsforcollectingstatisticaldataandindicatorsdisaggregatedbygender,andrural/urbanandethnicoriginasthebasesfordesigningprogrammesforchildren.315.2 .2ItistheCommittee'sviewthatfurthereffortsmustbeundertakentoensurethatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticular"thebestinterestsofthechild"andtheparticipationofchildren,notonlyguidepolicydiscussionsandformulationanddecisionmaking,butalsoareintegratedintothedevelopmentandimplementationofallprojectsandprogrammes.316.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoemphasizethatthegenerallackoffinancialresourcescannotbeusedasajustificationforneglectingtoestablishsocialsecurityprogrammesandsocialsafetynetstoprotectthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.Accordingly,itistheopinionoftheCommitteethataseriousreviewshouldbeundertakentodeterminetheconsistencyoftheeconomicandsocialpoliciesbeingdevelopedwiththeStateparty'sobligationsundertheConvention,inparticulararticles26and27,especiallywithrespecttotheestablishmentorimprovementofsocialsecurityprogrammesandothersocialprotection.317.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,asahighpriority,furthermeasuresbetakentopreventandcombatdiscrimination,especiallyonthegroundsofgenderandethnicorigin,anddifferentialaccesstoservicesbetweentheruralandurbanpopulation.318.2 .2WhileacknowledgingtheStateparty'scommitmenttoevaluatingtheeffectivenessofpolicyimplementationfordisabledchildren,theCommitteerecommendsthatsuchpolicybereviewedtoensurethatitreflectsthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlyasregardspreventingandcombatingdiscriminationagainstdisabledchildren.319.2 .2TheCommitteesharestheviewoftheStatepartythatmajoreffortsarerequiredtoaddressharmfulpracticessuchasearlymarriage,betrothalsofchildren,femalegenitalmutilationandabuseofchildreninthefamily.TheCommitteerecommendsthatalllegislationbereviewedtoensureitscompatibilitywiththeeradicationofsuchviolationsofchildren'srightsandthatcampaignsbedevelopedandpursuedwiththeinvolvementofallsectorsofsociety,withaviewtochangingattitudesinthecountryastothenon-acceptanceofharmfulpractices.Asfarasfemalegenitalmutilationisconcerned,allactionnecessarytoeradicatethisviolationofchildren'srightsmustbetakenonaprioritybasis.Publicawarenessandinformationcampaignsmustsupporteducationandadviceonotherfamilymatters,includingequalparentalresponsibilitiesandfamilyplanninginordertofostergoodfamilypracticesinlinewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.320.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatimprovementofaccesstoandthequalityofprimaryhealthcareservicesbeurgentlyundertaken.Majoreffortstoensuretheequaldistributionofhealthservicesandmedicalsuppliesbetweenandwithinregionsarerequiredimmediately.321.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartyinitseffortstoharmonizetheinformalandformaleducationsystems,particularlywithrespecttotheapplicationofanationalcurriculumwithinallschools.FurtherstepsshouldbetakentodevelopguidelinesfortheparticipationofallchildreninthelifeoftheschoolinconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttoimplementmeasurestoimproveschoolenrolmentandschoolretention,especiallyforgirls.Asystemfortheregularevaluationoftheeffectivenessoftheseandothereducationalmeasuresmustbeensured.Measuresmustalsobetakentoensurethatdisciplineinschoolisadministeredinconformitywiththeprovisionsofarticle28,paragraph2,oftheConvention.Inaddition,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightoftheprovisionsofarticle29oftheConventionandtheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theStatepartyincorporateeducationontherightsofthechildinschoolcurricula,payingspecialattentiontopromotingtoleranceamongallpeoplesandgroups.TheStatepartymaywishtoconsiderrequestingfurtherinternationalcooperationfortheimplementationofthemeasuresidentifiedfortheapplicationoftheprovisionsofarticles28and29oftheConvention.322.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatnationallegislationbebroughtintoconformitywiththeprovisionsofarticles37,39and40oftheConvention.Nationallegislationmustcomplywiththeprinciplethatcapitalpunishmentcannotbeappliedtochildrenundertheageof18.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatarticle73oftheCriminalCodebeabrogatedandsection3oftheChildrenandYoungPersonsLawbereviewedastoitsconformitywiththeConvention.TheCommitteewelcomestheinformationprovidedbytheStatepartythatthenewdraftchildren'sdecreewillsettheagelimitforcriminalresponsibilityat18.However,inviewoftheclarificationprovidedregardingthesystemtobesetinplace,theCommitteewishestoemphasizethatthelegalsafeguardsprovidedforintherelevantprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingthoseofarticle40,mustbeprovidedtoallchildren,whetherthedeprivationoftheirlibertyresultsfromtheapplicationofawelfareoracriminalprocedure.323.2 .2ItisalsotheviewoftheCommitteethatthebestinterestsofthechildshouldprevailinproceedingsconcerningchildvictimsofparentalabuse,especiallyindecidingwhetherparentshavetherighttorepresenttheirchildinsuchcases.Finally,theCommitteewishestoemphasizethattheConventionrequiresthatdetentionbeameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestappropriateperiodoftime.Theinstitutionalizationanddetentionofchildrenmustbeavoidedasmuchaspossibleandalternativestosuchpracticesmustbedevelopedandimplemented.TheCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentoestablishanindependentsystemformonitoringthesituationofchildrenindetention,whetherinprisonsorwelfareinstitutions.324.2 .2InviewofthevariousconcernsraisedbytheCommitteewithrespecttotheimplementationofarticle32oftheConvention,itwishestohighlighttheimportanceoftheStatepartyensuringthatallchildrenhaveaccesstohealthcare,thateducationbemadecompulsoryasameasuretopreventtheeconomicexploitationofchildrenandthatfurthermeasuresbetakentocombatexploitation,suchasthatofchilddomesticworkers,includinglegislativemeasures,toensuretheeffectiveprotectionofthechildagainsttheperformanceofanyworkthatislikelytobehazardousortointerferewiththechild'seducation,ortobeharmfultothechild'shealthorfullandharmoniousdevelopment.325.2 .2Inthelightofarticles34and35oftheConvention,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartyinitseffortstofollowupatboththenationalandregionallevelsonthemeasuresrequiredtopreventandcombatthesexualexploitationofchildren.326.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakenwithaviewtoensuringthephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandrehabilitationofthechildvictimsofabuse,neglect,illtreatment,violenceorexploitation,inaccordancewitharticle39oftheConvention.327.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartymakewidelyavailabletothepublicitsreport,therecordsofthediscussionofthatreportintheCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommittee.@ . 9.Concludingobservations:Uruguay328.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofUruguay(CRC/C/3/Add.37)atits325thto327thmeetings,on30Septemberand1October1996(CRC/C/SR.325-327),and,atits343rdmeeting,on11October1996,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction329.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthewrittenanswerstothelistofquestionsandforengaging,throughadelegationinvolvedinthepoliciesconcerningchildren'srights,inanopendialogueontheimplementationoftheConvention.TheCommitteenotes,however,thatthereportwasnotpreparedinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sguidelinesforthepreparationofinitialreportsandthatitmainlyreflectstheexistinglegalframeworkanddoesnotcontainsufficientinformationonothermeasurestakentoimplementeffectivelytherightssetforthintheConvention.2 .2(b) .Positivefactors330.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthedeclarationmadebytheStatepartywithregardtoarticle38oftheConventiontotheeffectthat,underUruguayanlaw,childrenunder18yearsofagecannottakepartinhostilitiesintheeventofanarmedconflict.̇331.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthestrengtheningofdemocraticinstitutionsinUruguay,includingsafeguardssuchashabeascorpusandamparo(remedyprocedureavailabletocitizensincaseofviolationsoftheirrights),intheprocessofthedemocratizationofthecountry.332.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatimportantmeasurestakeninthesocialareahaveresultedingoodindicatorsintheareasofhealthandeducation.2 .2(c) .Principalsubjectsofconcern333.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoharmonizenationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inspiteofthefactthatinternationaltreatiesratifiedbyUruguayareconsideredtohaveastatusequaltothatofordinarylaws.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatnewlawshavenotbeenenactedtoaddressareascoveredbytheConvention,includinglawsonintercountryadoption,theprohibitionofchildtraffickingandtheprohibitionoftorture.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattheChildren'sCodeadoptedin1934,whichcontainsanumberofprovisionscontrarytotheConvention,hasnotyetbeenrevisedoramended.ItalsoregretsthatanumberoflegalprovisionscontrarytotheConventionarestillinforce,includingintheareasofadministrationofjuvenilejustice,minimumageofaccesstoemploymentandminimumageformarriage.334.2 .2TheCommittee,whilerecognizingtheeffortsundertakenbytheauthoritiesinthecollectionofdata,isconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtocollectdisaggregateddataonthesituationofallchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,includingblackchildren,disabledchildren,streetchildren,childrenplacedininstitutions,includinginstitutionsofapenalnature,illtreatedandabusedchildrenorchildrenfromeconomicallydisadvantagedgroups,whichconstitutesamajorobstacletotheeffectiveandfullimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention.335.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoensureeffectivecoordinationbetweendifferentgovernmentaldepartmentscompetentintheareascoveredbytheConvention,aswellasbetweencentralandlocalauthorities.336.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheinsufficientbudgetallocationforsocialexpenditures,inparticularinfavourofchildrenbelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroupsofthepopulation.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthetrendtowardstheperpetuationofpovertyamongmarginalizedgroupsofchildren,withalmost40percentofchildrenunderfiveyearsofagelivingin20percentofthepooresthouseholdsand4percentofchildreninthisagegroupsufferingfromseveremalnutrition,whilesocialandeconomicdiscrepanciespersistasregardsaccesstoeducationandhealthservices.337.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakentoreflectinlegislationandpracticethegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,namelynon-discrimination,thebestinterestsofthechildandrespectforhisorherviews.338.2 .2Inthisregard,theCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedatthepersistingdiscriminationagainstchildrenbornoutofwedlock,includinginregardtotheenjoymentoftheircivilrights.Itnotesthattheprocedureforthedeterminationoftheirnamepavesthewayfortheirstigmatizationandtheimpossibilityofhavingaccesstotheirorigins,andthatwhenborntoamotherorfatherwhoisaminor,thesechildrencannotberecognizedbythatparent.339.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthehighrateofearlypregnancy,whichhasnegativeeffectsonthehealthofthemothersandthebabies,andonthemothers'enjoymentoftheirrighttoeducation,hamperingtheschoolattendanceofthegirlsconcernedandcausinghighnumbersofschooldrop-outs.340.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedabouttheincreasingincidenceofabuseandviolencewithinthefamilyandtheinadequacyofmeasurestopreventandcombatsuchabuseandviolenceandtorehabilitatethechildvictims.341.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheprevalenceinthecountryofthedoctrineof"childreninanirregularsituation"whichpavesthewayforthestigmatizationandfrequentinstitutionalizationanddeprivationoflibertyofchildrenonthebasisoftheireconomicandsociallydisadvantagedsituation.TheCommitteeregretsthattheimplementationoftheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionrelatingtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticehasbeengiveninsufficientattention,bothinlegislationandinpractice.Inthisregard,theCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoensure,interalia,thatdeprivationoflibertyisonlyusedasameasureoflastresort,thatchildrendeprivedoflibertyaretreatedwithhumanityandinamannerwhichtakesintoaccounttheneedsofpersonsoftheirage,aswellasthattherightstomaintaincontactwiththeirfamiliesandtodueprocessoflawareensuredinconformitywitharticle40oftheConvention.Moreover,theCommitteeisconcernedatthehighnumberofinstitutionalizedchildrenandthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentoensureeffectivealternativestoinstitutionalcareandtopromotetheirsocialreintegration.342.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatchildlabourremainsaprobleminUruguayandthatmeasurestakentopreventitareinsufficient.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthattheminimumageforemploymentinUruguayanlawislowerthantheminimumageprovidedforinapplicableinternationalconventions,althoughUruguayhasratifiedInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138.343.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensurethattheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionaremadewidelyknowntoadultsandchildrenalike,inaccordancewitharticle42oftheConvention.Moreover,insufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtothetrainingofprofessionalsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,healthworkers,socialworkers,lawyers,policeofficers,chiefsofpolice,staffininstitutionswherechildrenaredetainedandofficialsofthecentralandlocaladministrations,inordertochangeprevailingattitudes.2 .2(d) .Suggestionsandrecommendations344.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inthecontextofthelegalreformbeingundertakenbyUruguayinthefieldofchildren'srights,nationallegislationbemadefullycompatiblewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,includingnon-discrimination,thebestinterestsofthechild,thechild'sparticipationandrespectforhisorherviews.SuchreformshouldaddressinparticulartheconcernsraisedbytheCommitteeduringitsdiscussionwiththeStateparty,particularlyintheareaswherethenationallegislationisnotinconformitywiththeConvention.345.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentogathersystematicquantitativeandqualitativedata,disaggregated,interalia,byage,gender,colour,rural/urbanandsocialorigin,onallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,particularlythemostdisadvantagedgroups.Inthisregard,itsuggeststhatfurthercooperationbeensuredwiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFundwithaviewtoassessingandevaluatingprogressachieved,identifyingdifficultiesandsettingprioritiesforfutureaction.346.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatstepsbetakentoensureeffectivecoordinationbetweentheexistinginstitutionsinvolvedintheprotectionandpromotionofchildren'srightsatthecentralandlocallevels,andthattheestablishmentofanindependentmonitoringbody(ombudsman)competentinchildren'srightsbegivenfurtherconsiderationbytheGovernment.347.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty,inthelightofarticles2,3and4oftheConvention,undertakeallappropriatemeasurestothemaximumextentofitsavailableresourcestoensurethatsufficientbudgetaryallocationisprovidedtoservicesforchildren,particularlyintheareasofeducationandhealth,andthatparticularattentionispaidtotheprotectionofchildrenbelongingtovulnerableandmarginalizedgroups.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhatthe"child-impact"ofsuchdecisionsbeassessedonanongoingbasis.348.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatmeasuresbeadoptedbytheStatepartytoprovideappropriateassistancetothefamilyintheperformanceofitschildrearingresponsibilities,withaview,interalia,topreventingdomesticviolenceandabuse,abandonmentandinstitutionalizationofchildren,andtopromotingresearchintheseareas.349.2 .2WithregardtothehighrateofearlypregnancyprevailinginUruguay,theCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbeadoptedtoprovideappropriatefamilyeducationandservicesforyoungpeoplewithintheschoolandhealthprogrammesimplementedinthecountry.350.2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatappropriatealternativestoinstitutionalcarebedeveloped,withthebestinterestsofthechildastheprimaryconsideration,aswellasthepromotionofhisorherharmoniousdevelopmentandpreparationforresponsibleparticipationinsociety.Incaseswheretheplacementofchildrenininstitutionsisnecessary,measuresshouldbeadoptedtoensureperiodicreviewofthetreatmentprovidedtothechildandallothercircumstancesrelevanttohisorherplacement.351.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatasystemofadministrationofjuvenilejusticebeestablishedintheframeworkoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,aswellasotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheAdministrationofJuvenileJustice(theBeijingRules),theUnitedNationsGuidelinesforthePreventionofJuvenileDelinquency(theRiyadhGuidelines)andtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Inthisconnection,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderseekinginternationalassistanceinthisareafromtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsSecretariat.352.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatlegislativeandpreventivemeasuresbetakentoaddresstheissueofchildlabourand,inparticular,toraisetheminimumageforaccesstoemployment,inconformitywiththeConventionandwithInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138,aswellastocreateawarenessoftheimportanceofeducationandvocationaltrainingtoprovidethechildwithneededskillsandknowledge.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentofUruguayconsiderrequestingfurthertechnicalassistancefromtheInternationalLabourOrganizationinthesematters.353.2 .2Inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattrainingprogrammesontherightsofthechildbeconductedforprofessionalsworkingfororwithchildren,includingteachers,healthworkers,socialworkers,lawyers,policeofficers,chiefsofpolice,staffininstitutionswherechildrenaredetainedandofficialsofthecentralandlocaladministrations.Measuresshouldalsobeadoptedtoincorporatechildren'srightsinschoolcurriculaatalllevels.TheCommitteebelievesthatinformationcampaignsonchildren'srightswillcontributetoensuringvisibilitytochildrenwithinUruguayansocietyandtochangingnegativeattitudestowardschildren.Suchcampaignsshouldaimateradicatingdiscriminatoryattitudestowardschildren,especiallythosebelongingtovulnerableandmarginalizedgroups,andenhancingrespectfortheirfundamentalrights.Inthisregard,theCommitteeunderlinestheimportanceofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,namely,thebestinterestsofthechild,thechild'sparticipationandrespectofhisorherviews,respectoftheprincipleofnon-discriminationandtherighttolife,survivalanddevelopmenttothemaximumextent,whichshouldguideandinspirealltrainingandinformationprogrammesinthisarea.354.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inaccordancewitharticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theStatepartywidelypublicizeitsreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteeandthatitgiveconsiderationtotheorganizationofaparliamentarydebateontheimplementationoftheConvention.̀10.Concludingobservations:UnitedKingdomofGreatBritaiǹandNorthernIreland:dependentterritories(HongKong)355.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland:dependentterritories(HongKong)(CRC/C/11/Add.9)atits329thto331stmeetings,on2and3October1996(seeCRC/C/SR.329-331),and,atits343rdmeeting,on11October1996,adoptedthefollowingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction356.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthetimelysubmissionofbothitsreportandwrittenresponsestotheCommittee'slistofissues.TheCommitteewelcomestheinformationprovidedbythedelegationinitsintroductorystatementandforthecooperativespiritwhichcharacterizedthedialogueintheCommittee.357.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthespecialsituationfacingHongKongasaterritoryoverwhichtherewillbeachangeofsovereigntywhenitrevertstoChinaon1July1997.TheCommitteealsonotesthatmattersrelatingtothecontinuedapplicationoftheConventiontoHongKong,includingreportingarrangements,arethesubjectofdiscussionbetweentheGovernmentsoftheUnitedKingdomandChinathroughtheJointLiaisonGroup.&  2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects358.2 .2NoteistakenoftheenactmentoftheParentandChildOrdinancein1993whichremoveslegaldisadvantagesthatpreviouslyappliedtoillegitimate'  children.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheadoptionoftheDisabilityDiscriminationOrdinanceaimedatpromotingtheintegrationofpersonswithadisabilityintothecommunity.359.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthevariousmeasuresbeingtakenbytheGovernmenttoaddressthedangerofguardiansleavingchildrenunattendedathome.360.2 .2InformationprovidedontheoperationbytheSocialWelfareDepartmentofatelephonehotlinetoreceive,interalia,reportsonchildabusecasesisnotedwithappreciation.TheCommitteealsotakesnoteofthemeasurestakentopromoteawarenessofcommonadolescenthealthproblemsandthetelephonehotlineserviceoftheCentralHealthEducationUnitoftheDepartmentofHealth,whichhasbeensetuptodealwithcallsrelatingtothisissue.Therecruitmentofsecondaryschoolstudentsashealthambassadorsintrainingprogrammesoncommonadolescenthealthmattersisalsonotedwithgreatinterest.Equally,thelaunchingofthenewStudentHealthService,aprogrammedesignedtocaterforthehealthneedsofschoolchildrenagedbetween6and18,iswarmlywelcomed,asistheestablishmentoftheHealthCareandPromotionFund,whichisdesignedtostepupeffortsforhealthpromotionanddiseaseprevention.361.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtheinitiativestakentomakehospitalsmorebabyandchildfriendly,includingthemeasuresbeingtakentoimprovepaediatricwardfacilitiesinhospitalsandalsotoprovideplayareasforchildreninpaediatricwardsandareasforparentstostaywiththeirchildreninhospital.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheimprovementstotheComprehensiveSocialSecurityAssistanceScheme,particularlywithrespecttobenefitsavailableinimplementationofarticles26and27oftheConvention.362.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinformationpresentedbythedelegationconcerningthefiveresearchprojectsonchildren'srightscurrentlybeingundertakenbyuniversitiesandfundedbytheGovernment.363.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheestablishmentofanindependentbodytoconsidercomplaintsagainstthepoliceinHongKong.&  2 .2(c) .Principalsubjectsofconcern364.2 .2WiththeextensionoftheConventiontoHongKonginSeptember1994furtherreservationstotheConventionapplicabletotheterritoryofHongKongweredepositedbytheGovernmentoftheUnitedKingdom.Itisamatterofregretto'  theCommitteethattheStatepartyhasnotyetdecidedtowithdrawitsreservations,particularlyastheyrelatetotheissuesofworkinghoursforchildren,ofjuvenilejusticeandofrefugees.365.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheadoptionoftheBillofHumanRightsOrdinance;itnotes,however,thatthisBillisunentrenched.TheCommittee,whileacknowledgingthattheBillcontainsprovisionsrecognizingthetwomajorhumanrightscovenants,thearticlesofwhichalsoapplytochildren,considersitregrettablethattheBillcontainsnospecificreferencetotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Inthelightofthis,andgiventhepositivestepstakenbytheGovernmenttoadopttheEqualOpportunitiesActandestablishtheEqualOpportunitiesCommission,itisalsoamatterofregrettotheCommitteethatasimilarstrategyaspursuedforgenderequalityhasnotbeenadoptedfortherightsofthechild.InviewoftheGovernment'scommitmenttoreviewlegislationandpolicyregularlyinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthatsufficientprioritydoesnotappeartohavebeengiveninthereviewingprocesstothepossibilityofestablishinganindependentmonitoringbodyontherightsofthechildandofpursuinganintegratedandholisticapproachtotheadoptionoflegislationontherightsofthechild.366.2 .2WhilenotingthepositivestepstakentoestablishvariousmechanismsfortheexecutionofpolicyandprogrammesfortheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention,theCommitteeremainsconcernedabouttheadequacyofcoordinationactivitiesbetweenconcernedgovernmentalinstitutionstoensurethattherightsofthechildaregivenpriority.367.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentoensurethefullestimplementationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthosecontainedinarticles3and12,especiallyinthechoice,formulationandapplicationofpolicymeasurestopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild.Inthisregarditisnotedthatasystemforintegratingachildimpactanalysisintopolicyformulationanddecisionmakinghasnotyetbeenputintoplace.ItisalsotheviewoftheCommitteethatthepersistenceofcertainattitudesrelatingtoperceptionoftherolechildrenshouldplayinthefamily,schoolandsocietymaybedelayingthefullacceptanceoftheimplementationoftheprovisionsofarticles12and13oftheConventioninHongKong.368.2 .2AsregardsthesituationofillegalimmigrantchildrenfromChinaandtheissuesitraiseswithrespecttothequestionoffamiliessplitbetweenHongKongandChina,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheincreaseinpermitsarrangedforthesechildrenandtheirfamilies,from105to150,ismanifestlyinsufficienttomeettheneedsoftheestimated60,000childrencurrentlyinChinawhomayhavetherightofabodeinHongKongafter1July1997.369.2 .2Despitethemeasurestakentoaddresstheproblemsofchildabuse,neglectandthenumberofaccidentsaffectingchildren,theseissuescontinuetogivecauseforconcern.Equally,adolescentmentalhealthissues,includingtheproblemofyouthsuicide,isamatterofseriousconcerntotheCommittee.370.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheapparentinsufficiencyofmeasurestoencouragebreastfeeding.TheCommitteenotesthatpowderedmilkforbabiescontinuestobefreelydistributedinhospitals,contrarytointernationalguidelinesonthismatter.Equally,theextenttowhichthestatutoryprovisionsrelatingto,interalia,maternityleaveandconditionsofemploymentfornursingmothersarecompatiblewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionremainsamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.371.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatinsufficientattentionappearstohavebeengiventotheimplementationofarticle29oftheConvention,particularlyinrespectofaccordinghumanrightseducationthenecessarystatuswithinschoolcurricula.372.2 .2ThebroadquestionofthetreatmentofVietnamesechildrenindetentioncentresinHongKongdeeplyconcernstheCommittee.ItistheobservationoftheCommitteethatthesechildrenhavebeenandcontinuetobethevictimofapolicydesignedtodiscouragefurtherrefugeesfromcomingintothearea.Whileitisgrantedthatthesituationisacomplexone,thepolicyofthecontinueddetentionofthesechildrenisincompatiblewiththeConvention.̇373.2 .2Inaddition,theCommitteeisoftheviewthatthelowageofcriminalresponsibilityisnotinconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandregretsthedecisionnottoraisetheageofcriminalresponsibility.2 .2(d) .Suggestionsandrecommendations374.2 .2TheimplementationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionrequiresthatprioritybegiventochildren'sissues,particularlyinthelightoftheprincipleofthe"bestinterestsofthechild"andofthefactthatGovernmentshave,ininternationalforums,agreedtotheprincipleof"Firstcallforchildren",includinginthefinaldocumentadoptedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRights.Itisrecommended,therefore,thatintheformulationofpolicyoptionsandproposalsthereshouldbeanaccompanyingassessmentofitsimpactonchildrensothatdecisionmakerscanbebetteradvisedwhenformulatingpolicyastoitseffectontherightsofthechild.ItisalsosuggestedthatstepsbetakentoreflectanddulytakeintoaccountinnationallegislationtheholisticandcomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftherightsofthechildrecommendedbytheCommittee.TheCommitteerecommendstheestablishmentofanindependentmechanismspecificallytomonitortheimplementationofgovernmentpolicyinrelationtotherightsofthechild.Itisnotedthatanindependentmechanismcouldalsoplayanimportantroleininformingthepublicandlegislatureoftheactionbeingtakenfortherightsofthechild.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatchildren'srightsbefullyintegratedintothediscussionsonissuesconcerningthetransferofsovereigntyoverHongKongandbeaccordedhighpriorityinthedialogueontheseandrelatedmattersintheJointLiaisonGroup.375.2 .2TheCommitteeencourageseffortstoinvolvecivilsocietyandnon-governmentalorganizationsmorecloselyinthemonitoringandimplementationoftheConvention,includingwithrespecttothedevelopmentofacomprehensivestrategyforchildreninHongKong.376.2 .2Aspartoftheongoingeffortstopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild,particularlyinrelationtotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatafurtherassessmentbeundertakenoftheeffectivenessofthepresentsystemofinstitutionalcoordinationofpoliciesandprogrammesontherightsofthechild,especiallywithregardtochildabuse.Moreover,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatthecollectionandanalysisofstatisticaldatabyagegroupbeguidedbytheprovisionsofarticle1oftheConvention.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhatconsiderationbegiventoundertakingorencouragingresearchonthedevelopmentanduseofindicatorstomonitortheprogressoftheimplementationofalltheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.377.2 .2Inconnectionwiththeongoingeffortstoraiseawarenessofhumanrightsandchildren'srightsamongthepopulationofHongKong,theCommitteesuggeststhatconsiderationbegiventotakingfurthermeasurestoinformthegeneralpublicabouttheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtoincorporateeducationabouthumanrightsandchildren'srightsintrainingprogrammesforprofessionals.TheCommitteeencouragestheincorporationofquestionsontheawarenessandunderstandingofthepublicoftheConventionanditsprinciplesandprovisionsinfuturecivicawarenesssurveys.378.2 .2TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthatfurtherconsiderationbegiventoevaluatingtheeffectivenessofmeasurestoraiseawarenessforthepreventionandcombatingofdiscriminationandpromotingoftolerance,particularlywithrespecttodiscriminationonthegroundsofgender,ethnicorigin,anddiscriminationagainstdisabledchildrenandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.379.2 .2Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticle12oftheConvention,theCommitteeencouragestheundertakingofastudy,fromtheperspectiveofchildrenasbearersofrights,onthesubjectofchildren'sparticipationinthefamily,schoolandsociety,withaviewtotheformulationofrecommendationsonthismatter.380.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentoaddresstheissueofillegalimmigrantchildrenfromChina,especiallywithrespecttothedifficultiesarisingfromfamiliessplitbetweenHongKongandChina.ItistheCommittee'sviewthat,inthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild,actionshouldbetakenonanurgentbasistoreducethewaitingperiodforfamilyreunification,toraisethequotaofpermitsandtoconsiderothermeasurestodealwiththeproblemsthatwillariseinthefuture.381.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoacknowledgeonceagaintheimportanteffortsundertakentodealwiththequestionofchildabuse.Notwithstandingthis,theCommitteeisoftheviewthatthepreventionofthisviolationofchildren'srightsrequiresfurtherattitudinalchangesinsociety,notonlyasregardsthenon-acceptanceofcorporalpunishmentandphysicalandpsychologicalabuse,butalsoagreaterrespectfortheinherentdignityofthechild.382.2 .2Despitetherecentincreaseinthenumberofsocialworkersemployedforchildabusecases,itistheviewoftheCommitteethatthecaseloadofeachprofessionalmaystillbetoohighandthequestionoftakingadditionalactiontoaddresssuchmattersdeservesfurtherstudy.TheCommitteeencouragestheeffortsmadetoaccordhighprioritytoandpursuemoreintenselytheestablishmentofday-carecentresinthecommunity,includingasameasuretopreventchildrenbeingleftunattendedathome.Inaddition,theCommitteeencouragestheinitiativetakentoensurewithinfuturereviewsoftheFamilyLifeEducationProgrammeanassessmentofitseffectivenessinpreventingchildabuse.383.2 .2Withrespecttoimprovingthesituationofdisabledchildren,theCommitteeencouragestheeffortsbeingundertakentointegratedisabledchildrenintoregularschools,includingthroughinvestmentinstructuralchangestoschoolsandsupporttothetrainingofteacherstoassisttheminadjustingandadaptingtheirteachingmethodstotheneedsofdisabledchildren.384.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatareviewbeundertakenoftheeffectivenessofmeasuresinplacetosupportthepolicyofpromotingandencouragingbreastfeeding.Itisrecommendedthatthequestionofthefreedistributionofpowderedmilkforbabiesinhospitals,aswellasthecompatibilityofconditionsofemploymentwiththeobligationlaiddownintheConventiontoencouragebreastfeeding,shouldformanintegralpartofsuchareview.385.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatareviewbeundertakenofthepossiblelinksbetweenschoolpressuresandadolescenthealthproblemsinviewoftheconcernsraisedontheseissuesduringitsdiscussionofthereport.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatthereasonsforsuicideamongyouthandtheeffectivenessofprogrammesforthepreventionofsuicideamongchildrendeservefurtherstudy.386.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendstheincorporationofhumanrightseducation,includingeducationabouttheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,asacorecurriculumsubjectinallschools.TheCommitteenotesthatthiswouldrequirethatsufficienttimebeallocatedtothissubjectintheschooltimetable.TheCommitteealsowishestosuggestthatanevaluationofhumanrightsawarenessraisingandeducationbeundertakeninthefuturetodetermineitseffectivenessinequippingchildrenwithtoolsforlifeandinencouragingtheirdecisionmakingandabilitytothinkanalyticallyfromtheperspectiveofhumanrights.TheCommitteealsowishestorecommendthatgreaterprioritybeaccordedtotheparticipationofchildreninschoollife,inthespiritofarticle12oftheConvention,includingindiscussionsaboutdisciplinarymeasuresandcurriculadevelopment.Waysandmeansofensuringthefullerimplementationofarticle31oftheConventionalsoappeartodeservefurtherstudy.387.2 .2WithregardtothesituationofVietnamesechildrenindetention,theCommitteerecommendsthatanevaluationofpresentandpreviouspolicyonthismatterbeundertaken,toensurethatanyerrorsmadearenotrepeatedinthefuture.TheCommitteerecommendsthatfortheremainingchildrenindetentionasolutiontotheirsituationmustbefoundinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.ItistheviewoftheCommittee,therefore,thatmeasuresmustbetakenimmediatelytoensureamarkedimprovementintheirconditionsofdetentionandthatothermeasurestoprotectthesechildreninthefuturemustbeputinplace.388.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatareviewoflegislationinrelationtotheissueoftheageofcriminalresponsibilitybeundertakenwithaviewtoraisingthisageinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.389.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendswidepublicdistributionanddisseminationoftheStatepartyreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionintheCommitteeandthepresentconcludingobservations.390.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentprepareaprogressreportonthemeasurestakentogiveeffecttothesuggestionsandrecommendationscontainedinthepresentconcludingobservationsbytheendofMay1997.&  @ . 11.Concludingobservations:Mauritius391.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofMauritius(CRC/C/3/Add.36)atits332ndto334thmeetings,on3and4October1996(CRC/C/SR.332-334),and,atits343rdmeeting,on11October1996,adoptedthefollowingconcluding'  observations.2 .2(a) .Introduction392.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationofthereportsubmittedbytheGovernmentofMauritius,aswellasoftheextensiveadditionalinformationprovidedinitswrittenresponsestothelistofissues(CRC/C.12/WP.6).TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefranktoneofthediscussion,inwhichthehighleveldelegationoftheStatepartyrecognizedtheneedforimprovementincertainareasconcerningchildren.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects393.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheoralandwrittencommitmentoftheGovernmentofMauritiustowithdrawingitsreservationtoarticle22oftheConvention.&  394.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheestablishmentin1990,byActofParliament,oftheNationalChildren'sCouncil,setupundertheaegisoftheMinistryofWomen'sRights,ChildDevelopmentandFamilyWelfare,andwelcomestherecentestablishmentofaninterministerialcommitteeonchildprostitution.'  395.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheeffortsmadebytheGovernmentofMauritiusinthefieldoflawreformandespeciallytheadoption,inpursuanceoftheimplementationoftheConvention,oftheChildProtectionActinNovember1994.396.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheratificationbytheStatepartyofInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138ontheminimumageforadmissiontoemployment(1973).397.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessexpressedbythedelegationtoestablishanombudspersonfortherightsofthechildoranotherequivalentindependentmechanism.398.2 .2TheCommitteealsonoteswithappreciationthattheGovernmentofMauritiushaspreparedandimplementedtheNationalProgrammeofActionfortheSurvival,DevelopmentandProtectionofChildreninresponsetotherecommendationsandgoalsenunciatedintheDeclarationandPlanofActionadoptedbytheWorldSummitforChildreninSeptember1990.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention399.2 .2TheCommitteeisawareofthegeographicalparticularitiesofMauritius.TheCommitteealsonotesthatthepopulationoftheStatepartyismainlycomposedofimmigrantsfromvariouscontinents,withdifferentethnicoriginsandculturalbackgrounds.&  2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern400.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheConventionisnotanintegralpartofthenationallegislationandthatnationallawsandregulationsarenotfullyconsistentwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.'  401.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaid,atboththenationalandlocallevels,totheneedforanefficientmonitoringmechanismthatcouldprovideasystematicandcomprehensivecompilationofdataandindicatorsonallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,especiallythosewhoarevictimsofchildabuse,illtreatmentorchildlabourortheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,aswellasthegirlchild,childrenofsingleparentfamiliesandthosebornoutofwedlock,abandoned,institutionalizedanddisabledchildren,andchildrenwho,inordertosurvive,arelivingand/orworkingonthestreet.402.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresandprogrammesfortheprotectionoftherightsofthemostvulnerablechildren,especiallychildrenwhoarevictimsofabuse,childrenofsingleparents,childrenbornoutofwedlock,abandonedchildren,disabledchildren,childrenlivinginpovertyandchildrenwho,inordertosurvive,arelivingand/orworkingonthestreet.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthelackofdisaggregateddatainrelationtobudgetaryallocationsforchildren.403.2 .2TheStatepartyhasnotyettakenfullyintoaccountinitslegislationandpoliciesthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention:non-discrimination(art.2),thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12).404.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentomaketheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionwidelyknowntoadultsandchildrenalike,inconformitywitharticle42.405.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheeducationsystemmightnotbeconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheConventionregardingtherighttoeducation.Inthisregard,theCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedatthehighschooldrop-outrates,especiallyattheendoftheprimaryeducationlevel,andatthehighrateofilliteracy.Itisalsoworriedabouttheabsenceofsupervisionofprivateschools.TheCommitteeisconcerned,inaddition,atthedifficultiesencounteredbydisabledchildreningainingaccesstoregularprimaryschools.406.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheprovisionsofthePenalCoderelatingtoprotectionagainstsexualabuse,whichprovidenosafeguardfortheprotectionofboyvictims,areinconsistentwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.407.2 .2Althoughtheemploymentofchildrenisgovernedbythe1975LabourActwhichprohibitstheemploymentofchildrenundertheageof15,theCommitteenoteswithdeepconcernthatthe1990censusconfirmstheexistenceofworkingchildren,inparticularontheislandofRodrigueswherechildlabouriscommon.408.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthereportedincreaseinchildabuse,includinginfanticide,domesticviolenceandchildprostitution,andthelackofadequatemeasuresforthepsycho-socialrecoveryofchildvictimsofsuchabuse.409.2 .2WhilenotingwithappreciationtheestablishmentoftheNationalAdoptionCouncil,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientsafeguardstoprotectfullytherightsofchildrenintheprocessofinternationaladoption.410.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeand,inparticular,itslackofcompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandards,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations411.2 .2InthespiritoftheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofAction,adoptedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsinJune1993,inwhichStateswereurgedtowithdrawreservationstotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,theCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytotakestepstowithdrawitsreservationtoarticle22oftheConvention.412.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatlegislativemeasuresbeundertakentoensurethatnationallegislationconformswiththeprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstostrengthentheinstitutionalframeworkdesignedtopromoteandprotecthumanrightsingeneralandtherightsofthechildinparticular.413.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringeffectiveevaluationoftheimplementationoftheConventioninthecountry.414.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartygivepriorityattentiontothedevelopmentofasystemofdatacollectionandtotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicators,withaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety.Suchmechanismscanplayavitalroleinsystematicallymonitoringthestatusofchildrenandevaluatingprogressachievedandthedifficultieshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srightsforallgroups.Theycanbeusedasabasisfordesigningprogrammestoimprovethesituationofchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,includingdisabledchildren,childrenbornoutofwedlock,childrenilltreatedandabusedwithinthefamily,childrenwhoarevictimsofsexualexploitation,andchildrenwhoareforcedtoliveand/orworkonthestreetinordertosurvive.ItisfurthersuggestedthattheStatepartyrequestinternationalcooperationinthisregard.415.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsidertheestablishmentofanindependentmechanism,suchasanombudspersonfortherightsofthechild.416.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmentofMauritiustopayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandtoensureadequatedistributionofresourcesatboththecentralandlocallevels.Budgetallocationsfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsshouldbeensuredtothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesandinthelightofthebestinterestsofthechild.417.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartylaunchapermanentinformationcampaign,forbothchildrenandadults,ontheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheGovernmentshouldconsiderincorporatingtheConventioninschoolcurriculaandtakeappropriatemeasurestofacilitateaccessbychildrentoinformationproducedforthem.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartydevelopacomprehensivetrainingprogrammeforprofessionalgroupssuchasteachers,socialworkers,doctors,lawenforcementpersonnelandimmigrationofficers.Policeofficersmustbespeciallytrainedtodealwithchildabuseandneglect.418.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoundertakeacomprehensivestudyontheimpactofmalnutritiononchilddevelopmentinconnectionwithschooldrop-outandchildlabour,andtotakeallappropriatemeasurestoaddressthisproblem.InternationalcooperationcouldberequestedtoachievethistaskandconsiderationshouldbegiventothestrengtheningofcooperationwiththeInternationalLabourOrganizationandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.ItisalsorecommendedthattheStatepartyencourageandsupporttheestablishmentofday-carecentresatworkplaces,toenablechildrenofworkingmotherstobenefitfromahealthydevelopment.419.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthataglobalstudyonthequalityoftheeducationsystembemade.Inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestofightschooldropoutandtopreventchildlabour.Measuresshouldbetakentopreventariseindiscriminatoryattitudesorprejudicetowardsgirlchildrenandchildrenbelongingtominoritygroups.Itisalsosuggestedthatsexualeducationbeincludedinschoolcurricula.Itrecommendsthatcomprehensivestudiesbeinitiatedontheseimportantissuestoprovidebetterunderstandingofthesephenomenaandfacilitatetheelaborationofpoliciesandprogrammestocombatthemeffectively.420.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthat,inorderfullytoprotecttherightsofthechildinadoptionprocedures,theStatepartyconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoption(1993).421.2 .2Inthelightofarticles19,34and35oftheConvention,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventandcombatilltreatmentofchildren,includingchildabusewithinthefamily,corporalpunishment,childlabourandthesexualexploitationofchildren,includingvictimsofsexualtourism.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthePenalCodebeamendedinthelightoftheConvention.Furthermeasuresshouldbetakenwithaviewtoensuringthephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandrehabilitationofthevictimsofabuse,neglect,illtreatment,violenceorexploitation,inaccordancewitharticle39oftheConvention.422.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformoftheJuvenileOffenderActinthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoconsideringdeprivationoflibertyonlyasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestpossibleperiod,toprotectingtherightsofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,todueprocessoflawandtothefullindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallprofessionalsinvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystem.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthepenallawbeamendedsothatadultshavingsexualintercoursewithboysunder16wouldbeconsideredasacriminalact.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistanceforthispurposefromtheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRights/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsSecretariat.423.2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbyMauritiusbemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ .N 12.Concludingobservations:Slovenia424.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofSlovenia(CRC/C/8/Add.25)atits337thand338thmeetings,on9October1996(CRC/C/SR.337-338),and,atits343rdmeeting,on11October1996,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.&  2 .2(a) .Introduction425.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofSloveniaforengaging,throughamultidisciplinarydelegation,inanopen,constructiveand'  fruitfuldialogue.Italsowelcomesthesubmissionofitsinitialreport,aswellastheverydetailedadditionalinformationprovidedtotheCommitteeinwrittenform.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrankandcooperativetoneofthediscussion,inwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatednotonlythepolicyandprogrammedirectionsbutalsothedifficultiesencounteredintheimplementationoftheConvention.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects426.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthestepstakenbytheGovernmenttopromotedemocracyandhumanrightsinsociety,includingthroughconstitutionalprovisions.Inthisregard,itwelcomestheintroductioninthe1991Constitutionofaspecificchapteronhumanrightsandbasicfreedoms,withinwhichtherightsofthechildarealsodefined.TheCommitteeisalsoencouragedbytherecentadoption,inthelightoftheConvention,ofnewlegislationconcerningeducation,healthandsocialsecurity.ItalsotakesnoteoftherecentpublicationoftheWhitePaperonEducation(1996).427.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestherecentestablishmentoftheCommissiononChildAbuse.ItisalsoencouragedbytheestablishmentoftheHumanRightsOmbudsmanwhosetaskistosafeguardhumanrights,includingchildren'srights.428.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheadoptionin1995oftheNationalPlanofActionfortheSurvival,ProtectionandDevelopmentofChildren.ItalsonotesthattheConventionhasbeentranslatedintotheSlovenianlanguageandthattheStatepartyismakingeffortstodisseminatematerialstopromotethistreaty.429.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessoftheGovernmenttocollaboratewithnon-governmentalorganizations.ItisencouragedbytheopennessoftheStateparty'sauthoritiestoinvolvingnon-governmentalorganizationsintheprocessofreportingtotheCommittee.430.2 .2TheCommitteeisencouragedbytheinitiativestakenbytheStatepartytopromotechildren'srightsthroughtheorganizationofevents,thepublicationofmaterialsandtheproductionoftelevisionprogrammes.Inthisregard,theCommitteewelcomes,interalia,theestablishmentofanationalchildren'sparliament,whichhasalreadyhadsixsessions,andtheexistenceof"youthcouncilsandchildmayors"meetings.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention431.2 .2TheCommitteerecognizesthedifficultiesfacedbytheStatepartyinthepresentperiodofpoliticaltransition.ItalsonotesthattheStateparty'stransitiontoamarketorientedeconomyhashadaseriousimpactonthepopulation,inparticularonallvulnerablegroups,includingchildren,intheformofincreasedunemploymentandcriminality.432.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotestheproblemsexperiencedasaconsequenceofwarintheregion.AlthoughSloveniawasonlyinvolvedindirectcombatforashorttime,since1991theStatepartyhashostedalargenumberofrefugees,includingchildren.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern433.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatthereservationmadebytheStatepartytoarticle9,paragraph1,raisesquestionsaboutitscompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingtheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild.434.2 .2Whilewelcomingtheexistenceofgovernmentbodies,andthecreationofnewones,thatarecompetenttodealwiththewelfareofchildrenatthenationalandlocallevels,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthateffectivecoordinationmustbeestablishedamongtheminordertodevelopacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.435.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofanintegratedandsystematicmonitoringmechanismforallareascoveredbytheConvention,andinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,especiallythoseaffectedbytheconsequencesoftheeconomictransition.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytostrengthenitsexistingdataandstatisticalcapacitytoevaluateprogressachievedandtoassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedonchildren,inparticularthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.436.2 .2Withregardtoarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheprincipleofnon-discriminationisnotfullyimplementedfordisabledchildren.437.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthetransitiontoamarketeconomymaythreatenthefullenjoymentbychildrenoftheirrightsasrecognizedbytheConvention.Itisalsoworriedabouttheinsufficientlevelofsupportgiventosingleparentfamilies.438.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatchildrendroppingoutofschoolduringthecompulsorystageofeducationhaveinsufficientalternativeeducationalprogrammes,suchasvocationaltraining.439.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatappropriatemeasureshavenotyetbeentakentopreventandcombateffectivelyilltreatmentofchildrenwithinthefamilyandthatinsufficientinformationexistsonthismatter.440.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsocietyisnotsufficientlysensitivetotheneedsandsituationofparticularlyvulnerablechildren,suchasRomachildren.441.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinsomespecificcasestherightsofchildrenmaynotbefullytakenintoaccountinintercountryadoptionprocedures.442.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.TheCommitteeisparticularlyworriedaboutthelowagesetforcriminalresponsibility,andthelengthofpreliminaryinvestigationandofpre-trialdetention.&  2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations443.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofthestatementmadebythedelegationthatthereservationonarticle9,paragraph1,madebySloveniauponratificationofthe'  Conventionmaybereviewed,withaviewtoitseventualwithdrawal.ItwishestoencouragetheStatepartytoconsiderwithdrawingthisreservationtotheConvention,andwouldliketobekeptinformedofdevelopmentsonthismatter.444.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenmechanismstoenhancethecoordinationofgovernmentalpolicies,aswellasthoseofcentralandlocalauthorities,inthefieldofchildren'srights,withaviewtoeliminatingpossibledisparitiesordiscriminationintheimplementationoftheConventionandensuringthattheConventionisfullyrespectedinallpartsofSlovenia.445.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueandfurtherdevelopitspolicyaimedatdisseminatinginformationandatincreasingawarenessoftheConvention.ItalsourgestheauthoritiestointegratetheConventionandchildren'srightsintothetrainingcurriculaofprofessionalgroupsdealingwithchildren,suchasteachers,lawenforcementandcorrectionalofficials,judges,socialworkersandhealthpersonnel,andintotheschoolanduniversitycurricula.446.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestoreduceschooldropoutratesby,interalia,promotingvocationaltrainingandalternativeeducationalprogrammes.447.2 .2Inthedifficultperiodoftransitiontoamarketeconomy,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakeallappropriatemeasurestomaintainandstrengthenthefullenjoymentoftherightsofchildren,particularlywithaviewtoensuringtheallocationofavailableresourcestotheirmaximumextentfortheimplementationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsinthelightoftheprinciplesofnon-discriminationandthebestinterestsofthechild.448.2 .2Inthelightofarticle19oftheConvention,theCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheGovernmenttakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegislativeones,tocombatilltreatmentwithinthefamilyandsexualabuseofchildren.Itsuggeststhattheauthoritiesgatherinformationandinitiateacomprehensivestudytoimproveunderstandingofthenatureandscopeoftheproblemandsetupsocialprogrammestopreventalltypesofchildabuse.449.2 .2Inrelationtointercountryadoption,theStatepartyisencouragedtoratifytheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.450.2 .2Inthefieldofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyraisetheminimumageofcriminalresponsibilityandtakeallappropriatemeasurestoreducethelengthofpreliminaryinvestigationandofpre-trialdetention.451.2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbySloveniabemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ .N 13.Concludingobservations:Bulgaria452.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofBulgaria(CRC/C/8/Add.29)atits345thto347thmeetings,on7and8January1997(CRC/C/SR.345347),and,atits371stmeeting,on24January1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction453.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofBulgariaforengaging,throughitsdelegation,inanopen,constructiveandfruitfuldialogue.ItalsowelcomesthesubmissionofdetailedadditionalinformationprovidedtotheCommitteeinawrittenform.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrankandcooperativetoneofthediscussion,inwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatednotonlythepolicyandprogrammedirectionsbutalsothedifficultiesencounteredinimplementingtheConventioninpractice.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects454.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtheimportanteffortsundertakenbytheGovernmentinthefieldoflawreform,includingtheadoptionofanewConstitution(1991),theSocialWelfareAct(1991),theNationalEducationAct(1992),theLawonCareCentresforHomelessChildren(1995),andtheamendmentstothePenalCode(1995)andtotherecentLawforCombatingandPreventingJuvenileJusticeDelinquency(1996).455.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthataccordingtotheConstitutioninternationalinstrumentsratifiedbyBulgariaarepartofthecountry'sdomesticlawandenjoysuperiorityovernormsofdomesticlawthatcontradictthem.456.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentin1995oftheYouthandChildrenCommittee.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention457.2 .2TheCommitteerecognizesthedifficultiesfacedbytheStatepartyinthepresentperiodoftransitiontoamarketorientedeconomywhichhashadaseriousimpactonthepopulation,inparticularonallvulnerablegroups,includingchildren,andhasledtoincreasedratesofunemploymentandpoverty.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern458.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatnationallawsandregulationsarenotfullyconsistentwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatalawontheprotectionofthechildhasnotyetbeenfinalizedandadopted.459.2 .2Whilewelcomingtheexistenceofgovernmentbodiescompetenttodealwiththewelfareofchildrenatthenationalandlocallevels,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthatthereisinsufficientcoordinationamongthemtodevelopacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.̇460.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofanintegratedstrategyonchildren,aswellasofasystematicmechanismtomonitorprogressinallareascoveredbytheConvention,andinrelationtoallgroupsofchildreninurbanandruralareas,especiallythoseaffectedbytheconsequencesoftheeconomictransition.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheneedtostrengthentheStateparty'scapacitytocollectandprocessdatatoevaluateprogressachievedandtoassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedonchildren,inparticularthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.461.2 .2Whileencouragedbytheexistenceofnationaldebate,theCommitteeisworriedatthelackofanindependentbodytomonitorobservanceofhumanrights,particularlytherightsofthechild.462.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofmeasurestakenandtheinsufficientcapacityofexistingbodies,includingtheYouthandChildrenCommittee,toensuretheimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficientpolicies,measuresandprogrammesfortheprotectionoftherightsofthemostvulnerablechildren,especiallychildrenlivinginpoverty,childrenbornoutofwedlock,abandonedchildren,disabledchildren,childrenwhoarevictimsofabuse,childrenbelongingtominoritygroups,especiallyRoma,andchildrenwho,inordertosurvive,arelivingand/orworkingonthestreet.463.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,aslaiddowninarticles2(non-discrimination),3(bestinterestsofthechild)and12(respectoftheviewsofthechild),arenotbeingfullyappliedanddulyintegratedintotheimplementationofallarticlesoftheConvention.ParticularconcernisexpressedattheinsufficiencyofmeasurestopreventandcombatdiscriminationpractisedagainstRomachildren,disabledchildrenandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.OfequalconcerntotheCommitteeistheinsufficientconsiderationoftheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildintacklingsituationsofdetention,institutionalizationandabandonmentofchildren,aswellasinrelationtotherightofthechildtotestifyincourt.464.2 .2Althoughawareoftheinitiativesalreadyundertakenbytheauthorities,theCommitteeremainsworriedabouttheinsufficiencyofmeasurestakentoinformandeducateallpartsofsociety,adultsandchildrenalike,ontheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.Insufficienttrainingprovidedtoprofessionalgroups,suchaslawyers,judges,lawenforcementpersonnel,teachers,socialworkersandcivilservants,ontheConventionisalsoamatterofconcern.465.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthereportedill-treatmentofchildreninthefamilyandininstitutionsandthelackofadequatemeasuresforthepsycho-socialrecoveryfromsuchabuses.Casesofilltreatmentofchildrenbylawenforcementpersonnelinoroutsidedetentioncentresarealsoagravematterofconcern,eveniftheyareisolatedcases.Furthermore,theCommitteeisconcernedattherecentriseinchildprostitutionandtheproductionanddisseminationofpornographicmaterialsinvolvingchildren.Inthisregard,thefactthatnospecificandappropriatelegislationandprogrammesexisttopreventandcombatsexualabuseandexploitationisaseriousconcerntotheCommittee.466.2 .2Withregardtoadoption,despiterecentchangesinthelegislationregulatingthispractice,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofcompatibilityofthecurrentlegalframeworkwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallywithregardtotheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild(art.3).467.2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentotackletheissuesofchildmalnutrition,disability,mentalhealthandearlypregnancies,aswellascasesofearlymarriage.Itisalsoconcernedabouttheproblemofyouthsuicide.468.2 .2Withregardtothefullimplementationofarticles28and29oftheConventionanddespitetheexistenceofinternationalcooperationinthisarea,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheschooldropoutrateandtheinsufficientalternativeeducationalprogrammes.ItisalsoconcernedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensurethattheschoolcurriculaareguidedbytheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallywithregardtohumanrightseducation.469.2 .2Moreover,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheabsenceoflegalsafeguardstoprotectchildrenemployedintheinformalsector.470.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Despiterecentlegalamendments,theCommitteeremainsparticularlyworried,interalia,abouttherightsofthechildtolegalassistanceandjudicialreview,thatdeprivationoflibertyisnotusedonlyasameasureoflastresort,andaboutthestigmatizationofthemostvulnerablecategoriesofchildren,includingthosebelongingtotheRomaminority.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations471.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentundertakeacomprehensivereviewofthenationallegislationtobringitfullyintoconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyintheareasoflabour,adoption,theadministrationofjuvenilejustice,anddomesticviolence.ItalsostronglyrecommendsthattheGovernmentconsider,onanurgentbasis,theadoptionofalawontheprotectionofthechild.472.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringeffectiveevaluationoftheimplementationoftheConventioninthecountry.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstostrengthentheinstitutionalframeworkdesignedtopromoteandprotecthumanrightsingeneralandtherightsofthechildinparticular.ItencouragestheStatepartytocooperatecloselywithnongovernmentalorganizations.473.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartygivepriorityattentiontothedevelopmentofasystemofdatacollectionandtotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorswithaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety.Suchmechanismscanplayavitalroleinsystematicallymonitoringthestatusofchildrenandevaluatingprogressachievedandthedifficultieshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights.Theycanbeusedasabasisfordesigningprogrammestoimprovethesituationofchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,includingdisabledchildren,childrenbornoutofwedlock,childrenill-treatedandabusedwithinthefamily,ininstitutions,ordeprivedofliberty,childrenwhoarevictimsofsexualexploitation,childrenbelongingtominoritygroups,especiallyRoma,andchildrenwho,inordertosurvive,areforcedtoliveand/orworkonthestreet.ItisfurthersuggestedthattheStatepartyrequestinternationalcooperationinthisregard.474.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitsconsiderationoftheestablishmentofanindependentmechanismtomonitortheobservanceofchildren'srights,suchasanombudspersonoranationalcommissionforchildren'srights.475.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestotakefullyintoaccounttheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)inforeverydecisionrelatingtothechild'srighttogivetestimonybeforeacourt.476.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartylaunchasystematicinformationcampaign,forbothchildrenandadults,ontheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.ConsiderationshouldbegiventotheincorporationoftheConventionintheschoolcurriculaandappropriatemeasuresshouldbetakentofacilitateaccessbychildrentoinformationproducedontheirrights.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartydevelopacomprehensivetrainingprogrammeforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildrensuchaslawyers,judges,teachers,socialworkers,medicaldoctors,lawenforcementpersonnelandpersonnelininstitutionsforchildren.Policeofficersmustbespeciallytrainedtodealwithchildabuseandneglect.477.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty,inthelightofarticles2,3and4oftheConvention,takeallappropriatemeasurestothemaximumextentofitsavailableresourcestoensurethatsufficientbudgetaryallocationisprovidedtosocialservicesforchildrenandthatparticularattentionispaidtotheprotectionofchildrenbelongingtovulnerableandmarginalizedgroups.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhatthe"childimpact"ofdecisionstakenbytheauthoritiesbeassessedonanongoingbasis.478.2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatappropriatealternativestoinstitutionalcarebedeveloped,withthebestinterestsofthechildastheprimaryconsideration,aswellasthepromotionofhisorherharmoniousdevelopmentandpreparationforresponsibleparticipationinsociety.Incaseswheretheplacementofchildrenininstitutionsisnecessary,measuresshouldbeadoptedtoensureperiodicreviewofthetreatmentprovidedtothechildandallothercircumstancesrelevanttohisorherplacement.Considerationshouldbegiventotheestablishmentofasystemof"guardianadlitem".479.2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatmeasuresbeadoptedbytheStatepartytoprovideappropriateassistancetothefamilyintheperformanceofitschildrearingresponsibilities,includingparentalguidanceandcounselling,withaview,interalia,topreventingdomesticviolenceandabuse,abandonmentandinstitutionalizationofchildren.Researchshouldbepromotedintheseareas.480.2 .2Topreventearlypregnancies,theCommitteerecommendsthatsexeducationbestrengthenedandthatinformationcampaignsbelaunchedconcerningfamilyplanning.Furthermore,theCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentundertakeanationalandcomprehensivestudyonsuicideamongyouthtoenabletheauthoritiestoimprovetheirunderstandingofthisphenomenonandtakeappropriatemeasurestoreducethesuiciderate.481.2 .2Inthelightofarticles19,34and37(a),theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventandcombatcorporalpunishment,sexualabuseandexploitationandilltreatmentofchildren,includingininstitutionsandindetentioncentres.TheCommitteesuggeststhatcorporalpunishmentbeprohibitedbycivillegislationandthatappropriatelegalmeasuresbetakentocombatsexualabuseandexploitationofchildren.Casesofabuseshouldbeproperlyinvestigated,sanctionsappliedtoperpetratorsandpublicitygiventothedecisionstakeninthosecases.Furthermeasuresshouldbetakenwithaviewtoensuringthephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofthevictimsofabuse,neglect,illtreatment,violenceorexploitation,inaccordancewitharticle39oftheConvention.482.2 .2Withregardtoadoption,theCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatelegalandinstitutionalstepsbetakentofullyharmonizelawandprocedures,atboththenationalandinternationallevels,withtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartypursueitsconsiderationoftheratificationoftheHagueConventionontheProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.483.2 .2Inthefieldofeducation,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeappropriatemeasurestopreventschooldropoutsandthatthecurrentexistingprogrammestoretainchildreninschoolsbereinforced.TheschoolcurriculashouldbereviewedtopromoterespectfortheConvention.VocationaltrainingontheConventionontheRightsoftheChildshouldbedeveloped.484.2 .2WhilewelcomingtheratificationbytheStatepartyofInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptallnecessarylegalandotherappropriatemeasurestoprotectchildrenfromeconomicexploitationthroughlabour,includingintheinformalsector.485.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformofthesystemofjuvenilejusticeinthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtotherightofchildrentopromptaccesstolegalassistanceandtoajudicialreview.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallprofessionalsinvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystemandspecializedcourtsshouldbeestablishedasaprioritymatter.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistanceforthispurposefromtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsSecretariat.486.2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliessubmittedbyBulgariabemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednongovernmentalorganizations.̇&  @ .N 14.Concludingobservations:Ethiopia487.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofEthiopia(CRC/C/8/Add.27)atits349thto351stmeetings,on9and10January1997(CRC/C/SR.349351),and,atits371stmeeting,on24January1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.'  2 .2(a) .Introduction488.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaginginanopenandconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.ItwelcomesthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofEthiopia,whichfollowstheCommittee'sguidelinesforthepreparationofStatesparties'initialreports,aswellaswrittenanswerstoitslistofissues(CRC/C/Q/ETH.1),althoughitnotesthatanumberofthequestionsaskedwerenotanswered.TheCommitteeparticularlywishestoexpressitssatisfactionattheselfcriticalapproachofthereportinidentifyinganumberofareasofconcern,anditwelcomesthewillingnessexpressedbythedelegationthatthesuggestionsandrecommendationsmadeduringthediscussionwouldbedulytakenintoaccountbytheEthiopianauthorities.2 .2(b) .Positivefactors489.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthestepstakensince1991tosetupdemocraticinstitutionsinthecountry.ItwelcomestheadoptionofanewConstitution,whichincorporatesinternationalstandardsinthefieldofhumanrights,including,initsarticle36,aspecificreferencetosomeoftherightsenshrinedintheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.490.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheConvention,aswellasotherinternationaltreatiesdealingwithhumanrights,areincorporatedintodomesticlaw,andthatarticle13oftheConstitutionstatesthathumanrightsprovisionsoftheConstitutionaretobeinterpretedinlinewithinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentsratifiedbyEthiopia.491.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomesthepoliticalcommitmentwithinthecountrytoimprovethesituationofchildren,whichfindsexpressionnotablythroughthesettingupofanInter-ministerialLegalCommitteetoreviewnationallegislationanditscompatibilitywiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,throughtheestablishmentofcommitteesontherightsofthechildatthenational,regional,zonalandworedalevels,aswellasthroughtheadoptionofaNationalPlanofActionandtheestablishmentofaministerialcommitteetomonitoritsimplementation.492.2 .2TheCommitteeisencouragedbythecombinedeffortsundertakenbytheGovernmentandinternationalornon-governmentalorganizationstoprotectandpromotechildren'srights,inparticularinthefieldofinformationonHIV/AIDSandinformationcampaignsonharmfultraditionalpracticesaffectingchildren.Withregardtothelatter,theCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentoftheNationalCommitteeonTraditionalPracticestodevelopinformationandsensitizationcampaignsonallformsofharmfultraditionalpracticesaffectingthehealthofwomenandchildren,withaparticularemphasisonfemalegenitalmutilation.493.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthatprimaryeducationhasbeenmadefree,althoughitregretsthatithasnotyetbeenmadecompulsory.&  2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention494.2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgesthattheStatepartyhashadtoface,duringthepastfewyears,economic,socialandpoliticalchallenges,owing,interalia,toyearsofcivilwarandthetransitiontodemocracy.Itnotestheexistenceof'  interregionalandurban/ruraldisparities,inparticularwithregardtotheavailabilityofresourcesandinfrastructure,whichmayleadtodiscriminationintheenjoymentoftherightsprovidedforintheConvention.Furthermore,theCommitteenotesthatcertaintraditionalpracticesandcustoms,prevailingparticularlyinruralareas,hampertheeffectiveimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallywithregardtothegirlchild.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern495.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthat,althoughthenotificationoftheratificationoftheConventionbyEthiopiawaspublishedintheofficialgazette,thefulltextoftheConventionhastodatenotbeenpublishedinthegazette,thusmakingitdifficultforlawenforcementofficials,judicialpersonnelandotherprofessionalsworkingwithandforchildrentohaveaccesstoandanunderstandingofitsprovisions.496.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthatthereisalackofawarenessandunderstandingintheStatepartyoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofadequateandsystematictrainingprovidedtolawenforcementofficials,judicialpersonnel,teachers,socialworkersandmedicalpersonnel.TheCommitteefurthernotesthatinsufficientattentionhasbeenpaidinpracticeaswellasinthelegislationtotheprinciplesofthebestinterestsofthechild,respectforthechild'sviewsandthechild'sparticipationinfamily,socialandschoollife.497.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthelackofadequatemechanismsforthecollectionofreliablequantitativeandqualitativedataonthesituationofchildrenthroughoutthecountry,whichhinderstheeffectiveassessmentbytheauthoritiesofthesituationofeachandeverygroupofchildreninallpartsofthecountry,andthusmakestheadoptionoftargetedpoliciesinthefieldoftheprotectionoftherightsofchildrendifficult.498.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthenegativeeffectsofpovertyonthesituationofchildreninEthiopia,asillustratedbythehighlevelsofinfantandunder-fivemortalityratesandmalnutrition,andatthelowlevelsofschoolenrolment,education,immunizationcoverageandhealthservicesingeneral.499.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthenon-compatibilityofcertainprovisionsofdomesticlawwiththeprinciplesandrightsenshrinedintheConvention,suchastheprovisionforadifferentminimumageofmarriageforgirls(15yearsofage)andboys(18yearsofage),theprovisioninthePenalCodeofthepossibilitytosentencechildrentocorporalpunishment,theprovisionintheCivilCodefor"lightbodilypunishment"asaneducativemeasurewithinthefamilyandthelimitationoftherighttocounselwhenthechildmayberepresentedbyhisorherparentsorlegalguardianduringlegalproceedings.500.2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedatprevailingtraditionalattitudesandharmfulpractices,suchasfemalegenitalmutilation,earlymarriagesandteenagepregnancies,andatthepersistenceofdiscriminatorysocialattitudesagainstvulnerablegroupsofchildren,suchasthegirlchild,disabledchildren,childrenbornoutofwedlockandchildrenaffectedbyorinfectedwithHIV/AIDS,includingorphans.501.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientstepshavebeentakentoensuretheregistrationofchildrenafterbirthandthattheStateregistrationprocedureishamperedinpracticebythelackofregistrationdesks,especiallyinruralareas.TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernaboutthelackofadequatemeansavailablefortheregistrationofrefugeechildren.502.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,sincechildrenareabletolodgecomplaintsonlythroughtheirparentsorlegalguardians,therighttoadequaterecourseandcomplaintproceduresforchildrenvictimsofabuse,includingsexualabuse,neglectorill-treatmentwithintheirfamilies,doesnotseemtobesecured.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattheenjoymentbychildrenoftheirrighttoparticipateactivelyinthepromotionoftheirownrightsdoesnotseemtobeguaranteed.503.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelowlevelsofschoolenrolmentandatthehighdrop-outrates,especiallyamonggirls,atthelackoflearningandteachingfacilitiesandattheshortageoftrainedteachers,inparticularinruralareas.ItsharestheconcernsexpressedintheStateparty'sreportthattheschoolcurriculaaredivorcedfromculturalandsocialrealities,andregretsthattheydonotyetincludeaprogrammeofeducationonhumanrightsandchildren'srights.Moreover,theCommitteeexpressestheconcern,asmentionedabove,thatprimaryeducationhasnotyetbeenmadecompulsory.504.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressestheconcernthatthesystemsofnationalandintercountryadoptionsarenotfullyinconformitywiththeprovisionsofarticle21oftheConvention,inparticulararticle21(a),andwiththeprinciplesofthebestinterestsofthechildandrespectforhisorherviews.505.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthesituationofchildreninespeciallydifficultcircumstances,includingchildrenlivingand/orworkinginthestreet,andattheincidenceofchildlabour,inparticularintheinformalsector.506.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedatthepresentsystemofjuvenilejustice,whichisnotinconformitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention.Itisparticularlyconcernedaboutthesettingoftheageofcriminalresponsibilityatnineyearsandthatasfromtheageof15years,childrenaretreatedasadults.Inthisregard,theCommitteeregretsthatitwasnotmadeclearduringthediscussionwhetherthelattermeansthatchildrenabove15yearsofagemaybesentencedtolifeimprisonmentordetainedtogetherwithadults.Furthermore,theCommitteeexpressesconcernatthepossibility,mentionedabove,providedforinarticle172ofthePenalCodetosentencechildrentocorporalpunishmentatthesolediscretionofthejudge,inparticularwithregardtothe"badorgoodcharacter"ofthechildindeterminingthepenaltytobeappliedtothechild,andatthepossiblelimitationsoftherighttolegalcounsel.507.2 .2Inthelightofarticle39oftheConvention,theCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakenbytheauthoritiesforthephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofchildrenvictimsofwar.&  2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations508.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthefulltextoftheConventionbepublishedintheofficialgazetteandthattrainingmanualsincorporatingthetextoftheConventionbepublishedfortheprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorfor'  children.509.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttocontinueitseffortsaimedatpromotingawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention,inparticularbyensuringthetranslationandpublicationofthetextoftheConventioninallnationallanguages.Suchmeasureswouldpromotechangeinpersistingnegativeattitudestowardschildren,particularlygirls,disabledchildren,childrenbornoutofwedlock,childrenaffectedbyorinfectedwithHIV/AIDS,includingorphans,andwouldcontributetoabolishingtraditionalpracticesprejudicialtothehealthandwellbeingofchildren,suchasfemalegenitalmutilation,earlymarriagesandteenagepregnancies.Sucheffortsshouldbepursuedinclosecooperationwithcommunityandreligiousleadersandnon-governmentalorganizations,atalllevelsoftheState,thatis,national,regional,zonalandworedalevels,andspecialemphasisshouldbeplacedontheneedtocoordinatethepoliciesdesignedtoimplementtheConventionbetweencentralandlocalauthorities.510.2 .2TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoprovidesystematictrainingontheprinciplesandrightsenshrinedintheConventiontotheprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,suchaslawenforcementofficials,judicialpersonnel,personnelinchildcareinstitutions,teachers,socialworkersandmedicalpersonnel,aswellastothepersonnelentrustedwiththetaskofensuringdatacollectionintheareascoveredbytheConvention.Similarly,attentionshouldbegiventoincorporatingtheConventioninschoolcurricula,asrecommendedbytheGeneralAssemblyinproclaimingtheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,andbythe1993WorldConferenceonHumanRights.511.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringeffectiveevaluationoftheimplementationoftheConventioninthecountry.Itfurtherrecommendsthatthesettingupofanindependentmechanism,suchasanombudspersonontherightsofthechildorahumanrightscommission,toensureobservanceofchildren'srights,beconsidered.512.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthesystemofdatacollectionbeimprovedatthecentralandlocallevelsoftheState,andthatitcomprisealltheareascoveredbytheConvention.Suchasystemshouldincludeallgroupsofchildren,withparticularemphasisonvulnerablegroupsofchildrenandonchildreninespeciallydifficultcircumstances,andadequatedisaggregateddatashouldbeidentifiedwithaviewtoassessingprogressachievedintherealizationofchildren'srightsanddefiningthepoliciestobeadoptedtobetterimplementtheprovisionsoftheConvention.Withregardtothelatter,theCommitteesuggeststhatfurtherstudiesandfollowupsurveysonvulnerablegroupsofchildrenbeinitiatedanditrecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderrequestingtechnicalassistancefromtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundtoaddressthisquestion.513.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentpursuetheprocessofbringingexistinglegislationintolinewiththeprovisionsoftheConventionandthatthebestinterestsofthechildbefullytakenintoaccountinthedraftingofnewlegislation.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsinparticularthattheprovisionsfortheminimumageofmarriageforgirlsat15years,thesentencingofchildrentocorporalpunishment,the"lightbodilypunishment"asaneducationalmeasurewithinthefamily,andthelimitationoftherighttolegalcounselofchildrenbeabolishedasamatterofpriority.514.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatwithrespecttotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,budgetallocationsshouldbemadetothemaximumextentoftheStateparty'savailableresourcesandprioritybegiventotherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,includingtherightstohealth,educationandrehabilitation,andthatparticularattentionshouldbepaidtochildrenbelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,suchasgirls,disabledchildren,childrenlivinginruralareas,childrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet,childreninvolvedintheadministrationofthejuvenilejusticesystemandchildrenaffectedbyorinfectedwithHIV/AIDS,includingorphans.Inthisregard,andwithaviewtocontributingtothemaximumuseofscarceresources,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyaccordgreaterattentiontothedevelopmentofaprimaryhealthcaresystem,whichwoulddevelopacultureofnutrition,hygieneandsanitation.515.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialeffortsbedevelopedtoguaranteeaneffectivesystemofbirthregistration,inthelightofarticle7oftheConvention,toensurethefullenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrightsbyallchildren.Suchasystemwouldserveasatoolinthecollectionofstatisticaldata,intheassessmentofprevailingdifficultiesandinthepromotionofprogressintheimplementationoftheConvention.Similarly,theCommitteerecommendsthatanadequatesystemofregistrationofrefugeechildrenbeestablishedtoensurethattheirrightsareprotected.516.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatgreatereffortsbemadetopromotetheparticipationofchildreninfamily,schoolandsociallife,andtheeffectiveenjoymentoftheirfundamentalfreedoms,includingthefreedomofopinion,expressionandassociation.517.2 .2Withreferencetotheimplementationofarticle19oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatasystemofcomplaintsaimedatchildrenvictimsofanyformofviolence,abuse,includingsexualabuse,neglect,maltreatmentorexploitation,evenwhileinthecareoftheirparents,beestablished,asameanstoensureprotectionofandrespectfortheirrights.Itfurtherrecommendsthatcasesofabusebeproperlyinvestigated,sanctionsappliedtotheperpetratorsandpublicitygiventothesanctionsappliedtosuchcrimes.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatacomprehensiveandintegratedpublicinformationcampaignbeelaboratedwithaviewtopreventingandcombatingallformsofabuseofchildrenandthatallnecessarymeasuresbetakentoensurethephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandthesocialreintegrationofchildrenvictimsofwar,inthelightofarticle39oftheConvention.518.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatelegislativemeasuresbeadoptedandimplementedwithregardtoadoptionofchildren,inthelightoftheprinciplesofthebestinterestsofthechildandrespectforhisorherviewsandarticles20and21oftheConvention.Furthermore,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.519.2 .2Intheareaofchildlabour,theCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatemeasuresbeadoptedwithaviewtoreflectingfullytheConvention,inparticulararticle32,inlegislationandpractice,andsuggeststhatconsiderationbegivenbytheStatepartytoratifyingInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138onminimumageforadmissiontoemployment.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingcooperationwiththeInternationalLabourOrganizationinthisarea.520.2 .2Withregardtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthatlegalreformbepursuedandthattheStatepartytakefullyintoaccounttheprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,aswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandardsinthisarea,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyavailitselfofthetechnicalassistanceprogrammesoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheSecretariat.521.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialprotectionmeasuresbeadoptedandimplementedinrelationtochildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet,childreninconflictwiththelaw,inparticularthosedeprivedofliberty,childrenaffectedbyorinfectedwithHIV/AIDS,includingorphans,abusedandexploitedchildrenandchildreninvolvedwithchildlabour.522.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatameetingbeorganized,gatheringinternationalorganizationsworkinginthecountry,includingagenciesandorganizationsoftheUnitedNationssystemandnon-governmentalorganizations,andcompetentnationalauthorities,withaviewtoassessingtheneedsforfurtherinternationalassistancewithregardtothepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.523.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty'snextperiodicreportincorporateinformationonthemeasurestakenandprogressachievedintheimplementationofthesuggestionsandrecommendationsmadebytheCommitteeinthepresentconcludingobservations.524.2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthatinthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbyEthiopiabemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ . 15.Concludingobservations:Panama525.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofPanama(CRC/C/8/Add.28)atits353rdto356thmeetings,on13and14January1997(CRC/C/SR.353356),and,atits371stmeeting,on24January1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.&  2 .2(a) .Introduction526.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitialreportsubmittedbytheStateparty.TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionattheconstructivedialogueheldandtheStateparty'sselfcriticalapproachinidentifyinganumberofareasof'  concern.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thatneitherthereportnorthewrittenanswerstothelistofissues(CRC/C/Q/PAN.1)containedinformationonspecificmeasurestakenbytheStatepartytoimplementtheConvention,includingatthelegislativelevel.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects527.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheConventionisdirectlyapplicableatthenationallevelandcanbeinvokedbeforethelawcourtsoradministrativeauthorities.528.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheeffortsmadebytheGovernmentofPanamainthefieldoflawreformandwelcomestheinitiativesbeingundertakenbytheGovernmenttofurthertheprotectionofthefamilyandchildrenbytheadoptionofthenewFamilyCode,inforcesinceJanuary1995.TheCommitteewelcomesthepromulgationoftheEducationLawwhichguaranteesinterculturalbilingualeducationforindigenouschildrenandadults.TheCommitteenoteswithinteresttheGovernment'swillingnesstoprovideinformationandtrainingtoitsstaff,throughtheMinistryofLabourandSocialWelfare.529.2 .2Therecentestablishmentofa"people'sdefender",whichwillmonitortheenjoymentofhumanrightsinPanama,includingchildren'srights,iswelcomedbytheCommittee.530.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheadoptionofaPactforChildrentopromotechildren'srightsincollaborationwiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandalargenumberofnon-governmentalorganizations.TheCommitteewelcomestheprojectentitled"Educationfortolerance,educationfordemocracy,humanrights,developmentandpeace",setupin1995bytheMinistryofEducationincollaborationwiththeUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization.531.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheestablishmentoftheWomen'sDepartmentintheMinistryofLabourandSocialWelfareandalsoofthePanamanianInstituteforSpecialRehabilitationwhichaimsatassistingdisabledchildren.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention532.2 .2TheCommitteeisawarethatPanamaisemergingfromaperiodofsocialandpoliticalupheavalwhichhashadadverseeconomicrepercussions.TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthelongexistingdisparitiesinwealthbetweendifferentgroupsofthepopulationwhichaffectsthemostvulnerablegroupsandhamperstheenjoymentofchildren'srights.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern533.2 .2Whiletakingnoteoftherecentachievementsinthefieldoflawreform,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakenbytheStatepartytoharmonizenationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheFamilyCodecurrentlyinforceinPanamadoesnotadequatelyaddresstherightsrecognizedbytheConvention.534.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthenationallegislationestablishesadifferentminimumageformarriageforboysandgirlsandthatitauthorizesthemarriageofgirlsasyoungas14yearsofage.Theminimumageforemployment,whichisunder12inagricultureanddomesticservices,isalsoamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Furthermore,theCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentoprotectchildrenagainstsexualabuseandexploitation.535.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoensureeffectivecoordinationbetweendifferentgovernmentaldepartmentscompetentinareascoveredbytheConvention,aswellasbetweenthecentralandlocalauthorities.536.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedabouttheinsufficiencyofmeasurestocollectdisaggregatedstatisticaldataandotherinformationonthesituationofchildren,especiallythosebelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.Thistypeofinformationislackinginparticularwithrespecttogirlchildren,childrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet,disabledchildren,childrenlivinginruralareasandindigenouschildren.TheabsenceofqualitativeandquantitativeinformationonthestatusofchildrenrendersdeficientthesystematicmonitoringoftheimplementationoftheConvention.537.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeenadoptedtopromotewidespreadawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionamongadultsandchildrenalike,particularlythosebelongingtoindigenouspopulations.TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofadequateandsystematictrainingprovidedtoprofessionalgroupsworkingforandwithchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialworkers,personnelworkinginchildcareinstitutionsforchildren,policeofficersandofficialsofthecentralandlocaladministrations.538.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheinsufficientbudgetallocationatalllevelsforsocialexpenditures,inparticularinfavourofchildrenbelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroupsofthepopulation.TheCommitteenoteswithgreatconcernthetrendtowardstheperpetuationofpovertyamongmarginalizedgroupsofchildreninPanama,where25percentoffamiliesliveinpovertyand20percentliveinextremepoverty.DespitetheeffortsmadebytheStatepartyinthehealthandhousingsectors,thesituationisstillprecarious.539.2 .2ParticularconcernisexpressedbytheCommitteeattheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensuretheeffectiveimplementationofthegeneralprinciples(arts.2,3,6and12)oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildinpractice,especiallywithregardtothegirlchildandchildrenbelongingtoindigenousgroupsandtopoorfamilies.TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedaboutthehighincidenceofabandonedchildrenandbythefactthatapproximately20percentofthechildrenborneachyeararetoadolescentmothers.540.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthepersistenceofviolenceagainstchildrenwithinthefamily,includingtheuseofcorporalpunishment.Inthelightofarticle17oftheConvention,theCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheneedforfurthermeasurestoprotectchildrenfrommediainformationandmaterialinjurioustotheirwellbeing.̇541.2 .2Inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientmeasures,includingofalegislativenature,takenbytheauthoritiestoregulateadoptionadequatelyandtopreventandcombatabuses,suchasthetraffickingofchildren.542.2 .2Whilerecognizingtheeffortsundertakenbytheauthoritiesintheeducationsystem,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthepersistingdisparitiesinrelationtothelowaccesstoeducationofchildrenlivinginruralareas,indigenouschildrenandrefugeechildren,whodonotenjoyasystemofeducationadequatetotheirculturalvaluesandidentity.TheCommitteeisalsoworriedaboutthelowratesofretention,thehighratesofrepetitionandschooldropouts,especiallyattheendofprimaryeducation,andbythepersistentproblemofilliteracyamongthesegroups.543.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientlegalprotectionandthelackofadequateproceduresforrefugeechildren,especiallyunaccompaniedminors.Itisalsoconcernedatthedifficultiesencounteredbythosechildreninsecuringaccesstoeducation,healthandsocialservices.Finally,familyreunificationisalsoamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.544.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatchildlabourremainsaprobleminPanama.Thehighnumberofchildreninvolvedinlabour,especiallyinruralareasandinparticularincoffeegrowingareasasaresultofalongstandingculturalpattern,isamatterofconcern,asisthefactthattheGovernmenthasnotadequatelyenforcedchildlabourprovisionsintheruralareasofthecountry.545.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,andinparticularitslackofcompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellaswithotherrelevantinternationalstandards,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Moreover,theapparentabsenceinnationallegislationofminimumagesbelowwhichachildmaynotbedeprivedoflibertyorbeconsideredcriminallyresponsiblecausesdeepconcerntotheCommittee.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations546.2 .2WithinthecontextofthelegalreformundertakenbyPanama,theCommitteerecommendsthatchildren'sissuesbeaccordedahigherpriorityintheStateparty.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptallthenecessarymeasurestoensurethefullcomplianceofitsnationallegislationwiththeConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortsaimedattheadoptionofacodeonchildren.Furthermore,theCommitteerecommendsthatanyrequiredchangestolegislationbeundertakeninthelightofarticle2(non-discrimination),article3(bestinterestsofthechild),article6(righttolife,developmentandsurvival)andarticle12(respectfortheviewsofthechild).Inthisspirit,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartydefineinitslegislationaminimumagebelowwhichchildrenmaynotbedeprivedoftheirliberty.Similarly,measuresmustbetakentoensuretheconformityofnationallegislationwiththeprovisionsofarticle37(a)oftheConvention.Furthermore,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitslegislationontheageofmarriageforgirls,withaviewtoraisingit.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakeallappropriatemeasurestoprotectchildrenagainstsexualexploitation.547.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartyurgentlytodevelopacomprehensivenationalstrategyonchildrenandtopursueitseffortstostrengthentheinstitutionalframeworktopromoteandprotecthumanrightsingeneralandtherightsofthechildinparticular.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthatapermanentandmultidisciplinarymechanismbedevelopedtocoordinateandmonitortheimplementationoftheConventionatbothnationalandlocallevelsandinurbanandruralareas.548.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheestablishmentofanindependentbody,suchasanombudsperson,begivenfurtherconsiderationbytheGovernment.TheCommitteealsoencouragesthepromotionofclosercooperationbetweentheStatepartyandnon-governmentalorganizations.549.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartygivepriorityattentiontothedevelopmentofasystemofdatacollectionbyage,gender,rural/urbanandsocialethnicorigin,andtotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorswithaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety,toevaluateprogressachievedanddifficultieshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights.ThisisespeciallyimportantinthecaseofPanamawherehistoricaldisparitieshaveendured,inparticularwithrespecttofemale,ruralandindigenouschildren.ItisfurthersuggestedthattheStatepartyenvisagerequestinginternationalcooperationinthisregard,notablyfromtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.550.2 .2InthespiritoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakemeasuresaimedatdevelopingacultureofhumanrightsandatchangingattitudestowardschildreningeneral,andchildrenbelongingtoindigenousgroupsinparticular.Itthereforerecommendsthatinformationandeducationaboutchildren'srightsbedisseminatedtochildrenandadultsalike.Suchinformationshouldbetranslatedintothedifferentlanguagesspokenbyindigenouspeople.Moreover,theexistenceofahighlevelofilliteracyinthecountryrequirestheuseofthemediainamanneradaptedtothevariouslevelsoftheaudiencesinthecountry.551.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattrainingandeducationontheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionbeundertakenandaddressedtoallprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialworkers,personnelworkinginchildcareinstitutions,policeofficersandofficialsofthecentralandlocaladministrations.Inaddition,theCommitteerecommendsthatchildren'srightsbeincludedintheschoolcurriculaasameasureofenhancingrespectforindigenousculture,promotingmulticulturalismandcombatingthepaternalisticattitudesprevailinginsociety.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoenvisageseekingtechnicalcooperationfromappropriateinternationalintergovernmentalandnon-governmentalorganizations,includingtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.552.2 .2Withrespecttoarticles2,3and4oftheConvention,itistheopinionoftheCommitteethatappropriatebudgetaryprovisionsshouldbemadetothemaximumextentpossible.Inthisregard,particularattentionshouldbegiventochildrenbelongingtovulnerableandmarginalizedgroups,withaviewtoprovidingadequateservices,includingintheareasofeducationandhealth,andtoovercomingpersistingdisparities.TheCommitteeemphasizesthattheinterrelatedandintegratednatureoftherightsprovidedforintheConventionrequiresthattheConventionberecognizedasthegeneralframeworkforreachingdecisionsontheallocationofresourcesforchildren.Moreover,inthelightofarticle4oftheConvention,internationalassistanceprovidedtoPanamashouldaimatthepromotionofchildren'srights.̇553.2 .2Furthereffortsarerequiredtoensuretheactiveparticipationofchildrenandtheirinvolvementinalldecisionsaffectingtheminthefamily,atschoolandinsociallife,inthelightofarticles12,13and15oftheConvention.554.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthateffectivepublicawarenesscampaignsbedevelopedandthatmeasuresbeadoptedbytheStatepartytoprovideappropriateassistancetothefamilyintheperformanceofitschildrearingresponsibilities,includingparentalguidanceandcounselling,withaview,interalia,topreventingdomesticviolenceandtoprohibitingtheuseofcorporalpunishment,aswellastopreventingearlypregnancies.ItalsorecommendsthattheStatepartyreinforceexistingmeasurestoprotectchildrenfromharmfulinformation.555.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestoregulateandmonitornationalandinternationaladoptionsinordertopreventanyviolationsoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyarticle21.Itisalsorecommendedthatadequatetrainingbeprovidedtoconcernedprofessionals.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatPanamaconsiderbecomingapartytotheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.556.2 .2Intheareaofeducation,itistheviewoftheCommitteethatarangeofmeasuresshouldbeundertakenbytheStatepartytoensuretheimplementationofarticles28and29oftheConvention.Takingintoaccountthestrategybeingdeveloped,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyfocusgreatereffortsoneradicatingilliteracyandonincreasingaccesstoschooleducationbyindigenouschildrenandchildrenlivinginruralareas.TheCommitteerecognizesthatthisrequiresgreatereffortsintrainingteachers.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestopreventschooldropoutsandensureretention.557.2 .2Asameansoftacklingtheintegratedissuesofeducationandchildlabour,theCommitteerecommendsthatallsectorsofsocietyandtheeconomybecomeinvolvedinimplementingtheCommittee'srecommendationsthattheGovernmentundertakeeffectivepubliccampaignstopreventandeliminatechildlabour,especiallyinruralareas,whilesystematicallyandforcefullyencouragingtheenrolment,retentionandreturnofchildrentoschool.TheCommitteesuggeststhatPanamaconsiderbecomingapartytoInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138concerningtheminimumageforadmissiontoemploymentandreviewallrelevantstandards.Regulationstopreventchildlabourshouldbeclarifiedandenforced,complaintsshouldbeinvestigatedandseverepenaltiesimposedforviolations.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingcooperationwiththeInternationalLabourOrganizationinthisarea.558.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentofPanamaensureadequateprotectionofrefugeechildren,includinginthefieldofeducation.ProceduresshouldbedevelopedincooperationwiththeOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugeestofacilitatefamilyreunification,aswellastoappointlegalrepresentativesforunaccompaniedchildren,andtoapply,whenrelevant,childfriendlyinterviewtechniques.559.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventandcombatsexualabuseandsexualexploitationofchildrenandtoensuretheirphysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationinthelightofarticle39oftheConvention.560.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatthejuvenilejusticesystemberevisedtoensureitscompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingthoseofarticles37,39and40,aswellasofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Inaddition,itisrecommendedthattheStatepartyconsiderrequestingtechnicalassistanceinthisfieldfromtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheSecretariat.561.2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbyPanamabemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednongovernmentalorganizations.@ . 16.Concludingobservations:Myanmar562.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofMyanmar(CRC/C/8/Add.9)atits357thto360thmeetings,on15and16January1997(CRC/C/SR.357-360),and,atits371stmeeting,on24January1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction563.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthesubmissionofwrittenanswerstothelistofissues(CRC/C/Q/Mya.1).TheCommitteenotesthatthereport,althoughfollowingthethematicstructureforreportingsetoutinthegeneralguidelines,wasincompleteinitsappreciationofthesituationofchildreninthecountrysinceitdidnotincorporateanassessmentoffactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheenjoymentoftherightsofthechild.2 .2(b) .Positivefactors564.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthattheStatepartyhaswithdrawnitsreservationsonarticles15and37oftheConvention.565.2 .2TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefactthattheStatepartyhasadoptedaNationalPlanofActionandestablishedaNationalCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildin1993.566.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheenactmentofanationallawontheprotectionofchildrenin1993.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention567.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheStatepartyhasbeendeeplyaffectedbyyearsofinternalconflictthathasgravelydisturbedsomeregionsofthecountry.ViolenceandinstabilityhavehadaconsiderablenegativeimpactonthesituationofchildreninMyanmar:manyofthemhavebeensubjectedtovariousformsofviolationoftheirrightsandhavebeenforcedtofleeareasaffectedbyviolence.568.2 .2TheCommitteefurthernotesthatseveralyearsofunfavourableeconomicconditionsintheStatepartyhaveadverselyaffectedthesituationofthemostvulnerablegroupsinsociety.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern569.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackofconformitybetweentheexistingnationallegalframeworkandtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,namelytheCitizenshipAct,theVillageandTownsActsandtheWhippingAct.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthefactthatthelawsrelatingtofreedomofexpressionandassociationandsomesectionsoftheLawonChildLabourraisedoubtsastotheirconformitywiththeprovisionsoftheConvention.ItisalsooftheopinionthatthelawconcerningjuvenilejusticeisnotguidedbytheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalinstruments.Theageofcriminalresponsibility,atpresentsevenyearsofage,istoolow;tortureisnotclearlyprohibitedbyexistinglegislationandnocomplaintprocedureforchildrenexists.TheCommitteeisalsoworriedthatthelawprohibitingdiscriminationfailstoconformfullytoarticle2oftheConventionbynotexplicitlyprotectingchildrenfromdiscriminationonthebasisofpoliticalorotheropinion,ethnicorsocialorigin,disabilityofthechildorhisorherparents.Finally,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthehumanrightsofchildrenarenotyetintegratedinafundamentalbodyoflaw.570.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtheNationalPlanofActionhavenotyetbeentranslatedintoconcreteprogrammes,sectoralpoliciesandallocationofnecessaryresourcestoensuretheimplementationoftherightsrecognizedintheConventionthroughoutthecountry.Lackofevaluationandmonitoringsystemsarealsoamatterofconcern.571.2 .2TheCommittee,whilerecognizingtheeffortsundertakenbytheStatepartyinthecollectionofdata,isconcernedthatthesystemofdatacollectiondoesnotadequatelydisaggregateinformationsoastoreflectthesituationofallchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,includingchildrenbelongingtominoritygroups,childrenlivinginremoteareas,disabledchildren,childrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet,childrenplacedininstitutions,includinginstitutionsofapenalnature,illtreatedandabusedchildrenorchildrenfromeconomicallydisadvantagedgroups.SuchdisaggregateddatawouldcontributetothedesignofpoliciesandprogrammesfortheeffectiveandfullimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention.572.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthelackofanintegratedstrategyonchildren,aswellasofafullyeffectivemonitoringmechanismforallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildreninurbanandruralareas,especiallythoseaffectedbytheconsequencesoftheeconomicproblemsandbytheinternalconflict.573.2 .2Asregardstheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheCommitteeexpressesparticularconcernattheinsufficientbudgetallocationforsocialexpenditures,inparticularinfavourofchildrenbelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroupsofthepopulation.574.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,aslaiddowninarticles2(non-discrimination),3(bestinterestsofthechild),6(righttolife,survivalanddevelopment)and12(respectfortheviewsofthechild),arenotbeingappliedanddulyintegratedintotheimplementationofallarticlesoftheConvention.TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheseprinciplesarenotadequatelyreflectedinlegislationandthereforearenotproperlyintegratedinalldecisionsandactionsconcerningchildren,includingattheadministrativeandjudiciallevels.Concernisalsoexpressedatthestatusandsituationofchildrenbelongingtoethnicandreligiousminoritygroups,thegirlchildandchildrenlivinginruralandremoteareas.Theinsufficiencyofmeasurestakenbytheauthoritiestopreventandcombatdiscriminationagainstthosegroupsofchildrenisalsoamatterofconcern.575.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticles2and3oftheConvention,theCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedatthefactthatthenationalidentitycardexplicitlymentionsthereligionandethnicoriginofeachcitizen,includingchildren.ItisalsoseriouslyconcernedatthefactthattheCitizenshipActestablishesthreedifferentcategoriesofcitizenshipandthereforesomecategoriesofchildrenandtheirparentsmightbestigmatizedand/ordeniedcertainrights.576.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakenbytheauthoritiestoraiseawarenessandtoprovideeducationontheConventiontoadultsandchildrenalike.ThefactthattheConventionisnottranslatedintoallnationallanguagesandisthereforenotaccessibletoallchildrenlivingintheterritoryoftheStatepartyisalsoamatterofconcern,asisthelackofknowledgeontheConventionamongprofessionalgroupsworkingforandwithchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementandarmypersonnel,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialworkers,andpersonnelworkinginchildcareinstitutions.577.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheStatepartyhasnottakenalllegalandotherappropriatemeasurestopromoteandimplementtherightscontainedinarticles13,14and15.OfparticularconcernisthefactthatchildrenconsideredpoorarechannelledtowardsmonasticBuddhistschoolsandareofferednoalternativeeducationalopportunity.Thismightchallengetherighttofreedomofreligionfornon-Buddhistchildrenwhoareenrolledinthoseschools.DeepconcernisalsoexpressedbytheCommitteewithregardtotherightofchildrentofreedomofspeech,associationandpeacefulassembly.Moreover,theCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedattherecentclosureofsomehighschools.578.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheexistinglegalframeworkandproceduresregulatingadoptionwhicharenotinfullconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyarticles3and21.579.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthehighratesofinfantmortalityandmalnutrition,aswellasthelowlevelofhealthservices,whicharepartlyduetopoverty,deepdisparitiesbetweenurbanandruralcommunitiesandtheimpactoftheinternalconflict.TheCommitteeisalsoworriedaboutthelackofsufficientmeasurestoofferappropriateandaccessiblesocial,rehabilitationandeducationalservicestodisabledchildren.580.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticles28,29and30oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedatthehighdropoutandrepetitionrates.Itisalsoconcernedatthelackofresourcesinthefieldofvocationaltraining.Finally,theCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakenbytheStatepartytoprovideeducationinminoritylanguages.̇581.2 .2TheCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedabouttheimpactofyearsofinternalconflictwhichhasgeneratedimportantinstabilityinseveralregionsofthecountryandresultedinsituationswherefamilieshavebeenforciblyrelocatedordisplaced,orencouragedtocrossborderstoseekprotectionasrefugees.Therightsofmostchildreninvolvedinthosepopulationmovementshavenotbeenproperlyaddressedandsafeguarded.582.2 .2ReportsfromvarioussourcesconcerningcasesofabuseandviolenceperpetratedagainstchildrenhaveraisedgraveconcernwithintheCommittee,particularlyregardingnumerousdocumentedcasesofrapeofyounggirlsbysoldiersandcasesofchildrensystematicallybeingforcedintolabour,includingasporters.583.2 .2OfequallygraveconcerntotheCommitteearethenumerousreportedcasesofforcedandunderagerecruitmentofchildsoldiers.584.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthefactthatchildrenworkinginthefamilyenvironmentorinfamilyenterprisesarenotprotectedbylaw.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheabuseandexploitationofadoptedchildren,especiallyintheareaofchildlabour,andattheabsenceoflegalsafeguardstoprotectthem.585.2 .2Furthermore,theCommitteeexpressesitsregretthatinsufficientmeasuresarebeingtakentoaddresstheproblemsofchildabuse,includingsexualabuse,andthesaleandtraffickingofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography.Itisespeciallyconcernedatthefactthatasignificantnumberofgirls,andsometimesboys,arevictimsoftransnationaltraffickingforthepurposeofsexualexploitationinbrothelsacrosstheborder.586.2 .2Inthelightofarticle39oftheConvention,theCommitteeisworriedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentoprovidephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationtochildrenvictimsofanyformofneglect,abuseand/orexploitation,particularlyvictimsofarmedconflicts,sexualexploitationandchildlabour.587.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,andinparticularitslackofcompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofseriousconcerntotheCommittee.Severeconditionsofdetention,thefactthatdeprivationoflibertyisnotusedonlyasameasureoflastresort,thelackofaccessbythechildtolegalassistanceandjudicialreview,andtheabsenceofamonitoringsystemaresituationsthatremainofparticularconcerntotheCommittee.588.2 .2TheCommitteeisworriedaboutthefailureoftheStatepartytocooperatewithnon-governmentalandintergovernmentalorganizationsintheframeworkofexistinginternationalhumanrightsmechanisms.TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheimpactofthissituationonthedailylifeofeverychildlivingunderthejurisdictionoftheStateparty.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations589.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivereviewofthenationallegislationtobringitintoconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyintheareasofnon-discrimination,citizenship,freedomofassociation,corporalpunishment,childlabour,adoptionandtheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheCitizenshipAct,theVillageandTownsActsandtheWhippingActsberepealed.Lawsrelatingtotherighttonon-discrimination,freedomofassociation,childlabourandjuvenilejusticeshouldbeamendedsoastobefullycompatiblewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallnecessarymeasurestofullyreflecttherightsrecognizedbytheConventioninafundamentalbodyoflaw.590.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreinforceatalllevelstheroleoftheNationalCommitteefortheRightsoftheChildintheimplementationoftheConvention.TheStatepartyshouldtakeallnecessarymeasurestofullyintegratetheConventionandtheNationalPlanofActioninallprogrammesandsectoralpolicies.591.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartygatherallnecessarydataonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConvention,includingonchildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.592.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatamultidisciplinarymonitoringsystembeestablishedtoassesstheprogressachievedanddifficultiesencounteredintherealizationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionatthecentralandlocallevels,andinparticulartomonitorregularlytheeffectsofeconomicchangeandarmedconflictsonchildren.SuchamonitoringsystemshouldenabletheStatetoshapeappropriateandcomprehensivepoliciestoprotectvulnerablegroupsandtobridgeexistingdisparitiesbetweenurbanandruralareas.Effortsshouldbemadetoensureimplementationofpoliciesandmeasuresforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild,incooperationwithUnitedNationsbodiesandthespecializedagencies,includingtheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRightsonthesituationofhumanrightsinMyanmarandotherinternationalmechanisms,theUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRights,theUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,theWorldHealthOrganizationandtheInternationalLabourOrganization.593.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty,inthelightofarticles2,3and4oftheConvention,takeallappropriatemeasurestothemaximumextentofitsavailableresourcestoensurethatsufficientbudgetaryallocationisprovidedtosocialservicesforchildrenandthatparticularattentionispaidtotheprotectionofchildrenbelongingtovulnerableandmarginalizedgroups.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhatthe"child-impact"ofdecisionstakenbytheauthoritiesbeassessedonanongoingbasis.594.2 .2Withregardtothefullimplementationoftheprinciplessetoutinarticles2,3,6and12oftheConvention,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyfullyintegratetheminallitspolicies,laws,actionsandprogrammesaffectingchildrenatalllevels,includingattheadministrativeandjudiciallevels,especiallywithregardtochildrenbelongingtoethnicandreligiousminoritygroups,thegirlchild,disabledchildrenandchildrenlivinginruralandremoteareas.595.2 .2Concerningtherighttocitizenship,theCommitteeisoftheviewthattheStatepartyshould,inthelightofarticles2(non-discrimination)and3(bestinterestsofthechild),abolishthecategorizationofcitizens,aswellasthementiononthenationalidentitycardofthereligionandethnicoriginofcitizens,includingchildren.IntheviewoftheCommittee,allpossibilityofstigmatizationanddenialoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionshouldbeavoided.596.2 .2WhileencouragedbyinitiativestakenbytheauthoritiestoraiseawarenessontheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartylaunchasystematicinformationcampaign,forbothchildrenandadults,ontheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.ConsiderationshouldbegiventotheincorporationoftheConventioninschoolcurriculaandappropriatemeasuresshouldbetakentofacilitateaccessbychildrentoinformationproducedabouttheirrights.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartydevelopacomprehensivetrainingprogramme,especiallyfocusingonchildabuse,forprofessionalgroupsworkingforand/orwithchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementandarmypersonnel,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialworkers,andpersonnelworkinginchildcareinstitutions.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyenvisagecooperationwithUnitedNationsbodies,includingtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,thespecializedagenciesandnationaland/orinternationalnon-governmentalorganizations.597.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthenationallawandpracticewithregardtoadoptionbemadetoconformfullywiththeConvention,includingtheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild(art.3).TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyenvisageratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.598.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegalmeans,tofullyimplementarticles13,14and15oftheConvention.ItsuggeststhattheStatepartygiveanalternativeeducationchoicetonon-BuddhistandpoorchildrenandthattheStatepartytakeallmeasurestofullyguaranteethefreedomsofassociationandspeech,aswellastherighttopeacefulassembly.599.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestoprovideaccesstohealthservicesthroughoutthecountryandtoallchildren,includingtheoneslivinginthemostremoteareasaswellastheonesbelongingtominoritygroups.TheStatepartyshouldalsotakeappropriateactiontoofferbetterprotectionandaccesstosocialservicestophysicallyandmentallydisabledchildren.600.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingbyreinforcingexistinginternationalcooperationprogrammes,toreducetheratesofschooldrop-outandrepetition.ItalsorecommendsthattheStatepartyallocateresourcestotranslateschoolmaterialsintominoritylanguagesinordertoencourageschoolsandteachersintheappropriateregionstoprovideeducationinminoritylanguages.601.2 .2WhilewelcomingtherecentpeaceagreementsbetweentheGovernmentandagreatmajorityofarmedrebelgroupsinthecountry,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheStatepartypreventanyoccurrenceofforcedrelocation,displacementandothertypesofinvoluntarypopulationmovementswhichdeeplyaffectfamiliesandtherightsofchildren.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyreinforceitscentraltracingagencytofavourfamilyreunification.602.2 .2Furthermore,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatallreportedcasesofabuse,rapeand/orviolenceagainstchildrencommittedbymembersofthearmedforcesberapidly,impartially,thoroughlyandsystematicallyinvestigated.Appropriatejudicialsanctionsshouldbeappliedtoperpetratorsandwidepublicityshouldbegiventosuchsanctions.603.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatthearmyoftheStatepartyabsolutelyrefrainfromrecruitingunder-agedchildren,inthelightofexistinginternationalhumanrightsandhumanitarianstandards.Allforcedrecruitmentofchildrenshouldbeabolished,aswellastheirinvolvementinforcedlabour.604.2 .2Withaviewtofullyprotectingchildrenwhoworkwithintheirfamily,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyamenditsexistinglegislationappropriately.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheauthoritiestakeallnecessarymeasurestopreventandcombat,bylegaloranyotherappropriateaction,theexploitationofadoptedchildren,includingthroughlabour.605.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventandcombatchildabuse,includingsexualabuse,andthesaleandtraffickingofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography.TheCommitteeencouragestheestablishmentofbilateralagreementsbetweenconcernedpartiestopreventandcombattransnationaltraffickingandsaleofchildrenforsexualexploitation.606.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatallnecessarymeasuresbetakenbytheStatepartytofullyimplementarticle39oftheConvention,especiallytopromotethephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofchildrenvictimsofarmedconflict,abuseandneglect,anyformofviolence,includingrape,childlabourandforcedlabour,sexualexploitationandtraffickingandsale.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderseekinginternationalassistanceinthisareafromappropriateUnitedNationsbodies,includingtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,thespecializedagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizations.607.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformofthesystemofjuvenilejusticeinthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtousingdeprivationoflibertyonlyasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestpossibleperiodoftime;toensuringhumaneconditionsofdetention,takingintoaccountthespecificneedsofchildren,includingseparationfromadultdetainees;totherightsofthechildtolegalassistanceandjudicialreview;todueprocessoflaw;andtothefullindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallthoseprofessionalsinvolvedwiththesystemofjuvenilejustice.Anindependentmonitoringmechanism,nationaland/orinternational,shouldguaranteethefullimplementationofthoserights.Finally,theCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheStatepartyconsiderseekinginternationalassistanceintheareaoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticefromtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheSecretariat.608.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragesdialogueandinternationalcooperation,especiallyinthefieldofhumanrights,includingthoseofchildren,betweentheStatepartyandtheinternationalcommunity.TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inthespiritofinternationalcooperationintheareaofhumanrights,includingchildren'srights,theStatepartyimplementalltherecommendationsmadebytheSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRightsonthesituationofhumanrightsinMyanmar.WhileappreciatingthefactthatMyanmarisaStatepartytotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,theCommitteealsosuggeststhatitenvisageratifyingothermajorinternationalhumanrightstreaties.609.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inaccordancewitharticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theinitialreportpresentedbyMyanmarbemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatconsiderationbegiventopublicationofthereportalongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernmentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ . 17.Concludingobservations:SyrianArabRepublic610.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheSyrianArabRepublic(CRC/C/28/Add.2)atits360thto362ndmeetings,on16and17January1997(CRC/C/SR.360362),and,atits371stmeeting,on24January1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction611.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoexpressitsappreciationfortheconstructivedialogueengagedwiththedelegation.WhileitwelcomesthesubmissionbytheSyrianArabRepublicofitsinitialreportandwrittenanswerstoitslistofissues(CRC/C/Q/SYR.1),theCommitteeregretsthelackofinformationprovidedontheimplementationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninpractice,preventingitfromobtainingamoredetailedpictureofthesituationofchildrenwithinthecountry.2 .2(b) .Positivefactors612.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthattheConventionisfullyincorporatedintodomesticlaw,andthattheCivilCodeandtheCodeofCriminalProcedureexpresslyprovidethattheirprovisionsshallnotapplyincasetheyconflictwithaprovisionofaninternationalconventioninforceintheSyrianArabRepublic.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthefactthatanumberofprovisionsofdomesticlawarecurrentlybeingreviewedinordertoensuretheirconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.613.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitiativestakenbytheGovernment,suchastheestablishmentattheministeriallevelofaHigherCommitteeforChildWelfare,thesettingupofaNationalCommitteeforChildrentomonitortheimplementationoftheConventionintheSyrianArabRepublicandtheadoptionofaNationalPlanofActiontoimplementtheWorldDeclarationontheSurvival,ProtectionandDevelopmentofChildreninthe1990s.614.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthateducationisfreeofchargeatalllevelsandthatithasbeenmadecompulsoryattheprimarylevelbytheCompulsoryEducationAct,No.35,of1981.615.2 .2TheCommitteefurthernoteswithappreciationtheintentionoftheGovernmenttopublishitsinitialreport,aswellasthesummaryrecordsofthedebatewiththeCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereon.&  2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention616.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheStateparty,asaresultoftheoccupationofapartofitsterritory,isnotinapositiontoexercisecontroloverallofitsterritoryandconsequentlycannotensuretheimplementationofthe'  Conventioninallpartsofthecountry.TheCommitteealsonotesinthiscontextthattheimportantbudgetdevotedtomilitaryexpenditureandtheinsufficientbudgetallocatedtothesocialsectormaycontributetohamperingtheenjoymentbychildrenoftheirrightsundertheConvention.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern617.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthebroadnatureofthereservationsmadebytheStatepartytoarticles14,20and21oftheConventionmaycausemisunderstandingsaboutthenatureoftheState'scommitmenttoimplementingtherightscoveredbythesearticles.618.2 .2Whilewelcomingtheexistenceofgovernmentbodiescompetenttodealwiththewelfareofchildrenatthenationallevel,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheinsufficientcoordinationbetweenthesebodiesandbetweennationalandlocalbodiesindevelopingacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.619.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakentosystematicallygatherreliablequantitativeandqualitativedataonallareascoveredbytheConventioninrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,soastoevaluateprogressachievedandtoassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedwithrespecttochildren,withparticularemphasisoneducation,health,childlabour,refugeechildrenandchildrenbelongingtominorities,thegirlchild,childreninvolvedwiththeadministrationofjuvenilejustice,disabledchildren,childrenvictimsofabuseorilltreatmentandchildrenlivingand/orworkinginthestreet.620.2 .2WhileacknowledgingtheinitiativestakentopromoteawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,theCommitteeremainsconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensurethattheprinciplesandprovisionsaremadewidelyknowntochildren,parents,officialsandprofessionalsworkingwithandforchildren.Inthisregard,itisparticularlyconcernedthatthetraininginthefieldofchildren'srightsprovidedtomembersofthepoliceforceandotherlawenforcementofficials,judicialpersonnel,teachersatalllevelsofeducation,socialworkersandmedicalpersonnelisinsufficientandnotsystematic.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthelackofmeasurestakentopublishanddisseminatethetextoftheConventionwithinthepublic,informatsintendedforbothchildrenandadultsandaccordingtotheirlevelsofeducation.621.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatthebestinterestsofthechild,theprohibitionofdiscriminationandtherespectfortheviewsofthechildandhisorherrighttoparticipateinfamily,schoolandsociallifearenotfullyreflectedindomesticlegislationandimplementedinpractice.ItisalsoconcernedatthelackofconformityofrelevantdomesticlawswiththedefinitionofthechildundertheConvention,especiallyatthelowageofcriminalresponsibility(seven)andofaccesstoemployment.622.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthepersistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudestowardsgirls,includingthepracticeofearlymarriage,andtowardschildrenbornoutofwedlock.Moreover,thelowermarriageableageforgirlsthanforboysraisesquestionsastoitscompatibilitywiththeConvention,inparticulararticle2.623.2 .2Asregardstheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentoftheState'savailableresources,withparticularemphasisonhealthandeducation.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficientpolicies,measuresandprogrammesfortheprotectionoftherightsofthemostvulnerablechildren,especiallychildrenlivinginpoverty,thegirlchild,disabledchildren,childrenvictimsofabuse,childrenbelongingtominoritygroupsandchildrenwhoarelivingand/orworkingonthestreet.624.2 .2ThesituationofrefugeeandSyrianbornKurdishchildrenisamatterofconcerntotheCommitteeinthelightofarticle7oftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteenotestheabsenceoffacilitiesfortheregistrationofrefugeechildrenbornintheSyrianArabRepublic,andthatSyrianbornKurdishchildrenareconsideredeitherasforeignersorasmaktoumeen(unregistered)bytheSyrianauthoritiesandfacegreatadministrativeandpracticaldifficultiesinacquiringSyriannationality,althoughtheyhavenoothernationalityatbirth.625.2 .2Withregardtoeducation,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthehighdropoutratesfromthesecondarylevel,especiallyamonggirls,thehighteacher/studentratioandthelackofadequatelearningandteachingfacilities.TheCommitteefurthernotesthattheschoolcurriculadonotyetcontainaprogrammeonhumanrightsandchildren'srightseducation.626.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofappropriatemeasurestocombatandpreventilltreatmentandabusewithinthefamilyandtoprovidephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationtochildrenvictimsofsuchilltreatmentandabuse,andatthelackofinformationprovidedonthismatter.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthatdisciplinarymeasuresinschoolsoftenconsistofcorporalpunishmentalthoughitisprohibitedbylaw.627.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheminimumageforemploymentofchildrenistoolowandthatchildrenworkinginfamilyenterprisesarenotprotectedbytherelevantprovisionsofLabourActNo.91of1959,includingontheminimumageofemployment,theprohibitionofnightworkandotherprotectionmeasureswithregardtoharmfuloccupations.Furthermore,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatreportsofexploitationofchildlabourintheagriculturalsectorandatthelackofmeansavailableinruralareastocombatandpreventthisphenomenon.628.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeintheStateparty,whichdoesnotconformtoarticles37and40oftheConventionandotherrelevantUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Itnotesinparticularthatchildrenmaybedeprivedoflibertyataverylowageandthatsufficientattentionhasnotbeenpaidtodatetofindalternativestoinstitutionalcareofchildren.&  2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations629.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoreviewitsreservationstoarticles14,20and21oftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteeunderlinesthatinterpretativedeclarationsbytheStatepartymighthavethe'  desiredeffectofclarifyingtheStatepositioninrespectoftheseparticularrights.630.2 .2WhileitwelcomestheestablishmentoftheHigherCommitteeforChildWelfareandtheNationalCommitteeforChildren,theCommitteerecommendsthatfurthereffortsbedeveloped,throughthesecommittees,toincreaseandsystematizeverticalcoordinationbetweencentralandlocaladministrationsandbodiesinvolvedintheprotectionoftherightsofthechildandintheimplementationofthevariouspoliciesandprogrammesthereon.631.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthesystemofdatacollectionbeimprovedandthatitidentifyappropriateandspecificdisaggregatedindicatorstoallowtheidentificationofsectorswherefurtheractionisneededandtheassessmentofprogressachievedinallareascoveredbytheConventioninallpartsofthecountryandwithregardtoallgroupsofchildren,includingchildreninespeciallydifficultcircumstances.TheCommitteenotesthewillingnessoftheStatepartytoreceivetechnicalassistanceinthisparticularareaanditrecommendsthatcooperationbedevelopedwiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderincorporatinginitsNationalPlanofActiondatareflectingallareascoveredbytheConvention.632.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartycontinueandincreaseitsactivitiesinthefieldofthepromotionofpublicawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention,andthatitsetupprogrammesforthecontinuoustrainingofofficialsandprofessionalsworkingwithandforchildren,includingmembersofthepoliceforceandotherlawenforcementofficials,judicialpersonnel,teachersatalllevelsofeducation,socialworkersandmedicalpersonnel.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthat,withinthereviewoftheschoolcurriculacurrentlyunderway,specialemphasisbegiventotheincorporationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConventionintheprogrammesofeducation.633.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartypursueitseffortswithaviewtoensuringfullconformityofitsnationallawswiththeConvention,havingdueregardforthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthoserelatingtothebestinterestsofthechild,theprohibitionofdiscriminationandtherespectfortheviewsofthechildandhisorherrighttoparticipateinfamily,schoolandsociallife.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthatspecificprovisionsbeincorporated,whereverappropriate,inthelawtoreflectthoseprinciplesandthattheprovisionsrelatingtotheminimumageofmarriageforgirls,theageofcriminalresponsibility,theminimumageofaccesstoemploymentandworkinfamilyenterprisesbereviewedandbroughtintolinewiththeprinciplesoftheConventionasamatterofpriority.634.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatinformationcampaignsbelaunchedtopreventandcombatprevailingdiscriminationagainstgirls.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatappropriateproactivemeasuresbeadoptedfortheprotectionofchildrenbornoutofwedlock.635.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle4oftheConvention,prioritybegiveninbudgetallocationstotherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,withparticularemphasisonhealthandeducation,andontheenjoymentoftheserightsbychildrenbelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheministriesresponsibleforoverallplanningandbudgetingbefullyinvolvedintheactivitiesoftheHigherCommitteeonChildWelfareandtheNationalCommitteeonChildren,withaviewtoensuringthattheirdecisionshaveadirectandimmediateimpactonthebudget.636.2 .2Asregardstheenjoymentoftheirrightsunderarticle7oftheConventionbyrefugeechildrenbornintheSyrianArabRepublicandbySyrianbornKurdishchildren,theCommitteeemphasizesthattherighttoberegisteredandtoacquireanationalityshouldbeguaranteedtoallchildrenundertheSyrianArabRepublic'sjurisdictionwithoutdiscriminationofanykind,irrespective,inparticular,ofthechild'sorhisorherparents'orlegalguardians'race,religionorethnicorigin,inlinewitharticle2oftheConvention.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyconsidertheratificationofthe1951ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesandits1967Protocol,aswellasthe1961ConventionontheReductionofStatelessness.637.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialattentionbepaidbytheauthoritiestotheproblemofilltreatmentandabuseofchildrenwithinthefamilyandofcorporalpunishmentinschools.Inthisregard,theCommitteestressestheneedforinformationandeducationcampaignstopreventandcombattheuseofanyformofphysicalormentalpunishmentwithinthefamilyorinschools,aswellasfortheestablishmentofacomplaintmechanismintendedtobenefitchildrenvictimsofsuchilltreatmentorabuse.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatmechanismsforthephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofchildrenvictimsofsuchilltreatmentandabusebeestablished.638.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheprovisionsofLabourActNo.91of1959relatingtotheprotectionofchildrenwithregardtoemploymentbereviewedandbroughtintolinewiththeConvention,inparticulararticle32.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsidertheratificationofInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138onminimumageforadmissiontoemployment.639.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingareformofthesystemofjuvenilejusticeinthespiritofarticles37,39and40oftheConventionandotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Tothisend,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyavailitselfofthetechnicalassistanceprogrammesoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheSecretariat.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhatthesettingupofanindependentmonitoringbodytoreceiveandconsidercomplaintsofchildreninvolvedwiththeadministrationofjuvenilejusticebedulyconsideredbytheSyrianauthorities.640.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inviewofthelegislativereviewandadoptionofpoliciesbytheStatepartyinthespiritoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,studiesbeconducted,inclosecooperationwiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandnationalandinternationalnon-governmentalorganizations,notablyinthefieldsofhealthandfamilyplanning,educationandhumanrightseducation,andearlymarriageandchildabuse,includingsexualabuseofchildrenwithinthefamily.̇641.2 .2Finally,whilerecallingtheintentionoftheStatepartytopublishitsinitialreport,aswellasthesummaryrecordsofthedebatewiththeCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereon,theCommitteerecommends,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,thatsuchpublicationsbemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ . 18.Concludingobservations:NewZealand642.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofNewZealand(CRC/C/28/Add.3)atits363rdto365thmeetings,on20and21January1997(CRC/C/SR.363-365),and,atits371stmeeting,on24January1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction643.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsdetailedreport,whichhasbeenpreparedinconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelines,andforthesubmissionbytheGovernmentofNewZealandofwrittenrepliestoitslistofissues(CRC/C/Q/NZl.1).ItnoteswithsatisfactionthesupplementaryinformationprovidedbythedelegationduringandaftertheconsiderationofitsreportandtheconstructivedialoguewiththedelegationoftheStateparty.2 .2(b)Positivefactors644.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheadoptionoftheDomesticProtectionAct,1995,whichprovidesgreaterprotectiontothevictimsofdomesticviolencethanwasavailableundertheformerdomesticviolencelegislation,andinparticulartheextensionofprotectionunderthedomesticprotectionsystemtochildren.645.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithinteresttheincreasingemphasisonmonitoringandevaluationoftheimpactonchildrenofproposedlegislationandpoliciesaffectingchildren.Inparticular,itwelcomestheinclusionofspecificmonitoringandevaluationproceduresfornewpolicyproposalssubmittedtotheCabinet.646.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthewiderangeofsupportservicesthatareavailabletoassistchildrenwithadisabilitytoenhancetheirdevelopmentandmaximizetheirpotential.647.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheapplicationoftheagediscriminationprovisionsoftheHumanRightsAct,1993,toincludecoverageofyoungpersonsaged16yearsandolder,andthefactthattheHumanRightsCommissioncanreceivecomplaintsfromchildren.648.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheStateparty'sinitiativeofconveninga"YouthParliament"asameansofrealizinganimportantdimensionofarticle12oftheConvention.2 .2(c)0 .Principalsubjectsofconcern649.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthebroadnatureofthereservationsmadetotheConventionbytheStateparty,whichraisequestionsastotheircompatibilitywiththeobjectandpurposeoftheConvention.Moreover,theCommitteeregretsthattheStatepartyhasnotextendedtheConventionwithrespecttotheterritoryofTokelau,whichisnotatpresentasovereignStateandremainsaNon-SelfGoverningTerritoryinimportantrespects.650.2 .2TheCommitteeregretsthattheStateparty'sapproachtotherightsofthechildappearstobesomewhatfragmented,asthereisnoglobalpolicyorplanofactionwhichincorporatestheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,encompassingalltheareascoveredbytheConvention.651.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthelackofconformityofrelevantdomesticlawswiththedefinitionofthechildundertheConvention,especiallywithregardtotheminimumageforchargingachildwithseriousoffencesandtheminimumageofaccesstoemployment.TheCommitteefurthernoteswithconcerntheappearanceofawiderangeofagecutoffswhichdonotappeartobenecessarilyconsistentunderlegislationadministeredbyvariousgovernmententitiesforeligibilityfordifferenttypesofgovernmentsupport.652.2 .2Whileviewingwithinteresttheextensivedelegationtonon-governmentalorganizationsofdeliveryofcertainsupportservicestochildrenandtheirfamilies,theCommitteeconsidersthattheultimateresponsibilityforthequalityofsuchGovernmentsupportedservicesrestswiththeStatepartybeitatthecentralorlocallevelandthatdelegatedprogrammesneedcarefulmonitoringandevaluation.Inthisregard,theCommitteealsonotesthatthepublicfundingofsuchnon-governmentalorganizationsmayraisequestionsastotheirindependence.653.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoensureeffectivecoordinationbetweendifferentgovernmentaldepartmentscompetentinareascoveredbytheConventionaswellasbetweenthecentralandlocalauthorities.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthismaynotonlyresultinalackofacentralfocalpointforcoordinatinggovernmentalaction,butalsoleadtoinconsistencyingovernmentaction.654.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficiencyofmeasurestocollectdisaggregatedstatisticaldata,includinginrelationtotheregistrationofcomplaintsfromchildren,andotherinformationonthesituationofchildren,especiallythosebelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.TheabsenceofqualitativeandquantitativeinformationonthestatusofchildrenmakestheassessmentoftheimplementationoftheConventiondifficult.655.2 .2Asregardstheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheextensiveeconomicreformprocessundertakeninNewZealandsincethemid-1980shasaffectedthebudgetaryresourcesavailableforsupportservicesforchildrenandtheirfamiliesandthatallnecessarymeasurestoensuretheenjoymentbychildrenoftheireconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentoftheState'sresourceshavenotbeentaken.656.2 .2TheCommitteeregretstheriseinthenumberofsingleparentfamiliesandisconcernedaboutthelackofaconcertedstrategybytheStatepartytoaddresstheneedsofchildrenaffectedbythistrend.657.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheauthorizationprovidedbysection59oftheCrimesActtousephysicalforceagainstchildrenaspunishmentwithinthefamily,providedthattheforceisreasonableinthecircumstances.Moreover,theCommitteenotestheinsufficientmeasurestakentoaddresstheissueofilltreatmentandabuse,includingsexualabuse,withinthefamily,aswellastheissuesofphysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofchildrenvictimsofsuchilltreatmentorabuse.658.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsseriousconcernatthehighrateofyouthsuicideinNewZealand.659.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheMaoripopulationlagssignificantlybehindthenon-Maoripopulationinmoststatisticsofwellbeing,thusreflectingthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentoprotectandpromotetheenjoymentoftherightsofthispopulationgroup,andofMaorichildreninparticular.660.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithregretthattheStatepartydoesnothaveacomprehensivepolicytodealwiththeissueofchildlabour,abasicminimumageofadmissiontoemployment,orarangeofminimumagesfordifferenttypesofworkandworkingconditions.661.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthatgovernmentsupportservicestorefugeesandasylumseekers,includingchildren,appeartobedifferentiatedaccordingtowhetherpersonsareadmittedasrefugeesunderagreementwiththeOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugeesorarepresentinthecountryastheresultofanindividual'sapplicationforasylum.2 .2(d)Suggestionsandrecommendations662.2 .2InthespiritoftheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofActionadoptedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsinJune1993whichurgedStatestowithdrawreservationstotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,theCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytotakestepstowithdrawitsreservationstotheConvention.Furthermore,theCommitteeencouragesNewZealandtoextendtheapplicationoftheConventionwithrespecttotheterritoryofTokelau.663.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyprepareandadoptacomprehensivepolicystatementwithrespecttotherightsofthechild,incorporatingtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,thatcouldprovideguidancetoallthoseinvolvedinsupportservicesdeliveredorfundedbytheGovernment.664.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentpursuetheprocessofbringingexistinglegislationintolinewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheminimumageforbeingchargedwithveryseriouscriminaloffencesandforaccesstoemploymentbereviewedasamatterofpriority.665.2 .2WhiletheCommitteeisencouragedthatareviewofallgovernmentpolicy,administrativepracticeandlegislationisunderwaytodetermineconsistencywiththeHumanRightsAct,1993,theCommitteesuggeststhataseparateorcomplementaryreviewtakeplace,takingintoaccounttheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,ofallaspectsofgovernmentpolicy,administrativepracticeandlegislationhavinganimpactonchildren.Furthermore,theCommitteesuggeststhattheofficeofCommissionerforChildrenbestrengthenedandthatfurtherconsiderationbegiventomeasureswhichwouldgivetheofficeincreasedindependenceandmakeitaccountabledirectlytoParliament.666.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatafurtherreviewofthesystemofdatacollectionbeundertaken,givingpriorityattentiontotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicators,includinginthefieldofcomplaintregistration,withaviewtoaddressingallareascoveredbytheConventionandallgroupsofchildren,particularlythemostdisadvantaged.667.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthat,withrespecttotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,budgetallocationsbemadetothemaximumextentoftheStateparty'savailableresourcesandprioritybegiventotherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,andthatparticularattentionbepaidtochildrenbelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyundertakeastudyontheimpactonchildrenandtheirfamiliesoftheeconomicreformprocessthathasbeenongoingforthelastseveralyearsintermsofitsimpactongovernmentbudgetaryresourcesavailableforsupportservices,aswellasontheimpactofunemploymentandchangedconditionsofemploymentonchildren,youngpersonsandtheirfamilies.Conclusionsfromsuchastudycouldbeausefulstartingpointfordevelopingacomprehensivestrategyforfutureaction.668.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhatastudyontheprojectedneedsofsingleparentfamiliesbemadeinthelightofthisincreasingtrend,andthatmeasuresbetakentosupplementthosealreadyinplacetoavoidpotentialnegativeconsequencesforthesechildrenandtheirparentsinthefuture.669.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartycontinuetogiveprioritytostudyingthepossiblecausesofyouthsuicideandthecharacteristicsofthosewhoappeartobemostatrisk,andtakestepsassoonaspracticabletoputinplaceadditionalsupportandinterventionprogrammes,beitinthefieldofmentalhealth,education,employmentoranotherfield,whichcouldreducethistragicphenomenon.Inthisregard,theStatepartymaywanttocallonGovernmentsandexpertsinothercountrieswhichmayalsohaveexperienceindealingwiththisproblem.670.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewlegislationwithregardtocorporalpunishmentofchildrenwithinthefamilyinordertoeffectivelybanallformsofphysicalormentalviolence,injuryorabuse.Itfurtherrecommendsthatappropriatemechanismsbeestablishedtoensurethephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofchildrenvictimsofsuchilltreatmentandabuse,inthelightofarticle39oftheConvention.671.2 .2WhilenotingtheeffortsmadebytheGovernmentintheareasofhealth,educationandwelfarewithregardtotheMaoripopulation,theCommitteeencouragestheauthoritiestopursueandstrengthentheirprogrammesandactivitiestofilltheremaininggapbetweenMaoriandnon-Maorichildren.672.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthepolicyandlawinrelationtochildlabourbereviewedandthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138onminimumageforadmissiontoemployment.673.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatallrefugeechildren,includingasylumseekerscomingtoNewZealandoutsideUNHCRorganizedschemes,begiventhebenefitofintroductionassistanceandGovernmentdeliveredorfundedsupportservices.674.2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatthepublicationoftheinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingwithconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.&  @ . 19.Concludingobservations:Cuba675.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofCuba(CRC/C/8/Add.30)atits374thto376thmeetings,on21and22May1997(CRC/C/SR.374-376),and,atits398thmeeting,on6June1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.'  2 .2(a)Introduction676.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomesthesubmissionoftheStateparty'sinitialreportandthewrittenrepliestotheCommittee'slistofquestions(CRC/C/Q/CUB.1).TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaginginanopendialogueandforacknowledgingtheproblems,difficultiesandchallengesfacingthecountryinimplementingtheConvention.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects677.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthehistoricprogresstheStatepartyhasmadeinprovidingservicesforandadvancingthewellbeingofchildren,especiallyinthefieldsofhealthandeducation,whicharereflectedinthecountry'ssocio-economicindicatorssuchasitsinfantmortalityrateandteacherpupilratio.678.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthataplanofactiontoattainthegoalsoftheWorldSummitforChildrenhasbeenformulatedandisbeingimplementedatboththenationalandmunicipallevels.679.2 .2NoteistakenoftheGovernment'srecentinitiativestoimplementsexeducationprogrammesincooperationwiththeUnitedNationsPopulationFund.680.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheimportancetheStatepartyattachestotheprovisionofcareforthedisabledandtheprioritymeasuresintroducedinthisarea.681.2 .2TheCommitteealsotakesnoteofthewillingnessoftheStatepartytoprovideinternationalassistancetovictimsofemergencies,particularlyinthecaseof14,000personsaffectedbytheChernobylenvironmentaldisasterwhoreceivedtreatmentofferedbyCuba.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof2 .2 .theConvention682.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofthedifficultiesfortheStatepartyinitsimplementationoftheConventionasaresultofthedissolutionofitstraditionaleconomictiesandtheintensificationofthetradeembargo.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern683.2 .2ItistheviewoftheCommitteethatinsufficientstepshavebeentakentostudyandreviewthecompatibilityofnationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,soastoensurefulfilmentofalltherightsprovidedforintheConvention.̇684.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientstepshavebeentakentoadequatelyreflect,intheStatereport,alltherightsprovidedforintheConvention.685.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthesectoralapproachadoptedbyexistingmechanismsmonitoringtheimplementationoftheConventionandtheirineffectivenessinreflectingtheholisticapproachessentialtoacomprehensiveimplementationoftheConvention.686.2 .2TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedaboutthelackofanindependentmechanism,suchasanombudsperson,accessibletochildrentodealwithcomplaintsoftheviolationoftheirrightsandtoprovideremediesforsuchviolations.687.2 .2TheCommitteedrawstheattentionoftheStatepartytocertainlacunaeinthestatisticalandotherinformationcollectedbytheStateparty,includingwithrespecttothechoiceanddevelopmentofindicatorstomonitortheimplementationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.FrominformationprovidedintheStateparty'sreport,theCommitteenotesthatincertaininstancesstatisticsonthesituationofchildrenarebeingcollectedonlyforchildrenuptotheageof15.688.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoincorporateeducationabouttheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionfullyintothetraininggiventoprofessionalsworkingwithandforchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,teachers,socialwelfareofficers,doctorsandotherhealthprofessionals,aswellaspersonnelworkinginchildcareinstitutionsandofficialsofthecentralandlocaladministrations.689.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthefailuretoprovideforaminimumageforsexualconsentandtheabsenceofharmonizationbetweentheageforthecompletionofcompulsoryschoolingandtheminimumageforemployment.690.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentoensuretheimplementationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConventioninpolicy,practiceandprocedures,especiallywithregardtoarticle3(thebestinterestsofthechild)andarticle12(respectfortheviewsofthechild).TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatthemeasurestakentoensurerespectfortheviewsofthechild,inthefamilyandsociallife,aswellasinthecontextofadministrative,socialwelfareandotherproceduresaffectingandapplyingtothem,areinsufficient.691.2 .2TheCommitteeregretstheinsufficiencyofinformationprovidedontheimplementationofthecivilrightsandfreedomsofchildren.692.2 .2ItistheviewoftheCommitteethattheapparentabsenceofindependentmechanismsformonitoringthesituationofchildrenininstitutionsisamatterofconcern.693.2 .2WhiletheCommitteetakesnoteoftheStateparty'seffortstodealwiththeissueofchildabuse,includingthroughtheestablishmentofanearlywarningsystemforviolenceagainstchildren,itisoftheviewthatthesemeasuresareinsufficienttofullyprotectchildrenfromsuchviolations.Furthermore,seriousconcernremainsinrelationtoachild'sopportunitytoreportabuseandotherviolationsofhisorherrightsinthefamily,schoolsorotherinstitutionsandtohaveacomplainttakenseriouslyandrespondedtoeffectively.694.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutissuesrelatingtochildrenwhoexhibitanti-socialbehaviour,namely,anincreaseinthenumberofchildrenwithbehaviouralproblemsandtheadequacyofexistingmechanismstoaddresstheirproblemseffectively.695.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatobstaclesremaintotheeffectiveimplementationofthefamilyplanningandeducationprogrammesinthecountry,particularlyinviewofthelackofqualitymaterialsandservicesavailableinCuba.696.2 .2TheCommitteehasnotedthat,whilethereisanabsenceofstatisticsrelatingtotheincidenceofschooldropout,availablestatisticsrevealadeclineinthenumberofchildrenenrolledinsecondaryeducationandareductionintheavailabilityofscholarshipsforchildrentocontinuetheireducation.697.2 .2Withregardtotheissuesofdrugabuseandtrafficking,childlabour,childprostitutionandsuicide,theCommitteetakesnoteoftheinformationprovidedbytheStatepartythatcasesinvolvingchildrenarefewandisolated.Nonetheless,itwishestoexpressitsconcernthat,inthelightoftheconsiderablesocialandeconomicproblemsfacingthecountry,insufficienteffortsarebeingmadebytheStatepartytodevisepreventivestrategiestoensurethatsuchproblemsdonotbecomemoreprevalent,therebyendangeringfuturegenerationsofchildren.698.2 .2ItisalsoamatterofconcerntotheCommitteethatsomeissuesrelatingtothesystemofjuvenilejusticewerenotfullyaddressed,includingonthecompatibilityofthejuvenilejusticesystemwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyinrelationtotheprotectionaffordedtochildrenaged16to18yearsandthedetentionofchildrenwithadults.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations699.2 .2InthespiritoftheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofActionof1993andinthelightofthediscussionintheCommittee,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderthepossibilityofreviewingthedeclarationitmadeontheConventionwithaviewtoitswithdrawal.700.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoundertakeareviewofitsnationallegislationinordertoensureitsfullcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandthatthewholerangeofrightsprovidedforintheConventionfindexpressionindomesticlegislation,policyandactions.701.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartyinitseffortstoconsiderbecomingapartytorelatedhumanrightsinstruments,includingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993andtheConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesof1951.702.2 .2TheStatepartyisurgedtotakeactiontostrengthenthecapacityofthecountry'smonitoringandcoordinatingmechanismsconcerningtherightsofthechildwiththeaimofensuringaholisticapproachtotheimplementationoftheConventionandraisingthepoliticalvisibilityofissuesrelatingtochildren.703.2 .2InthelightoftheCommittee'sviewthatfurthereffortsarerequiredtoensurethattheConventionisusedasapoliticaltoolandaframeworkforactiononbehalfofchildren,theCommitteerecommendsthatfuturenationalandlocalprogrammesofactiononchildrenincorporatepolicies,programmes,aimsandgoalsreflectingtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.704.2 .2InaccordancewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderintroducingsystems,withintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation,whichprovideforthecollection,compilationandanalysisofdataconcerningchildrenuptotheageof18,includinginformationontheviolationsoftherightsofthechild,disaggregated,interalia,bygenderandlocation.705.2 .2ItisfurtherrecommendedthateducationabouttheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionbeincludedinthetrainingofprofessionalsworkingwithandforchildrensuchasdoctors,healthandsocialwelfarepersonnel,judges,lawenforcementpersonnel,lawyers,teachers,personnelworkinginchildcareinstitutionsandofficialsofthecentralandlocaladministrations.706.2 .2InaccordancewiththeConvention,theCommitteerecommendstheharmonizationoflegislation,includingwithrespecttotheageofcompletionofcompulsoryschoolingandtheminimumageforemployment.707.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentoensuretheeffectiveimplementationofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,notablynon-discrimination,bestinterestsofthechildandrespectfortheviewsofthechild.Thus,theseprinciplesshouldconstitutetheframeworkforthedesignandimplementationofpolicyinallactionsconcerningchildrenwhetherundertakenbysocialwelfareinstitutions,administrativeauthoritiesorlegislativebodies.708.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursuetheeffortsrequiredtoensureaholisticapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention,whichreaffirmsthattherightsofthechildareindivisible,interdependentandinterrelatedandthattherightsofthechildshouldbeaddressedinanintegratedmanner.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthatspecialattentionbeaccordedtotheimplementationofthecivilrightsandfreedomsofchildren.709.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasurestoprotectchildrenfromabuseandmaltreatmentbeundertaken,inparticularthroughthedevelopmentofawidespreadpublicinformationcampaignforthepreventionofcorporalpunishmentandbullyingofchildren,whetherbyadultsorbyotherchildren.710.2 .2InrelationtotheStateparty'sstrategyfordealingwithaccidentsaffectingchildren,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderfocusingevengreatereffortsonpreventivemeasures.711.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherresourcesandassistancebedevotedtoactivitiesintheareaoffamilyplanningandhealtheducationprogrammes,withaviewtoaddressingtheproblemofteenageorunwantedpregnanciesandchangingmalesexualbehaviour.IssuesrelatingtotheincidenceandtreatmentofchildreninfectedwithoraffectedbyHIV/AIDSandsexuallytransmitteddiseasesandtoreducingtheapparentrecoursetoabortionasamethodoffamilyplanningshouldalsobethefocusofprogrammaticactions.Itisalsorecommendedthatmajoreffortsbeundertakentobroadenthecoverageofreproductivehealtheducationalprogrammesbeyondmarriedcouples.712.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthattheStatepartyshouldreview,asamatterofurgency,theminimumlegalageofsexualconsentwithaviewtoraisingit.713.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherpsychosocialmeasuresbetakentopreventandcontrolthedebilitatingeffectsofbehaviouralproblemsaffectingchildren.714.2 .2Withrespecttotheimplementationofarticles28and32oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentoimplementtherecommendationsoftheInternationalLabourOrganizationCommitteeofExpertsontheApplicationofConventionsandRecommendationswithrespecttotheobligationsarisingfromInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.79,whichprovidesforaperiodofrestatnightofatleast12consecutivehours,includingtheintervalbetween10p.m.and6a.m.,foryoungpersonsundertheageof18.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatadditionaleffortsbeundertakentomonitormorecloselytheimplementationofarticles28and32oftheConvention,includingthroughthedevelopmentanduseofselectedindicatorstotracktrendsinsuchmattersasthedrop-outratefromschoolandtheentryofchildrenintotheinformallabourmarket.715.2 .2WhiletheCommitteenotesthatbegging,drugabuseandtraffickingandchildprostitutionarenotmajorproblemsinthecountryatpresent,theCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentmonitortheseissuescloselywithaviewtotheirearlydetection.716.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheCriminalCodeprovidefortheprotectionofchildrenuptotheageof18fromsexualexploitation.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakeninordertoaddressmattersrelatingtothesexualexploitationofchildren,particularlythroughtourism,takingintoaccounttherecommendationsadoptedattheWorldCongressagainsttheCommercialSexualExploitationofChildren,heldinStockholm.717.2 .2Inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandthewrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsideredalongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,theNationalAssemblyandthegeneralpublic.718.2 .2TheCommitteewouldappreciatereceivingfromtheStateparty,inwriting,furtherinformationonthequestionsandissuesraisedduringthediscussionthatwerenotfullyansweredorclarified,includingwithrespecttomattersrelatingtotherightofthechildtofamilyreunification.@ . 20.Concludingobservations:Ghana719.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofGhana(CRC/C/3/Add.39)atits377thto379thmeetings,on22and23May1997(CRC/C/SR.377379),and,atits398thmeeting,on6June1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.̇2 .2(a)Introduction720.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitialreportandthewrittenanswerstothelistofissues(CRC/C/Q/GHA/1)submittedbytheStateparty.TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionattheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheStatepartyinthecourseofthedialoguewiththeCommittee,duringwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatedinaselfcriticalmannernotonlythepolicyandprogrammedirections,butalsothedifficultiesencounteredinimplementingtheConvention.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects721.2 .2TheCommitteenotestheestablishmentin1979oftheGhanaNationalCommissiononChildren.ItalsowelcomestheadoptionofaNationalPlanofAction,whichhasbeenincorporatedintotheNationalDevelopmentPolicyFramework.722.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthattheStatepartypromulgatedanewConstitutionin1992,whichincludesspecificprovisionsrelatingtochildren'srights.ItalsonotesthattheStateparty,throughamultisectoralcommittee,in1995,engagedinacomprehensivelawreformprocesstoensurefullcompatibilitybetweennationallawsandtheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.723.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentin1992oftheCommissiononHumanRightsandAdministrativeJustice,whichisalsoinvolvedintheprotectionofthehumanrightsofchildren.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention724.2 .2TheCommitteerecognizestheeconomicdifficultiesfacedbytheStateparty,especiallytheconstraintposedbyitsstructuraladjustmentprogramme.Furthermore,theCommitteenotesthatcertaintraditionalpracticesandcustoms,prevailingparticularlyinruralareas,hampertheeffectiveimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallywithregardtothegirlchild.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern725.2 .2Whiletakingnoteofthemeasurestakeninthefieldoflawreform,includingtheintentiontoadoptachildren'sact,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthatcurrentlyseveralprovisionsofthelawareincompatiblewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,especiallyinthefieldsofcivilrights,adoptionandjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteealsoremainsconcernedabouttheconflictbetweencustomarylawandtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninsomeareassuchasmarriage.726.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheexistenceofgovernmentbodiesdealingwiththewelfareofchildrenatthenationalandlocallevels;itneverthelessexpressesitsconcernthatthereisinsufficientcoordinationbetweenthemtodevelopacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.727.2 .2WhileacknowledgingtheworkundertakenbytheGhanaNationalCommissiononChildren,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutitsweakinstitutionalandfinancialstatus.728.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofasystematicmechanismtomonitorprogressinallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildreninurbanandruralareas,especiallyduringthecurrentprocessofdecentralization.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheStateparty'slimitedcapacitytocollectandprocessdata,aswellasdevelopspecificindicatorstoevaluateprogressachievedandassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedonchildren,inparticularthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.729.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheabsenceofpoliciesandmeasurestofullyguaranteeeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren"tothemaximumextentofavailableresources".730.2 .2Inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteeremainsconcernedaboutthepersistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudesagainstsomegroupsofchildren,especiallygirlsandchildrenwithdisabilities,aswellaschildrenlivinginruralareas,whichoftenresultsinlimitedaccesstobasicsocialfacilitiessuchashealthandeducation.731.2 .2ConcernisexpressedbytheCommitteeattheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensuretheeffectiveimplementationofthegeneralprinciples(arts.2,3,6and12)oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildinrelationtolegal,judicialandadministrativedecisions,aswellastothepoliticaldecisionmakingprocess.732.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthelackofsufficientawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninallpartsofsociety,amongadultsandchildrenalike.Itisalsoconcernedatthelackofsufficienttrainingforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildrensuchasjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,armyofficials,teachers,schoolmanagers,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofcentralandlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions.733.2 .2Inrelationtoarticle7oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthatinmanyruralareasregulationsonbirthregistrationarenotfullyimplementedandthatchildrenwhoarenotregisteredmaybeseriouslydisadvantagedintheenjoymentoftheirrights.734.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedattheinstitutionalizeduseofcorporalpunishmentasameansofdiscipline,particularlyinschools,aswellasattheabsenceofacomprehensivelawthatclearlyprohibitstheuseofbothmentalandphysicaltortureorothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishmentagainstchildren.735.2 .2Inthelightofarticle17oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthatnomechanismexiststoprotectchildrenfrombeingexposedtoharmfulinformation,includingpornography.736.2 .2TheCommitteefurthernoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofexistinglawsinprotectingchildrenwhoare"adopted"asituationwhichhasledtoabuses,particularlyofgirls,suchasexploitationthroughdomesticlabour.737.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheincreaseinthenumberofchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreetinmajorcities.Itisalsoworriedabouttheviolencethatisoftendirectedagainstthem.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedatthelackofstatisticaldataandstudiesonsuchchildren.738.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthepersistenceofmalnutritionandtheapparentdifficultyinreversingthisnegativetrend.ItisalsoworriedabouttherapidspreadofHIV/AIDSthroughoutthecountryanditsdevastatingimpactonchildren.739.2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedatthepersistenceoftraditionalattitudesandharmfulpractices,suchasfemalegenitalmutilation,earlymarriages,teenagepregnanciesandtrokosi(ritualenslavementofgirls).740.2 .2Withregardtotherighttoeducation(arts.28and29),whilenotingthattheprincipleoffree,universalandcompulsorybasiceducationforallchildrenisrecognizedbytheStateparty,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthisfundamentalrightisnotyetfullyandequallyimplementedthroughoutthecountry.Furthermore,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelowlevelofschoolenrolmentandthehighdropoutrates,especiallyamonggirls,thelackoflearningandteachingfacilitiesandtheshortageoftrainedteachers,particularlyinruralareas.741.2 .2Inthelightofarticles2,3and22oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthedifficultiesencounteredbyrefugeechildreninsecuringaccesstobasiceducation,healthandsocialservices.742.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficiencyoflegalandothermeasurestopreventandcombateconomicexploitationofchildrenadequately,especiallyintheinformalsector.743.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattherecentemergenceofsubstanceabuseamongchildrenandthelimitedpreventionandrehabilitationmeasuresandfacilitiestocombatthisphenomenon.744.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceofinformationanddataconcerningsexualabuseandexploitation,includinginthefamily.Inthisregard,itisalsoworriedaboutthefactthatchildrenagedbetween14and18yearsdonotbenefitfromappropriatelegalandsocialprotectionmeasures.745.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandards,isamatterofconcern.TheCommitteeremainsparticularlyconcernedabout,interalia,violationsoftherightsofthechildindetentioncentres,thelowage(sevenyearsold)forcriminalresponsibilityandtheinadequacyofexistingalternativemeasurestoimprisonment.2 .2(e)Suggestionsandrecommendations746.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthecomprehensivelawontheprotectionofthechildcurrentlybeingdraftedshouldbeinconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandthatitbefinalizedandadoptedinthenearfuture.747.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationamongthevariousgovernmentalbodiesandmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringeffectiveevaluationoftheimplementationoftheConvention.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstostrengthentheinstitutionalframeworkdesignedtopromoteandprotecthumanrightsingeneralandtherightsofthechildinparticular.Inthisregard,itrecommendsthattheroleandresourcesoftheGhanaNationalCommissiononChildrenbereinforcedwithinaswellasoutsidethegovernmentsphere.ItencouragestheStatepartytofurthercooperatecloselywithnon-governmentalorganizations.Furthermore,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoratifyinthenearfutureothermajorinternationalhumanrightstreaties,interalia,theConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishment.748.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartygivepriorityattentiontothedevelopmentofasystemofdatacollectionandanalysis,aswellastotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicators,withaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety.Suchmechanismscanplayavitalroleinsystematicallymonitoringthestatusofchildrenandevaluatingprogressachievedandthedifficultieshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights.Theycanbeusedasabasisfordesigningprogrammestoimprovethesituationofchildren,particularlythemostdisadvantaged,includingchildrenwithdisabilities,thegirlchild,childrenilltreatedandabusedwithinthefamilyandinotherinstitutions,childrendeprivedofliberty,childrenwhoarevictimsofsexualexploitation,refugeechildrenandchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet.ItisfurthersuggestedthattheStatepartyrequestinternationalcooperationinthisregard.749.2 .2Inthelightofarticles2,3and4oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatprioritybegiveninbudgetallocationstotherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,withparticularemphasisonhealthandeducation,andontheenjoymentoftheserightsbychildren,particularlythemostdisadvantaged.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheauthoritiesresponsibleforoverallplanningandbudgetingcontinuetobefullyinvolvedintheactivitiesoftheGhanaNationalCommissiononChildren,withaviewtoensuringthattheirdecisionshaveadirectandpositiveimpactonthebudget.750.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatallappropriatemeasures,includingpublicinformationcampaigns,beundertakentopreventandcombatallformsofdiscriminationagainstgirlsandchildrenwithdisabilities,especiallythoselivinginruralareas,withaview,interalia,tofacilitatingtheiraccesstobasicservices.751.2 .2ItistheCommittee'sviewthatfurthereffortsmustbeundertakentoensurethatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andtheparticipationofchildren(art.12),notonlyguidepolicydiscussionsandformulationanddecisionmaking,butalsoareappropriatelyintegratedintoanyjudicialandadministrativedecisions,aswellasinthedevelopmentandimplementationofallprojectsandprogrammeswhichhaveanimpactonchildren.752.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartylaunchasystematicinformationcampaign,forbothchildrenandadults,ontheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.ConsiderationshouldbegiventotheincorporationoftheConventioninthecurriculaofalleducationalinstitutionsandappropriatemeasuresshouldbetakentofacilitateaccessbychildrentoinformationconcerningtheirrights.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyfurtherdirecteffortstotheprovisionofcomprehensivetrainingprogrammesforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildrensuchasjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,armyofficials,teachers,schoolmanagers,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofcentralandlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions.̇753.2 .2Inthelightofarticle7oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatspecialeffortsbedirectedtothedevelopmentofaneffectivesystemofbirthregistration,toensurethefullenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrightsbyallchildren.Suchasystemwouldserveasatoolinthecollectionofstatisticaldata,intheassessmentofprevailingdifficultiesandinthepromotionofprogressintheimplementationoftheConvention.754.2 .2Inthelightofarticles3,19and28,paragraph2,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatcorporalpunishmentbeprohibitedbylawandthatreferencestodisciplinarymeasuresusingphysicalforce,suchascaning,bewithdrawnfromtheTeachersHandbook.Itfurtherrecommendsthatauthoritiesdevelopandimplementappropriatecreativeandsocio-educationalmeasuresofdisciplinewhichrespectalltherightsofthechild.755.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegalones,toprotectchildrenfromharmfulinformation,includingintheaudio-visualmediaaswellasinmediausingnewtechnologies.756.2 .2Withaviewtofullyprotectingtherightsofadoptedchildren,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitsadoptionlawsinthelightofarticle21oftheConvention.Furthermore,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.757.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoundertaketopreventandcombatthephenomenonofchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreetby,interalia,engaginginresearchandcollectionofdata,promotingintegrationandvocationaltrainingprogrammes,aswellasguaranteeingequalaccesstohealthandsocialservices.758.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingthroughinternationalcooperation,topreventandcombatmalnutrition.759.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentstrengthenitsinformationandpreventionprogrammestocombatHIV/AIDSandsexuallytransmitteddiseases,aswellasdiscriminatoryattitudestowardschildrenaffectedbyorinfectedwithHIV/AIDS.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartypursueandstrengthenitsfamilyplanningandreproductivehealthprogrammes,includingforadolescents.760.2 .2TheCommitteesharestheviewoftheStatepartythatseriouseffortsarerequiredtoaddressharmfultraditionalpracticessuchasearlymarriage,femalegenitalmutilationandtrokosi.TheCommitteerecommendsthatalllegislationbereviewedtoensureitsfullcompatibilitywithchildren'srightsandthatpubliccampaignsinvolvingallsectorsofsocietybedevelopedandpursuedwithaviewtochangingattitudes.Allappropriateactioninthisregardshouldbetakenonaprioritybasis.761.2 .2Inaccordancewitharticle28(a)oftheConvention,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartyinitseffortstomakeprimaryeducationfree,compulsoryandavailabletoall.ItalsoencouragestheGovernmenttoimplementmeasurestoimproveschoolenrolmentandpupilretention,especiallyofgirls.Asystemfortheregularevaluationoftheeffectivenessoftheseandothereducationalmeasures,includingofthequalityofteaching,mustbeensured.Furtherstepsshouldbetakentodevelopguidelinesfortheparticipationofallchildreninthelifeoftheschool,inconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Inaddition,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightoftheprovisionsofarticle29oftheConventionandtheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theStatepartyincorporateeducationontherightsofthechildinschoolcurricula.TheStatepartymaywishtoconsiderrequestingfurtherinternationalcooperationfortheimplementationofthemeasuresidentifiedfortheapplicationoftheprovisionsofarticles28and29oftheConvention.762.2 .2Inthespiritofarticles2,3and22oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartymakeallappropriateeffortstoensureeasyandfullaccesstobasicservices,includingeducation,healthandsocialservices,toallchildrenlivingunderitsjurisdiction.763.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytogivespecificattentiontomonitoringthefullimplementationoflabourlawsinordertoprotectchildrenfrombeingeconomicallyexploited.Itfurthersuggeststhattheauthoritiesadoptexplicitlegislationandmeasurestoprotectchildrenfromexploitationthroughchildlabourintheinformalsector.Inaddition,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsidertheratificationofInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138onminimumageforemployment.764.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheauthoritiestakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventandcombatdrugandsubstanceabuseamongchildren,suchaspublicinformationcampaigns,includinginschools.ItalsoencouragestheStatepartytosupportrehabilitationprogrammesdealingwithchildrenvictimsofdrugandsubstanceabuse.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefromcompetentinternationalorganizations,suchastheWorldHealthOrganization.765.2 .2Inthelightofarticle34andotherrelatedarticlesoftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreinforceitslegislativeframeworktofullyprotectchildrenfromallformsofsexualabuseorexploitation,includingwithinthefamily.ItalsorecommendsthattheStatepartyengageinstudieswithaviewtodesigningandimplementingappropriatepoliciesandmeasures,includingintheareaofrehabilitation,tocombatthisphenomenoncomprehensivelyandeffectively.TheCommitteewishesinthisregardtodrawtheattentionoftheStatepartytotherecommendationsformulatedintheAgendaforActionadoptedattheWorldCongressagainstCommercialSexualExploitationofChildren,heldinStockholmin1996.766.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderundertakingacomprehensivereformofthejuvenilejusticesysteminthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoprotectingtherightsofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,toraisingtheminimumageofcriminalresponsibilityandtoimprovingthequalityandadequacyofalternativemeasurestoimprisonment.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallprofessionalsinvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystem.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistanceforthispurposefromtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsSecretariat.767.2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateonandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ . 21.Concludingobservations:Bangladesh768.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreport(CRC/C/3/Add.38)andthesupplementaryreport(CRC/C/3/Add.49)ofBangladeshatits380thto382ndmeetings,on26and27May1997(CRC/C/SR.380-382),and,atits398thmeeting,on6June1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction769.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofBangladeshforthesubmissionofitsinitialreportanditswritteninformationinreplytothequestionssetforthinthelistofissues(CRC/C/Q/Ban.1).TheadditionalinformationprovidedbythedelegationofBangladeshandtheconstructiveandfruitfuldialoguewiththeCommitteearewelcomed.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects770.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentofaMinistryofWomenandChildren'sAffairsin1994.ItalsonoteswithappreciationtheadoptionofaNationalPolicyforChildren,aswellastheestablishmentoftheNationalChildren'sCouncilinAugust1995.Intheareaoflegislativereform,itnotestheadoptionofaplanofactiontocreatetaskforcesonlawreform,juvenilejusticeandthegirlchild.Theadoptionin1995oftheRepressionagainstWomenandChildren(SpecialProvision)ActandtheactiveparticipationofBangladeshintheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperationDecadeoftheGirlChildarealsowelcomed.771.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtheopennessoftheStatepartytointernationalcooperationtofostereffectiveimplementationoftheConvention,asillustratedbythememorandumofunderstandingbetweentheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,theInternationalLabourOrganization,theBangladeshGarmentManufacturersandExportersAssociationandtheGovernmentofBangladesh,aswellascooperationwithotherinternationalinstitutionsindifferentareas.772.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheconstructiverelationshipbetweenthenon-governmentalorganizationcommunityandtheGovernment,atboththenationalandlocallevels,inmonitoringandimplementingtherightsofthechild.Inthisconnection,itnotesthatconsultationstookplacebetweentheGovernmentandnongovernmentalorganizationsintheprocessofpreparingtheinitialreport.773.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestherecentlawestablishingthepostofombudsperson,aswellasthefactthatanationalhumanrightscommissionisbeingsetup.774.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomesthefactthattheamountofresourcesallocatedtosocialexpenditureshasbeenincreasedsincetheratificationoftheConventionbyBangladesh.Itnotesinparticularthatanincreasingproportionofresourceshasbeendevotedtothedevelopmentofaprimaryhealthcarenetwork,theprovisionofsafewatersuppliesandsanitationandtodiseasecontrol.775.2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgestheprogressmadebytheStatepartyinsignificantlyreducingthechildmortalityrateoverthepastdecadeandimprovingaccesstobasiceducation.Italsonotesthepositivestepstakenintheareaoffamilyplanningprogrammes.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention776.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatBangladeshisoneofthepoorestcountriesintheworld;alargepercentageofthevastpopulationisyoungandlivesbelowthepovertylevel.777.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthatnaturaldisastersandstructuraladjustmenthavehadanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.ItisfurthernotedthatthepersistenceofcertaintraditionalpracticesandcustomshashadanegativeinfluenceontheenjoymentbysomechildrenoftheirrightsundertheConvention.2 .2(d)0 .Principalsubjectsofconcern778.2 .2WhileacknowledgingtheopennessoftheStatepartytowardsthepossibilityofreviewingitsreservationstoarticles14,paragraph1,and21oftheConvention,theCommitteeremainsconcernedthatthesereservationsmightimpedethefullimplementationoftheConvention.779.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheunclearstatusoftheConventioninthedomesticlegalframeworkandtheinsufficientstepstakentobringexistinglegislationintofullconformitywiththeConvention,includinginthelightofthegeneralprinciplesofnon-discrimination(art.2),thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3),therighttolife,survivalanddevelopment(art.6)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12).ItisdeeplyconcernedatthelackofconformitybetweenexistinglegislativeprovisionsandtheConventionwithrespecttothevariousagelimitssetbylaw,thelackofadefinitionofthechild,theageofcriminalresponsibility,whichissetattooyounganage,thepossibilityofimposingthedeathpenalty,and/orimprisonmentofchildren16to18yearsofageinordinaryprisons.TheCommitteealsonotesthat,asrecognizedintheStateparty'ssupplementaryreport,manylawsareinadequatelyenforcedandthatmostchildren'slivesaregovernedbyfamilycustomsandreligiouslawratherthanbyStatelaw.780.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeenadoptedtopromotewidespreadawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,andremainsconcernedatthelackofadequateandsystematictrainingforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialworkers,personnelworkinginchildcareinstitutionsandpoliceofficers.781.2 .2WhilerecognizingtheeffortsundertakenbytheStatepartyinthecollectionofdataandinformationonthestatusofchildren,theCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientattentionhasbeengiventoestablishinganeffectiveintegratedsystemofdatacollectioncoveringallchildren.Itexpressesconcern,inthisregard,thattheNationalPolicyforChildrenonlycoverschildrenuptotheageof14.ItisalsoconcernedthatnocomprehensivemonitoringandcoordinatingmechanismforallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildrenhasyetbeenestablished.782.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthepersistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudesandharmfulpracticesaffectinggirls,asillustratedbyseriousdisparities,sometimesstartingatbirthandaffectingtheenjoymentoftherightstosurvival,health,nutritionandeducation.TheCommitteealsonotesthepersistenceofharmfulpracticessuchasdowryandearlymarriage.Discriminatoryattitudestowardschildrenbornoutofwedlock,childrenwhoarelivingand/orworkingonthestreet,childvictimsofsexualexploitation,childrenwithdisabilities,refugeechildrenandchildrenbelongingtotribalminoritiesarealsoamatterofconcern.783.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernregardingtheimplementationofarticle12oftheConvention,notingthattheviewsofthechildarenotsufficientlytakenintoaccount,especiallywithinthefamily,theschoolandthejuvenilejusticesystem.784.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthebirthsofmostchildrenintheStatepartyarenotregistered.Failuretoregistercanhavenegativeconsequencesonthefullenjoymentoffundamentalrightsandfreedomsbychildren.785.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofappropriatemeasurestocombatandpreventilltreatmentandabuse,includingsexualabuse,bothwithinandoutsidethefamily,andatthelackofawarenessandinformationonthismatter.Thepersistenceofcorporalpunishmentanditsacceptancebythesocietyandinstancesofviolencecommittedbylawenforcementofficialsagainstabandonedor"vagrant"childrenaremattersofseriousconcern.786.2 .2Theinadequatemeasurestoassistparentsinfulfillingtheircommonchildrearingresponsibilitiesandthelackofassistanceorchildsupportformanychildrenlivinginsingleparentfamiliesorotherparticularlyvulnerablechildrenaremattersofconcern.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheinadequateprovisioninlegislationandpracticeforalternativecareforchildrendeprivedofaproperfamilyenvironment.787.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthehighmaternalmortalityrates,lackofaccesstoprenatalcareand,moregenerally,limitedaccesstopublichealthcarefacilities.Thelackofanationalpolicytoensuretherightsofchildrenwithdisabilitiesisalsonoted.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheabsenceofprogrammesaddressingthementalhealthofchildrenandtheirfamilies.788.2 .2MalnutritioncontinuestoseriouslyhamperthesurvivalanddevelopmentofchildrenintheStateparty,whichhasoneofthehighestratesofmalnourishedchildrenintheworldandwherecalorieintakehasdecreasedoverthepastdecades,resultinginahigherincidenceofstuntingandwasting.789.2 .2Whilerecognizingeffortstoimprovethesituationofeducation,includingtheintroductionofcompulsoryeducationforchildrenaged6to10,andmeasurestoencouragegirlstoattendschool,theCommitteenonethelessremainsconcernedatthelowlevelofschoolenrolmentandthehighdropoutrates,attheveryhighchild/teacherratiosandtheshortageoftrainedteachers.790.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle22oftheConvention,theCommitteeremainsconcernedattheweaklegalprotectionandlackofadequateproceduresforrefugeechildren.Itisalsoconcernedatdifficultiestheyencounterinsecuringaccesstoeducationalandhealthfacilitiesandatdifficultiesinensuringfamilyreunification.791.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelargenumberofchildrenwhoareworking,includinginruralareas,asdomesticservants,aswellasinotherareasoftheinformalsector.Itisconcernedthatmanysuchchildrenworkinhazardousandharmfulconditions,andareoftenvulnerabletosexualabuseandexploitation.TheCommitteeisalsoseriouslyconcernedabouttheoccurrenceoftraffickingandsaleofchildren.Lackofenforcementandfailuretoimplementexistinglegislationatalllevels,fromlawenforcementagenciestothejudiciary,needtobeaddressed.792.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheStatepartyhasfailedtotakemeasurestopromotethechild'srighttoleisure,recreationandculturalactivities(art.31).793.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,anditsincompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalstandards,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Specifically,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheveryyoungageofcriminalresponsibility(7years),thelackofadequateprotectionforchildrenaged16to18,groundsforarrestanddetentionofchildrenthatcanincludeprostitution,"vagrancy"or"uncontrollablebehaviour",thepossibilityofimposingheavysentencesonchildrenandthesolitaryconfinementandilltreatmentofchildrenbythepolice.794.2 .2Finally,asregardstheimplementationofarticle30oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthatinadequatemeasureshavebeentakentoensuretheprotectionandpromotionoftherightsofchildrenbelongingtominorities,includingchildrenfromtheHillTracts.2 .2(e)Suggestionsandrecommendations795.2 .2InthelightoftheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofAction,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytofurtherreviewitsreservationstoarticles14,paragraph1,and21oftheConvention,withaviewtotheirwithdrawal.TheCommitteeisoftheopinionthat,inthelightoftheproposedreformstonationallegislation,thereservationsmaynotbenecessary.796.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartypursueitseffortstoensurefullcompatibilityofitsnationallegislationwiththeConvention,takingdueaccountofthegeneralprinciplesascontainedinarticles2,3,6and12andtheconcernsexpressedbytheCommittee.Furthermore,theStatepartyshoulddevelopanationalpolicyonchildrenandanintegratedlegalapproachtochildrights.797.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstopromotehumanrightseducationinthecountryingeneralandcreateawiderawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.ItrecommendsthatasystematicinformationcampaignontheConventionbelaunchedforchildrenandadultsalike.TheConventionshouldbeincorporatedinthecurriculaofalleducationalinstitutions,andpresentinitiativestoreachthosevulnerablegroupswhoareilliterateorwithoutformaleducationshouldbepursuedandfurtherstrengthened,withthecooperationoftheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandotherorganizationsactiveinthisfield.TheStatepartyshouldalsopromoteacomprehensivetrainingprogrammepolicyforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren.798.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsideraccedingtootherinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingthetwoInternationalCovenantsonHumanRightsandtheConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishment.799.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyundertaketogatherallnecessaryinformationonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,includingthemostvulnerable.TheNationalPolicyonChildrenshouldbeadjustedinordertocoverallchildren,includingchildren14to18yearsofage.800.2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatamultidisciplinarymonitoringandcoordinatingsystembeestablishedtoassesstheprogressachievedanddifficultiesencounteredintherealizationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionatthenationalandlocallevels,payingparticularattentiontotheadverseeffectsofeconomicpoliciesonchildren.801.2 .2Withrespecttoarticle4oftheConvention,theCommittee,whilenotingeffortsmadeinallocatingresourcestothesocialsector,isoftheviewthatgreaterbudgetaryprovisionsneedtobemadetoovercomeandremedyexistingdisparitiesanddevelop,withtheassistanceofinternationalcooperation,acomprehensivestrategyforchildren,takingdueaccountofthebestinterestsofthechild.802.2 .2TheCommitteeconsidersthatgreatereffortsarerequiredtoimplementfullytheprovisionsofarticle2oftheConvention.Measures,includingstudiesandcampaigns,shouldbetakentocombattraditionalattitudesandstereotypesandtosensitizesocietytothesituationandneedsofthegirlchild,childrenbornoutofwedlock,childrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet,childvictimsofsexualabuseandexploitation,childrenwithdisabilities,refugeechildrenandchildrenbelongingtotribalminorities.803.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytopromoteandfacilitatechildren'sparticipationandrespectfortheirviewsindecisionsaffectingthem,especiallyinthefamily,atschoolandinthejudicialandadministrativeprocedures,inthelightofarticles12,13and15oftheConvention.804.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentoensuretheregistrationofthebirthofallchildren,incooperationwithnongovernmentalorganizationsandwiththesupportofinternationalorganizations.805.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartydeveloppublicawarenesscampaignsandmeasurestoprovideappropriateassistancetofamiliesincarryingouttheirchildrearingresponsibilities,withaview,interalia,topreventingdomesticviolence,prohibitingcorporalpunishmentandpreventingearlymarriagesandotherharmfultraditionalpractices.806.2 .2Additionalmeasuresareneededtocombatviolenceagainstandabuseofchildren,includingsexualabuse.Programmesfortherehabilitationandreintegrationoftraumatizedchildrenneedtobedevelopedandadequateproceduresandmechanismsdevisedtodealwithcomplaintsofbothphysicalandpsychologicalilltreatment.Allegationsofviolationsofchildren'srightsshouldbeinvestigatedandprosecuted.807.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderbecomingapartytotheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptions.808.2 .2Furtherstepsshouldbetakenintheareaofhealthandwelfareservices.Inparticular,concertedeffortsareneededtocombatmalnutritionandensuretheimplementationofanationalnutritionalpolicyforchildren.809.2 .2Effortsarealsorequiredforthetreatmentofchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirprevention,andtoraiseawarenessabouttheneedtofacilitatetheactiveparticipationofsuchchildreninthecommunity,inthelightofarticle23oftheConvention.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytopursueeffortstoensuretheimplementationofintegratedmentalhealthprogrammesandapproachesandtomakeavailablethenecessaryresourcesandassistancefortheseactivities.810.2 .2Intheareaofeducation,theCommitteesuggeststhatfurtherstepsbetakentoensuretheimplementationofarticles28and29.TheCommitteeurgesthatgreatereffortsbedirectedtotrainingteachers,improvingtheschoolenvironment,increasingenrolmentandfightingschooldropout.811.2 .2Asameansoftacklingtheintegratedissuesofeducationandchildlabour,includingintheinformalsector,theCommitteerecommendsthateffectiveinformationcampaignsbecarriedouttopreventandeliminatechildlabour,andthatthepresentcooperationbetweentheStateparty,internationalorganizationssuchastheInternationalLabourOrganizationandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandnon-governmentalorganizationsbeexpanded.Regulationstopreventchildlabourshouldbeenforced,complaintsinvestigatedandseverepenaltiesimposedforviolations.Effortstoprovideopportunitiesforeducationandleisuretochildworkersandchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreetshouldbestrengthened.ItisalsosuggestedthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138concerningtheminimumageforemployment.812.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyensureadequateprotectionofrefugeechildren,includinginthefieldofphysicalsafety,healthandeducation.Proceduresshouldalsobeestablishedtofacilitatefamilyreunification.TheStatepartymayconsiderseekingassistancefromtheOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugeesinthisregard.813.2 .2Withregardtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthatlegalreformbepursuedinconnectionwiththeveryyoungageofcriminalresponsibility(sevenyears),thelackofadequateprotectionforchildrenaged16to18,groundsforarrestanddetentionofchildrenthatcanincludeprostitution,"vagrancy"or"uncontrollablebehaviour",thepossibilityofimposingheavysentencesonchildren,andthesolitaryconfinementandilltreatmentofchildrenbythepolice.InthisreformtheStatepartyshouldtakefullyintoaccounttheprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,aswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandardsinthisarea,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyavailitselfofthetechnicalassistanceprogrammesoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheSecretariat.814.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventandcombatsexualabuseandsexualexploitationofchildrenandtoensuretheirphysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegration,inthelightofarticle39oftheConvention.Bilateralandregionalcooperationshouldbereinforcedtopreventandcombattheseriousproblemoftraffickingofchildren.815.2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthatinaccordancewitharticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theinitialreportpresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatconsiderationbegiventothepublicationofthereportalongwiththewrittenanswerstothelistofissuesraisedbytheCommittee,therelevantsummaryrecordsofthediscussionandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ .N 22.Concludingobservations:Paraguay816.2 .2TheCommitteebeganconsiderationoftheinitialreportofParaguay(CRC/C/3/Add.17)atits167thand168thmeetings,on4and5October1994(CRC/C/SR.167-168).Atits183rdmeeting,on14October1994,theCommitteeadoptedpreliminaryobservations(CRC/C/15/Add.27),andrequestedfurtherinformationfromtheStatepartybasedonitswrittenlistofissues(CRC/C.7/WP.2),andquestionsandconcernsraisedorallywiththedelegation.TheStatepartysubmittedtheadditionalinformationrequestedbytheCommittee(CRC/C/3/Add.47),whichwasconsideredatthe385thmeetingheldon28May1997(CRC/C/SR.385).Atits398thmeeting,on6June1997,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a)Introduction817.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthesubmissionofitsinitialreport,theadditionalinformationsubsequentlysuppliedandtheStateparty'swillingnesstoengageinanopendialoguewiththeCommitteeinbothOctober1994andMay1997.ThewrittenanswerstotheCommittee'slistofissues(CRC/C.7/WP.2),aswellastheresponseofthedelegationtooralquestionsandconcernsexpressedduringtheexaminationoftheinitialreport,allowedtheCommitteetohaveausefulandconstructivediscussionwiththeStateparty.2 .2(b)Positivefactors818.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheprovisionofthe1992Constitutionthatnotlessthan20percentofthenationalbudgetmustbedevotedtoeducation,andwelcomesthestepstakenbytheStatepartytomakeeducationavailablethroughoutthecountrythroughanambitiousschoolbuildingprogrammeanditseffortstoimprovethequalityofeducation.Inthisregard,theCommitteeviewseffortsbytheStatepartytoreducetheveryhighdropoutratebygradesixasanimportantcomponentofastrategytolimitphenomenasuchaschildlabourandchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreet.TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheprovisioninthe1992Constitutionthatintheearlyyearsofschoolingteachingshallbeinthestudent'snativelanguage,theprovisionofinstructioninbothSpanishandGuaran,andthemeasuresthathavebeenadoptedundertheStrategicEducationalReformPlan(Paraguay2020)toaddresstheproblemsfacedbyGuaranspeakingchildreninbasiceducation.819.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheprioritybeinggivenbytheStatepartytohealth,inparticularhealthcareforchildren,includingeffortstoreducechildmortality,facilitatebreastfeeding,supportnutritionprogrammesandincreaseaccesstocleandrinkingwater.820.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomesstepsthathavebeentakentoreinforcetheindependenceofthejudiciaryandthejudicialapparatusconcernedwithlegalissuesrelatingtochildrenandjuveniles.821.2 .2TheCommitteeviewspositivelythetechnicalcooperationprogrammeprovidedtotheStatepartythroughajointprogrammesupportedbytheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme,aswellasthesupportprovidedbytheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundforvariousprogrammestobenefitchildreninParaguay.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention822.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheStatepartyisstillgoingthroughaperiodoftransitiontodemocracy.TheCommitteerecognizesthatthelegacyofcertainauthoritarianattitudeshamperstheeffectiveimplementationoftherightsofthechild,andthatParaguayinheritedapublicinfrastructurewhichdidnotgiveprioritytoeducation,healthorsocialwelfareinstitutions.TheCommitteeacknowledgesthattheexistinginadequaciesofthepublicserviceandthehighrateofpopulationgrowthimpedethefullachievementandenjoymentoftherightsrecognizedintheConvention.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern823.2 .2WhileacknowledgingtheeffortsundertakenbytheStatepartytoadoptanewjuvenilecodeforimprovingprotectionandpromotionoftherightsofthechild,theCommitteeisconcernedthatsince1991severaldraftbillshavebeenpreparedbutnonehasyetbeenadopted.824.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsufficientattentiondoesnotseemtohavebeenpaidtothedevelopmentofacoordinatingmechanismtomonitortheimplementationoftherightsofthechildintheStateparty.TheCommitteeisequallyconcernedabouttheextenttowhichthebodiesestablishedtoconsiderthesituationofchildrenareprovidedwiththesupportandresourcestheywillneedtofulfiltheirdesignatedfunctions.825.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheneedtostrengthentheStateparty'slimitedcapacitytocollectandprocessdata,aswellastomonitorspecificindicatorstoevaluateprogressachievedandtoassesstheimpactofexistingpoliciesonchildren,inparticularthemostvulnerablechildren.826.2 .2TheCommitteeremainsconcernedthatthepresentapproachestotheimplementationoftherightsofthechildintheStatepartydonotsufficientlyencourageandstrengthenpopularparticipationandpublicscrutinyofgovernmentpolicies.827.2 .2TheCommitteeisoftheviewthat,inspiteofthefactthatsomemeasureshavebeentakentomaketheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionknowntoadultsandchildrenalike(forexample,byportrayingtheConventionincartoonforminbothofficiallanguagestofacilitateitsunderstandingbyyoungchildren),effortsinthisregardneedtobecontinuedandintensified.828.2 .2TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatpersonsworkingwithandforchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,armyofficials,teachers,schoolmanagers,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofthenationalandlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions,lacksufficientknowledgeabouttheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalinstrumentsrelatingtotherightsofthechild.829.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoexpressitsconcernthattheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyitsgeneralprinciples,asreflectedinarticles2(non-discrimination),3(bestinterestsofthechild),6(righttolife,survivalanddevelopment)and12(respectfortheviewsofthechild),havenotyetbeenfullytakenintoaccountinlegislativeandothermeasuresrelevanttochildren.830.2 .2Withintheframeworkoftheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,relatingtotheallocationofresourcestothemaximumextentpossible,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthenationalandlocallevelbudgetshaveallocatedinsufficientfundstothesocialsector,especiallywithregardtotheabilitytorespondeffectivelytothesituationofthemostvulnerablechildren.831.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsomesectorsofParaguayansocietyarenotyetsufficientlysensitivetotheneedsandsituationofthegirlchild.Italsonotesthatdiscriminationagainstminorityandindigenouschildrenpersists,contrarytotheprovisionsofarticle2oftheConvention.832.2 .2WhiletheCommitteewelcomestheofficialpolicyoftheStatepartythatnopersonunder18canberecruitedformilitaryserviceorserve,evenwithparentalauthorization,itisconcernedthatinpracticethispolicyisnotalwaysenforcedandthattherearestillunderagejuvenilescoercedorpressuredintomilitaryservice.833.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinadequatemeasureshavebeentakentoimplementtheprovisionsofarticles7and8oftheConvention,particularlywithregardtoensuringregistrationofbirths,especiallyamongtheindigenouspopulation,andthatchildrenarenotsystematicallyprovidedwiththenecessarybirthcertificatesandotherdocumentstoprotectandpreservetheiridentity.834.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelargenumberofchildrenwhoarenotacknowledgedbytheirfathersandtheinadequatemeasurestakentoforcefatherstoberesponsibleforthewelfareoftheirchildren.835.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthatalthoughtheStatepartyhasimposedaprovisionalmoratoriumonintercountryadoptionspendingtheapprovaloflegislationonthissubject,nolawhasyetbeenpassed;itisgravelyconcernedatallegedtraffickinginchildreninviolationoftheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,particularlyarticles3,21and35.836.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatthesocialandeconomicdisadvantagesfacedbychildren,inparticularthoselivinginruralandcertainurbanareas,haveledtovariousformsofexploitationofthosechildren,includingtheirplacementasdomesticservantsinwealthierfamilies,thusexposingthemtoilltreatmentandabuse,includingsexualabuseinsomecases.837.2 .2WhilewelcomingtheprioritygivenbytheStatepartytohealth,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthehighratesofinfantandchildmortality,malnutritionandinfectiousdiseases,aswellastheunresolveddifficultiesinprovidingcountrywidematernalandchildhealthservices.̇838.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceoflargescalepubliccampaignsforthepreventionofunwantedpregnancies,sexuallytransmitteddiseasesandHIV/AIDS,especiallyforchildrenandadolescents.Itisalsoconcernedaboutthelackofsufficientreproductivehealthinformationandservicesforadolescents.839.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatadequatemeasureshavenotyetbeentakentofullyguaranteeinpracticetherightofindigenousstudentstoeducationintheirnativelanguage,Guaran.840.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthephenomenonofchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreet,andattheinadequatemeasurestotacklethisissue.841.2 .2TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernattheprevalenceofprostitutionamongchildrenandadolescents.842.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheStatepartydoesnothaveaclearstrategytocombattheabuseandsexualexploitationofchildren.843.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.TheCommitteeremainsparticularlyconcerned,interalia,aboutallegedilltreatmentofchildrenindetentioncentres.TheCommitteeisalsogravelyconcernedthatasignificantpercentageofjuvenilesaredeprivedoftheirlibertyforextendedperiodswithoutbeingchargedorbroughttotrial.Itisalsoconcernedthatinatleastonemajordetentioncentre,personswhohavebeenconvictedandthoseawaitingtrialarenothousedseparately.2 .2(e)Suggestionsandrecommendations844.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatthecomprehensivenewjuvenilecodecurrentlybeingdraftedbeinconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandencouragestheStatepartytofinalizeandadoptitinthenearfuture.845.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalbodiesandmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringeffectiveevaluationoftheimplementationoftheConvention.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstostrengthentheinstitutionalframeworkdesignedtopromoteandprotecthumanrightsingeneralandtherightsofthechildinparticular.846.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytocontinueandstrengthenitseffortstodevelopaclosepartnershipwithnon-governmentalorganizations.847.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartygivepriorityattentiontothedevelopmentofasystemofdatacollectionandtotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorswithaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety.Suchmechanismscanplayavitalroleinsystematicallymonitoringthestatusofchildren,evaluatingprogressachievedanddifficultieshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights.Theycanbeusedasabasisfordesigningprogrammestoimprovethesituationofchildren,particularlythemostdisadvantaged,includingchildrenwithdisabilities,thegirlchild,childrenilltreatedandabusedwithinthefamily,ininstitutionsordeprivedofliberty,childrenwhoarevictimsofsexualexploitationandchildrenwholiveand/orworkonthestreet.ItisfurthersuggestedthattheStatepartyrequestinternationalcooperationinthisregard.848.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartylaunchasystematicinformationcampaign,forbothchildrenandadults,ontheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.ConsiderationshouldbegiventoincorporatingtheConventioninthecurriculaofalleducationalinstitutionsandappropriatemeasuresshouldbetakentofacilitateaccessbychildrentoinformationontheirrights.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartydirectfurthereffortstowardsprovidingcomprehensivetrainingprogrammesforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildrensuchasjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,armyofficials,teachers,schoolmanagers,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofnationalorlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions.849.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakefullyintoaccountthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention(arts.2,3,6and12)initslegislation,particularlyinitsnewjuvenilecode,andinitspoliciesandprogrammes.850.2 .2Inthelightofarticles2,3and4oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatprioritybegiveninbudgetallocationstotherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,withparticularemphasisonhealthandeducation,andontheenjoymentoftheserightsbyallchildren,includingthemostdisadvantaged.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheauthoritiesresponsibleforoverallplanningandbudgetingbefullyinvolvedintheactivitiesofgovernmentalbodiesandinstitutionsdealingwithchildren'sissues,withaviewtoensuringthattheirdecisionshaveadirectandpositiveimpactonthebudget.851.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoenforcerigorouslylegislationontheminimumageforrecruitmentintothemilitary.852.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatallappropriatemeasuresbetaken,includinginformationcampaigns,topreventandcombatallprevailingformsofdiscriminationagainstgirlsandminorityorindigenouschildren,especiallythoselivinginruralareas,withaview,interalia,topromotingtheiraccesstobasicservices.853.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatelegislative,administrativeandothermeasurestoensureregistrationofbirth,especiallyinminorityandindigenouscommunitiesandcommunitiesinremoteareas.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyinstituteawarenessraisingcampaignsamongthepublic,aswellasamongcivilservants.854.2 .2Inthespiritofarticles18and24,paragraph2(f),oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartypromoteparenteducationandfamilycounsellingandtakemeasurestoensureadherencetotheprinciplethatbothparentshavecommonresponsibilitiesfortheupbringingofchildren.855.2 .2FollowingtheGovernment'snationalcampaigntopreventabuseandilltreatmentofchildren,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartycontinuetoraiseawarenessaboutthisissueandsystematicallymonitoralltypesofchildabuse,includingininstitutions.856.2 .2Inthelightofarticle21oftheConvention,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheStatepartyenactlegislationonadoptionthatisinconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.857.2 .2WhilewelcomingtherecentratificationbytheStatepartyoftheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoption,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakeappropriateactiontoensuretheentryintoforceofthisConvention.858.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeadequatemeasures,includingthroughawarenessraisingcampaigns,topreventtheabandonmentofchildrenandtoprotectpoorsinglemothersfromillegalnetworksofchildtraffickers.859.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestocombatthephenomenonofchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreet.Pupilretentionprogrammesandvocationaltrainingfordropoutsshouldbeencouraged.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheauthoritiesprovidespecialtrainingtolawenforcementpersonneltopreventthestigmatization,abuseandilltreatmentofthesechildren.Furthermore,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderratificationofInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138concerningtheminimumageforemployment.860.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancetocontinuetoimproveitseffortstomakeprimaryhealthcareaccessibletoallchildrenanddevelopacomprehensivestrategyandprogrammesformotherandchildhealthcare.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartypromoteadolescenthealthbystrengtheningreproductivehealthandfamilyplanningservicestopreventandcombatHIV/AIDS,othersexuallytransmitteddiseasesandteenagepregnancy.861.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheauthoritiestakeallappropriatemeasurestoguaranteethefullimplementationoftherightofthechildtobeeducatedinhisorherownlanguage.862.2 .2Withaviewtopreventingandcombatingsexualabuseandexploitationofchildren,inparticularprostitution,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingtheadoptionofrelevantlegislationandtheformulationofanationalpolicy,andsuggeststhatitseekinternationalassistanceinthisregard.Itfurtherrecommendsthattheauthoritiespromotetheimplementationofarticle39oftheConventionbystrengtheningthecapacityofexistingrehabilitationcentres.863.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivereformofitsjuvenilejusticesysteminthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoprotectingtherightsofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,improvingalternativemeasurestoimprisonmentandguaranteeingdueprocessoflaw.Trainingontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeprovidedforallprofessionalsinvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystem.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistanceforthispurposefromtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheSecretariat.864.2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandadditionalinformationpresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthesedocumentsbeundertaken,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ . 23.Concludingobservations:Algeria865.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofAlgeria(CRC/C/28/Add.4)atits387thto389thmeetings,on29and30May1997(CRC/C/SR.387389)and,atits398thmeeting,on6June1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction866.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthesubmissionofitsinitialreport,aswellasforthewrittenanswerstoitslistofissues(CRC/C/Q/ALG.1).TheCommitteealsoexpressesitssatisfactiontotheStatepartyforengaginginanopenandconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.Itparticularlywishestoexpressitssatisfactionattheselfcriticalapproachandwelcomesthepositiveresponsetothesuggestionsandrecommendationsmadeduringthecourseofthediscussion.However,theCommitteeregretsthat,whilethereportprovidedcomprehensiveinformationonthenationallegislationrelatingtothepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild,itfailedtoprovideinformationonfactorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationoftheConventionandtheactualenjoymentbychildrenoftheirrights.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects867.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthattheConventionisfullyincorporatedintodomesticlawandthatunderarticle132oftheConstitutioninternationalconventionsaresuperiortodomesticlaw.ItalsonoteswithappreciationthattheprovisionsoftheConventionareselfexecutingandmaybeinvokeddirectlybeforethecourts.868.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheinitiativestakenbytheGovernment,suchasthesettingupofaNationalHumanRightsObservatoryin1992and,morerecently,ofanObservatoryoftheRightsoftheMotherandtheChild.TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthesettingup,ineachwilaya,ofdirectoratesforsocialaction,entrustedwiththetask,interalia,ofmonitoringtheimplementationofpoliciesadoptedinrespectofchildren.Furthermore,theCommitteewelcomestheadoption,followingtheWorldSummitforChildren,oftheNationalPlanofActionfortheSurvival,ProtectionandDevelopmentofChildren.869.2 .2TheCommitteealsowelcomestheintroductioninJanuary1997,incooperationwiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,ofanationalcommunicationprogrammeinthesectorsofhealth,education,socialwelfare,youth,sports,informationandculture,withthecollaborationofinformationbodiessuchasthenationalagencyforfilmednews,television,radioandthepress,withaviewtoensuring,interalia,widedisseminationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.870.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthateducationisfreeatalllevelsandthatattendanceisnearlyuniversal.TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthathealthservicesarefreeforallchildrenandthatanationalprogrammeofhealthcareinschoolshasbeendeveloped.871.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthat,inaccordancewitharticle32,paragraph2(a),oftheConvention,article15ofActNo.90-11of21April1990providesthattheminimumageforemploymentis16,withtheonlyexceptionbeingapprenticeshipcontractsestablishedinaccordancewiththelaw.872.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthat,inaccordancewitharticle39oftheConvention,stepshavebeentakentoprovidespecialservicestoassistchildrenwhoarevictimsoftheviolenceprevailinginthecountry,inordertopromotephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofthosechildren.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention873.2 .2TheCommitteeacknowledgesthatthesevereeconomicandsocialdifficultiesfacingthecountryhavehadanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.Inparticular,itnotesthatthehighlevelofexternaldebt,therequirementsofstructuraladjustmentprogrammes,thehighlevelofunemploymentandpoverty,andtheexistenceofprejudicialtraditionalpracticesandcustomsareamongthefactorsimpedingthefullenjoymentoftheirrightsbychildren.874.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthatthecontinuingviolenceinAlgeriasince1992hashadanegativeimpactontheimplementationofcertainprovisionsoftheConvention.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern875.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthatAlgeriahasmadeinterpretativedeclarationsonarticles13,14,paragraphs1and2,16and17oftheConvention.Inthisrespect,theCommitteeisoftheopinionthattheconcernsexpressedbytheStatepartyinitsdeclarationsaredulyreflectedintherelevantprovisionsoftheConvention,anditexpressestheviewthatretainingsuchdeclarationscouldleadtomisunderstandingsabouttheStateparty'scommitmenttoimplementingtherightscoveredbythesearticles.876.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatinadequatemeasureshavebeentakenbytheStatepartytoharmonizenationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteenotesinparticularthattheFamilyCodecurrentlyinforceinAlgeriadoesnotadequatelyaddressalltherightsrecognizedintheConvention.TheCommitteealsonoteswithconcernthatthelegalprovisionsrelatingtotheprotectionandpromotionoftherightsofthechildarescatteredthroughoutdomesticlaws,makingitdifficulttoassesstheactuallegalframeworkinthefieldofchildren'srights.877.2 .2TheCommittee,whilenotingwithappreciationtheexistenceofvariousgovernmentbodiesresponsibleforthewelfareofchildrenatthenationalandlocallevels,regretstheinadequatecoordinationamongthesebodiesinpromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechildanddevelopingacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.878.2 .2AlthoughacknowledgingthateffortshavebeenmadetopromoteawarenessoftheprovisionsoftheConventioninschools,theCommitteeremainsconcernedthatinsufficientstepshavebeentakentodatetopromoteawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionamongbothchildrenandadults.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedthatthetrainingonchildren'srightsprovidedtomembersofthepoliceandsecurityforcesandotherlawenforcementofficials,judicialpersonnel,teachersatalllevelsofeducation,socialworkersandmedicalpersonnelisinsufficientandunsystematic.879.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatnoadequatemeasureshavebeentakenforthesystematiccollectionofdisaggregatedquantitativeandqualitativedataontheareascoveredbytheConventioninrelationtoallgroupsofchildreninordertoevaluateprogressachievedandassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedwithrespecttochildren.880.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthattheprinciplesofthebestinterestsofthechild,respectfortheviewsofthechild,andhisorherrighttoparticipateinfamily,schoolandsociallifearenotfullyreflectedindomesticlegislationorimplementedinpractice.Inthisrespect,theCommitteeregretsthatthemainthrustoftheConvention,thatis,childrenassubjectsoftheirownrights,isnotadequatelyreflectedinAlgerianlegislation.TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatwhilearticles117and124oftheFamilyCodeprovidethatchildrenwithdiscernmentareconsultedinmattersconcerningthem,article43oftheCivilCodedoesnotrecognizediscernmentforchildrenunder16.Furthermore,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthelackofspecificmechanismstoregisterandaddresscomplaintsfromchildrenconcerningviolationsoftheirrightsunderthelawandtheConvention.881.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheexistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudestowardsgirlsandchildrenbornoutofwedlockamongsomegroupswithinthepopulation.882.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenotesthelackofadequatelegislative,administrativeandothermeasurestoensurethefullimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentoftheStateparty'savailableresources,inparticularforthemostvulnerablechildren,includinggirls,childrenwithdisabilities,abandonedchildren,childrenbornoutofwedlock,childrenfromsingleparentfamilies,childrenvictimsofabuseand/orexploitation,andnomadicandrefugeechildren.883.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheabsenceofspecificandadequateregulationsgoverningtheregistrationofchildren,inaccordancewitharticle7,paragraph1,oftheConvention,whoaremembersofnomadicgroups.884.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithdeepconcernthatthelawapplicableinthecaseofrapeofaminorexcusestheperpetratorofthecrimefrompenalprosecutionifheispreparedtomarryhisvictim.Furthermore,inordertolegitimizecelebrationofmarriagewhichwouldotherwisecontravenethelaw,article7oftheAlgerianFamilyCodeallowsthejudgetolowertheageformarriageifthevictimisaminor.885.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofappropriatemeasurestocombatandpreventilltreatmentandabusewithinthefamilyandatthelackofinformationonthismatter.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedthatdisciplinarymeasuresinschoolsofteninvolvecorporalpunishment,althoughitisprohibitedbylaw.886.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithregretthelackofinformationonthesituationofrefugeechildreninAlgeria,especiallywithreferencetotheiraccesstohealthcareandeducation,asprovidedforbyarticle22,paragraph1,oftheConvention.887.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesregretatthelackofinformationonprogrammesofeducationandhealthcareservices,inaccordancewitharticle30oftheConvention,fornomadicchildren.888.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofthemechanismstomonitortheimplementationofActNo.90-11of21April1990,regulatingtheemploymentofminorsintheprivateandagriculturalsectors.889.2 .2WhilenotingthatthedomesticlegaltextsgoverningtheadministrationofjuvenilejusticetakeintoaccounttheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,theCommitteeregretsthelackofinformationontheimplementationofthesetextsandontheactualenjoymentoftheirrightsbychildreninvolvedwiththeadministrationofjuvenilejustice.890.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthat,underarticle249oftheCodeofCriminalProcedure,childrenbetween16and18yearsofagesuspectedofterroristorsubversiveactivitiesaretriedincriminalcourtasadults.TheCommitteetakesnoteofarticle50oftheCriminalCode,whichprohibitsthesentencingofaminortocapitalpunishmentorlifeimprisonment;theCommitteeregretsthatitremainsunclearwhetherthelegalregimeapplicabletothoseminorswithrespecttotrialproceedingsandtheexecutionofthesentenceisthatapplicabletominorsortoadults.891.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthelackofpreventivemeasurestoaddresstheeffectsofviolenceonchildren.Itnotesinparticularthatthenumberoforphanshasrecentlyrisenasadirectconsequenceofviolence,andthatnospecificmeasuresseemtohavebeenadoptedtoaddresstheproblem.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations892.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderreviewingitsinterpretativedeclarationswithaviewtowithdrawingthem,inthespiritoftheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofAction.893.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartybringexistinglegislationintolinewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,andthatitconsiderthepossibilityofenactingacomprehensivecodeforchildren.894.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsbetakenbytheStatepartytostrengthencoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentbodiesinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,andthatgreatereffortsbemadetoensureclosercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsworkinginthefieldofhumanandchildren'srights.895.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatgreatereffortsbemadetoensurethattheprovisionsoftheConventionarewidelyknownandunderstoodbybothadultsandchildren.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatsystematictrainingandretrainingprogrammesontherightsofthechildbeorganizedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,suchasjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,armyofficials,teachers,schoolmanagers,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofcentralorlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions.896.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthesystemofdatacollectionbereviewed,withaviewtoincorporatingalltheareascoveredbytheConvention.Suchasystemshouldincludeallchildren,withspecificemphasisonvulnerablechildrenandchildreninespeciallydifficultcircumstances.Adequatedisaggregateddatashouldbegatheredandanalysedinordertoassessprogressachievedintherealizationofchildren'srightsandtohelpdefinepoliciestobeadoptedtobetterimplementtheprovisionsoftheConvention.Withrespecttothelatterissue,theCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstudiesandfollowupsurveysonvulnerablegroupsofchildrenbeinitiatedandthattheStatepartyconsiderrequestingtechnicalassistancefromtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.897.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthereffortsbemadetoensurethatnationallawsconformfullywiththeConvention,havingdueregardtothebestinterestsofthechild,non-discrimination,respectfortheviewsofthechildandhisorherrighttoparticipateinfamily,schoolandsociallife,andtherightofthechildtolife,survivalanddevelopment.Awarenessraisingcampaignsshouldbelaunched,inparticularamongchildren,parentsandprofessionalsworkingwithandforchildren,ontheneedforincreasedattentiontotheseprinciples.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggestssettingupanindependentmechanism,suchasanombudspersonforchildren,responsibleforreceivingandactingoncomplaintsfromchildrenofviolationsoftheirrightsunderthelawandtheConvention.898.2 .2Inthelightofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatprioritybegiveninbudgetallocationstotherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,withparticularemphasisontheenjoymentoftheserightsbydisadvantagedchildren.899.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialattentionbegiventotheproblemsofilltreatmentandabuse,includingsexualabuse,ofchildrenwithinthefamilyandcorporalpunishmentinschools,andstressestheneedforinformationandeducationcampaignstopreventandcombattheuseofanyformofphysicalormentalviolenceonchildren,inaccordancewitharticle19oftheConvention.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatcomprehensivestudiesontheseproblemsbeinitiatedinordertounderstandthembetterandtofacilitatetheelaborationofpoliciesandprogrammes,includingrehabilitationprogrammes,tocombatthemeffectively.900.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatallnecessarymeasuresbeadoptedtoensuretheimmediateregistrationofthebirthofnomadicchildren.901.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsbetakentoensurethatnomadicchildrenhaveaccesstoeducationandhealthcareservicesthroughasystemofspecificallytargetededucationandhealthcareschemeswhichwillallowthesechildrentoenjoytheirright,incommunitywithothermembersoftheirgroup,totheirownculture,asstipulatedinarticle30oftheConvention.902.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherattentionbepaidtothefullrealizationoftherightsofrefugeechildrenunderarticle22oftheConvention.903.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatallnecessarymeasuresbeadoptedtomonitortheimplementationofActNo.90-11of21April1990,inparticularintheprivateandagriculturalsectorsoftheeconomy,throughstrengtheningexistinginspectionmechanisms.904.2 .2Withrespecttotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteedrawstheattentionoftheStatepartytoarticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellastorelevantUnitedNationsstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.TheCommitteerecommendsinparticularthatintheimplementationofspecialrulesandregulationsrelatingtoterroristandsubversiveactivities,specialattentionbegiventotheimplementationofarticles37(a),(c)and(d),and40,paragraph3,oftheConvention.905.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatappropriatemeasuresbeadoptedwithaviewtopreventingtothemaximumextentpossiblethenegativeimpactofprevailingviolence,througheducationandinformationcampaignsinschools,onpeacefulcohabitationandpeacefulresolutionofconflicts.Italsorecommendsthatstepsbetakentoaddressthespecificproblemoftherisingnumberofchildrenorphanedbythisviolence.906.2 .2Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ . 24.Concludingobservations:Azerbaijan907.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofAzerbaijan(CRC/C/11/Add.8)atits390thto392ndmeetings,on2and3June1997(CRC/C/SR.390392),and,atits398thmeeting,on6June1997adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction908.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthesubmissionoftheinitialreport,thewrittenanswerstothelistofissues(CRC/C/Q/AZER/1),aswellasthedialogueheldwiththeStateparty.WhiletheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionattheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheStatepartyinthecourseofthedialogue,itneverthelessregretsthattheinitialreportdidnotfollowtheguidelinesprovidedbytheCommitteeandthereforeinformationonseveralareasrelatingtothedailylifeofchildreninAzerbaijanwasnotincludedinthedocument.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects909.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheStatepartyiscurrentlycarryingoutacomprehensivelawreform.ItalsonotestherecentestablishmentoftheCommissiononMinors'AffairsundertheCabinetofMinistersofAzerbaijanandofaHumanRightsCommissioninParliament.910.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthestepstakenbytheStatepartytopublicizetheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.911.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheemergenceofnongovernmentalorganizationsandthegradualstepstoenhancecooperationbetweenthemandtheGovernment.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention912.2 .2TheCommitteerecognizestheseriousdifficultiesfacedbytheStatepartyinimplementingtheprovisionsoftheConvention.ItnotesthattheStateparty'stransitiontoamarketorientedeconomyhashadaseriousimpactonthepopulation,inparticularonallvulnerablegroups,includingchildren.913.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotesthemajorproblemsexperiencedasaconsequenceofthearmedconflict,whichhasimposedserioushardshipsontheentirepopulation,includingheavycasualties,longlastingphysical,emotionalandpsychologicaleffects,andthedisruptionofsomebasicservices.Ittakesparticularnoteoftheunknownnumberofchildrenwhohavesufferedthemostfundamentalviolationsoftheirrighttolife,andoftheexistenceofalargepopulationofrefugeesanddisplacedpersons,whoarebeingattendedtobyinternationalaid.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern914.2 .2WhileacknowledgingtheeffortsundertakenbytheStatepartytoadoptanewactontherightsofthechild,theCommitteeremainsconcernedthatatpresentthereisnocomprehensivelegislationthatpromotesandprotectstherightsofthechildasstipulatedbytheConvention.915.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheStatepartyhasnotyetadoptedacomprehensivepolicytopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild.Theabsenceofanationalplanofactionisalsoamatterofconcern.916.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceofacoordinatingbodyforissuesrelatingtochildren,whichresultsininsufficientcoordinationamongvariousgovernmentalbodiesandmechanisms,aswellasbetweenthenationalandlocalauthorities,intheimplementationofpoliciesforthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.917.2 .2InsufficientattentionhasbeenpaidbytheauthoritiestothecollectionofsystematicandcomprehensivedataandtheidentificationofappropriateindicatorsandmonitoringmechanismsinallareascoveredbytheConvention.Disaggregateddataandappropriateindicatorsseemtobelackingtoassessthesituationofchildren,especiallythosewhoarevictimsofabuse,illtreatmentorchildlabourorareinvolvedwiththeadministrationofjuvenilejustice,aswellasrefugeeandinternallydisplacedchildren,childrenofsingleparentfamilies,childreninruralandremoteareas,abandoned,institutionalizedanddisabledchildren,andchildrenwhoarelivingand/orworkingonthestreet.Finally,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthatnoindependentmonitoringmechanismexistsinrelationtochildren'srights.918.2 .2Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandtakingintoaccountthereallocationofresourcessincethebeginningofthearmedconflictin1990,aswellastheimpactofthetransitiontoamarketeconomy,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofmeasurestoensurethefullimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresandprogrammesfortheprotectionoftherightsofthemostvulnerablechildren.919.2 .2WhileacknowledgingtheeffortsundertakenbytheStatepartytoraiseawarenessabouttheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionamongbothadultsandchildren,theCommitteeremainsconcernedthatgovernmentofficialsandthegeneralpublichavenotyetbeensensitizedtotherightsofthechild.920.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatintheStatepartythechildisstilloftenperceivedasapersonnotfullyentitledtorights.Inthisregard,itnotesthatprofessionalsandpersonnelworkingwithandforchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,militaryofficials,teachers,schoolmanagers,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofnationalorlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions,lacksufficientknowledgeabouttheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalinstrumentsrelatingtotherightsofthechild.921.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoexpressitsgeneralconcernthattheStatepartydoesnotappeartohavefullytakenintoaccounttheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyitsgeneralprinciples,asreflectedinitsarticles2(nondiscrimination),3(bestinterestsofthechild),6(righttolife,survivalanddevelopment)and12(respectfortheviewsofthechild),initslegislation,itsadministrativeandjudicialdecisions,aswellasinitspoliciesandprogrammesrelevanttochildren.922.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatlegislativeprovisionsrelatingtothedefinitionofthechildarenotinconformitywiththeprinciplesandspiritoftheConvention.Itisparticularlyconcernedatthedisparitiesinthemarriageagesforboysandgirlsandbetweentheageofendofcompulsoryschoolingandtheminimumageforemployment.923.2 .2Inthelightofarticle17oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackoflegislativeandothertypesofmeasurestoprotectchildrenfromharmfulinformation.924.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,especiallyarticle3,arenotsufficientlytakenintoaccountwithregardtothedecisionmakingprocess,whichmayresultintheinstitutionalizationofchildren.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatalternativemeasurestoinstitutionalization,aswellasarticle25oftheConvention,recognizingtherighttoperiodicreviewofplacement,arenotsufficientlytakenintoconsideration.925.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinadequatesupportgiventofamilieslivingbelowthepovertyline,aswellastosingleparentfamilies.926.2 .2Withaviewtofullyprotectingtherightsofadoptedchildrenandinthelightofarticle21oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackofcomprehensivelegislationonadoptionandthefactthatintercountryadoptionseemsnottobeameasureoflastresort.927.2 .2TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedabouttheconsequencesofarmedconflictonfamilies,inparticulartheemergenceofapopulationofunaccompaniedchildren,orphansandabandonedchildren.928.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackofinformationaboutilltreatmentandabuseofchildrenwithinthefamily.TheCommitteeisequallyconcernedaboutthelackofinformationonyouthsuicidesandaccidents.929.2 .2WhilewelcomingthefactthattheStatepartyhasrecentlyreleasedastudyonchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreet,therecentincreaseinthenumberofsuchchildrenisamatterofconcern.TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsseriousconcernattheincreaseinthenumberofchildprostitutes,andthattheStatepartydoesnothaveaclearstrategytocombattheabuseandsexualexploitationofchildren.930.2 .2TheCommitteeisgravelyconcernedaboutthegeneralhealthsituationofchildren,inparticularwithregardtotheriseintheinfant,childandmaternalmortalityrates,thedeclineofbreastfeeding,theincreaseinthenumberofunwantedpregnancies,nutritionandiodinedeficiencies,substanceabuse,andthenegativeimpactofenvironmentalpollution.931.2 .2TheCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedabouttheimpactofarmedconflictoneducation,andatthelackofmeasurestoimplementprogrammestoreducethedropoutrate.932.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthesubstantialnumberofrefugeesandinternallydisplacedpersonsresultingfromthearmedconflictsince1990,especiallychildren,manyofwhomhavebeenlivingintentsforthreeyears.Thesechildrendonotalwayshaveequalaccesstobasicservices,especiallyhealth,educationandsocialservices.933.2 .2Inthelightofarticle39oftheConvention,theCommitteeisseriouslyconcernedabouttheinadequatemeasuresforthephysical,psychologicalandsocialrehabilitationofchildrenaffectedandtraumatizedbyarmedconflict.934.2 .2TheCommitteeexpresseditsconcernabouttheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.TheCommitteeremainsparticularlyconcerned,interalia,aboutthelackofrespectfortherightsofthechildin"correctivelabourinstitutions",thelackofanappropriatemonitoringsystemforalltypesofdetentioncentresandtheinadequacyofalternativemeasurestoimprisonment.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations935.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyharmonizeitslegislationrelatingtochildrenwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionbyadoptingitsdraftactontherightsofthechild.936.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyadoptacomprehensivenationalpolicyonchildrenaswellasanationalplanofaction.937.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationamongthevariousgovernmentalbodiesandmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstostrengthentheinstitutionalframeworkdesignedtopromoteandprotecthumanrightsingeneralandtherightsofthechildinparticular.ItencouragestheStatepartytocooperatecloselywithnon-governmentalorganizations.938.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartygiveprioritytothedevelopmentofasystemofdatacollectionandtotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorswithaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildren.Suchmechanismscanplayavitalroleinmonitoringthestatusofchildren,assessingtheprogressachievedandevaluatingthedifficultieshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights.Theycanbeusedasabasisfordesigningprogrammestoimprovethesituationofchildren,particularlythemostdisadvantagedchildren,includingchildrenwithdisabilities,refugeeandinternallydisplacedchildren,childrenilltreatedandabusedwithinthefamilyandininstitutionsordeprivedofliberty,childrenwhoarevictimsofsexualexploitationandchildrenwholiveand/orworkonthestreet.ItissuggestedthattheStatepartyrequestinternationalcooperationinthisregard.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatanindependentmonitoringbodybeestablished,suchasanombudspersonorachildren'srightscommissioner,toaddresschildren'srightsviolationsadequately.939.2 .2Inthelightofarticles2,3and4oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatprioritybegiveninbudgetallocationstotherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,withparticularemphasisonhealthandeducation,andontheenjoymentoftheserightsbythemostdisadvantagedchildren.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheauthoritiesresponsibleforoverallplanningandbudgetingcontinuetobefullyinvolvedinalldecisionmakingprocesses,soastoensurethattheirdecisionshaveadirectandpositiveimpactonthebudget.940.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatallappropriatemeasuresbetakentointegratechildrenwithdisabilitiesintomainstreameducation.941.2 .2ItistheCommittee'sviewthatfurthereffortsmustbeundertakentoensurethatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulararticles3and12,notonlyguidepolicydiscussionsandformulationanddecisionmaking,butalsoareappropriatelyintegratedintoanyjudicialandadministrativedecisionsandinthedevelopmentandimplementationofallprojects,programmesandserviceswhichhaveanimpactonchildren.942.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartylaunchaninformationcampaign,forbothchildrenandadults,ontheConventionontheRightsoftheChildtoenablechildrentofullyexercisetheirrights.ConsiderationshouldbegiventotheincorporationoftheConventioninthecurriculaofeducationalinstitutionsandappropriatemeasuresshouldbetakentofacilitateaccessbychildrentoinformationontheirrights.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartydirectfurthereffortstowardsdevelopmentofcomprehensivetrainingprogrammesforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildrensuchasjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,militaryofficials,teachers,schoolmanagers,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofnationalorlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions.943.2 .2WithaviewtoharmonizingthedefinitionofthechildwiththeConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheminimumageformarriagebethesameforgirlsandboysandthattheageofendofcompulsoryeducationbethesameastheminimumageforemployment.944.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatelegal,administrativeandothermeasurestoprotectchildrenfromharmfulinformation,includingintheaudiovisualmediaandinmediausingnewtechnologies.945.2 .2Inthelightoftheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild,theCommitteerecommendsthattheauthoritiesworktodevelopalternativemeasurestoinstitutionalization,suchasfostercare.Italsorecommendsthattherightofthechildtoperiodicreviewofplacementbesystematicallyenforced.946.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatnewandcreativepoliciesandprogrammesbeconsideredtoadequatelysupportvulnerablefamilies,particularlythoselivinginpovertyorsingleparentfamilies.Thestatusoffamiliesaccommodatingrefugeeordisplacedchildrenshouldberegularized.947.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatthelegislationonadoptionbebroughtintoconformitywiththeprovisionsofarticle21andotherrelatedarticlesoftheConvention.ItfurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoption.948.2 .2Withaviewtofacilitatingfamilyreunification,theCommitteerecommendsthattheauthoritiessetupacentralagencytotraceunaccompaniedchildren;appropriatemeasuresshouldalsobetakentoprotecttherightsoforphansandabandonedchildren.949.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivestudyofchildabuse,includingsexualabuse,andilltreatmentinthefamily,aswellasastudyonyouthsuicide.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatadequateprogrammesbedesignedandadoptedtopreventsexualabuseandexploitationofchildren,especiallychildprostitution.950.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptastrategytotackletheproblemofchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreet.Itfurthersuggeststhatinformaleducationprogrammesbepromoted.951.2 .2Inviewofthecriticalsituationinthefieldofhealth,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptacomprehensivenationalpolicytopromoteandadvancethehealthofchildrenandmothers.TheCommitteesuggeststhatparticularattentionbegiventotheimpactofenvironmentalpollutionandthatastudybeundertakenonthissubject.Internationalcooperationinthisfieldshouldbeapriority.952.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatpupilretentionprogrammesbepromoted.Inthelightofarticle29(d),theCommitteerecommendsthateducationonconflictresolutionandeducationforpeace,toleranceandfriendshipamongallpeoplebepromotedinallschools.953.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialattentionbedirectedtorefugeeandinternallydisplacedchildrentoensurethattheyhaveequalaccesstobasicfacilities.954.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyrecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingthroughinternationalcooperation,ifnecessary,toaddressthephysical,psychologicalandsocialreintegrationneedsofchildrenaffectedbythearmedconflictandrelatedtypesofviolence.955.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderundertakingacomprehensivereformofthejuvenilejusticesysteminthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoprotectingtherightsofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,especiallythoselivingin"correctivelabourinstitutions",totheestablishmentofanappropriateandindependentmonitoringmechanism,andtotheimprovementofthequalityandadequacyofalternativemeasurestoimprisonment.Trainingontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallprofessionalsinvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystem.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistanceforthispurposefromtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsSecretariat.956.2 .2Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednongovernmentalorganizations.@ .25.Concludingobservations:LaoPeople'sDemocraticRepublic957.2 .2TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheLaoPeople'sDemocraticRepublic(CRC/C/8/Add.32)atits400thto402ndmeetings,on23and24September1997(CRC/C/SR.400402)and,atits426thmeeting,on10October1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction958.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsinitialreportandwrittenanswerstothelistofissues(CRC/C/Q/LAO/1).TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforsendingahighrankingandmultidisciplinarydelegation.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrank,selfcriticalandcooperativetoneofthedialogue,duringwhichthedelegationoftheStatepartyindicatedpolicyandprogrammedirectionsanddifficultiesencounteredwithregardtotheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommittee,however,noteswithregretthatthereportdidnotalwaysfollowtheguidelines,inparticularinrelationtothegeneralprinciples,whicharenotmentioned,anddidnotprovidestatisticalanddisaggregateddataandinformationontheconcreteeffectsofmeasuresadoptedorontheimplementationoftheexistinglegislation,inparticularinregardtotheprotectionissues.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects959.2 .2TheCommitteetakesnoteofthepoliticalwilloftheStatepartytopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechild,anditseffortstodevelopandimplementasocioeconomicdevelopmentprogrammefortheyear2000.TheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsmadebytheStatepartyinadoptingits"EducationforAll"actionplan,itseffortsintheareaofimmunization,aswellascombatingiodinedeficiency,anditsprojectonmainstreameducationfordisabledchildren.960.2 .2TheCommitteealsonotestheestablishmentin1992oftheNationalCommissionforMothersandChildrenandwelcomesitsreorganizationin1996andthewideningofitsmandatetocoverallaspectsoftheConvention,includingprotectionandparticipationissues.961.2 .2TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtherecenteffortsoftheStatepartytoaddresstheproblemofunexplodedordnancesuchastheestablishmentin1995oftheUnexplodedOrdnanceTrustFundandtheLaosNationalUnexplodedOrdnanceProgrammeestablishedundertheMinistryofLabourandSocialWelfare,withsupportfromtheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandmanydonors.962.2 .2TheCommitteewelcomestheStateparty'sseekingadviceandtechnicalassistancetoensurethefullintegrationoftheprovisionsoftheConventioninitslegislation,toestablishasystemofadministrationofjuvenilejustice,andtotrainprofessionalsontherightsofthechild.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention963.2 .2TheCommitteenotesthattheLaoPeople'sDemocraticRepublicisamongtheleastdevelopedcountries.TheCommitteealsonotesthattheStatepartyisinaphaseoftransitionfromacentrallyplannedtoamarketeconomy;thisproducesoraggravatessocialproblemsthathaveanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern964.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatalthoughanewConstitutionwaspromulgatedin1991andmajorpiecesoflegislation,suchastheFamilyLaw,thePenalLawandtheLabourLaw,cameintoeffectin1990,thenationallegislationdoesnotfullyconformtotheConvention.965.2 .2TheCommitteeisequallyconcernedthatinsufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtotheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConventionconcerningbudgetaryallocationstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.966.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidbytheStatepartytosystematic,comprehensiveanddisaggregatedqualitativeandquantitativedatacollectionandtotheidentificationofappropriateindicatorsandmechanismstoevaluatetheprogressandtheimpactofpoliciesandmeasuresadoptedforallareascoveredbytheConvention,especiallythemosthiddensuchaschildabuseorilltreatment,butalsoinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,includingminoritygroupchildren,girlchildren,childreninruralareasandchildrenvictimsofsale,traffickingandprostitution.967.2 .2TheCommitteeisequallyconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidbytheauthoritiestotheidentificationofmonitoringmechanismsforallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren.968.2 .2WhilerecognizingtheeffortsoftheStatepartytodisseminatetheConvention,theCommitteeisoftheviewthatthemeasuresadoptedtopromotewidespreadawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionforbothadultsandchildren,inparticularforminoritiesandinruralareas,areinsufficient.TheCommitteeremainsconcernedatthelackofadequateandsystematictrainingforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,policymakers,lawmakers,governmentandmilitaryofficials,communityleaders,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialworkers,andpersonnelworkinginchildcareinstitutions.969.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofalegislativeframeworkforthecreationofnationalindependentnongovernmentalorganizations.970.2 .2OfparticularconcernisthefactthattheStatepartydoesnotappeartohavefullytakenintoaccounttheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyitsgeneralprinciplesascontainedinarticles2(nondiscrimination),3(bestinterestsofthechild),6(righttolife,survivalanddevelopment)and12(respectfortheviewsofthechild),initslegislation,itsadministrativeandjudicialdecisionsanditspoliciesandprogrammesrelevanttochildren.971.2 .2Asregardstheimplementationofarticle2,theCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficiencyofthemeasuresadoptedtoensurethefullenjoymentbyallchildrenoftherightsrecognizedintheConvention,inparticularinrelationtoaccesstoeducationandhealthservices,andprotectionagainstexploitation.OfparticularconcerntotheCommitteearecertainvulnerablegroupsofchildren,inparticulargirlchildren,childrenbelongingtominorities,childrenlivinginruralandremoteareasandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.972.2 .2TheCommitteeexpressesconcernregardingtheimplementationofarticle12oftheConvention,aschildren'sparticipationisstilllowandtheyaretraditionallyrepresentedbyadults,andastheviewsofthechildarenotsufficientlytakenintoaccount,especiallywithinthefamily,theschoolandthecareandjusticesystems.973.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofharmonizationbetweenthelegalagefortheendofcompulsoryeducation,whichis10,andtheminimumlegalageforemployment,whichis15.974.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficiencyofthemeasuresadoptedtodiscourageearlymarriage,whichisaharmfultraditionalpracticeincertaincommunities.975.2 .2Inthelightofarticle7oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthattherearechildrenwhoarenotregisteredatbirth.976.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofawarenessandinformationonilltreatmentandabuseofchildren,includingsexualabuse,bothwithinandoutsidethefamily,andthelackofappropriatemeasuresandmechanismstopreventandcombatsuchabuse.Thelackofspecialstructuresforchildrenvictimsofabuseandtheirlimitedaccesstojusticearealsomattersofconcern,asisthelackofrehabilitationmeasuresforsuchchildren.Thepersistenceofcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamilyanditsacceptancebysocietyisalsoamatterofconcern.977.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofmeasures,includinglegalones,toensurethatchildrenmaintaincontactwithbothparentsincaseofdivorceorseparation,aswellastheabsenceofamechanismtoensuretherecoveryofmaintenanceforthechild.978.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheprovisionsoftheFamilyLawregardingadoptiondonotconformfullytoarticle21oftheConvention,orwiththeprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild.979.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedatthehighmaternalmortalityrate,thehighmortalityandmorbidityratesamongchildren,thelackofaccesstoprenatalandmaternitycare,andthegenerallylimitedaccesstopublichealthcareandtomedicines,inparticularinruralareas.Thehighlevelofmalnutritionisalsoamatterofconcern.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthehighincidenceoftrafficaccidentsinvolvingchildrenandattheinadequacyoftheeffortstoraiseawarenessaboutHIV/AIDSinthecommunitiesandatschool,inparticularintheruralareas.980.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthelegislationdoesnotspecificallymentionthatprimaryeducationisfree.Itremainsconcernedatthelowlevelofschoolenrolmentandthehighdropoutandrepetitionrates,thedisparitiesbetweenurbanandruralareasandbetweenethnicgroupsintermsofenrolmentandqualityofeducationprovided,theshortageofphysicalinfrastructure,schoolmaterialsandteachers,andthelowqualificationsofteachers,inparticularinruralareas.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedatthelackofvocationaltrainingopportunities,inparticularinruralandremoteareas.981.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheshortageofphysicalandpsychologicalrehabilitationprogrammesandservicesforunexplodedordnancevictims.Theproblemofthetoxicchemicalcontaminationofsoilandwater,particularlyinthesixsouthernprovinces,isalsoamatterofconcern.982.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheeconomicexploitationofchildren,includingintheinformalsector,particularlyasdomesticservants,inagricultureandinthefamilycontext.983.2 .2TheCommitteeisconcernedattheincreasingphenomenonofchildprostitutionandtraffickingwhichaffectsboysaswellasgirls.Itisworriedabouttheinsufficiencyofmeasurestopreventandcombatthisphenomenon,andthelackofrehabilitationmeasures.984.2 .2Withregardtoarticle35oftheConvention,theCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheinadequacyofthemeasurestakentoaddressthesituationofchildrenaffectedbydrugsand/orothersubstanceabuse.985.2 .2Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,inparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConventionandotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Inparticular,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofalegalframeworkfortheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,thegroundsforarrestanddetentionofchildrenthatcanincludeprostitution,theabsenceofspecializedjudges,andthelackofsocialworkersandqualifiedlegaldefenders.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations986.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyinitiateacomprehensivereviewofexistinglegislationwithaviewtoundertakingadequatelegislativereformtoensurefullconformityofitslegislationwithalltheprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticularitsgeneralprinciples(articles2,3,6and12).TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyenvisagetheadoptionofaspecificcodeorlegislationforchildren,withaseparatesectiononchildrenwhoneedspecialprotection.Internationalcooperationwith,amongothers,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundcanbesoughtinthisregard.987.2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyenvisageaccedingtootherinternationalhumanrightsinstruments,includingthetwointernationalcovenantsonhumanrights.988.2 .2TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandtoensurejudiciousdistributionofresourcesatthelocalandcentrallevels.Budgetallocationsfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsshouldbeensuredtothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesand,whereneeded,withintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation,aswellasinthelightoftheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild(article3).989.2 .2Withaviewtoimprovingthegeneralframeworkfortheprotectionofchildrenfromallformsofabuse,neglectandexploitation,theCommitteeencouragesthedevelopmentofasocialworker'ssystem.990.2 .2TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartydevelopacomprehensivesystemofcollectingdisaggregateddatainordertogatherallnecessaryinformationonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConvention,includingonchildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.991.2 .2TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatamultidisciplinarymonitoringsystembeestablishedtoassessprogressachievedanddifficultiesencounteredintherealizationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConventionatthecentralandlocallevels,andinparticulartomonitorregularlytheimpactofeconomicchangeonchildren.TheCommitteesuggeststhatthemandateoftheNationalCommissionforMothersandChildrenbestrengthenedinthisregard.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyalsoexplorethepossibilityofanindependentmachineryforcomplaints,suchasanombudsperson.TheCommitteefurtherstressestheneedtostrengthenthecapacityoftheNationalCommissionforMothersandChildreninitsroleofcoordinator,inparticularbetweenthecentral,provincialandlocallevels.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoseekassistancefrom,amongothers,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFundinthisregard.992.2 .2TheCommitteestronglyencouragestheStatepartytostrengthenitseffortstomaketheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionwidelyknownbyadultsandchildrenalike,inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention.ItencouragestheStatepartytofurtherincrease,throughtheprintandelectronicmedia,publicawarenessoftheparticipatoryrightsofchildren,andtoincorporatetheConventioninschoolcurricula.ItalsosuggeststhattheStatepartydevelopappropriateoralorvisualmaterialtofurtherspreadknowledgeoftheConventionamongminorities.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyseekassistancefrom,amongothers,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,inthisregard.993.2 .2TheCommitteerecommendsthedevelopmentofadequateandsystematictrainingforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,policymakersandlawmakers,governmentandmilitaryofficials,communityleaders,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialworkers,personnelworkinginchildcareinstitutionsandpoliceofficers,andthatchildren'srightsbeincludedintheirtrainingcurricula.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyseekassistancefrom,amongothers,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundinthisregard.994.2 .2TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatalegislativeframeworkbeadoptedinordertoencouragetheestablishmentofnationalnon-governmentalorganizations.995.2 .2ItistheCommittee'sviewthatfurthereffortsmustbeundertakentoensurethatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConventionnotonlyguidepolicydiscussionsanddecisionmaking,butalsoareappropriatelyintegratedintoanyjudicialandadministrativedecisionsandinthedevelopmentandimplementationofallprojects,programmesandserviceswhichhaveanimpactonchildren.996.2 .2TheCommitteealsoemphasizesthattheprincipleofnondiscrimination,asprovidedunderarticle2oftheConvention,mustbefullyimplemented.Amoreactiveapproachshouldbetakentoeliminatediscriminationagainstcertaingroups,inparticulargirlchildren,childrenbelongingtominoritiesandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.997.2 .2TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytofurtherdevelopasystematicapproachtoincreasingpublicawarenessoftheparticipatoryrightsofchildreninthelightofarticle12oftheConvention.998.2 .2TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyadoptallappropriatemeasures,includingawarenessraisingamongparentsandcommunities,onthenegativeeffectsofearlymarriageonchildren.999.2 .2Inthelightofarticle7oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenitseffortstoraiseawarenessamongcommunityleadersandparentstoensurethatallchildrenareregisteredatbirth.1000.Inthelightofarticle19oftheConvention,theCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingrevisionoflegislation,topreventandcombatilltreatmentwithinthefamilyandsexualabuseofchildren.Itsuggests,interalia,thattheauthoritiesinitiateacomprehensivestudyonabuse,illtreatmentanddomesticviolencetoimprovetheunderstandingofthenatureandthescopeoftheproblem,andsetupsocialprogrammestopreventalltypesofchildabuse,aswellastorehabilitatethechildvictims.Lawenforcementshouldbestrengthenedwithrespecttosuchcrimes;adequateproceduresandmechanismstodealwithcomplaintsofchildabuseshouldbedeveloped,suchasmultidisciplinaryteamstohandlecases,specialrulesofevidenceandspecialinvestigatorsorcommunityfocalpoints.1001.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegalones,toensurethatchildrenmaintaincontactwithbothparentsincaseofdivorceorseparation,aswellastoensuretherecoveryofmaintenanceforthechild.1002.TheCommitteerecommendsthatthelegislationonadoptionbebroughtintoconformitywiththeprovisionsofarticle21andotherrelatedarticlesoftheConvention.ItfurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyratifytheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoption.1003.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingfurthertechnicalassistancetocontinuetostrengthenitseffortstomakeprimaryhealthcareaccessibletoallchildren,inparticularatthedistrictlevel.Concertedeffortsareneededtocombatmalnutrition.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartypromoteadolescenthealthbystrengtheningreproductivehealtheducationandservicestopreventandcombatHIV/AIDS.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatallappropriatemeasuresbetakentopreventtrafficaccidents,suchasteachingtrafficrulesatschool.1004.Inaccordancewitharticle28oftheConvention,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartyinitseffortstomakefreeprimaryeducationavailableforallandtotrainteachers.ItalsoencouragestheStatepartytoimplementmeasurestoimproveschoolenrolmentandpupilretention,especiallyofgirls,childrenbelongingtominoritiesandchildrenlivinginruralareas.Asystemfortheregularevaluationoftheeffectivenessofalleducationalmeasurestaken,includingthoserelatedtothequalityofteaching,mustbeensured.TheStatepartymaywishtoconsiderrequestingfurtherinternationalassistancefortheimplementationofthemeasuresidentifiedforthefullimplementationofarticle28.1005.TheCommitteestronglyencouragestheStatepartytoseeklongtermexternalfinancialassistanceinordertobuildnationalcapacitywithregardtounexplodedordnance,toestablishasustainableclearingprocessineacharea,toprovidecontinualcommunityawarenessprogrammes,throughschools,pagodasandlocalorganizations,andtodeveloprehabilitationprogrammes.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatastudybeundertakenontheeffectsonchildrenoftoxicchemicalcontaminationofsoilsandwaterasaresultofthearmedconflict,andthatstudiesonthismatterundertakeninneighbouringcountriesbeconsulted.1006.TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentoimplementtheprovisionsofarticle32,andthateffortsbemadetopreventandcombateconomicexploitationofthechildortheperformingofanyworkthatislikelytobehazardousortointerferewiththechild'seducation,ortobeharmfultothechild'shealthorphysical,mental,spiritual,moralorsocialdevelopment.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtochildrenworkingintheinformalsectorandwiththeirfamilies.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartyharmonizetheageoftheendofcompulsoryeducationwiththeminimumageforworkbyraisingtheformerto15.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138concerningtheminimumageforemployment.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyseektechnicalassistancefromtheInternationalLabourOrganizationinthisarea.1007.Withregardtotheincreaseinchildprostitutionandtrafficking,theCommitteerecommendsthatmeasuresbetakenonanurgentbasis,suchasacomprehensiveprogrammeofprevention,includinganawarenessraisingandeducationcampaign,inparticularintheruralareas,andofrehabilitationofthevictims.TheStatepartyisalsoinvitedtostrengthenitseffortstocontrolchildpornography.Concerningthetraffickingofboysandgirlsintoneighbouringcountriesforworkorprostitution,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenitseffortstoraiseawarenessincommunitiesandestablishvocationaltrainingforyoungpeople,inparticularinruralareas.Cooperationwithneighbouringcountriesisstronglyencouraged.1008.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventandcombatdrugandsubstanceabuseamongchildren,suchaspublicinformationcampaigns,includinginschools.ItalsoencouragestheStatepartytosupportrehabilitationprogrammesdealingwithchildrenvictimsofdrugandsubstanceabuse.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefromcompetentinternationalorganizations,suchastheWorldHealthOrganization.1009.TheCommitteerecommendsthatlegalreforminthefieldofadministrationofjuvenilejusticebepursuedandtakefullyintoaccounttheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,inparticulararticles37,39and40,aswellasotherrelevantstandardsinthisfieldsuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtothepreventionofjuveniledelinquency,theprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,respectforfundamentalrightsandlegalsafeguardsinallaspectsofthejuvenilejusticesystemandfullindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciarydealingwithjuveniles.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoexplorealternativestoinstitutionalcareaswellastraditionalmechanismsofconciliation,aslongastheprinciplesandguaranteesoftheConventionarerespected.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyavailitselfofthetechnicalassistanceprogrammesoftheOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsSecretariat.1010.InthelightoftheareasofconcernidentifiedbytheCommitteeandtherecommendationmade,inparticularineducation,healthandprotection,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingfurthertechnicalassistancefromrelevantinternationalorganizations.1011.Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthesedocumentsbeundertaken,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,theNationalAssemblyandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ . 26.Concludingobservations:Australia1012.TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofAustralia(CRC/C/8/Add.31)atits403rdto405thmeetings,on24and25September1997(CRC/C/SR.403-405),and,atits426thmeeting,on10October1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction1013.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsextensivelydetailedreport,whichhasbeenpreparedinfullconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelines,andforthesubmissionofwrittenrepliestoitslistofissues(CRC/C/Q/AUS/1).TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheconstructiveandopendialogueithadwiththedelegationoftheStateparty,andthedetailedrepliesitreceivedfromthedelegationduringthedialogue.TheCommitteealsonotesthesupplementaryinformationprovidedbythedelegationduringandfollowingtheconsiderationofthereport.TheCommitteeregrets,however,thattheStatepartydidnotincludefullinformationinitsreportontheexternalterritoriesthatareadministeredbyit.TheCommitteenotesthatarticle2oftheConventionrequiresStatespartiestoensuretheimplementationoftheConventionforareasundertheirjurisdiction,whichthereforeincludestheobligationtoreportonprogressachievedinallitsterritories.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects1014.TheCommitteeappreciatestheStateparty'sfirmcommitmenttoadoptingmeasuresfortheimplementationoftherightsofthechildasrecognizedintheConvention.TheCommitteenotesspecificallythewiderangeofwelfareservicesforthebenefitofchildrenandtheirparents,theprovisionofuniversalandfreeeducationandtheadvancedhealthsystem.1015.TheCommitteenotestheeffortsmadebytheStatepartyinthefieldoflawreform.TheCommitteewelcomestherecentamendmentstotheFamilyLawAct,1975,andtheCrimes(ChildSexTourism)AmendmentAct,1994.1016.TheCommitteewelcomestheintentionoftheStatepartytoratifytheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoption.1017.NotingthelongstandingeffortsmadebytheStatepartyinthefieldofinternationalcooperation,theCommitteewouldliketoencouragetheStatepartytoachievethetargetof0.7percentofgrossdomesticproductforinternationalassistancetodevelopingcountries.2 .2(c) .Principalsubjectsofconcern1018.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatalthoughtheConventionontheRightsoftheChildhasbeendeclaredarelevantinternationalinstrumentundertheHumanRightsandEqualOpportunityAct,1986,whichenablestheHumanRightsandEqualOpportunityCommissiontorefertotheConventionwhenitisconsideringcomplaints,thisdoesnotgiverisetolegitimateexpectationsthatanadministrativedecisionwillbemadeinconformitywiththerequirementsofthatinstrument.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatthereisnorightofcitizenstolaunchcomplaintsinthelocalcourtsonthebasisoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.1019.TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthereservationmadebytheStatepartytoarticle37(c)oftheConvention.TheCommitteenotesthatthisreservationmightimpedethefullimplementationoftheConvention.1020.TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheabsenceofacomprehensivepolicyforchildrenatthefederallevel.Itisalsoconcernedatthelackofmonitoringmechanismsatthefederalandlocallevels.Suchmechanismsareofessentialimportancefortheevaluationandpromotionofthedevelopmentofpoliciesandprogrammesforthebenefitofchildren.DisparitiesbetweenthedifferentStates'legislationandpractices,includingbudgetaryallocations,areofconcerntotheCommittee.1021.TheCommitteenotesthattheConventionanditsprinciplesarenotgenerallyknowntothepublic,althoughthenotionofrightsis.TheCommitteeregretsthatthereseemstobealackofadequateunderstandinginsomequartersofthecommunityoftheprinciplesoftheConvention,aswellasitsholisticandinterrelatedapproach,andtheimportancethattheConventionplacesontheroleofthefamily.1022.TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernthatemploymentlegislationonthefederallevel,aswellasinalltheStates,doesnotspecifyminimumage(s)belowwhichchildrenarenotallowedtobeemployed.Thelawalsodoesnotprohibittheemploymentofchildrenwhoarestillincompulsoryeducation.TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedthattheminimumageofcriminalresponsibilityisgenerallysetatthelowlevelof7to10years,dependingupontheState.1023.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthoserelatedtonon-discrimination(article2)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(article12)arenotbeingfullyapplied.1024.WhilenotingtheinformationprovidedbythedelegationoftheStatepartyonanumberofprogrammestoraisehealthstandardsforAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderchildrenandtheStateparty'sintentiontostartatwoyearanti-racismcampaign,theCommitteeisnonethelessconcernedaboutthespecialproblemsstillfacedbyAboriginalsandTorresStraitIslanders,aswellasbychildrenofnon-Englishspeakingbackgrounds,withregardtotheirenjoymentofthesamestandardsoflivingandlevelsofservices,particularlyineducationandhealth.1025.TheCommitteeisconcernedthat,insomeinstances,childrencanbedeprivedoftheircitizenshipinsituationswhereoneoftheirparentsloseshisorhercitizenship.1026.TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthelackofprohibitioninlocallegislationoftheuseofcorporalpunishment,howeverlight,inschools,athomeandininstitutions;intheviewoftheCommitteethiscontravenestheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticulararticles3,5,6,19,28(para.2),37(a)and(c)and39.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheexistenceofchildabuseandviolencewithinthefamily.1027.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatlocallegislationthatallowsthelocalpolicetoremovechildrenandyoungpeoplecongregating,whichisaninfringementonchildren'scivilrights,includingtherighttoassembly.1028.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatwomenworkingintheprivatesectorarenotsystematicallyentitledtomaternityleave,whichcouldresultindifferenttreatmentbetweenchildrenofStateemployeesandthoseworkinginothersectors.1029.Whilenotingthesupportservicesthatareprovidedtohomelesschildren,includinghousing,educationandhealthservices,theCommitteeremainsconcernedatthespreadofhomelessnessamongyoungpeople.TheCommitteeisworriedthatthisputschildrenatriskofinvolvementinprostitution,drugabuse,pornography,orotherformsofdelinquencyandeconomicexploitation.TheincidenceofsuicideamongyoungpeopleisanadditionalcauseofconcerntotheCommittee.1030.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthecontinuedpracticeoffemalegenitalmutilationinsomecommunities,andthatthereisnolegislationprohibitingitinanyoftheStates.1031.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthetreatmentofasylumseekersandrefugeesandtheirchildren,andtheirplacementindetentioncentres.1032.ThesituationinrelationtothejuvenilejusticesystemandthetreatmentofchildrendeprivedoftheirlibertyisofconcerntotheCommittee,particularlyinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.1033.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheunjustified,disproportionatelyhighpercentageofAboriginalchildreninthejuvenilejusticesystem,andthatthereisatendencynormallytorefuseapplicationsforbailforthem.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheenactmentofnewlegislationintwoStates,whereahighpercentageofAboriginalpeoplelive,whichprovidesformandatorydetentionandpunitivemeasuresofjuveniles,thusresultinginahighpercentageofAboriginaljuvenilesindetention.2 .2(d) .Suggestionsandrecommendations1034.InthelightoftheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofActionof1993,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoreviewitsreservationtoarticle37(c)withaviewtoitswithdrawal.TheCommitteeemphasizesthatarticle37(c)allowsforexemptionsfromtheneedtoseparatechildrendeprivedoftheirlibertyfromadultswhenthatisinthebestinterestsofthechild.1035.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartycreateafederalbodyresponsiblefordrawingupprogrammesandpoliciesfortheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,andmonitoringtheirimplementation.TheCommitteesuggeststhatcooperationinthefieldoftherightsofthechildbetweentheauthoritiesandnon-governmentalorganizations,aswellasAboriginalandTorresStraitIslandercommunities,shouldalsobefurtherstrengthened.1036.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoallocatespecialfundsinitsinternationalcooperationprogrammesandschemestochildren.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytousetheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionasaframeworkforitsprogrammeofinternationaldevelopmentassistance.1037.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingofalegislativenature,toprohibitcorporalpunishmentinprivateschoolsandathome.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatawarenessraisingcampaignsbeconductedtoensurethatalternativeformsofdisciplineareadministeredinamannerconsistentwiththechild'shumandignityandinconformitywiththeConvention.TheCommitteealsobelievesthatcasesofabuseandilltreatmentofchildren,includingsexualabusewithinthefamily,shouldbeproperlyinvestigated,sanctionsappliedtoperpetratorsandpublicitygiventodecisionstaken.Furthermeasuresshouldbetakenwithaviewtoensuringthephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofvictimsofabuse,neglect,illtreatment,violenceorexploitation,inaccordancewitharticle39oftheConvention.1038.TheCommitteerecommendsthatawarenessraisingcampaignsontheConventionontheRightsoftheChildbeconducted,withaparticularfocusonitsgeneralprinciplesandontheimportancetheConventionplacesontheroleofthefamily.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheConventionbedisseminatedalsoinlanguagesthatareusedbyAboriginalsandTorresStraitIslanders,andbypersonsfromnonEnglishspeakingbackgrounds.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattherightsofthechildbeincorporatedinschoolcurricula.ItfurtherrecommendsthattheConventionbeincorporatedinthetrainingprovidedtolawenforcementofficials,judicialpersonnel,teachers,socialworkers,caregiversandmedicalpersonnel.1039.TheCommitteebelievesthatthereisaneedforanawarenessraisingcampaignontherightofthechildtoparticipateandexpresshisorherviews,inlinewitharticle12oftheConvention.TheCommitteesuggeststhatspecialeffortsbemadetoeducateparentsabouttheimportanceofchildren'sparticipationandofdialoguebetweenparentsandchildren.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattrainingbecarriedouttoenhancetheabilityofspecialists,especiallycaregiversandthoseinvolvedinthejuvenilejusticesystem,tosolicittheviewsofthechild,andhelpthechildexpresstheseviews.1040.TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecificminimumage(s)besetforemploymentofchildrenatalllevelsofgovernment.TheCommitteesuggeststhatthereisalsoaneedforclearandconsistentregulationsinalltheStatesonmaximumallowedworkhoursforworkingchildrenwhoareabovetheminimumemploymentage.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderratifyingInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138concerningminimumageforemployment.WhileacknowledgingthefactthatthefederalGovernmentisplanningtoharmonizetheageofcriminalliabilityandraiseitinalltheStatesto10years,theCommitteebelievesthatthisageisstilltoolow.1041.TheCommitteerecommendsthatlegislationandpolicyreformbeintroducedtoguaranteethatchildrenofasylumseekersandrefugeesarereunifiedwiththeirparentsinaspeedymanner.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatnochildbedeprivedofhisorhercitizenshiponanyground,regardlessofthestatusofhisorherparents.1042.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoreviewitslegislationandmakepaidmaternityleavemandatoryforemployersinallsectors,inthelightoftheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildandarticles18,paragraph3,and24,paragraph2,oftheConvention.1043.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakefurtherstepstoraisethestandardsofhealthandeducationofdisadvantagedgroups,particularlyAboriginals,TorresStraitIslanders,newimmigrants,andchildrenlivinginruralandremoteareas.TheCommitteeisalsooftheviewthatthereisaneedformeasurestoaddressthecausesofthehighrateofincarcerationofAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderchildren.Itfurthersuggeststhatresearchbecontinuedtoidentifythereasonsbehindthisdisproportionatelyhighrate,includinginvestigationintothepossibilitythatattitudesoflawenforcementofficerstowardsthesechildrenbecauseoftheirethnicoriginmaybecontributingfactors.1044.TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherresearchbecarriedouttoidentifythecausesofthespreadofhomelessness,particularlyamongyoungpersonsandchildren,including,interalia,thesocioeconomicbackgroundofthechildandhisorherfamily,andtoidentifyanylinkbetweenhomelessnessandchildabuse,includingsexualabuse,childprostitution,childpornographyandtraffickinginchildren.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytoadoptfurtherpoliciesofpovertyalleviation,andtofurtherstrengthenthesupportservicesthatitprovidestohomelesschildren.1045.TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecificlawsbeenactedtoprohibitthepracticeoffemalegenitalmutilationandtoensureadequateimplementationofthelegislation.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatfurtherawarenessraisingcampaignsbeconducted,incooperationwiththedifferentcommunities,tosensitizethemaboutthedangersandharmthatresultfromthispractice.1046.Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthereportsbepublished,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ . 27.Concludingobservations:Uganda1047.TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofUganda(CRC/C/3/Add.40)atits409thand410thmeetings,on29and30September1997(CRC/C/SR.409-410),and,atits426thmeeting,on10October1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a) .Introduction1048.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthesubmissionofitsinitialreport,whichfollowedtheguidelinessetbytheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,aswellasforthecomprehensivewrittenanswerstoitslistofissues(CRC/C/UGA/1).TheCommitteealsoexpressesitssatisfactiontotheStatepartyforhavingengagedinanopenandconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee,andinparticularfortheselfcriticalandfrankapproachtakenbytheStatepartyinitsreportandduringthedialoguewiththeCommittee.Itwelcomesthedelegation'spositiveresponsetothesuggestionsandrecommendationsmadeduringthecourseofthediscussion.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects1049.TheCommitteenotestheestablishmentin1992oftheNationalCouncilofChildrenandtheadoptionoftheUgandaNationalPlanofActionforChildren.ItalsowelcomesthedecentralizationoftheNationalPlanofActionforChildrenand,tothisend,theadoptionof34districtplansofactionforchildren.TheCommitteefurthernoteswithappreciationthatalongsidethelegislativeframework,theStatepartyhascarriedoutsomestudiesanddevelopedtherefrom,interalia,thedecentralizationpolicy.1050.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheStatepartyenactedanewConstitutionin1995andtheChildren'sStatutein1996whichincorporatespecificprovisionsrelatingtochildren'srightsandthattheStateparty,inthedraftingofthislegislation,usedtheConventionontheRightsoftheChildasoneofthecoredocumentssoastoensurefullcompatibilitybetweentheConstitution,theChildren'sStatuteandtheConvention.TheCommitteealsonotesthattheStatepartyisoneofthesevenAfricancountriesthathassofarratifiedtheAfricanCharterontheRightsandWelfareoftheChild.1051.TheCommitteewelcomestheprioritybeinggivenbytheStatepartytohealth,inparticularhealthcareforchildren,includingeffortstoreducechildmortality,facilitatebreastfeeding,supportnutritionprogrammes,combatHIV/AIDS,eliminatefemalegenitalmutilationandincreaseaccesstocleandrinkingwater.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention1052.TheCommitteeacknowledgesthattheseverepolitical,economicandsocialdifficultiesfacingtheStatepartyhavehadanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.Inparticular,theCommitteenotesthatpoverty,armedconflictinthenorthandtheHIV/AIDSpandemichavecausedmajordifficulties.1053.Furthermore,theCommitteenotesthatprejudicialtraditionalpracticesandcustoms,prevailingparticularlyinruralareas,hampertheeffectiveimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallywithregardtotheprinciplesofnon-discrimination,bestinterestsofthechildandrespectfortheviewsofthechild.2 .2(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern1054.TheCommittee,whilenotingwithsatisfactiontheexistenceoftheNationalCouncilofChildrenandvariousgovernmentbodies,ministriesandresistancecouncilsresponsibleforthewelfareofchildrenatthenationalandlocallevels,neverthelessregretstheinadequatecoordinationamongthesebodiesinpromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechildanddevelopingacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.ItalsoregretsthattheNationalCouncilofChildrenandtheotherbodies,ministriesandcouncilslacktherequisiteinstitutionalcapacity,skillsandfinancialresourcestocarryouttheirmandates.1055.Takingnoteoftherecentachievementsinthefieldoflawreform,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficiencyofthemeasurestakenbytheStatepartytoharmonizenationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteeparticularlynoteswithconcernthatcurrentprovisionsconcerningthedefinitionof"child","youthfuloffender"and"minor",ascontainedrespectivelyintheApprovedSchoolsAct,theAffiliationActandtheMarriageAct;theReformatorySchoolsAct;andtheDivorceAct,areincompatiblewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,especiallywiththeprincipleofnon-discriminationandintheareasofmarriage,employmentandjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteealsoremainsconcernedabouttheconflictbetweencustomarylawandtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionintheseareas.1056.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatnoadequatemeasureshavebeentakenforthesystematiccollectionofdisaggregatedquantitativeandqualitativedatainallareascoveredbytheConvention,inrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,inurbanandruralareas,inordertoevolvetargetedpolicies,evaluateprogressachievedandassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedwithrespecttochildren.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheStateparty'slimitedhumanandfinancialcapacitytocollectandprocessdata,aswellastodevelopspecificindicatorstoevaluateprogressachievedandassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedonchildren,inparticularthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.1057.WhileacknowledgingthateffortshavebeenmadebytheStatepartytopromoteawarenessoftheprovisionsoftheConventionthroughtheprintandelectronicmedia,theschoolsandvillagecampaigns,theCommitteeremainsconcernedthatinsufficientstepshavebeentakentopromoteawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthetrainingonchildren'srightsprovidedtoallprofessionalgroups,includingmembersofthepoliceandsecurityforcesandotherlawenforcementofficials,armyofficials,judicialpersonnel,magistrates,lawyers,teachersandschooladministratorsatalllevelsofeducation,socialworkers,officialsofcentralorlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutionsandhealthandmedicalpersonnel,isinsufficientandunsystematic.Furthermore,theCommitteeremainsconcernedthattheConventioninitsentiretyhasnotbeentranslatedintoanyvernacularlanguage.1058.TheCommitteenotesthelackofadequatelegislative,administrativeandothermeasurestoensurethefullimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentoftheStateparty'savailableresources,inparticularforgirls,orphans,childrenwithdisabilities,abandonedchildren,childrenbornoutofwedlock,childrenfromsingleparentfamilies,childrenlivingandworkingonthestreet,andchildrenvictimsofabuseand/oreconomicandsexualexploitation.1059.TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatalthoughtheprinciplesofthebestinterestsofthechild,respectfortheviewsofthechild,andthechild'srighttoparticipateinfamily,schoolandsociallifeareincorporatedfullyintheConstitutionandtheChildren'sStatute,theyarenotimplementedinpracticeowingto,interalia,culturalnorms,practicesandattitudes.1060.Inparticular,theCommitteeisconcernedatthepersistenceofdiscriminatoryattitudesagainstsomegroupsofchildren,especiallygirls,childrenwithdisabilitiesandchildrenlivinginruralareas,whichoftenresultsinlimitingtheiraccesstobasicsocialfacilitiessuchashealthandeducation.1061.TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficiencyofthemeasurestocombatandpreventilltreatmentandabuse,includingsexualabuseofchildrenwithinthefamily,andatthelackofinformationonthismatter.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedthatdisciplinarymeasuresinsomeschoolsandlawenforcementinstitutionsofteninvolvecorporalpunishment,althoughthisisprohibitedbylaw.1062.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinmanyruralareaslegislationrelatingtobirthregistrationisnotfullyimplemented,whichmayseriouslydisadvantagenon-registeredchildrenintheenjoymentoftheirrights.1063.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatdespitethevariousimmunizationprogrammes,infantandchildmortalityratesarehighowingto,interalia,poorwatersupply,hygieneandsanitationpracticesandendemicmalnutrition.Furthermore,theCommitteeisworriedabouttherapidspreadofHIV/AIDSthroughoutthecountryanditsdevastatingimpactonchildrenwhoareinfectedandaffected.1064.WhilenotingthattheStatepartyhasmadeeffortstowardsintroducingtheprincipleoffreeandcompulsoryprimaryeducationbyprovidingfreeeducationforfourchildrenperfamily,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthisfundamentalrightisnotyetfullyandequallyimplementedthroughoutthecountry.Furthermore,theCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelowlevelofschoolenrolmentandthehighdropoutratesforgirlsowingto,interalia,earlymarriage,thelackoflearningandteachingfacilitiesandmaterials,andtheshortageoftrainedteachers.1065.TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedthattherulesofinternationalhumanitarianlawapplicabletochildreninarmedconflictarebeingviolatedinthenorthernpartoftheStateparty'sterritory,incontradictiontotheprovisionsofarticle38oftheConvention.Furthermore,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheabduction,killingsandtortureofchildrenoccurringinthisareaofarmedconflictandtheinvolvementofchildrenaschildsoldiers.1066.TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,andinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellaswithotherrelevantinternationalstandards.TheCommitteeremainsparticularlyconcernedabout,interalia,violationsoftherightsofchildrenindetentioncentres,theremandingofchildreninadultprisonsorpolicecells,longperiodsincustody,delaysbeforetrial,andtheinadequacyofexistingalternativemeasurestoimprisonment.1067.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthedifficultiesencounteredbyrefugeeanddisplacedchildreninsecuringaccesstobasiceducation,healthandsocialservices.1068.TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficiencyoflegalandothermeasurestopreventandcombattheeconomicexploitationofchildren,especiallychilddomesticworkersandothersintheinformalsector.1069.WhilethefactthattheStatepartyhasrecentlycarriedoutastudyonchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreetiswelcome,therecentincreaseinthenumberofsuchchildrenisamatterofconcern.TheCommitteealsoexpressesitsseriousconcernattheincreaseinthenumberofchildprostitutesandthefactthattheStatepartydoesnothaveaclearstrategytocombattheabuseandsexualexploitationofchildren.1070.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheinsufficiencyofthemeasurestakenbytheStatepartyforthephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofchildrenvictimsofwarandabuse,andthattheexistingalternativecareinstitutionslackmaterialandfinancialresourcesandspecializedpersonnel.&  2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations1071.TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsbetakenbytheStatepartytostrengthentheNationalCouncilofChildrenandthecoordinationbetweenthe'  variousgovernmentbodies,ministriesandresistancecouncilsinvolvedintheimplementationofchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels.Greatereffortsshouldbemadetoensureclosercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsworkinginthefieldofhumanandchildren'srights.Furthermore,theStatepartyshouldstrengthenthehumanandfinancialcapacityofthevariousgovernmentalinstitutionspromotingchildren'srights.1072.TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inthecontextofthelegalreformbeingundertakenbytheStatepartyinthefieldofchildren'srights,nationallegislationbeharmonizedandmadefullycompatiblewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheprescribedageinthevariousnationallawsbeharmonizedsoastoeliminateinconsistencies,contradictionsandgenderdisparities,andthatthenationallegislationbebroughtintoconformitywiththeConvention.TheStatepartymaywishtorequesttechnicalassistanceinthisregard.1073.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewthesystemofdatacollectionandanalysisandidentifyappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorswithaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderrequestingtechnicalassistanceinthisregardfrom,amongothers,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.1074.TheCommitteerecommendsthatgreatereffortsbemadetoensurethattheprovisionsoftheConventionarewidelyknownandunderstoodbybothadultsandchildren,inparticularintheruralcommunity;furthermore,systematictrainingandretrainingprogrammesontherightsofthechildshouldbeorganizedforallprofessionalgroups,includingmembersofthepoliceandsecurityforcesandotherlawenforcementofficials,armyofficials,judicialpersonnel,lawyers,magistrates,teachersandschooladministratorsatalllevelsofeducation,socialworkers,officialsofcentralorlocaladministrations,personnelofchildcareinstitutions,andhealthandmedicalpersonnel.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheConventioninitsentiretybetranslatedintovernacularlanguages.1075.TheCommitteerecommendsthatprioritybegiveninbudgetallocationstotherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,withparticularemphasisonhealthandeducationandontheenjoymentoftheserightsbythemostdisadvantagedchildren.1076.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatallappropriatemeasures,includingpublicinformationcampaigns,betakentopreventandcombatallformsofdiscriminationagainstgirls,orphans,childrenwithdisabilities,abandonedchildren,childrenbornoutofwedlock,andchildrenvictimsofabuseand/orsexualandeconomicexploitation,especiallythoselivinginruralareas,withaview,interalia,tofacilitatingtheiraccesstobasicservices.1077.TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialeffortsbedirectedtothedevelopmentofaneffectivesystemofbirthregistration.Suchasystemwouldserveasatoolforchildren'senjoymentoftheirrights.1078.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingthroughinternationalcooperation,topreventandcombatinfantandchildmortalityandmalnutrition.Furthermore,theCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentstrengthenitsinformationandpreventionprogrammestocombatHIV/AIDS,particularlytopreventthetransmissiontochildrenofHIV/AIDSandothersexuallytransmitteddiseasesandtoeliminatediscriminatoryattitudestowardschildrenaffectedbyorinfectedwithHIV/AIDS.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartypursueandstrengthenitsfamilyplanningandreproductivehealtheducationalprogrammes,includingforadolescents.1079.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakestepstoensuretheimplementationofarticles28and29oftheConvention.TheCommitteeurgesthatgreatereffortsbedirectedtotrainingteachers,improvinglearningandteachingfacilitiesandtheschoolenvironment,increasingenrolmentandpreventingschooldropout.1080.TheCommitteerecommendsthatawarenessofthedutytofullyrespecttherulesofinternationalhumanitarianlaw,inthespiritofarticle38oftheConvention,interalia,withregardtochildren,shouldbemadeknowntothepartiestothearmedconflictinthenorthernpartoftheStateparty'sterritory,andthatviolationsoftherulesofinternationalhumanitarianlawentailresponsibilitybeingattributedtotheperpetrators.Furthermore,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakemeasurestostopthekillingandabductionofchildrenandtheuseofchildrenaschildsoldiersintheareaofarmedconflict.Whiletakingnoteoftheregionalinitiativesalreadybeingundertaken,theCommitteealsorecommendsthat,whereappropriate,theStatepartyliaisewiththeSpecialRepresentativeoftheSecretaryGeneralonchildreninarmedconflict.1081.TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialattentionbegiventotheproblemsofilltreatmentandabuse,includingsexualabuseofchildrenwithinthefamilyandcorporalpunishmentinschools,andstressestheneedforinformationandeducationcampaignstopreventandcombattheuseofanyformofphysicalormentalviolenceagainstchildren,inaccordancewitharticle19oftheConvention.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatcomprehensivestudiesontheseproblemsbeinitiatedinordertounderstandthembetterandtofacilitatetheelaborationofpoliciesandprogrammestocombatthemeffectively,includingrehabilitationprogrammes.1082.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivereformofthesystemofjuvenilejusticeinthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtotherightofchildrentopromptaccesstolegalassistanceandtoajudicialreview.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallprofessionalsinvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystemandspecializedcourtsshouldbeestablishedcountrywideasaprioritymatter.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistanceforthispurposefromtheOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsSecretariat.1083.TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialattentionbedirectedtorefugeeandinternallydisplacedchildrentoensurethattheyhaveequalaccesstobasicfacilities.1084.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptastrategytotackletheproblemofchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreet.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhatinformaleducationprogrammesbedesignedandadoptedtopreventsexualabuseandexploitationofchildren,especiallychildprostitution.1085.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytogivespecificattentiontomonitoringthefullimplementationoflabourlawsinordertoprotectchildrenfrombeingeconomicallyexploited.Itfurthersuggests,interalia,thattheauthoritiesadoptexplicitlegislationandmeasurestoprotectchildrenfromeconomicexploitationthroughemploymentasdomesticservantsandinotherinformalsectors,engageinresearchandcollectionofdata,andpromoteintegrationandvocationaltrainingprogrammes.Additionally,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingInternationalLawCommissionConventionNo.138onminimumageforemployment.1086.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlarge,includingchildren,andthatthereportbepublished,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateonandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.̇88 @ ." 28.Concludingobservations:CzechRepublicS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)>S>21087.3   .TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheCzechRepublic(CRC/C/11/Add.11)atits411thto413thmeetings,on30Septemberand1October1997(CRC/C/SR.411413),and,atits426thmeeting,on10October1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.̀(a) .Introduction21088.3   .TheCommitteewelcomestheinitialreportandwrittenanswerstothelistofissues(CRC/C/Q/CZE/1)submittedbytheStateparty.TheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionattheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheStatepartyinthecourseofthedialoguewiththeCommittee,duringwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicated,inaselfcriticalmanner,notonlythepolicyandprogrammedirections,butalsothedifficultiesencounteredinimplementingtheConvention.TheCommitteealsoacknowledgesthefactthatthepresenceofamultidisciplinarydelegationdirectlyinvolvedintheimplementationoftheConventionintheCzechRepublicenabledittoengageinafruitfulandconstructivedialogue.̀(b) .Positiveaspects21089.3   .TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthattheStatepartyiscurrentlycarryingoutacomprehensivelawreformandwelcomestheinitiativesundertakenbytheStatepartytofurthertheprotectionofthefamilyandchildrenbydraftingnewlegislation,suchastheproposedlawonsocialandlegalprotectionofchildren,andproposingamendmentstoexistinglegislation,includingtheLawontheFamily,theCriminalCodeandtheCodeofCriminalProcedures.21090.3   .TheCommitteeviewspositivelytheinitiatingbytheStatepartyofatrainingprogrammeforjudges,thepolice,andseveralgovernmentofficialsdealingwithchildren'srightsinordertoincreasetheirawarenessabouttheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.21091.3   .TheCommitteewelcomestheinitiativeoftheStatepartytoestablisha"crisislineforchildren",whichprovideschildrenwithameanstoreportcasesofsexualabuseanddomesticviolence.21092.3   .TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthelongstandingachievementsoftheStatepartyintheareasofeducationandmedicalcareandwelcomesitscommitmenttomaintainthesehighstandards.̀(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof0 .0 .theConvention21093.3   .TheCommitteeacknowledgesthattheStatepartyhashadtofaceeconomic,socialandpoliticalchallengesduringthepastfewyears.Itnotesthatthetransitiontoamarketeconomyhasledtoincreasedratesofunemployment,povertyandothersocialproblems,andhashadaseriousimpactonthewelfareofthepopulation,inparticularonallvulnerablegroups,includingchildren.̀(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern21094.3   .WhileacknowledgingtheopennessoftheStatepartytowardsthepossibilityofreviewingitsreservationtoarticle7,paragraph1,oftheConvention,theCommitteeremainsconcernedthatthisreservationmightimpedethefullimplementationoftheConvention.21095.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofanintegratedstrategyforchildrenaswellasofasystematicmechanismtomonitorprogressinallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildreninurbanandruralareas,especiallythoseaffectedbytheconsequencesofeconomictransition.21096.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheneedtostrengthentheStateparty'slimitedcapacitytodevelopspecificdisaggregatedindicatorstoevaluateprogressachievedandassesstheimpactofexistingpoliciesonallchildren,inparticularchildrenbelongingtominoritygroups.21097.3   .Whilenotingwithsatisfactiontheexistenceofgovernmentbodiesdealingwiththewelfareofchildrenatthenationalandlocallevels,theCommitteeneverthelessexpressesitsconcernthatcoordinationamongthemneedstobeimprovedinordertodevelopacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.21098.3   .TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatinadequatecoordinationandcommunicationmechanismsbetweentheGovernmentandthenon-governmentalorganizationsdealingwithchildren'sissues.21099.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,aslaiddowninarticles2(non-discrimination),3(bestinterestsofthechild)and12(respectoftheviewsofthechild),arenotbeingfullyintegratedintothelegislativepoliciesandprogrammesrelevanttochildren,inparticularinrelationtovulnerablecategoriessuchaschildrenbelongingtominorities,childrenwithdisabilities,childrenininstitutionsordeprivedoftheirliberty,childrenilltreatedandabusedwithinthefamily,childrenwhoarevictimsofsexualexploitation,andchildrenwholiveand/orworkonthestreet.21100.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedthatsufficientmeasureshavenotbeentakentodisseminateandraiseawarenessabouttheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninallpartsofsociety,amongchildrenandadultsalike,inconformitywitharticle42oftheConvention.21101.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedthatnoadequatemeasureshavebeentakentopreventandcombatallformsofdiscriminatorypracticesagainstchildrenbelongingtominorities,includingRomachildren,andtoensuretheirfullaccesstohealth,educationandothersocialservices.TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionarenotfullyrespectedasregardsRomachildren,inparticularthosewhoareindetentionorotherwiseinstitutionalized.21102.3   .Whileacknowledgingrecentlegalmeasurestoresolvethesituationofchildren,especiallythoseplacedininstitutionsorinfosterhomes,whowerenotregisteredforlawfulpermanentresidenceandweretherebydeniedtherighttocitizenship,theCommitteeremainsconcernedatthefactthatchildrenandcaretakersinsuchsituationsarenotsufficientlyinformedabouttheproceduresforapplyingforcitizenship.21103.3   .Inthelightofarticle17oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthatsufficientmechanismsdonotexisttoprotectchildrenfromharmfulinformation,includingviolenceandpornographyinthemedia.21104.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedthatcorporalpunishmentisstillusedbyparentsandthatinternalschoolregulationsdonotcontainprovisionsexplicitlyprohibitingcorporalpunishment,inconformitywitharticles3,19and28oftheConvention.21105.3   .TheCommitteeisworriedabouttheincreasingproblemsofenvironmentaldegradationintheStateparty,whichhaveaharmfulimpactonthehealthofchildren.21106.3   .Inregardtothesituationofchildrenwithdisabilities,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheinsufficientmeasurestakenbytheStatepartytoensureeffectiveaccessofthesechildrentohealth,educationandsocialservices,andtofacilitatetheirfullinclusionintosociety.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutthesmallnumberofwelltrainedprofessionalsdealingwithdisabledchildren.21107.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficiencyofthemeasurestakentotackleissuesofreproductivehealthandtheincidenceofearlypregnancies.21108.3   .TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthatthemeasures,includinglegalones,beingtakentoaddresstheproblemsofchildabuse,includingsexualabusewithinthefamily,andthesaleandtraffickingofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornographyareinsufficient.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthat,asreferredtointhereportoftheSpecialRapporteuronthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography(E/CN.4/1997/95/Add.1),theStatepartymayserveasatransitcountryforthetraffickingofchildren.21109.3   .TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthephenomenonofchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreet,andattheinadequatemeasurestakentotacklethisissue.21110.3   .TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattherisingincidenceofgamblingaddiction,alcoholconsumptionanddrugabuseamongchildrenandtheinsufficientpreventivemeasurestakenbytheStateparty.21111.3   .Thesystemoftheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,andinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39,and40oftheConventionandwithotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.TheCommitteeremainsparticularlyworried,interalia,abouttherightsofthechildtolegalassistanceandjudicialreview,thatdeprivationoflibertyisnotusedonlyasameasureoflastresort,andaboutthestigmatizationofthemostvulnerablecategoriesofchildren,includingthosebelongingtotheRomaminority.̀(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations21112.3   .InthelightoftheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofActionof1993,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoreviewitsreservationtoarticle7,paragraph1,oftheConvention.21113.3   .TheCommitteetakesnotethatanationalplanofactionhasbeendraftedandencouragestheStatepartytofollowallthenecessarystepstoimplementit.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringeffectiveevaluationoftheimplementation.Moreover,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytocontinueandstrengthenitseffortstodevelopaclosepartnershipwithnon-governmentalorganizations.21114.3   .TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitsconsiderationoftheestablishmentofanindependentmechanismtomonitortheobservanceofchildren'srights,suchasanombudspersonoranationalcommissionforchildren'srights.21115.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartygivepriorityattentiontotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorswithaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety.Suchmechanismscanplayavitalroleinsystematicallymonitoringthestatusofchildren,andinevaluatingprogressachievedanddifficultieshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights.Theycanbeusedasabasisfordesigningprogrammestoimprovethesituationofchildren,particularlythemostdisadvantaged,includingchildrenbelongingtominorities,childrenwithdisabilities,childrenilltreatedandabusedwithinthefamily,childrenininstitutionsordeprivedoftheirliberty,childrenwhoarevictimsofsexualexploitationandchildrenwholiveand/orworkonthestreet.21116.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthereffortsbemadetoensurethatnationallawsconformfullywiththeConvention,havingdueregardtotheprinciplesofthebestinterestsofthechild,non-discrimination,respectfortheviewsofthechild,andhisorherrighttoparticipateinfamily,school,otherinstitutionsandsociallife.21117.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthatconsiderationbegiventoincorporatingtheConventioninthecurriculaofalleducationalinstitutionsandthatappropriatemeasuresbetakentofacilitateaccessbychildrentoinformationontheirrights.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartydirectfurthereffortstoprovidingcomprehensivetrainingprogrammesforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildrensuchasjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,armyofficials,teachers,schooladministrators,socialworkers,andpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions.21118.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakemajoreffortstodevelopawarenessraisingcampaignsaimedatreducingdiscriminatorypracticesagainsttheRomapopulationandthatitenvisagespecialprogrammestoimprovethestandardofliving,educationandhealthofRomachildren.21119.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakefurthermeasuresinaccordancewitharticle7,paragraph2,oftheConvention,includingmeasurestofacilitateapplicationsforcitizenship,soastoresolvethesituationofstatelesschildren,especiallythoseplacedininstitutions.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyconsideraccedingtothe1954ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofStatelessPersonsandthe1961ConventionontheReductionofStatelessness.21120.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageplanstoadoptreproductivehealthmeasuresdesignedtoreducetheincidenceofpregnanciesamongteenagegirlsandstrengthenitsinformationandpreventionprogrammestocombatHIV/AIDSandothersexuallytransmitteddiseases.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartytakeadequatemeasures,includingawarenessraisingcampaignsandtheprovisionofsupportservicestoneedyfamilies,inordertopreventtheabandonmentofchildrenandtoprotectpoorsinglemothersfromchildtraffickers.21121.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasurestoprotectchildrenfromabuseandmaltreatmentbeundertaken,inparticularthroughthedevelopmentofawidespreadpublicinformationcampaignforthepreventionofcorporalpunishmentathome,atschoolandinotherinstitutions.21122.3   .TheCommitteewelcomestheintentionoftheStatepartytoaccedetotheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionandrecommendsthatappropriatestepsbetakentoensureitsentryintoforce.21123.3   .Inregardtochildrenwithdisabilities,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartydevelopearlyidentificationprogrammestopreventdisabilities,implementalternativemeasurestotheinstitutionalizationofdisabledchildren,andenvisageawarenessraisingcampaignstoreducediscriminationagainstdisabledchildrenandencouragetheirinclusionintosociety.21124.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakemorecomprehensiveresearchonthepossibleeffectsofenvironmentalpollutiononthehealthofchildren.21125.3   .TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivestudyofchildabuseandilltreatmentinthefamily.TheCommitteealsorecommendsreinforcingitspoliciesandprogrammestopreventandcombatallformsofsexualabuse,includingdomesticviolenceandincest.Asregardssexualexploitationofchildren,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytotakeintoconsiderationtherecommendationsofthe1996StockholmCongressagainstCommercialSexualExploitationofChildren,aswellasthoseoftheSpecialRapporteuronthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography.21126.3   .TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoenvisageratifyingInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138,regulatingtheminimumageforaccesstoemployment.Furthermore,inviewoftheincreasingphenomenonofchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet,itrecommendsthateffortsbestrengthenedtoprovidesocialsupporttosuchchildren.21127.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformofthesystemofjuvenilejusticeinthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtotherightofchildrentopromptaccesstolegalassistance.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallprofessionalsinvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystemandspecializedcourtsshouldbeestablished.21128.3   .Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthereportbepublished,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.&  @ .( 29.Concludingobservations:TrinidadandTobago21129.3   .TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofTrinidadandTobago(CRC/C/11/Add.10)atits414thto416thmeetingson'  2and3October1997(CRC/C/SR.414-416),and,atits426thmeeting,on10October1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.̀(a) .Introduction21130.3   .TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsinitialreport,whichfollowedtheguidelinessetbytheCommittee,andwrittenanswerstothelistofissues(CRC/C/Q/TRI/1).TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrank,selfcriticalandcooperativetoneofthedialogue,duringwhichthedelegationoftheStatepartyindicatedpolicyandprogrammedirectionsaswellasdifficultiesencounteredwithregardtotheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommittee,however,noteswithregretthatthereportandthewrittenanswersdidnotprovidestatisticalanddisaggregateddata.̀(b) .Positiveaspects21131.3   .TheCommitteewelcomestheStateparty'sproposaltoincorporatetheNationalPlanofActiononChildreninthegeneraldevelopmentframeworkofthecountry.21132.3   .TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheestablishmentoftheInter-MinisterialCommitteetoimplementtheNationalPlanofActiononChildren,aswellastheNationalFamilyServicesDivisionwithintheMinistryofConsumerAffairsandSocialServicestomonitorchildrenatrisk.21133.3   .TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthelowlevelsofchildmortalityandunderfivemortalityrates,aswellasthepositiveindicatorsinthefieldofeducation.21134.3   .TheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessoftheStatepartytocollaboratewithnon-governmentalorganizationsandisencouragedbythesubsidiesthattheStatepartygrantstovariousnationalnon-governmentalorganizationsworkingtowardsthepromotionandprotectionofchildren'srightswithinitsterritory.̀(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof0 .0 .theConvention21135.3   .TheCommitteerecognizesthatsevereeconomicconstraints,owinginparticulartostructuraladjustmentprogrammes,socialdifficultiesandpoverty,havehadanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.TheCommitteenotesthattheStatepartyhasgonethroughaneconomicrecessioninthepastfewyears,whichresultedinanacuteincreaseinunemployment.̀(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern21136.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheConventionisnotanintegralpartofthenationallegislationandthatnationallawsandregulationsarenotfullyconsistentwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.WhilenotingthattheStatepartyidentifiedanumberofareasinlegislationthatneedtobereformedtobringthemintoconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthatthemeasuresadoptedtoharmonizenationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionareinsufficient.ItalsoregretsthatanumberoflegalprovisionscontrarytotheConventionarestillinforce,includingintheareasofadministrationofjuvenilejustice,minimumageofaccesstoemploymentandminimumageformarriage.21137.3   .TheCommitteeregretsthatcoordinationamongthebodiespromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechildisinadequateandthatacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConventionislacking.TheCommitteealsoregretsthatthesebodieslacktheinstitutionalcapacity,skillsandfinancialresourcestocarryouttheirmandates.21138.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaid,atboththenationalandlocallevels,totheneedforanefficientmonitoringmechanismthatcouldprovideasystematicandcomprehensivecompilationofdisaggregateddataandindicatorsonallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,especiallythosewhoarevictimsofchildabuse,illtreatmentoreconomicexploitation,girlchildren,childrenofsingleparentfamilies,childrenbornoutofwedlock,abandonedchildren,institutionalizedanddisabledchildren,childrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreetandchildreninvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystem.21139.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedthatthemeasuresandprogrammestoensuretheimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesareinadequate.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthelackofdisaggregateddatainrelationtobudgetaryallocationsforchildren.21140.3   .TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernatthelackofspecificmechanismstoregisterandaddresscomplaintsfromchildrenconcerningviolationsoftheirrightsunderthelaw.21141.3   .TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatmeasurestakentoensurethattheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionaremadewidelyknowntoadultsandchildrenalike,inaccordancewitharticle42oftheConvention,areinsufficient.Moreover,insufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtothetrainingofallprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildrensuchasjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,policeofficers,armyofficers,officialsofthecentralandlocaladministrations,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialworkers,andpersonnelworkinginchildcareanddetentioninstitutions.21142.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheStatepartyhasnotyettakenfullyintoaccountinitslegislationandpoliciesthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulartheprinciplesofnon-discrimination(art.2),bestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12).21143.3   .Inthelightofarticle17oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthatnoadequateeffortsexisttoprotectchildrenfrombeingexposedtoharmfulinformation,includingviolence,especiallyontelevision.21144.3   .WhilenotingtheeffortsundertakenbytheStateparty,suchastheenactmentofthe1991DomesticViolenceAct,aswellastheestablishmentin1997ofamultidisciplinarycommitteetoreviewnationallegislationrelatedtodomesticviolenceinordertostrengthentheprotectionofthevictims,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientawarenessandinformationonilltreatmentandabuseofchildren,includingsexualabuse,bothwithinandoutsidethefamily,andatthelackofappropriatemeasuresandmechanismstopreventandcombatthem.Thelackofspecialstructuresforchildrenvictimsofsuchabuseisalsoamatterofconcern.21145.3   .TheCommitteeisdeeplyconcernedattheuseofcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamily,atschoolandincareinstitutions,aswellasattheabsenceofalawthatclearlyprohibitstheuseofbothmentalandphysicaltortureorothercruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentorpunishmentagainstchildren.21146.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofqualifiedstaffworkinginthecareinstitutions.Whiletakingnoteoftherecentmeasurestakentoimprovethemonitoringofcareinstitutions,theCommitteeremainsconcernedaboutthepersistenceofreportedcasesofabuse.21147.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedatthehighmaternalmortalityrate.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthespreadofHIV/AIDSanditsimpactonchildren,aswellasattheinsufficiencyofmeasurestopreventearlypregnancy.21148.3   .WhilerecognizingtheeffortsoftheStatepartyinthefieldofeducation,theCommitteeisconcernedattheshortageoftrainedteachersandatthehighpupilteacherratio.21149.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthenewphenomenaofhomelessnessandchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet.WhilenotingtheeffortsbytheStatepartytoprovideservicesforthesechildren,includingtheopeningofaspecialhomeandtheprovisionofeducation,theCommitteeremainsconcernedthatthisisnotadequatetoreachallchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet.21150.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedattheincreaseintheeconomicexploitationofchildren,inparticularthosewhoworkasstreetvendors.TheCommitteenotesthatthevalueattachedbythecommunitytoeducationisapositivefactorthathelpstoreducetheincidenceofchildlabour.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthelowminimumageofaccesstoemployment,setat12.21151.3   .Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,inparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConventionaswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Inparticular,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelowminimumageofcriminalresponsibility.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthattherearenorequirementstopresentjuvenilesbeforeacourtinaspeedymanner,thatfloggingisallowedbythelawasameansofpunishmentandthatcorporalpunishmentisallowedasameansofdisciplineindetentioncentres.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatprisonfacilitiesareovercrowded,resultingindifficultlivingconditionsforjuvenileoffenders,andthatjuvenileoffendersdonotalwayshaveaccesstoeducation.Thelackoffacilitiesforgirljuvenileoffenders,whichresultsingirlsbeingdetainedwithadultfemaleoffenders,isanadditionalsourceofconcerntotheCommittee.󀀀(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations21152.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthat,inthecontextofthelegalreformbeingundertakenbytheStatepartyinthefieldofchildren'srights,nationallegislationbeharmonizedandmadefullycompatiblewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.Suchreformshouldinparticularaddresstheadministrationofjustice,aswellastheminimumagesformarriage,accesstoemploymentandcriminalresponsibility.TheCommitteefurtherencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstostrengthentheinstitutionalframeworkdesignedtopromoteandprotecthumanrightsingeneralandtherightsofthechildinparticular.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatawarenessraisingprogrammesonchildren'srightsbeconductedformembersofParliamenttoassisttheminincorporatingtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildinthelegislativereform.21153.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringeffectiveevaluationoftheimplementationoftheConventioninthecountry.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsidertheestablishmentofanindependentmechanism,suchasanombudspersonfortherightsofthechild.21154.3   .TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartygivepriorityattentiontothedevelopmentofasystemofdatacollectionandtotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorswithaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety;theStatepartymaywishtorequesttechnicalassistanceinthisregard.21155.3   .TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandtoensureadequatedistributionofresourcesatboththecentralandlocallevels.Budgetallocationsfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsshouldbeensuredtothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesandinthelightoftheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechild.21156.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthatgreatereffortsbemadetoensurethattheprovisionsoftheConventionarewidelyknownandunderstoodbybothadultsandchildren,inparticularintheruralareas.Furthermore,systematictrainingandinservicetrainingprogrammesontherightsofthechildshouldbeorganizedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,suchasjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,policeofficers,armyofficials,teachers,schooladministrators,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofcentralorlocaladministrations,andpersonnelofchildcareanddetentioninstitutions.21157.3   .ItistheCommittee'sviewthatfurthereffortsmustbeundertakentoensurethatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConventionnotonlyguidepolicydiscussionsanddecisionmaking,butalsoareappropriatelyintegratedintoanyjudicialandadministrativedecisionsandinthedevelopmentandimplementationofallprojects,programmesandserviceswhichhaveanimpactonchildren.21158.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegalones,toprotectchildrenfromharmfulinformation,includinginaudio-visualmediasuchastelevision.21159.3   .Inthelightofarticle19oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyfurtherstrengthenitseffortstopreventandcombatilltreatmentandsexualabuseofchildren,withinandoutsidethefamily.Itsuggests,interalia,thattheauthoritiesinitiateacomprehensivestudyonabuse,illtreatmentanddomesticviolence,toimprovetheunderstandingofthenatureandthescopeoftheproblem,andstrengthensocialprogrammestopreventalltypesofchildabuseandtorehabilitatethechildvictims.Lawenforcementshouldbestrengthenedagainstperpetratorsofabuse,includingsexualabuse;adequateproceduresandmechanismstodealwithcomplaintsofchildabuseshouldbedeveloped,suchastheestablishmentofafamilycourt.21160.3   .Inthelightofarticles3,19and28,paragraph2,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamily,atschoolandincareinstitutionsbeprohibitedbylaw.Itfurtherrecommendsthattheauthoritiesdevelopandimplementappropriatecreativeandsocio-educationalmeasuresofdisciplinewhichrespectalltherightsofthechild,aswellasestablishsensitizationprogrammesforparents.21161.3   .WhilenotingthecurrenteffortsoftheStatepartytoreviseitslegislationonadoption,theCommitteerecommendsthatthislegislationbebroughtintoconformitywiththeprovisionsofarticle21andotherrelatedarticlesoftheConvention.ItfurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.21162.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenitseffortstomonitorefficientlytheinstitutionsofalternativecareanddevelopappropriatetrainingforthestaffoftheseinstitutions.21163.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptfurthermeasurestoraiseawarenessonprenatalservicesforwomen.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyfurtherpromoteadolescenthealthbystrengtheningreproductivehealtheducationandservicestopreventandcombatHIV/AIDS.Furthermore,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartydevelopmeasurestobetterincludechildrenwithdisabilitiesinsociety.21164.3   .Intheareaofeducation,theCommitteesuggeststhatfurtherstepsbetakentoensurethefullimplementationofarticles28and29oftheConvention.TheCommitteerecommendsthatgreatereffortsbedirectedtotrainingteachersandimprovingtheschoolenvironment.TheStatepartymaywishtoconsiderrequestingfurtherinternationalassistanceinthisarea.21165.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthatresearchbeundertakenonthephenomenonofthechildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet.TheCommitteealsorecommendsanincreaseinthenumberofoutreachprogrammesprovidingservicestothesechildren,includingeducation,andthatsuchservicesbeprovidedinthedifferentpartsofthecountry.21166.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthatresearchbeconductedtodeterminetheextentoftheproblemofchildeconomicexploitationanditscauses.TheCommitteeregardsthisasessentialinhelpingtodeterminefuturepoliciesinthatregard.TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthataninter-ministerialcommitteeislookingintothepossibilityofratifyingInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138concerningtheminimumageforadmissiontoemployment,andtheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoratifyit.WhilenotingtheeffortsbytheStatepartyinpovertyalleviation,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytofurtherincreaseitspovertyalleviationprogrammesandschemes,andtofurtherstrengthenitssocialwelfaresystem.21167.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthatlegalreforminthefieldoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticebepursued,takingfullyintoaccounttheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,inparticulararticles37,39and40,aswellasotherrelevantstandardsinthisfieldsuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Inparticular,theCommitteerecommendsthattheminimumageofcriminalresponsibilityberaised.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyprovidealternativestodetention,aswellasspecialfacilitiesforgirljuvenileoffenders.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatcorporalpunishmentindetentionasameansofdiscipline,andfloggingasameansofpunishment,beabolishedinthelegislationandinpractice.21168.3   .Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportandthewrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthesedocumentsbepublished,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.@ . 30.Concludingobservations:Togo21169.3   .TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofTogo(CRC/C/3/Add.42)atits420thto422ndmeetings,on7and8October1997(CRC/C/SR.420-422),and,atits426thmeeting,on10October1997,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.̀(a) .Introduction21170.3   .TheCommitteewelcomesthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofTogoandalsoexpressesitsappreciationwithregardtothedialogueheldwiththeStateparty.WhiletheCommitteeexpressesitssatisfactionwiththeadditionaloralinformationprovidedbytheStatepartyinthecourseofthedialogue,itneverthelessregretsthatitdidnotreceiveinwrittenformanswerstothelistofissues(CRC/C/Q/TOGO/1)submittedbytheCommittee.̀(b) .Positiveaspects21171.3   .TheCommitteenotesthat,in1992,theStatepartyadoptedanewConstitutionwhichincludesprovisionsthatpromoteandprotecthumanrights.ItalsonotestheestablishmentofaNationalHumanRightsCommissionin1987andaMinistryforHumanRightsandRehabilitationin1992.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthefactthatthe1992Constitutionguaranteesthesuperiorityofinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentswhichareincorporatedintonationallegislationandthatthosetreatiescanbeinvokedbeforecourts.Furthermore,itwelcomesthewillingnessoftheStatepartytoenvisageratifyingtheAfricanCharterontheRightsandWelfareoftheChild.21172.3   .TheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentin1993oftheNationalCommitteefortheProtectionandPromotionofChildren.21173.3   .TheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthestepstakenbytheStatepartytotranslateintoKabyandEwtheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.21174.3   .TheCommitteewelcomestheemergenceofnationalnon-governmentalorganizationsandthestepstoenhancecooperationbetweenthemandtheGovernment.&  Ԁ(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof0 .0 .theConvention21175.3   .TheCommitteenotesthatTogoisamongthegroupofleastdevelopedcountriesandthatalargepartofitspopulationislivingbelowthepoverty'  level.Furthermore,theCommitteenotesthatcertaintraditionalpracticesandcustoms,prevailingparticularlyinruralareas,hampertheeffectiveimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallywithregardtothegirlchild.̀(d) .Principalsubjectsofconcern21176.3   .TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatcurrentlyseveralprovisionsofthenationallegislation,interaliaintheareasofcivilrights,includingrighttonationality,aswellasadoption,labourandjuvenilejustice,arenotinconformitywiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.21177.3   .WhilenotingtheestablishmentoftheNationalCommitteefortheProtectionandPromotionofChildren,theCommitteeremainsconcernedaboutthelackofhumanandfinancialresourcesandtheinstitutionalstatusoftheNationalCommittee.Inthisregard,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheNationalCommittee'scapacitytoeffectivelycoordinateprogrammesandpoliciesbothbetweenconcernedministriesandbetweencentralandlocallevels.Furthermore,theCommitteeisworriedthattheStatepartyhasnotyetadoptedanationalplanofaction.21178.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofasystematicmechanismtomonitorprogressinallareascoveredbytheConvention,andinrelationtoallgroupsofchildreninurbanandruralareas.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheStateparty'slimitedcapacitytocollectandprocessdata,aswellasspecificindicators,toevaluateprogressachievedandassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedonchildren,inparticularthemostvulnerablegroupsofchildren.21179.3   .Withregardtotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheabsenceofpoliciesandmeasurestofullyguaranteeeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildrentothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesand,whereneeded,withintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation.21180.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofharmonizationintheStatepartybetweenthedifferentlegalminimumagesandtheircompatibilitywiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulararticles1and2.21181.3   .Inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,theCommitteeremainsconcernedaboutthepersistenceofdiscriminatorypracticesagainstsomegroupsofchildren,especiallygirlsanddisabledchildren,aswellaschildrenlivinginruralareas,whichoftenresultsinlimitedaccesstobasicsocialfacilities,suchashealthandeducation.21182.3   .ConcernisexpressedbytheCommitteeattheinsufficiencyofthemeasurestakentoensuretheeffectiveimplementationofthegeneralprinciplesofnon-discrimination(art.2),thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3),therighttolife,survivalanddevelopment(art.6)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12)oftheConventioninrelationtolegal,judicialandadministrativedecisions,aswellastothepoliticaldecisionmakingprocess.̇21183.3   .TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernregardingthelackofsufficientawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninallpartsofsociety,amongadultsandchildrenalike.Itisalsoconcernedatthelackofsufficienttrainingforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildren,suchasjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,armyofficials,teachers,schooladministrators,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofcentralorlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions.21184.3   .Inrelationtoarticle7oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthatinmanycaseschildrenarenotregisteredatbirthandthattheenjoymentbynon-registeredchildrenoftheirrightsmightbeseriouslyhindered.21185.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedatthefactthatcorporalpunishmentisacommonpracticeinthefamily,inschoolsandinotherinstitutions.Inthisregard,theCommitteeisworriedattheabsenceofacomprehensivelawthatclearlyprohibitscorporalpunishmentofchildren.21186.3   .Inthelightofarticle17oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthatnomechanismexiststoprotectchildrenfrombeingexposedtoharmfulinformation,includingpornography.21187.3   .Withregardtotherightofthechildtoexpresshisorherviews(art.12)andhisorherrighttofreedomofexpression(art.13),theCommitteeisconcernedattheprevailingattitudesinthefamily,inschool,inotherinstitutionsandinsocietythathindertheenjoymentofthoserights.21188.3   .TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheincreaseinthenumberofchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreetinmajorcities.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedatthelackofstatisticaldataandstudiesonsuchchildren.21189.3   .Withregardtoadoption,theCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceofacomprehensivelegalframeworkthatfullyconformstoarticle21andtheotherrelevantprovisionsoftheConvention.21190.3   .Inthelightofarticle19oftheConvention,theCommitteeisworriedaboutthepersistenceofchildabuse,includingilltreatmentwithinthefamily,andtheabsenceattheadministrationlevelofanappropriatemechanismtopreventandcombatthisphenomenon.21191.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedatthedifficulthealthsituationfacedbyamajorityofchildren,interalia,thehighunderfivechildmortalityrate,weaknutritionalstatus,highincidenceofmalariaandiodinedeficiency,andlimitedaccesstocleanwaterandsafesanitation.ItisalsoworriedatthespreadofHIV/AIDSthroughoutthepopulationofthecountry,whichbearsadirectimpactonthelivesofchildren.Theincidenceofearlypregnanciesisalsoamatterofconcern.21192.3   .TheCommitteeremainsconcernedattraditionalattitudesandharmfulpractices,inparticularfemalegenitalmutilation,whichstillprevailinsomeregions.21193.3   .Withregardtotherighttoeducation(arts.28and29),whilenotingthattheprincipleoffree,universalandcompulsorybasiceducationforallchildrenisrecognizedbytheStateparty,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelowlevelofschoolenrolmentandthehighdropoutrate,especiallyamonggirls,resultinginhighilliteracyrates,thelackoflearningandteachingfacilitiesandtheshortageoftrainedteachers,particularlyinruralareas.Furthermore,inthelightofarticle31oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofappropriateplaygrounds.21194.3   .Inthelightofarticles2,3and22oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedabouttheabsenceofalegalframeworktoprotectrefugeeandinternallydisplacedchildren.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatarefugeechildhastoreachtheageof18yearstoacquireTogolesecitizenship.21195.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficiencyoflegalandothermeasurestoadequatelypreventandcombateconomicexploitationofchildren,especiallyintheinformalsector.TheCommitteeisalsoseriouslyworriedaboutthewidespreadsaleandtraffickingofchildrenwhichresultintheireconomicandsexualexploitation.21196.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedattherecentemergenceofsubstanceabuseamongchildrenandthelimitedpreventionandrehabilitationmeasuresandfacilitiestocombatthisphenomenon.21197.3   .TheCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceofcomprehensiveinformationanddataconcerningsexualabuseandexploitationofchildren,includinginthefamilyandwhenservingasdomesticworkers.21198.3   .Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandards,isamatterofconcern.TheCommitteeremainsparticularlyconcernedabout,interalia,theviolationsoftherightsofthechildindetentioncentres,especiallywhennotseparatedfromadultdetainees,thelengthandconditionsofpre-trialdetention,theexistenceofonlyonejudgeforminorsandonecentrespecificallyforboysinconflictwiththelaw,thelackofaccesstolegalassistanceandtheinadequacyofexistingalternativemeasurestoimprisonment.̀(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations21199.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyinitiateacomprehensivestudyonthecompatibilityofnationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildwithaviewtoengaginginalawreformprocesswhichwouldresultintheenactmentofacomprehensivechildren'scode.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartymaywishtoseektechnicalassistance.21200.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthencoordinationamongthevariousgovernmentalbodiesandmechanismsinvolvedinchildren'srights,atboththenationalandlocallevels,withaviewtodevelopingacomprehensivepolicyonchildrenandensuringeffectiveevaluationoftheimplementationoftheConvention.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortstostrengthentheinstitutionalframeworkdesignedtopromoteandprotecthumanrightsingeneralandtherightsofthechildinparticular.Inthisregard,itrecommendsthattheroleandresourcesoftheNationalCommitteefortheProtectionandPromotionofChildrenbereinforced.ItencouragestheStatepartytoincreaseitscooperationwithnongovernmentalorganizations.21201.3   .TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartygivepriorityattentiontothedevelopmentofasystemofdatacollectionandanalysis,aswellastotheidentificationofappropriatedisaggregatedindicators,withaviewtoaddressingallareasoftheConventionandallgroupsofchildreninsociety.Suchmechanismscanplayavitalroleinsystematicallymonitoringthestatusofchildrenandevaluatingtheprogressachievedandthedifficultieshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights.Theycanbeusedasabasisfordesigningprogrammestoimprovethesituationofchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups,includingdisabledchildren,thegirlchild,childrenilltreatedandabusedwithinthefamilyandinotherinstitutions,childrendeprivedoftheirliberty,childrenlivinginruralareas,childrenwhoarevictimsofsexualexploitation,refugeechildrenandchildrenlivingand/orworkingonthestreet.ItisfurthersuggestedthattheStatepartyrequestinternationalcooperationinthisregardfrom,amongothers,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.21202.3   .Inthelightofarticles2,3and4oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthatprioritybegiveninbudgetallocationstotherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren,withparticularemphasisonhealthandeducation,andontheenjoymentoftheserightsbychildren,particularlythemostdisadvantaged.Inthisregard,theCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyenvisagereallocatingresourcestowardsfullyimplementingtheConvention.21203.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestofullyharmonizelegalminimumageswiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.21204.3   .TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatallappropriatemeasuresbetakenbytheStateparty,includingpublicinformationcampaigns,topreventandcombatallformsofprevailingdiscriminatoryattitudesagainstgirlsandchildrenwithdisabilities,especiallythoselivinginruralareas,withaview,interalia,tofacilitatingtheiraccesstobasicservices.21205.3   .ItistheCommittee'sviewthatfurthereffortsmustbeundertakentoensurethatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andtheparticipationofchildren(art.12),notonlyguidepolicydiscussionsandformulationanddecisionmaking,butalsoareappropriatelyreflectedinanyjudicialandadministrativedecisionsandinthedevelopmentandimplementationofallprojectsandprogrammeswhichhaveanimpactonchildren.21206.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartylaunchasystematicinformationcampaign,forbothchildrenandadults,ontheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.ConsiderationshouldbegiventotheincorporationoftheConventioninthecurriculaofeducationalinstitutions,andappropriatemeasuresshouldbetakentofacilitateaccessbychildrentoinformationproducedontheirrights.SpecialattentionshouldalsobegiventosensitizecommunityandreligiousleadersabouttheConvention,especiallyitsgeneralprinciples.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhat,withintheframeworkoftheexistingtechnicalassistanceprogrammewiththeOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRights,theStatepartyfurtherengageitseffortstowardsdevelopingcomprehensivetrainingprogrammesforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildrensuchasjudges,lawyers,magistrates,lawenforcementpersonnel,armyofficials,teachers,schooladministrators,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofcentralorlocaladministrationsandpersonnelofchildcareinstitutions.21207.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthatspecialeffortsbedevelopedtoguaranteeaneffectivesystemofbirthregistration,inthelightofarticle7oftheConvention,toensurethefullenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrightsbyallchildren.Suchasystemwouldserveasatoolinthecollectionofstatisticaldata,intheassessmentofprevailingdifficultiesandinthepromotionofprogressintheimplementationoftheConvention.21208.3   .Inthelightofarticles3,19and28,paragraph2,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatcorporalpunishmentbeexplicitlyprohibitedbylawandthatinformationcampaignsbelaunchedtoappropriatelysensitizeadultsonthedangersandharmsofthepractice.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatthelegislationprotectingchildrenfromviolencebeamendedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.21209.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegalones,toprotectchildrenfromharmfulinformation,includingintheaudio-visualmediaandinthemediausingnewtechnologies.21210.3   .Inthelightofarticles12and13oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestopromoteandguaranteetherightofthechildtofreedomofexpressionathome,inschool,inotherinstitutionsandinsociety.21211.3   .Withaviewtofullyprotectingtherightsofchildrenintheframeworkofadoption,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitsadoptionlawsinthelightofarticle21oftheConvention.Furthermore,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.21212.3   .Withaviewtocombatingallformsofchildabuse,especiallyilltreatmentwithinthefamily,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglawenforcementandrehabilitationmeasures.21213.3   .TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoundertaketopreventandcombatthephenomenonofchildrenworkingand/orlivingonthestreetby,interalia,engaginginresearchandcollectionofdata,promotingintegrationandvocationaltrainingprogrammes,andguaranteeingequalaccesstohealthandsocialservices.21214.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingthroughinternationalcooperation,topreventandcombatunderfivemortality,malnutrition,malariaandiodinedeficiency,andtoimproveaccesstocleanwaterandsafesanitation.21215.3   .TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartystrengthenitsinformationandpreventionprogrammestocombatHIV/AIDSandsexuallytransmitteddiseases,aswellasdiscriminatorypracticestowardschildrenaffectedorinfectedbyHIV/AIDS.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartypursueandstrengthenitsfamilyplanningandreproductivehealthprogrammes,includingforadolescents.21216.3   .TheCommitteesharestheviewoftheStatepartythatseriouseffortsarerequiredtoaddressharmfultraditionalpracticessuchasfemalegenitalmutilation.Takingnoteofthecurrenteffortsundertakentodraftspecificlegislationtoprohibitthepracticeoffemalegenitalmutilation,theCommitteeencouragestherapidenactmentofsuchalaw,whichisfullycompatiblewiththeConvention.Italsorecommendsthatpubliccampaignsinvolvingallsectorsofsociety,includingtraditionalleaders,bedevelopedandpursuedwithaviewtochangingattitudes.Inthisregard,allappropriateactionshouldbetakenonaprioritybasis.21217.3   .Inaccordancewitharticle28(a)oftheConvention,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartyinitseffortstomakeprimaryeducationcompulsoryandavailablefreetoall.ItalsoencouragestheStatepartytoimplementmeasurestoimproveschoolenrolmentandschoolretention,especiallyforgirls.Asystemfortheregularevaluationoftheeffectivenessoftheseandothereducationalmeasures,includingqualityofteaching,mustbeensured.Inthespiritofarticle29oftheConvention,furtherstepsshouldbetakentodevelopguidelinesfortheparticipationofallchildreninthelifeoftheschool,inconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Furthermore,theStatepartyisencouragedtoprovidemoreappropriateplaygroundsforchildren.21218.3   .Inthespiritofarticles2,3and22oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartymakeallappropriateeffortstoensureeasyandfullaccesstobasicservices,includingintheareasofeducation,healthandsocialservices,torefugeechildrenlivingunderitsjurisdiction.21219.3   .TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytogivespecificattentiontomonitoringthefullimplementationoflabourlawsandInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionNo.138regardingtheminimumageforemploymentinordertoprotectchildrenfrombeingeconomicallyexploited,especiallyasdomesticservants.Itfurthersuggeststhattheauthoritiesadoptlegislationandmeasurestoprotectchildrenfromexploitationthroughchildlabourintheinformalsector.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartytakeappropriatemeasures,includingcooperationagreementswithneighbouringcountries,topreventandcombatthetraffickingandsaleofchildren.21220.3   .Withaviewtopreventingandcombatingdrugandsubstanceabuseamongchildren,theCommitteerecommendsthattheauthoritiestakeallappropriatemeasures,suchaspublicinformationcampaigns,includinginschoolsandinotherinstitutions.ItalsoencouragestheStatepartytosupportallrehabilitationprogrammesdealingwithchildrenvictimsofdrugandsubstanceabuse.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefromrelevantinternationalorganizations,suchastheWorldHealthOrganization.21221.3   .Inthelightofarticle34andotherrelatedarticlesoftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreinforceitslegislativeframeworktofullyprotectchildrenfromallformsofsexualabuseorexploitation,includingwithinthefamily.Italsorecommendsthattheauthoritiesundertakestudieswithaviewtodesigningandimplementingappropriatepoliciesandmeasures,includingintheareasoflawenforcementandrehabilitation,tocombatthisphenomenoncomprehensivelyandeffectively.TheCommitteewishesinthisregardtodrawtheattentionoftheStatepartytotherecommendationsformulatedintheAgendaforActionadoptedattheWorldCongressagainstCommercialSexualExploitationofChildrenheldinStockholmin1996.21222.3   .TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformofthejuvenilejusticesysteminthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39and40,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoprotectingtherightsofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,especiallyguaranteeingtheirseparationfromadultdetainees,reducingthelengthofpre-trialdetention,increasingthenumberofjudgesforminorsandthenumberofspecificrehabilitationcentresforboysaswellasforgirlsinconflictwiththelaw,givingaccesstolegalassistanceandpromotingalternativemeasurestoimprisonment.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallprofessionalsinvolvedwiththejuvenilejusticesystem.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingandreinforcingexistingtechnicalassistanceforthispurposefrom,amongothers,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNationsSecretariat.21223.3   .Finally,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheinitialreportpresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthereportbepublished,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConvention,itsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C@<6X9`(CourierCS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Si882   @ . 31.Concludingobservations:LibyanArabJamahiriya1224.TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheLibyanArabJamahiriya(CRC/C/28/Add.6)atits432ndto434thmeetings,on8and9January1998(CRC/C/SR.432434),and,atits453rdmeeting,on23January1998,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a)0 .Introduction1225.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsreport,whichhasbeenpreparedinconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelines,andforthesubmissionofwrittenrepliestoitslistofissues(CRC/C/Q/LIBYA.1).TheCommitteenotestheconstructivedialogueithadwiththedelegationoftheStateparty,andtherepliesitreceivedfromthedelegationduringthedialogue.TheCommitteealsonotesthesupplementaryinformationprovidedbythedelegationduringtheconsiderationofthereport.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects1226.TheCommitteewelcomesthefactthattheConventionisselfexecutingandthatitsprovisionsmaybeinvokedbeforethecourtsintheStateparty.1227.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontherangeofservicesprovidedbytheStateparty,especiallyinthefieldsofhealthandeducation.TheCommitteeparticularlynotesthateducationisfreeofchargeandthatprimaryschoolattendanceisnearlyuniversal.TheCommitteealsonoteswithsatisfactionthathealthservicesarefreeforallchildren,breastfeedinghasreachedthelevelof91percent,andthatarangeofspecializedservicesandfacilitiesexistforpersonswithdisabilities,includingchildren.&  2 .2(c) .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof2 .2 .theConvention1228.InthelightofgeneralcommentNo.8adoptedbytheCommitteeonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights, X  j   ׀theCommitteenotesthattheimpositionbytheSecurityCouncilofanaerialembargoontheStatepartyhasadversely'  affectedtheeconomyandmanyaspectsofthedailylifeofitscitizens,therebyimpedingthefullenjoymentbytheStateparty'spopulation,includingchildren,oftheirrightstohealthandeducation.2 .2(d)0 .Principalsubjectsofconcern1229.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatdomesticlegislationisnotinfullconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.1230.TheCommittee,whilenotingwithappreciationofexistenceofvariousgovernmentbodiesresponsibleforthewelfareofchildrenatthenationalandlocallevels,regretsthelackofadequatecoordinationamongthesebodiesinpromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechildanddevelopingacomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConvention.1231.TheCommitteeacknowledgesthateffortshavebeenmadebytheStatepartytopromoteawarenessoftheprovisionsoftheConventioninschools.TheCommitteeremainsconcerned,however,thatinsufficientstepshavebeentakentodatetopromoteawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionamongbothchildrenandadults.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedthatthetrainingonchildren'srightsprovidedtoprofessionalsworkingwithandforchildrenappearstobeinsufficientandunsystematic.1232.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatnoadequatemeasureshavebeentakenforthedevelopmentofindicatorsandthesystematiccollectionofdisaggregatedquantitativeandqualitativedataontheareascoveredbytheConventioninrelationtoallgroupsofchildreninordertomonitorandevaluateprogressachievedandassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedwithrespecttochildren.TheCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedabouttheabsenceofdataonadolescenthealth,includingonteenagepregnancy,abortion,suicide,violenceandabuse.1233.TheCommitteewishestoexpressitsgeneralconcernthattheStatepartydoesnotappeartohavetakenfullyintoaccounttheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyitsgeneralprinciples,asreflectedinarticles2(non-discrimination),3(bestinterestsofthechild),6(righttolife,survivalanddevelopment)and12(respectfortheviewsofthechild),initslegislation,itsadministrativeandjudicialdecisions,aswellasinitspoliciesandprogrammesrelevanttochildren.Whilenotingtheexistenceofmechanismstoregisterandaddresscomplaints,theCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceofanindependentmechanismtoregisterandaddresscomplaintsfromchildrenconcerningviolationsoftheirrightsunderthelaw.1234.TheCommitteeregretsthattheGreatGreenDocumentonHumanRights,promulgatedbytheGeneralPeople'sCongress,doesnotincludeanexpressprohibitionofdiscriminationonthebasisoflanguage,national,ethnicorsocialorigin,property,disabilityandbirthstatus.TheCommitteeisespeciallyconcernedatdiscriminationagainstchildrenofmigrantworkersandnoncitizens,andchildrenbornoutofwedlock.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatalthoughtheGreatGreenDocumentonHumanRightsprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofsex,therearestilldisparitiesinlegislationandpractice,inparticularwithregardtoinheritancerights.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedthatinthelightofLibyanlegislationregardingcitizenship,decisionsrelatedtotheacquisitionofnationalityarebasedonlyonthestatusofthefather.1235.Inthelightofarticles2and3oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedatthecontinueduseoftheterm"illegitimatechildren",torefertochildrenbornoutofwedlock,inadministrativeinstructionsandregulationsbytheStateparty,whichcouldleadtodiscriminatorypracticesagainstthesechildren.1236.TheCommitteenoteswithdeepconcernthatthelawapplicableinthecaseofrapeofaminorexcusestheperpetratorofthecrimefrompenalprosecutionifheispreparedtomarryhisvictim.1237.TheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernaboutthelackofprohibitioninlocallegislationoftheuseofcorporalpunishment,howeverlight,athome.IntheviewoftheCommittee,thiscontravenestheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.1238.TheCommitteeisconcernedattheexistenceofchildabuseandviolencewithinthefamily.1239.WhilenotingimprovementsintheoverallnutritionalstatusofchildrenintheStateparty,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthatdiarrhoeaandchronicundernutritionorstuntinginchildrenundertheageoffivearestillwidespread.1240.TheCommitteeisconcernedatthesituationoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantUnitedNationsstandardssuchastheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheAdministrationofJuvenileJustice(BeijingRules),theUnitedNationsGuidelinesforthePreventionofJuvenileDelinquency(RiyadhGuidelines)andtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.2 .2(e)0 .Suggestionsandrecommendations1241.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyreviewitslegislationwiththeaimofreformingitsothatitconformsfullywiththeConvention.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderenactingachildren'scode.TheCommitteerecommendsspecificallythatthelegislationexplicitlyprohibitdiscriminationonanygrounds,includinglanguage,national,ethnicorsocialorigin,property,disabilityandbirthstatus.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatdomesticlegislationbereformedtoguaranteetherighttoanationalitytoeverychildinthelightofarticle7oftheConvention.1242.TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsbetakenbytheStatepartytostrengthencoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentbodiesinvolvedinchildren'srightsatboththenationalandlocallevelsaswellasbetweentheministries,andthatgreatereffortsbemadetoensureclosercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsworkinginthefieldofhumanandchildren'srights.1243.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderdesigningandimplementingaspecialplanofactionforchildrenreflectingacomprehensiveapproachtochildren'srightsandincorporatingallaspectsandprovisionsoftheConvention.1244.TheCommitteerecommendsthatgreatereffortsbemadetoensurethattheprovisionsoftheConventionarewidelyknownandunderstoodbyadultsandchildrenalike.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatsystematictrainingandretrainingprogrammesontherightsofthechildbeorganizedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,suchasjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,teachers,schooladministrators,healthpersonnel,socialworkers,officialsofcentralorlocaladministrations,personnelofchildcareinstitutions,themassmedia,andthepublicatlarge.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyincorporatetheConventioninschoolanduniversitycurricula.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyseektechnicalassistancefrom,interalia,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundfororganizingsuchtrainingandcurriculareform.1245.TheCommitteerecommendsthatthesystemofdatacollectionbereviewedwithaviewtoincorporatingalltheareascoveredbytheConvention.Suchasystemshouldincludeallchildren,withspecificemphasisonvulnerablechildrenandchildreninespeciallydifficultcircumstances,includingthosewhoarevictimsofabuseorilltreatment,childworkers,childreninvolvedwiththeadministrationofjuvenilejustice,thegirlchild,childrenofsingleparentfamiliesandchildrenbornoutofwedlock,abandoned,institutionalizedandwithdisabilities.Adequatedisaggregateddatashouldbegatheredandanalysedinordertoassessprogressachievedintherealizationofchildren'srightsandtohelpindefiningpoliciestobetterimplementtheprovisionsoftheConvention.Withrespecttothelatterissue,theCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstudiesandfollowupsurveysonvulnerablegroupsofchildrenbeinitiatedandthattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefrom,interalia,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandtheInternationalLabourOrganization.1246.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsidertheintroductionofanumberofpoliciesandprogrammesthatguaranteeimplementationoftheexistinglegislationthroughadequateservices,remediesandrehabilitationprogrammes.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyconsidertheestablishmentofanindependentbodyformonitoringtheimplementationoftheConvention.1247.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyabolishtheuseoftheterm"illegitimatechildren"initslegislation,policies,programmes,regulationsandadministrativeinstructions.1248.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle2oftheConvention,adequatemeasuresbetakentoensuretheprotectionandenjoymentofrightsbynoncitizenswhoareunderthejurisdictionoftheStateparty.1249.TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstudiesbeconductedinrelationtothewidespreadchronicmalnutritionorstuntinganddiarrhoea.Suchresearchwouldhelpguidepoliciesandprogrammestoreducetheoccurrenceofstunting.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefrom,interalia,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandtheWorldHealthOrganizationinthisregard.1250.Inthelightofarticle44,paragraph4,oftheConvention,theCommitteerequeststheStatepartytoprovideitwithfurtherinformationonthelegislationthatexcusestheperpetratorofthecrimeofrapefrompenalprosecutionifheispreparedtomarrythevictim.IntheCommittee'sview,thiscouldinterferewiththevictim'sfreewillandcouldleadtoearlymarriage.1251.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheavailabilityoffacilitiesandservicesforpersonswithdisabilities,includingchildren.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenhancetheapproachbywhichdisabledchildrenareincludedinmainstreamfacilitiesandtheirnaturalenvironment,whilestillreceivingspecializedprogrammesandfacilitiesasneeded.TheCommitteedrawstheattentionoftheStatepartytotheUnitedNationsStandardRulesontheEqualizationofOpportunitiesforPersonswithDisabilities(1993).1252.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingofalegislativenature,withtheaimofprohibitingcorporalpunishmentathome.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatawarenessraisingcampaignsbeconductedtoensurethatalternativeformsofdisciplineareadministeredinamannerconsistentwiththechild'shumandignityandinconformitywiththeConvention.TheCommitteerecommendsthatcasesofabuseandilltreatmentofchildren,includingrapeandsexualabusewithinthefamily,areproperlyinvestigated,sanctionsappliedtoperpetratorsandpublicitygiventodecisionstakeninsuchcases,withdueregardgiventoprotectingtherighttoprivacyofthechild.Furthermeasuresshouldbetakenwithaviewtoensuringtheprovisionofsupportservicestochildreninlegalproceedings,thephysicalandpsychologicalrecoveryandsocialreintegrationofthevictimsofrape,abuse,neglect,illtreatment,violenceorexploitation,inaccordancewitharticle39oftheConvention,andthepreventionofcriminalizationandstigmatizationofvictims.1253.TheCommitteerecommendstheStatepartyundertakeresearchontheissueofdomesticviolenceandchildabusewhichidentifiestheextentoftheproblemandprovidessocioeconomicbackgroundinformationandanalysisonthefamiliesfacingtheseproblems.1254.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisagetakingfurtherstepstoreformthesystemofjuvenilejusticeinthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,40and39,andofotherUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfield,suchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoconsideringdeprivationoflibertyonlyasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestpossibleperiodoftime,totheprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,todueprocessoflawandtothefullindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary.Trainingprogrammesonrelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallthoseprofessionalsinvolvedwiththesystemofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefrom,interalia,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRights,theCentreforInternationalCrimePreventionandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.1255.ToensurethatallrefugeechildrenorchildrenseekingrefugeestatusenjoytheirrightsundertheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingthe1951ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesandits1967Protocol,aswellasthe1954ConventionontheStatusofStatelessPersonsandthe1961ConventionontheReductionofStatelessness.̇1256.TheCommitteerecommendsthatresearchbecarriedoutonthesituationofchildlabourintheStateparty,includingtheinvolvementofchildreninhazardouswork,toidentifyitscausesandtheextentoftheproblem.1257.Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernmentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.&  @ . 32.Concludingobservations:Ireland'  1258.TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofIreland(CRC/C/11/Add.12)atits436thto438thmeetings,on12and13January1998(CRC/C/SR.436438),and,atits453rdmeeting,on23January1998,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a)0 .Introduction1259.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitscomprehensivereport,whichhasbeenpreparedinconformitywiththeCommittee'sguidelinesandforthesubmissionofwrittenrepliestoitslistofissues,whichwerecommunicatedtoitbeforethesession,aswellasthedetailedadditionalinformationprovidedduringthecourseofthediscussion,whichenabledtheCommitteetoassessthesituationoftherightsofthechildinIreland.TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheconstructive,frankandopendialoguewiththedelegationoftheStateparty.2 .2(b)0 .Positiveaspects1260.TheCommitteeappreciatestheStateparty'scommitmenttoadoptingfurthermeasuresfortheimplementationoftherightsofthechildasrecognizedintheConvention.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthewelfareservicesestablishedforthebenefitofthechildrenandtheirfamilies.TheCommitteealsoappreciatesthehighlevelofeducationandadvancedhealthsystemestablishedintheStateparty.1261.TheCommitteenotestherecenteffortsundertakenbytheStatepartyinthefiledoflawreform.TheCommitteewelcomestheplannedconstitutionalrevisionfortheincorporationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheenactmentoftheChildCareActof1991anditsamendedversionof1997,theFamilyLawActof1995,theDomesticViolenceActof1996,theFamilyLaw(Divorce)Actof1996andthedraftingoftheEducationandAdoptionBills.1262.TheCommitteecommendsthenumerouseffortsandconcretemeasurestakenbytheStatepartytoprotectchildrenfromsexualexploitation,includingsextourism.TheCommitteealsoespeciallywelcomestheenactmentoftheSexualOffences(Jurisdiction)Actof1996andthedraftingoftheChildTraffickingandPornographyBillof1997,which,interalia,awardsjurisdictiontodomesticcourtstoprosecutecitizensand/orresidentswhoengagedinchildsextourismabroadaswellasthosewhoorganizeandpublicizechildsextourismintheStateparty.̇2 .2(c) .Principalsubjectsofconcern1263.TheCommitteeregretsthattheStateparty'sapproachtotherightsofthechildappearstobesomewhatfragmented,asthereisnocomprehensivenationalpolicywhichfullyincorporatestheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,encompassingalltheareascoveredbytheConvention.1264.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatthewelfarepoliciesandpracticesprevailingintheStatepartydonotadequatelyreflectthechildrightsbasedapproachenshrinedintheConvention.Inaddition,theCommitteeisconcernedthatnotenoughemphasisisplacedonmeasuresofapreventivenature.1265.Whilenotingtheestablishmentofvariousgovernmentbodiesresponsibleforthewelfareofchildrenatthenationalandlocallevels,theCommitteeregretsthelackofadequatecoordinationamongthesebodiesinpromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechild.1266.WhiletheCommitteewelcomesthedecisiontoestablishaSocialServicesInspectorateassupervisingmechanism,itremainsconcernedaboutthelackofanindependentmonitoringmechanismsuchasanombudspersonorachildrightscommissionerwhowouldbeaccessibletochildrenandwoulddealwithcomplaintsofviolationsoftheirrightsandprovideremedies.1267.TheCommitteedrawstheattentionoftheStatepartytocertainlacunaeinthestatisticalandotherinformationcollectedbytheStateparty,includingwithrespecttotheselectionanddevelopmentofindicatorstomonitortheimplementationoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteenotesthatincertaininstancesstatisticsonthesituationofchildrenarebeingcollectedonlyforchildrenuptotheageof15.1268.TheCommitteeisoftheviewthatinsufficientstepshavebeentakentopromotewidespreadawarenessoftheConvention,andremainsconcernedatthelackofadequateandsystematictrainingontheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,suchasjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,includingpoliceofficers,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialworkers,communityworkersandpersonnelworkinginchildcareinstitutions.1269.AlthoughtheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessoftheStatepartytocollaboratewithnongovernmentalorganizations,itisofconcernthatthepotentialofthenongovernmentalsectorincontributingtothedevelopmentofchildrens'rightspolicyisnotfullyrealized.1270.Inrelationtothedefinitionofthechild(art.1oftheConvention),theCommitteeisconcernedatthevariouslowagelimitssetinthedomesticlegislationoftheStateparty.1271.Withrespecttotheprincipleofnondiscrimination(art.2),theCommitteeisconcernedatthedisparitieswithregardtoaccesstoeducationandhealthservices.Whilerecognizingthestepsalreadytaken,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthedifficultiesstillfacedbychildrenfromvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroups,includingchildrenbelongingtotheTravellercommunity,childrenfrompoorfamiliesandrefugeechildren,astotheenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrights,includingaccesstoeducation,housingandhealthservices.1272.Regardingtheimplementationofarticle12oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheviewsofthechildarenotgenerallytakenintoaccount,includingwithinthefamily,atschoolsandinsociety.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatproceduresforhearingchildrenarenotfullyconsideredinthelegislation.1273.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackofprohibitioninlegislationofcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamily.IntheviewoftheCommittee,thiscontravenestheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedabouttheexistenceofchildabuseandviolencewithinthefamilyandthelackofmandatoryreportingmechanismsforcasesofchildabuse.1274.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthedisadvantagedsituationofchildrenbornofunmarriedparentsowingtothelackofappropriateprocedurestonamethefatherinthebirthregistrationofthechild.Thisalsohasanadverseimpactontheimplementationofotherrightsinrelationtoadoptionwhich,undercurrentregulations,cantakeplacewithouttheconsentofthefather.TheCommitteeisfurtherconcernedaboutthelackofguaranteesforthechildtomaintaincontactwithbothparentsafterdivorce.1275.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelowrateofbreastfeedingintheStatepartyandthelackofawarenessofitspositiveimpactonchildren'shealth.1276.TheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheincidenceofteenagesuicide.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthelackofadequateprogrammesaddressingadolescenthealthrelatedproblems,suchasdrugandalcoholabuseandearlypregnancies.1277.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelackofanationalpolicytoensuretherightsofchildrenwithdisabilitiesandthelackofadequateprogrammesandservicesaddressingthementalhealthofchildrenandtheirfamilies.1278.WhileacknowledgingtheexistenceofaNationalAntiPovertyStrategy,theCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedabouttheincidenceofchildpovertyandhomelesschildrenintheStatepartyandencouragesittostrengthenmeasuresandprogrammesfortheprotectionoftherightsofthemostvulnerablechildren.1279.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthesituationofchildrenwhoareexcludedfromschoolsbecauseofsanctionsimposedbyteachersandtheadverseeffectgeneratedwhichmaysometimesimpactondropoutratesandschoolattendance.1280.TheCommitteeisconcernedaboutthelowageofcriminalresponsibilityandthetreatmentofchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,particularlyinthelightoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.2 .2(d)0 .Suggestionsandrecommendations1281.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestoacceleratetheimplementationoftherecommendationsoftheConstitutionalReviewGroupfortheinclusionofalltheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandtheimplementationoftheChildCareActof1997,therebyreinforcingthestatusofthechildasafullsubjectofrights.1282.InviewofthefactthattheConventioncanonlybereferredtobeforethecourtsasameansofinterpretationofnationallegislation,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakefurtherstepstoensurethattheConventionisfullyincorporatedaspartofthedomesticlaw,takingdueaccountofitsgeneralprinciplesasdefinedinarticle2(nondiscrimination),article3(bestinterestsofthechild),article6(righttolife,survivalanddevelopment)andarticle12(respectfortheviewsofthechild).1283.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderratifyingtheInternationalConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofRacialDiscrimination,theConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishment,aswellastheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.1284.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoensurethefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention.InthelightofthegeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticularthebestinterestsofthechild,theCommitteealsoemphasizestheneedtotakeimmediatestepstotackletheproblemofchildpovertyandtomakeallpossibleeffortstoensurethatallfamilieshaveadequateresourcesandfacilities.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytousetheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionasaframeworkforitsprogrammesofinternationaldevelopmentassistance.1285.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyadoptacomprehensivenationalstrategyforchildren,incorporatingtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninasystematicmannerinthedesigningofallitspoliciesandprogrammes.1286.TheCommittee,whilenotingthepositionoftheStateparty,recommendsthatitreconsidertheestablishmentofanindependentmonitoringbody,suchasanombudspersonorachildrightscommissioner,toaddresschildren'srightsviolations.1287.TheCommitteerecommendsthatcoordinationbetweenthedifferentgovernmentbodiesdealingwithchildren'srightsbestrengthened.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconcentrateinasinglebodythemandatetocoordinateandmaketheappropriatedecisionstoprotecttherightsofthechild.1288.TheCommitteerecommendsthatthesystemofdatacollectionanddevelopmentofindicatorsbeadjustedtoincludeallchildrenuptotheageof18,withaviewtoincorporatingalltheareascoveredbytheConvention.Suchasystemshouldincludeallchildren,withspecificemphasisonvulnerablechildrenandchildreninespeciallydifficultcircumstances.Adequatedisaggregateddatashouldbegatheredandanalysedinordertomonitorandassessprogressachievedintherealizationofchildren'srightsandtohelpdefinepoliciestobeadoptedtostrengthentheimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheConvention.1289.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytocontinueandstrengthenitseffortstodevelopacloserrelationshipwithnongovernmentalorganizations.1290.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartypromotehumanrightseducationinthecountryandcreateawiderawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartyinitscurrenteffortstodevelopasystematicinformationcampaignonchildren'srightsforchildrenandadultsalike.Furthermore,children'srightsshouldbeincorporatedinthecurriculaofalleducationalandpedagogicalinstitutionsandcomprehensivetrainingprogrammesontheConventionshouldbeconductedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildrensuchasjudges,lawyers,lawenforcementpersonnel,includingpoliceofficers,immigrationofficers,healthprofessionals,teachers,socialandcommunityworkers,andpersonnelworkinginchildcareinstitutions.1291.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenitseffortstoensurethatchildrenfromvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroups,includingchildrenbelongingtotheTravellercommunity,childrenlivinginpovertyandrefugeechildren,benefitfrompositivemeasuresaimedatfacilitatingaccesstoeducation,housingandhealthservices.1292.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartysystematicallypromoteandfacilitatechildren'sparticipationandrespectfortheirviewsindecisionsandpoliciesaffectingthem,especiallythroughdialogueinthefamily,atschoolandinsociety,inthelightofarticles12,13and15oftheConvention.1293.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeappropriatemeasurestoestablish,asfaraspossible,proceduresfortheinclusionofthenameofthefatheronthebirthcertificatesofchildrenbornofunmarriedparents.1294.TheCommitteerecommendstheStatepartytoimplementtheWorldHealthAssemblyresolutiononinfantfeeding.1295.TheCommitteerecommendsthatinthelightofarticle23oftheConvention,theStatepartydevelopprogrammestofacilitatetheactiveparticipationinthecommunityofchildrenwithdisabilities.TheCommitteealsoencouragestheStatepartytopursuefurthereffortstoensuretheimplementationofintegratedmentalhealthprogrammesandapproachesandtomakeavailablethenecessaryresourcesandassistancefortheseactivities.1296.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingofalegislativenature,toprohibitandeliminatetheuseofcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamily.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatawarenessraisingcampaignsbeconductedtoensurethatalternativeformsofdisciplineareadministeredinamannerconsistentwiththechild'shumandignityandinconformitywiththeConvention.TheCommitteealsobelievesthatcasesofabuseandilltreatmentofchildren,includingsexualabusewithinthefamily,shouldbeproperlyinvestigated,sanctionsappliedtoperpetratorsandpublicitygiventodecisionstaken,withdueregardtotheprincipleofrespectforthechild'sprivacy.1297.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallavailablemeasurestoensurethepromptenactmentoftheChildrenBillof1996,especiallyinrelationtotheadministrationofthejuvenilejusticesystem,withdueregardtotheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandotherrelevantinternationalstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.1298.Finally,theCommitteerecommendsthat,inthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,oftheConvention,theinitialreportandwrittenrepliespresentedbytheStatepartybemadewidelyavailabletothepublicatlargeandthatthepublicationofthereportbeconsidered,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereonbytheCommittee.SuchadocumentshouldbewidelydistributedinordertogeneratedebateandawarenessoftheConventionanditsimplementationandmonitoringwithintheGovernment,Parliamentandthegeneralpublic,includingconcernednon-governmentalorganizations.̇@ .33.Concludingobservations:FederatedStatesofMicronesia1299.TheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportoftheFederatedStatesofMicronesia(CRC/C/28/Add.5)atits440thand441stmeetings,on14January1998(CRC/C/SR.440441),and,atits453rdmeeting,on23January1998,adoptedthefollowingconcludingobservations.2 .2(a)0 .Introduction1300.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforthesubmissionofitsinitialreportanditswrittenanswerstothelistofissues.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrank,selfcriticalandcooperativetoneofthereportandofthedialogue.TheCommittee,however,noteswithregretthatthedatainthereportwerenotuptodate.TheCommitteealsoregretsthefactthatsomequestionsremainedunanswered.TheCommitteewelcomesthecommitmentbythedelegationtoanswerthosequestionsinwriting.2 .2(b) .Positiveaspects1301.TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheestablishmentin1995ofthePresident'sNationalAdvisoryCouncilforChildren,togetherwiththeStatelevelAdvisoryCouncilsforChildren.1302.TheCommitteenotesthedraftlegislationonsexualabuseandexploitationofchildrenwhichiscurrentlybeforeCongress.2 .2(c)0 .Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementationof02 .20 .theConvention1303.TheCommitteetakesnoteoftheparticularnatureoftheFederation,itsgeographicalconfigurationcomprising607islands,therelativelysmallpopulationcomposedofanumberofdifferentandisolatedcommunities,aswellasthechangesintheeconomicstructures.2 .2(d)0 .Principalsubjectsofconcern1304.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatdomesticlegislationdoesnotfullyconformtotheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention.Inparticular,theCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceoflegislationregulatingchildlabourprovidingforaminimumageforemployment,theabsenceofacleardefinitionoftheminimumageforcriminalresponsibility,thelowminimumageforsexualconsent,thelackofharmonizationbetweenthedifferentagesofsexualconsentamongthefourStates,andthelackoflegislationonneglect,abuseandsexualexploitation.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatthepossibleconflictsbetweencustomaryandstatutorylaw,inparticularformarriageandadoption.1305.TheCommitteeisconcernedthattheNationalPlanofActionforChildren(19952004)isstillindraftform.1306.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtotheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConventionconcerningbudgetaryallocations"tothemaximumextentofavailable...resourcesand,whereneeded,withintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation".1307.TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofanoperationalbudgetforthePresident'sNationalAdvisoryCouncilforChildren,itslackofhumanresourcesanditsunclearroleinrelationtothemonitoringofallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren.1308.TheCommitteeisconcernedatthedisparitiesbetweenthedifferentStates'legislationandpractices.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheinsufficientcoordinationbetweenthecentrallevelandthefourFederatedStates.1309.TheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientattentionpaidtosystematic,comprehensiveanddisaggregatedqualitativeandquantitativedatacollectionatthenational,Stateandlocallevels,andtotheidentificationofappropriateindicatorsandmechanismstoevaluatetheprogressandtheimpactofpoliciesandmeasuresadoptedforallareascoveredbytheConvention,especiallythemosthiddensuchaschildabuseorilltreatment,butalsoinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,includinggirlchildren.1310.WhilerecognizingtheeffortsoftheStatepartytodisseminatetheConvention,theCommitteeisoftheviewthatinsufficientmeasureshavebeenadoptedtopromotewidespreadawarenessoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionforbothadultsandchildren.TheCommitteeremainsconcernedatthelackofadequateandsystematictrainingforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren.1311.TheCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofconformityofthebirthregistrationsystemwitharticle7oftheConvention,aswellasthelackofreliabilityofthedeathregistrationsystem.1312.TheCommitteeisconcernedatthefactthattheStatepartydoesnotappeartohavetakenfullyintoaccounttheprovisionsoftheConvention,especiallyitsgeneralprinciplesascontainedinarticles2(non-discrimination),3(bestinterestsofthechild),6(righttolife,survivalanddevelopment)and12(respectfortheviewsofthechild),initslegislation,itsadministrativeandjudicialdecisions,andinitspoliciesandprogrammesrelevanttochildren.1313.Asregardstheimplementationofarticle2,theCommitteeisparticularlyconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoensurethefullenjoymentbygirlchildrenoftherightsrecognizedintheConvention.TheCommitteeisconcernedatthedifferencewithregardtotheminimumageofmarriageforboysandgirls,aswellasthepossibilityforgirlstomarryatanearlieragethan16.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedattheexistenceofacastesystem,especiallyinYapState,anditsincompatibilitywiththeprovisionsofarticle2.1314.Inthelightofarticle17oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedatthelackofappropriatemeasurestoprotectchildrenfromtheharmfuleffectsoftheprint,electronicandaudiovisualmedia,inparticularviolenceandpornography.1315.WhiletakingnoteoftheeffortsundertakenbytheStateparty,suchastheChildAbuseandNeglectProgramme,theCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientawarenessofandthelackofinformationonilltreatmentandabuse,includingsexualabuse,bothwithinandoutsidethefamily,attheabsenceofspecificlawsinalltheStatesandofappropriateresources,bothfinancialandhuman,aswellasatthelackofadequatelytrainedpersonneltopreventandcombatsuchabuse.Thelackofrehabilitationmeasuresforsuchchildrenandtheirlimitedaccesstojusticearealsomattersofconcern.̇1316.TheCommitteeisconcernedthatbothcustomaryandstatutoryadoption,includingintercountryadoption,donotconformfullywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticulararticle21.1317.WhiletakingnoteofthepositiveresultsofthejointChuukStateUNICEFVitaminADeficiencyandVermoxProgramme,theCommitteeisconcernedattheprevalenceofmalnutritionandvitaminAdeficiencyintheStateparty,aswellasthelimitedaccesstosafewaterandadequatesanitation.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedatproblemsofadolescenthealth,inparticularthehighandincreasingrateofearlypregnancies,thelackofaccessbyteenagerstoreproductivehealtheducationandservices,theinsufficientpreventivemeasuresagainstHIV/AIDS,aswellastheinsufficientsexualeducationatschool.WhilenoteistakenoftheeffortsoftheStateparty,suchastheexistenceinthefourStatesofatelephonehotline,theCommitteeisconcernedinparticularaboutthehighrateofsuicidesamongteenagersandtheinsufficiencyoffinancialandhumanresourcesforitsprevention.WhiletakingnoteofsucheffortsoftheStatepartyasschoolandcommunitybasededucationprogrammes,theCommitteeisconcernedattheincidenceofdrugandalcoholabuseamongyouth,theinsufficientlegalframework,aswellastheinsufficientsocialandmedicalprogrammesorservicestotacklethoseissues.1318.Inthelightofarticle29,paragraph1,oftheConvention,theCommitteeisconcernedthattheschoolcurriculumdoesnotincludeeducationontherightsofthechild.Theinsufficientleisureopportunitiesarealsoamatterofconcern.1319.Thesituationinrelationtotheadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandinparticularitscompatibilitywitharticles37,39and40oftheConvention,aswellasotherrelevantstandardssuchastheUnitedNationsStandardMinimumRulesfortheAdministrationofJuvenileJustice(theBeijingRules),theUnitedNationsGuidelinesforthePreventionofJuvenileDelinquency(theRiyadhGuidelines)andtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty,isamatterofconcerntotheCommittee.Inparticular,theCommitteeisconcernedattheabsenceofacleardefinitionforminimumageofcriminalresponsibility,aswellastheapparentabsenceofspeciallegalproceduresforjuvenileoffenders.2 .2(e) .Suggestionsandrecommendations1320.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyinitiateacomprehensivereviewofexistinglegislation,atboththenationalandstatelevels,withaviewtoundertakingadequatelegislativereformstoensurefullconformityofitslegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.TheCommitteerecommendsthatallappropriatemeasuresbetakenbytheStateparty,includingawarenessraisingcampaigns,toharmonizecustomarypracticesandlaw,suchasthosepertainingtomarriageandadoption,withtheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Incaseofconflictbetweencustomaryandstatutorylaw,theprinciplesofnondiscrimination(art.2)andofthebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)shouldbetheprimaryconsiderations.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyenvisagetheadoptionofaspecificcodeorlegislationforchildrenandadolescents,withaseparatesectiononchildrenwhoneedspecialprotection.Internationalcooperationwith,interalia,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundcanbesoughttothiseffect.1321.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheNationalPlanofActionbeenacted.1322.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoaccedetoothermajorinternationalhumanrightstreaties,especiallythoserelatedtochildren,includingtheInternationalCovenantsonCivilandPoliticalRightsandonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,theInternationalConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofRacialDiscrimination,theConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentorPunishment,theConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,andtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.1323.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytopayparticularattentiontothefullimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandtoensureappropriatedistributionofresourcesatalllevels.Budgetallocationsfortheimplementationofeconomic,socialandculturalrightsshouldbeensuredtothemaximumextentofavailableresourcesandwhereneededwithintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation,aswellasinthelightoftheprinciplesofnon-discriminationandofthebestinterestsofthechild(arts.2and3).1324.TheCommitteerecommendsthatthePresident'sNationalAdvisoryCouncilforChildrenbeprovidedwithadequatefinancialandhumanresourcesinordertocarryoutitsmandateandthatitscompositionbebroadened.TheCommitteeencouragesthisbodytodevelopfurthercooperationwithnongovernmentalorganizations.TheCommitteealsostressestheneedtostrengthenthecapacityoftheCounciltoensurecoordinationbetweenalllevelsandtomonitorandassessprogressachievedanddifficultiesencounteredintherealizationoftherightsrecognizedbytheConvention,andinparticulartomonitorregularlytheimpactofeconomictransitiononchildren.1325.TheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartybegintodevelopacomprehensivesystemofcollectingdisaggregateddatainordertogatherallnecessaryinformationonthesituationofchildreninthevariousareascoveredbytheConvention,includingonchildrenbelongingtothemostvulnerablegroups.TheCommitteestronglyencouragestheStatepartytoseektothiseffectinternationalcooperationwith,interalia,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.1326.TheCommitteestronglyencouragestheStatepartytostrengthenitseffortstomaketheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionwidelyknownbyadultsandchildrenalike,inthelightofarticle42oftheConvention.ItencouragestheStatepartytofurtherincrease,throughtheprint,electronicandaudiovisualmedia,publicawarenessoftherightsofthechildandtotrytoincorporatetheConventionasmuchaspossibleintheschoolcurriculum.ItalsosuggeststhattheStatepartypursueitseffortstodevelopappropriatematerialtofurtherpromotetheConvention.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyseekassistancefrom,interalia,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandtheUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganizationinthisregard.1327.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytocontinueitseffortstoprovidetrainingtoprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyseekassistancefrom,interalia,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightsandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundinthisregard.1328.InordertostrengthenthepartnershipwithallcomponentsofthecivilsocietyinimplementingtheConvention,theCommitteestronglyencouragestheStatepartytostrengthenitscooperationwithnongovernmentalorganizations.̇1329.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasurestoimprovebirthregistration,inthelightofarticle7,aswellasdeathregistration.1330.ItistheCommittee'sviewthatfurthereffortsmustbeundertakentoensurethatthegeneralprinciplesoftheConventionnotonlyguidepolicydiscussionsanddecisionmaking,butarealsoappropriatelyreflectedinanyjudicialandadministrativeproceedingsandinthedevelopmentandimplementationofallprojects,programmesandserviceswhichhaveanimpactonchildren.Whilenotingexistinglegislationprohibitingdiscrimination,theCommitteealsoemphasizesthattheprincipleofnondiscrimination,asprovidedunderarticle2oftheConvention,mustbefullyimplemented,includingwithregardtothegirlchild,disparitiesbetweenStatesandsocialstatus.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytosendadditionalinformationonthecastesystem.TheCommitteewishestoencouragetheStatepartytofurtherdevelopasystematicapproachtoincreasingpublicawarenessoftheparticipatoryrightsofchildreninthelightofarticle12oftheConvention.1331.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeastudywithaviewtoadoptingallmeasures,includinglegalones,toprotectchildrenfromtheharmfuleffectsoftheprint,electronicandaudiovisualmedia,inparticularviolenceandpornography.1332.Takingintoaccountthechangesoccurringintheinstitutionofthe"extendedfamily",whichprovidedchildrenwithanenvironmentinwhichtodiscusstheirproblems,theCommitteesuggeststhatcomplementaryinitiativesbeencouraged,suchasyouthpeercounsellinggroupsinschools,communityawarenessprogrammesonyouthproblemssuchasalcoholandsuicide,andparentaleducationprogrammes.1333.Inthelightofarticle19oftheConvention,theCommitteefurtherrecommendsthattheStatepartytakeallappropriatemeasures,includingrevisionoflegislation,topreventandcombatilltreatmentwithin,interalia,thefamilyandinstitutions,andsexualabuseofchildren.Itsuggests,interalia,thattheauthoritiesinitiateacomprehensivestudyonabuse,illtreatmentanddomesticviolence,toimproveunderstandingofthenatureandscopeoftheproblemandstrengthensocialprogrammestopreventalltypesofchildabuse,aswellastorehabilitatethechildvictims.Adequateproceduresandmechanismstodealwithcomplaintsofchildilltreatmentshouldbedeveloped.1334.TheCommitteerecommendsthatthelegislationonadoptionaswellasthepracticeofcustomaryadoption,bebroughtintoconformitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticulararticle21.1335.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartycontinueitseffortstocombatmalnutritionandvitaminAdeficiency.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartypromoteadolescenthealthpoliciesbystrengtheningreproductivehealtheducationandservices.TheCommitteefurthersuggeststhatacomprehensiveandmultidisciplinarystudybeundertakentounderstandthescopeofthephenomenonofadolescenthealthproblems,suchasearlypregnanciesandsuicide.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatfurtherefforts,bothfinancialandhuman,suchasthedevelopmentofcounsellingservicesforbothadolescentsandtheirfamilies,beundertakenforthepreventionandcareofadolescenthealthproblemsandfortherehabilitationofvictims.1336.Inthelightofarticle31oftheConvention,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartydevelopcultural,artistic,recreationalandleisureactivitiesatschools.1337.TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasures,includingtheenactmentofalaw,betakentoimplementtheprovisionsofarticle32oftheConvention,includinginrelationtotheminimumageforemployment.Effortsshouldbeundertakentopreventandcombateconomicexploitationoranyworkthatislikelytobehazardousortointerferewiththechild'seducation,ortobeharmfultothechild'shealthorphysical,mental,spiritual,moralorsocialdevelopment.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtotheconditionsofchildrenworkingwiththeirfamilies.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageseekingtechnicalassistancefrom,interalia,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFundinthisarea.1338.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthenitseffortstopreventandcombatdrugandsubstanceabuseamongchildren,andtakeallappropriatemeasures,includingpublicinformationcampaignsintheschoolsandelsewhere.ItalsoencouragestheStatepartytosupportrehabilitationprogrammesforchildvictimsofdrugandsubstanceabuse.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefrom,interalia,theWorldHealthOrganization.1339.Inthefieldofadministrationofjuvenilejustice,inparticularwithrespecttotheminimumageofcriminalresponsibilityandspecialproceduresforjuvenileoffenders,theCommitteerecommendsthatlegalreformtakefullyintoaccounttheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,inparticulararticles37,39and40,aswellasotherrelevantstandardsinthisfieldsuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedofTheirLiberty.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderseekingtechnicalassistancefrom,interalia,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRights,theCentreforInternationalCrimePrevention,theInternationalNetworkonJuvenileJusticeandtheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundthroughtheCoordinationPanelonJuvenileJustice.1340.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytodisseminatewidelytheStateparty'sreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionofthereportwithintheCommitteeandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteefollowingitsconsiderationofthereport. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C@<6X9`(CourierC f S A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sk882   @ .` IV.OVERVIEWOFTHEOTHERACTIVITIESOFTHECOMMITTEE@ .6A.Methodsofwork@ .1.Informalmeetings882 1341.TheCommitteehelditsfifthinformalmeetingfortwoweeksinNovember1996intheNorthAfricanregion.Likethepreviousones,thisinformalmeeting,organizedinclosecooperationwiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,wasdesignedtoensurewiderawarenessoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,aswellasoftheactivitiesoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildanditsleadingroleinpromotingactioninfavourofchildrenandmonitoringprogressmadebyStatespartiesintherealizationofchildren'srights.TheinformalmeetingwasalsointendedtoallowCommitteememberstobetterunderstandthesituationofchildreninagivenregionalcontext,throughon-sitevisitsandcontactswithgovernmentofficials,representativesofUnitedNationsbodies,non-governmentalorganizationsandthedonorcommunity.1342.Inthecontextofthismeeting,theCommitteevisitedtwocountrieswhichhadalreadysubmittedtheirinitialreports,MoroccoandEgypt.1343.Forthisreason,thepresenceoftheCommitteewasanimportantoccasiontoassessstepsundertakenbytheStatespartiesconcernedasafollowuptotherecommendationsaddressedtothem,whileconstitutinganopportunitytoencouragefurtheractionintheongoingprocessofimplementationoftheConventionatthenationallevel.1344.Thefifthinformalmeetingwasfurtherintendedtoallowforsubstantiveconsiderationofthesubjectoftherightsofthegirlchildinthespecificcontextoftheregion.1345.ThevisittoEgyptwastheoccasionoftheholding,forthefirsttime,ofjointmeetingsbetweentheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandtheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen,aneventtheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildhadoftenrecommendedandreflectedinitspreviousreports(seeA/47/41,recommendation3;CRC/C/1O,recommendation4;CRC/C/16,recommendation3;CRC/C/20,recommendation4;CRC/C/38,recommendation;andCRC/C/43,recommendation).SevenmembersoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandfourmembersoftheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenparticipatedinthevisit(includingtheChairpersonsofthetwoCommittees),aswellasrepresentativesoftheUnitedNationsChildren'sFundandtheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRights.1346.FourmembersoftheCommitteewentonafieldvisittoMorocco(10-15November1996)soonafterthemeetingwiththedelegationoftheStatepartyinOctober.ThegroupmetwiththeMinisterofJusticeconcurrentlyappointedasMinisterofHumanRights,aswellashighlevelrepresentativesfromtheMinistryofForeignAffairs.ThemembersoftheCommitteemetthelocalgovernmentauthoritiesinFezandseveralnon-governmentalorganizationsinvolvedinprogrammesforworkingchildren.InaruralareaoutsideMarrakech,thegroupmetwithcommunityleadersandvisitedintegratedbasicservicesprojects.InCasablanca,itmetnon-governmentalorganizationsconcernedwiththereliefandrehabilitationofstreetchildrenandvisitedacentreforgirls.ThemembersoftheCommitteealsometwithnationalnongovernmentalorganizationsinvolvedinavarietyofprojectsforchildren.1347.DuringthecountryvisittoEgypt,membersofthetwoCommitteesandtheotherparticipantswerereceivedbyMrs.SuzanneMubarak,ChairpersonoftheNationalCommissiononWomen,andheldmeetingswithMr.AmrMussa,MinisterforForeignAffairs,aswellasanumberofhighlevelgovernmentofficials,includingmembersoftheNationalCouncilforChildhoodandMotherhoodandtheNationalCommissiononWomen,andmembersoftheInformationandDecisionSupportCentreoftheCabinetofMinisters;membersofParliament;representativesofUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagencies;representativesoftheDonors'SubgrouponWomeninDevelopment;non-governmentalorganizationsinvolvedinchildrightsandwomen'srights;andrepresentativesofthemedia.Avisittoanurbancommunityprojectforwomenandchildrenwasorganized.Aworkshopongirls'rightsandwomen'srightschairedbythePresidentoftheEgyptianParliament,whoisalsothepresentChairmanoftheInter-ParliamentaryUnion,wasalsoheldon20November.Finally,privatesessionswereheldbetweenmembersofthetwoCommittees.1348.ThejointmeetingsenabledthetwoCommitteestohaveafruitfulexchangeofviewsonwaysandmeanstostrengthencooperationbetweenthem,inthespiritofintegratinghumanrightsasawholeandasafirststeptofurtherinteractionbetweentreatymonitoringbodiesingeneral.Whenreviewingtheirmethodsofwork,membersofthetwoCommitteesreiteratedsomeoftheissuesraisedattheseventhmeetingofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodies,includingtheneedfortheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomentobeprovidedwithmoreadequateservicingandtheneedtoensureanongoingflowofinformationbetweentheCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomenandthehumanrightsprogrammeonmattersrelevanttotherightsofwomen(andgirlchildren).1349.Inthisrespect,mentionwasmadeofthevariousactivitiesoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRightsinrelationtowomenandchildren,includingthePlanofActiontostrengthentheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,theworkoftheSpecialRapporteursonviolenceagainstwomenandonthesaleofchildren,childprostitutionandchildpornography,theWorkingGrouponContemporaryFormsofSlaveryandtherelevantprogrammesofactionadoptedbytheCommissiononHumanRights.TheattentionoftheCommitteeswasdrawntopresenteffortstoestablishalinkbetweentheWebsiteoftheDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomenandthehumanrightsWebsitebeingdevelopedbytheCentre,andtothedevelopmentofadatabaseontreatybodies.Theneedtodefinesomepriorityissuesofcommoninterest(suchasthewithdrawalofreservations,health,education,protectionagainstviolence,developmentandparticipation)andtodevelopconcretesocialindicatorsonchildrightsandwomen'srightswasalsostressed.Inthisrespect,itwassuggestedtoincorporateinthegeneralpartofthereportingguidelines("coredocument")gendersensitiveandlifecyclesensitivedata.TheimportanceofensuringactiveandintegratedparticipationbyUnitedNationsagenciesandbodiesandnon-governmentalorganizationsinthereportingandimplementationprocessandinraisingthelevelofawarenessontherightsofwomenandchildrenatthenationallevelwashighlighted.1350.ItwasagreedthatthemeetingshadcontributedtoestablishingaframeworkformoreinteractionbetweenthetwoCommitteesanditwasdecidedtofollowupwithperiodicmeetingstoensurefurthercollaborationinthefutureonaregularbasis.Themeetingonhealth,reproductiveandsexualrightsscheduledtotakeplaceinNewYorkfrom9to11December,withtheparticipationofrepresentativesoftreatybodies,wasseenasagoodopportunitytocontinueandenlargethiscollaboration.1351.ThevisitalsoprovidedthetwoCommitteeswithanopportunitytoreceiveconcreteinformationontheimplementationofthetwoConventionsatthecountrylevel,includingprogressachievedandobstaclesstillimpedingthefullrealizationoftherightsofwomenandchildreninEgypt.1352.Inthecourseoftheworkshopongirls'rightsandwomen'srights,mentionwasmadeoftheneedtotranslatethecomplementaritybetweenthetwoConventionsintoconcreteprogrammesofcooperationatalllevels,includingwithinthegeneralframeworkoftheUnitedNationshumanrightsprogramme;theimportanceofdisseminatinginformationonbothConventionsandtheirimplementationmechanisms,andenlistingthesupportofthemediainthisregard;therelevanceofraisingawarenessonchildrightsandwomen'srightsandnetworkingbetweenthevariousrelevantagenciesandorgans;theroleofeducationasatoolforempoweringwomenandincreasingtheparticipationofgirlsinthecontextofthecountry'sdevelopment,inparticularthroughtheincorporationofinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentsintheschoolcurriculaandqualitativeimprovementofeducation,includingtheeliminationofstereotypes,prejudicesanddiscrimination;theroleofnon-governmentalorganizationcoalitionsinbothareasandthepossibilityofdevelopingjointplansofaction;theneedfornon-governmentalorganizationstoensurealinkagewithvarioussectorsofcivilsocietysuchasparliamentarians,magistrates,teachersandlawyers;theneedtoimprovethedatacollectionsystemwithaviewtoformulatingstrategiesandpoliciesatthecountrylevelandassessingtheimpactofajointsystemofdatacollectiononwomenandchildrenfortheeffectiveimplementationofbothConventions;andtheneedtotackleproblemsrelatedtothegirlchildandtotheimplementationofbothConventionsinthegeneralcontextofthepoliticalandsocio-economicsituation.̀2.SupporttotheCommittee:PlanofActiontostrengtheǹtheimplementationoftheConvention1353.Atitsthirteenthsession,theCommitteerecalledtheunprecedentednumberofStatespartiestotheConvention,almostuniversallyratified,andwelcomedthisexpressionofpoliticalcommitmenttopromoteandprotectthefundamentalrightsofchildren.ItwasparticularlyencouragedbythewillingnessexpressedbyStatespartiestotheConventiontousethereportingsystemonitsimplementationasanongoingprocessdesignedtoimprovethesituationofchildren.Inthatregard,itparticularlywelcomedthevariousmeasuresadoptedbyStatespartiesasfollowuptotherecommendationsaddressedtothemduringtheexaminationoftheirinitialreports.1354.TheCommitteeexpresseditsseriousconcernatitsheavyworkloadandattheincreasingrisksofabacklogbuildingupintheconsiderationofStatespartiesreportsandintheeffectivefulfilmentofitsmonitoringfunctions.TheCommitteerecalledthedecisionspreviouslytakenbytheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRightstodevelopaplanofactiontostrengthensubstantivesupportfortheCommittee'sworkandtohelpprovideresources,whennecessary,fortheimplementationofitsrecommendations,includingbytheestablishmentofasubstantiveandmultidisciplinarysupportteamwhichwouldconductitsactivitiesundertheCommittee'sguidance.1355.TheCommitteewasinformedaboutthecurrentprocessofrestructuringtheCentreforHumanRightsanditsmajorimpactontheservicingoftheCommittee.1356.TheCommitteeexpresseditswillingnesstobeinvolvedinfutureconsultationswiththeSecretariattoensuretheoptimaluseofavailableresourcesandtheeffectiveperformanceofitsfunctions,inthelightofarticle43,paragraph11,oftheConvention.1357.Atitssixteenthsession,theCommitteenotedwithsatisfactionthatthePlanofActionhadbecomeoperational.AteamoffourstaffmembershadalreadystartedassistingtheexpertmembersoftheCommitteeincarryingouttheirtasks.@ . 3.Guidelinesandmethodologyforperiodicreports1358.Atthethirteenthsession,theCommitteeconcludeditsworkonguidelinesregardingtheformandcontentsofperiodicreportstobesubmittedbyStatespartiesinthelightofarticle44,paragraph1(b),oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,onthebasisofpreviousdiscussionandpreparatoryworkundertakenbytheCommitteesinceitstenthsession(see,also,CRC/C/54,para.266).Infinalizingthenewguidelines,theCommitteehadinmindtheneedforadynamicapproachtothesituationofchildren,andthecatalyticroleplayedbytheconcludingobservationsadoptedfollowingtheconsiderationoftheinitialreportssubmittedbyStatesparties.Italsostressedtheimportanceofdataandinformationcollection,aswellasthedevelopmentofappropriateindicatorsinordertomonitorprogress,difficultiesencounteredandbenchmarksestablishedforfutureactioninthevariousareascoveredbytheConvention.Theguidelines(CRC/C/58)wereadoptedbytheCommitteeatits343rdmeeting.@ .z Considerationofperiodicreports1359.Atitsseventeenthsession,theCommitteedecidedthatitwouldstartitsconsiderationofperiodicreportsasfromitsnineteenthsession,inSeptemberOctober1998.1360.TheCommitteestressedthatthemainobjectivesforthepreparation,submissionandconsiderationofperiodicreportscouldbeidentifiedasfollows:toassessthepositiveandnegativetrendsandchangesregardingthestatusofchildrenduringtheperiodcoveredbythereport;toassesstheconsiderationgivenbytheStatepartytotheconcludingobservationsadoptedbytheCommitteeinrelationtothepreviousreportandthefollowuptothesuggestionsandrecommendationsaddressedbytheCommitteetotheStatepartyinthisconnection,includingonareasofconcernidentifiedbytheCommitteeaswellasdifficultieswhichmighthaveaffectedtherealizationofsuchsuggestionsandrecommendations;andtodefinefutureactionandmeasuresrequiredinordertoimprovethesituationofchildrenandensureabetterenjoymentoftheirrights.Periodicreportsneednotreflectbasicinformationalreadyprovidedininitialreports.Itshould,however,clearlyreferencetheinformationpreviouslytransmitted,andindicatethechangesthathaveoccurredduringthereportingperiod.1361.TheCommitteealsostressedthatinordertolimittoamaximumoftwomeetings(sixhours)thetimedevotedtoconsideringperiodicreports,itwouldhavetodefineamethodologyandsetprioritytargetsforitsdialoguewithStatesparties.&  @ .B4.Individualcommunications1362.Atitssixteenthsession,theCommitteereaffirmedthatintheabsenceofaspecificmandatefortheCommitteetoconsiderindividualcommunicationsconcerningallegedviolationsoftheConvention,suchaprocedurecouldonlybe'  envisagedinthelightofthespiritofdialogueandaspartofthereportingprocessestablishedbytheCommittee(see,also,thepreviousdiscussionsoftheCommitteeontheissueofanurgentactionprocedure(A/49/41,paras.372381)).TheCommitteedecidedthatwheneverseriouscasesbroughtbeforeitwereofrelevancetoanyothertreatybodyorhumanrightsmechanismestablishedbytheCommissiononHumanRights,theywouldbebroughttotheattentionofthosebodies.Atthesametime,suchcasescouldalsobetakenintoaccountintheframeworkoftheconsiderationofStatesparties'reportswheneverthosereportswerescheduledforconsiderationbytheCommittee.̀B.InternationalcooperationandsolidarityforthèimplementationoftheConventioǹ1.CooperationwithUnitedNationsandother̀competentbodies1363.Duringtheperiodcoveredbythepresentreport,theCommitteepursueditscooperationwithUnitedNationsbodies,specializedagenciesandothercompetentbodies.1364.Atthetwelfthsession,theDirectorGeneraloftheInternationalLabourOrganizationinvitedtheCommitteetoparticipate,inanobservercapacity,inaninformaltripartitemeetingattheministeriallevelonthepreventionandeliminationofchildlabour,tobeheldatGenevaon12June1996withintheframeworkoftheannualgeneralconferenceoftheInternationalLabourOrganization.TheInternationalLabourOfficehadpreparedforthispurposeadocumententitled"Childlabour:whatistobedone",inwhichitwaspresentedthattheeffectiveimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildwasanessentialelementinprotectingchildrenfromeconomicexploitation.1365.InviewoftheimportancetheCommitteeattachedtothisissue,asillustratedbyitssecondthematicdebate(seeA/49/41,paras.560572),aswellasbythesystematicconsiderationofthistopicwithinitsmonitoringfunctions,theCommitteedecidedtoberepresentedattheinformalministerialmeetingbyitsViceChairperson,Mrs.FloraEufemio(Philippines).1366.Duringitsthirteenthsession,theCommitteeheldaninformalmeetingwithMs.CarolBellamy,ExecutiveDirectoroftheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.Duringthisexchangeofviews,waysandmeanstoenhancetheexistingcooperationandpartnershipbuiltaroundtheConventionwerediscussed.1367.Similarly,theChairpersonandoneoftheViceChairpersons,Mrs.MariliaSardenberg(Brazil),hadaninformalexchangeofviewswiththeDeputyDirectorGeneraloftheInternationalLabourOrganization,Mr.KariTapiola,anddiscussednewmeansforreinforcingthepresentfruitfulcooperationbetweentheInternationalLabourOrganizationandtheCommitteefortheimplementationoftheConvention.1368.Atthe328thmeeting,theCommitteeheldanexchangeofviewswitharepresentativeofInterpolintheframeworkofitsongoingcooperationwiththatorganization(seeCRC/C/57,paras.240241).̇1369.Atitsfourteenthsession,theCommitteeheldanexchangeofviewswithrepresentativesoftheNutritionSectionoftheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund.TheCommitteewasbriefedontheInternationalCodeofMarketingofBreastmilkSubstitutes(seeCRC/C/62,para.264).1370.Atthesamesession,theCommitteeheldameetingwiththeDirectoroftheInterAmericanChildren'sInstitute,aspecializedbodyoftheOrganizationofAmericanStates,withaviewtoidentifyingareaswherecooperationbetweenthetwobodiescouldbestrengthenedandtheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildenhanced(seeCRC/C/62,paras.266269).1371.TheCommitteealsoheldameetingwithrepresentativesoftheInternationalLabourOrganizationonwaysoffosteringexistingcooperationandstrengtheningtheprotectionofchildrenagainsteconomicexploitation,particularlythroughlabour.TherepresentativeoftheInternationalLabourOrganizationrecalledthatthe1998LabourConferencewouldconsideranewinstrumenttocombatthemostdangerousformsofchildlabour,namely,theemploymentofchildreninslavelikeandbondedconditionsandindangerousandhazardouswork.ItwastheviewofILOthatthesuggestionsoftheCommitteeonthisprocesswouldbeofgreatvalue,andforthisreasonameetingwasorganizedwithMr.Tapiola,DeputyDirectorGeneralofILO(seeCRC/C/62,paras.270276).1372.ItwasstressedthatthenewinstrumentshouldcontainaspecificreferencetotheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtotheCommittee,andpromoteaholisticapproachtotheprotectionofchildren'srights(seeCRC/C/62,para.277).1373.TheCommitteewasalsobriefedabouttheInternationalProgrammeontheEliminationofChildLabourbyitsProgrammeManager(seeCRC/C/62,para.279).1374.Intheframeworkofitsongoingcooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizations,whichhadbeenofdecisiveimportancetotheimplementationoftheConvention,theCommitteeheldaninformalmeetingwiththeNGOGroupfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Thediscussionsaimedatassessing,inviewofpastexperience,howbestthenon-governmentalorganizationcommunitycouldcooperatewiththeCommittee.Particularattentionwaspaidtothewrittensubmissionsofnon-governmentalorganizationstotheCommittee,tothevalueofpresessionalworkinggroupprocedures,aswellastotheimpactofthebacklogonthereportingprocess.ThemembersoftheCommitteeemphasizedtherelevanceofNGOcontributionstoitswork,includingstudyingtheconcretesituationofchildreninStatesparties,identifyingpriorityareasforactionandsuggestingconcretemeasuresforimprovingtheeffectiveenjoymentofchildren'srights.Thevaluableinputprovidedbynon-governmentalorganizationstothethematicdiscussionsoftheCommitteewasalsohighlighted.TheNGOGroupwasencouragedtokeepthosetopicsunderconsiderationandtocontinuetopromoteafollowuptotherecommendationsadoptedbytheCommitteeduringitsgeneraldebates.1375.Atitsfifteenthsession,theCommitteeheldameetingwithUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagenciesandothercompetentbodiesintheframeworkofitsongoingdialogueandinteractionwiththosebodiesinthelightofarticle45oftheConvention.RepresentativesoftheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,theInternationalLabourOrganization,includingtheInternationalProgrammeontheEliminationofChildLabour,theWorldHealthOrganizationandtheNGOGroupfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChildparticipatedinthediscussion(seeCRC/C/66,paras.317324).1376.Atitssixteenthsession,theCommitteeheldameetingwithUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagenciesandothercompetentbodiesintheframeworkofitsongoingdialoguewiththosebodiesinthelightofarticle45oftheConvention(seeCRC/C/69,paras.308309).1377.Atitsseventeenthsession,theCommitteecontinueditsinteractionwithUnitedNationsbodies,specializedagenciesandothercompetentbodiesinthelightofarticle45oftheConvention,andheldmeetingswithrepresentativesoftheInternationalMonetaryFund(seeCRC/C/73,para.161),theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund(seeCRC/C/73,para.162),theWorldHealthOrganization(seeCRC/C/73,para.164),theNGOGroupfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandvariousothernon-governmentalorganizations(seeCRC/C/73,paras.165169).1378.TheCommitteealsopursueditscooperationwiththeotherhumanrightstreatybodiesandotherUnitedNationshumanrightsmechanisms(seeCRC/C/66,para.324).Inthisconnection,mentioncanbemadeoftheactiveparticipationoftheCommittee'sChairpersonintheseventhandeighthmeetingsofpersonschairingthehumanrightstreatybodies(seeCRC/C/57,paras.229230andCRC/C/69,para.298andrecommendation).1379.Attheseventeenthsession,theCommitteewasinformedbyitsChairpersonabouthervisittoNewYorkinNovember1997,duringwhichshehadaddressedtheThirdCommitteeoftheGeneralAssemblyand,togetherwithMr.FrancescoPaoloFulci(Italy)andMrs.AwaN'DeyeOuedraogo(BurkinaFaso),heldtalkswiththeSecretaryGeneralandthePresidentoftheGeneralAssembly,aswellasmeetingswithUNICEFofficials.Inthecourseofthediscussions,theCommitteemembershadwelcomedthefactthatthereformprocesslaunchedbytheSecretaryGeneralstressedtheneedforhumanrightstocutacrossallsubstantivefieldsofUnitedNationsactivities.Theyhadalsoreferredtotheneedtoensureearlyacceptanceoftheamendmentraisingto18themembershipoftheCommittee.InheraddresstotheThirdCommittee,theChairpersonhadstressedtheunprecedentedachievementillustratedby191ratificationsoftheConvention.ShehadrecalledtheessentialroleoftheCommitteeasamajorcatalystforconcreteactionandpracticalimplementationoftherightsofthechild,includingthroughencouragingworldwidesolidarityandcooperationinfavourofchildren.WhilementioningsomeoftheachievementsoftheCommittee,includingtheemergentsystemoflawreformseekingtoharmonizenationallegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheConvention,theestablishmentofmonitoringmechanisms,theincreasedawarenessandacceptanceoftheconceptofchildrights,andthetrainingofpersonnelworkingwithandforchildren,shehadalsostressedremainingchallenges,suchastheneedtoestablishasystemofgeneralcommentsrelatingtotheConvention'sprinciplesandprovisions,thenecessitytofacethereportingbacklogandtherelatedneedtoensuretheentryintoforceoftheamendmenttotheConventionincreasingfrom10to18themembershipoftheCommittee.TheChairpersonhadalsoaddressedtheworkofthehumanrightsmonitoringbodiesingeneral,andreferredtotheoutcomeoftheeighthmeetingofpersonschairingthosebodies.1380.Duringtheperiodunderconsideration,theCommitteealsoheldaninformalmeetingwiththeSpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononHumanRightsonthesituationofhumanrightsintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslavia(seeCRC/C/62,paras.282283).ItwasinformedaboutthestudyontheimpactofarmedconflictonchildrenundertakenbyMs.Gra aMachelfollowingarequestbytheCommittee(seeCRC/C/57,para.236).@ .2.ParticipationinUnitedNationsandotherrelevantmeetings1381.TheCommitteewasrepresentedatanumberofmeetingsrelevanttoitsactivities,includingmajorworldgatheringssuchastheUnitedNationsConferenceonHumanSettlements(HabitatII)(seeCRC/C/54,para.267,andCRC/C/57,para.231)andtheWorldCongressagainstCommercialSexualExploitationofChildren(seeCRC/C/57,para.235).1382.Committeemembershadalsoparticipatedinavarietyofmeetingsattheinternational,regionalandnationallevels,wherevariousissuesrelevanttotherightsofthechildhadbeenraised(seeCRC/C/57,paras.232234,CRC/C/69,paras.299306,CRC/C/73,paras.151169).@ . C.Generalthematicdiscussions@ .1.Thechildandthemedia1383.Atitseleventhsession,theCommitteedecidedtodevoteitsnextdayofgeneraldiscussiontotheissueof"Thechildandthemedia",tobeheldon7October1996.1384.Inanoutlinepreparedtoguidethegeneraldiscussion,theCommitteeexpressedtheviewthat,aswithhumanrightsingeneral,thepressandothermediahadessentialfunctionsinpromotingandprotectingthefundamentalrightsofthechildandinhelpingtoimplementinpracticetheprinciplesandstandardsoftheConvention.TheCommitteealsoexpressedtheviewthatthemediacouldplayapivotalroleinmonitoringtherealizationoftherightsofthechild.Specialreferencewasmadetothe"image"ofthechildgivenbythemedia,whichcouldeithercreateandconveyrespectforchildrenandyoungpeopleorspreadprejudiceandstereotypeswhichmighthaveanegativeinfluenceonpublicopinionandpoliticians.Referencewasalsomadetoprotectionbythemediaoftheprivacyofthechildinreporting,forinstance,involvementincriminalactivities,sexualabuseorfamilyproblemsandtotheprotectionofchildrenagainstinformationthatmighthaveaharmfulimpactonthem,primarilyprogrammescontainingbrutalviolenceandpornography.Finally,referencewasmadetotheroleofthemediainofferingchildrenthepossibilitytoexpressthemselves.1385.TheCommitteeidentifiedthreemainareastobeconsideredduringthedayofgeneraldiscussion:2 .21.0 .Whatcanbedonetodevelopthepossibilitiesforchildrentoparticipateactivelyinthemedia?2 .22.0 .Whatcanbedonetoprotectchildrenfromharmfulinfluencesthroughthemedia?2 .23.0 .Whatcanbedonetoencouragethemediatocontributetoimprovingtheimageofthechildthroughtheirreporting?1386.Astopreviousthematicdiscussions,theCommitteehadinvited,inthelightofarticle45oftheConvention,representativesofUnitedNationsorgans,bodiesandspecializedagencies,andothercompetentbodies,includingnon-governmentalorganizations,mediarepresentatives,researchandacademicorganizations,andchildrentocontributetothediscussionandprovideexpertadviceonthetopicsidentified.1387.Severalorganizationssubmitteddocumentsandcontributionsonthetheme.ThelistofthesedocumentsandcontributionsistobefoundindocumentCRC/C/57,annexVI.1388.Representativesofthefollowingorganizationsandbodiesparticipatedinthedayofgeneraldiscussion:UnitedNationsHighCommissioner/CentreforHumanRights,UnitedNationsInformationService,UnitedNationsChildren'sFund,InternationalLabourOrganization,OfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,UnitedNationsConferenceonTradeandDevelopment,UnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization,UnitedNationsNon-GovernmentalOrganizationsLiaisonOffice,InternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross,NationalYouthBureauoftheOfficeofthePrimeMinisterofThailand,PermanentMissionofAlbaniatotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva,PermanentMissionofHungarytotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva,PermanentMissionoftheIslamicRepublicofIrantotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva,PermanentMissionofUkrainetotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva,Associationinternationaledesmagistratsdelajeunesse,ATDFourthWorld,AlianzaCivicaMexico,Bahai'InternationalCommunity,BritishBroadcastingCorporation,Bureauinternationalcatholiquedel'enfance,CaritasInternationalis,Centreinternationaldufilmpourl'enfanceetlajeunesse,ChildnetInternational,ChildRightsInternationalResearchInstitute,Children'sRightsDevelopmentUnit(UK),Children'sRightsOffice(London),ConsultantonHealthandSocialAspects,DefenceforChildrenInternational,InternationalAbolitionistFederation,InternationalSchoolofGeneva,InternationalFederationofJournalists,InternationalFederationofSocialWorkers,InternationalInnerWheel,InternationalSavetheChildrenAlliance,JustThinkFoundation,LutheranWorldFederation,NetworkfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChild(Japan),NGOGroupfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,RomanianNationalCommitteeforUNICEF,SavetheChildren-UK,SOSTorture,WomenInternationalLeagueforPeaceandFreedom,Women'sWorldSummitFoundation,WorldCouncilofChurches,WorldFederationofMethodistWomen,YoungMediaPartners,ZontaInternational.Ms.DulceP.Estrella-Gustalsoparticipated.1389.Thefollowingpersonsmadestatementsduringtheintroductorypartoftheday:Ms.AkilaBelembaogo,ChairpersonoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild;Mr.JosAyala-Lasso,UnitedNationsHighCommissionerforHumanRights;Mr.ThomasHammarberg,Vice-ChairmanoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildandRapporteurforthedayofgeneraldiscussion;Mr.PaulIgnatieff,Director,UNICEFGenevaOffice;Mr.NeilBoothby,SeniorCoordinatorforRefugeeChildren,UNHCR;Mr.CarlosArnaldo,Chief,FreeFlowofInformationandCommunicationResearch,UNESCO;Ms.AngelaPenrose,SavetheChildren-UK,onbehalfofInternationalSavetheChildrenAlliance;Ms.GunillavonHall,ajournalistwithSvenskaagbladet;andMs.BettinaPeeters,DeputySecretaryGeneral,InternationalFederationofJournalists.1390.Aftertheintroductorystatementsinplenarysession,theparticipantsweredividedintothreepanelstodiscussthevariousissuesidentified.PanelI,on"Childparticipationinthemedia",waschairedbyMs.MariliaSardenberg,ViceChairpersonoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,andMs.JuneKane(UNICEF)servedasRapporteur;panelII,on"Protectionofthechildagainstharmfulinfluencesthroughthemedia"waschairedbyMr.YouriKolosov,amemberoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,andMr.CarlosArnaldo(UNESCO)servedasRapporteur;panelIII,on"Respectfortheintegrityofthechildinmediareporting",waschairedbyMs.SandraMason,amemberoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,andMs.BettinaPeeters(InternationalFederationofJournalists)servedasRapporteur.1391.Afterthediscussionsinthethreepanels,ageneraldebatewasheld,inwhich,togetherwithmembersoftheCommittee,therepresentativesofanumberofUnitedNationsorgans,bodies,specializedagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizationsparticipated.ThedayofgeneraldiscussionwasconcludedbystatementsmadebyMs.ThrseGastaut,DirectoroftheUnitedNationsInformationService,Ms.BettinaPeeters,andMr.ThomasHammarberg,whopresentedthepreliminaryconclusionsofthediscussioninhiscapacityasRapporteuroftheday.1392.Ontheoccasionofthediscussionday,UNICEForganizedalunchtimeinteractivesessionwhichbroughttogetheryoungpeoplefromtheInternationalSchoolinGeneva,representativesofthemediaandpersonsworkinginthefieldofprotectionandpromotionofchildren'srightstodiscussexamplesofeffectivepartnershipsbetweenchildrenandthemedia,withtheobjectiveofprovidingpracticalexamplesoftheuseofthemediatopromotechildren'srights.1393.ThediscussioninpanelI,on"Childparticipationinthemedia",centredontheimportanceofchildrenparticipatingnotjustascommentators,butatalllevelsoftheinformationprocess,astheonlywaytoavoidtokenism.Forthatpurposeitwasnecessarytodevelopadequatemechanismstoenablethechildtoparticipateatallstagesofmediaproduction.Itwasalsofeltthatitwasessentialtotakeintoaccountthecontextinwhicheachchildlivedandcommunicated,aswellastoknowtowhatextentandhowthechild'svoicewasalreadyheardineachcommunity.Theparticipantsdiscussedwaysofinfluencingthevariousactorsinhelpingchildrentomaketheirvoicesheard.Suchactorsencompassedabroaderrangethanthemediaassuchandincludedparentsandprofessionalsworkingwithandforchildren.Theessentialneedtoformpartnershipsandcollaborationandtoencourageallactorstomakethelinksthemselvesbetweentheirpersonalconcernforchildrenandtheirprofessionalcapacitytomakeadifferencewasstressedinthatconnection.Thepotentialpositiveimpactoftechnologyforchildren'srightswasalsounderlined,aswellastheimportanceofaccesstoallkindsofmedia,includingtraditionalforms.Theeducationalroleofthemediaandtheglobalresponsibilityofallgroupsinsocietyinchangingattitudeswasmentioned.Lastly,thegroupconsideredthatanyguidelinesproducedmustdrawattentiontothepositivepotentialofthemediaandthedesirabilityofpromotingcollaborationandparticipation.1394.ParticipantsinpanelII,on"Protectionofthechildagainstharmfulinfluencesthroughthemedia",feltthattherewasaneedtokeepchildrenonthemedia'sagendaonacontinuingbasisandthatStatesshouldbecalledupontotakeconcretemeasurestoencouragethemassmediatodisseminateinformationandmaterialofsocialandculturalbenefittothechildandinaccordancewiththespiritofarticle29oftheConvention,ascalledforinarticle17(a).Theclearidentificationofharmfulinfluencesinthemediawasconsideredessential,aswastheneedtoraise,throughschoolandinotherforums,children'sawarenessofhowtohandlemediaissues.Forthatpurpose,itwasnecessarytopromoteeducationprogrammesonhowtodealinacriticalandconstructivemannerwiththemedia.Itwasalsoconsideredthatabetterbalanceshouldbereachedinthemediabetweenconcernforprotectionandanaccuratereflectionoftherealworld;itwasstressedthatpositiveaswellasnegativeaspectsofthenewsshouldbecovered.Referencewasmadetotheneedtoprotectandpreserveculturaldiversityandavoidculturalstereotypes.Thegeneralgenderbiasagainstgirlsandwomenwasmentionedasbeinganimportantprotectionissuethatshouldnotbeovershadowedbytheissueofsexualexploitation.Theneedformediaprofessionalstodraft,ortoamendguidelinesforthemediainthelightoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildwasstressed.Whiletheimplementationoftheseguidelinesshouldbecarriedoutbythemediaprofessionandindustryinaspiritofselfdiscipline,thiscouldbemademoreeffectivethroughempoweringcitizens'associationsandconsumergroupsintheirmonitoringofmediaprogrammesandscheduling.FreedomofexpressionwastobesafeguardedasabasicrightenshrinedintheConvention,thoughseveralfeltitwasnecessarytoresorttostrongmeasurestolimittheaccessoftheveryyoungtoinjuriousmediafare,specificallypornography,paedophiliaandgratuitousviolence.SpecificreferencewasmadetotheInternet,andsomesuggestedpromotingsoftwaretolimitaccesstoharmfulsites.TheneedtodevelopinallcountrieshotlineswhereInternetuserscouldtransmitinformationonexistingharmfulsitesinordertoallowthoseresponsibleforthehotline,togetherwithotherinterestedparties,tofindsolutionswasalsostressed,aswastheneedtoshareresponsibilityforscreeningthematerialbetweentheindustry,parents,teachersand,whereappropriate,childrenthemselves.1395.ThedebateinpanelIII,on"Respectfortheintegrityofthechildinmediareporting",startedwithareferencetothegenerallegalframeworkprovidedbytheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,whichaddressedeveryhumanbeingbelowtheageof18.Itwasrecognizedthatthemediaplayedanessentialroleinthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrightsingeneralandthatmediaprofessionals,includingmediaeditorsandowners,shouldbeparticularlyvigilantintryingtosafeguardtheintegrityofthechild.Itwasfeltthattherewasaneedforfurtherdebateandcooperationatthenational,regionalandlocallevelsonintegratingtheprinciplesoftheConventioninmediareportingandimplementingtheConventionthroughthemedia.Thediscussionfocusedontwomainissues.Thefirstrelatedtothewaythemediashouldapproachchildrenassourcesofinformation.Referencewasmadetotheneedtousespecialtechniques,takingintoaccountthebestinterestsofthechild,ininterviewsorsimulationsinvolvingchildvictimsofviolenceandabuse.Itwasstressedthatitwasusefultoprovidesuchchildrenwithanappropriatechannelofexpression,andthatsuchanopportunitycouldcontributetoraisingawarenessonhumanrightsviolationssufferedbychildren.Thesecondissueconcernedthechild'saccesstothemedia.Inthatregard,mentionwasmadeofanumberofpositiveexperiences,suchasnewsagencieswherechildreportersprovidedinformationaimedatchildren.Referencewasmadetothemostcommonstereotypesinmediareportingaboutchildren,suchasthe"violentteen-ager"orthemisrepresentationofchildrenfromspecificgroups.Itwasmentionedthatsuchstereotypeswerenotonlytheresponsibilityofthemediabutalsoinvolvedthesocietyatlarge.1396.Onthebasisofthediscussionsonthevariousissuesbothattheplenarysessionandbythethreepanels,thefollowingrecommendationswereformulatedbytheRapporteurforthethematicdebate:02 .21. .Childmedia.Adossiershouldbecompiledonpositivepracticalexperiencesofactivechildparticipationinthemedia,suchas"Children'sExpress"intheUnitedKingdomandtheUnitedStates.&  02 .22. .ChildforumwithinInternet.TheUNICEFinitiated"VoicesofYouth"attheWorldWideWebshouldbepromotedandadvertisedasapositivefacilityforinternationaldiscussiononimportantissuesbetweenyoungpeople.'  02 .23. .Activechildlibraries.Theexperienceofdynamicchildlibraries,orchilddepartmentswithinpubliclibraries,shouldbedocumentedanddisseminated.02 .24. .Mediaeducation.Knowledgeaboutthemedia,theirimpactandfunctioningshouldbeimpartedinschoolsatalllevels.Studentsshouldbeenabledtorelatetoandusethemediainaparticipatorymanner,aswellastolearnhowtodecodemediamessages,includinginadvertising.Goodexperiencesinsomecountriesshouldbemadeavailabletoothers.02 .25. .Statesupporttomediaforchildren.Thereisaneedforbudgetarysupporttoensuretheproductionanddisseminationofchildren'sbooks,magazinesandpapers,music,theatreandotherartisticexpressionsforchildren,aswellaschildorientedfilmsandvideos.Assistancethroughinternationalcooperationshouldalsosupportmediaandartforchildren.02 .26. .Constructiveagreementswithmediacompaniestoprotectchildrenagainstharmfulinfluences.Factsshouldbegatheredaboutvariousattemptsatvoluntaryagreementswithmediacompaniesonpositivemeasures,suchasnotbroadcastingviolentprogrammesduringcertainhours,clearpresentationsbeforeprogrammesabouttheircontentandthedevelopmentoftechnicaldevices,suchas"V-chips",tohelpconsumerstoblockoutcertaintypesofprogrammes.Likewise,experienceswithrespecttotheintroductionofvoluntaryethicalstandardsandmechanismstoencouragerespectforthemshouldbeassembledandevaluated;thisshouldincludeananalysisoftheeffectivenessofexistingcodesofconduct,professionalguidelines,presscouncils,broadcastingcouncils,pressombudsmenandsimilarbodies.02 .27. .Comprehensivenationalplansofactiontoempowerparentsinthemediamarket.Governmentsshouldinitiateanationaldiscussiononmeanstopromotepositivealternativestothenegativetendenciesinthemediamarket,toencouragemediaknowledgeandsupportparentsintheirroleasguidestotheirchildreninrelationtoelectronicandothermedia.Aninternationalworkshopshouldbeorganizedtopromoteadiscussiononthisapproach.02 .28. .Adviceonimplementationofarticle17oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.AstudyshouldbeconductedwiththepurposeofdevelopingadvicetoGovernmentsonhowtheycouldencouragethedevelopmentof"guidelinesfortheprotectionofthechildfrominformationandmaterialinjurioustohisorherwellbeing".SuchastudyshouldalsoservethepurposeofassistingtheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildindraftingageneralcommentonarticle17.02 .29. .Specificguidelinesforreportingonchildabuse.Toencouragefurtherdiscussioninnewsroomsandwithinthemediacommunityasawholeguidelinesshouldbedraftedbyappropriatejournalistbodiesonhowtoreportonabuseofchildrenandatthesametimeprotectthedignityofthechildreninvolved.Specialemphasisshouldbeplacedontheissueofnotexposingtheidentityofthechild.02 .210. .Materialforjournalisteducationonchildrights.Materialshouldbeproducedtoassistjournalistandmediaschoolsonchildrightsstandards,establishedproceduresforchildrightsmonitoring,existinginternational,regionalandnationalinstitutionsworkingwithchildren,aswellasbasicaspectsofchilddevelopment.ThemanualplannedbytheCentreforHumanRightsoftheUnitedNationsSecretariatasatoolforjournalisteducationonhumanrightsshouldbewidelydisseminatedwhenproduced.02 .211. .Networkformediawatchgroups.Thepositiveworkofmediawatchgroupsinvariouscountriesshouldbeencouragedand"goodideas"transferredbetweencountries.Thepurposeistogivemediaconsumersavoiceinthediscussiononmediaethicsandchildren.Afocalpointforexchangesshouldbeestablished.02 .212. .Serviceto"childrightscorrespondents".Interestedjournalistsshouldbeinvitedtosignuponalistof"childrightscorrespondents".Theyshouldbeprovidedonaregularbasiswithinformationaboutimportantchildissuesandwithinterestingreportsbyothers,andbeseenasmediaadviserstotheinternationalchildrightscommunity.1397.Inviewofthevariouscontributionsmadeandtheimportanceoftheissuesconsidered,theCommitteefeltthattherewasaneedtoensurefollowuptothegeneraldiscussion.ItwasthereforedecidedthataworkinggrouponthemediaandtheConventionontheRightsoftheChildshouldbeconstitutedtoconsiderfurtherthevariousrecommendationsmade.TheworkinggroupshouldincluderepresentativesoftheCommittee,theUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization,theUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,theDepartmentofPublicInformationoftheUnitedNationsSecretariat,theInternationalFederationofJournalistsandnon-governmentalorganizations.Itwasrequestedthattheworkinggroupconsider,inparticular,constructivewaysofensuringtheimplementationofthe12recommendationsandotherproposalsmadeduringthediscussion.TheCommitteedecidedtoauthorizeMr.ThomasHammarberg(Sweden)torepresentitontheworkinggroupandtoinitiateitsconvening.1398.ThefirstsessionoftheworkinggroupwasconvenedatUNESCOheadquarterson14April1997(forthereportonthesession,seeCRC/C/66,annexIV).@ .T 2.Therightsofchildrenwithdisabilities1399.Atitsfourteenthsession,theCommitteedecidedtodevoteitsnextdayofgeneraldiscussion,tobeheldon6October1997,totheissueof"Therightsofchildrenwithdisabilities".1400.Inanoutlinepreparedtoguidethegeneraldiscussion,theCommitteestressedthatthroughouthistorychildrenwithdisabilitieshadbeen,andinmanysocietiesstillwere,deniedaccesstoeducation,familylife,adequatehealthcare,opportunitiesforplayorfortraining,andtherighttoparticipatein"normal"childhoodactivities.InspiteofthefactthatthesechildrenwereexperiencingaformofsocialexclusionrepresentingadenialoftheirbasicrightsasenshrinedintheConvention,theirplightrarelyfiguredhighonthenationalorinternationalagenda,andtheytendedtoremaininvisible.TheCommitteealsohadaclearroletoplayincreatingopportunitiestohighlighttheobligationsundertakenbyGovernmentswithrespecttochildrenwithdisabilitiesundertheConvention,aswellastheextenttowhichtherightsofchildrenwithdisabilitieswereviolated.Thethematicdebatewouldmainlyaddresstheprovisionsofarticle23oftheConvention,butwouldalsoreflecttheholisticapproachoftheConvention,illustratingandreinforcingtheinterdependenceandindivisibilityofallthehumanrightsofchildren.1401.TheCommitteeidentifiedthreemainissuestobeconsideredduringthedayofgeneraldiscussion:2 .2(a) .Therighttolifeanddevelopment;2 .2(b) .Selfrepresentationandfullparticipation;2 .2(c) .Therightofchildrenwithdisabilitiestoinclusiveeducation.1402.Asforthepreviousthematicdiscussions,theCommitteehadinvitedrepresentativesofUnitedNationsorgans,bodiesandspecializedagenciesandothercompetentbodies,includingnon-governmentalorganizations,researchandacademicorganizations,individualexpertsandchildren,tocontributetothediscussion.1403.Severalorganizationsandindividualexpertssubmitteddocumentsandothercontributionsonthetheme.ThelistofthesecontributionsiscontainedindocumentCRC/C/69,annexIV.1404.ThelistofthevariousbodiesandorganizationsthatparticipatedinthedayofgeneraldiscussionisreflectedindocumentCRC/C/69,paragraph316.1405.ThemeetingwasopenedbyMs.SandraPrunellaMason(Barbados),ChairpersonoftheCommittee,whoexpressedthehopethatthediscussionwouldleadtoconcreteaction.ThemorningwasdevotedtostatementsbytheRapporteuroftheCommittee,Mrs.NafsiahMboi(Indonesia),whogaveanintroductiontothesubject,andMr.BengtLindqvist,SpecialRapporteuroftheCommissiononSocialDevelopmentondisabilities.RepresentativesofvariousUnitedNationsandotherinternationalagenciesandbodiesofferedtheircommentsandsharedtheirexperiencesandviewsonthesubject.1406.Invitedspeakersintroducedthethreepreviouslyidentifiedsubthemes,asfollows:8822 .2Subtheme .Speaker2 .2Righttolife,survivaland . .Ms.RachelHurst,DisabledPeople's2 .2development . . . . .International2 .2Righttoselfrepresentationand .Ms.PearlMakutaoneand2 .2fullparticipation0 .Ms.ChantalRex,twodisabledyounggirlsfromSouthAfrica2 .2Righttoinclusiveeducation0 .Ms.LenaSaleh,UNESCOandMs.SueStubbs,SavetheChildren(UK)1407.Mrs.Mboiopenedherintroductoryremarksattheafternoonsessionbyemphasizingthatindiscussingtherightsofchildrenwithdisabilities,themainconcernmustalwaysbethebestinterestsofthewholechild,notjustthedisability.Therightsofchildrenwithdisabilitieswereinnowayconfinedtoarticle23;rather,theprovisionsofthatarticlewereintendedtoensurethatthedisabledchildhadmaximumopportunitytofulfilalltherightssetoutintheConvention.Shepointedoutthatsociety'sresponsibilitytoprotectchildrenfromdisabilitiesmuststartwellbeforebirthandinvolvedconcernforallthecircumstanceswhichmightresultindisabilityatthetimeofbirth.Thechallengesofprotectionranthroughoutthelifeofachildandincludedtherighttoprotectionagainstviolenceinwartimeorinpeace,andprotectionagainstdebilitatingdisease,poornutritionandhealth,environmentalpollution,andharmfulandhazardouschildlabour.Thechallengeforthemeetingwasthereforetwofold:howtoprotectchildrenfrombecomingdisabled,andhowtoensurethatthosewithdisabilitiesweredealtwithfairly,effectivelyandcompassionately.SheconcludedbyexpressingthehopethatthethemedaywouldstartaprocesswhichwouldleadtothedevelopmentofpracticalguidanceforGovernmentsonstrategiesandpoliciestostrengthenandacceleratemovementtowardscomprehensivefulfilmentofalltherightssetforthintheConventionbydisabledchildrenandtoprotectionagainstdisabilitybothbeforeandafterbirth,andtheconstructionofasetofindicatorsbywhichGovernmentsandotherscouldmeasureprogresstowardsfulfilmentofthoserights.1408.Mr.LindqvistpointedoutsomedifferencesandthecomplementaritybetweentheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtheStandardRulesontheEqualizationofOpportunitiesforPersonswithDisabilities(GeneralAssemblyresolution48/96).HesawtheConventionasanimportantstatementofprinciplesprotectingtherightsofallchildren,includingthedisabled.TheStandardRuleswasawholedocumentondisabilitypolicy,containingamuchhigherdegreeofspecification,givingmoreguidanceonwhatshouldbedoneandhowitshouldbedone.Elaboratingfurtheronthenatureof"disabilitypolicy",hesuggestedthatmeasurestocombatexclusionandbadconditions,tobeeffective,mustbetakenintwomainareassupporttotheindividualandmeasurestocreateaccessibility.EmphasizingtheimportanceofclosercooperationbetweenhimselfandtheCommittee,hemadesuggestionsofpossibleareasforcooperation,includingvariouskindsofinformationsharing,collaborativeanalysisofcountryreports,advocacyandpubliceducation.Inclosing,heurgedthatthoughtbegiventofindingwaystoensureactiveparticipationbydisabledyoungpeopleanddiscussionoftheproblemsofdisabledyouthataUnitedNationsinternationalyouthforumscheduledtotakeplaceinAugust1998.1409.TherepresentativeoftheInternationalLabourOrganizationspelledoutinsomedetailchildlabourasamajorsourceofdisabilityinchildrenandindicatedsomeoftheOrganization'slongstandingandongoingworkdirectedtowardstheeliminationofharmfulandhazardouschildlabour.TherepresentativeofUNICEFgavehighlightsoftheFund'sprogrammestoadvancetherightsofchildrenwithdisabilities.TherepresentativeoftheWorldHealthOrganizationprovidedsomecurrentdataandinformationabouttheOrganization'swork.Otherrepresentativesalsocommentedontheissueoftherightsofthedisabledfromtheperspectiveoftheirareasofexpertise.1410.Ms.Hurstspokeabouttherighttolife,survivalanddevelopment,citingtheneedtoopposewithgreatforcetheabortionofunbornbabiesknowntobehandicappedandprovidesupportasneededforthedisabledchildtoliveanddevelopfullyinaccordancewithhisorherrightsassetforthintheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Ms.MakutaoneandMs.Rexspokeoftheirpersonalexperienceashandicappedyoungpeopleandadvocatedpersuasivelyfortherighttoselfrepresentationandfullparticipation.Theypresentedthemselvesasexamplesofthehappyoutcomethatwaspossibleifdisabledchildrenweregivenlove,careandtraininginappropriatesurroundings.Ms.SalehandMs.Stubbsdiscussedtheimportanceoftherighttoinclusiveeducation.̇1411.Inthecourseoftheafternoon,theissueofprotectionagainstdisabilitybothfortheunbornandafterbirthwasdiscussedfromvariousperspectives.Itwaspointedoutthat,inthedevelopingworld,wheremostoftheworld'sdisabledchildrenlived,programmesasdiverseand"conventional"asnationalimmunizationforchildren,goodprenatalandbirthingservicesformothers,andnutritionalimprovementprogrammesmustberecognizedasimportantactivitiesinsupportofchildren'srightstodevelopmentandtobeprotectedagainstdisability.1412.Attheendofthediscussion,Ms.GerisonLansdown,DirectoroftheChildren'sRightsOffice(UnitedKingdom),whoservedasRapporteurforthedayofdiscussion,presentedasummaryofthemainissuesraisedduringtheday,asdescribedinthefollowingparagraphs.1413.Theissueunderdiscussionwasnotaboutvictimsoraboutpity,butratheraboutchallengingoppressionanddiscrimination;itwasaboutdisabledchildrenexperiencingwidespreadabuseoftheirfundamentalhumanrights.1414.Itwasimportantthatthescaleoftheproblemsexperiencedbydisabledchildrenbeacknowledged.Thestatisticswereshocking:hugenumbersofchildrenweredisabledbythephysical,socialandeconomicworldthatadultshadcreatedbywar,poverty,childlabour,violenceandabuse,environmentalpollution,andlackofaccesstohealthcare.Theworldwasadangerousplaceformanychildren,andadultshadaresponsibilitytoworktowardstheeliminationofthefactorsthatcontributedtotheirharm.Thedisabilitiesfacedbymanychildrenwerenotinevitable;theycouldandmustbetackled.1415.Thehumanitybehindthestatisticsmustnotbelostsightof.ThecontributionbythetwoyoungwomenfromSouthAfricaillustratedthatbyfailingtorespecttheirrightstoinclusionandparticipation,thedisabledaretoooftencondemnedtosocialisolation,loneliness,lackoffriendships,denialofavoiceand,indeed,oftenalsoalackoflove.1416.Behindthestatisticsandthedenialofmanydisabledchildrenthroughouttheworldoftheirrightslayattitudeswhichviewedthelifeofadisabledchildasbeingoflessworth,lessimportanceandlesspotentialthanthatofanablebodiedchild.Thoseattitudesmustbechallenged.Thisrequiredpoliticalactionateverylevel,includinglegalreformtoendallformsofdiscrimination,publiceducationprogrammes,practicalactiontosupportfamiliesandcommunitiesinchallengingprejudiceandsocialexclusion,campaignstoraiseawarenessofthehumanrightsofdisabledchildren,programmestoendinstitutionalizationofchildren,andpositiveimagesofdisabledchildreninthemedia.Itwasalsoimportanttoengagereligiousandcommunityleadersasadvocatesinthisprocessofchange.1417.Allchildrenhadtherighttolife.FailuretotakeallnecessarymeasurestopromotethesurvivalanddevelopmentofdisabledchildrenonanequalbasiswithotherchildrenrepresentedaprofoundviolationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Allchildrenwereequalmembersofthehumanrace,discriminatorylawswhichdeniedtheirrighttolifeshouldberepealed.Publicdebateshouldtakeplaceontheunspokenassumption,underlyingmuchmedicalandscientificresearch,thatweshouldbestrivingtowardsthegoalofperfectioninhumanbeings.Itwasonethingtoworktoeliminateimpairmentbutquiteanothertoeliminatethepersonwiththeimpairment.Wemustbeclearwhatwemeanwhenwetalkaboutprevention.Itwasofcoursevitallyimportanttoworktowardsthecreationofasaferworldforchildren,inwhichtherisksofimpairmentandharmwereminimized,butthesolutionwasnotthroughthedenialoflifeitselfasapreventivestrategy.Rather,wemustcelebratediversityandlearntocelebratethebirthofeverychild,withorwithoutdisability.1418.Therewasaneedtodevelopstrategiestoensurethattherightsofdisabledchildrenwererespected,bothasindividualsandasagroup.Everychildshouldhaveaccesstothenecessarymedicalcareandtreatment,toeducation,tohelpwithindependentliving,toawheelchairifneeded.Thephysicalenvironment,therefore,alsoneedstobechangedtopromotetheactiveinclusionofalldisabledchildreninsociety.Thiswouldinvolve,forexample,thedevelopmentofaccessibletransportandaccessiblebuildingsshops,schools,playcentresandoffices.1419.Wemusttakeaholisticapproachtodisability.AlltherightsintheConventionmustbeconsideredinrespectofdisabledchildren,anddisabledchildrenshouldbeconsideredwhenexaminingtheimplementationofalltherightsintheConvention.ThatmessageshouldbeappliedbytheCommitteeinitsexaminationofStatesparties'reports,byGovernmentswhenimplementingtheConventionandbynongovernmentalorganizationsandotheragenciesinpromotingandmonitoringtheimplementationoftheConvention.TheConventionprovidesaframeworkofprinciplesformonitoringlaw,policyandpracticeinrespectofdisabledchildren.TheStandardRulesontheEqualizationofOpportunitiesforPersonswithDisabilitiesprovidedasourceofdetailedguidanceonwhatshouldbedoneandhowtodoit.ThosetwodocumentsshouldbeusedbytheCommitteeandothersascomplementarytoolsinpromotingtherightsofdisabledchildren.1420.Actionmustbetakenateverylevelinternational,regional,national,localandcommunitytoeffectivelypromotetherightsofdisabledchildren.Attheinternationallevel,theCommitteehadaclearroletoplaybyrigorouslyscrutinizingStatesparties'reports,highlightingthesituationofdisabledchildrenandpromotingtheapplicationoftheStandardRules.Wecouldalsolearnfromexchangeofexperience,research,expertiseandinformation,andgoodpracticebetweencountries.1421.Actionalsoneededtobetakentosupportthefamiliesofdisabledchildren,promoteaccesstoeducation,trainteacherstoworkininclusiveschools,enhanceaccesstoadequatehealthcare,andprovidepracticalhelpwithinvillagesandlocalcommunities.Suchactionwouldnecessarilyincludelegalreform,developmentofpoliciestopromoteopportunitiesfordisabledchildren,reconsiderationofbudgetsandreallocationofresources.1422.Disabledchildren,likeotherchildren,hadarighttoparticipateindecisionsthataffectedthem,buttheysufferedadoubledenialofthisright.Manyadultsfounditdifficulttorecognizeboththerightandthecapacityofanychildtocontributeeffectivelytodecisionmaking;wherethechildwasdisabled,theretendedtobeanevendeeperinabilitytoacceptitscompetence.Thiswascompoundedbyprotectivenessonthepartofcaregiverswhichsoughttoshieldthechildrenfromtheresponsibilityofparticipation.Itwasimperativetobegintoexplorewaysofchallengingthelackofbeliefindisabledchildren.Thereweremanyreasonsforpromotingmoreactiveparticipationintheirownlives.First,decisionsmadeaboutoronbehalfofachildwouldbebetterinformedandmorelikelytoproducepositiveoutcomesifthechildhimorherselfwasinvolvedintheprocess.Theviews,experiencesandknowledgeofthechildmustbeanimportantpartofanyplanningordecisionmaking.Secondly,theprocessofparticipationwasacentralpartoflearningtotakeresponsibility,tomakedecisions,andtodevelopselfesteemandconfidence.Itwashardforanychildtolearnthoseskillsifnoconfidencewaseverplacedinhimorherbyadults;itwasprofoundlymoredifficultforadisabledchildwhofacedprejudiceandexclusioneverydayofhisorherlifeandwhowasconstantlyconfrontedbyaselfimagedefinedbysocietyasnegativeandoflittleworth.Itwasthereforeevenmoreimportantthatdisabledchildrenexercisetheirrighttoparticipateactively.Finally,bydenyingchildrentherighttobeheardwearedenyingthemcitizenship;theybecomenonpeople.Childrenwhosevoiceswerenotheardorlistenedtowerevulnerabletoabuse,violenceandexploitationbyadultsbecausetheyhadnomeansofchallengingtheiroppression.Disabledchildrenweresignificantlymorelikelytosuffersexualabusethanablebodiedchildren,preciselybecauseadultscouldactwithimpunity.1423.Theinclusionofdisabledchildrenwasaright,notaprivilege.Therewasanimportantdistinctionbetweenintegrationandinclusion.Policiesofintegrationtendedtoseektochangethechildinordertofitintotheschool.Inclusion,ontheotherhand,soughttochangetheschoolenvironmentinordertomeettheneedsofthedisabledchild.Inclusiveeducationneededtobeintroducedaspartofastrategyforpromotinganinclusivesociety.Marginalizationandexclusionofdisabledchildrenwereoftendefendedongroundsofcosteffectiveness.However,suchargumentscouldnotbesustainedwhenthequestionwasturnedaround:canweaffordthecostsofexclusion?Thelosstosocietiesthroughouttheworldoffailuretoincludedisabledchildrenwashuge:alltheirpotentialproductivecapacitywaswasted.Wealsolostapotentialforenrichmentthroughtheircontributiontothesocial,creative,culturalandemotionaldimensionsofsociety.Inclusionwasnotanexpensiveluxury,butratheranopportunityforallchildrentobecomeproductivemembersofsociety.Indeed,failuretopromotetheinclusionofdisabledchildrensometimesreflectedlessalackofresourcesandmorealackofpoliticalwill.ItwasoftenthoseGovernmentsclaimingtobeleastabletopromotetherightsofdisabledchildrenthatwerespendingasignificantproportionofthecountry'swealthonarmamentsandothermilitaryexpenditures.1424.Thefinalmessageofthediscussionwasthatthetimefortalkingwasover.Nowitwastimeforaction.1425.Wordsofthankstoalltheparticipants,deliveredinthenameoftheCommitteebyMrs.JudithKarp(Israel),ViceChairpersonoftheCommittee,concludedthethematicday.Shesaidthatthethematicdayhadprovedtobenotonlyastimulatingprocessthatbroughtmanynewinsights,butalsoaverymovingexperience,owingespeciallytothosewhohadsharedwiththeparticipantstheirownpersonalstoriesandexperiences.Inclusionwasthegoal,butitwasalsoameanstoimprovesociety.Theaimwastohaveasocietywhichaccommodatedawidespectrumofindividualabilities,andnotasocietywhichsimplyexpectedalltoconformtoonehypothetical,andoftenunachieved,standardof"normality".Thekeyissuewasrespectforthehumandignityofchildrenwithdisabilities.Inclusionofchildrenwithdisabilitiesintosocietywaspartofaprocessofsocialchangetomakeasocietyinwhichhumandignitywasalivingvalue.1426.Onthebasisofthediscussionsonthevariousissues,thefollowingrecommendationswereformulatedbytheChairpersonoftheCommittee:2 .2(a) .InitsexaminationofStatesparties'reports,theCommitteeshouldcommititselftohighlightingthesituationofdisabledchildrenandtheneedforconcretemeasurestoensurerecognitionoftheirrights,inparticulartherighttolife,survivalanddevelopment,therighttosocialinclusionandparticipation;itshouldalsoemphasizethatadequatemonitoringofthesituationofdisabledchildreninallStatesmustbeundertakenandencouragemovestopromotethecollectionofstatisticsandotherinformationtoenableconstructivecomparisonsbetweenregionsandStates;2 .2(b) .TheCommitteeshouldconsiderthepossibilityofdraftingageneralcommentondisabledchildren;2 .2(c) .ThevariousbodiesprovidinginformationtotheCommitteeinthecourseofthereportingprocessshouldensurethattheinformationtheyprovideincludesdisabledchildren;2 .2(d) .StatesshouldreviewandamendlawsaffectingdisabledchildrenwhicharenotcompatiblewiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,forexample,legislationthat(i)deniesdisabledchildrenanequalrighttolife,survivalanddevelopment(includinginthoseStateswhichallowabortiondiscriminatorylawsonabortionaffectingdisabledchildren,anddiscriminatoryaccesstohealthservices);(ii)deniesdisabledchildrentherighttoeducation;(iii)compulsorilysegregatesdisabledchildreninseparateinstitutionsforcare,treatmentoreducation;2 .2(e) .StatesshouldactivelychallengeattitudesandpracticeswhichdiscriminateagainstdisabledchildrenanddenythemequalopportunitiestotherightsguaranteedbytheConvention,includinginfanticide,traditionalpracticesprejudicialtohealthanddevelopment,superstitionandperceptionofdisabilityasatragedy;2 .2(f) .Inviewoftheappallingimpactofarmedconflict,whichdisableshundredsofthousandsofchildren,StatesshouldbeencouragedtoratifytheConventionontheProhibitionoftheUse,Stockpiling,ProductionandTransferofAntiPersonnelMinesandTheirDestruction,duetobeopenedforsignatureinOttawainDecember1997;2 .2(g) .TheCommitteeshouldpromotetheStandardRulesontheEqualizationofOpportunitiesforPersonswithDisabilitiesasbeingrelevantforthefullimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,andstrengthenitscooperationwiththeSpecialRapporteurondisabilitiesandhispanelofexperts;2 .2(h) .TheCommittee,incooperationwithUNESCO,UNICEFandotherrelevantagencies,shouldensurethatinclusiveeducationisincludedontheagendasofmeetings,conferencesandseminarsasanintegralpartofdebatesconcerningeducation;2 .2(i) .Relevantagenciesshouldbeencouragedtodevelopprogrammeswhichpromotealternativestoinstitutionalizationandtodevelopandpromotestrategiestodeinstitutionalizechildren;2 .2(j) .Therightsandinterestsofdisabledchildrenshouldbeincludedontheagendaofmultilateralandbilateralagencies,developmentagencies,donoragencies,fundingorganizationssuchastheWorldBankandregionalbanks,aswellastechnicalcooperationagencies;2 .2(k) .Researchintotheprovisionofstatisticsandempiricalevidenceshouldbepromotedwithaviewto(i)promotingawarenessoftheextenttowhichtherighttolifeofdisabledchildrenisdenied;(ii)challengingthewidespreadexistenceofsuperstition,prejudice,socialstigmaanddenialofaccesstoeducationinrelationtodisabledchildren;(iii)challengingtheargumentof"costeffectiveness"usedtomarginalizedisabledchildrenandevaluatingthecostsofexclusionandlostopportunities;(iv)bringingtheissuetoprominenceintheprocessofdraftingandadoptingconventionsonbio-ethics;2 .2(l) .Disabledchildrenshouldbeconsulted,involvedindecisionmakingandgivengreatercontrolovertheirlives;existinggoodpracticesshouldbepublicizedandshared,andappropriatetrainingmaterialsdevised;2 .2(m) .Governmentsshouldbeencouragedtomakethesematerialsavailableatthecommunitylevelinappropriateformsforchildrenanddisabledpeople;thiscouldpotentiallybeundertakenbyoneofthedevelopmentagenciessuchastheSwedishOrganizationofHandicappedInternationalAidFoundationorSavetheChildren,incollaborationwithsomeofthedisabledpeoples'organizations;2 .2(n) .Trainingmaterialsonpromotingtheparticipationofdisabledchildrenshouldbeproduced.TheUNICEFInternationalChildDevelopmentCentre(InnocentiCentre)shouldberequestedtoproduceaneditioninitsseriesofinformationdigestsonthesubjectofinclusion,asitscontributiontotheissuesraisedduringthegeneraldiscussion.1427.Inviewofthevariouscontributionsmadeandtheimportanceoftheissuesconsidered,theCommitteefeltthattherewasaneedtoensurefollowuptothegeneraldiscussion.Itwasdecidedtosetupaworkinggroupontherightsofchildrenwithdisabilities,whichwouldincludemembersoftheCommittee,representativesofrelevantUnitedNationsbodiesandagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizationsofdisabledpeople,includingdisabledchildren,toconsiderfurtherthevariousrecommendationsmadeandelaborateaplanofactiontofacilitatetheconcreteimplementationofthevariousproposals.TheCommitteedecidedtopursuefurtherthequestionofthemandate,compositionandactivitiesoftheworkinggroupatitsnextsession,inJanuary1998.1428.Attheseventeenthsession,theCommitteeexpresseditsfirmsupportfortheestablishmentofasmallindependentinformalworkinggroupwiththeparticipationofrepresentativesfromrelevantUnitedNationsagenciesandbodiesandmaindisabilityorganizations;theprimaryaimoftheworkinggroupshouldbetobringtogetherexistingexpertiseandresourceswithaviewtoensuringbetterprotectionoftherightsofchildrenwithdisabilities.TheCommitteedecidedtoberepresentedintheworkinggroup,whichwouldreporttotheCommitteeonaregularbasis.Italsorequestedthatprogressonthemandate,membershipandplanofactionoftheworkinggroupbepresentedtotheCommitteeatitsnext(eighteenth)session. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C@<6X9`(CourierCS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sl882   @ .ANNEXI@ .StatesthathaveratifiedoraccededtotheConventiononthe@ . RightsoftheChildasat23January1998(191)6>(' 8hd6884 4 .4  .Dateofreceipt4 .4  .ofinstrument4 .4  .ofratification/ .DateofentrỳStates4 .4 Dateofsignature .accessiona󀀀 .intoforce6>(' 8 hd6Afghanistan4 .4 27September1990 .28March1994 .27April1994Albania4 .4 26January1990 .27February1992 .28March1992Algeria4 .4 26January1990 .16April1993 .16May1993Andorra4 .4 2October1995 .2January1996 .1February1996Angola4 .4 14February1990 .5December1990 .4January1991AntiguaandBarbuda4 .4 12March1991 .5October1993 .4November1993Argentina4 .4 29June1990 .4December1990 .3January1991Armenia4 .4  .23June1993a .22July1993Australia4 .4 22August1990 .17December1990 .16January1991Austria4 .4 26January1990 .6August1992 .5September1992Azerbaijan4 .4  .13August1992a .12September1992Bahamas4 .4 30October1990 .20February1991 .22March1991Bahrain4 .4  .13February1992a .14March1992Bangladesh4 .4 26January1990 .3August1990 .2September1990Barbados4 .4 19April1990 .9October1990 .8November1990Belarus4 .4 26January1990 .1October1990 .31October1990Belgium4 .4 26January1990 .16December1991 .15January1992Belize4 .4 2March1990 .2May1990 .2September1990Benin4 .4 25April1990 .3August1990 .2September1990Bhutan4 .4 4June1990 .1August1990 .2September1990Bolivia4 .4 8March1990 .26June1990 .2September1990Bosniaand̀Herzegovinab4 .4  . .6March1992Botswana4 .4  .14March1995a .13April1995Brazil4 .4 26January1990 .24September1990 .24October1990BruneiDarussalam4 .4  .27December1995a .26January1996Bulgaria4 .4 31May1990 .3June1991 .3July1991BurkinaFaso4 .4 26January1990 .31August1990 .30September1990Burundi4 .4 8May1990 .19October1990 .18November1990Cambodia4 .4 22September1992 .15October1992 .14November1992Cameroon4 .4 25September1990 .11January1993 .10February1993Canada4 .4 28May1990 .13December1991 .12January1992CapeVerde4 .4  .4June1992a .4July1992CentralAfricaǹRepublic4 .4 30July1990 .23April1992 .23May1992Chad4 .4 30September1990 .2October1990 .1November1990Chile4 .4 26January1990 .13August1990 .12September19906>(' 8Xhd6884 4 .4  .Dateofreceipt4 .4  .ofinstrument4 .4  .ofratification/ .DateofentrỳStates4 .4 Dateofsignature .accessiona󀀀 .intoforce6>(' 89hd6China4 .4 29August1990 .2March1992 .1April1992Colombia4 .4 26January1990 .28January1991 .27February1991Comoros4 .4 30September1990 .22June1993 .21July1993Congo4 .4  .14October1993a .13November1993CookIslands4 .4  .6June1997a .6July1997CostaRica4 .4 26January1990 .21August1990 .20September1990C=ted'Ivoire4 .4 26January1990 .4February1991 .6March1991Croatiab4 .4  . .8October1991Cuba4 .4 26January1990 .21August1991 .20September1991Cyprus4 .4 5October1990 .7February1991 .9March1991CzechRepublicb4 .4  . .1January1993DemocraticPeople's̀RepublicofKorea4 .4 23August1990 .21September1990 .21October1990DemocraticRepublic̀oftheCongo4 .4 20March1990 .27September1990 .27October1990Denmark4 .4 26January1990 .19July1991 .18August1991Djibouti4 .4 30September1990 .6December1990 .5January1991Dominica4 .4 26January1990 .13March1991 .12April1991DominicanRepublic4 .4 8August1990 .11June1991 .11July1991Ecuador4 .4 26January1990 .23March1990 .2September1990Egypt4 .4 5February1990 .6July1990 .2September1990ElSalvador4 .4 26January1990 .10July1990 .2September1990EquatorialGuinea4 .4  .15June1992a .15July1992Eritrea4 .4 20December1993 .3August1994 .2September1994Estonia4 .4  .21October1991a .20November1991Ethiopia4 .4  .14May1991a .13June1991Fiji4 .4 2July1993 .13August1993 .12September1993Finland4 .4 26January1990 .20June1991 .20July1991France4 .4 26January1990 .7August1990 .6September1990Gabon4 .4 26January1990 .9February1994 .11March1994Gambia4 .4 5February1990 .8August1990 .7September1990Georgia4 .4  .2June1994a .2July1994Germany4 .4 26January1990 .6March1992 .5April1992Ghana4 .4 29January1990 .5February1990 .2September1990Greece4 .4 26January1990 .11May1993 .10June1993Grenada4 .4 21February1990 .5November1990 .5December1990Guatemala4 .4 26January1990 .6June1990 .2September1990Guinea4 .4  .13July1990a .2September1990GuineaBissau4 .4 26January1990 .20August1990 .19September1990Guyana4 .4 30September1990 .14January1991 .13February1991Haiti4 .4 20January1990 .8June1995 .8July1995HolySee4 .4 20April1990 .20April1990 .2September19906>(' 8Xhd6884 4 .4  .Dateofreceipt4 .4  .ofinstrument4 .4  .ofratification/ .DateofentrỳStates4 .4 Dateofsignature .accessiona󀀀 .intoforce6>(' 89hd6Honduras4 .4 31May1990 .10August1990 .9September1990Hungary4 .4 14March1990 .7October1991 .6November1991Iceland4 .4 26January1990 .28October1992 .27November1992India4 .4  .11December1992a .11January1993Indonesia4 .4 26January1990 .5September1990 .5October1990Iran(Islamic̀Republicof)4 .4 5September1991 .13July1994 .12August1994Iraq4 .4  .15June1994a .15July1994Ireland4 .4 30September1990 .28September1992 .28October1992Israel4 .4 3July1990 .3October1991 .2November1991Italy4 .4 26January1990 .5September1991 .5October1991Jamaica4 .4 26January1990 .14May1991 .13June1991Japan4 .4 21September1990 .22April1994 .22May1994Jordan4 .4 29August1990 .24May1991 .23June1991Kazakhstan4 .4 16February1994 .12August1994 .11September1994Kenya4 .4 26January1990 .30July1990 .2September1990Kiribati4 .4  .11December1995a .10January1996Kuwait4 .4 7June1990 .21October1991 .20November1991Kyrgyzstan4 .4  .7October1994 .6November1994LaoPeople's̀DemocraticRepublic4 .4  .8May1991a .7June1991Latvia4 .4  .14April1992a .14May1992Lebanon4 .4 26January1990 .14May1991 .13June1991Lesotho4 .4 21August1990 .10March1992 .9April1992Liberia4 .4 26April1990 .4June1993 .4July1993LibyanArab̀Jamahiriya4 .4  .15April1993a .15May1993Liechtenstein4 .4 30September1990 .22December1995 .21January1996Lithuania4 .4  .31January1992a .1March1992Luxembourg4 .4 21March1990 .7March1994 .6April1994Madagascar4 .4 19April1990 .19March1991 .18April1991Malawi4 .4  .2January1991a .1February1991Malaysia4 .4  .17February1995a .19March1995Maldives4 .4 21August1990 .11February1991 .13March1991Mali4 .4 26January1990 .20September1990 .20October1990Malta4 .4 26January1990 .30September1990 .30October1990MarshallIslands4 .4 14April1993 .4October1993 .3November1993Mauritania4 .4 26January1990 .16May1991 .15June1991Mauritius4 .4  .26July1990a .2September1990Mexico4 .4 26January1990 .21September1990 .21October1990Micronesia(Federated̀Statesof)4 .4  .5May1993a .4June1993Monaco4 .4  .21June1993a .21July1993Mongolia4 .4 26January1990 .5July1990 .2September19906>(' 8Xhd6884 4 .4  .Dateofreceipt4 .4  .ofinstrument4 .4  .ofratification/ .DateofentrỳStates4 .4 Dateofsignature .accessiona󀀀 .intoforce6>(' 89hd6Morocco4 .4 26January1990 .21June1993 .21July1993Mozambique4 .4 30September1990 .26April1994 .26May1994Myanmar4 .4  .15July1991a .14August1991Namibia4 .4 26September1990 .30September1990 .30October1990Nauru4 .4  .27July1994a .26August1994Nepal4 .4 26January1990 .14September1990 .14October1990Netherlands4 .4 26January1990 .6February1995 .7March1995NewZealand4 .4 1October1990 .6April1993 .6May1993Nicaragua4 .4 6February1990 .5October1990 .4November1990Niger4 .4 26January1990 .30September1990 .30October1990Nigeria4 .4 26January1990 .19April1991 .19May1991Niue4 .4  .20December1995a .19January1996Norway4 .4 26January1990 .8January1991 .7February1991Oman4 .4  .9December1996a .8January1997Pakistan4 .4 20September1990 .12November1990 .12December1990Palau4 .4  .4August1995a .3September1995Panama4 .4 26January1990 .12December1990 .11January1991PapuaNewGuinea4 .4 30September1990 .1March1993 .31March1993Paraguay4 .4 4April1990 .25September1990 .25October1990Peru4 .4 26January1990 .4September1990 .4October1990Philippines4 .4 26January1990 .21August1990 .20September1990Poland4 .4 26January1990 .7June1991 .7July1991Portugal4 .4 26January1990 .21September1990 .21October1990Qatar4 .4 8December1992 .3April1995 .3May1995RepublicofKorea4 .4 25September1990 .20November1991 .20December1991RepublicofMoldova4 .4  .26January1993a .25February1993Romania4 .4 26January1990 .28September1990 .28October1990RussianFederation4 .4 26January1990 .16August1990 .15September1990Rwanda4 .4 26January1990 .24January1991 .23February1991SaintKittsandNevis4 .4 26January1990 .24July1990 .2September1990SaintLucia4 .4  .16June1993a .16July1993SaintVincentandthèGrenadines4 .4 20September1993 .26October1993 .25November1993Samoa4 .4 30September1990 .29November1994 .29December1994SanMarino4 .4  .25November1991a .25December1991SaoTomeandPrincipe4 .4  .14May1991a .13June1991SaudiArabia4 .4  .26January1996a .25February1996Senegal4 .4 26January1990 .31July1990 .2September1990Seychelles4 .4  .7September1990a .7October1990SierraLeone4 .4 13February1990 .18June1990 .2September1990Singapore4 .4  .5October1995a .4November19956>(' 8Xhd6884 4 .4  .Dateofreceipt4 .4  .ofinstrument4 .4  .ofratification/ .DateofentrỳStates4 .4 Dateofsignature .accessiona󀀀 .intoforce6>(' 89hd6Slovakiab4 .4  . .1January1993Sloveniab4 .4  . .25June1991SolomonIslands4 .4  .10April1995a .10May1995SouthAfrica4 .4 29January1993 .16June1995 .16July1995Spain4 .4 26January1990 .6December1990 .5January1991SriLanka4 .4 26January1990 .12July1991 .11August1991Sudan4 .4 24July1990 .3August1990 .2September1990Suriname4 .4 26January1990 .1March1993 .31March1993Swaziland4 .4 22August1990 .7September1995 .6October1995Sweden4 .4 26January1990 .29June1990 .2September1990Switzerland4 .4 1May1991 .24February1997 .26March1997SyrianArabRepublic4 .4 18September1990 .15July1993 .14August1993Tajikistan4 .4  .26October1993a .25November1993Thailand4 .4  .27March1992a .26April1992TheformerYugoslav̀RepublicofMacedoniab . . .17September1991Togo4 .4 26January1990 .1August1990 .2September1990Tonga4 .4  .6November1995a .6December1995TrinidadandTobago4 .4 30September1990 .5December1991 .4January1992Tunisia4 .4 26February1990 .30January1992 .29February1992Turkey4 .4 14September1990 .4April1995 .4May1995Turkmenistan4 .4  .20September1993a .19October1993Tuvalu4 .4  .22September1995a .22October1995Uganda4 .4 17August1990 .17August1990 .16September1990Ukraine4 .4 21February1991 .28August1991 .27September1991UnitedArabEmirates4 .4  .3January1997a .2February1997UnitedKingdomof̀GreatBritainand̀NorthernIreland4 .4 19April1990 .16December1991 .15January1992UnitedRepublicof̀Tanzania4 .4 1June1990 .10June1991 .10July1991Uruguay4 .4 26January1990 .20November1990 .20December1990Uzbekistan4 .4  .29June1994a .29July1994Vanuatu4 .4 30September1990 .7July1993 .6August1993Venezuela4 .4 26January1990 .13September1990 .13October1990VietNam4 .4 26January1990 .28February1990 .2September1990Yemen4 .4 13February1990 .1May1991 .31May1991Yugoslavia4 .4 26January1990 .3January1991 .2February1991Zambia4 .4 30September1990 .5December1991 .5January1992Zimbabwe4 .4 8March1990 .11September1990 .11October1990________________________882 2 .2aAccession.2 .2bSuccession.@ .\ANNEXII@ .` MembershipoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild 88ӀName .CountryofnationalityMr.FrancescoPaoloFULCI** .ItalyMrs.JudithKARP* .IsraelMr.YuryKOLOSOV* .RussianFederationMissSandraPrunellaMASON* .BarbadosMrs.NafsiahMBOI** .IndonesiaMrs.EstherMargaretQueenMOKHUANE** .SouthAfricaMrs.AwaN'DeyeOUEDRAOGO* .BurkinaFasoMrs.LisbethPALME* .SwedenMr.GhassanSalimRABAH** .LebanonMrs.MariliaSARDENBERG** .Brazil________________________882 2 .2*Termexpireson28February1999.̀**Termexpireson28February2001. ? UK     \R3'\ X      +C@<6X9`(CourierCS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Sm882   W    \R'3\ X  H (  X n  @0 .nANNEXIII@0 . StatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesunderarticle44of@0 .theConventionontheRightsoftheChildasat23January1998*qr d, dd ,dd ,dd ,dd , dd +  )>>)Stateparty >> Dateofentryintoforce >> Datedue >> Dateofsubmission >> Symbol &x&A.Initialreportsduein1992 ";x"Bangladesh  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  15November1995  CRC/C/3/Add.38andAdd.49 ";x"Barbados  Ѐ8November1990  Ѐ7November1992  12September1996  CRC/C/3/Add.45 ";x"Belarus  31October1990  30October1992  12February1993  CRC/C/3/Add.14 ";x"Belize  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  Ѐ1November1996  CRC/C/3/Add.46 ";x"Benin  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  22January1997  CRC/C/3/Add.52 ";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  14January1997  CRC/C/3/Add.50 ";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  13February1996  CRC/C/3/Add.41 "x"DemocraticRepublicoftheCongo  27October1990  26October1992     ";x"Ecuador  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  11June1996  CRC/C/3/Add.44 ";x"Egypt  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  23October1992  CRC/C/3/Add.6 ";x"ElSalvador  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  Ѐ3November1992  CRC/C/3/Add.9andAdd.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  24September1997  CRC/C/3/Add.55 ";x"Guatemala  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  Ѐ5January1995  CRC/C/3/Add.33 ";x"Guinea  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  20November1996  CRC/C/3/Add.48 ";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.10andAdd.26 ";x"Kenya  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992     ";x"Mali  20October1990  19October1992  Ѐ2April1997  CRC/C/3/Add.53 ";x"Malta  30October1990  29October1992  26December1997  CRC/C/3/Add.56 ";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  30August1993and13November1996  CRC/C/3/Add.22andAdd.47 ";x"Peru  Ѐ4October1990  Ѐ3October1992  28October1992  CRC/C/3/Add.7andAdd.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  21January1997  CRC/C/3/Add.51 ";x"Senegal  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  12September1994  CRC/C/3/Add.31 ";x"Seychelles  Ѐ7October1990  Ѐ6October1992     ";x"SierraLeone  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  10April1996  CRC/C/3/Add.43 ";x"Sudan  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  29September1992  CRC/C/3/Add.3andAdd.20 ";x"Sweden  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  Ѐ7September1992  CRC/C/3/Add.1 ";x"Togo  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  27February1996  CRC/C/3/Add.42 ";x"Uganda  16September1990  15September1992  Ѐ1February1996  CRC/C/3/Add.40 ";x"Uruguay  20December1990  19December1992  Ѐ2August1995  CRC/C/3/Add.37 ";x"Venezuela  13October1990  12October1992  Ѐ9July1997  CRC/C/3/Add.54 ";x"VietNam  Ѐ2September1990  Ѐ1September1992  30September1992  CRC/C/3/Add.4andAdd.21 ";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.2andAdd.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  28June1996  CRC/C/8/Add.34 ";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  23August1996  CRC/C/8/Add.35 "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.33andAdd.37 ";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.7 ";x"Panama  11January1991  10January1993  19September1995  CRC/C/8/Add.28 ";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  Ѐ4March1997  CRC/C/8/Add.36 ";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.20andAdd.38 ";x"Yugoslavia  Ѐ2February1991  Ѐ1February1993  21September1994  CRC/C/8/Add.16 &x&C.Initialreportsduein1994 ";x"Albania  28March1992  27March1994     ";x"Austria  Ѐ5September1992  Ѐ4September1994  Ѐ8October1996  CRC/C/11/Add.14 ";x"Azerbaijan  12September1992  11September1994  Ѐ9November1995  CRC/C/11/Add.8 ";x"Bahrain  14March1992  14March1994  26May1997  CRC/C/11/Add.15 ";x"Belgium  15January1992  14January1994  12July1994  CRC/C/11/Add.4 ";x"BosniaandHerzegovina  Ѐ6March1992  Ѐ5March1994     ";x"Cambodia  14November1992  15November1994  18December1997  CRC/C/11/Add.16 ";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  Ѐ4March1996  CRC/C/11/Add.11 ";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  Ѐ4April1996  CRC/C/11/Add.12 ";x"Latvia  14May1992  13May1994     ";x"Lesotho  Ѐ9April1992  Ѐ8April1994     ";x"Lithuania  Ѐ1March1992  28February1994     ";x"Slovakia  Ѐ1January1993  31December1994     ";x"Thailand  26April1992  25April1994  23August1996  CRC/C/11/Add.13 ";x"TrinidadandTobago  Ѐ4January1992  Ѐ3January1994  16February1996  CRC/C/11/Add.10 ";x"Tunisia  29February1992  28February1994  16May1994  CRC/C/11/Add.2 "x"UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland  15January1992  14January1994  15March1994  CRC/C/11/Add.1,Add.9,Add.15andAdd.15/Corr.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  19February1997  CRC/C/28/Add.9 ";x"Cameroon  10February1993  Ѐ9February1995     ";x"Comoros  22July1993  21July1995     ";x"Congo  13November1993  12November1995     ";x"Fiji  12September1993  11September1995  12June1996  CRC/C/28/Add.7 ";x"Greece  10June1993  Ѐ9June1995     ";x"India  11January1993  10January1995  19March1997  CRC/C/28/Add.10 ";x"Liberia  Ѐ4July1993  Ѐ3July1995     ";x"LibyanArabJamahiriya  15May1993  14May1995  23May1996  CRC/C/28/Add.6 ";x"MarshallIsland  Ѐ3November1993  Ѐ2November1995     "x"Micronesia(FederatedStatesof)  Ѐ4June1993  Ѐ3June1995  16April1996  CRC/C/28/Add.5 ";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  27January1997  CRC/C/28/Add.8 &;x&E.Initialreportsduein1996 ";x"Afghanistan  27April1994  26April1996     ";x"Gabon  11March1994  10March1996     ";x"Luxembourg  Ѐ6April1994  Ѐ5April1996  26July1996  CRC/C/41/Add.2 ";x"Japan  22May1994  21May1996  30May1996  CRC/C/41/Add.1 ";x"Mozambique  26May1994  25May1996     ";x"Georgia  Ѐ2July1994  Ѐ1July1996  Ѐ7April1997  CRC/C/41/Add.4andRev.1 ";x"Iraq  15July1994  14July1996  Ѐ6August1996  CRC/C/41/Add.3 ";x"Uzbekistan  29July1994  28July1996     "x"Iran(IslamicRepublicof)  12August1994  11August1996  Ѐ9December1997  CRC/C/41/Add.5 ";x"Nauru  26August1994  25August1996     ";x"Eritrea  Ѐ2September1994  Ѐ1September1996     ";x"Kazakhstan  11September1994  10September1996     ";x"Kyrgyzstan  Ѐ6November1994  Ѐ5November1996     "x"Samoa  29December1994  28December1996    &x&F.Initialreportsduein1997 ";x"Netherlands  Ѐ7March1995  Ѐ6March1997  15May1997  CRC/C/51/Add.1 ";x"Malaysia  19March1995  18March1997     ";x"Botswana  13April1995  12April1997     ";x"Qatar  Ѐ3May1995  Ѐ2May1997     ";x"Turkey  Ѐ4May1995  Ѐ3May1997     ";x"SolomonIslands  10May1995  Ѐ9May1997     ";x"Haiti  Ѐ8July1995  Ѐ7July1997     ";x"SouthAfrica  16July1995  15July1997  Ѐ4December1997  CRC/C/51/Add.2 ";x"Palau  Ѐ3September1995  Ѐ3September1997     ";x"Swaziland  Ѐ6October1995  Ѐ5October1997     ";x"Tuvalu  22October1995  21October1997     ";x"Singapore  Ѐ4November1995  Ѐ3November1997     "x"Tonga  Ѐ6December1995  Ѐ5December1997     &;x&G.Initialreportsduein1998 ";x"Kiribati  10January1996  Ѐ9January1998     ";x"Niue  19January1996  18January1998     ";x"Liechtenstein  21January1996  20January1998     ";x"BruneiDarussalam  26January1996  25January1998     ";x"Andorra  Ѐ1February1996  31January1998     "x"SaudiArabia  25February1996  24February1998    &x&H.Initialreportsduein1999 ";x"UnitedArabEmirates  Ѐ2February1997  Ѐ1February1999     ";x"Switzerland  26March1997  25March1999     )>Kx)CookIslands > Ѐ6July1997 > Ѐ5July1999 >  > п ? UK     \R3'\ X      + 8  8 C@<6X9`(CourierCS A $ 1.(a)(i) a.(1)(a) i) a)Ss882   @ .N I.Secondperiodicreportsduein19976>(' 8hd6StatepartyDatedueDateofsubmissionSymbol6>(' 8vhd6884 hBangladesh4 .4 1September1997Barbados4 .4 7November1997Belarus4 .4 30October1997Belize4 .4 1September1997Benin4 .4 1September1997Bhutan4 .4 1September1997Bolivia4 .4 1September1997h .h12August1997 .CRC/C/65/Add.1Brazil4 .4 23October1997BurkinaFaso4 .4 29September1997Burundi4 .4 17November1997Chad4 .4 31October1997Chile4 .4 11September1997CostaRica4 .4 20September1997h .h20January1998 .CRC/C/65/Add.7DemocraticPeople's̀RepublicofKorea4 .4 20October1997DemocraticRepublic̀oftheCongo4 .4 26October1997Ecuador4 .4 1September1997Egypt4 .4 1September1997ElSalvador4 .4 1September1997France4 .4 5September1997Gambia4 .4 6September1997Ghana4 .4 1September1997Grenada4 .4 4December1997Guatemala4 .4 1September1997Guinea4 .4 1September1997GuineaBissau4 .4 18September1997HolySee4 .4 1September1997Honduras4 .4 8September1997h .h18September1997 .CRC/C/65/Add.2Indonesia4 .4 4October1997Kenya4 .4 1September1997Mali4 .4 19October1997Malta4 .4 29October1997Mauritius4 .4 1September1997Mexico4 .4 20October1997h .h14January1998 .CRC/C/65/Add.6Mongolia4 .4 1September1997Namibia4 .4 29October1997Nepal4 .4 13October1997Nicaragua4 .4 3November1997h .h12November1997 .CRC/C/65/Add.4Niger4 .4 29October1997Pakistan4 .4 11December1997Paraguay4 .4 24October1997  6>(' 8Xhd6StatepartyDatedueDateofsubmissionSymbol6>(' 8hd6884 h&  Peru4 .4 3October1997Philippines4 .4 19September1997Portugal4 .4 20October1997Romania4 .4 27October1997RussianFederation4 .4 14September1997h .h12January1998 .CRC/C/65/Add.5'  SaintKittsandNevis4 .4 1September1997Senegal4 .4 1September1997Seychelles4 .4 6October1997SierraLeone4 .4 1September1997Sudan4 .4 1September1997Sweden4 .4 1September1997h .h25September1997 .CRC/C/65/Add.3Togo4 .4 1September1997Uganda4 .4 15September1997Uruguay4 .4 19December1997Venezuela4 .4 12October1997VietNam4 .4 1September1997Zimbabwe4 .4 10October19976>(' 8hd69820137(E)080998@ .219