Distr.

GENERAL

CRC/C/10

19 October 1992

Original: ENGLISH

COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

Second session

Geneva, 28 September-9 October 1992

Report adopted by the Committee at its 46th Meeting, on 9 October 1992

COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

Report on the second session

CONTENTS

ParagraphsPage

     I.CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY

THE COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD .... 1

    II.ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS ............ 1 - 19 6

A.States parties to the Convention ...... 1 - 2 6

B.Opening and duration of the session ... 3 7

C.Agenda ................................ 4 7

D.Membership and attendance ............. 5 - 10 8

E.Solemn declaration by a member

of the Committee ...................... 11 9

F.Future meetings ....................... 12 - 13 9

G.Future day of general discussion ...... 14 9

GE.92-17999 (E)

CONTENTS (continued)

ParagraphsPage

   III.OVERVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES OF

THE COMMITTEE ............................... 15 - 77 10

A.Review of developments relevant to

the work of the Committee ............. 15 - 19 10

B.Submission of reports by States parties

in accordance with article 44 of the

Convention ............................ 20 - 26 11

C.System of documentation

and information ....................... 27 - 32 12

D.Matters relating to the methods of

work of the Committee ................. 33 - 46 13

E.Preparatory activities relating to the

World Conference on Human Rights ...... 47 - 48 17

F.Contribution to the Fourth Meeting of

persons chairing the human rights

treaty bodies: Questions of

reservations and declarations ......... 49 - 53 17

G.Urgent action procedure ............... 54 - 58 18

H.Future studies ........................ 59 - 60 19

I.General discussion on children in

armed conflicts ....................... 61 - 77 20

    IV.DRAFT PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE

THIRD SESSION ............................... 78 24

     V.ADOPTION OF THE REPORT ...................... 79 25

Annexes

     I.List of States that have signed, ratified or acceded to the Convention ................................................ 26

    II.List of members of the Committee, together with an

indication of the duration of their terms of office ....... 29

   III.List of States parties, with an indication of the status of submission of reports ..................................... 30

I.CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY

  THE COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

1.Organization of informal regional meetings

The Committee on the Rights of the Child,

Reaffirming the consideration it has previously made on the usefulness of organizing meetings in different regions of the world in order to enhance implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child,

Encouraged by the successful results of the first informal regional meeting of the Committee, in the Latin American and Caribbean region, held in Quito, Ecuador, in June 1992,

Recognizing the important role informal regional meetings can play in promoting greater awareness of the principles and provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and of the work of the Committee, as well as in enabling the members of the Committee to acquire a deeper knowledge and better understanding of the realities in a region,

Convinced of the relevance of these meetings to meaningfully enhance international cooperation and joint efforts between the different United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and other competent bodies active in the field of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child,

Welcoming the decision of the United Nations Children's Fund to facilitate the Quito meeting in close cooperation with other United Nations bodies, and the efforts made in order to ensure its success,

Stressing the importance of the participation in such regional meetings of non-governmental organizations active in the field of the rights of the child,

1.Welcomes the opportunity given to the Committee to hold the first informal regional meeting in Quito, Ecuador;

2.Expresses its thanks to the host Government of Ecuador for the warm welcome it extended at the opening of the informal regional meeting of the Committee;

3.Recognizes the importance of such meetings to contribute to a wider promotion of the rights of the child;

4.Welcomes the possibility of holding other informal regional meetings, whenever possible on an annual basis.

2. Sources of information

The Committee on the Rights of the Child,

Recalling that, as recognized by the Third Meeting of the Persons Chairing the Human Rights Treaty Bodies, "each of the treaty bodies should have access to all of the sources of information that it feels it needs in order to be effective",

Bearing in mind the importance of the information that can be provided to the Committee by the United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and other competent bodies, in view of their experience and knowledge in the field of the rights of the child,

Reaffirming that access by the Committee to all relevant sources of information pertaining to its functions will be essential to ensure effective performance of its activities,

1.Reiterates the request addressed to the Secretary-General to establish a committee resource room for the purpose of gathering and facilitating access to the various sources of information that are indispensable for the effective functioning of the Committee;

2.Requests the Secretariat to report at the beginning of each session on the action taken pursuant to decisions adopted by the Committee at its previous sessions;

3.Also requests the Secretariat to continue to organize country files and to prepare an analytical study of available information concerning each State party whose report is to be considered by the Committee, in the light of the adopted reporting guidelines;

4.Encourages United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and other competent bodies, in order to foster the effective implementation of the Convention, to provide the Committee with relevant information concerning each State party whose report is scheduled to be considered by the Committee;

5.Expresses concern at the difficulties faced and the delay taken in expediting the implementation of the recommendations of the task force on computerization appointed by the Secretary-General with a view to increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the functioning of the treaty bodies;

6.Recognizes the high priority of the computerization of the work of the treaty-monitoring bodies and its importance to improve the reporting system and encourages the next Meeting of Persons Chairing the Human Rights Treaty Bodies to give particular consideration to this reality and envisage the adoption of adequate and urgent recommendations;

7.Decides to establish a working group among its members to consider the question of the system of information and documentation relevant to its work, including the question of computerization, in cooperation with the Centre for Human Rights, United Nations bodies and other competent bodies.

3. Public information activities

The Committee on the Rights of the Child,

Recognizing the importance of disseminating information on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its implementation with a view to creating greater awareness and a deeper understanding of its principles and provisions and to promote the full realization of children's rights,

1.Welcomes the publication of an issue of the Bulletin of Human Rights on the Rights of the Child;

2.Requests the Secretary-General to provide for, and to facilitate and encourage, the dissemination of information concerning the Convention and the work of the Committee, in particular:

(a)To consider the translation of the Convention into different languages, inter alia by issuing Fact Sheet No.10 "The Rights of the Child" in different additional languages;

(b)To consider the inclusion in the "Manual on Human Rights Reporting" of a chapter concerning the mechanism established within the framework of the Convention on the Rights of the Child;

(c)To ensure priority to the completion and issuance of the Travaux préparatoires and the Commentary on the Convention on the Rights of the Child;

(d)To consider, within the framework of the preparation and dissemination of printed information in the field of human rights, to issue a special publication designed to make the principles and provisions of the Convention widely known to children;

3.Requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the United Nations information centres or, in the countries where such information centres do not exist, the UNDP country offices, make freely available on a routine basis the documents of the Committee for general distribution, particularly the reports of the Committee, the reports submitted to the Committee by the State in whose territory the information centre is located, and the summary records relating to the examination of the reports;

4.Also requests the Secretary-General to strengthen, in the framework of the technical assistance and advisory services programme of the Centre for Human Rights, the training activities related to the implementation of the Convention, as well as the organization of seminars and workshops at the national and local level for the purpose of training those involved in the preparation of State party reports in accordance with the adopted reporting guidelines;

5.Encourages the Secretary-General to consider, within the technical assistance and advisory services programme, providing training and assistance to the national institutions acting in the field of the rights of the child;

6.Also encourages the Secretary-General to consider the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a priority matter within the fellowship programme;

7.Invites States parties to pay particular attention to the need for translating and publishing the Convention in the various local languages, as a means to ensure that the principles and provisions thereof are made widely known, by appropriate and active means, to adults and children alike.

4. Relations with other United Nations bodies and treaty bodies

The Committee on the Rights of the Child,

Recognizing the importance of ensuring effective interaction and cooperation with United Nations bodies acting in the field of the rights of the child, including the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities,

Recognizing also the need to maintain effective communication and dialogue with the other human rights bodies on common issues and problems,

Considering the need and importance of ensuring its participation in activities taking place within the United Nations framework which are of relevance to its work,

Encouraged by Commission on Human Rights resolution 1992/15 in which the Commission stressed the continuing need for consultation and exchange of information among all treaty bodies,

1.Welcomes the possibility of holding future meetings with the United Nations bodies acting in the field of the rights of the child, including each of the treaty bodies, with a view to discussing matters of mutual interest;

2.Decides to follow, as appropriate, the meetings and activities of other human rights treaty bodies, as well as other United Nations meetings relevant to its work;

3.Welcomes the holding of the meetings of persons chairing the human rights treaty bodies on a biennial basis;

4.Welcomes the opportunity to participate in the seminar of experts on appropriate indicators to measure achievements in the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights, to be held in December 1992;

5.Welcomes the opportunity to participate in the meeting of experts on the application of international standards concerning the human rights of detained juveniles, to be organized in Geneva in March 1993, following a proposal of the Secretary-General endorsed by the Sub-Commission on Prevention

of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities in its resolution 1992/25, where a wish is expressed to see the Committee on the Rights of the Child represented at the meeting of experts;

6.Expresses the hope that adequate resources will be provided to enable the Committee to develop effective communication and dialogue with other human rights bodies and to participate in United Nations meetings relevant to its work;

7.Invites special rapporteurs appointed by the Commission on Human Rights and the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and working groups established by the Commission and the Sub-Commission to take the Convention on the Rights of the Child into consideration within the framework of their respective mandates;

8.Welcomes the opportunity the second session has provided for starting a constructive and meaningful dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children on questions of common concern, namely on the question of child soldiers, and expresses its willingness to pursue this dialogue at its future sessions.

5. Fourth Meeting of persons chairing the human rights treaty bodies

The Committee on the Rights of the Child,

Recognizing the importance of contributing to the Fourth Meeting of persons chairing the human rights treaty bodies,

Bearing in mind its proceedings and decisions on issues of relevance to the agenda of such a meeting,

Decides to bring the following important issues to the attention of the Fourth Meeting of persons chairing the human rights treaty bodies:

A

The innovating experience of holding informal meetings at the regional level should be brought to the attention of the Fourth Meeting, in view of its relevance as a means to promote greater awareness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its system of implementation, and to provide the Committee with a deeper knowledge and better understanding of the realities of a region.

B

Access to all relevant sources of information pertaining to the functions of the Committee on the Rights of the Child is essential. In this framework the Committee, recognizing the high priority of the computerization of the work of the treaty-monitoring bodies, encourages the Fourth Meeting of persons chairing the human rights treaty bodies to give particular consideration to this reality and to envisage the adoption of adequate and urgent recommendations. The Committee also decides to establish a working group from among its members to consider the question of the system of information and documentation relevant to its work, including the question of computerization, in cooperation with the Centre for Human Rights, United United bodies and other competent bodies.

C

In view of the importance of disseminating information on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its monitoring mechanism in order to enhance implementation of the Convention, the Committee on the Rights of the Child:

(a)Requests the Secretary-General to make documents of the Committee classified in the general distribution category freely available, on a routine basis, in the United Nations information centres or, in the countries where centres do not exist, in the country offices of the United Nations Development Programme;

(b)Encourages the Secretary-General to consider providing training and assistance to the national institutions acting in the field of the rights of the child, within the technical assistance and advisory services programme;

D

In connection with the issue of reservations and declarations, the Committee deems it is important to recall that the Convention has introduced a holistic approach to the rights of the child, all rights being interrelated and inherent to the dignity of the child.

The Committee recognizes the relevance of handling the question of reservations and declarations in the course of the dialogue to be established with States parties when considering their periodic reports.

II. ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS

A. States parties to the Convention

1.As at 9 October 1992, the closing date of the second session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, there were 123 States parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention was adopted by the General Assembly in resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989 and opened for signature and ratification or accession in New York on 26 January 1990. It entered into force on 2 September 1990, in accordance with the provisions of its article 49. A list of States that have signed, ratified or acceded to the Convention is contained in Annex I to the present report.

2.The text of the declarations, reservations or objections made by States parties with respect to the Convention are reproduced in document CRC/C/2/Rev.1.

B. Opening and duration of the session

3.The Committee on the Rights of the Child held its second session at the United Nations Office at Geneva from 28 September to 9 October 1992. The Committee held 19 meetings (28th to 46th). An account of the Committee's deliberations at its second session is contained in the relevant summary records (CRC/C/SR.28 to 36, 38 and 39, and 41 to 46).

C. Agenda

4.At its 28th meeting, on 28 September 1992, the Committee adopted the provisional agenda submitted by the Secretary-General (CRC/C/9); the agenda of the second session, as adopted, was as follows:

1.Adoption of the agenda.

2.Filling of vacancy.

3.Solemn declaration by a newly appointed member of the Committee.

4.Review of developments relevant to the work of the Committee, including:

(a)action by the General Assembly at its forty-sixth session;

(b)action by the Commission on Human Rights at its forty-eighth session;

(c)developments in other human rights treaty monitoring bodies.

5.Preparatory activities relating to the World Conference on Human Rights.

6.Submission of reports by States parties in accordance with article 44 of the Convention.

7.System of documentation and information.

8.Matters relating to the methods of work of the Committee and the pre-sessional Working Group in respect of the consideration of reports to be submitted by States parties in accordance with article 44 of the Convention, including:

(a)consideration of the question of technical advice or assistance;

(b)consideration of the question of an informal technical advisory group.

9.Consideration of information required under each section of the reporting guidelines.

10.General discussion on "Children in armed conflicts".

11.Question of urgent appeals.

12.Future studies.

13.Future meetings.

14.Other matters.

D. Membership and attendance

5.In accordance with article 43, paragraph 7, of the Convention, and rule 14 of the Committee's provisional rules of procedure, Mrs. Maria Fátima Borges de Omena informed the Committee by letter dated 1 October 1991 of her decision to cease to function as a member of the Committee. The letter of resignation was transmitted to the Secretary-General by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations under cover of a note dated 17 December 1991. By a note dated 4 March 1992, the Secretary-General invited the Government of Brazil to appoint another expert from among its nationals to serve for the remainder of Mrs. Borges de Omena's term. Pursuant to the provisions of article 43, paragraph 7, of the Convention, the Government of Brazil, by note verbale dated 30 April 1992, informed the Secretary-General of the appointment of Mr. Antônio Carlos Gomes da Costa as an expert of the Committee on the Rights of the Child for the remainder of the said term. At its 28th meeting, the Committee approved the appointment of Mr. Gomes da Costa by secret ballot, according to rule 14 of its provisional rules of procedure.

6.All members of the Committee attended the second session. A list of the members of the Committee, together with an indication of the duration of their terms of office, appears in Annex II to the present report.

7.The following United Nations bodies were represented at the session: United Nations Development Programme, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Children's Fund.

8.The following specialized agencies were represented at the session: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, International Labour Organisation, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Health Organization.

9.The following organizations were also represented: The Hague Conference on Private International Law, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Criminal Police Organization.

10.The following non-governmental organizations were represented:

Category I:International Council of Voluntary Agencies, International Movement ATD Fourth World, Soroptimist International, World Federation of United Nations Associations, Zonta International

Category II:Defence for Children International, Friends' World Committee for Consultation, International Abolitionist Federation, International Association of Penal Law, International Catholic Child Bureau, International Federation Terre des Hommes, International Federation of Social Workers, International Federation of Women in Legal Careers, International Save the Children Alliance, including Rädda Barnen and Save the Children Fund (UK), Pathways to Peace

Roster:Institut Henry-Dunant, International Federalist Association, World Association for the School as an Instrument of Peace, World Organization against Torture

E. Solemn declaration by a member of the Committee

11.At the 29th meeting, on 28 September 1992, the newly appointed member of the Committee, Mr. Antônio Carlos Gomes da Costa (Brazil), made a solemn declaration upon assuming his duties, in accordance with rule 15 of the provisional rules of procedure.

F. Future meetings

12.The Committee discussed the question of future meetings and emphasized the importance of benefiting from at least two sessions a year, of three weeks each, as well as from pre-sessional working groups in order to face the workload deriving from the submission of the States parties reports: up to the end of the year, 57 are expected, and in 1993, 45 will become due.

13.The Committee considered a plan for its future work, according to which it would hold its pre-sessional Working Group of the Whole from 14 to 18 December 1992. It also established a tentative schedule for its meetings to be held in 1993, as follows:

Third Session11 to 29 January 1993

Pre-sessional Working Group28 June to 2 July 1993

Fourth Session20 September to 8 October 1993

Pre-sessional Working Group15 to 19 November 1993

G. Future day of general discussion

14.The Committee decided to devote a day of its fourth session to the general discussion of the topic of "Economic exploitation of the child".

III. OVERVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE

A. Review of relevant developments

15.At its first session, the Committee had requested the Secretariat to report, at the beginning of each session, on the action taken pursuant to decisions adopted by the Committee at its previous session. Accordingly, the Committee was provided with informal notes prepared by the Secretariat containing summaries of action taken by the General Assembly at its forty-sixth session, the Commission on Human Rights at its forty-eighth session, and the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities at its forty-fourth session, on the question of the rights of the child and related matters. The Committee also had before it informal notes by the Secretariat containing a compilation of international instruments relating to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and a compilation of the general comments and general recommendations adopted by the various human rights treaty bodies (HRI/GEN/1).

16.Following a decision taken at the first session, the Rapporteur made a comprehensive oral report on the developments relevant to the work of the Committee that had occurred since the preceding session. In this presentation, particular emphasis was put on action taken within the framework of the General Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights, the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, including Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups, as well as by the different treaty bodies, which were of interest for the consideration by the Committee of questions relating to its methods of work and to the study of issues of a thematic nature.

17.In view of the importance the Committee attaches to closely following and maintaining effective communication with the other human rights treaty bodies, it also considered the important developments which had occurred within these bodies through presentations made by the members of the Committee having been designated for that purpose.

18.The Committee therefore decided to maintain the consideration of this item once a year, based on the presentation by the Rapporteur and the information provided by the liaison members to the different treaty bodies. To this end, the Committee requested the Secretariat to prepare a document summarizing the important steps taken by the relevant United Nations bodies.

19.The Committee was also encouraged by the fact that, at the regional level, the different actions undertaken in the field of the promotion and protection of the rights of the child had shown the important catalyzing role the Convention had played. The Committee therefore encouraged the Secretariat to include in the document to be prepared on the developments relevant to its work a reference to the essential activities undertaken at the regional level, particularly by the intergovernmental organizations. The members of the Committee would also provide the Secretariat with relevant information of which they might be aware.

B. Submission of reports by States parties in accordance

               with article 44 of the Convention

20.In connection with this item, the Committee had before it the following documents:

Note by the Secretary-General on initial reports by States parties due in 1992 (CRC/C/3)

Note by the Secretary-General on initial reports by States parties due in 1993 (CRC/C/8)

21.The representative of the Secretary-General provided information on the present status of submission of reports. A list of States parties, with an indication of the status of submission of reports, is to be found in Annex III to the present report.

22.The Committee welcomed the fact that some reports had already been submitted by States parties; this showed a political willingness to establish a meaningful dialogue with the Committee.

23.During the discussion, 57 members of the Committee stressed that 57 initial reports would be due at the end of 1992; it was therefore necessary to adopt adequate measures to enable the Committee to deal with such a heavy workload. They expressed the hope that this would receive due consideration during the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention, scheduled to be held on 11 November 1992, in order to determine the duration of the future sessions of the Committee.

24.The Committee emphasized the importance it attached to the timely submission of States parties' reports in accordance with article 44 of the Convention.

25.The Committee was encouraged by the fact that such an unprecedented number of States had ratified or acceded to the Convention, and that the general guidelines regarding the form and content of initial reports (CRC/C/5), as well as the consolidated guidelines on the "Core document" on information of a general character (HRI/CORE/1) had been sent to those States. The Committee reiterated the need to encourage States parties to prepare their initial reports on a timely basis and following the adopted guidelines. It recalled that the process of reporting should be an important occasion for conducting a comprehensive review of the various measures undertaken for monitoring progress made in the enjoyment of the rights set forth in the Convention, and that this process should encourage and facilitate popular participation and public scrutiny of government policies.

26.It was recalled that, in accordance with rule 67 of its provisional rules of procedure, the Committee shall, in the case of non-submission of reports, transmit to the States parties concerned a reminder about the submission of such reports. The Secretariat was requested to remind Permanent Missions of States parties whose reports had become due during the current session but had not been submitted in time, of their reporting obligations under the Convention.

C. System of documentation and information

1. Sources of information

27.The Secretariat had been requested to provide the Committee with information concerning the establishment of a Committee resource room, the developments which have occurred in the field of computerization of documentation of monitoring treaty bodies, as well as on the availability of documents of the Committee for general distribution.

28.With regard to the request for the establishment of a resource room for the purpose of facilitating access to the various sources of information necessary for the effective functioning of the Committee, members of the Committee were informed of current difficulties, including the lack of space and resources, faced by the Centre for Human Rights in this connection. Stressing the need for such a resource room where documentation from the various United Nations human rights organs, including the treaty bodies, could be kept and consulted by members of those bodies, the Committee expressed the hope that the Centre would give this matter the priority consideration it deserved.

29.The Committee was also briefed about developments relating to the establishment of a computerized database and was informed that Member States of the United Nations, in particular those which were parties to United Nations human rights instruments, had been invited to make generous voluntary contributions to cover the initial cost of installing the database. The Committee reiterated the need for the prompt establishment in the Centre for Human Rights of such a computerized database, which would greatly contribute to increase the efficiency of the treaty bodies. It noted with regret the slow pace of the computerization and the fact that, at the present stage, the appeal to Member States to contribute to the installation of the database was far from having achieved its goal. The Committee recommended that the question be considered as a matter of high priority at the fourth meeting of persons chairing the human rights treaty bodies, to be held from 12 to 16 October 1992. It was stressed that the Committee should endeavour to identify its specific needs and the various sources of information which would be of direct relevance to its work. The importance of selecting a computerized system which would be compatible with already existing information systems within specialized agencies or regional and non-governmental organizations was also emphasized.

30.The Committee visited the International Labour Office, where it had a working session in order to familiarize itself with the computerized system used by that agency: this meeting enabled a positive exchange of views on the possibilities afforded by such a system, in order to get updated information on the reality of each country, namely at the level of national legislation, and on the important steps taken by the ILO within the framework of its mandate. The Committee emphasized the importance of maintaining close cooperation with United Nations bodies and other competent bodies in the field of human rights in order to establish a computerized network of information. It also favoured the establishment of a working group among its members to consider this important area of a system of information and documentation relevant to its work, including the question of computerization.

31.As regards the question of the availability of the documents of the Committee in the United Nations information centres, the Committee was informed that the meetings of heads of such centres and the Bulletin issued thereon had been used to alert the centres about the availability and accessibility of treaty body documents. The Committee emphasized that it was important to ensure free availability of documents for general distribution at the country level. United Nations information centres were essential for this purpose, but in those countries where such centres do not exist it would be important to be able to take advantage of the network of UNDP country offices.

2. Question of indicators

32.The Committee expressed the view that the use of appropriate indicators could contribute to a better assessment of how the rights covered by the Convention were guaranteed and implemented and to an evaluation of progress achieved over time towards the full realization of those rights. It was stressed that the Convention covered a whole range of civil, political, as well as economic, social and cultural rights and that there was therefore a need for a right-by-right approach in order to determine what kind of indicators would be relevant for each of the rights set out in the Convention. Indicators constituted an important component offering the Committee the possibility to assess the progress achieved by States parties. However, indicators were not entirely sufficient to ensure such a possibility, mainly when there was a need to emphasize how the rights set forth in the Convention were individually enjoyed. Indicators should meet some basic requirements such as validity, objectivity, sensitivity, comparability, accuracy and disaggregation. It was said that the Committee should benefit from the experience acquired in the collection of statistical data and use of indicators by the United Nations Children's Fund, various United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations. The Committee welcomed the convening, in December 1992, of the Seminar of experts on appropriate indicators to measure achievements in the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights, in which it would participate, and expressed the hope that this seminar would contribute to determining how best to incorporate the use of indicators into the monitoring activities of the Committee.

D. Matters relating to the methods of work of the Committee

1. Independence of experts

33.Members of the Committee emphasized the importance of the question of the independence of experts. They recalled the provision of the Convention which states that members shall serve in their personal capacity; they reaffirmed that their mandate derives from the provisions and principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and that the Committee members are solely accountable to the children of the world. It was pointed out that, although elected by States parties' representatives, members do not represent their country, Government or any other organization to which they may belong. In view of the relevance of this consideration, and in order to ensure the principle of impartiality, the members of the Committee reiterated the desirability of not participating in the Committee's discussions during the examination of the reports submitted by their own Governments. They also recognized that, when acting in the framework of the rights of the child, there is a need to clearly distinguish between their personal or professional role and their role as members of the Committee.

2. First informal regional meeting

34.Following a decision taken by the Committee at its first session, a first informal regional consultation of the Committee for the Latin American and Caribbean region was held in Quito, from 1 to 5 June 1992. The purposes of the meeting, which was organized by UNICEF with the cooperation of the Centre for Human Rights and support and assistance from United Nations agencies and bodies and other competent bodies active in the field of the rights of the child, were: (a) to provide an opportunity to promote, at the regional level, a greater awareness of the principles and provisions of the Convention and of the role and functions of the Committee in monitoring the implementation of the rights of the child; (b) to enhance international cooperation and joint efforts between the various bodies and bodies which have a role in the implementation of the rights recognized by the Convention; and (c) to enable members of the Committee to acquire a better knowledge and understanding of realities through directly observing in situ the actual situation of children in the region.

35.Members of the Committee were extensively briefed about the economic and political situation in Latin America and the Caribbean as it affects the living conditions and rights of children. Various themes relating to the situation of children were discussed, including health and nutrition, education, child labour, refugee children and the legislative status of minors. The availability of advisory services and technical assistance in the field of human rights was also reviewed. Information was provided on national programmes of action elaborated by Governments in response to the World Summit for Children. A round-table discussion took place with the participation of various non-governmental organizations active in the field of the rights of the child. Children representing children's organizations also participated in the debate and outlined some of the problems they were facing. Field trips to different parts of the country gave members of the Committee the opportunity to visit various community projects in the field of health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, as well as projects relating to street children.

36.In assessing the results of the meeting, the Committee expressed its gratitude to UNICEF and to the Government of Ecuador and considered that the objectives of the consultation had been fully achieved. The wide coverage of the meeting by local, national and regional mass media had provided an opportunity for a great mobilization of public opinion in favour of the rights of the child. The meeting had also been the occasion for a valuable exchange of views between Committee members and intergovernmental and non-governmental bodies on how best to secure cooperation and dialogue among all the various bodies concerned with the promotion and protection of the rights of the child. Finally, the regional meeting had enabled Committee members to observe and assess the situation of children in the region through direct contacts with children and their living environment, which had shed light on factors and difficulties encountered and progress achieved in practice in implementing the rights recognized in the Convention.

37.Taking into account the positive results of this first informal regional consultation, the Committee expressed the hope that similar informal meetings would be organized in the future in other regions and that they would become a regular feature of its activities.

3. Country files

38.The Committee reiterated the importance of maintaining files of information on each State party, and requested the Secretariat to continue organizing country files on each State party whose report is due to be considered by the Committee. The country files should include relevant material compiled from reports submitted by the State party to other treaty bodies, relevant reports submitted to the Commission on Human Rights, the

Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. The same would apply to the material received from the specialized agencies, UNICEF and other United Nations bodies and competent bodies; to this purpose the Committee recognized the need to inform these bodies in advance of the schedule of consideration of States parties' reports.

4. Pre-sessional working group

39.The Committee agreed that States parties' reports would be primarily reviewed in a pre-sessional working group, to be held approximately two months to six weeks prior to the convening of each session, where the main questions that would need to be further discussed with representatives of the reporting States would be identified. The Committee highlighted the need for establishing an informal technical advisory group where United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and other competent bodies would be represented, in order to assist the Committee in its tasks, in the spirit of article 45 of the Convention. The purpose of this procedure would be to increase the efficiency of the reporting process and facilitate the task of States parties by providing them in advance with a list of the main issues which might be raised during the consideration of their reports.

5. Examination of reports and concluding observations

40.The Committee decided to devote at least two meetings to each State party's report. It expressed the hope that the reporting States would send high-level representatives to attend those meetings, in order to enable an effective and constructive dialogue to take place between the States parties and the Committee, in the light of rule 68 of the provisional rules of procedure.

41.The Committee decided that it would issue, at the end of the consideration of each report, concluding observations reflecting the main points of discussion and indicating issues that would require a specific follow-up. These concluding observations would serve as a starting point for the periodic reports to be submitted by States parties at a later stage.

42.The Committee emphasized the importance of providing the State party, following the examination of its report, with an authoritative statement conveying the views of the Committee on the implementation of the Convention by that State party. It recalled, in that perspective, the recent procedure followed by the Human Rights Committee to ensure that the concluding observations would follow a common structure, including an introduction of a general nature, a chapter on progress achieved, another on factors and difficulties impeding the application of the Convention, one on the principal subjects of concern, and a final one including suggestions and recommendations to be addressed to the State party.

6. Advisory services

43.The Committee considered the different activities developed within this programme, as well as the opportunities it provided in order to reinforce the awareness and implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Committee recalled the opportunity it would be given, following the examination of States parties reports, to make concrete suggestions and proposals for specific activities to be considered and implemented by the technical assistance and advisory services programme. In this regard, reference was made to the need to ensure an evaluation of such implementation and activities.

44.Members of the Committee reiterated the importance of the technical assistance and advisory services programme in relation to the rights of the child; they stressed the necessity to increase awareness among States parties that might face difficulties in the preparation and submission of reports or in the implementation of the Convention on the availability of this programme, and the possibility to obtain from it adequate support for the implementation of the Convention.

7. Technical assistance or advice

45.The exchange of views established with the different United Nations bodies and other competent bodies provided the Committee with information on important programmes set up at the country and regional levels in relation to the rights of the child. It was clear that the Convention had become a basic framework and focal point when planning and implementing such programmes. Moreover, the indivisibility of the rights of the child had given way to an interaction between different agencies and competent bodies when considering programmes of technical assistance, either at the level of implementation or in the field of advocacy and training. Such activities would not only assist in the dissemination of information on the Convention but also raise awareness in this regard at the national and local community levels.

46.In the course of the discussion, it became clear that a common concern existed on the need to orient all these actions in order to build and develop a capacity at the national level to deal with the rights of the child.

Particular interest was paid to the system of evaluation and follow-up of the launched programmes of technical assistance and advice, the Committee having been informed on the practice followed by United Nations bodies.

E. Preparatory activities relating to

the World Conference on Human Rights

47.The Chairperson summerized developments that had taken place in this regard since the previous session: she referred to the main steps taken in the course of the second (30 March-10 April 1992) and third (14-18 September 1992) sessions of the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference, it had been agreed to convene the World Conference in Vienna, Austria, from 14 to 25 June 1993. She informed the Committee of regional meetings which were to be held in Tunis (2 to 6 November 1992), San José (30 November to 4 December 1992) and Bangkok (at the beginning of 1993), and indicated that the fourth session of the Preparatory Committee would be held from 22 March to 2 April 1993. The Chairperson underlined the difficulties faced during the preparatory process, in particular with regard to the inclusion of specific items in the provisional agenda for the World Conference. With respect to the role and contribution of the human rights treaty bodies to the work of the Conference, the Chairperson referred to the provisions of rule 65 of the draft rules of procedure for the World Conference, according to which the chairperson or other designated members of human rights treaty bodies may participate as observers in the deliberations of the Conference.

48.The Committee endorsed the suggestion presented to the Fourth Meeting of persons chairing the human rights treaty bodies, aiming at the establishment of a special working group during the deliberations of the Preparatory Committee and the World Conference itself, to examine the issues relevant to the implementation of existing human rights standards and instruments, evaluate the effectiveness of United Nations methods and mechanisms, and formulate concrete recommendations for improving their effectiveness. It was noted that the treaty bodies could communicate their experiences and recommendations to the World Conference through specific contributions to be presented to the fourth session of the Preparatory Committee. The members recalled that they had recommended, at their previous session, the inclusion of an item on the agenda of the World Conference which would specifically discuss the issue of the rights of the child, as well as the convening of a meeting of members of human rights treaty bodies, as part of the preparatory process, in order to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of the work of those bodies with a view to making recommendations for the improvement of their functioning (recommendation 5). The Committee expressed satisfaction at the inclusion, in the provisional agenda for the forthcoming Fourth Meeting of persons chairing the treaty bodies, of the consideration of the question of comments and recommendations to the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference on human rights.

F. Contribution to the Fourth Meeting of persons chairing the human

    rights treaty bodies: Question of reservations and declarations

49.The Committee had before it the list of reservations, declarations and objections made to the Convention (CRC/C/2/Rev.l), as well as an informal note prepared by the Secretariat on the question of reservations made by States parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, following a request made by the Committee at its first session. Members of the Committee stressed the importance of contributing to the Meeting of persons chairing the human rights treaty bodies and expressed the view that the question of reservations and declarations was an issue of common concern and interest to those bodies.

50.The Committee emphasized that the unprecedented number of States that had so rapidly ratified or adhered to the Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly illustrated the universal support for the principles enshrined therein and the political will and commitment of States parties to implement its provisions.

51.It was noted that some of the reservations and declarations made to the Convention contributed to reinforce the standards it set forth. Such was the case, for example, of reservations and declarations entered by some States parties to the provisions of article 38, by which those States are raising the minimum age of recruitment into the armed forces. Some reservations and declarations, on the other hand, could express a restrictive interpretation of the provisions of the Convention. The Committee recognized the need to keep as its primary consideration the spirit of understanding and consensus deriving from the Convention, and not to refer to the question of reservations and declarations as a dividing factor which would undermine this spirit.

52.It was also stressed that the Convention had introduced a holistic approach to the rights of the child, which were all interrelated. The fact that each right was fundamental to the dignity of the child and had an impact on the enjoyment of other rights was to be taken into consideration in dealing with the issue of reservations and declarations.

53.The Committee recognized the importance of tackling the question of reservations and declarations in the course of its consideration of reports submitted by States parties. In its dialogue with the reporting States, it should encourage those who had entered reservations and declarations to consider whether such reservations and declarations were still needed or could eventually be withdrawn. States parties should also be requested to provide the Committee with information on the way in which reservations and declarations they had entered were reflected and applied in their national legislations, taking into account the fact that in all actions concerning children the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.

G. Urgent action procedure

54.The Committee had before it a discussion paper prepared by one of its members. The Committee emphasized the importance of urgent procedures within the framework of its activities as a treaty body, and the need for establishing some criteria to be taken into consideration when an urgent action is envisaged. It recognized in this framework that urgent actions would only be considered by the Committee in cases relating to the rights of the child set forth in the Convention. Moreover, they would only be taken up when occurring under the jurisdiction of a State party to the Convention.

55.In order to ascertain in which cases such a procedure would apply, the Committee emphasized that the situation should be serious, i.e. there would be a risk that further violations might occur, and a deterioration of the situation should be prevented. It was underlined that any decision to deal with the situation without delay should be taken up in the spirit of dialogue which is to prevail in the relations between the Committee and the States parties to the Convention, and not in an accusatory approach. Thus, it should be based on the merits of the specific situation and not pursued for political motivations. The situations justifying the urgent procedure would either be brought to the attention of the Committee by United Nations bodies and other competent bodies, or taken up ex officio by the Committee. It would rely on accurate and credible information. The Committee would therefore consider such reliable information and assess whether the criteria for an urgent procedure are met. If this is the case, the Committee would transmit it to the State party concerned.

56.The Committee emphasized that it considered the urgent procedure as a part of the reporting process established by the Convention. It recalled that, in light of article 44, when an urgent action is taken up and addressed to a particular State party, the Committee may envisage requesting from the State party concerned a report on the implementation of specific provisions of the Convention or additional information relevant to the implementation of the Convention. The Committee may also suggest a visit to the country concerned.

Both initiatives are intended to enable the State party to provide the Committee with a comprehensive understanding of the implementation of the Convention, particularly of those provisions where a specific concern was expressed.

57.The Committee emphasized the importance for such urgent actions to be given publicity, namely by their inclusion in the reports of the Committee. It also recalled the relevance of this procedure in the framework of the action of other treaty bodies. It was therefore suggested that whenever the urgent and serious cases taken up by the Committee would be of relevance to the sphere of competence of any other treaty body, they would be brought to the consideration of that same body.

58.Moreover, in view of the fact that the Meeting of persons chairing the human rights treaty bodies would soon take place, the Committee recommended that this important initiative be brought to its attention. Finally, reiterating the importance of maintaining an effective dialogue and cooperation with other human rights bodies, the Committee decided to inform these bodies of the urgent and serious cases it had considered.

H. Future studies

59.The Committee recalled that, at its previous session, it had envisaged the possibility to request, in accordance with the provisions of article 45 (c) of the Convention, the undertaking on its behalf of studies on specific issues relating to the rights of the child, and to address such requests either to the Secretary-General, through the General Assembly, or to other bodies, including specialized agencies, UNICEF and other competent bodies. Such studies would contribute to an increased awareness and better understanding of the provisions of the Convention and their implementation throughout the world.

60.During the discussion, various topics were suggested as possible themes for future studies. The important contribution that United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and other competent bodies, including research institutes and individual experts, could provide in this regard was emphasized, as was the role of catalyst that the Committee could play in developing the agenda for research and study on the rights of the child at the international level. The Committee recognized the importance of being aware of studies relevant to its work already carried out or envisaged by various organizations and bodies. To that end, the Committee recommended that a list of topics to which it attached particular interest should be transmitted to those same organizations and bodies. At the same time, the Committee recognized the importance of this system in facilitating the organization of a bibliographical network concerning the rights of the child. It therefore suggested that the Secretariat also be entrusted with this task.

I. General discussion on children in armed conflicts

61.At its first session, the Committee decided to include a specific provision in its rules of procedure on the organization, in one or more meetings of its regular sessions, of a general discussion on one specific article of the Convention on the Rights of the Child or a related subject, as a means to enhance a deeper understanding of the contents of this international instrument (rule 75). At that time, the Committee decided to devote a day of its second session to the consideration of the topic "Children in armed conflicts".

62.The decision to consider this topic was based on:

(a) The outstanding importance of this issue in the context of the promotion and protection of children's rights and the role the Convention can play in that respect;

(b) The fact that, in recent years, a growing number of conflicts are occurring (more than 150 since the Second World War), using more sophisticated and brutal weapons and fighting methods, affecting a growing number of civilians, particularly children;

(c) The urgency of creating awareness, raising concern and encouraging adequate action;

(d) The need to underline the complexity of the question of children in armed conflicts, which should not be simply reduced to the consideration of a single provision of the Convention, namely article 38.

63.In the consideration of the topic in light of the relevant provisions of the Convention, concerns of a different nature might be raised. Among them:

(a) the relevance and adequacy of existing international instruments, including international humanitarian law, and the advisability of envisaging new standard-setting activities;

(b) the need to reinforce the adoption of preventive measures, designed either to prevent conflicts or to prevent children from taking direct or indirect part in the hostilities or suffering its effects;

(c) the need to ensure an effective protection of children in a period of armed conflict, in the overall framework of the realization of all the rights of the child, inherent to his or her dignity and essential to the full and harmonious development of his or her personality;

(d) the need to ensure the promotion of the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of any child victim of, or affected by, an armed conflict, in an environment which fosters the health, self-respect and dignity of the child.

64.The Committee devoted its 38th and 39th meetings, on 5 October 1992, to a general discussion on Children in armed conflicts. The following organizations participated in the debate: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Health Organization, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Children's Fund, International Committee of the Red Cross, Friends' World Committee for Consultation, Institut Henri-Dunant, International Catholic Child Bureau, International Council of Voluntary Agencies and International Save the Children Alliance, including Rädda Barnen and Save the Children Fund UK. The Committee also had on this occasion the opportunity to establish a dialogue with Mr. Vitit Muntarbhorn, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the Sale of Children.

1. Relevance and adequacy of existing standards

65.Reference was made to the different provisions applicable in the framework of children in armed conflicts, including the four Geneva Conventions, the additional Protocols, the Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Periods of Emergency and Armed Conflicts, the Declaration on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Mention was also made of other United Nations standards, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and General Comment 17 adopted by the Human Rights Committee on article 24 of that Covenant.

66.It was pointed out that there were some situations in which children did not benefit from the protection of existing standards, as was very often the case in internal strife. There was therefore a need to consider a set of minimum humanitarian standards to be applicable in all situations to all children, without discrimination, in a period of armed conflict, thus filling any possible existing gaps.

67.When basing the consideration of the question of children in armed conflicts on the Convention itself, it was recalled that States parties have undertaken to respect and ensure all the rights set forth therein to all children within their jurisdiction (art. 2). States parties have also made a commitment to adopt all appropriate measures in order to achieve such a purpose (art. 4) and that, in all actions taken, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration (art. 3). None of these general provisions admit a derogation in time of war or emergency.

68.It was further recalled that the Convention, under its article 41, invites States parties to always apply the norms which are more conducive to the realization of the rights of the child, contained either in applicable international law or in national legislation. Finally, attention was drawn to the fact that States parties may also make declarations when ratifying or acceding to the Convention, expressing their commitment before the international community to apply more conducive standards than those directly deriving from the Convention, namely by not recruiting children under 18 years of age into the armed forces.

69.This framework led to the consideration of different needed actions: (a) ratification of, or accession to, existing relevant international instruments; (b) effective implementation of such standards; and (c) improvement of the existing normative framework.

2. Reinforcement of preventive measures

70.General measures designed to prevent the occurrence of conflicts were discussed. Emphasis was put on the role which education can play:

(a) Education in a spirit of understanding, solidarity and peace, as a general and continuous process, as reflected in article 29 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child;

(b) Education and training for the military and for groups working with and for children;

(c) Education and dissemination of information specifically for children.

Attention was also drawn to the need for creating awareness of the political grounds for the existence of conflicts; such an attitude may contribute to the consideration of solutions of mediation or conciliation designed to prevent the conflict or attenuate its effects.

71.Importance was also given to the question of arms expenditures, the sale of arms and the advisability of considering an adequate monitoring mechanism of this reality. As a general preventive measure, reference was also made to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, which could contribute to the prevention of future use of violence.

72.Specific preventive measures designed to prevent the involvement of children in armed conflicts were also discussed: mention was made of the interdiction of recruitment into the armed forces under a certain age, as well as of the adoption of measures ensuring that children will not take part in hostilities or suffer their effects.

3. Ensuring an effective protection to children in

 situations of armed conflict

73.It was recalled that, apart from article 38, the overall framework of the realization of the rights of the child set forth by the Convention should be ensured; this framework was very often also reflected in the provisions of humanitarian law. Among these, reference was made to the importance of: protecting the family environment; ensuring the provision of essential care and assistance; ensuring access to health, food and education; prohibiting torture, abuse or neglect; prohibiting the death penalty; and the need to preserve the children's cultural environment, as well as the need of protection in situations of deprivation of liberty. Particular emphasis was also put on the need to ensure humanitarian assistance and relief and humanitarian access to children in situations of armed conflict. In this respect, special attention was paid to important measures, such as days of tranquility and corridors of peace.

                  4. Promotion of physical and psychological

                      recovery and social reintegration

74.Consideration was particularly given to article 39 of the Convention: different experiences and programmes were brought to the attention of the Committee, underlying the need for resources and goods (namely, food and medicine). Moreover, emphasis was put on the need to consider a coherent plan for recovery and reintegration, to be planned and implemented in a combined effort by United Nations bodies and non-governmental organizations. Attention should be paid to (a) the implementation and monitoring of adequate strategies and (b) the need to reinforce the involvement of the family and the local community in this process.

5. Follow-up to the general discussion

75.In view of the different contributions made and the problems considered, the Committee recognized that there was a need for a continuous response to the outstanding and complex question of children in armed conflicts, in the framework of its mandate. It therefore envisaged different measures which it could take to face this problem:

(a) Development of more specific guidelines for the implementation of the more relevant provisions, namely articles 38 and 39;

(b) Drafting of a set of recommendations;

 (c)Consideration of a preliminary general comment;

(d)Realization of general studies on certain aspects of the problem;

(e)Preliminary drafting of a future optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child raising the age of recruitment of children into the armed forces to 18 years of age.

76.To consider these different measures, in the light of the general discussion the Committee decided to establish a working group composed of some of its members, entrusted with the task of submitting final proposals at the next regular session of the Committee, scheduled for January 1993.

77.Furthermore, the Committee highlighted that, in the task of examining States parties reports, it could envisage:

(a) Welcoming the declaration made by some States parties on the decision they had taken not to recruit children under the age of 18 years;

(b) Emphasizing the need for information on the legislation and practice of States parties, as far as the application of article 38 is concerned;

(c) Seeking information, in light of article 41, on whether the most conducive norms are applied, or encouraging the adoption of more protective provisions at the national level;

(d) Encouraging States parties to consider, when recruitment into the armed forces is admitted under the age of 18 years, how this situation takes the best interests of the child as a primary consideration;

(e) Emphasizing and encouraging States parties to consider, in their continuous process of monitoring progress, whether all necessary and appropriate measures have been adopted to ensure the full realization of the rights of the child, to all children under their jurisdiction.

IV. DRAFT PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE THIRD SESSION

78.The draft provisional agenda for the third session of the Committee reads as follows:

1.Adoption of the agenda.

2.Information by the Secretariat on the action taken pursuant to decisions adopted by the Committee.

3.Submission of reports by States parties in accordance with article 44 of the Convention.

4.Report on the fourth meeting of persons chairing the human rights bodies.

5.Preparatory activities relating to the World Conference on Human Rights.

6.Report on the Seminar on indicators.

7.Report on the follow-up to be made to the general discussion on "Children in armed conflicts".

8.Methods of work of the Committee.

9.System of documentation and information.

10.Future studies.

11.Consideration of State party reports.

12.Future meetings.

13.Other matters.

14.Adoption of the report.

V. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT

79. At its 45th and 46th meetings, held on 8 and 9 October 1992, the Committee considered the draft report on its second session. The report, as amended during the course of the discussion, was unanimously adopted by the Committee.

ANNEX I

States which have ratified or acceded to

the Convention on the Rights of the Child

as at 29 September 1992 (123)

States Date of signatureDate of receipt of Date of entry

instrument of rati- into force

fication/accession

Albania26January199027February199228March1992

Angola14February199005December199004January1991

Argentina29June199004December199003January1991

Australia22August199017December199016January1991

Austria26 January199006August199205 September1992

Azerbaijan13August1992a/12September1992

Bahamas30October199020February199122March1991

Bahrain13February1992a/14March1992

Bangladesh26January199003August199002September1990

Barbados19April199009October199008November1990

Belarus 26January199001October199031October 1990

Belgium26January199016December199115January1992

Belize02March199002May199002September1990

Benin25April199003August199002September1990

Bhutan04June199001August199002September1990

Bolivia08March199026June199002September1990

Brazil26January199024September 199024October1990

Bulgaria31May199003June199103July1991

Burkina Faso26January199031August199030September1990

Burundi08May199019October199018November1990

Canada28May199013December199112January1992

Cape Verde04June1992a/04July1992

Central African

 Rep.30July199023April199223May1992

Chad30September 199002October199001November1990

Chile26January199013August199012September1990

China29August199002March199201April1992

Colombia26January199028January199127February1991

Costa Rica26January199021August199020September1990

Côte d'Ivoire26January199004February199106March1991

Cuba26January199021August199120September1991

Cyprus05October199007February199109March1991

Czech & Slovak

 Fed. Rep.30September 199007January199106February1991

Dem. People's

 Rep. of Korea23August199021September 199021October1990

Denmark26January199019July199118August1991

Djibouti30September 199006December199005January1991

Dominica26January199013March199112April1991

     a/ Accession

States Date of signatureDate of receipt of Date of entry

instrument of rati- into force

fication/accession

Dominican Republic08August199011June199111July 1991

Ecuador26January199023March199002September 1990

Egypt05February199006July199002September 1990

El Salvador26January199010July199002September 1990

Equatorial Guinea15June1992a/15July 1992

Estonia21October1991a/20November 1991

Ethiopia14May1991a/13June 1991

Finland26January199020June199120July 1991

France26January199007August199006September 1990

Gambia05February199008August199007September 1990

Germany26January199006March199205April 1992

Ghana29January199005February199002September 1990

Grenada21February199005November199005December 1990

Guatemala26January199006June199002September 1990

Guinea13July1990a/02September 1990

Guinea Bissau26January199020August199019September 1990

Guyana30September 199014January199113February 1991

Holy See20April199020April199002September 1990

Honduras31May199010August199009September 1990

Hungary14March199007October199106November 1991

Indonesia26January199005Septemberl99005October 1990

Ireland30September 199028September199228October 1992

Israel03July199003October199102November 1991

Italy26January199005September199105October 1991

Jamaica26January199014May199113June 1991

Jordan29August199024May199123June 1991

Kenya26January199030July199002September 1990

Kuwait07June199021October199120November 1991

Lao People's

 Dem. Rep.08May1991a/ 07 June 1991

Latvia14April1992a/14May 1992

Lebanon26January199014May199113June 1991

Lesotho21August199010March199209April 1992

Lithuania31January1992a/01March 1992

Madagascar19April199019March199118April 1991

Malawi02January1991a/01February 1991

Maldives21August199011February199113March 1991

Mali26January199020September199020October 1990

Malta26January199030September199030October 1990

Mauritania26January199016May199115June 1991

Mauritius26July1990a/02September 1990

Mexico26January199021September199021October 1990

Mongolia26January199005July199002September 1990

Myanmar15July1991a/14August 1991

Namibia26September 199030September199030October 1990

Nepal26September 199014September199014October 1990

Nicaragua06February199005October199004November 1990

Niger26January199030September199030October 1990

Nigeria26January199019April199119May 1991

States Date of signatureDate of receipt of Date of entry

instrument of rati- into force

fication/accession

Norway26January199008January199107February 1991

Pakistan20September 199012November199012December 1990

Panama26January199012December199011January 1991

Paraguay04April199025September199025October 1990

Peru26January199004September199004October 1990

Philippines26January199021August199020September 1990

Poland26January199007June199107July 1991

Portugal26January199021September199021October 1990

Republic of Korea25September 199020November199120December 1991

Romania26January199028September199028October 1990

Russian Federation 26January199016August199015September 1990

Rwanda26January199024January199123February 1991

Saint Kitts

 and Nevis26January199024July199002September 1990

San Marino25November1991a/25December 1991

Sao Tomé and

 Principe14May1991a/13June 1991

Senegal26January199031July199002September 1990

Seychelles07Septemberl990a/07October 1990

Sierra Leone13February199018June199002September 1990

Slovenia06July1992*/05August 1992

Spain26January199006December199005January 1991

Sri Lanka26January199012July199111August 1991

Sudan24July199003August199002September 1990

Sweden26January199029June199002September 1990

Thailand27March1992a/26April 1992

Togo26January199001August199002September 1990

Trinidad and Tobago30September 199005December199104January 1992

Tunisia26February199030January199229February 1992

Uganda17August199017August199016September 1990

Ukraine 21February199128August199127September 1991

United Kingdom of

 Great Britain

 and Northern

 Ireland 19April199016December199115January 1992

United Rep. of

 Tanzania01June199010June199110July 1991

Uruguay26January199020November199020December 1990

Venezuela26January199013September199013October 1990

Viet Nam26January199028February199002September 1990

Yemen13February199001May199131May 1991

Yugoslavia26January199003January199102February 1991

Zaire20March199027September199027October 1990

Zambia30September 199005December199105January 1992

Zimbabwe08March199011Septemberl99011October 1990

     * Succession

ANNEX II

COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

Membership

Name of MemberCountry of Nationality

Mrs. Hoda BADRAN * Egypt

Mgr. Luis A. BAMBAREN GASTELUMENDI **Peru

Mrs. Akila BELEMBAOGO **Burkina Faso

Mrs. Flora C. EUFEMIO *Philippines

Mr. Antônio Carlos GOMES DA COSTA *Brazil

Mr. Thomas HAMMARBERG **Sweden

Mr. Youri KOLOSOV **Russian Federation

Miss Sandra Prunella MASON **Barbados

Mr. Swithun Tachiona MOMBESHORA *Zimbabwe

Mrs. Marta SANTOS PAIS *Portugal

     * Term expires on 28 February 1993

    ** Term expires on 28 February 1995

ANNEX III

Status of submission of reports by States parties under article 44

of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Initial reports due in 1992

State party Date of entry Initial report Date of Symbol

 into force date due submission

Bangladesh02September199001 September 1992

Barbados08November199007 November 1992

Belarus 31October 199030 October 1992

Belize02September199001 September 1992

Benin02September199001 September 1992

Bhutan02September199001 September 1992

Bolivia02September1990 01 September 1992 14 September 1992 CRC/C/3/Add.2 Brazil24October199023 October 1992

Burkina

 Faso30September199029 September 1992

Burundi18 November 1990 17 November 1992

Chad01November199031 October 1992

Chile12September199011 September 1992

Costa Rica20September199020 September 1992

Democratic

 People's

 Republic

 of Korea21October199020 October 1992

Ecuador02September199001 September 1992

Egypt02September199001 September 1992

El Salvador02September199001 September 1992

France06September199005 September 1992

Gambia07September199006 September 1992

Ghana02September199001 September 1992

Grenada05December199004 December1992

Guatemala02September199001 September 1992

Guinea02September199001 September 1992

Guinea

 Bissau19September199018 September 1992

Holy See02September199001 September 1992

Honduras09September199008 September 1992

Indonesia05October199004 October1992

Mali20October199019 October1992

Malta30October199029 October 1992

Mauritius02September199001 September 1992

Mexico21October199020 October1992

Mongolia02September199001 September 1992

Namibia30October199029 October1992

Nepal14October199013 October1992

Nicaragua04November199003 November1992

Niger30October199029 October1992

Pakistan12December199011 December1992

Paraguay25October199024 October1992

Initial reports due in 1992 (cont.)

State party Date of entry Initial report Date of Symbol

 into force date due submission

Peru04 October199003 October1992

Philippines20 September199019 September 1992

Portugal21 October199020 October1992

Romania28 October199027 October1992

Russian

 Federation 15September199014 September 1992 16 October 1992 CRC/C/3/Add.5

Saint Kitts

 & Nevis02September199001 September 1992

Senegal02September1990 01 September 1992

Seychelles07October1990 06 October 1992

Sierra

 Leone02September1990 01 September 1992

Sudan02September1990 01 September 1992 29 September 1992 CRC/C/3/Add.3

Sweden02September1990 01 September 1992 07 September 1992 CRC/C/3/Add.1

Togo02September1990 01 September 1992

Uganda16September1990 15 September 1992

Uruguay20December1990 19 December 1992

Venezuela13October1990 12 October 1992

Viet Nam02September1990 01 September 1992 30 September 1992 CRC/C/3/Add.4

Zaire27October1990 26 October 1992

Zimbabwe11October1990 10 October 1992

Initial reports due in 1993

State party Date of entry Initial report Date of Symbol

 into force date due submission

Angola04January199103 January1993

Argentina03January199102 January 1993

Australia16January 199115 January 1993

Bahamas22March199121 March 1993

Bulgaria03July199102 July 1993

Colombia27February199126 February 1993

Côte

 d'Ivoire06March199105 March 1993

Cuba20September199119 September 1993

Cyprus09March199108 March 1993

Czech &

 Slovak

 Federal

 Republic06February199105 February 1993

Denmark18August199117 August 1993

Djibouti05January199104 January 1993

Dominica12April199111 April 1993

Dominican

 Republic11July199110 July 1993

Estonia20November199119 November 1993

Ethiopia13June199112 June 1993

Initial reports due in 1993 (cont.)

State party Date of entry Initial report Date of Symbol

 into force date due submission

Finland20July199119 July 1993

Guyana13February199112 February 1993

Hungary06November199105 November 1993

Israel02November199101 November 1993

Italy05October199104 October 1993

Jamaica13June199112 June 1993

Jordan23June199122 June 1993

Kuwait20November199119 November 1993

Lao People's

 Democratic

 Republic07June199106 June 1993

Lebanon13June199112 June 1993

Madagascar18April199117 May 1993

Malawi01February199131 January 1993

Maldives13March 199112 March 1993

Mauritania15June199114 June 1993

Myanmar14August199113 August1993

Nigeria19May199118 May1993

Norway07February199106 February1993

Panama11January199110 January1993

Poland07July199106 July1993

Republic

 of Korea20December199119 December1993

Rwanda23February199122 February1993 30 September 1992 CRC/C/8/Add.1

San Marino25December199124 December1993

Sao Tomé

 & Principe13June199112 June1993

Spain05January199104 January1993

Sri Lanka11August199110 August1993

Ukraine 27September199126 September1993

United

 Republic of

 Tanzania10July199109 July1993

Yemen31May199130 May1993

Yugoslavia02February199101 February1993

Initial reports due in 1994

State party Date of entry Initial report Date of Symbol

 into force date due submission

Albania28March199227 March1994

Austria05September199204 September1994

Azerbaijan12September199211 September1994

Bahrain14March199214 March1994

Belgium15January199214 January1994

Canada12January199211 January1994

Cape Verde04July199203 July1994

Initial reports due in 1994 (cont.)

State party Date of entry Initial report Date of Symbol

 into force date due submission

Central

 African

 Republic23May199223 May1994

China01April199231 March1994

Equatorial

 Guinea15July199214 July1994

Germany05April199204 May1994

Ireland28October199227 October1994

Kenya02September199001 September1994

Latvia14May199213 May1994

Lesotho09April199208 April1994

Lithuania01March 199228 February1994

Madagascar18April199117 May1993

Slovenia05August199205 August1994

Thailand26April199225 April1994

Trinidad

 & Tobago04January199203 January1994

Tunisia29February199228 February1994

United

 Kingdom of

 Great

 Britain and

 Northern

 Ireland15January199214 January1994

Zambia05January199204 January1994

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