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E +?EX+     Distr.    GENERAL    CRC/C/54    1July1996    Original:ENGLISHmm;@ "COMMITTEEONTHERIGHTSOFTHECHILD@&Reportonthetwelfthsession K @&(Geneva,20May-7June1996)@0CONTENTSChapter[[K#Paragraphs󀀀Page  *+w %#??*ӀI.  ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS%%J%.gg4  115T#T#Z#3    A. w StatespartiestotheConvention%%J%.8  12T#T#Z#3 ^   B. w Openinganddurationofthesession%%J%.##;  3T#T#Z#3 n<    C. w Membershipandattendance%%J%.;;1  48T#T#Z#3 L  "   D. w Agenda%%J%.   9T#T#Z#4 *"!$   E. w Pre-sessionalworkinggroup%%J%.3  1013T#T#Z#4 $#&   F. w Organizationofwork%%J%.GG,  14T#T#Z#5 %%(   G. w Futureregularmeetings%%J%.ss/  15T#T#Z#5 ''* ...o,=,GE.9617034(E)  //0   33 ++P   } FG8.++b >uQ!8@..CONTENTS(continued)Chapter#..YParagraphs󀀀Page+w #ӀII...REPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE44..OFTHECONVENTION....16265#..T#5..A.w ..w Submissionofreports....1619#..T#5..B.w ..w Considerationofreports....20265#..T#6..w ..w 1.Concludingobservations:Lebanon....2570#..T#7..w ..w 2.Concludingobservations:Zimbabwe....71104#.."13..w ..w 3.Concludingobservations:China....105149#.."18..w ..w 4.Concludingobservations:Nepal....150190#.."25..w ..w 5.Concludingobservations:Guatemala....191233#.."31..w ..w 6.Concludingobservations:Cyprus....234265#.."38III...OVERVIEWOFTHEOTHERACTIVITIESOFTHE..COMMITTEE....266272#.."41̀IV...DRAFTPROVISIONALAGENDAFORTHE..THIRTEENTHSESSION....273#.."43̀V...ADOPTIONOFTHEREPORT....274#.."44@..6Annexes+w  "#ӀI...StateswhichhaveratifiedoraccededtotheConvention..ontheRightsoftheChildasat7June1996".."#.."45̀II...MembershipoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild".."#.."51III...StatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesunder..article44oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildas..at7June1996".."#.."52̀IV...ListofinitialreportsconsideredbytheCommitteeasat..7June1996".."#.."63̀V...Provisionallistofinitialreportsscheduledfor..considerationattheCommittee'sthirteenthand..fourteenthsessions".."#.."66̀VI...Listofdocumentsissuedforthetwelfthsessionof..theCommittee".."#.."67̇8.++b >uQ!8@.. I.ORGANIZATIONALANDOTHERMATTERS@.. A.StatespartiestotheConvention1.b..bAsat7June1996,theclosingdateofthetwelfthsessionoftheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChild,therewere187StatespartiestotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheConventionwasadoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyinresolution44/25of20November1989andopenedforsignatureandratificationoraccessioninNewYorkon26January1990.Itenteredintoforceon2September1990,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofitsarticle49.AlistofStatesthathavesigned,ratifiedoraccededtotheConventioniscontainedinannexItothepresentreport.2.b..bThetextsofthedeclarations,reservationsorobjectionsmadebyStatespartieswithrespecttotheConventionarereproducedindocumentCRC/C/2/Rev.4.@.. B.Openinganddurationofthesession3.b..bTheCommitteeontheRightsoftheChildhelditstwelfthsessionattheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevafrom20Mayto7June1996.TheCommitteeheld27meetings(288thto314th).AnaccountoftheCommittee'sdeliberationsatitstwelfthsessioniscontainedintherelevantsummaryrecords(CRC/C/SR.288-291,293-295,298-303,306-311and314).Attheopeningofthesession,theHighCommissionerforHumanRights,Mr.JosAyalaLasso,addressedtheCommitteeandinformeditofrecentdevelopmentsrelevanttotheprotectionandpromotionoftherightsofthechild.@..C.Membershipandattendance4.b..bAllthemembersoftheCommitteeattendedthetwelfthsession.Mrs.HodaBadran,Mrs.AkilaBelembaogo,Mr.ThomasHammarberg,Mr.SwithunTachionaMombeshoraandMrs.MariliaSardenbergwereunabletoattendtheentiresession.Alistofthemembers,togetherwithanindicationofthedurationoftheirtermsofoffice,appearsinannexIItothepresentreport.5.b..bThefollowingUnitedNationsbodieswererepresentedatthesession:UnitedNationsChildren'sFund,OfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees.6.b..bThefollowingspecializedagencieswerealsorepresentedatthesession:InternationalLabourOrganization,WorldHealthOrganization.7.b..bArepresentativefromtheInstitutHenriDunantalsoattendedthesession.8.b..bRepresentativesofthefollowingnon-governmentalorganizationswerealsoinattendanceatthesession:b..bCategoryI0b..bInternationalMovementATDFourthWorld,ZontaInternational.b..bCategoryII0b..bCaritasInternationalis,DefenceforChildrenInternational,FriendsWorldCommitteeforConsultation(Quakers),InterAfricanCommitteeonTraditionalPracticesAffectingtheHealthofWomenandChildren,InternationalAbolitionistFederation,InternationalCatholicChildBureau,InternationalFederationofWomeninLegalCareers,InternationalFederationTerredesHommes,InternationalServiceforHumanRights,WorldOrganizationagainstTorture.b..bOthers0b..bEpochWorldwide,InternationalInnerWheel,MinorityRightsGroup,NetworkfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,NGOGroupfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,OneWorldProductions,Proden,RaddaBarnen,TibetBureau.@..D.Agenda9.b..bAtits288thmeeting,on20May1996,theCommitteeadoptedthefollowingagenda(CRC/C/52).b..b1. .. Adoptionoftheagendab..b2. .. Organizationalandothermattersb..b3.0 .. SubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesinaccordancewitharticle44oftheConventionb..b4.0 .. ConsiderationofreportsofStatespartiesb..b5.0 .. CooperationwithotherUnitedNationsbodies,specializedagenciesandothercompetentbodiesb..b6.0 .. MethodsofworkoftheCommittee,includingguidelinesforperiodicreportsb..b7. .. FuturemeetingsoftheCommitteeb..b8. .. Othermatters@..E.Presessionalworkinggroup10.b..bInaccordancewiththedecisionoftheCommitteeatitsfirstsession,apresessionalworkinggroupmetatGenevafrom29Januaryto2February1996.AllthemembersexceptMr.SwithunTachionaMombeshoraparticipatedintheworkinggroup.TheworkinggroupelecteditsBureau.RepresentativesoftheUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,theOfficeoftheUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,theInternationalLabourOrganization,theUnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganizationandtheWorldHealthOrganizationalsoparticipatedinthemeetingsoftheworkinggroup.ArepresentativeoftheNGOGroupfortheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,aswellasrepresentativesfromvariousnongovernmentalorganizations,attendedthesession.11.b..bThepurposeofthepre-sessionalworkinggroupistofacilitatetheCommittee'sworkunderarticles44and45oftheConvention,primarilybyreviewingStatepartyreportsandidentifyinginadvancethemainquestionsthatwouldneedtobediscussedwiththerepresentativesofthereportingStates.Italsoprovidesanopportunitytoconsiderquestionsrelatingtotechnicalassistanceandinternationalcooperation.12.b..bThepre-sessionalworkinggroupheldeightmeetings,atwhichitexaminedlistsofissuesputbeforeitbymembersoftheCommitteerelatingtotheinitialreportsofsevencountries:China,Guatemala,Mauritius,Nepal,Nigeria,SloveniaandZimbabwe.ThelistsofissuesweretransmittedtothePermanentMissionsoftheStatesconcernedwithanoterequesting,ifpossiblebeforetheendofApril1996,writtenanswerstotheissuesraisedinthelist.13.b..bOnthebasisofadecisiontakenatthepresessionalworkinggroupofthefifthsessionoftheCommittee,theworkinggroupestablishedinformalcontactswiththePermanentMissionsofStateswhosereportswerescheduledforconsiderationattheforthcomingsession,inordertoinformthemoftheprocedurefollowedbytheCommitteefortheconsiderationofreportsandclarifythepurposesofthedialoguewithrepresentativesoftheStatesparties.@..F.Organizationofwork14.b..bTheCommitteeconsideredtheorganizationofworkatits288thmeeting,on20May1996.TheCommitteehadbeforeitthedraftprogrammeofworkforthetwelfthsession,preparedbytheSecretaryGeneralinconsultationwiththeChairpersonoftheCommittee,andthereportoftheCommitteeonitseleventhsession(CRC/C/50).@..NG.Futureregularmeetings15.b..bTheCommitteenotedthatitsthirteenthsessionwouldtakeplacefrom23Septemberto11October1996anditspresessionalworkinggroupwouldmeetfrom10to14June.0b..bII.REPORTSBYSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE44OFTHECONVENTION@..A.Submissionofreports16.b..bTheCommitteehadbeforeitthefollowingdocuments:b..b(a) .. NotesbytheSecretaryGeneraloninitialreportsbyStatespartiesduein1992(CRC/C/3),1993(CRC/C/8/Rev.3),1994(CRC/C/11/Rev.3),1995(CRC/C/28),1996(CRC/C/41)and1997(CRC/C/51);b..b(b) .. NotebytheSecretary-GeneralontheStatespartiestotheConventionandthestatusofsubmissionofreports(CRC/C/53);b..b(c) .. NotebytheSecretaryGeneralonthefollowuptotheconsiderationofinitialreportsbyStatespartiestotheConvention(CRC/C/27/Rev.5);b..b(d) .. NotebytheSecretary-GeneralonareasinwhichtheneedfortechnicaladviceandadvisoryserviceshavebeenidentifiedinthelightoftheobservationsadoptedbytheCommittee(CRC/C/40/Rev.3).TheCommitteewasinformedthat,inadditiontothesixreportsthatwerescheduledforconsiderationbytheCommitteeatitspresentsession(seepara.21below)andthosewhichhadbeenreceivedpriortotheCommittee'seleventhsession(seeCRC/C/50,para.16),theSecretary-GeneralhadreceivedtheinitialreportsoftheCzechRepublic(CRC/C/11/Add.11),theDemocraticPeople'sRepublicofKorea(CRC/C/3/Add.41),Ireland(CRC/C/11/Add.12),Japan(CRC/C/41/Add.1),theLibyanArabJamahiriya(CRC/C/28/Add.6),theMaldives(CRC/C/8/Add.33),theFederatedStatesofMicronesia(CRC/C/8/Add.34),SierraLeone(CRC/C/3/Add.43),Togo(CRC/C/3/Add.42),TrinidadandTobago(CRC/C/11/Add.10),Uganda(CRC/C/3/Add.40)andtheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland(HongKong)(CRC/C/11/Add.9).ThestatusofsubmissionofreportsbyStatespartiesunderarticle44oftheConventionisgiveninannexIII.17.b..bAlistofinitialreportsconsideredbytheCommitteeasat7June1996,aswellasaprovisionallistofinitialreportsscheduledforconsiderationattheCommittee'sthirteenthandfourteenthsessions,arecontainedinannexesIVandVrespectivelytothepresentreport.18.b..bAsat7June1996,theCommitteehadreceived85initialreports.Atotalof56reportshavebeenexaminedbytheCommittee.19.b..bBynotesverbalesrespectivelydated31January1996,30Marchand3May1996,and28May1996,thePermanentMissionsofDenmark,SwedenandSpaintotheUnitedNationsOfficeatGenevaindicatedthevariousmeasuresadoptedinthoseStatespartiesasfollow-uptotherecommendationsaddressedtothemduringtheexaminationoftheirinitialreports,inanongoingefforttoensuretherealizationoftherightsofthechild.@..B.Considerationofreports20.b..bAtitstwelfthsession,theCommitteeexaminedinitialreportssubmittedbysixStatespartiesunderarticle44oftheConvention.Itdevoted18ofits28meetingstotheconsiderationofreports(CRC/C/SR.289-291,293-295,298-303,306-311).21.b..bThefollowingreports,listedintheorderinwhichtheyhadbeenreceivedbytheSecretaryGeneral,werebeforetheCommitteeatitstwelfthsession:Lebanon(CRC/C/8/Add.23),Cyprus(CRC/C/8/Add.24),Guatemala(CRC/C/3/Add.33),China(CRC/C/11/Add.7),Nepal(CRC/C/3/Add.34)andZimbabwe(CRC/C/3/Add.35).22.b..bInaccordancewithrule68oftheprovisionalrulesofprocedureoftheCommittee,representativesofallthereportingStateswereinvitedtoattendthemeetingsoftheCommitteeatwhichtheirreportswereexamined.23.b..bThefollowingsections,arrangedonacountrybycountrybasisaccordingtothesequencefollowedbytheCommitteeinitsconsiderationofthereports,containconcludingobservationsreflectingthemainpointsofdiscussionandindicating,wherenecessary,issuesthatwouldrequireaspecificfollow-up.24.b..bMoredetailedinformationiscontainedinthereportssubmittedbytheStatespartiesandinthesummaryrecordsoftherelevantmeetingsoftheCommittee.b..b1. .. Concludingobservations:Lebanon25.b..bTheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofLebanon(CRC/C/8/Add.23)atits289th,290thand291stmeetings(CRC/C/SR.289291)heldon20and21May1996andadopted* J   ׀thefollowingconcludingobservations:@..tA.Introduction26.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthesubmissionoftheinitialreportofLebanonandthedialogueheldwiththeStateparty.WhiletheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationforthesupplementalwritteninformationprovidedbythedelegation,itregretsthattheStatepartydidnotsubmitwrittenrepliestothelistofissuespreviouslysubmittedbytheCommitteetotheGovernment.@..   B. 4 Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementation 4 oftheConvention27.b..bTheCommitteenotestheseveredifficultiesfacingLebanonasaresultofalmost20yearsofwarandforeigninterventionwhichhasresultedinwidespreaddestructionofitsphysicalinfrastructureandpublicworks.TheCommitteealsotakesnoteofthedifficultiescausedbythefactthatLebanonhashostedagreatnumberofrefugeesforseveraldecades.TheCommitteealsonotestheinsufficientinternationalsupportforcopingwiththeabove-mentionedproblemsandfacilitatinganeffectivereconstructionofinfrastructureandsocialservices.@..C.Positiveaspects28.b..bTheCommitteewelcomestheestablishmentofaHigherCouncilforChildhood,administeredbytheMinistryofSocialAffairs,whichservesasanindependentintermediarybodybetweenrelevantgovernmentministriesandwithnon-governmentalorganizationstoinitiateandcoordinateprogrammesandpolicies.TheCommitteealsowelcomesthedecisionoftheHigherCounciltoundertakeastudyonthelegalsituationinLebanonwithrespecttotheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,whichitregardsasapotentiallyimportantstepinthedevelopmentofamorecomprehensiveapproachtotheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.29.b..bTheCommitteealsowelcomestheestablishmentoftheParliamentaryCommitteefortheProtectionofChildhoodaswellastheNationalCommitteefortheDisabled,bothofwhichcouldbeimportantintheendeavourstoimplementtheprinciplesandprovisionsintheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.30.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthedecisiontoestablishasystemforhealthinspectionsinschoolsandpreschoolinstitutions.31.b..bTheCommitteewelcomestheadoptioninSeptember1995ofaNationalPlanofActionforChildSurvival,ProtectionandDevelopmentinLebanonwhichfocusesonprogrammesrelatedtohealthandeducation.32.b..bTheCommitteewelcomesthereportfromthedelegationthatthestigmatizinglabelof"illegitimate"willbeabolishednotonlyfromidentitycardsbutalsofromthebirthregistryandallotherofficialdocuments.33.b..bTheCommitteewelcomestheroundtablesandtrainingcourses,someofthemincooperationwiththeUnitedNationsChildren'sFund,toeducateandtrainteachers,aswellasplanstotrainpolice,socialworkersandotherprofessionalsabouttherightsofthechild.TheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactiontheagreemententeredintobytheStatepartywiththeUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgrammetoundertakeastatisticaloverviewof7,000familiesrepresentingthedifferentregionsofLebanononrelevantsocialmatterssuchaseducation,illiteracy,unemploymentandchildlabour.Itfurtherwelcomestheplannedstudyonthehealthofmothersandchildren,andlooksforwardtoreceivingacopyoftheresultsfromthetwostudiesoncetheyarecompleted.@.."D.Principalsubjectsofconcern34.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedattheinsufficientmeasuresadoptedtoensureapermanentandeffectivecoordinatingandmonitoringmechanismtoensureimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.TheCommitteealsonotestheinsufficientmeasurestosystematicallygatherreliablequantitativeandqualitativedataonallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,andtoevaluateprogressachievedandtoassesstheimpactofpoliciesadoptedonchildren,inparticularinrelationtoeducation,health,juvenilejusticeandchildrenwithdisabilities.35.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensurethattheprinciplesandtheprovisionsoftheConventionaremadewidelyknowntochildrenandadults.36.b..bAsregardstheimplementationofarticle4oftheConvention,theCommitteenoteswithconcerntheinadequacyofmeasurestakentoensuretheimplementationofchildren'seconomic,socialandculturalrightstothemaximumextentofavailableresources.TheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatinsufficientresourcesareallocatedtohumandevelopmentprojectsandbytheemerginggapsdevelopingbetweenthosewhocanaffordprivateeducationandmedicalcare,andthosewhocannot.37.b..bTheCommitteenotesthatdespitethefactthattheprovisionsofinternationaltreatiestowhichLebanonisapartysupersededomesticlegislation,lawscontinuetoexistwhichareinconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildandofotherinternationaltreaties.38.b..bTheCommitteeisalsoconcernedthatthebasicprinciplesoftheConvention,inparticulartheprovisionsofitsarticles2,3and12,havenotbeenadequatelyreflectedinlegislation,policiesandprogrammes.39.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedwiththeapparentdiscriminationinthegrantingofnationalitytoachildofparentsofmixednationality;nationalitymayonlybeobtainedbyachildfromher/hisLebanesefatherbutnotfromthemotherand,inthecaseofunmarriedparents,onlyiftheLebanesefatheracknowledgesthechild.40.b..bTheCommitteeisworriedbythewidespreadpracticeofearlymarriageandtherelatedconsequenceofhighchildmortalityratesandthenegativeimpactonthehealthofgirlsbearingchildrenatanearlyage.Itisalsoconcernedwithconsanguineousmarriage.41.b..bTheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernthattheprovisionofsocialservicesappearstobeconcentratedinBeirut,tothedisadvantageofthepopulationlivingoutsidethecapital.TheCommitteealsonotestheapparentshortageinthenumberofsocialworkers.42.b..bTheCommitteenotestheneedforfurtherreformintheschoolsectortoimprovethequalityofeducationandpreventdropouts.Specificneedsappeartoexistinthefieldsofhealtheducationand,asrecognizedbythedelegation,teachingaboutvaluesandabouttheenvironment.43.b..bTheCommitteenotestheneedforfurtherreformsinthefieldofjuvenilejusticeandtreatmentofyoungoffenderstoensurefullimplementationofConventionarticles37,39and40.Problemsappeartoexistinrelationtothelowageofcriminalresponsibility,non-separationofchildrenfromadultdetainees,thelackofavailablehealthandeducationalfacilitiesforyoungdetainees,theexistenceandlengthofpre-trialcustodyandthenon-availabilityoflegalassistance.44.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedbyreportsaboutchildrenworkinginthestreetsorindomesticservice,includingchildrenfromothercountries.45.b..bTheCommitteenotestheneedforspecialeffortstoprotecttherightsofchildreninespeciallydifficultcircumstances,includingabandonedandstatelesschildren.@.. E.Suggestionsandrecommendations46.b..bThoughwelcomingtheestablishmentoftheHigherCouncilforChildhood,theCommitteerecommendsareviewofthevariouscentralandlocaladministrativestructuresinordertoensureaneffectivecoordinationofpoliciesandprogrammesonmattersofchildrightsandchildwelfare.47.b..bTheCommitteewelcomestheinitiativeforacomprehensivereviewoflegislationinlightoftheprinciplesandstandardsoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Inthisregard,theCommitteerecommendsthattheminimumageofcriminalresponsibility,formarriageandforchildlabourbereviewed.48.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthatapermanentandmultidisciplinarymechanismbedevelopedforcoordinationandmonitoringoftheimplementationoftheConvention,bothatnationalandlocallevels,inurbanandruralareas.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytogivefurtherconsiderationtotheestablishmentofanOmbudspersonforChildrenoranyequivalentindependentcomplaintandmonitoringmechanism.TheCommitteefurtherencouragesthepromotionofclosercooperationforthispurposewithLebanesenon-governmentalorganizations,towhichitexpressesitsappreciationforthevaluableworktheyperforminthefieldoftherightsofthechild.49.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsbetakenbytheStatepartytodefinechild-relatedsocialindicatorsandtodevelopsystematicmeansofgatheringdataonanongoingbasistofacilitateacomparisonofprogresswithregardtochild-relatedinitiativesoveraperiodoftime.50.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheGovernmentstrengthenitseffortsaimedatpromotingadvocacyandcreatingawarenessandunderstandingoftheprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConventioninlightofitsarticle42.InthespiritoftheUnitedNationsDecadeforHumanRightsEducation,theCommitteefurtherencouragestheGovernmenttogiveconsiderationtotheincorporationoftherightsofthechildinschoolcurricula.TheCommitteealsosuggeststhattheGovernmentdeveloppubliccampaignswithaviewtoaddressingeffectivelytheproblemofpersistentdiscriminatoryattitudes,inparticulartowardsgirls.51.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherprogrammesbeaimedattrainingpersonnelworkingwithchildren,suchassocialworkers,police,publichealthworkers,andlegalandjudicialofficers.52.b..bTheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttopursueitseffortstoensurefullcomplianceofitsnationallegislationwiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention,includingnondiscrimination(art.2),thebestinterestsofthechild(art.3)andrespectfortheviewsofthechild(art.12).Inlightofarticles2and3,theCommitteestronglyrecommendsthatlegislativemeasuresbeadoptedwithaviewtoensuringrespectfortherightsofgirls,especiallyinrelationtopreventingearlymarriage.53.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartystrengthentheexistingoverallprioritywhichisgiveninthenationalbudgettochildrelatedprogrammesinaccordancewitharticle4oftheConvention.54.b..bInrelationwiththegrowingroleofprivateeducationalandhealthinstitutions,theCommitteerecommendsthatastrongeremphasisbeplacedonpubliceducationandthesocialwelfaresystembytheGovernmentwithaviewtoensuringthatallchildrensubjecttothejurisdictionoftheStatepartyenjoythesefundamentalrights,aswellastopreventanyriskofdiscrimination.55.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthedevelopmentofamorecomprehensivesocialpolicywhichwouldincludetheimplementationoftheNationalPlanofActionforChildSurvival,ProtectionandDevelopment.Suchapolicywouldemphasizetheimportanceofhumandevelopment.TheCommitteerecommendsthatfurtherstepsbetakentowardsdecentralizationofsocialservicessoastoaffordchildrenoutsidethecapitalopenandeasyaccesstobasicsocialservicesandeducation.56.b..bTheCommitteewelcomesthestepstakentoreformtheschoolsystemandtoimprovethequalityofeducation,includingathoroughreviewofthecurricula.ItrecommendsmeasurestofullyrealizetheprovisionsoftheConventionrelatingtofreeandcompulsoryprimaryeducationforallchildren.57.b..bInviewoftheprinciplescontainedinarticle29(1)(d)oftheConvention,whichstipulatesthattheeducationofthechildshallbedirectedto"thepreparationofthechildforresponsiblelifeinafreesociety,inthespiritofunderstanding,peace,tolerance,equalityofsexes,andfriendshipamongallpeoples,ethnic,national,religiousgroupsandpersonsofindigenousorigin",theteachingofvaluesisanimportantdimensionthatshouldbeincorporatedinthecurriculaatalllevelsofschooling.Schoolcurriculamaterialsshouldberevisedaccordingly.58.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthatthebanofthecommercialmarketingofinfantformulabeimplementedandthatbreast-feedingbepromotedamongmothersinhealthfacilities.Itfurthersuggeststhatahealthinsurancecardbeissuedforchildrenwhoseparentsarenotentitledtosocialsecuritybenefits.59.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivestudytoexaminetheimplicationsoftheprincipleofthe"bestinterestsofthechild"inrelationtolawsandtheirimplementationaswellastoadministrativepracticeinallrelevantfields.XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO60.b..bTheCommitteebelievesthatopportunitiesfortheculturaldevelopmentofchildrenarecriticalandrecommendsthatmeasuresbetakentogivechildrenaccesstochildliteratureandmedia.Theneedforplaygroundsandchild-friendlyparksshouldbeconsideredincityplanning.XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO61.b..bTheCommitteewelcomesthepolicyofnotallowingcorporalpunishmentinschoolsorotherofficialinstitutionsandrecommendsathoroughreviewoftheproblemofdomesticviolence,includingthepossibilityofstricterlegislationagainstallformsofabuseagainstchildreninthespiritofarticle19oftheConvention,aswellassupportivesocialmeasurestoassistfamiliesincrisis.XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO62.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhatfurthereffortsshouldbeundertakentodisseminateinformationabouttherisksofconsanguineousmarriages,includingthroughthemediaandhealtheducationprogrammes.XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO63.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhatspecialprogrammesbedevelopedforchildrenwithdisabilitiesinordertodefinesocial,psychological,physicalandotherneedsaswellastoeducateparentsaboutwaysofdealingwiththem.Furthereffortsarerecommendedtoencourageschoolstoensuretheparticipationofthesechildreninallactivities.XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO64.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhattheStateparty,incooperationwiththeUnitedNationsReliefandWorksAgencyforPalestineRefugeesintheNearEast,seekwaysofaddressingthesocio-economicproblemsamongPalestinianrefugeesthataffectchildrennegatively.65.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyconsiderratifyingthe1951ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesandits1967Protocol.XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO66.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartygivecarefulconsiderationtoplacinggreateremphasisonpsycho-socialrecoveryandreintegrationof"passivevictims"ofviolenceandthearmedconflictinLebanon.XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO67.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthatinthelightofarticle32oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,furtherstepsbetakentoprotectchildrenfromhazardouswork,includingthroughtheadoptionofstricterlegislation,ratificationofallrelevantInternationalLabourOrganizationConventionsandtheappointmentofasufficientnumberofchildlabourinspectors.XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO68.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyenvisageundertakingacomprehensivereformofthejuvenilejusticesysteminthespiritoftheConvention,inparticulararticles37,39,and40,andrelevantUnitedNationsstandardsinthisfieldsuchasthe"BeijingRules",the"RiyadhGuidelines"andtheUnitedNationsRulesfortheProtectionofJuvenilesDeprivedoftheirLiberty.Particularattentionshouldbegiventotheconsiderationofdeprivationoflibertyonlyasameasureoflastresortandfortheshortestperiodoftime,totheprotectionoftherightsofchildrendeprivedofliberty,todueprocessoflaw,andtothefullindependenceandimpartialityofthejudiciary.Trainingprogrammesontherelevantinternationalstandardsshouldbeorganizedforallthoseprofessionalsinvolvedwiththesystemofjuvenilejustice.TheCommitteewouldliketosuggestthattheGovernmentofLebanonconsiderseekinginternationalassistanceintheareaoftheadministrationofjuvenilejusticefromtheCentreforHumanRightsandtheCrimePreventionandCriminalJusticeDivisionoftheUnitedNations(Vienna).XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO69.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthatrelevantinternationalagenciesandinstitutions,aswellasotherGovernments,developcooperationwithLebaneseauthoritiesandvoluntaryorganizations,inthereconstructioneffortafterthemanyyearsofwardevastation.Displacedpersonsandrefugeesshouldbegivenpriorityinsuchinternationalcooperation.XXXOL<6X9`("Courier 10cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiOO<6X9`("Courier 12cpiO70.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthatthereportsubmittedbytheStateparty,thesummaryrecordsofitsconsiderationandtheconcludingobservationsoftheCommitteebedisseminatedaswidelyaspossiblewithinthecountry.b..b2. .. Concludingobservations:Zimbabwe71.b..bTheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofZimbabwe(CRC/C/3/Add.35)atits293rd,294thand295thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.293-295)heldon22and23May1996andadopted M   ׀thefollowingconcludingobservations:@..tA.Introduction72.b..bTheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforengaging,throughahigh-levelandmultidisciplinarydelegation,inanopenandfruitfuldialoguewiththeCommittee.Whilenotingtheself-criticalapproachofthereportoftheStateparty,theCommitteeregretsthattheinformationprovidedthereindidnotfollowtheCommittee'sguidelines.@..B.Positiveaspects73.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithappreciationthestepstakenbytheGovernmenttopromotetoleranceanddemocracyinsociety,includingthroughconstitutionalprovisions.Inthisregard,itwelcomestherecentamendmentNo.14totheConstitution,whichprohibitsdiscriminationonthegroundofgender.Itfurthernotesstepstakentocreateawarenessofchildren'srightsaswellastoencouragechildren'sparticipation,includingbyorganizingaChildren'sParliamentandpromotingYouthCouncilsandChildMayors.74.b..bTheCommitteenotestheestablishmentoftheInter-MinisterialCommitteeonHumanRightsandInternationalLawtocoordinateactivitiesofrelevantgovernmentministriesanddepartmentstoimplementtheConvention.TheCommitteewelcomesthedecisionoftheGovernmenttosubmitayearlyreporttoCabinetandParliamentonmeasurestakentoimplementtherightssetforthintheConvention.75.b..bTheCommitteeisencouragedbythecombinedeffortsoftheGovernmentandnon-governmentalorganizationstopromotechildren'srights.76.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithappreciationtheestablishmentoftheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanin1982andwelcomesthedecisiontobroadenitsmandatetoincludetheinvestigationofallegedviolationsofchildren'srightsbymembersofthedefenceforces,thepoliceandcorrectionalofficials.77.b..bTheCommitteewelcomesthemeasurestakenbytheGovernmenttoimprovelivingconditionsandalleviatepoverty,includingthroughtheexpansionoftheincome-generatingcapacityofpeopleintheruralareas.78.b..bTheCommitteewelcomestheintentionoftheGovernmenttoincorporatetheConventionintotheschoolcurricula.ItfurtherwelcomestheattentionpaidbytheGovernmentto"Let'salltalkaboutit",thecampaignagainstAIDSbeingundertakenintheeducationalsystem.79.b..bTheCommitteealsowelcomesthe"victim-friendlycourts"initiativeaimedatprovidingspecialcounsellingfortherehabilitationofvictimsofchildsexualabuse.@.. C.Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingthe # implementationoftheConvention80.b..bTheCommitteenotesthatZimbabwe,priorto1980,hadanon-democraticregimewherelegislationandpoliciesadoptedandimplementedbytheauthoritiesledtoracialsegregationanddiscriminationinsociety.Thecontinuingeffectsofthatsituation,togetherwiththeburdenoftheexternaldebtfacedbytheStatepartyandtherecentdrought,havehamperedimplementationoftheConvention.@.."D.Principalsubjectsofconcern81.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedthattheStatepartyhasnotyetundertakenacomprehensivelegalreformwithaviewtoensuringthatthenationallegislationfullyconformstotheConvention.ItnotesthattheexistenceofadualsystemofcommonlawandcustomarylawcreatesadditionaldifficultiesinimplementingtheConventionandimpedeseffectivemonitoringofitsenforcement.82.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithconcernthatthelegislativemeasurestakentopreventandeliminateanyformofdiscriminationinthelightofarticle2oftheConventionareinsufficient.Itnotesinthisregardthat,accordingtosection23oftheConstitution,theprincipleofnon-discriminationdoesnotapplytoprivateprofessionalsorinstitutions;thesameprovisionallowsforderogationsinimportantareassuchasadoption,marriage,divorceandothermattersofpersonallawandprevents,interalia,girlsfromhavinginheritancerights.Inaddition,itallowsfordiscriminationonthebasisofraceinrelationtotheminimumageformarriage,inheritanceandchildrenbornoutofwedlock.TheCommitteefurthernotesinthisregardthedifferentminimumagesformarriageforgirlsandboysinthelegislation.83.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithconcernthepersistenceofbehaviouralattitudesinthesocietyaswellasculturalandreligiouspracticeswhich,asrecognizedbytheStateparty,hampertheimplementationofchildren'srights.Mentioncanbemadeinthisregardofthedifficultiesinensuringbirthregistrationinremoteareasofabandonedandrefugeechildren,aswellasofthesituationoffemalevictimsofpracticessuchasngozi(girlchildpledging),lobola(brideprice)andearlymarriage,andofdisabledchildren.84.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithconcernthelackofaneffectivemechanismtoensuresystematicimplementationoftheConventionandthemonitoringofprogressachieved.InsufficientmeasureshavebeentakentogatherreliablequantitativeandqualitativedatainallareascoveredbytheConventionandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren,particularlythosebelongingtothemostdisadvantagedgroups.85.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedthatinsufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtotheprovisionsofarticle4oftheConventionandnotesthepersistenceofeconomicandsocialdisparitiesintheenjoymentoftherightsrecognizedbytheConvention,particularlyinrelationtochildrenlivinginruralareas,childrenoncommercialfarmsandchildrenlivinginpovertyinurbanareas.Itnotesinthisregardthat,asrecognizedbytheStateparty,theintroductionoffeesforhealthcareandeducation,aswellastheinadequatesocialassistancesystem,havenegativelyaffectedtheaccessibilityofsuchservicestolowerincomegroups.86.b..bTheCommitteefurthernotesthatinsufficientattentionhasbeenpaidtotheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildbothinlegislationandpractice,aswellastotherespectfortheviewsofthechildinschool,socialandfamilylife.Inthisregard,itisnotedthat,asrecognizedbytheStateparty,thecivilrightsandfreedomsofthechildaretobeexercisedsubjecttoparentalconsentordiscipline,thusraisingdoubtsastothecompatibilityofthispracticewiththeConvention,notablyarticles5and12.87.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedatthenumberoforphansandabandonedchildrenaswellasattheincreaseinchild-headedfamilies,interalia,asaresultofthehighincidenceofAIDS,attheinadequatemeasurestakentoensuretherealizationoftheirfundamentalrightsandatthelackofalternativestotheirinstitutionalization.88.b..bTheCommitteeexpressesitsconcernattheacceptanceinthelegislationoftheuseofcorporalpunishmentinschool,aswellaswithinthefamily.Itstressestheincompatibilityofcorporalpunishment,aswellasanyotherformofviolence,injury,neglect,abuseordegradingtreatment,withtheprovisionsoftheConvention,inparticulararticles19,28,paragraph2and37.89.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedthatprimaryeducationisneitherfreenorcompulsory.Moreover,itexpressesitsconcernatthelackoflearningandteachingfacilitiesaswellasattheshortageoftrainedteachersinruralareas,andinparticularoncommercialfarms.ItsharestheconcernexpressedbytheGovernmentatthelowqualityofeducation.Thecosttofamiliesofsecondaryeducationareleadingtoanincreasingdrop-outrateforgirls,particularlyinruralareas.TheCommitteenoteswithconcernthegrowingdisparitywithintheeducationsystemowingtotheparallelsystemsofprivateandpublicschoolswhichresultsultimatelyinracialsegregationatschoolonthebasisoftheeconomicstatusofparents.90.b..bWithregardtochildexploitation,theCommitteeisconcernedatthepersistenceofsituationsofchildlabour,includinginagriculture,domesticserviceandoncommercialfarms.Itnoteswithparticularconcernthelackofalegalprohibitionofchildlabour.91.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedatthepresentsystemofjuvenilejustice,includingthelackofaclearlegalprohibitionofcapitalpunishment,lifeimprisonmentwithoutpossibilityofreleaseandindeterminatesentencing,aswellasattherecoursetowhippingasadisciplinarymeasureforboys.@.. E.Suggestionsandrecommendations92.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyundertakeacomprehensivereviewofthenationallegalframework,withaviewtoensuringitsfullcompatibilitywiththeprinciplesandprovisionsoftheConvention.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtoensuringeffectiveimplementationoftheprincipleofnon-discrimination,includingbyrevisingrelevantconstitutionalprovisions,aswellasotherlegislativetextsreflectinganykindofdiscriminationsuchasonthebasisofgender,race,birthormaritalstatus.93.b..bTheCommitteeemphasizestheimportanceofdevelopinganeffectiveandpermanentsystemofmonitoringtheimplementationoftheConventionbasedonclosecooperationbetweenalltherelevantgovernmentministriesanddepartmentsatthenationalandlocallevels,andencouragestheStatepartytopursueitseffortswithaviewtoinstitutionalizingthecollaborationwithnon-governmentalorganizations.94.b..bTheCommitteesuggeststhatthesystemofdatacollectionbeimprovedandappropriatedisaggregatedindicatorsidentifiedwithaviewtoassessingtheprogressachievedinallareascoveredbytheConventioninallpartsofthecountryandinrelationtoallgroupsofchildren.95.b..bTheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttopursueitseffortsaimedatbroadeningthemandateoftheOmbudspersonwithaviewtoensuringthatviolationsofchildren'srightsaredulyinvestigated,includingwhencommittedbymembersofthedefenceforces,law-enforcementandcorrectionalofficials,andasameanstosupervisethesituationofchildrenplacedininstitutionsanddetentioncentres.96.b..bTheCommitteeencouragestheGovernmenttoadoptadequatemeasurestopreventandeliminateprevailingsocialattitudesandculturalandreligiouspracticeshamperingtherealizationofchildren'srights.SystematicinformationandawarenesscampaignsshouldbelaunchedtocreateadeeperunderstandingoftheConventionandoftheneedtorespectandprotectchildren'srights.Similarly,trainingactivitiesshouldbedevelopedforprofessionalgroupsworkingwithandforchildren,includingteachers,law-enforcementandcorrectionalofficials,membersofdefenceforces,judges,socialworkersandhealthpersonnel.TheCommitteefurtherencouragestheStatepartytopursuethestepsundertakentoincludetheConventioninschoolcurriculaandtogiveconsiderationtoreflectingitinthetrainingcurricula.97.b..bTheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoadoptallappropriatemeasurestoensurethebirthregistrationofallchildren,includingthoseborninruralareasandoncommercialfarms,andencouragestheeffortsdesignedtoestablishregistrationunitsatschoolsandclinics.b..b98.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartypayparticularattentiontotheimplementationofarticle4oftheConventionandundertakeallappropriatemeasures,totheextentpossiblewithavailableresources,fortherealizationoftheeconomic,socialandculturalrightsofchildren.Specialattentionshouldbepaidtothesituationofthemostdisadvantagedgroupsofchildren,includingthoselivinginruralareas,poorurbanareasandoncommercialfarms,aswellasorphansorabandonedchildren,andmeasuresshouldbeadoptedwithaviewtoprovidingadequatesafetynetsforsuchchildrenandprotectingthemagainsttheadverseeffectsofreductionsinbudgetaryallocationsandoftheintroductionoffeesinhealthandeducationservices.99.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartytaketheprincipleofthebestinterestsofthechildasaprimaryconsiderationinallactionsconcerningchildren,includingthoseundertakenbycourts,publicorprivatewelfareinstitutions,administrativeauthoritiesorlegislativebodies.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoadoptappropriatemeasurestoassistparentsintheperformanceoftheirchild-rearingresponsibilities.TheCommitteefurtherencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderappropriatealternativestoinstitutionalizationforchildrendeprivedoffamilyenvironment,aswellasspecialprotectionandassistanceforchild-headedfamilies.TheCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderratifyingtheHagueConventionfortheProtectionofChildrenandCooperationinrespectofInter-CountryAdoptionof1993.100.b..bAppropriatemeasuresshouldalsobeadoptedbytheStatepartywithaviewtoensuringrespectfortheviewsofthechildinfamily,schoolandsociallifeandtopromotingtheexerciseoftherightsbythechildinamannerconsistentwithhisorherevolvingcapacities.101.b..bTheCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyadoptappropriatelegislativemeasurestoforbidtheuseofanyformofcorporalpunishmentwithinthefamilyandinschool.102.b..bSimilarmeasuresshouldbeadoptedtoprohibitchildlabourbelowaminimumageinthelightofarticle32oftheConvention.Inthisregard,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsidertherecommendationsmadebytheInternationalLabourOrganizationinitsmissionstatementof1993and,inparticular,toprohibittheemploymentofyoungpersonsbelow18inhazardousactivitiesaswellastomakeeducationfreeandcompulsoryuptoage15.Inthisconnection,theCommitteeencouragestheStatepartytoconsiderseekingassistancefromtheInternationalLabourOrganization.103.b..bInthefieldofjuvenilejustice,theCommitteerecommendsthattheStatepartyraisetheminimumageofcriminalresponsibilityandincorporateinthelegislationaclearprohibitionofcapitalpunishment,lifeimprisonmentwithoutpossibilityofreleaseandindeterminatesentencingaswellasoftheuseofwhippingasadisciplinarymeasure.104.b..bTheCommitteefurtherrecommendsthatthereportsubmittedbytheStateparty,alongwiththerelevantsummaryrecordsandtheconcludingobservationsthereon,bedisseminatedaswidelyaspossibletothepublic.TheCommitteewouldalsoliketosuggestthatthesedocumentsbebroughttotheattentionofParliamentasameansofensuringafollow-uptosuggestionsandrecommendationsmadebytheCommittee.b..b3. .. Concludingobservations:China105.b..bTheCommitteeconsideredtheinitialreportofChina(CRC/C/11/Add.7)atits298thto300thmeetings(CRC/C/SR.298300),heldon28and29May1996,andadopted N   ׀thefollowingconcludingobservations:@..BA.Introduction106.b..bTheCommitteenotesthattheinitialreportoftheStatepartywaspreparedinaccordancewiththegeneralguidelines.TheCommitteeappreciatestheselfcriticalelementsofthereport,althoughitisnotedthatgreaterfocuswasplacedinthereportonthecontentofdomesticlegalandadministrativeprovisionsthanontheirpracticalapplication.ItalsowelcomestheStateparty'srepliestothewrittenlistofquestionsposedbytheCommittee.107.b..bTheCommitteenoteswithsatisfactionthatdifferentministerialdepartmentsandotherbodieswereinvolvedinthepreparationofthereport.TheCommitteeexpressesitsappreciationtotheStatepartyforhavingensuredthatmanyofthesedepartmentswererepresentedonthedelegationpresentingthereporttotheCommittee.TheCommitteewelcomesthewillingnessoftheStatepartyanditsdelegationtoengageinaconstructivedialoguewiththeCommittee.Itappreciatesthedelegation'sfrankadmissionthatvariousdifficultiesremaintobeovercomebeforetherightsandprinciplesprovidedforintheConventionareguaranteedtoallchildreninChina.@..zB.Positivefactors108.b..bTheCommitteetakesnoteoftheconsiderableimprovementinthegeneralstandardoflivingwhichhasbeenrecordedinrecentyears.TheCommitteefurthernotestheprogrammeoutlinewhichhasbeendevisedatthenationallevelandwhichisintheprocessofbeingdevelopedinall30provincesandautonomousregionsandimplementedasafollowuptothegoalssetintheDeclarationandPlanofActionadoptedbytheWorldSummitforChildrenin1990.NoteisalsotakenthatanoutlineisbeingpreparedasafollowuptotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomenheldinBeijing.109.b..bTheconsiderableprogressachievedbytheStatepartyinreducingtheinfantandunder-fivemortalityrates,especiallythroughtheextensiveeffortsfocusedonsustainingimmunizationcoverage,increasingimmunizationratesandreducingtheincidenceofchildmalnutrition,istobecommended.TheStateparty'scommitmenttoprotecting,promotingandsupportingbreast-feedingaswellastoestablishingchildren'shospitalsisalsowelcomed.110.b..bNoteworthyalsoarethevariousactivitiesundertakenandsupportedbytheStatepartytoincreaseschoolenrolment.TheStateparty'srecognitionoftheimportanceofsupportingeducationasatoolforfosteringsocialandeconomicdevelopmentisnoted.SpecialmentionisaccordedtoProjectHopewhichisdesignedtoassistchildreninpoordistricts,aswellastotheSpringBudsSchemetopromotegirls'enrolmentorreturntoschooltocompletetheirprimaryeducation.111.b..bTheCommitteealsonotestheinformationcontainedinthereportthatvariouslawsandadministrativeregulationsrelevanttotherightsofthechildhavebeendevelopedandintroduced.TheCompulsoryEducationAct,theProtectionofMinorsActandtheProtectionoftheDisabledActandtheworkundertakenbytheHelptheDisabledMovementarenoted.  C.Factorsanddifficultiesimpedingtheimplementation 4 oftheConvention112.b..bTakingintoaccountthefactthatthenumberofchildreninChinarepresentsonefifthofthechildpopulationoftheworldandthatthepopulationisspreadthroughoutthevastterritoryofthecountry,theCommitteenotesthatthetaskfacingChinainmeetingtheneedsofallchildrenunderitsjurisdictionpresentsenormouschallenges,notleastintheeconomicandsocialfields.113.b..bAswasstatedbytheStateparty,thelegacyofcertainhistoricalfeudaltraditionsinpartsofthecountryandthepersistenceofotherharmfulattitudesareadverselyaffectingchildren'slivesandhealthygrowth.@.."D.Principalsubjectsofconcern114.b..bTheCommitteenotestheestablishmentofvariousstructuresforthepromotionandcoordinationoftheimplementationoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildthoughitremainsconcernedattheinsufficientmeasurestakentoensuretheireffectivenesswithregardtomonitoringtheConvention'simplementationatthenational,provincialandlocallevels.115.b..bTheCommitteeisconcernedabouttheprevailingdisparitiesbetweenurbanandruralareasandbetweenregionsinrelationtotheprovisionofandaccesstosocialservices,includingeducation,healthandsocialsecurity.̀116.ItistheCommittee'sviewthatinadequatemeasurestakeninthefieldofsocialsecuritymayhaveledtoanoverrelianceonchildrenprovidingfuturecareandsupporttotheirparents.Thismayhavecontributedtotheperpetuationofharmfultraditionalpracticesandattitudessuchasapreferenceforboys,tothedetrimentoftheprotectionandpromotionoftherightsofgirlsandofdisabledchildren.117.b..bTheCommitteefeelsthereisaneedtoconsiderquestionsrelatingtothedefinitionofthechild,includinginrelationtotheageofcriminalresponsibility,soastoensurethatnationallegislationandrelatedproceduresdulytakeintoconsiderationtheprovisionsandgeneralprinciplesoftheConvention,includingthebestinterestsofthechild.118.b..bIntheviewoftheCommittee,insufficientstepshavebeentakentocreateawarenessoftheprovisionsandprinciplesoftheConvention,notablyitsarticles2,3,6and12,amongadults,includingprofessionalsworkingwithorforchildren,andchildrenthemselves.̇119.b..bWhilenotingthemeasurestakentoconfronttheproblemsofdiscriminationonthegroundsofgenderanddisability,theCommitteeremainsconcernedatthepersistenceofpracticesleadingtocasesofselectiveinfanticide.120.b..bSeriousconcernsremainastotheeffectivenessofmeasurestakentoensuretheregistrationofallchildren,throughthehouseholdregistry.AsacknowledgedbytheStateparty,abs