General Documents Not Relating To Specific States - Annual and Sessional Reports - CRC

Recognizing the importance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the political commitment expressed towards its effective implementation by the unprecedented number of ratifications,

Recalling that the World Conference on Human Rights, in its final document, urged the universal ratification of the Convention by 1995 and its effective implementation by States parties,

Recalling also the high expectations for the effective functioning of the Committee as an essential mechanism for the implementation of the Convention,

Recognizing the importance of promoting greater awareness of the principles and provisions of the Convention, as well as of its implementation system, including the activities developed by the Committee as a treaty monitoring body,

Decides to request the Secretary-General to ensure the translation of the reports of the Committee on each of its sessions into the official languages of the United Nations.

Recalling its general discussion on the topic "Children in armed conflicts" and the recommendations adopted thereon,

Taking into consideration the serious attention paid by the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights to this question and the important resolutions adopted in this field,

Encouraged by the support expressed by the World Conference on Human Rights to the Committee's proposal that the Secretary-General initiate a study of means of improving the protection of children in armed conflicts,

Taking note of the request addressed to it by the World Conference on Human Rights to study the question of raising the minimum age of recruitment into armed forces,

Having submitted to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session the preliminary draft optional protocol the Committee had prepared on this issue at its third session (E/CN.4/1994/91),

1.Welcomes the decision of the Commission on Human Rights to establish an open-ended working group to elaborate as a matter of priority a draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to use as a basis for its discussions the preliminary draft submitted by the Committee on the Rights of the Child;

2.Decides to submit, in the light of the invitation addressed to it by the Secretary-General, its comments on this important issue, for consideration by the working group;

3.Also decides to prepare such comments in the light of the thematic general discussion it had previously held on the question of "Children in armed conflicts" and to make available to the working group the relevant chapters of its reports on this same issue.

Recalling its general discussion on "Economic exploitation of children" and the recommendations adopted thereon,

Having considered the attention paid by the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights to the question of the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and the resolutions adopted by them in this field,

Taking note of the adoption by the Commission on Human Rights of resolution 1994/90 of 9 March 1994 entitled "Need to adopt effective international measures for the prevention and eradication of the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography",

Encouraged that the Commission on Human Rights in its resolution recognized the essential value of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its effective implementation system at the national and international levels as an essential means to prevent and combat situations of sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography,

Encouraged also by the appeal to all States made in the resolution to adopt the necessary measures to eradicate more effectively the practices of the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography,

Recalling the consideration given by the Committee to General Assembly resolution 48/156 of 20 December 1993 on the same issue, as reflected in the report on the Committee's fifth session (CRC/C/24, paras. 159 - 161),

Recalling also the importance it attaches to ensuring close cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and to the various meetings held with him to exchange views on matters of common concern,

1.Takes note of the decision of the Commission on Human Rights to establish an open-ended working group responsible for elaborating, as a matter of priority, in close cooperation with the Special Rapporteur and the Committee on the Rights of the Child, guidelines for a possible draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, as well as the basic measures needed for their prevention and eradication;

2.Decides to submit, in the light of the invitation addressed to it by the Secretary-General, its comments on guidelines for a possible draft optional protocol for consideration by the working group;

3.Also decides to prepare such comments in the light of the thematic general discussion held on "Economic exploitation of children" and to make available to the working group the relevant chapters of its reports on this issue, in order to ensure that due consideration is given by the working group to the recommendations included therein;

4.Reaffirms the important framework established by the Convention on the Rights of the Child to deal with situations of sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, and in particular in order to improve the system of prevention, as well as the protection and rehabilitation of children, at the national, bilateral and multilateral levels;

5.Recalls that the World Conference on Human Rights in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action called on States to integrate the Convention on the Rights of the Child into their national action plans;

6.Stresses the decisive political commitment expressed by an unprecedented number of States to the effective implementation of the Convention;

7.Reaffirms that States parties should adopt all appropriate measures to ensure and respect the rights recognized in the Convention to each child without discrimination of any kind, the best interests of the child being their primary consideration and due weight being given to the views expressed by the child;

8.Stresses that the child affected by situations of sale, prostitution and pornography should be considered mainly as a victim and that all measures adopted should ensure full respect for his or her human dignity, as well as special protection and support within the family and society;

9.Encourages the working group, within the framework of its mandate, to consider the holistic approach of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to the fundamental rights of the children, as a continuous source of inspiration;

10.Expresses the hope that the activities developed by the Committee, in particular in the field of the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, will be given due weight by the working group.

1.As at 22 April 1994, the closing date of the sixth (special) session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, there were 158 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 texts of the declarations, reservations or objections made by States parties with respect to the Convention are reproduced in document CRC/C/2/Rev.2.

3.The Committee on the Rights of the Child held its sixth (special) session at the United Nations Office at Geneva from 5 to 22 April 1994. The convening of the special session had been decided by the Committee, in conformity with rule 3 of its provisional rules of procedure, at its fourth session, in view of the need to adopt urgent and adequate solutions to meet the high expectations created by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its implementation. The Committee held 26 meetings (131st to 156th). An account of the Committee's deliberation at its sixth session is contained in the relevant summary records (CRC/C/SR.131-137, 139-141, 143-152 and 156).

4.All members except Mrs. Sardenberg attended the sixth session. Mrs. Badran, Mgr. Bambaren Gastelumendi and Mrs. Belembaogo were unable to attend the entire 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.

5.The following United Nations bodies were also represented at the session: United Nations Children's Fund, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

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

7.The following organization was also represented: International Committee of the Red Cross.

8.In addition, the Agence de Cooperation Culturelle et Technique was represented at the session.

9.Representatives of the following non-governmental organizations were also in attendance at the session:

Category II: Defence for Children International, International Association of Penal Law, International Federation of Women Lawyers;

Others: Indigenous Peoples' Documentation Centre (DOCIP), NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, World Association for the School as an Instrument of Peace.

10.At its 131st meeting, on 5 April 1994, the Committee adopted the provisional agenda (CRC/C/25). The agenda of the sixth (special) session, as adopted, was as follows:

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

11.At the 152nd meeting on 19 April 1994, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. J. Ayala Lasso, addressed the Committee.

12.In his statement, the High Commissioner, recalling the World Conference on Human Rights held at Vienna in 1993, stressed that international cooperation and solidarity should be promoted to support the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and that such rights should be a priority in the United Nations system-wide action on human rights. The unprecedented number of States parties to the Convention made it the leading human rights instrument and was a heartening sign of the widespread commitment and political will to promote and protect the rights of the child; it brought closer the goal of universal ratification by 1995, urged by the World Conference on Human Rights.

13.The High Commissioner recognized the need for adequate solutions to meet the high expectations created by the Convention and its implementation system and to face the Committee's heavy work-load. In that regard, he assured the Committee of his full support for the expeditious and effective discharge of the Committee's mandate.

14.In accordance with the decision of the Committee at its first session, a pre-sessional working group met at Geneva from 31 January to 4 February 1994. All members except Mrs. Sardenberg participated in the working group.

15.In the course of its meetings, the pre-sessional working group examined lists of issues put before it by members of the Committee relating to the initial reports of the following six countries: Argentina, Burkina Faso, Chile, Honduras, Jordan and Norway. The lists of issues were transmitted to the respective permanent missions of the States concerned with a note which stated, inter alia, the following:

"The Committee wishes to receive, if possible before 7 March 1994, written answers to the issues raised in the list. The list is not intended to be exhaustive and it should not be interpreted as limiting or in any other way prejudging the type and range of questions which members of the Committee might wish to pose. However, the working group believes that the constructive dialogue which the Committee wishes to have with the representatives of the reporting States can be facilitated by making the list and the written answers to it available in advance of the Committee's session".

16.On the basis of a decision taken by the pre-sessional working group of the fifth session of the Committee, the working group established informal contacts with the permanent missions of States whose reports were scheduled for consideration at the forthcoming session, in order to inform them of the procedure followed by the Committee for the consideration of reports and clarify the purposes of the dialogue with representatives of the States parties.

17.The Committee considered the organization of work at its 131st meeting, on 5 April 1994. The Committee had before it the draft programme of work for the sixth session, prepared by the Secretary-General in consultation with the Chairperson of the Committee, and the report of the Committee on its fifth session (CRC/C/24).

18.The Committee noted that its seventh session would take place from 26 September to 14 October and that the pre-sessional working group for the eighth session would meet from 17 to 21 October 1994.

19.In connection with this item, the Committee had before it the following documents: (i) Notes by the Secretary-General on initial reports of States parties due in 1992 (CRC/C/3), 1993 (CRC/C/8/Rev.2), 1994 (CRC/C/11/Rev.3), and 1995 (CRC/C/28); (ii) Note by the Secretary-General on the States parties to the Convention and the status of submission of reports (CRC/C/26); (iii) Note by the Secretary-General on the follow-up to the consideration of initial reports of States parties to the Convention (CRC/C/27). The Committee was informed that, in addition to the seven reports that were scheduled for consideration by the Committee at its present session (see paras. 22-23 below) and those which had been received prior to the Committee's fifth session (see CRC/C/24, para. 18), the Secretary-General had received the initial reports of the Holy See (CRC/C/3/Add.27), Sri Lanka (CRC/C/8/Add.13) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (CRC/C/11/Add.1), as well as additional information submitted by El Salvador (CRC/C/3/Add.28) following a request made by the Committee in the course of its consideration of the initial report submitted by El Salvador (see CRC/C/20, para. 89). The Committee also took note of the fact that replies to a number of questions raised during the considerations of the initial reports of Colombia (CRC/C/8/Add.3) and Mexico (CRC/C/3/Add.11) had been sent in writing by the Governments of Colombia and Mexico. It also noted that written replies to the list of issues that had been sent to the Government of Colombia prior to the consideration of Colombia's initial report (CRC/C/8/Add.3) had been submitted to the Committee.

20.At its sixth session, the Committee examined initial reports submitted by six States parties under article 44 of the Convention. It devoted 18 of its 26 meetings to the consideration of reports (CRC/C/SR.132-137, 139-141, 143-151).

21.At the request of the Government of Argentina, the consideration of the initial report of Argentina, which was originally scheduled for the sixth session, was postponed. Consequently, the report of Burkina Faso, which had been kept "in reserve" as a possible substitute, was scheduled for consideration.

22.The following reports, listed in the order in which they had been received by the Secretary-General, were before the Committee at its sixth session: Pakistan (CRC/C/3/Add.13), France (CRC/C/3/Add.15), Honduras (CRC/C/3/Add.17), Jordan (CRC/C/8/Add.4), Chile (CRC/C/3/Add.18), Burkina Faso (CRC/C/3/Add.19) and Norway (CRC/C/8/Add.7).

23.In the course of the session, the consideration of the initial report of Honduras was postponed at the request of the Government of Honduras.

24.In accordance with rule 68 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Committee, representatives of all the reporting States were invited to attend the meetings of the Committee at which their reports were examined. All the States parties whose reports were considered by the Committee sent representatives to participate in the examination of their respective reports.

25.The following sections, arranged on a country-by-country basis according to the sequence followed by the Committee in its consideration of the report, contain concluding observations reflecting the main points of discussion and indicating, where necessary, issues that would require a specific follow-up. More detailed information is contained in the reports submitted by the States parties and in the summary records of the relevant meetings of the Committee.

26.The Committee considered the initial report of Pakistan (CRC/C/3/Add.13) at its 132nd, 133rd and 134th meetings (CRC/C/SR.132-134), held on 5 and 6 April 1994, and adopted* the following concluding observations.

27.The Committee notes the State party's early ratification of the Convention and its role as one of the six initiators of the World Summit for Children in 1990, which was essential to the promotion and protection of children's rights.

28.The Committee welcomes the fact that written responses were provided to the questions raised by the Committee before the session. It regrets that the State party report was not prepared in accordance with the guidelines on reporting.

29.On the basis of information provided in the initial report and from the dialogue ensuing from its consideration, the Committee feels that existing legislative and other measures are not sufficient to ensure the implementation of the Convention. At the same time, the Committee takes note of the statements made by the State party representative that further efforts will be made to address problems raised by the Committee. In view of this, the Committee requests that a progress report be submitted before the end of 1996.

30.The Committee welcomes the fact that a national conference was organized in December 1991 to discuss priority areas of survival, protection and development of children. It has taken note with appreciation of the "Islamabad Declaration" adopted at that conference.

31.The Committee notes with satisfaction the positive support and encouragement the Government is giving to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Decade for the Girl Child.

32.The Committee welcomes the comments made by the State party's delegation on the importance it attaches to the guidance offered by the Committee as to the steps to be taken to effectively implement the Convention with the assistance of, among others, international bodies and agencies and non-governmental organizations.

33.The Committee is aware that the rate of population growth in Pakistan is high and that almost half the population is under 18. It also notes that economic conditions have not been favourable and per capita income is

relatively low. The influx of more than 3 million refugees from Afghanistan has placed a further strain on resources. Other difficulties noted by the Committee relate to the high level of illiteracy and the existence of traditional customs and values which have delayed efforts to combat discrimination against girls.

34.The Committee is of the opinion that the broad and imprecise nature of the reservation made to the Convention raises deep concern as to its compatibility with the object and purpose of the Convention.

35.The Committee is of the view that due regard may not have been accorded in the preparation of the report to the possibility of conducting a comprehensive overview of the existing situation with regard to the realization of the rights of the child so as to provide the basis for carefully targeted strategies, including the establishment of priorities, as well as for monitoring progress made. Nor is it clear to what extent the process of reviewing the situation of children in the State party was designed to encourage and facilitate popular participation and public scrutiny of government policies.

36.The Committee also takes note of the complexities arising from the federal structure of government with regard to the delineation of responsibilities between the federal and provincial levels; the lack of administrative coordination appears to be a serious problem. Another area of concern is the lack of consistency and clarity between some of the laws and their application within and between the provinces.

37.While the Committee takes note of the State party's statement that much of the national legislation is not in contradiction with the rights of the child as contained in the Convention, it is concerned that several rights are not recognized in national law. In particular, the legislation does not appear to ensure that all children, including non-citizens, are protected by the rights guaranteed under the Convention. In addition, the Committee notes the non-compatibility of certain areas of national legislation with the provisions and principles of the Convention, including the punishment of flogging and the death penalty and life imprisonment for children below the age of 18.

38.The Committee is concerned that insufficient attention seems to have been paid to the provisions of article 4 of the Convention, namely in the field of budgetary allocations and in view of the division of responsibilities between the federal and provincial levels. The Committee notes that international agencies have questioned the present balance of resource allocations in the State party between the social and other sectors, including defence.

39.The Committee expresses its concern about the apparent low level of awareness amongst the general public, including children, and professionals as to the provisions and principles of the Convention.

40.The Committee observes that sufficient attention does not appear to have been given to the implementation of the general principles of the Convention, namely its articles 2, 3, 6 and 12, in guiding the measures to be taken to make all the rights of the child a reality.

41.The Committee is deeply concerned at the situation of girl children as regards, on the one hand, the effect of legislation in place, measures adopted, and practices and customs which serve to discriminate against girl children, such as early marriage, and, on the other hand, the insufficient attention accorded to their schooling.

42.Discrimination against disabled children is also a matter of concern to the Committee.

43.The Committee is concerned to note that national health plans appear to emphasize the training of doctors rather than nurses and other health personnel, including paramedics. Its attention has also been drawn to the apparent lack of a clear division of responsibilities between the provincial and federal levels for the development of a strong primary health-care system.

44.The Committee is seriously concerned about the effectiveness of measures to attain the goal of primary education for all, particularly for girls.

45.The Committee emphasizes that it is very much concerned about the system of administration of juvenile justice and its non-compatibility with the provisions of the Convention, including articles 37, 39 and 40, and other relevant United Nation standards in this field, namely the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty.

46.The Committee is seriously alarmed at the reports of the forced labour of children, the exploitation of child labour in the informal and agriculture sectors and the trafficking of children which have been brought to its attention.

47.The Committee expresses the firm hope that the State party will review its reservation with a view to withdrawing it.

48.While noting the information contained in the report that a review of the conformity of national legislation with the Convention has been undertaken, the Committee encourages the State party to continue to scrutinize carefully legislative and other measures at both the federal and provincial levels to ensure their full conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention, in a comprehensive and holistic manner. The hope is also expressed that, in this endeavour, the State party will take into account the Committee's concerns, particularly its recommendations with regard to the abolition of flogging and capital punishment for children under the age of 18, and that deprivation of liberty should only be used as a measure of last resort and for the shortest period of time, as well as the suggestions made in respect of the definition of the child, for instance concerning the age of criminal responsibility.

49.The Committee encourages the State party to undertake a thorough review of its national plan of action on children. It is recommended that the goals of the plan should be achieved, measurably, within a specific time-frame and that the Convention on the Rights of the Child should be fully integrated into the plan.

50.The Committee emphasizes the importance and value of setting up a coordinating mechanism with the mandate of determining priorities and regularly monitoring and evaluating progress in the implementation of the rights of the child at the federal, provincial and local levels. As a first step in this direction, the Committee suggests that the State party consider the possibility of setting up an interministerial committee or similar body with political authority to review initially and determine appropriate action to follow up on the observations made during the constructive dialogue between the State party and the Committee.

51.The best interests of the child is a guiding principle in the implementation of the Convention, including its article 4. In this connection, the Committee notes the importance, in reviewing budget allocations to the social sector, both at the federal and provincial levels, of implementing that principle and ensuring that the maximum amount of resources are made available for children's programmes.

52.In the view of the Committee, measures must be taken to make the provisions and principles of the Convention widely known among adults and children alike. To assist in these efforts, it is suggested that political, religious and community leaders be encouraged to take an active role in supporting efforts to eradicate traditional practices or customs which discriminate against children, particularly the girl child, or are harmful to the health and welfare of children. In addition, it is recommended that training about child rights should be given to relevant professional groups.

Law enforcement personnel, including police officials and judges, should be aware of the provisions of the Convention, especially those relating to the system of the administration of juvenile justice.

53.The Committee also recommends that the State party should develop awareness-raising and training programmes to combat violence against children and prevent their abuse, neglect, abandonment and ill-treatment. Such programmes should be addressed, among others, to parents, teachers and law enforcement officials. Consideration should also be given to the establishment of effective complaints procedures in such cases.

54.The Committee encourages the Government to continue taking measures to strengthen the primary health-care system. The Committee would like to see greater emphasis on family education, including family planning, and encourages the training of community health care-workers to assist in these tasks. The Committee also suggests that an outreach programme be developed at the community level to address issues relating to disabled children, in view of their particular vulnerability.

55.In line with international recommendations, the Committee wishes to emphasize the importance of focusing attention on improving the provision and quality of education, especially in view of its potential benefit for addressing various concerns, including the situation of girls and the incidence of children at work. The Committee encourages the Government to consider taking active and urgent measures to tackle the problems of the low enrolment of girls in school, the high incidence of school drop-out, and illiteracy, especially of girls and women. Attention is drawn to the possibility of benefiting from the activities of women's groups to improve access to education for girls at the community level.

56.The Committee suggests that the system of the administration of juvenile justice be reviewed to ensure its compatibility with the provisions and principles of the Convention. Technical advice and assistance in this regard could be sought from the programme of advisory services and technical assistance of the Centre for Human Rights.

57.The Committee recommends that the State party evaluate thoroughly the adequacy of measures taken to deal with issues of the exploitation of children. In the light of the legislation recently adopted in this area, namely the Employment of Children Act and the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, as well as the conclusions of the Asian Regional Seminar on Children in Bondage, held at Islamabad, the Committee would like to emphasize the importance of measures to be taken for their enforcement, particularly through the establishment of complaints and inspection procedures and vigilance committees. A rehabilitation programme for children released from bonded labour is also recommended. The Committee also recommends that greater attention be given to the issues of the employment of children in the informal sector and in agriculture and that measures be taken to address these issues. The Committee believes that technical advice, particularly from the ILO, may be appropriate with regard to these matters.

58.The Committee acknowledges the willingness the State party has shown for many years to accept refugees, particularly from neighbouring countries, and expresses the hope that the Federal Government will continue to grant refugee status to children - and their families - as such needs arise in the future, as well as ensuring at the same time a comprehensive system of registration.

59.The Committee draws attention to the provisions of article 45 (b) of the Convention relating to the provision of technical assistance and advice, and encourages the Government to continue its cooperation with intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations for improvement of the situation of children. Moreover, the Committee encourages the Centre for Human Rights, UNICEF, ILO and other interested organizations and agencies to provide, if requested, assistance and advice to the State party for its programmes to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

60.Finally, the Committee welcomes the undertaking by the State party's delegation that responses will be submitted to the questions which remained unanswered during the dialogue. It also welcomes the invitation addressed to members of the Committee to visit the State party. It proposes that a progress report on the implementation of the Convention, in conformity with the guidelines on reporting and taking into account the observations made during the dialogue between the Committee and the State party, be submitted to the Committee before the end of 1996.

61.The Committee considered the initial report of Burkina Faso (CRC/C/3/Add.19) at its 135th to 137th meetings (CRC/C/SR.135, 136 and 137), held on 7 and 8 April 1994, and adopted* the following concluding observations.

62.The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its report, which has been prepared in conformity with the Committee's guidelines, and for the submission by the Government of Burkina Faso of written replies to its list of issues. It notes with satisfaction that the supplementary information provided by the delegation made it possible to engage in a frank and constructive dialogue with the State party.

63.The Committee welcomes the measures undertaken by the Government of Burkina Faso since the entry into force of the Convention in 1990 to promote and protect the rights of the child. It notes the adoption by the Government of Burkina Faso of the National Plan of Action (NPA) and the establishment of the follow-up and Evaluation Committee to monitor its implementation; the adoption of legislative measures prohibiting female circumcision and the setting up of a National Committee to Combat Female Circumcision; and the announced revision of penal and labour legislation which will, inter alia, bring the national law into conformity with the international standards for the protection of the rights of the child set forth in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

64.The Committee appreciates very much the willingness and the readiness of the Government of Burkina Faso to cooperate with various intergovernmental and non-governmental institutions in the field of the promotion and protection of the rights of the child in accordance with the standards set forth in the

Convention. The efforts made by the Government to involve, at the national and local levels, customary and religious leaders in the implementation of the rights of the child are also appreciated.

65.The Committee is aware of the difficulties encountered by Burkina Faso, particularly those associated with the low level of adequate resources, and the implementation of the structural adjustment policies and the recent devaluation of the CFA franc. Certain traditional practices and customs, prevailing particularly in rural areas, also create difficulties for the application of the provisions of the Convention. The Committee notes that the

Government of Burkina Faso is well aware of the existing difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention and much appreciates the frankness and self-critical approach of the report in this respect. The Committee, furthermore, notes the commitment expressed by the Government to do everything, through national as well as international actions, in such a difficult situation, to ensure that children's problems are treated with the highest possible priority.

66.The Committee expresses its concern about the negative effects of poverty and structural adjustments on the situation of children in Burkina Faso, as illustrated by the high rate of infant mortality, malnutrition, as well as the low level of health services and school attendance.

67.The lack of adequate mechanisms for the collection of data on the situation of children is also a matter of concern.

68.The Committee expresses its serious concern at the persistence of discrimination against girls and women. The Committee is concerned at the low school attendance and high drop-out rates among girls, especially at the primary level, and at the continuing practices of female circumcision, forced marriages and domestic violence, as well as the low coverage and acceptance of family planning programmes.

69.The Committee is also concerned about the persistence of some discriminatory social attitudes towards vulnerable groups of children, including those born out of wedlock and disabled children. The lack of adequate recourse and complaints procedures for children, victims of cruel treatment, including domestic violence, for cultural as well as material reasons, is also a matter of concern.

70.The Committee feels that the vaccination programmes are not adequate, both in terms of the range of vaccines offered and the groups covered, and do not correspond to the real needs, especially in rural areas.

71.The Committee notes that the sanctions set forth in the legislation as regards juvenile offenders, especially in cases carrying the death penalty or life imprisonment, reduced respectively to life imprisonment or to 20 years' imprisonment, are excessively high. Harsh sentences, as well as the occurrence of arbitrary detention of juveniles and the admittedly very difficult conditions of detention, are not in conformity with the provisions of articles 37 and 40 of the Convention.

72.The Committee also expresses its concern about the lack of adequate training provided to law enforcement officials and judicial personnel in the light of article 3 of the Convention.

73.The Committee is also concerned about the lack of adequate protection provided to child workers, in particular those employed in agriculture, domestic service and the informal sector.

74.The Committee recommends that a comprehensive strategy be elaborated and effectively implemented by the Government of the State party to eradicate the existing discrimination against girls and women. In that context, special efforts should be made to prevent existing practices of forced marriage, female circumcision and domestic violence. More attention should be paid to the wider dissemination of knowledge about modern methods of family planning.

75.The Committee also recommends that special efforts should be made by the Government to pursue the process of bringing the existing legislation into line with the provisions of the Convention and to take fully into account the interests of the child in the course of drafting new legislation, including through the possibility of considering a comprehensive legislative act on the rights of the child. The Penal and Labour Codes, now under revision, should be brought in line with the relevant provisions of the Convention.

76.The Committee recommends that the personnel dealing with children be provided with adequate training, with particular emphasis being placed on the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

77.The Committee also suggests that part of the training of law enforcement personnel, judges and other relevant personnel be devoted to an understanding of international standards on juvenile justice, including the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty. The national penitentiary system should be reformed to assure appropriate treatment of children deprived of their liberty, including through non-institutional measures.

78.The Committee being aware of the lack of necessary financial resources to implement some of the recommendations formulated above, strongly recommends that the State party consider requesting assistance from the Centre for Human Rights, under its Programme of advisory services and technical assistance, in the field of the administration of juvenile justice. It is also suggested

that support from the international community be made available, in particular in the fields of legislative review, training of law enforcement personnel, judges and other administration of justice officials, and for the development of an adequate system for the collection of data on the situation of children.

79.The Committee considered the initial report of France (CRC/C/3/Add.15) at its 139th to 141st meetings (CRC/C/SR.139-141), held on 11 and 12 April 1994, and adopted* the following concluding observations.

80.The Committee notes with satisfaction the prompt ratification of the Convention by the State party and the preparation of the initial report which is very comprehensive and closely follows the Committee's guidelines.

81.The Committee wishes to express its appreciation for the presence of a high-level delegation from the State party, including officials from ministries directly involved in the implementation of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the exchange of views held with the delegation of the State party and the decision of the Government to make its initial report widely available will contribute to an open discussion on children's rights at the national level.

82.The Committee is particularly encouraged by the State party's commitment to reflect on and review the measures taken and policy chosen to implement the provisions and principles of the Convention in the light of the changing reality of the situation of children.

83.The Committee recognizes the importance of the annual meeting held between the public authorities and the non-governmental community on the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Committee stresses the value of such a meeting in launching a fruitful dialogue between the Government and the "civil society", as well as in ensuring a serious evaluation of the governmental policies adopted for the promotion and protection of the rights of the child.

84.The Committee also welcomes the decision taken by the Government to submit an annual report to the Parliamentary Assemblies on the implementation of the Convention and on its policies in relation to the situation of children in the world. This procedure will contribute to emphasizing the importance of the principle of the best interests of the child, which is a primary consideration to be taken into account in all actions concerning children, including those undertaken by legislative bodies.

85.The Committee welcomes the measures taken by the State party to recognize the right of the child to have his or her views heard and taken into account in proceedings affecting the child. Note is taken of the various initiatives to inform children about their rights and to encourage children to express their opinion through special councils established within schools and the local community.

86.The Committee is further encouraged by the steps taken to train certain professional groups about the rights of the child. It also commends the initiatives undertaken by members of the legal profession to establish a system of legal information and assistance to children in the field of juvenile justice.

87.The Committee notes the active participation of France in international cooperation activities, including in the area of development assistance.

88.The Committee also notes the significant contribution being made by the State party to the international campaign addressing the issue of the hazardous impact of anti-personnel land-mines on the civilian population and, in particular, on children.

89.The Committee notes with concern the reservation made by the State party to article 30 of the Convention. The Committee wishes to emphasize that the Convention on the Rights of the Child seeks to protect and guarantee the individual rights of children, including the rights of children belonging to minorities.

90.In view of article 55 of the Constitution, referred to in the core document submitted by the State party to the human rights treaty bodies, which provides that the norms of international human rights instruments are self-executing in France and may be invoked before national courts, the Committee is unclear as to the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the national legal framework, namely in the light of recent decisions adopted by the Court of Cassation in this regard.

91.The Committee is concerned about the need to take sufficient safeguards against the possible negative social impact of decentralization, for instance, in order to avoid the risk of aggravated disparities between the regions, in regard to the standard of living, and to minimize the possible adverse effects on the enjoyment of economic and social rights by children, especially those belonging to the most vulnerable groups.

92.Regarding the right of the child to know his or her origins, including in cases of a mother requesting that her identity remain secret during the birth and declaration of the birth, adoption and medically-assisted procreation, the Committee is concerned that the legislative measures being taken by the State party might not fully reflect the provisions of the Convention, particularly its general principles.

93.The Committee is concerned at the situation of unaccompanied children who arrive "unexpectedly in France to obtain refugee status" (as referred to in para. 389 of the State party's report). It is also concerned about the lack of a comprehensive system of protection involving the social and/or judicial authorities which would apply to those children while they are subject to the jurisdiction of the State party, as well as in the process of returning to their country of origin.

94.The Committee is also concerned that legislation and practice relating to arrest, detention, sentencing and imprisonment within the system of the administration of juvenile justice might not be fully consistent with the provisions and principles of the Convention, and in particular articles 37 and 40.

95.The Committee wishes to encourage the State party to consider reviewing its reservation to article 30 of the Convention with a view to withdrawing it.

96.The Committee also wishes to suggest that the State party envisage the establishment of a permanent mechanism of coordination, evaluation and follow-up for policies taken to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

97.The Committee wishes to emphasize the importance of close cooperation between the central Government and the local authorities, including on budgetary matters, to minimize disparities which may arise between the regions as to the provision of services. It also emphasizes the value of adopting a comprehensive approach to the implementation of the rights of the child which is both effective and consistent with the provisions and general principles of the Convention, particularly the best interests of the child and non-discrimination which apply irrespective of budgetary resources.

98.While the Committee notes with satisfaction the measures in place to guarantee minimum social income and to improve access to housing for the most disadvantaged groups, it recommends that the State party in this period of economic recession carefully monitor the enjoyment of the individual rights of children. In this connection, it is suggested that the necessary measures be taken to ensure the full realization of the economic and social rights of children belonging to the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of society, including those living in suburbs, the children of migrant workers and socially marginalized children.

99.The Committee draws the attention of the State party to the recommendations of United Nations organs and specialized agencies which emphasize the prioritization of social programmes within the framework of development assistance. It would like to suggest that the State party consider these aspects of the promotion of social development within its international cooperation programme.

100.Within the framework of legal reform and in light of the basic principles of the Convention, particularly its article 2, the Committee suggests that the State party consider reviewing the present law on minimum age for marriage.

101.The Committee would like to suggest that further consideration be given to ways of encouraging the expression of views by children and those views being given due weight in the decision-making processes affecting their lives, in particular within school and the local community.

102.The Committee would also like to suggest that further awareness-raising and educational measures be undertaken to prevent child abuse and the physical punishment of children.

103.In view of the fact that, following the submission of the initial report, important legislation has been adopted, namely in the fields of nationality, entry and residence of foreigners, refugees and asylum-seekers as well as family reunification, the Committee would appreciate receiving, by 1 October 1994, additional written information on those areas and on the way the new legislative measures might affect the enjoyment of the rights of the child as recognized by the Convention, in particular its articles 7, 9, 10 and 22 and taking into due account the general principles of the Convention.

104.The Committee encourages the State party to consider its legislation in the field of the administration of juvenile justice, in particular with regard to children deprived of their liberty, in order to ensure that deprivation of liberty is used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest period of time, in the light of the provisions of the Convention, notably its articles 37, 39 and 40, as well as relevant international standards, namely the "Beijing Rules", the "Riyadh Guidelines" and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty.

105.In the light of the best interests of the child and other provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as those of ILO Convention No. 138 to which France is a party, the Committee believes that the employment of children who have not yet completed their compulsory schooling, as admitted by the legislation in the case of domestic servants and family enterprises, including in the area of agriculture, deserves reconsideration by the State party. It also encourages the State party to review the access by children to activities in the fashion industry in order to ensure that this only takes place on the basis of a case-by-case approach and in the light of the best interests of the child.

106.In light of the importance the Committee attaches to the monitoring of the implementation of the Convention at the national level, it would appreciate receiving a copy of the annual reports to be submitted by the Government to the Parliamentary Assemblies on the policies adopted to ensure the realization of the rights of the child recognized by the Convention.

107.The Committee considered the initial report of Jordan (CRC/C/8/Add.4) at its 143rd, 144th and 145th meetings (CRC/C/SR.143-145), held on 13 and 14 April 1994, and adopted* the following concluding observations.

108.The Committee notes with appreciation the submission of the initial report of Jordan. While the report provides comprehensive information on the legislation and programmes that give effect to the rights recognized in the Convention, it provides less information on factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention and the actual enjoyment by children of their rights. Although some written replies were provided to the questions raised by the Committee before the session, further information, including statistics, would have been particularly useful with regard to general measures of implementation, the application of the principle of non-discrimination and the enforcement of civil rights.

109.The Committee notes with satisfaction that the additional information provided by the delegation made it possible to understand better the situation of children in Jordan. The Committee also expresses its appreciation of the delegation's constructive attitude towards non-governmental organizations. Furthermore, it appreciates the assurances given that the Committee's comments together with any unanswered questions would be transmitted to the Government for appropriate action.

110.The Committee notes with satisfaction the steps taken during the period under review to bring domestic law into line with the Convention, through the enactment of new laws or the adoption of specific programmes aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of the child. It welcomes the fact that a study is currently being undertaken to review national legislation and its compatibility with the provisions and principles of the Convention and that a draft Personal Status Act is also being studied with the same goal.

111.The Committee particularly welcomes the notable progress achieved in recent years in such crucial issues as infant mortality and life expectancy, which has demonstrated the authorities' commitment to allocate substantial resources for social expenditures despite stringent economic difficulties.

112.The Committee takes note of the economic and social difficulties which have been faced by Jordan in the aftermath of the Gulf crisis and which have, consequently, adversely affected the situation of children.

113.The presence of a very large number of refugees, particularly of Palestinian origin, constitutes a further difficulty impeding the implementation of the Convention.

114.The Committee also notes that the survival of certain traditions and customs sometimes constitutes an obstacle to the implementation of the Convention, particularly with regard to the equality of boys and girls.

115.The Committee is concerned that the broad nature of the reservations made to articles 14, 20 and 21 of the Convention by the State party may affect the implementation of the rights guaranteed in these articles and may raise questions about the compatibility of the reservations with the object and purpose of the Convention.

116.The Committee is concerned about the insufficient steps taken in the framework of legal reform to bring existing legislation into full conformity with the Convention, including in the light of the basic principles of the Convention, in order to overcome discrepancies or lacunae in national legislation, particularly in laws relating to marriage age and the administration of juvenile justice.

117.The Committee is concerned that, although the National Charter guarantees equality between the sexes in Jordan, discriminatory attitudes and prejudices are still vivid within the society, and that there are still disparities in practice, in particular with regard to inheritance rights, the right to leave the country and the acquisition of Jordanian nationality. In this last respect, the Committee is concerned that, in the light of Jordanian legislation, cases of statelessness might arise. It is also concerned that, the national legislation with respect to the minimum age for marriage may not be fully compatible with the non-discrimination provisions of the Convention, as reflected in its article 2.

118.The Committee expresses concern at the uncertainty in the status of children, and the possible ensuing discrimination, resulting from the coexistence of different personal status regulations according to the child's religion. The Committee takes note of the undertaking in this context by the delegation to provide further information in regard to the rights of children of the Baha'i faith.

119.Another issue relates to groups of refugee children and the concern that they may not be given full protection in view of the fact that the Kingdom of Jordan has not yet ratified relevant international refugee treaties.

120.The Committee understands that there are under-age children at work in Jordan and that some children in remote areas are even kept from school for such reasons. The Kingdom of Jordan has not acceded to ILO Convention No. 138 and other conventions on the minimum age of employment relating to the protection of children and young persons at work.

121.The Committee is concerned about the lack of adequate measures taken by the authorities to evaluate and address the problem of domestic violence.

122.In the field of the administration of juvenile justice, the Committee is concerned about the application of article 92 of the Penal Code, in accordance with which, although no one under 18 years of age may be held criminally responsible, criminal proceedings may be brought against children over 7 years of age. It also deplores the fact that children taken into custody though not convicted of any criminal offence, may nevertheless be kept in detention in the same premises as convicted persons.

123.The Committee expresses the hope that the Government will consider the possibility of reviewing its reservations to articles 14, 20 and 21 of the Convention, with a view to the withdrawal of these reservations.

124.Special efforts should be made to bring the existing legislation fully into line with the principles and provisions of the Convention, including in the context of the preparation of a new Personal Status Act.

125.The Committee suggests that the Government envisage the establishment of a national mechanism with the purpose of coordinating the implementation of the Convention and the monitoring thereof. Coordination between the various governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations involved in the implementation of the Convention and the monitoring thereof should be strengthened.

126.Measures should be taken to develop mechanisms for the determination of appropriate indicators and for the collection of statistical data and other information on the status of children as bases for designing programmes to implement the Convention.

127.The Committee suggests that law enforcement officials, judges, other administration of justice officials and, more generally, members of professions concerned with the implementation of the Convention be provided with adequate training on the basic principles and norms contained in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

128.Measures should be taken to prevent and eliminate discriminatory attitudes or prejudice and to ensure effective protection against discrimination, particularly with regard to the girl child and children born out of wedlock, as well as any differentiation resulting from the status of parents.

129.A study on the extent and nature of domestic violence is recommended. Appropriate follow-up measures should be envisaged, not least in the field of family education and social support.

130.In line with article 4 of the Jordanian Education Act and article 29 of the Convention, emphasis should be given in school education to the important values of peace, tolerance and respect of human rights. The active participation of children should be encouraged. Similarly, efforts should be undertaken to develop new channels, including membership of associations, through which children may make their views known and have them taken into account.

131.Steps should be taken to improve school attendance for children living in remote areas, to reduce the school drop-out rate and to raise the level of literacy, particularly among females. School curricula should be adjusted to make room for education about the Convention.

132.In order to ensure that all refugee children or children seeking refugee status enjoy their rights under the Convention, the Committee recommends that the Kingdom of Jordan consider the possibility of ratifying the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.

133.The Committee recommends that the State party envisage undertaking a comprehensive reform of the system of juvenile justice and that the Convention and other international standards in this field, such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty, be seen as a guide in this revision. Attention should also be paid to measures for rehabilitation and social reintegration, in line with article 39 of the Convention.

134.The mechanism already established to monitor the situation of working children should be strengthened in order to assess the implementation of the Convention and to narrow the gap between the law and practice. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the efforts currently under way to prepare for accession to ILO Convention No. 138 and other conventions on the minimum age of employment relating to the protection of children and young persons at work.

135.The Committee recommends that the report submitted by the State party, the summary records of its consideration and the concluding observations of the Committee be disseminated as widely as possible within the country, particularly to officials and professionals working with children, parliamentarians, non-governmental organizations and the media.

136.The Committee considered the initial report of Chile (CRC/C/3/Add.18) at its 146th to 148th meetings (CRC/C/SR.146-148), held on 14 and 15 April 1994 and adopted* the following concluding observations.

137.The Committee commends the State party for its comprehensive report, which has been prepared in conformity with the Committee's guidelines and reflects a forward-looking strategy, and for the submission of detailed written replies to its list of issues. It notes with satisfaction that the detailed additional information provided by the delegation and its involvement in national policies concerning children made it possible to engage in an open and constructive dialogue with the State party.

138.The Committee also notes with satisfaction that the report submitted by the State party is the result of a wide consultation, at the national level, between the public authorities and the non-governmental coalition on the rights of the child.

139.The Committee welcomes the fact that the Convention on the Rights of the Child is self-executing in the State party and that its provisions may be, and in practice have been, invoked before the Courts.

140.The Committee welcomes the measures undertaken by the Government of Chile in order to promote and to protect the rights of the child in accordance with the standards set forth in the Convention as well as the dynamic and self-critical approach of the Chilean Government towards its implementation.

141.It notes the adoption by the Government of Chile of the National Plan of Action in Favour of Children and the readiness of the Government to cooperate with all interested parties, both nationally and internationally, in implementing it.

142.The Committee also notes that during the period under review important steps have been undertaken at the legislative level with a view to harmonizing the national legislation with the provisions of the Convention, as well as

establishment of monitoring mechanisms including the National Service for Minors (SENAME), a public service under the Ministry of Justice charged with assisting and protecting children and young people in particularly difficult circumstances.

143.The Committee also notes with satisfaction the priorities set by the Government and its serious efforts to face existing social problems, including in the fields of health and education, as well as to ensure the protection of the rights of disabled children.

144.The Committee welcomes the statement by the delegation of the State party that the Government of Chile is considering ratifying the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.

145.The Committee notes that poverty, in spite of efforts by the Chilean Government, has affected a large number of children and had a constraining influence on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention.

146.The Committee further recognizes that the democratic Government has faced the need for major legal and administrative reforms in the aftermath of the period of non-democratic rule. The demands in the area of rehabilitation and social reintegration have also been considerable, not least in regard to children.

147.The Committee is concerned with the fact that the decentralization process might lead to a deterioration in the quality of and effective access to health services and education, in particular for the most vulnerable groups of children.

148.The Committee expresses its concern at the existing geographical and social disparities in the enjoyment of the rights provided for under the Convention.

149.The Committee recommends that special efforts should be made by the Government to fully harmonize the existing legislation with the provisions of the Convention, as well as to ensure that the best interests of the child, as stipulated in article 3 of the Convention, is a primary consideration in all actions concerning children, including those undertaken by Parliament.

150.The Committee recommends that an overall national mechanism be set up with the mandate to assure continuing supervision and evaluation throughout the country of the implementation of the Convention, which is particularly important within the context of the realization by the Government of the decentralization programme.

151.The Committee recommends that the Government of the State party consider pursuing the measures adopted to fight situations of child ill-treatment. It stresses the importance of ensuring training activities for the professional groups concerned, as well as of developing mediation measures.

152.The Committee also recommends that a legal system of administration of juvenile justice be established in the light of the principles and provisions of the Convention, in particular articles 37 and 40, as well as other relevant United Nations standards, including the Beijing Rules, the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty and the Riyadh Guidelines. Such a legal system should also address the important question of the minimum age of criminal responsibility, particularly in the light of the best interests of the child. In this respect, the Committee draws the attention of the State party to the availability of the programme of advisory services and technical assistance of the Centre for Human Rights.

153.Finally, the Committee recommends that the provisions of the Convention should be widely publicized among the general public and, in particular, among teachers, social workers, law enforcement officials, the staff in correctional facilities, judges and members of other professions who are concerned with the implementation of the Convention. The Committee particularly recommends that, in accordance with article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the report submitted by the Chilean Government, the written replies to the Committee's list of questions, as well as the summary records of the consideration of the report and the Committee's concluding observations be made widely available to the public at large. In the same spirit, the Committee expresses the hope that the present concluding observations will inspire an open debate at the national level on the policies in the field of the rights of the child, including at the parliamentary level.

154.The Committee considered the initial report of Norway (CRC/C/8/Add.7) at its 149th to 151st meetings (CRC/C/SR.149-151), held on 18 and 19 April 1994, and adopted* the following concluding observations:

155.The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the report, which follows the Committee's guidelines, and for the supplementary information provided on Norway's development assistance policy. It also wishes to express appreciation to the State party for the submission of

written replies to its list of issues as well as for the additional information provided during the course of the discussion which enabled the Committee to engage in a frank and constructive dialogue with the representatives of the State party.

156.The Committee appreciates the State party's firm commitment to promoting measures for the better implementation of the rights of the child both nationally and internationally. In this connection, it notes that Norway was the first country in the world to establish an ombudsman working for the benefit of children. It also notes the spirit of dialogue existing between the Government, the municipalities and the ombudsman and civil society including the non-governmental community. In addition, the Committee notes

the importance the Government attaches to cooperation with these various bodies and organizations in assessing the progress achieved and the problems encountered, the better to determine the strategies needed to address issues as they arise.

157.The Committee also considers as especially noteworthy the fact that Norway is one of the countries most strongly emphasizing the priority of the social sector both within its own development assistance programmes and through its participation in relevant international forums. Likewise, the Committee notes with interest the State party's support to the establishment

of the research organization, Childwatch International, and its development of NORDEM which aims to facilitate the offering of national expert assistance on, inter alia, human rights matters, in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation.

158.The Committee welcomes the steps taken by the Government of Norway to review its reservation to the Convention with a view to its withdrawal. It also appreciates the concern expressed by the Government of Norway as to reservations made by any State party which are incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention as prohibited in the Convention's article 51.

159.Equally, the Committee notes with satisfaction that during the present period of economic recession, which is affecting many countries, and the progression towards decentralization of social services, the budgetary resources for child welfare programmes have been increasing in the State party. It also appreciates that a system of monitoring the policies and measures of municipalities with regard to their implementation of children's welfare programmes has been set in place through the County Governor reporting procedure.

160.The Committee takes note of the considerable efforts being made by the State party to combat trends towards intolerance against foreigners and to address the issues of racism and xenophobia, including through the involvement and participation of youth. It also welcomes the active role being taken by the State party in encouraging such approaches to facing these problems within forums at the regional level.

161.The Committee takes note that a Governmental Committee report has proposed to amend the Constitution to include a special provision incorporating certain human rights treaties and that this suggestion does not cover the incorporation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

162.The Committee notes that although an opting-out system exists for children wishing to abstain from compulsory religious education, this requires their parents to submit a formal request exposing the faith of the children involved and as such may be felt to be an infringement of their right to privacy.

163.Concerning the right of a child to know his or her origins, the Committee notes the possible contradiction between this provision of the Convention with the policy of the State party in relation to artificial insemination, namely in keeping the identity of sperm donors secret.

164.The Committee is concerned about some aspects of the practical application of the law and policy concerning children seeking asylum, particularly in relation to methods of interviewing children, including unaccompanied minors. Furthermore, it is concerned that the police may not be instructed to delay the expulsion of some members of the family in order to ensure that the whole family remains together and that undue strain on the children is avoided.

165.The Committee notes that all children who have had their asylum requests rejected but remain in the country have had their rights to health care and education provided de facto but not de jure. It is the view of the Committee that such services should be provided as a matter of principle according to the letter and spirit of articles 2 and 3 of the Convention.

166.The Committee wishes to encourage the State party to take the necessary steps for withdrawing its reservation to the Convention in the very near future and would like to be kept informed of developments on this matter.

167.In case the Government of Norway should decide to amend its Constitution to include therein a special provision on the incorporation of certain human rights treaties, the Committee would like to encourage the incorporation of a reference to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

168.The Committee would like to suggest that the State party consider in its legislation the implications of article 37 (a) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and, in this connection, that it also pays attention to the definition of torture provided for in article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Norway is also a party.

169.The Committee would like to suggest that the State party consider the possibility of strengthening the role of the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs, in relation to refugee children.

170.As part of the ongoing efforts to promote and protect the rights of the child, the Committee would like to suggest that the State party undertake or encourage research on various matters raised during the discussion, including the reasons for the relatively high number of suicides among young people in Norway and the development and use of indicators to monitor the progress or otherwise of the implementation of all the rights guaranteed under the Convention.

171.The Committee suggests that the particular difficulties facing, for instance, children in single-parent families might also deserve further study.

172.In connection with the State party's ongoing efforts to raise greater awareness of the Convention, the Committee is of the opinion that consideration should be given to incorporating education on the provisions and principles of the Convention in training programmes for various professional groups, including teachers, social workers, law enforcement personnel and judges.

173.The Committee also suggests that appropriate ways and means be used to target further publicity on the Convention, especially about those provisions and principles of the Convention relevant to the situation of particular groups of children, for instance, children in the system of administration of justice and the prevention of discrimination against children suffering from AIDS and HIV infection.

174.The Committee also welcomes the policies being pursued by the State party with regard to the promotion of human rights education, especially in view of General Assembly resolution 48/127 on the possibility of establishing a decade for human rights education, and encourages the State party to consider using this opportunity to promote the incorporation of education about the Convention on the Rights of the Child in curricula for schoolchildren.

175.Equally, the Committee would like to suggest that the State party encourage measures to further involve and facilitate the participation of children in matters affecting them, especially at the local level.

176.The Committee suggests that the State party reconsider its policy on religious education for children in light of the general principle of non-discrimination and the right to privacy.

177.The Committee suggests that the State party consider undertaking another comprehensive review of the policy in relation to children seeking asylum in the light of the principles and provisions of the Convention. In this connection, it is suggested that solutions should also be sought to avoid expulsions causing the separation of families. It also suggests that the State party might wish to further discuss the provision of education and health services, including with respect to all children under its jurisdiction, in order to ensure that different standards of service do not arise between municipalities.

178.The Committee suggests that the State party consider reviewing its juvenile justice system in order to ensure that proceedings against persons under 18 years of age are fully compatible with the spirit of article 40, paragraph 3, of the Convention.

179.The Committee encourages the State party to continue making the substance of the Convention known to all children and adults in Norway and to translate materials relating to the Convention into the languages of major immigrant groups in Norway. It would also like to recommend that the State party prepare, in a special package, the report of the State party to the Committee, the summary records and concluding observations following the discussion in the Committee, as well as the list of issues and the written responses to them, and to make this available on as wide a basis as possible.

180.The Committee took note of the adoption by the Commission on Human Rights of different resolutions which once again reflected the importance attached by the Commission to questions related to the rights of the child. In this respect, the Committee adopted two recommendations respectively entitled "Children in armed conflicts" and "Sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography" (see chap. I above, recommendations 2 and 3).

181.Furthermore, the Committee took note of resolution 1994/93 of the Commission on Human Rights entitled "The plight of street children". In particular, it welcomed the statement by the Commission that strict compliance with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child would constitute a significant step towards solving the problems in this connection. It also welcomed the fact that the Commission commended the Committee "for the attention it pays in its monitoring activities to the situation of children who, to survive, are forced to live and work in the streets". Furthermore, the Committee noted that the Commission reiterated its invitation to the Committee to consider the possibility of a general comment thereon.

182.In this context, the Committee recalled its general discussion held during the fourth session on "Economic exploitation of children", as well as the decision to organize a general discussion during the seventh session on "The role of the family in the promotion of the rights of the child", both of which are of relevance in connection with the rights of children who, in order to survive, are forced to live and work in the street.

183.In its discussion the Committee also pointed out that the term "street children" may not clearly define the nature or the causes of the violations these children suffer. It is in fact an expression that covers a diversity of situations affecting children. Some work in the street but have homes, others are abandoned or for other reasons become homeless, others again have escaped abuse, some are pushed into prostitution or drug abuse. Another concern about the term was that it was understood in some societies to be stigmatizing and discriminatory. The Committee, therefore, had endeavoured to use more appropriate terminology.

184.Recollection was made of an earlier discussion about the drafting by the Committee of general comments on the Convention. In view of the present heavy work-load of the Committee and the fact that some further experience ought to be assembled before the provisions and principles of the Convention would be interpreted in the form of general comments, it was agreed that the issue of general comments would be considered at a later stage of its activities.

185.The Committee, in view of its previous decision to participate in the International Conference on Population and Development, which is to be held at Cairo in September 1994, decided that it would be represented by its Chairperson, Mrs. Hoda Badran, and by Mr. Swithun Mombeshora.

186.The Committee considered once again the situation of the plight of children in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. It welcomed, in the light of previous recommendations it had adopted in this regard, the inclusion by the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights of a major chapter on the situation of children in all parts of the area under his mandate. The Committee recognized the need to pursue its cooperation with the Special Rapporteur and stressed the importance of taking the Convention on the Rights of the Child into consideration in the framework of his mandate.

187.Following an exchange of correspondence and the submission of written information by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the Committee, an informal meeting was held between a delegation of the Government and some members of the Committee. The meeting provided the opportunity to receive further information about the situation of children in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which will also be valuable in the context of the discussion of the initial report to be submitted by the State party, under the provisions of article 44 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

188.The following is the draft provisional agenda for the seventh session of the Committee:

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

7.General discussion on "The role of the family in the promotion of the rights of the child".

8.Cooperation with other United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and other competent bodies.

189.At its 156th meeting, held on 22 April 1994, the Committee considered the draft report on its sixth (special) session. The report was adopted unanimously by the Committee.

Moldova26 January 1993 a/25 February 1993 Romania26 January 199028 September 199028 October 1990

Initial reports due in 1992
State Party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Bangladesh	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Barbados	8 November 1990	7 November 1992
Belarus	31 October 1990	30 October 1992	12 February 1993	CRC/C/3/Add.14
Belize	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Benin	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Bhutan	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Bolivia	2 September 1990	1 September 1992	14 September 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.2
Brazil	24 October 1990	23 October 1992
Burkina Faso	30 September 1990	29 September 1992	7 July 1993	CRC/C/3/Add.19
Burundi	18 November 1990	17 November 1992
Chad	1 November 1990	31 October 1992
Chile	12 September 1990	11 September 1992	22 June 1993	CRC/C/3/Add.18
Costa Rica	20 September 1990	20 September 1992	28 October 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.8
Democratic People's Republic of Korea	21 October 1990	20 October 1992
Initial reports due in 1992 (continued)
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Ecuador	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Egypt	2 September 1990	1 September 1992	23 October 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.6
El Salvador	2 September 1990	1 September 1992	3 November 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.9
France	6 September 1990	5 September 1992	8 April 1993	CRC/C/3/Add.15
Gambia	7 September 1990	6 September 1992
Ghana	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Grenada	5 December 1990	4 December 1992
Guatemala	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Guinea	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Guinea-Bissau	19 September 1990	18 September 1992
Holy See	2 September 1990	1 September 1992	2 March 1994	CRC/C/3/Add.27
Honduras	9 September 1990	8 September 1992	11 May 1993	CRC/C/3/Add.17
Indonesia	5 October 1990	4 October 1992	17 November 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.10 and CRC/C/3/Add.26
Kenya	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Mali	20 October 1990	19 October 1992
Malta	30 October 1990	29 October 1992
Mauritius	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Mexico	21 October 1990	20 October 1992	15 December 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.11
Mongolia	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Namibia	30 October 1990	29 October 1992	21 December 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.12
Initial reports due in 1992 (continued)
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Nepal	14 October 1990	13 October 1992
Nicaragua	4 November 1990	3 November 1992	12 January 1994	CRC/C/3/Add.25
Niger	30 October 1990	29 October 1992
Pakistan	12 December 1990	11 December 1992	25 January 1993	CRC/C/3/Add.13
Paraguay	25 October 1990	24 October 1992	30 August 1993	CRC/C/3/Add.22
Peru	4 October 1990	3 October 1992	28 October 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.7 and CRC/C/3/Add.24
Philippines	20 September 1990	19 September 1992	21 September 1993	CRC/C/3/Add.23
Portugal	21 October 1990	20 October 1992
Romania	28 October 1990	27 October 1992	14 April 1993	CRC/C/3/Add.16
Russian Federation	15 September 1990	14 September 1992	16 October 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.5
Saint Kitts and Nevis	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Senegal	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Seychelles	7 October 1990	6 October 1992
Sierra Leone	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Sudan	2 September 1990	1 September 1992	29 September 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.3 and CRC/C/3/Add.20
Sweden	2 September 1990	1 September 1992	7 September 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.1
Togo	2 September 1990	1 September 1992
Uganda	16 September 1990	15 September 1992
Initial reports due in 1992 (continued)
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Uruguay	20 December 1990	19 December 1992
Venezuela	13 October 1990	12 October 1992
Viet Nam	2 September 1990	1 September 1992	30 September 1992	CRC/C/3/Add.4 and CRC/C/3/Add.21
Zaire	27 October 1990	26 October 1992
Zimbabwe	11 October 1990	10 October 1992
Initial reports due in 1993
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Angola	4 January 1991	3 January 1993
Argentina	3 January 1991	2 January 1993	17 March 1993	CRC/C/8/Add.2
Australia	16 January 1991	15 January 1993
Bahamas	22 March 1991	21 March 1993
Bulgaria	3 July 1991	2 July 1993
Colombia	27 February 1991	26 February 1993	14 April 1993	CRC/C/8/Add.3
Côte d'Ivoire	6 March 1991	5 March 1993
Croatia	7 November 1991	6 November 1993
Cuba	20 September 1991	19 September 1993
Cyprus	9 March 1991	8 March 1993
Denmark	18 August 1991	17 August 1993	14 September 1993	CRC/C/8/Add.8
Djibouti	5 January 1991	4 January 1993
Dominica	12 April 1991	11 April 1993
Initial reports due in 1993 (continued)
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Dominican Republic	11 July 1991	10 July 1993
Estonia	20 November 1991	19 November 1993
Ethiopia	13 June 1991	12 June 1993
Finland	20 July 1991	19 July 1993
Guyana	13 February 1991	12 February 1993
Hungary	6 November 1991	5 November 1993
Israel	2 November 1991	1 November 1993
Italy	5 October 1991	4 October 1993
Jamaica	13 June 1991	12 June 1993	25 January 1994	CRC/C/8/Add.12
Jordan	23 June 1991	22 June 1993	25 May 1993	CRC/C/8/Add.4
Kuwait	20 November 1991	19 November 1993
Lao People's Democratic Republic	7 June 1991	6 June 1993
Lebanon	13 June 1991	12 June 1993
Madagascar	18 April 1991	17 May 1993	20 July 1993	CRC/C/8/Add.5
Malawi	1 February 1991	31 January 1993
Maldives	13 March 1991	12 March 1993
Mauritania	15 June 1991	14 June 1993
Myanmar	14 August 1991	13 August 1993	21 September 1993	CRC/C/8/Add.9
Nigeria	19 May 1991	18 May 1993
Norway	7 February 1991	6 February 1993	30 August 1993	CRC/C/8/Add.7
Initial reports due in 1993 (continued)
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Panama	11 January 1991	10 January 1993
Poland	7 July 1991	6 July 1993	11 January 1994	CRC/C/8/Add.11
Republic of Korea	20 December 1991	19 December 1993
Rwanda	23 February 1991	22 February 1993	30 September 1992	CRC/C/8/Add.1
San Marino	25 December 1991	24 December 1993
Sao Tome and Principe	13 June 1991	12 June 1993
Slovenia	25 June 1991	24 June 1993
Spain	5 January 1991	4 January 1993	10 August 1993	CRC/C/8/Add.6
Sri Lanka	11 August 1991	10 August 1993
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Ukraine	17 September 1991 27 September 1991	16 September 1993 26 September 1993	13 October 1993	CRC/C/8/Add.10
United Republic of Tanzania	10 July 1991	9 July 1993
Yemen	31 May 1991	30 May 1993
Yugoslavia	2 February 1991	1 February 1993
Initial reports due in 1994
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Albania	28 March 1992	27 March 1994
Austria	5 September 1992	4 September 1994
Azerbaijan	12 September 1992	11 September 1994
Bahrain	14 March 1992	14 March 1994
Belgium	15 January 1992	14 January 1994
Bosnia and Herzegovina	6 March 1992	5 March 1994
Cambodia	14 November 1992	15 November 1994
Canada	12 January 1992	11 January 1994
Cape Verde	4 July 1992	3 July 1994
Central African Republic	23 May 1992	23 May 1994
China	1 April 1992	31 March 1994
Czech Republic	1 January 1993	31 December 1994
Equatorial Guinea	15 July 1992	14 July 1994
Germany	5 April 1992	4 May 1994
Iceland	27 November 1992	26 November 1994
Ireland	28 October 1992	27 October 1994
Latvia	14 May 1992	13 May 1994
Lesotho	9 April 1992	8 April 1994
Lithuania	1 March 1992	28 February 1994
Slovakia	1 January 1993	31 December 1994
Initial reports due in 1994 (continued)
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Thailand	26 April 1992	25 April 1994
Trinidad and Tobago	4 January 1992	3 January 1994
Tunisia	29 February 1992	28 February 1994
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	15 January 1992	14 January 1994	15 March 1994	CRC/C/11/Add.1
Zambia	5 January 1992	4 January 1994
Initial reports due in 1995
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Algeria	16 May 1993	15 May 1995
Antigua and Barbuda	4 November 1993	3 November 1995
Armenia	23 July 1993	5 August 1995
Cameroon	10 February 1993	9 February 1995
Comoros	22 July 1993	21 July 1995
Congo	13 November 1993	12 November 1995
Fiji	12 September 1993	11 September 1995
Greece	10 June 1993	9 June 1995
India	11 January 1993	10 January 1995
Liberia	4 July 1993	3 July 1995
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya	15 May 1993	14 May 1995
Marshall Islands	3 November 1993	2 November 1995
Initial reports due in 1995 (continued)
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Micronesia (Federated States of)	4 June 1993	3 June 1995
Monaco	21 July 1993	20 July 1995
Morocco	21 July 1993	20 July 1995
New Zealand	6 May 1993	5 May 1995
Papua New Guinea	31 March 1993	31 March 1995
Republic of Moldova	25 February 1993	24 February 1995
Saint Lucia	16 July 1993	15 July 1995
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	25 November 1993	24 November 1995
Suriname	31 March 1993	31 March 1995
Syrian Arab Republic	14 August 1993	13 August 1995
Tajikistan	25 November 1993	24 November 1995
Turkmenistan	20 October 1993	19 October 1995
Vanuatu	6 August 1993	5 August 1995
Initial reports due in 1996
State party	Date of entry into force	Initial report: date due	Date of submission	Symbol
Afghanistan	27 April 1994	26 April 1996
Gabon	11 March 1994	10 March 1996
Japan	22 May 1994	21 May 1996
Luxembourg	6 April 1994	5 April 1996

CRC/C/19/Rev.1Compilation of the conclusions and recommendations adopted by the Committee

CRC/C/26Note by the Secretary-General on the States parties to the Convention and the status of submission of reports

CRC/C/27Note by the Secretary-General on the follow-up to the consideration of reports