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I.CONCLUSIONSANDRECOMMENDATIONSADOPTEDBY ( THECOMMITTEEONTHERIGHTSOFTHECHILD@..ParticipationandcontributiontotheFourthWorldConference@..: onWomen:ActionforEquality,DevelopmentandPeaceb..bTheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,b..bRecognizingtheimportanceofmaintainingeffectivecommunicationandmeaningfuldialoguewithUnitedNationsbodiesactiveinthefieldofhumanrightsingeneralandchildren'srightsinparticular,b..bConsideringtheneedtoensureitsactiveparticipationinactivitiesofrelevancetoitsworkwhicharetakingplacewithintheframeworkoftheUnitedNationssystemwideaction,b..bRecallingitspreviousdecisiontoberepresentedat,andactivelycontributeto,thepreparatoryprocessoftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen:ActionforEquality,DevelopmentandPeace,totakeplaceinSeptember1995inBeijing,b..bEncouragedbytherichnessofthedebateheldatitseighthsessionduringitsthematicdayofgeneraldiscussiononthegirlchild,b..bReaffirmingtheimportanceoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandofitsimplementationprocessindecisivelyimprovingthesituationofgirlsaroundtheworldandensuringthefullrealizationoftheirfundamentalrights,b..bRecallingthat,asstressedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRights,thehumanrightsofwomenandthegirlchildareaninalienable,integralandindivisiblepartofhumanrights,b..bRecallingalsothattheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandtheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomenhaveacomplementaryandmutuallyreinforcingnature,andrecommendingthattheyshouldbeanessentialframeworkforaforward-lookingstrategytopromoteandprotectthefundamentalrightsofgirlsandwomenanddecisivelyeradicateinequalityanddiscrimination,b..b1. .. ReaffirmsitsdecisiontoparticipateintheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen:ActionforEquality,DevelopmentandPeace,totakeplaceinSeptember1995inBeijing,andrequeststheSecretariattoadoptallnecessarymeasurestoallowforsuchparticipation;b..b2. .. Decidestotransmitthecontentofthegeneraldiscussiononthegirlchild,asreflectedinthereportofitseighthsession,tothesecretariatoftheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen;&  b..b3. .. RequeststhatthePlatformforActionfortheConferencereflectthroughoutitsdifferentchaptersthesituationandthefundamentalrightsofthegirlchild,namelyintheareasspecificallyaddressedduringthegeneraldiscussionoftheCommittee,asreflectedinthereportofitseighthsession;b..b4. .. AlsorequeststhattheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildbeclearlyconsideredasanessentialmechanismwithintheframeworkofthe'  internationalmachinerythatwillbeentrustedwiththetaskofmonitoringandperiodicallyreviewingtheimplementationofthePlatformforAction.@..Z II.ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS@.. A.StatespartiestotheConvention..1.b..bAsat27January1995,theclosingdateoftheeighthsessionoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,therewere168StatespartiestotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheConventionwasadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution44/25of20November1989andopenedforsignatureandratificationoraccessioninNewYorkon26January1990.Itenteredintoforceon2September1990,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofitsarticle49.AlistofStatesthathavesigned,ratifiedoraccededtotheConventioniscontainedinannexItothepresentreport.2.b..bThetextsofthedeclarations,reservationsorobjectionsmadebyStatespartieswithrespecttotheConventionarereproducedindocumentCRC/C/2/Rev.3.@.. B.Openinganddurationofthesession3.b..bTheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildhelditseighthsessionattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom9to27January1995.TheCommitteeheld26meetings(184thto209th).AnaccountoftheCommittee'sdeliberationsatitseighthsessioniscontainedintherelevantsummaryrecords(CRC/C/SR.184-190,192206,and209).@..C.Membershipandattendance4.b..bAllmembersattendedtheeighthsession.Someofthememberswereunabletoattendtheentiresession.AlistofthemembersoftheCommittee,togetherwithanindicationofthedurationoftheirtermsofoffice,appearsinannexIItothepresentreport.5.b..bThefollowingUnitedNationsbodieswerealsorepresentedatthesession:UnitedNationsChildren'sFund,UnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,UnitedNationsPopulationFund,UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme.6.b..bThefollowingspecializedagencieswerealsorepresentedatthesession:InternationalLabourOrganization,FoodandAgricultureOrganizationoftheUnitedNations,UnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization,WorldHealthOrganization.7.b..bArepresentativeforINTERPOLalsoattendedthesession.8.b..bRepresentativesofthefollowingnon-governmentalorganizationswerealsoinattendanceatthesession:CategoryIb..bInternationalMovementATDFourthWorld,ZontaInternational.&  CategoryII0b..bAssociatedCountryWomenoftheWorld,Caritas,DefenceforChildrenInternational,FriendsWorldCommitteeforConsultation(Quakers),'  InternationalAbolitionistFederation,InternationalAssociationofPenalLaw,InternationalCatholicChildBureau,InternationalFederationofWomeninLegalCareers,InternationalFederationTerredesHommes,InternationalServiceforHumanRights,RaddaBarnen.Others0b..bChildren'sRightsDevelopmentUnit(UK),CommitteeontheAdministrationofJustice,JamaicanCoalitionfortheRightsoftheChild,NGOGroupfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,OneWorldProductions,SavetheChildren(UK).@..D.Agenda9.b..bAtits184thmeeting,on9January1995,theCommitteeadoptedtheprovisionalagenda(CRC/C/35).Theagendaoftheeighthsession,asadopted,wasasfollows:b..b1. .. Adoptionoftheagenda.b..b2. .. Organizationalandothermatters.b..b0b..b3.0 .. SubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesinaccordancewitharticle44oftheConvention.b..b4. .. ConsiderationofreportsofStatesparties.b..b5.0 .. Systemofdocumentationandinformation.b..b6.0 .. Generaldiscussionon"Thegirlchild".b..b7.0 .. CooperationwithotherUnitedNationsbodies,specializedagenciesandothercompetentbodies.b..b8.0 .. MethodsofworkoftheCommittee.b..b9.0 .. FuturemeetingsoftheCommittee.b..b10.0 .. Othermatters.@.. E.MeetingwiththeHighCommissionerforHumanRights10.b..bAtthe209thmeeting,on27January1995,theHighCommissionerforHumanRights,Mr.J.AyalaLasso,addressedtheCommittee.11.b..bInhisstatement,theHighCommissionerstressedtheimportanceheattachedtopromotingtherightsofthechild,whichshouldbeseenasapriorityintheUnitedNationssystem-wideactiononhumanrights.HerecalledthattheveryhighnumberofStatespartiestotheConventionmadeitpossibletoattain,bytheendof1995,thegoalofuniversalratification,andhereferredtotheprogrammeofactivitiesbeingelaboratedjointlybyUNICEFandtheCentreforHumanRightstofacilitatetheattainmentofthatgoal.HeindicatedthataplanofactiontosupporttheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildwasbeingfinalizedandwouldsoonbesubmittedtoGovernmentsforfunding.SuchaplanwouldenabletheCommitteetoreceivesubstantivesupportinordertomeetthehighexpectationscreatedbytheConventionanditsimplementationsystemandtofacetheheavyworkload.ItwouldfacilitatethepracticalrealizationoftherecommendationsoftheCommitteeaimingatabetterimplementationoftheConventionatthenationallevelwithintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation,throughtheprovisionofadvisoryservicesandtechnicalassistance.@..F.Pre-sessionalworkinggroupb..b12.b..bInaccordancewiththedecisionoftheCommitteeatitsfirstsession,apre-sessionalworkinggroupmetinGenevafrom17to21October1994.AllmembersexceptMgr.BambarenGastelumendi,Mrs.Belembaogo,Mrs.Eufemio(whowasrepresentingtheCommitteeattheSpecialCommissionoftheHagueConferenceonPrivateInternationalLawontheapplicationoftheConventionof20May1993onProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoptiontorefugeechildrenandotherdisplacedchildren,heldatTheHaguefrom17to21October1994)andMr.Mombeshoraparticipatedintheworkinggroup.RepresentativesfromUNICEF,UNHCR,theUnitedNationsDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomen,aswellasrepresentativesfromILOandWHO,participatedinthemeetingsoftheworkinggroup.TherepresentativeoftheNGOGroupfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,aswellasrepresentativesfromvariousnon-governmentalorganizations,werealsoinattendanceatthesession.13.b..bThepurposeofthepre-sessionalworkinggroupistofacilitatetheCommittee'sworkunderarticles44and45oftheConvention,primarilybyreviewingStatepartyreportsandidentifyinginadvancethemainquestionsthatwouldneedtobediscussedwiththerepresentativesofthereportingStates.Italsoprovidesanopportunitytoconsiderquestionsrelatingtotechnicalassistanceandinternationalcooperation.14.b..bAtits1stmeeting,heldon17October,theworkinggroup,inaccordancewithrule63.2oftheCommittee'sprovisionalrulesofprocedure,electedMrs.BadranasChairpersonandMrs.SantosPaisasRapporteur.15.b..bThepre-sessionalworkinggroupheldeightmeetings,inthecourseofwhichitexaminedlistsofissuesputbeforeitbymembersoftheCommitteerelatingtotheinitialreportsofthefollowingfourcountries:Jamaica,Nicaragua,PolandandtheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland.ThelistofissueswastransmitteddirectlytothePermanentMissionsoftheStatesconcernedwithanotewhichstated,interalia:0b..b"TheCommitteewishestoreceive,ifpossiblebefore31July1994,writtenanswerstotheissuesraisedinthelist.ThelistisnotintendedtobeexhaustiveanditshouldnotbeinterpretedaslimitingorinanyotherwayprejudgingthetypeandrangeofquestionswhichmembersoftheCommitteemightwishtopose.However,theworkinggroupbelievesthattheconstructivedialoguewhichtheCommitteewishestohavewiththerepresentativesofthereportingStatescanbefacilitatedbymakingthelistandthewrittenanswerstoitavailableinadvanceoftheCommittee'ssession."16.b..bInaddition,thepre-sessionalworkinggroupalsotooknoteofadditionalinformationwhichhadbeensubmittedtotheCommitteebytheGovernmentofElSalvador(CRC/C/3/Add.28)followingarequestmadebytheCommitteeinthecourseofitsconsiderationoftheinitialreportsubmittedbyElSalvador.TheworkinggroupalsoexaminedadditionalinformationsubmittedbytheGovernmentofColombiaanddecidedthattheCommitteewouldcontinueitsconsiderationofthereportandadditionalinformationsubmittedbyColombiainthecourseoftheCommittee'seighthsession.17.b..bOnthebasisofadecisiontakenatthepre-sessionalworkinggroupofthefifthsessionoftheCommittee,theworkinggroupestablishedinformalcontactswiththePermanentMissionsofStateswhosereportswerescheduledforconsiderationattheforthcomingsession,inordertoinformthemoftheprocedurefollowedbytheCommitteefortheconsiderationofreportsandclarifythepurposesofthedialoguewithrepresentativesoftheStatesparties.@..G.Organizationofwork18.b..bTheCommitteeconsideredtheorganizationofworkatits184thmeeting,on9January1995.TheCommitteehadbeforeitthedraftprogrammeofworkfortheeighthsession,preparedbytheSecretary-GeneralinconsultationwiththeChairpersonoftheCommittee,andthereportoftheCommitteeonitsseventhsession(CRC/C/34).@..NH.Futureregularmeetings19.b..bTheCommitteenotedthatitsninthsessionwouldtakeplacefrom22Mayto9June1995andthatitspre-sessionalworkinggroupwouldmeetfrom12to16June1995.@..III.REPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE44OFTHECONVENTION@..A.Submissionofreports20.b..bInconnectionwiththisitem,theCommitteehadbeforeitthefollowingdocuments:(a)notesbytheSecretaryGeneraloninitialreportsbyStatespartiesduein1992(CRC/C/3),1993(CRC/C/8/Rev.3),1994(CRC/C/11/Rev.3),and1995(CRC/C/28);anotebytheSecretaryGeneralontheStatespartiestotheConventionandthestatusofsubmissionofreports(CRC/C/36);(c)anotebytheSecretaryGeneralonthefollowuptotheconsiderationofinitialreportsbyStatespartiestotheConvention(CRC/C/27/Rev.2).TheCommitteewasinformedthat,inadditiontothesixreportsthatwerescheduledforconsiderationbytheCommitteeatitspresentsession(seeparas.72244below)andthosewhichhadbeenreceivedpriortotheCommittee'sseventhsession(seeCRC/C/34,para.22),theSecretaryGeneralhadreceivedtheinitialreportsofCroatia(CRC/C/8/Add.19),Cyprus(CRC/C/8/Add.24),Finland(CRC/C/8/Add.22),Guatemala(CRC/C/3/Add.33),Iceland(CRC/C/11/Add.6),Lebanon(CRC/C/8/Add.23),Mongolia(CRC/C/3/Add.32),theRepublicofKorea(CRC/C/8/Add.21andYemen(CRC/C/8/Add.20).@..B.Considerationofreports21.b..bAtitseighthsession,theCommitteeexaminedinitialreportssubmittedbysixStatespartiesunderarticle44oftheConvention.Itdevoted17ofits26meetingstotheconsiderationofreports(CRC/C/SR.185189,192194,196-201and204206).b..b22.b..bThefollowingreports,listedintheorderinwhichtheyhadbeenreceivedbytheSecretaryGeneral,werebeforetheCommitteeatitseighthsession:Colombia(CRC/C/8/Add.3andadditionalinformation),Philippines(CRC/C/3/Add.23),Denmark(CRC/C/8/Add.8),Poland(CRC/C/8/Add.11),Jamaica(CRC/C/8/Add.12),andtheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland(CRC/C/11/Add.1).23.b..bInaccordancewithrule68oftheprovisionalrulesofprocedureoftheCommittee,representativesofallthereportingStateswereinvitedtoattendthemeetingsoftheCommitteeatwhichtheirreportswereexamined.AlltheStatespartieswhosereportswereconsideredbytheCommitteesentrepresentativestoparticipateintheexaminationoftheirrespectivereports.#..#24.b..bThefollowingsections,arrangedonacountrybycountrybasisaccordingtothesequencefollowedbytheCommitteeinitsconsiderationofthereport,containconcludingorpreliminaryobservationsreflectingthemainpointsofdiscussionandindicating,wherenecessary,issuesthatwouldrequireaspecificfollowup.25.b..bTheconcludingobservationsontheinitialreportofArgentina(CRC/C/8/Add.2),whichhadbeenconsideredbytheCommitteeatitsseventhsession,arealsocontainedbelow,inaccordancewithadecisiontakenbytheCommitteeatitsseventhsession(seeCRC/C/34,para.155).b..b26.b..bMoredetailedinformationiscontainedinthereportssubmittedbytheStatespartiesandinthesummaryrecordsoftherelevantmeetingsoftheCommittee.b..b1. .. Concludingobservations:Argentina27.b..bTheCommitteeconsideredatitsseventhsessiontheinitialreportofArgentina(CRC/C/8/Add.2)atits177thto179thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.177,178and179),heldon10and11October1994.InviewofthefactthattheadditionalreportwhichhadbeenrequestedfromtheGovernmentofArgentinatosupplementtheinformationcontainedinArgentina'sinitialreportwasreceivedjustbeforetheconsiderationofthereport,theCommitteedecidedtopostponetheadoptionofitsconcludingobservationsuntilitsnextsession.TheCommitteethereforeadopted* H   ׀atitseighthsessionthefollowingconcludingobservations:@..tA.Introduction28.b..bTheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaginginadialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteenoteswithregretthatthereportsubmittedbytheGovernmentofArgentinadoesnotcoverallrightsenshrinedintheConventionandthatitwasnotpreparedinaccordancewiththeCommittee'sguidelinesforthepreparationofinitialreports.Itnotesthatthereportmainlydealswiththelegalframeworkanddoesnotcontainsufficientinformation,eitheranalyticalorstatistical,ontheactualimplementationoftheprinciplesandrightssetforthintheConvention.TheextensiveadditionalinformationsubmittedbytheGovernmentcametoolatefortheCommitteememberstostudyandexaminebeforethediscussionwiththeStatepartydelegation.@..B.Positiveaspects29.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthedeclarationmadebytheStatepartyuponratificationinregardtoarticle38thataprohibitionexistsinnationallegislationontheuseofchildrenunder18inarmedconflicts.30.b..bTheCommitteealsowelcomestheestablishmentoftheNationalCouncilforChildrenandFamily,thedevelopmentofaNationalPlanofActionforChildrenaswellasthesigningofafederalPactforMothersandChildren.31.b..bTheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsundertakenbytheGovernmentoftheStatepartytopublicizetheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.32.b..bTheCommitteewelcomestheincorporationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,aswellasotherhumanrightstreatiesratifiedbyArgentina,intothedomesticlegalsystemandthehighlegalstatusattributedtothembyvirtueofwhichtheyaregivenprecedenceovernationallaws.33.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthesuccessfulimmunizationprogrammewith99percentcoverageandthehighliteracyrate95percentin1990.@.."C.Principalsubjectsofconcern34.b..bTheCommitteeisfurthermoreconcernedaboutthereservationsenteredbytheGovernmentofArgentinaupontheratificationoftheConventionwithrespecttoarticle21(b),(c),(d)and(e)duetotheirbroadnature.35.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedthatsufficientadministrativeandothermeasuresseemnottohavebeentakentofacilitateaneffectivecoordinationoftheimplementationoftheConventiononlocal,regionalandnationallevels.36.b..bTheCommitteetakesnoteofthedisparityofmarriageagesforboysandgirlsinArgentinelaw,whichseemstobecontrarytotheprovisionsofarticle2oftheConvention.37.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithspecialconcernthesituationofchildrenfromvulnerableanddisadvantagedgroups,suchasdisabledchildren,abandonedchildrenandchildrenlivingand/orworkinginthestreetsaswellaschildrenbelongingtohouseholdslivinginpoverty.38.b..bTheCommitteeisalsoworriedaboutthehighnumberofsinglemothersinArgentinabetweentheagesof12and18andaboutreportsontheoccurrenceofdomesticviolenceandsexualabuse.39.b..bTheCommitteenotestheproblemsintheschools,withhighturnoverofteachersandchildrendroppingout.@.. E.Suggestionsandrecommendations40.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentofArgentinaconsiderreviewingthereservationentereduponratificationoftheConventionwithaviewtowithdrawingit.Inthatconnection,theattentionoftheStatepartyisdrawntotheViennaDeclarationandProgrammeofActionadoptedbytheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsinJune1993whichencouragedStatestowithdrawreservationstotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.41.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthat,giventhefederalnatureoftheArgentineState,acomprehensiveapproachbetakenbytheGovernmentinimplementingtheConvention,particularlyinassuringbettercoordinationbetweenthevariousmechanismsandinstitutionsalreadyinplacetodealwiththepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofchildren.Ofimportance,inthatcontext,wouldbetheestablishmentofanappropriateinfrastructureatalllevelsandincreasedcoordinationbetweeneffortsundertakenatthelocalandprovinciallevelwiththosetakenatthenationallevel.Itisrecommendedthatemphasisalsobeputontheaspectofmonitoring,includingthroughanombudsman,andoncooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizationsworkingfortherightsofthechild.42.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhatthebudgetarymeasuresbereviewedwithaviewtoensuringthatthemaximumamountofavailableresourcesisallocatedtopromoteandprotecttherightsofthechildatthefederal,regionalandlocallevels.43.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthereffortsbemadetoensurethatpersonneldealingwithchildrenbeprovidedwithadequatetrainingwhichemphasizestheprinciplesandnormsintheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.44.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhatalargerpartoftheeducationandtrainingoflawenforcementpersonnel,judgesandotheradministrationofjusticeofficialsbedevotedtoanunderstandingofinternationalstandardsonjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthatjuvenilecourtsbesetupinallprovinces.45.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsiderundertakinggreatereffortstoprovidefamilyeducationanddevelopingawarenessoftheequalresponsibilityofparents.Healtheducationprogrammesshouldbedevelopedtocounterthehighincidenceofteenagepregnancy.46.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyconsidersthepossibilityofintroducingmoreeffectivelegislationandfollowupmechanismstopreventviolencewithinthefamilyinthespiritofarticle19.47.b..bTheCommitteealsorecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakenbytheGovernmenttoreducedropoutratesinschoolsandtoensurethattheschoolsareadequatelystaffedwithqualifiedpersonnel.Itisalsorecommendedthatfurtherstepsbetakentoencouragetheactiveparticipationofchildrenintheschools,aswellasoutside,inthespiritofarticle12oftheConvention.48.b..bTheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthereportandtheadditionalinformationsubmittedbytheStateparty,thesummaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswidelyaspossiblewithinthecountry.b..b2.Concludingobservations:Philippines49.b..bTheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofthePhilippines(CRC/C/3/Add.23)atits185th,186thand187thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.185187),heldon10and11January1995,andadopted J   ׀thefollowingconcludingobservations.@..tA.Introduction50.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofthePhilippines,whichwasoneofthefirstStatestobecomepartytotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationthatthereportfollowedtheCommittee'sguidelinesandthatitcontaineddetailedinformationonthelegalframeworkwithinwhichtheConventionisimplementedaswellassomementionofthedifficultiesencounteredbytheState.TheCommitteewelcomesthewritteninformationprovidedbytheGovernmentinreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissues(CRC/C/7/WP.3),whichwascommunicatedtoitbeforethesession.TheCommittee,however,noteswithregretthelackofinformationontheconcreteeffectsofmeasuresadopted.51.b..bThesupplementaryinformationprovidedbythenumerousmembersofthedelegationofthePhilippinesandthefactthatthedelegationwascomposedofmembersinvolvedinadiversityofsectorsinvariouschildrelatedissuesmadeitpossibletosupplementinformationreceivedinwritingandtoengageinanopenandconstructivedialogue.@..B.Positiveaspects52.b..bTheCommitteetakesnoteofthefirmcommitmentoftheGovernmentofthePhilippinestothepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.TheCommitteewelcomestheeffortsmadebytheStatepartyinbringingdomesticlawintolinewiththeConvention,throughtheenactmentofnewlawsandtheadoptionofprogrammesspecificallyaimedatpromotingandprotectingtherightsofthechild.Amongtheseachievementswastheadoption,followingtheWorldSummitforChildrenin1990,ofthePhilippinePlanofActionforChildrenentitled"TheFilipinoChildren:2000andBeyond".@.. C.Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingthe " implementationoftheConvention53.b..bTheCommitteenotesthegeographicalandculturaldiversity,thedispersalofthepopulationthroughoutthe7,000islandsofthearchipelago,andthewideeconomicandsocialdisparitiesexistinginthecountry.54.b..bTheCommitteefurtherrecognizesthedifficultiesarisingfrompoliticalinstabilityinaperiodofdemocratization,includingtheadverseeffectsofthearmedconflictonchildren.55.b..bTheCommitteealsonotesthatnaturaldisastershavehadanegativeimpactonthesituationofchildren.@.."D.Principalsubjectsofconcern56.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedthatinspiteofseriouseffortsandachievementsintheareaoflegislativereform,stepsremaintobetakentobringnationallegislationintofullconformitywiththeConvention,includinginregardtotheminimumageofcriminalresponsibility,minimumageforsexualconsent,minimumageofaccesstoemployment,compulsoryschoolingagelimit,statusofchildrenbornoutofwedlock,theprohibitionoftorture,intercountryadoptionandlegislationconcerningtheadministrationofjuvenilejustice,includingdeprivationoflibertyandcriminalizationofvagrancy.57.b..bThelackofefficientmechanismstomonitorthesituationofchildrenisamatterofconcern.TheCommitteenotesinthisregardalackofreliablequalitativeandquantitativedata,ashortageofmeanstoimplementprogrammes,andalackofindicatorsandmechanismstoevaluatetheprogressandimpactofpoliciesadopted.58.b..bTheCommitteeisequallyconcernedthatinsufficientattentionseemstohavebeenpaidtotheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConventionconcerningbudgetaryallocations.ThepresentbalanceofresourceallocationsintheStatepartybetweenthesocialandothersectors,andthehighproportionofmilitaryexpenditurestothedetrimentofchildrelatedissues,arenotedwithconcern.Inthisregard,theCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheunequaldistributionofthenationalwealthinthecountryandthedisparitiesintheenjoymentoftherightsprovidedforundertheConvention,tothedetrimentofpoorurbanchildren,childrenlivinginruralareasandchildrenbelongingtominorities(or"cultural"communities).59.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedatthedifficultiesinensuringtheregistrationofchildrenafterbirth,aswellasattheproblemsfacedbychildrenwhohavenotbeenregisteredintheenjoymentoftheirfundamentalrightsandfreedoms.60.b..bTheCommitteealsoexpressesitsconcernatthelackofpracticalmeasurestoensurethefullenjoymentoftherightsrecognizedintheConventionbycertaincategoriesofchildren,includinggirlchildren,disabledchildren,childrenofmixedmarriages,childrenofoverseasworkers,workingchildren,andchildrenaffectedbyarmedconflicts.61.b..bTheCommitteeisseriouslyalarmedbytheexistenceofchildabuse(includingsexualabuse)andneglectwithinthefamily,whichoftenleadtochildrenbeingabandonedorrunningaway,thusfacingtheadditionalrisksofviolationsoftheirhumanrights.62.b..bTheCommitteeisalsopreoccupiedbythelevelofviolenceandthehighincidenceofilltreatmentandabuseofchildren,includingcasesattributedtothepoliceormilitarypersonnel.ItnoteswithconcernthattheeffortsoftheGovernmenttocombatchildabuseandneglectareinsufficient,bothfromthepreventionandthesanctionpointofview.Thelackofrehabilitationmeasuresforsuchchildrenisalsoamatterofconcern.Thefailuretotakeeffectivestepstoprosecuteandpunishthoseresponsibleforsuchviolationsortomakepublicdecisionstakeninthisregard,includingtowardspaedophiles,mayleadtoafeelinginthepopulationthatimpunityprevailsandthatitisthereforeuselesstobringcomplaintsbeforethecompetentauthorities.63.b..bWithrespecttotherighttoeducation,theCommitteenoteswithconcernthattherehasbeenlittleprogressinfullyimplementingtherelevantprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticularwithrespecttogirlchildren,childrenlivinginruralorremoteareasandchildrenaffectedbythearmedconflict.TheCommitteeisalsoworriedbythelackofvocationaltrainingopportunities,thehighdrop-outrateinprimaryeducationandthelowrateofenrolmentinsecondaryeducation.64.b..bThelargeandgrowingnumberofchildrenwho,duetoruralexodus,extremepoverty,abandonment,aswellassituationsofviolencewithinthefamily,areforcedtoliveand/orworkinthestreets,aredeprivedoftheirfundamentalrightsandexposedtovariousformsofexploitation,isamatterofdeepconcern.65.b..bSpecificconcernisalsoexpressedaboutthepresentorganizationofthesystemofadministrationofjuvenilejusticeanditslackofcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionandotherinternationalstandardsrelatingtojuvenilejustice.@.. E.Suggestionsandrecommendations66.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartycontinuetoharmonizedomesticlegislationwiththeprovisionsoftheConvention.Seriousconsiderationshouldbegiventoraisingtheagelimitforsexualconsentandpenalresponsibility,toeliminatingdiscriminationtowardschildrenbornoutofwedlock,totheprohibitionoftortureandtotherevisionoflegalprovisionswithregardtotheadministrationofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheStatepartyenvisageratifyingtheHagueConventiononProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofIntercountryAdoptionof1993.TheCommitteealsorecommendsthattheGovernmenttakeallnecessarystepstoensuretherespectandeffectiveimplementationoftheprovisionscontainedintheConvention.67.b..bCoordinationbetweenthevariousgovernmentalagenciesinvolvedintheimplementationoftheConventionanditsmonitoringshouldbeensured,andeffortsshouldbemadetowardsclosercooperationwithnon-governmentalorganizations.68.b..bMeasuresshouldbetakentostrengthenthemonitoringmechanismsoftheConvention.Qualitativeandquantitativedataandindicatorsforevaluatingtheprogressandefficiencyofprogrammesaimingatthefullenjoymentofchildren'srightsshouldbedeveloped.Publicityshouldalsobegiventothemonitoringreportsontheimplementationoftherightsofthechild.69.b..bTheauthoritiesshouldundertakeallappropriateeffortstothemaximumextentoftheiravailableresourcestoensurethatsufficientresourcesareallocatedtochildren,takingintospecialconsiderationtheneedsofthemostvulnerablegroups.70.b..bMorechildren'srights-orientedtrainingprogrammesshouldbeorganizedforvariousprofessionalgroupssuchasteachers,judges,socialworkersandpoliceofficials.Suchprogrammesshouldemphasizethepromotionandprotectionofthefundamentalrightsofthechildandthechild'ssenseofdignity.Greatereffortsshouldbemadetoprovidefamilylifeeducationanddevelopawarenessoftheresponsibilityoftheparents.TheCommitteeencouragesnon-governmentalorganizationsandchildrenandyouthgroupstopayattentiontotheneedtochangeattitudesaspartoftheiradvocacyaction.71.b..bTheCommitteeemphasizesthattheprincipleofnon-discrimination,asprovidedforunderarticle2oftheConvention,mustbefullyapplied.Amoreactiveapproachshouldbetakentoeliminatediscriminationagainstcertain&  groupsofchildren,inparticularchildreninremoteareas,childrenbelongingto"cultural"communities,girlchildren,disabledchildrenandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.'  72.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateintensifyitsactionagainstallviolencedirectedatandill-treatmentofchildren,inparticularsexualabuse.Anincreasednumberofprogrammesshouldaimatthepreventionofsexualmisbehaviourtowardschildren.Thedeepcausesofthephenomenonshouldbeseriouslylookedat.TheCommitteealsorecommendstheactiveparticipationofnon-governmentalorganizationsaswellaschildrenandyouthgroupsinchangingandinfluencingattitudesinthatregard.73.b..bTheStatepartyshouldensurethatadequateproceduresandmechanismstodealwithcomplaintsofchildill-treatmentaredeveloped,thatcasesofviolationsofchildren'srightsaredulyinvestigatedandthattheresultsofsuchinvestigationsaregivenpublicity.74.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthatfurthermeasuresbetakentoimplementtheprovisionsofarticle32,includinginrelationtotheminimumageofaccesstoemployment,andthateffortsbemadetopreventandcombatchildlabourinthecountry.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtochildrenworkingintheinformalsector.TheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyseektechnicalassistancefromILOinthisarea.75.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivereformofthesystemofadministrationofjuvenilejusticeandthatthisreformbeguidedbytheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventionaswellasotherrelevantinternationalstandardssuchastheBeijingRules,theRiyadhGuidelinesandtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.TheCommitteesuggeststhattrainingofthelawenforcementpersonnel,judgesandotheradministrationofjusticeofficialsbeorganizedandthatpartofsuchtrainingbedevotedtotheseinternationalstandardsofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteeunderlinestheneedfortechnicalassistanceinthisareaandencouragestheStatepartytoseeksuchassistancefromtheCentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeBranchoftheUnitedNationsinthisregard.76.b..bTheCommitteealsorecommendsthatthereportsubmittedbytheStateparty,thesummaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswidelyaspossiblewithinthecountry.b..b3. .. Concludingobservations:Colombia77.b..bTheCommitteebeganconsiderationoftheinitialreportofColombia(CRC/C/8/Add.3)atits113thto115thmeetings,heldon17and18January1994.InviewofthefactthatitwasnotpossibleduringthesessiontofullyclarifyanumberofseriousconcernsabouttheimplementationoftheConvention,theCommitteedecidednottoconcludetheconsiderationofthatreportandadoptedinsteadasetofpreliminaryobservations.TheStatepartywasrequestedtoprovide,by28February1994,writtenanswerstotheCommittee'slistofissuesandinformationonparticularareasofconcernidentifiedbytheCommitteeinitspreliminaryobservations,forconsiderationbytheCommitteeatafuturesession.AfterconsideringtheadditionalinformationprovidedbytheGovernmentofColombiaatits188thand189thmeetingsheldon12January1995(CRC/C/SR.188andCRC/C/SR.189),theCommitteeconcludeditsconsiderationoftheinitialreportofColombiaandadopted K   ׀thefollowingconcludingobservations:@..tA.Introduction78.b..bTheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheGovernmentofColombiaforthesubmissionofwrittenanswerstoitslistofissues,theresponsestoitspreliminaryobservationsandotheroralquestionsposedduringconsiderationofthereport,andtheadditionalinformationontheparticularareasofconcernidentifiedbytheCommittee.TheCommitteeisencouragedbythefrankandcooperativetoneofthediscussion,inwhichtherepresentativesoftheStatepartyindicatednotonlythepolicydirectionsrelativetotheConvention,butalsothedifficultiesencounteredduringimplementation.@..B.Positiveaspects79.b..bAsrecognizedinitsPreliminaryObservations,theCommitteewelcomesthemajorlegislativeinitiativesadoptedwithaviewtoprovidingalegalframeworkfortheimplementationoftheConvention.TheCommitteealsowelcomestheinitiativestakentowardscreatingspecialmechanismsfortheimplementationoftheConvention.Itparticularlywelcomestheemphasisplacedontheprotectionofhumanrightsasreflected,interalia,bytheestablishmentofaUnitonHumanRightswithintheAttorney-General'sOffice.80.b..bTheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheeffortsmadetofacilitatetheparticipationofnon-governmentalorganizations(NGOs)intheimplementationprocess.81.b..bTheCommitteenotestheprogressmadeoverthelast10yearsinloweringtheinfantmortalityrate.ItalsowelcomestheformulationbytheStatepartyofaNationalPlanofActionandthesettingofconcretegoalsasfollow-uptotheWorldSummitforChildren.TheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheGovernment'seffortstoprovideeducationtochildreninruralareasandtoimprovetheirnutritionallevel.@.. C.Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingthe " implementationoftheConvention82.b..bTheCommitteetakesnotethatColombiaisgoingthroughadifficulteconomicperiodthatadverselyaffectsthesituationofchildren.Itfurthernotestheprevailingdisparitiesexistinginthecountryattheeconomicandsociallevels.83.b..bTheCommitteealsonotestheseriousimpactonchildrenofpoliticalproblemsstemmingfromdrug-relatedterrorismandviolence.&  @.."D.Principalsubjectsofconcern84.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedatthesignificantgapbetweenthelawsadoptedtoimplementtheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandthe'  practicalapplicationofthoselawstotheactualsituationofagreatnumberofchildreninColombia.85.b..bTheCommitteealsoexpressesconcernoverthelackofsufficientcoordinationbetweenthevariousentitiesinvolvedinhumanrightsandchildren'srights,aswellasatthelackofcomprehensiveconsiderationofdifferentsectoralpoliciesaimingatthepromotionandprotectionoftherightsofthechild.86.b..bTheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheinsufficientstepstakentogatherrelevantinformationontheimplementationoftheConventionaswellastoensureaneffectivemonitoringsystematthenational,regionalandlocallevels.87.b..bTheCommitteeexpressesitsgraveconcernoverthelargeproportionofColombianchildrenwhocontinuetoliveinextremepovertydespitethefactthatColombiahasoneofthemostfavourableeconomicgrowthratesandoneofthelowestamountsofpercapitaforeignindebtednessintheregion.ManychildreninColombia,includingalargeproportionofruralandindigenouschildren,havebeeneconomicallyandsociallymarginalizedandhavelimitedornoaccesstoadequateeducationorhealthcareservices.88.b..bTheCommitteeisalsoconcernedaboutdiscriminatoryandadversesocialattitudes,particularlyamonglawenforcementofficials,towardsvulnerablegroupsofchildren.TheCommitteeexpressesitsgraveconcernoverthelife-threateningsituationfacedbyanalarmingnumberofchildreninColombia,particularlythosewho,inordertosurvive,areworkingand/orlivingonthestreets.Manyofthosechildrenarevictimsof"socialcleansing"campaignsandsubjecttoarbitraryarrestandtortureandotherinhumanordegradingtreatmentbyauthorities.Theyarealsosubjecttocoercion,disappearance,traffickingandmurderbycriminalgroups.89.b..bTherulesontheminimumageofemploymentarebelowinternationalstandardsandeventhenarenotenforced.Hazardouschildlabour,includinginmines,isamatterofthedeepestconcern.@.. E.Suggestionsandrecommendations90.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartytakestepstoensuretheeffectivecoordinationbetweentheexistinginstitutionsinvolvedintheareasofhumanrightsandchildren'srightswithaviewtoestablishingamonitoringmechanismfortheimplementationoftheConventionatthenational,regionalandlocallevels,whichmayassesstheactualsituationofchildrenandnarrowthegapbetweenthelawanditspractice.91.b..bTheCommitteealsosuggeststhatreliablequantitativeandqualitativeinformationbesystematicallycollectedandanalysedtoevaluateprogressin&  therealizationoftherightsofthechildandtomonitorcloselythesituationofmarginalizedchildren,includingthosebelongingtothepoorestsectorsofsocietyandtoindigenousgroups.'  92.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStateparty,inthelightofarticles3and4oftheConvention,undertakeallappropriatemeasurestothemaximumextentoftheavailableresourcestoensurethatsufficientbudgetaryallocationisprovidedtoservicesforchildren,particularlyintheareasofeducationandhealth,andthatparticularattentionispaidtotheprotectionoftherightsofchildrenbelongingtovulnerablegroups.93.b..bTheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatfirmmeasuresbetakentoensuretherighttosurvivalforallchildreninColombia,includingthosewholiveinasituationofpoverty,whohavebeenabandoned,orthosewhotosurviveareforcedtoliveand/orworkinthestreets.Suchmeasuresshouldaimattheeffectiveprotectionofchildrenagainsttheoccurrenceofviolence,disappearance,assassinationorallegedorgantrafficking.Thoroughandsystematicinvestigationshouldbecarriedoutandseverepenaltiesappliedtothosefoundresponsibleforsuchviolationsofchildren'srights.Violationsofhumanrightsandchildren'srightsshouldalwaysbeexaminedbyciviliancourtsundercivilianlaw,notmilitarycourts.Theoutcomeofinvestigationsandcasesofconvictionsshouldbewidelypublicizedinordertodeterfutureoffencesandthuscombattheperceptionofimpunity.94.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhatinthefieldofadministrationofjuvenilejustice,greatereffortsshouldbemadetoensurerespectforthestandardsandlegalsafeguardscontainedintheConvention,inparticularinthelightofarticles37,39and40,andtakingintodueconsiderationotherrelevantinternationalinstrumentsadoptedinthisfieldbytheUnitedNations.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhatfurthereffortsbemadetoensurethatallchildrendeprivedoftheirliberty,whohavebeenabandonedorwhoareatriskareregisteredandtheirsituationcloselymonitoredinordertoensurethattheyareaffordedtheprotectionprovidedbytheConvention.95.b..bInregardtotheproblemsofworkingchildren,theCommitteesuggeststhatColombiaconsiderratifyingILOConventionNo.138concerningtheminimumageforadmissiontoemploymentandreviewallrelevantnationallegislationwithaviewtobringingitintoconformitywiththeConventionontheRightsoftheChildandotherinternationalstandards.Childlabourlawsshouldbeenforced,complaintsshouldbeinvestigatedandseverepenaltiesimposedforviolations.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentconsiderseekingcooperationfromILOinthisarea.96.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhatstepsbetakentostrengthentheeducationalsystem,particularlyintheruralareas,toimprovethequalityofteachingandtoreducethehighnumberofschooldrop-outs.ConsiderationshouldbegiventointegratingtheRightsoftheChildintheschoolcurriculum,namelyintheframeworkoftheUnitedNationsDecadeonHumanRightsEducation.97.b..bEducationalcampaignsshouldbeundertakentoreduceviolenceinsocietyandinthefamilyandtocombatprejudiceonthebasisofgender.Counsellingservicesforyouthshouldbedevelopedasapreventivemeasureaimedatloweringthehighincidenceofteenagepregnanciesandstemmingthedramaticriseinthenumberofsinglemothers.TheCommitteesuggeststhattheGovernmentmoreactivelyenlistthesupportofNGOsandotherprivateorganizationsinraisingpublicawarenessoftherightsofthechildandinmonitoringenforcementofthelaws.98.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhatseriousconsiderationbegiventotrainingintherightsofthechildofprofessionalgroupsworkingwithorforchildren,includingteachers,judgesanddefensoresdefamiliaydemenores.TheCommitteebelievesthatanewattitudeandapproachshouldbedeveloped,particularlyasregardsthepoliceandthemilitary,inordertoenhancerespectforallchildren,regardlessoftheirsocial,economicorotherbackground,andtoreaffirmthevalueoftheirfundamentalrights.Inthisconnection,informationandtrainingprogrammesshouldbestrengthened,includingatthelevelofthecommunityandthefamily,andtherightsofthechildshouldbeincludedintheframeworkofthetrainingcurriculumoftheprofessionalgroupsconcerned.99.b..bFurthermeasuresshouldbeenvisagedtostrengthencooperationwithNGOsaimingatgreatersocialmobilizationonbehalfoftherightsofthechild.100.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyseekclosercooperationwithUnitedNationsbodiesandspecializedagencies,includingtheCentreforHumanRightsanditsTechnicalCooperationBranch,inordertoobtaintheassistanceandexpertiserequiredandtoembarkuponmajorreformintheareaswhereaconcernhasbeenidentifiedbytheCommittee.101.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhatinthelightofarticle44,paragraph6,theStatepartywidelypublicizeitsreport,thesummaryrecordsofthediscussionandtheconcludingobservationsadoptedthereon.b..b4. .. Concludingobservations:Poland102.b..bTheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofPoland(CRC/C/8/Add.11andHRI/CORE/1/Add.25)atits192ndto194thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.192194),heldon16and17January1995andadopted L   ׀thefollowingconcludingobservations:@..tA.Introduction103.b..bTheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforitsreportandforengaging,throughahighrankingdelegation,inaconstructiveandfrankdialoguewiththeCommittee.TheCommitteewelcomesthewritteninformationprovidedbytheGovernmentofPolandinreplytothequestionssetoutinthelistofissues(CRC/C/8/WP.4)whichwerecommunicatedtoitbeforethesession.@..B.Positiveaspects104.b..bTheCommitteewelcomestheformaladoptionofthereportbytheCouncilofMinisters.105.b..bTheCommitteefurtherwelcomestheintentionexpressedbythedelegationtoreviewthecontentsofthereservationsanddeclarationsmadeatthemomentoftheratificationoftheConventionwithaviewtoconsideringtheirpossiblewithdrawal.106.b..bTheCommitteeisencouragedbytheGovernment'swillingnesstoidentifyandaddressthevariousproblemsimpedingtheimplementationoftherightsprovidedforintheConventionandtoseekappropriatesolutions,particularlyintheareaofchildhealthcare.107.b..bTheCommitteewelcomesmeasuresadoptedbytheGovernmenttopromoteawarenessofchildren'srights.ItalsowelcomesthepublicationofthetextoftheConventionbythePolishCommitteeforUNICEFandtheCommitteefortheProtectionofChildren'sRights,aswellastheorganizationofseveralworkshopsandseminars.ItisencouragedbystepstakenwithregardtothetrainingofteachersintherightsandprinciplesoftheConventionaswellassimilaractivitiesundertakenforthebenefitofjudges.108.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtheactivitiesundertakenbytheCommissionerfor .. CivilRightsandtherecentdecisiontoreestablishtheOfficeoftheGovernmentPlenipotentiaryforWomenandFamilyAffairsfortheprotectionofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms,includingchildren'srights.109.b..bTheCommitteeappreciatesthatPoland,despiteitspresentfinancialdifficulties,isparticipatingininternationalcooperationactivities,includingintheareaofeducationofstudentsfromdevelopingcountries.110.b..bTheCommitteerecognizestheimportanceaccordedbytheStateparty,atatimeofcriticalpoliticalandeconomicchangeinthecountry,tointroducingpositivechangesforthebenefitofchildrenandtopursuepoliciesthattakeintoaccounttheneedsofchildren.Inthatconnection,itparticularlywelcomestheassurancesgivenbythedelegationthattheCommittee'sconcludingobservationswillbebroughttotheattentionoftheCouncilofMinistersforappropriateaction.  C.Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingthe # implementationoftheConvention111.b..bTheCommitteenotesthedifficultiesfacingPolandinthepresentperiodofpoliticaltransitionandinaclimateofsocialchangeanddeepeconomiccrisis.Itnotesthatthesituationofmanychildrenisaffectedbygrowingpovertyandincreasingunemployment.112.