UNITED

NATIONS


CRC

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Convention on the

Rights of the Child


Distr.

GENERAL

 

CRC/C/79

27 July 1998

 

Original: ENGLISH

 

 



COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD


Report on the eighteenth session


(Geneva, 18 May5 June 1998)



CONTENTS


Chapter                                                                                                             Paragraphs Page


     I.      ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1  16            3


             A.  States parties to the Convention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1  2             3

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

             C.  Membership and attendance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4  8             3

             D.  Agenda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        9                    4

             E.   Meeting with the High Commissioner for

                    Human Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        10  11           4

             F.   Presessional working group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        12  14           5

             G.  Organization of work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        15                   6

             H.  Future regular meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        16                   6


   II.       REPORTS BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF

             THE CONVENTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      17  281           6


             A.  Submission of reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      17  20            6

             B.  Consideration of reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      21  25            7

 

                    Concluding observations: Hungary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      26  64            7

                    Concluding observations: Democratic People's

                                              Republic of Korea. . . . . .      65  99          13

                    Concluding observations: Fiji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      100  146        18

                    Concluding observations: Japan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      147  195        25

                    Concluding observations: Maldives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      196  241        31

                    Concluding observations: Luxembourg. . . . . . . . . . . . .      242  281        38





GE.9817376 (E)


CONTENTS (continued)


Chapter                                                                                                             Paragraphs Page


 III.       OVERVIEW OF THE OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE. . .     282  299         43


             A.  Review of developments relevant to the

                    work of the Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     282  287         43

             B.  Cooperation with United Nations and other

                    competent bodies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     288  292         44

             C.  Future thematic debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      293                 45

             D.  Informal visit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      294                 46

             E.   Other related activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     295  299         46


   IV.     DRAFT PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE NINETEENTH SESSION 300       47


     V.    ADOPTION OF THE REPORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      301                 47


Annexes


     I.      States which have ratified or acceded to the

             Convention on the Rights of the Child as

             at 5 June 1998. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          48


   II.       Membership of the Committee on the Rights of the

             Child. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          54


 III.       Status of submission of reports by States parties

             under article 44 of the Convention on the Rights

             of the Child as at 5 June 1998. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          55


   IV.     List of initial reports considered by the Committee

             on the Rights of the Child as at 5 June 1998. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          67


     V.    Provisional list of reports scheduled for

             consideration at the Committee's

             nineteenth and twentieth sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          71


   VI.     General discussion on “Children living in a world

             with AIDS”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          72


VII.       List of documents issued for the eighteenth

             session of the Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          76




I. ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS


A. States parties to the Convention


1.         As at 5 June 1998, the closing date of the eighteenth session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, there were 191 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.7.


B. Opening and duration of the session


3.         The Committee on the Rights of the Child held its eighteenth session at the United Nations Office at Geneva from 18 May to 5 June 1998. The Committee held 24 meetings (454th to 477th). An account of the Committee's deliberations at its eighteenth session is contained in the relevant summary records (CRC/C/SR.454462, 465473, 475 and 477).


C. Membership and attendance


4.         All the members of the Committee attended the eighteenth session. A list of the members, together with an indication of the duration of their terms of office, is provided in annex II to the present report. Mr. Francesco Paolo Fulci, Miss Sandra Prunella Mason, Mrs. Nafsiah Mboi, Mrs. Esther Margaret Queenie Mokhuane, Mrs. Awa N'Deye Quedraogo, Mr. Ghassan Salim Rabah and Mrs. Marilia Sardenberg were not able to attend the session in its entirety.


5.         The following United Nations bodies were 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 Organization, UNAIDS, World Health Organization.


7.         Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross also attended the session.


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


General consultative status

 

International Alliance of Women, International Council of Women, International Movement ATD Fourth World, Zonta International.


Special consultative status

 

Coalition against Trafficking in Women, Defence for Children International, International Federation of Social Workers, International Federation of Women in Legal Careers, International Federation Terre des Hommes, International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Service for Human Rights, World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, World Summit Foundation, World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations.


Others

 

Coalition nationale pour les droits de l'enfant, Enfants du Monde, Federation for the Protection of Children's Human Rights, Fédération international des associations des chrétiens pour l'abolition de la torture, International Baby Food Action Network, Japanese Federation of Bar Associations, Lawsuit against Discrimination of Children Born out of Wedlock, NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, NGO Working Group on Nutrition, the Union of Korean Teachers in Japan.


D. Agenda


9.         At its 454th meeting, on 5 May 1998, the Committee adopted the following provisional agenda.

 

1.Adoption of the agenda.

 

2.Organizational and other matters.

 

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

 

4.Consideration of reports of States parties.

 

5.General comments.

 

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

 

            7.         Methods of work of the Committee.

 

            8.         Future meetings of the Committee.

 

9.Other matters.


E. Meeting with the High Commissioner for Human Rights


10.       At the 469th meeting, on 29 May 1998, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson, addressed the Committee.


11.       In her statement, the High Commissioner stressed the need to reinforce the trend to better integration and mainstream children's rights through cooperation among United Nations bodies active in the field of human rights. She also expressed the hope that in the efforts to establish an International Criminal Court and approve its statute at the Diplomatic Conference to be held in June 1998 in Rome, the rights of the child and the Committee's own recommendations would be a guiding reference. Regarding the draft optional protocol to the Convention on children in armed conflict, Mrs. Robinson stated that she shared the view of the Committee  which was also that of a majority of Governments and important partners  that a clear limit of 18 years for all forms of participation of children in hostilities, either direct or indirect, should be set. In relation to the draft optional protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, she stressed that all efforts to curb the phenomenon of child trafficking and exploitation, including followup activities to the World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, were welcome and that full implementation of existing international norms, especially the Convention on the Rights of the Child, must remain a priority. The High Commissioner also mentioned the support provided to the Committee through the Plan of Action to strengthen the implementation of the Convention and expressed the hope that the survey on technical cooperation initiated under the Plan could become a conduit for the identification of needs for technical cooperation at the country level, stimulate the provision of such cooperation and foster increased coordination and complementarity among the various partners involved in implementing the Convention. Regarding the increase in membership of the Committee, the High Commissioner stated that she would spare no effort to facilitate a rapid entry into forced of the amendment increasing to 18 the membership of the Committee. She indicated that approximately one half of the required number (120 States parties) had so far officially accepted that amendment.


F. Presessional working group


12.       In accordance with a decision of the Committee at its first session, a pre-sessional working group met in Geneva from 26 to 30 January 1998. All members except Mr. Francesco Paolo Fulci, Mrs. Esther Margaret Queenie Mokhuane and Mr. Ghassan Salim Rabah participated in the working group. Representatives of the United Nations Children's Fund, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the World Health Organization also participated in the meetings of the working group. A representative of the NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as representatives from various national and international nongovernmental organizations, attended the session.


13.       The purpose of the presessional working group is to facilitate the Committee's work under articles 44 and 45 of the Convention, primarily by reviewing State party reports and identifying in advance the main questions that would need to be discussed with the representatives of the reporting States. It also provides an opportunity to consider questions relating to technical assistance and international cooperation.


14.       The presessional working group held 9 meetings, at which it examined lists of issues put before it by members of the Committee relating to the initial reports of six countries: Ecuador, Fiji, Hungary, Iraq, Luxembourg and Thailand. The lists of issues were transmitted to the Permanent Missions of the States concerned with a note requesting written answers to the issues raised in the list, if possible before 20 April 1998.

G. Organization of work


15.       The Committee considered the organization of work at its 454th meeting, on 18 May 1998. The Committee had before it the draft programme of work for the eighteenth session, prepared by the SecretaryGeneral in consultation with the Chairperson of the Committee, and the report of the Committee on its seventeenth session (CRC/C/73).


H. Future regular meetings

 

16.       The Committee noted that its nineteenth session would take place from 21 September to 9 October 1998 and its pre-sessional working group would meet from 8 to 12 June 1998.


II. REPORTS BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION


A. Submission of reports


17.       The Committee had before it the following documents:


            (a)       Notes by the SecretaryGeneral on initial reports by States parties due in 1992 (CRC/C/3), 1993 (CRC/C/8/Rev.3), 1994 (CRC/C/11/Rev.3), 1995 (CRC/C/28), 1996 (CRC/C/41), 1997 (CRC/C/51) and 1998 (CRC/C/61); and on periodic reports of States parties due in 1997 (CRC/C/65) and 1998 (CRC/C/70);


            (b)       Note by the SecretaryGeneral on the States parties to the Convention and the status of submission of reports (CRC/C/75);


            (c)       Note by the SecretaryGeneral on the follow-up to the consideration of initial reports by States parties to the Convention (CRC/C/27/Rev.10);


            (d)       Note by the SecretaryGeneral on areas in which the need for technical advice and advisory services has been identified in the light of the observations adopted by the Committee (CRC/C/40/Rev.9).


The Committee was informed that, in addition to the six reports that were scheduled for consideration by the Committee at its present session (see paragraph 22 below) and those which had been received prior to the Committee's seventeenth session (see CRC/C/73, para. 17), the SecretaryGeneral had received the initial reports of Burundi (CRC/C/3/Add.58), Central African Republic (CRC/C/11/Add.18), Comoros (CRC/C/28/Add.13), Democratic Republic of the Congo (CRC/C/3/Add.57), Djibouti (CRC/C/8/Add.39), Georgia (CRC/C/41/Add.4/Rev.1), Kyrgyzstan (CRC/C/41/Add.6), Lesotho (CRC/C/11/Add.20), Marshall Islands (CRC/C/28/Add.12), Slovakia (CRC/C/11/Add.17), Suriname (CRC/C/28/Add.11), Tajikistan (CRC/C/28/Add.14), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Isle of Man) (CRC/C/11/Add.19) and the second periodic report of Peru (CRC/C/65/Add.8). The status of submission of reports by States parties under article 44 of the Convention is given in annex III.


18.       A list of initial reports considered by the Committee as of 5 June 1998, as well as a provisional list of initial and second periodic reports scheduled for consideration at the Committee's nineteenth and twentieth sessions, are contained in annexes IV and V respectively.


19.       As at 5 June 1998, the Committee had received 125 initial and 9 periodic reports. A total of 88 reports have been examined by the Committee.


20.       By note verbale dated 8 April 1998, the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva transmitted supplementary information and comments relating to the recommendations adopted by the Committee in its concluding observations (CRC/C/15/Add.81) on the initial report of the Czech Republic (CRC/C/11/Add.11).


B. Consideration of reports


21.       At its eighteenth session, the Committee examined initial reports submitted by six States parties under article 44 of the Convention. It devoted 17 of its 24 meetings to the consideration of reports (see CRC/C/SR.455462, 465473).


22.       The following reports, listed in the order in which they were received by the SecretaryGeneral, were before the Committee at its eighteenth session: Democratic People's Republic of Korea (CRC/C/3/Add.41), Fiji (CRC/C/28/Add.7), Hungary (CRC/C/8/Add.34) Japan (CRC/C/41/Add.1), Luxembourg (CRC/C/41/Add.2) and Maldives (CRC/C/8/Add.33 and 37).


23.       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.


24.       The following sections, arranged on a countrybycountry basis according to the sequence followed by the Committee in its consideration of the reports, contain concluding observations reflecting the main points of discussion and indicating, where necessary, issues that require specific followup.


25.       More detailed information is contained in the report submitted by the States parties and in the summary records of the relevant meetings of the Committee.


Concluding observations of the Committee on the

Rights of the Child: Hungary


26.       The Committee considered the initial report of Hungary (CRC/C/8/Add.34) at its 455th to 457th meeting (see CRC/C/SR.455457), held on 19 and 20 May 1998 and adopted* the following concluding observations:



          


            * At its 477th meeting, held on 5 June 1998.


A. Introduction


27.       The Committee takes note of the submission of the initial report of the State party. It welcomes the written answers to the list of issues (CRC/C/Q/HUN/1) and the additional information submitted in the course of the dialogue with the Committee, which enabled it to assess the situation of the rights of the child in the State party. The Committee welcomes the frank, self-critical and cooperative tone of the dialogue with the State party’s delegation. The Committee also acknowledges the fact that the presence of a highly representative delegation, directly involved in the implementation of the Convention in Hungary, enabled it to engage in a constructive dialogue.


B. Positive aspects


28.       The Committee welcomes the establishment of the Coordination Council for Children and Youth Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, and the Child and

Youth Council for Reconciliation of Interests, composed of representatives from the Government, youth organizations, and non-governmental organizations working for and with children.


29.       The Committee notes with appreciation the longstanding achievements of the State party in the areas of education and medical care and welcomes its commitment to maintain these high standards.


30.       The Committee welcomes the recent ratification by the State party of ILO Convention No. 138 regarding minimum age for access to work and the Framework Convention for the Protection of Minorities of the Council of Europe.


                                    C. Factors and difficulties impeding the

                                        implementation of the Convention


31.       The Committee acknowledges that the State party has had to face economic, social and political challenges during the past few years. It notes that the transition to a market economy has led to increased rates of unemployment, poverty and other social problems, and has had a serious impact on the welfare of the population, in particular on all vulnerable groups, including children.


D. Principal subjects of concern


32.       The Committee remains concerned that despite recent measures in the field of law reform inconsistencies still exist between the provisions and principles of the Convention and domestic law.


33.       The Committee remains concerned by the absence of a comprehensive and integrated national policy on the promotion and protection of children’s rights.





34.       The Committee is concerned by the gaps in monitoring progress in all areas covered by the Convention and in relation to all groups of children living in urban and rural areas, especially those affected by the consequences of economic transition. The Committee is also concerned at the lack of disaggregated statistical data covering all children under the age of 18.


35.       In view of the current trend towards decentralization in the State party, the Committee is concerned about the sustainability of the funding for the provision of health, education and social services for children. It is also concerned by the absence of a regulating and monitoring mechanism to ensure appropriate distribution of resources to children by local authorities.


36.       Although aware of the initiatives already taken by the State party, the Committee remains concerned by the insufficiency of measures taken to disseminate information and educate all parts of society, adults and children alike, on the principles and provisions of the Convention. The Committee is also concerned about the fact that the Convention has not been made available in all the minority languages spoken in the State party, including Roma. Insufficient training on the Convention provided to professional groups such as judges, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, teachers, social workers and civil servants is also a matter of concern.


37.       While the Committee welcomes the cooperation between non-governmental organizations working with and for children and the authorities, it is concerned that the potential of the non-governmental sector in contributing to the development of children’s rights policies and programmes is not fully realized.


38.       The Committee is concerned that the general principles of the Convention, as laid down in its articles 2 (non-discrimination), 3 (best interests of the child) and 12 (respect of the views of the child), are not fully applied or duly integrated into the implementation of the policies and programmes of the State party.


39.       While the Committee notes with appreciation the measures taken by the State party, including the adoption of government resolution No. 1093/1997 on a package of mediumterm measures intended to improve the living standards of the Roma population, it remains concerned about the persistence of discriminatory practices against this minority group.

  

40.       Regarding the implementation of article 13 of the Convention, the Committee is concerned about the insufficient measures undertaken by the State party to promote children’s right to participation within the family, at school, and in society in general. The Committee is also concerned about the restriction to the right of freedom of association (article 15 of the Convention), since there is no registry of associations managed by children.


41.       The Committee is concerned by the cases of ill-treatment of children in the family and in institutions as well as the lack of adequate measures for the psycho-social recovery of child victims of such abuses. Cases of illtreatment by law enforcement personnel in or outside detention centres are also a matter of deep concern.


42.       In light of the principles and provisions of the Convention, especially its articles 3, 7 and 21, the amendment to Act XV of 1990, which grants the parent the option of placing a child up for adoption before birth, is a matter of concern for the Committee.


43.       While noting the State party’s achievements with regard to infant and underfive mortality rates, universal immunization and low birth weights, as well as in the field of education, the Committee is still concerned, in light of the principle of non-discrimination (article 2 of the Convention), about the unequal access to health services and opportunities in the education system, especially in rural areas, among minority groups and families living in poverty.


44.       The Committee is concerned about the insufficient awarenessraising campaign in health facilities on the benefits of breastfeeding.


45.  The Committee expresses its concern that the legal and other measures being taken to address the problems of child abuse, including sexual abuse within the family, are insufficient. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of research on the issue of sexual abuse within the family.


46.  The high rate of youth suicide is a matter of concern to the Committee. The Committee is also concerned about the insufficiency of measures taken to address adolescent health issues such as reproductive health and the incidence of early pregnancies. The Committee expresses its concern at the increase in drug abuse and alcohol consumption among children and the insufficient preventive measures taken by the State party.


47.  The Committee is concerned about the insufficiency of legal and other measures to address the issue of sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution and trafficking of children.


48.  The Committee is concerned about the compatibility of the juvenile justice system in the State party with articles 37, 40 and 39 of the Convention and with other relevant standards such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty. In particular, the Committee is concerned about the ill-treatment of children in detention centres, that deprivation of liberty is not used as a measure of last resort, and about the stigmatization of the most vulnerable categories of children, including those belonging to the Roma minority.


E. Suggestions and recommendations


49.  The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to facilitate the process of full harmonization of domestic legislation with the principles and provisions of the Convention in the form of a children’s code, taking especially into account the holistic nature of this treaty.


50.  The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen and expand the scope of existing mechanisms for coordinating and monitoring children’s rights


in order to reach locallevel governments. In this regard, the Committee suggests that structures dealing with children's issues be established in the various local governments. The relationship between the Coordination Council for Children and Youth Affairs and the various relevant structures in the local governments needs to be defined.


51.  The Committee recommends that the State party adopt a comprehensive and integrated policy for children such as a national plan of action to assess progress achieved and difficulties encountered in the realization of the rights recognized by the Convention at the central and local levels, and in particular to monitor regularly the effects of economic change on children. Such a monitoring system should enable the State to shape appropriate policies and to combat prevailing social disparities.


52.  The Committee encourages the State party to ensure the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention in the light of the general principles of the Convention, in particular the best interests of the child. Available resources should be allocated to their maximum extent to ensure the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights, with particular emphasis on health and education, and on the enjoyment of these rights by the most disadvantaged groups of children. The Committee also emphasizes the need for the State party to take immediate steps to address the problem of child poverty and make every feasible effort to ensure that all families, particularly singleparent families and Roma families, have adequate resources and facilities. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the local governments be encouraged to generate local income for funding social services, in particular for the protection and promotion of children’s rights.


53.  The Committee encourages the State party to strengthen its efforts to disseminate the principles and provisions of the Convention. The Convention should be made available in minority languages, especially Roma. Furthermore, training on the Convention should be conducted for professional groups such as judges, lawyers, law enforcement and army officials, civil servants, personnel working in institutions and places of detention for children, health personnel and psychologists, and social workers. The Convention should also be disseminated to non-governmental organizations, the mass media and the public at large including children themselves.


54.  The Committee encourages the State party to continue and strengthen its efforts to develop a closer partnership with non-governmental organizations.


55.  The Committee recommends that further efforts be made to ensure that national laws take fully into account the principles of non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, respect for the views of the child, and his or her right to participate in the family, at school, other institutions, and in society in general. These principles should also be reflected in all policies and programmes relating to children.


56.  The Committee encourages the State party to continue and reinforce its efforts aimed at reducing discriminatory practices against the Roma population and improving the general status of Roma children.

 



57.  In light of articles 19 and 37 (a), the Committee strongly recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to prevent and combat illtreatment of children, including physical and sexual abuse within the family, at school and in child-care institutions. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake prevention campaigns, including through education, to protect children against abuse and maltreatment. Comprehensive studies on these issues should be initiated in order to understand them better and facilitate the elaboration of policies and programmes, including rehabilitation programmes, to combat them effectively.


58.  The Committee recommends that the State party consider reviewing its legislation and practice relating to the possibility of placing a child up for adoption before birth. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the State party to consider accession to the Hague Convention of 1993 on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.


59.  The Committee recommends that the State party envisage undertaking further measures to prevent and redress unequal access to health services and to the education system between the rural and urban population, and in particular to facilitate the access of Roma children to health and education. The Committee also recommends that health services and medical supplies be equally distributed between and within the local governments. Schools and vocational training should be made accessible to poor children and those living in rural areas, especially children belonging to the Roma population.


60.  The Committee recommends that breastfeeding be promoted in health facilities.


61.  With regard to adolescent health issues, the Committee recommends that in order to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies, reproductive health education programmes be strengthened and that information campaigns be launched concerning family planning and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts in

undertaking comprehensive studies on suicide among youth to enable authorities

to improve their understanding of this phenomenon and take appropriate measures to reduce the suicide rate. The Committee also recommends that the State party undertake further preventive and curative measures, including rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, to address the issue of drug abuse and alcohol consumption among adolescents.


62.  The Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts to prevent and combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children, especially the use of children in pornography and prostitution and the trafficking of children. Further studies and surveys should be conducted on this issue in order to design a comprehensive policy and programmes to address these phenomena. Rehabilitation and reintegration programmes should be developed for victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.


63.  The Committee recommends that the State party envisage undertaking further measures to ensure the full compatibility of the juvenile justice system with the Convention, especially articles 37, 40 and 39, and other United Nations 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. Particular attention should be paid to addressing issues such as the ill-treatment of children in detention centres, the use of deprivation of liberty other than as a measure of last resort, and the stigmatization of the most vulnerable categories of children, including those belonging to the Roma minority. Training programmes on the relevant international standards should be conducted for all professionals involved with the juvenile justice system. The Committee further suggests that the State party consider seeking technical assistance for this purpose, inter alia from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Centre for International Crime Prevention, the International Network on Juvenile Justice and UNICEF, through the Coordination Panel on Technical Advice and Assistance in Juvenile Justice.


64.  Finally, in the light of article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the initial report and written replies submitted by the State party be made widely available to the public at large and that the publication of the report be considered, along with the relevant summary records and concluding observations adopted thereon by the Committee. Such a document should be widely distributed in order to generate debate and awareness of the Convention and of its implementation and monitoring within the Government, the Parliament and the general public, including concerned non-governmental organizations.


Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of

the Child: Democratic People's Republic of Korea


65.  The Committee considered the initial report of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (CRC/C/3/Add.41) at its 458th to 460th meetings (CRC/C/SR.458-460), held on 20 and 22 May 1998 and adopted* the following concluding observations:


A. Introduction


66.  The Committee takes note of the initial report and written answers to the list of issues (CRC/C/Q/DPRK/1) submitted by the State party. The Committee notes that after having requested postponement of the consideration of its report initially scheduled for the sixteenth session, the State party sent a highly representative delegation to the present session. The Committee

also takes note of the additional information provided by the State party in the course of the dialogue with the Committee, during which the representatives of the State party indicated the policy and programme directions, as well as the obstacles and difficulties encountered in implementing the Convention.





__________


     * At the 477th meeting, held on 5 June 1998.

 


B. Positive aspects


67.  The Committee takes note of the fact that international instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, have the same status as domestic law and can be invoked before the courts.


68.  The Committee notes with appreciation that both education and health services are free of charge in the State party.


69.  The Committee takes note of the willingness of the State party to engage in international cooperation programmes to facilitate the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In this regard, the Committee takes note of the areas identified by the State party as requiring technical cooperation, such as nutrition, health, educational support materials, collecting and processing data and statistics, and monitoring, training and providing appropriate support to children with disabilities.


                 C. Factors and difficulties impeding the

                     implementation of the Convention


70.  The Committee takes note of the difficulties faced by the State party in its implementation of the Convention as a result of the dissolution of its traditional economic ties and of the 1995 and 1996 floods, which have had a very serious impact on the whole society.


D. Principal subjects of concern


71.  The Committee is very concerned by the increase in the child mortality rate resulting from malnutrition that affects the most vulnerable children, including those living in institutions. It is also concerned at the deterioration of the health status of children, resulting mainly from shortages of food, medicine and clean water.


72.  In light of article 4 of the Convention, the Committee is concerned that insufficient attention has been paid in allocating budgetary resources in favour of children “to the maximum extent of ... available ... and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation”.


73.  The Committee is concerned at the lack of a specific mechanism to monitor progress in all areas covered by the Convention and in relation to all groups of children especially the most vulnerable ones, in urban and rural areas.


74.  The State party's limited capacity for developing specific disaggregated indicators to evaluate progress and assess the impact of existing policies on all children is a matter of concern.


75.  While noting the efforts undertaken by the State party for child welfare, the Committee is concerned that the national strategy, policies and programmes for children do not yet fully reflect the rights-based approach enshrined in the Convention. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that the general principles of the Convention, as laid down in its articles 2 (non-discrimination), 3 (best interests of the child) and 12 (respect of the views of the child), are not being fully integrated into the legislation, policies and programmes relevant to children, in particular in relation to children belonging to vulnerable categories such as children living in remote areas, children with disabilities and children in institutions.


76.  The Committee notes that insufficient measures have been taken to disseminate and raise awareness about the principles and provisions of the Convention in all parts of society, among children and adults alike, in conformity with article 42 of the Convention.


77.  The Committee is concerned that corporal punishment is still used, especially within the family environment and in institutions, and by the fact that no comprehensive strategy exists to eradicate this form of violence, in light of, inter alia, articles 3, 19 and 28 of the Convention.


78.  The Committee is concerned by the unresolved family reunification cases, in light of, inter alia, articles 3 and 9 of the Convention.


79.  The Committee is worried about the increasing problems of environmental degradation in the State party, which have a harmful impact on the health of children.


80.  The Committee expresses its concern about de facto discriminatory attitudes that may occur against children with disabilities and at the insufficient measures taken by the State party to ensure that these children have effective access to health, education and social services, and to facilitate their full inclusion in society. The Committee is also concerned about the small number of well-trained professionals dealing with children with disabilities.


81.  The Committee is concerned about the insufficiency of measures taken to understand and address adolescent health issues, such as teenage suicides, reproductive health and early pregnancies.


82.  In light of the principles and provisions of the Convention, especially its articles 3, 5 and 19, the Committee expresses its concern that the phenomenon of child abuse and ill-treatment within the family is not adequately addressed.


83.  The administration of juvenile justice, and in particular its compatibility with articles 37, 40, and 39 of the Convention and with other relevant standards such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty, is a matter of concern to the Committee. The Committee remains particularly concerned, inter alia, about the rights of the child to legal assistance, judicial review and periodic review of placement. It is also concerned that persons between the ages of 17 and 18 are considered by the penal system as adults. Although the Committee was informed that no child can be sentenced to death, it remains concerned as to whether a person between 17 and 18 is considered an adult in this particular regard.




E. Suggestions and recommendations


84.  The Committee encourages the State party to continue to prevent and combat malnutrition in children with all appropriate measures, through budgetary allocations in favour of children to the maximum extent of available resources and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation.


85.  The Committee recommends that the State party fully harmonize its legislation with the principles and provisions of the Convention. It also encourages the State party to envisage adopting comprehensive legislation covering all areas of the rights of the child, such as a children’s code. The Committee further recommends that the State party envisage ratifying major international human rights treaties to which it is not yet a party, such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as they all have an impact on the rights of the child.


86.  The Committee recommends that the State party give priority attention to the identification of appropriate disaggregated indicators with a view to addressing all areas of the Convention and all groups of children in society. Such mechanisms can play a vital role in systematically monitoring the status of children and in evaluating progress achieved in and difficulties hampering the realization of children's rights. They can be used as a basis for designing programmes to improve the situation of children, particularly the most disadvantaged, including children living in remote areas, children with disabilities, children ill-treated and abused within the family as defined by article 19 of the Convention, and children living in institutions. International cooperation could be sought to this effect, including from UNICEF.


87.  The Committee encourages the State party to consider the establishment of a specific mechanism to monitor fully the implementation of the Convention, especially for the most vulnerable groups of society.


88.  The Committee recommends that consideration be given to incorporating the Convention in the curricula of all educational institutions and that appropriate measures be taken to facilitate access by children to information on their rights. The Committee also suggests that the State party direct further efforts to providing comprehensive training programmes for professional groups working with and for children such as judges,

lawyers, law enforcement personnel, army officials, teachers, health personnel including psychologists, school administrators, social workers, and personnel of child-care institutions. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the State party reinforce its dissemination activities with regard to the Convention in the spirit of its article 42. International cooperation, especially from UNICEF, should be sought in this regard.


89.  The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to integrate fully the principles and provisions of the Convention, especially its general principles (arts. 2, 3, 6 and 12), in its legal system, strategies, policies and programmes for children with a view to recognizing the child as a full subject of law. In light of article 12 of the Convention, specific attention should be given to educating all sectors of society, especially parents and teachers, about the importance of children's participation and of dialogue between teachers, parents and children.


90.  The Committee suggests that the State party take all appropriate measures, including of a legislative nature, to prevent and combat the use of corporal punishment, especially at home and in institutions. The Committee also suggests that awareness-raising campaigns be conducted to ensure that alternative forms of discipline are administered in a manner consistent with the child's human dignity and in conformity with the Convention.


91.  The Committee recommends that the State party pursue its efforts to resolve family reunification cases in light of the principles and provisions of the Convention, especially articles 3 and 9.


92.  The Committee encourages the State party to pay particular attention to the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention and to ensure adequate distribution of resources at both central and local levels. Budget allocations for the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights should be ensured to the maximum extent of available resources and in the light of the principles of non-discrimination (art. 2) and the best interests of the child (art. 3).


93.  In light of the provisions and principles of the Convention, especially articles 3 and 20, the Committee suggests that the State party consider reviewing its policies and programmes regarding institutional care with a view to supporting more familyoriented solutions.


94.  The Committee recommends that the State party launch a comprehensive study to enhance the understanding of the nature and scope of child abuse and ill-treatment within the family, as defined by article 19 of the Convention, with a view to combating these harmful practices adequately.


95.  In light of article 24 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that particular attention be given to the impact of environmental pollution on children and that a study be undertaken on this subject. International cooperation in this field should be considered.


96.  The Committee suggests that the State party undertake a comprehensive study on the issues of reproductive health, youth suicides and early pregnancies so as to identify the scope of the problems and to devote adequate resources to preventing and combating these phenomena.


97.  In light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96), the Committee recommends that the State party develop early identification programmes to prevent disabilities, implement alternative measures to the institutionalization of children with disabilities, and envisage awareness-raising campaigns to reduce discrimination against disabled children and encourage their inclusion into society.


98.  The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary steps to bring its juvenile justice system into full conformity with the provisions and principles of the Convention, in particular articles 37, 40 and 39, and with other United Nations 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. Particular attention should be paid to the rights of children to prompt access to legal assistance, judicial review and periodic review of placement. The State party should furthermore envisage extending the special protection provided to children under penal law to all persons under 18 years old. Training programmes on the relevant international standards should be organized for all professionals involved with the juvenile justice system.


99.  Finally, the Committee recommends that the widest dissemination be given to the State party's report, the discussion on the report in the Committee and the concluding observations adopted following examination of the report.


Concluding observations of the Committee on the

Rights of the Child: Fiji


100. The Committee considered the initial report of Fiji (CRC/C/28/Add.7) at its 461st and 462nd meetings (see CRC/C/SR.461-462), held on 25 May 1998 and adopted* the following concluding observations:


A. Introduction


101. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s initial report, which followed the guidelines established by the Committee, and the written answers to the list of issues (CRC/C/Q/FIJ/1), which enabled the Committee to assess the situation of the rights of the child in the State party. The Committee also welcomes the frank, self-critical and cooperative dialogue with the State party’s delegation.


B. Positive aspects


102. The Committee appreciates the recent establishment of several administrative, monitoring and protection mechanisms on children’s rights in the State party such as the Coordinating Committee on Children (CCC), the Children’s Unit within the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Child Abuse Unit within the Police Department.


103. The Committee notes with appreciation the participation of nongovernmental organizations in the CCC and in the elaboration of the State party’s report.


104. The Committee takes note of the 1997 amendment to the Juvenile Act regarding the prevention of child pornography.


          


     * At the 477th meeting, held on 5 June 1998.



                  C. Factors and difficulties impeding the

                      implementation of the Convention


105. The Committee takes note of the particular nature of the State party, its geographical configuration comprising 330 islands, the relatively small population composed of a number of different and isolated communities, as well as the recent changes in the economic structure.


D. Principal subjects of concern


106. While noting the measures envisaged by the State party in the field of law reform, the Committee expresses its concern at the need to harmonize the legislation of the State party fully with the principles and provisions of the Convention. In this regard, it is also concerned at the slow pace in the process of enactment of the Children’s and Young Persons’ Act.


107. Although the Committee is aware of the existing coordinating and monitoring mechanisms, it is concerned about the lack of a systematic, comprehensive and disaggregated quantitative and qualitative datacollection mechanism for all areas covered by the Convention, especially addressing the most vulnerable groups of children, including those belonging to minority groups, children living in institutional care, girl children, and children living in rural areas.


108. The Committee is concerned about the lack of an independent complaint and monitoring mechanism for children, such as an Ombudsperson or a Commissioner for Children.


109. The Committee is concerned that despite the efforts undertaken by the State party in identifying priority areas for budgetary allocation of resources for the benefit of children, insufficient human and financial resources are allocated for the full implementation of the provisions of the Convention.


110. While recognizing the efforts of the State party to disseminate the Convention and to train professionals working for and with children in the provisions and principles of the Convention, as well as to translate the Convention into the Fijian and Hindi languages, the Committee is of the view that these measures are insufficient. The Committee remains concerned at the lack of adequate and systematic training for professional groups working with and for children.


111. The Committee is concerned about the fact that the State party does not appear to have fully taken into account the general principles contained in its articles 2 (non-discrimination), 3 (best interests of the child), 6 (right to life, survival and development) and 12 (respect for the views of the child) in its legislation, its administrative and judicial decisions, and in its policies and programmes relevant to children.


112. The Committee expresses its concern at the fact that the minimum age for marriage, set at 16 for girls and at 18 for boys, is discriminatory and contrary to the principles of the Convention.


113. With regard to the implementation of article 2, insufficient measures have been adopted to ensure the full enjoyment by all children of the rights recognized by the Convention, in particular in relation to access to education and health services. Of particular concern are certain vulnerable groups of children, especially the girl child, children with disabilities, children living in rural areas or in slums, and children born out of wedlock. In this regard, the Committee considers that the use of the term “illegitimate children” (ex-nuptial children) in the law is contrary to the principle of nondiscrimination contained in article 2 of the Convention.


114. The Committee is concerned about the lack of conformity of the birth registration system with all the requirements of article 7 of the Convention.


115. While aware of the initiative presented by the CCC to Fiji’s Law Reform Commission for the legal prohibition of the use of corporal punishment, the Committee remains concerned that corporal punishment is still used by parents and that internal school regulations do not contain explicit provisions prohibiting this harmful practice, in conformity with, inter alia, articles 3, 19 and 28 of the Convention.


116. The Committee is concerned at the insufficient awareness of and lack of information on ill-treatment and abuse, including sexual abuse, both within and outside the family, at the insufficient legal protection measures and appropriate resources, both financial and human, as well as at the lack of adequately trained personnel to prevent and combat such abuse.


117. Although the Committee is aware that the existing legislation on adoption is being re-examined, it is concerned that the current legislation does not reflect the principles and provisions of the Convention and does not effectively protect children against illicit transfer and non-return.


118. While the Committee acknowledges the State party’s efforts to reduce the infant mortality rate and the underfive mortality rate, it is still concerned about the prevalence of malnutrition and high rates of maternal mortality, as well as the limited access to health services on remote islands.


119. While the Committee takes note of the efforts undertaken by the State party in the field of adolescent health, it is particularly concerned at the high and increasing rate of early pregnancies, the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases among the youth, the occurrence of teenage suicide, the insufficient access by teenagers to reproductive health education and counselling services, including outside schools, and the insufficient preventive measures on HIV/AIDS.


120. With regard to the situation of children with disabilities, the Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient measures taken by the State party to ensure effective access of these children to health, education and social services, and to facilitate their full inclusion into society. The Committee is also concerned about the small number of well-trained professionals working with and for children with disabilities.


121. While taking note that a compulsory primary education system was gradually established in 1997, the Committee is concerned about the fact that this system is not yet fully in place. The Committee also expresses its concern regarding the high drop-out rates as well as at the unequal access to quality education. It is further concerned about the absence of a public preschool system in the State party.


122. The Committee is concerned about the existing low minimum age for access to work, set at 12 years. The Committee is concerned about the lack of data on child labour and economic exploitation, including sexual exploitation of children.


123. The Committee is concerned about the insufficient measures to address issues of drug and alcohol abuse which are increasingly affecting children in the State party.


124. The Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient rehabilitation measures for ill-treated, sexually abused and economically exploited children as well as their limited access to the justice system.


125. While the Committee takes note that the administration of juvenile justice is regulated by the Juvenile Act, it is concerned about the full compatibility of this legislation with articles 37, 40 and 39 of the Convention as well as other relevant standards such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty. In particular, the Committee is concerned at the lack of legal counselling for children in care centres, that detention is not being used as a measure of last resort, and about the poor state of detention centres. With regard to the minimum age for criminal responsibility, though the Committee is aware that juvenile offenders aged 10 to 17 enjoy a special judicial procedure, it is especially concerned about the low minimum age for criminal responsibility, set at 10 years. The fact that children aged between 17 and 18 years are not considered under the juvenile justice system is also a matter of concern.


E. Suggestions and recommendations


126. The Committee encourages the State party to take all necessary measures to accelerate the process for the enactment of the Children’s and Young Persons’ Act as well as other legislation related to children’s rights. The Committee also recommends that the State party ensure that its domestic legislation fully conforms with the provisions and the principles of the Convention. The Committee further recommends that the principles and provisions of the Convention be taken into account in the Constitutional Amendment Bill (1997). In this regard, it also recommends that a specific reference to the Convention on the Rights of the Child be envisaged.


127. The Committee recommends that the State party envisage ratifying all other major international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which all have an impact on the rights of the child.


128. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its coordination efforts through the Coordinating Committee on Children. It also recommends that the State party develop a comprehensive system of collecting disaggregated data, in order to gather all necessary information on the situation of children in the various areas covered by the Convention, including children belonging to vulnerable groups. The Committee encourages the State party to seek to this effect international cooperation from, inter alia, UNICEF.


129. The Committee encourages the State party to give further consideration to the establishment of an Ombudsperson for Children or any equivalent independent complaint and monitoring mechanism.


130. The Committee encourages the State party to pay particular attention to the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention and to ensure the appropriate distribution of resources at the local and central levels. Budget allocations for the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights should be ensured to the maximum extent of available resources and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation, as well as in the light of the principles of non-discrimination and the best interests of the child (arts. 2 and 3 of the Convention).


131. The Committee recommends that the State party harmonize the minimum age for marriage with the principles and provisions of the Convention.


132. It is the Committee's view that further efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the general principles of the Convention (arts. 2, 3, 6 and 12) not only guide policy discussions and decision-making, but are also appropriately reflected in any judicial and administrative proceedings and in the development and implementation of all projects, programmes and services which have an impact on children. The Committee wishes to encourage the State party to further develop a systematic approach to increasing public awareness of the right to participation of children in the light of article 12 of the Convention.


133. The Committee recommends that a more active approach be taken to eliminate discrimination against certain groups, in particular the girl child, children with disabilities, children in institutional care, children living in rural areas, poor children such as those living in slums, and children born out of wedlock (ex-nuptial children).


134. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to improve its birth registration system in light of article 7 of the Convention. The Committee also recommends that the State party launch awarenessraising campaigns regarding the parents’ duty to register newborn children.


135. The Committee recommends that corporal punishment be comprehensively prohibited by law and that measures be taken to raise awareness on the negative effects of corporal punishment and to ensure that discipline in schools, families and institutional care is administrated in a manner consistent with the child’s dignity, in light of article 28 of the Convention.


136. In light of article 19 of the Convention, the Committee further recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including revision of legislation, to prevent and combat ill-treatment within the family, including domestic violence and sexual abuse of children. It suggests, inter alia, that the authorities set up social programmes to prevent all types of child abuse as well as to rehabilitate the child victims. Law enforcement should be strengthened with respect to such crimes; adequate procedures and mechanisms to deal with complaints of child abuse should be developed, such as special rules of evidence and special investigators or community focal points.


137. In light of, inter alia, articles 3, 10 and 21 of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to accelerate the process of reform of its legislation relating to adoption and to illicit transfer and non-return. The Committee suggests that the State party envisage acceding to the Hague Convention of 1993 on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.


138. The Committee recommends that the State party promote adolescent health policies and the strengthening of reproductive health education and counselling services. The Committee further suggests that a comprehensive and multidisciplinary study be undertaken to understand the scope of adolescent health problems, especially early pregnancies. The Committee also recommends that further efforts, both financial and human, be undertaken to develop childfriendly care and rehabilitation facilities for adolescents and their families.


139. In light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96), the Committee recommends that the State party develop early identification programmes to prevent disabilities, implement alternatives to the institutionalization of disabled children, envisage awareness-raising campaigns to reduce discrimination against disabled children, establish special education programmes and centres for disabled children and encourage their inclusion into society. The Committee further recommends that the State party seek technical cooperation for the training of professional staff working with and for children with disabilities. International cooperation from, inter alia, UNICEF and the World Health Organization can be sought to this effect.


140. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake all appropriate measures to accelerate the full implementation of the compulsory education system and to improve the access to education of the most vulnerable groups of children.


141. The Committee recommends that further measures, including legal reform, be taken to fully implement the provisions of article 32 of the Convention and other related international instruments. The Committee encourages the State party to consider acceding to ILO Convention No. 138 regarding minimum age for access to work. Furthermore, efforts should be undertaken to prevent and combat economic exploitation, or any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child's education, or to be harmful to the child's health


or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. Particular attention should be paid to the conditions of children working within their families, in order to protect them fully. The Committee recommends that the State party envisage seeking technical cooperation from, inter alia, UNICEF and the ILO in this area.


142. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to prevent and combat drug and substance abuse among children, and take all appropriate measures including public information campaigns in and outside the schools. It also encourages the State party to support rehabilitation programmes for child victims of drug and substance abuse. In this regard, the Committee encourages the State party to consider seeking technical assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF and WHO.


143. The Committee recommends that further measures, including legal reform, be taken to fully implement the provisions of article 34 of the Convention, to prevent and combat sexual economic exploitation of children, including the use of children in prostitution and pornography and the trafficking and abduction of children.


144. In light of article 39 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake further efforts to establish rehabilitation centres for child victims of ill-treatment, sexual abuse and economic exploitation.


145. With regard to the administration of juvenile justice, the Committee recommends that the State party take all measures to fully integrate the provisions of the Convention, in particular articles 37, 40 and 39, as well as other relevant international standards in this area, such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty, in its legislation, its laws, its policies, programmes and practices. In particular, the Committee recommends that it review the provision governing legal counselling for children in care centres in conflict with the law, that detention be used only as a measure of last resort, and that conditions in detention centres be improved. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party raise the minimum age for criminal responsibility and raise to 18 years the age of persons considered under the juvenile justice system. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the State party consider seeking international assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Centre for International Crime Prevention, the International Network on Juvenile Justice and UNICEF, through the Coordination Panel on Technical Advice and Assistance in Juvenile Justice.


146. Finally, in the light of article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the initial report and written replies submitted by the State party be made widely available to the public at large and that the publication of the report be considered, along with the relevant summary records and the concluding observations adopted thereon by the Committee. Such a wide distribution should generate debate and awareness of the Convention and of its implementation and monitoring within the Government, the Parliament and the general public, including concerned non-governmental organizations.


Concluding observations of the Committee on the

Rights of the Child: Japan


147. The Committee considered the initial report of Japan (CRC/C/41/Add.1) at its 465th to 467th meetings (CRC/C/SR.465 to 467) held on 27 and 28 May 1998 and adopted* the following concluding observations:


A. Introduction


148. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the submission of its initial report, which followed the guidelines set by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, as well as for the written answers to its list of issues (CRC/C/Q/JAP/1). It takes note of the supplementary information provided by the delegation during the consideration of its report and the constructive dialogue with the multidisciplinary delegation of the State party.


B. Positive factors

149. The Committee notes the efforts by the State party in the field of law reform. The Committee welcomes the amendments to the Child Welfare Law adopted in 1997 as well as the decision in May 1998 aimed at ensuring that all single mothers have the right to a child allowance for children born out of wedlock. The Committee also takes note of the 1996 revision of the immigration rules regarding residency status for foreign mothers who raise children of Japanese nationals.


150. The Committee welcomes the information given by the delegation that the State party is currently considering ratifying the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.


151. The Committee welcomes the State party’s initiative to convene a “Children’s Diet” as a means of realizing an important dimension of article 12 of the Convention.


C. Principal subjects of concern


152. The Committee notes with concern the reservation made by the State party to article 37 (c) of the Convention, as well as the declarations made in relation to articles 9, paragraph 1, and 10, paragraph 1.


153. The Committee notes with concern that although the Convention on the Rights of the Child has precedence over domestic legislation and can be invoked before domestic courts, in practice courts in their rulings usually do not directly apply international human rights treaties in general and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in particular.



          


     * At the 477th meeting, held on 5 June 1998.



154. While noting the establishment of the Management and Coordination Agency and the Committee for the Promotion of Youth Policy, the Committee is nevertheless concerned about their limited mandate and the insufficient measures adopted to ensure effective coordination between different governmental departments competent in areas covered by the Convention, as well as between the central and local authorities. The Committee is concerned that this may result not only in a lack of coordination of governmental action, but also in inconsistency.


155. The Committee notes with concern the insufficient measures to collect disaggregated statistical data, including data related to the registration of complaints from children, and other information on the situation of children, especially those belonging to the most vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities, children placed in institutions and children belonging to national and ethnic minorities.


156. The Committee is concerned at the absence of an independent body with a mandate to monitor the implementation of the rights of children. It notes that the monitoring system of “Civil Liberties Commissioners for the Rights of the Child” in its present form lacks independence from the Government as well as the authority and powers necessary to fully ensure the effective monitoring of children’s rights.


157. While recognizing the efforts of the State party in this respect, the Committee is concerned that insufficient measures have been taken to disseminate and promote widespread awareness in all parts of society, among children and adults alike, about the principles and provisions of the Convention and particularly the importance that the Convention attaches to the notion of the child as a full subject of rights. The Committee is also concerned that the Convention has not been made available in any minority language and at the insufficient steps taken to provide relevant professional groups with training in the rights of the child.


158. While noting with appreciation the active participation of nongovernmental organizations in issues related to children’s rights, the Committee is concerned that the knowledge and expertise of civil society is not adequately utilized at the present stage of cooperation between the authorities and NGOs, which leads to insufficient participation of NGOs in all stages of implementation of the Convention.


159. The Committee is concerned that the general principles of nondiscrimination (art. 2), the best interests of the child (art. 3) and respect for the views of the child (art. 12), are not being fully integrated into the legislative policies and programmes relevant to children, in particular in relation to children from vulnerable categories such as those belonging to national and ethnic minorities, especially Ainu and Koreans, children with disabilities, children in institutions or deprived of liberty and children born out of wedlock. The Committee is particularly concerned about unequal access by children of Korean origin to institutions of higher education and the difficulties encountered by children in general in exercising their right to participate (art. 12) in all parts of society, especially in the school system.


160. The Committee is concerned that legislation does not protect children from discrimination on all grounds defined by the Convention, especially in relation to birth, language and disability. The Committee is particularly concerned about legal provisions explicitly permitting discrimination, such as article 900 (4) of the Civil Code which prescribes that the right to inheritance of a child born out of wedlock shall be half that of a child born within a marriage, and about mention of birth out of wedlock in official documents. It is also concerned at the provision of the Civil Code stipulating a different minimum age of marriage for girls (16 years) from that of boys (18 years).


161. The Committee is concerned at the insufficient measures taken by the State party to guarantee the child’s right to privacy, especially in the family, schools and other institutions.


162. In light of article 17 of the Convention, the Committee is concerned at the insufficient measures introduced to protect children from the harmful effects of the printed, electronic and audiovisual media, in particular violence and pornography.


163. In light of article 21 of the Convention, the Committee is concerned at the lack of necessary safeguards to ensure the best interests of the child in cases of intercountry adoption.


164. The Committee is concerned at the number of institutionalized children and the insufficient structure established to provide alternatives to a family environment for children in need of special support, care and protection.


165. The Committee is concerned about the increase of child abuse and illtreatment, including sexual abuse, within the family. The Committee notes with concern that insufficient measures have been taken to ensure that all cases of abuse and ill-treatment of children are properly investigated, sanctions applied to perpetrators and publicity given to decisions taken. It is also concerned about the insufficient measures taken to ensure the early identification, protection and rehabilitation of abused children.


166. With regard to children with disabilities, the Committee notes with concern the insufficient measures taken by the State party, notwithstanding the principles laid down in the Fundamental Law for People with Disabilities, 1993, to ensure effective access of these children to education and to facilitate their full inclusion in society.


167. While taking into account the advanced health system and the very low infant mortality rate, the Committee is concerned about the high number of suicides among children and the insufficient measures to prevent this phenomenon, the insufficient access by teenagers to reproductive health education and counselling services, including outside schools, and the incidence of HIV/AIDS among adolescents.


168. While noting the importance given to education by the State party, as illustrated by a very high literacy rate, the Committee is concerned that children are exposed to developmental disorders due to the stress of a highly competitive educational system and the consequent lack of time for leisure, physical activities and rest, in light of the principles and provisions of the Convention, especially its articles 3, 6, 12, 29 and 31. The Committee is further concerned about the significant number of cases of school phobia.


169. The Committee is concerned about the insufficient measures taken by the State party to introduce human rights education into school curricula in a systematic manner, in accordance with article 29 of the Convention.


170. The Committee is concerned at the frequency and level of violence in schools, especially the widespread use of corporal punishment and the existence of numerous cases of bullying among students. While legislation prohibiting corporal punishment and such measures as hot lines for victims of bullying do exist, the Committee notes with concern that current measures have been insufficient to prevent school violence.


171. While noting the draft bill on sexual exploitation, introducing penal sanctions against nationals involved in the exploitation of children through prostitution or pornography, and taking note of the conference organized as a follow-up to the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children held in Stockholm in 1996, the Committee is concerned at the lack of a comprehensive plan of action to prevent and combat child prostitution, child pornography and trafficking of children.


172. The Committee is concerned about the insufficient measures undertaken to address issues of drug and alcohol abuse which are increasingly affecting children in the State party.


173. The situation in relation to the administration of juvenile justice and its compatibility with the principles and provisions of the Convention, in particular articles 37, 40 and 39, as well as other relevant standards such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty is a matter of concern to the Committee. In particular, the Committee is concerned about the insufficiency of independent monitoring and adequate complaints procedures, the insufficiency of alternatives to detention and to the use of pre-trial detention as a last resort. The conditions in substitute prisons are also a matter of concern.


D. Suggestions and recommendations


174. In light of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action of 1993, the Committee encourages the State party to consider reviewing its reservation to article 37 (c) and its declarations with a view to their withdrawal.


175. With regard to the status of the Convention in domestic law, the Committee recommends that the State party provide, in its next periodic report, detailed information on cases where the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other human rights treaties have been invoked before domestic courts.


176. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen coordination between the various governmental mechanisms involved in children’s rights,


at both the national and local levels, in order to develop a comprehensive policy on children and ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Convention.


177. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to develop a system of data collection and to identify appropriate disaggregated indicators in order to address all areas of the Convention and to facilitate the identification of sectors where further action is needed and the assessment of progress achieved.


178. The Committee recommends that the State party take the necessary steps to establish an independent monitoring mechanism, either by improving and expanding the existing system of “Civil Liberties Commissioners for the Rights of the Child” or by creating an Ombudsperson or a Commissioner for Children’s Rights.


179. The Committee recommends that greater efforts be made by the State party to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are widely known and understood by both children and adults. Systematic training and retraining programmes in the rights of the child should be organized for all professional groups, including members of the police, the security forces and other law enforcement officials, judicial personnel, lawyers, magistrates, teachers and school administrators at all levels of education, social workers, officials of central or local administrations, personnel of child-care institutions and health and medical personnel, including psychologists. In order to reinforce the status of the child as a full subject of rights, the Committee recommends that the Convention be incorporated in the curricula of all educational institutions. It further recommends that the Convention in its entirety be made available, and when necessary translated, in minority languages.


180. The Committee encourages the State party to interact and cooperate closely with non-governmental organizations in implementing and monitoring the principles and provisions of the Convention.


181. It is the Committee’s view that further efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the general principles of the Convention, in particular the general principles of non-discrimination (art. 2), the best interests of the child (art. 3) and respect for the views of the child (art. 12), not only guide policy discussions and decision-making, but also are appropriately reflected in any legal revision, judicial and administrative decisions, and in the development and implementation of all projects and programmes which have an impact on children. In particular, legislative measures should be introduced to correct existing discrimination against children born out of wedlock. The Committee also recommends that discriminatory treatment of minority children, including Korean and Ainu children, be fully investigated and eliminated whenever and wherever it occurs. Furthermore, the Committee recommends the same minimum age for marriage of boys and girls.


182. The Committee recommends that the State party introduce additional measures, including legislative ones, to guarantee the child’s right to privacy, especially in the family, in schools, and in childcare and other institutions.


183. The Committee recommends that the State party adopt all necessary measures, including legal ones, with a view to protecting children from harmful effects of the printed, electronic and audiovisual media, in particular violence and pornography.


184. The Committee recommends that the State party take the necessary steps to ensure that the rights of the child are fully protected in cases of intercountry adoptions and to consider ratifying the Hague Convention of 1993 on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.


185. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to strengthen the structures established to provide alternatives to a family environment for children in need of special support, care and protection.


186. The Committee recommends that the State party collect detailed information and data regarding cases of child abuse and ill-treatment, including sexual abuse, within the family. The Committee recommends that cases of abuse and ill-treatment of children be properly investigated, sanctions applied to perpetrators and publicity given to decisions taken in order to enhance understanding of this phenomenon, and that in order to achieve this, an easily accessible and childfriendly complaint procedure be established.


187. In light of the Standard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96), the Committee recommends that the State party make further efforts to ensure practical implementation of the existing legislation, take alternative measures to institutionalization of children with disabilities, and envisage awarenessraising campaigns to reduce discrimination against children with disabilities and encourage their inclusion into society.


188. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to prevent suicides and incidents of HIV/AIDS among adolescents, including the collection and analysis of information, the launching of awareness-raising campaigns, reproductive health education and the establishment of counselling services.


189. In view of the highly competitive educational system in the State party and its negative effects on children’s physical and mental health, the Committee recommends that the State party take appropriate steps to prevent and combat excessive stress and school phobia in light of articles 3, 6, 12, 29 and 31 of the Convention.


190. The Committee recommends that the State party take appropriate measures to include human rights education in the school curricula, in a systematic manner, in accordance with article 29 of the Convention.


191. In light of, inter alia, articles 3, 19 and 28.2 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that a comprehensive programme be devised and its implementation closely monitored in order to prevent violence in schools, especially with a view to eliminating corporal punishment and bullying. Additionally, it recommends that corporal punishment be prohibited by law in the family and in childcare and other institutions. The Committee also recommends that awareness-raising campaigns be conducted to ensure that alternative forms of discipline are administered in a manner consistent with the child’s human dignity and in conformity with the Convention.


192. The Committee recommends that the State party design and implement a comprehensive plan of action to prevent and combat child prostitution, child pornography and trafficking of children, in line with the outcome of the 1996 World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.


193. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to prevent and combat drug and substance abuse among children and take all appropriate measures, including public information campaigns in and outside the schools. It also encourages the State party to support rehabilitation programmes for child victims of drug and substance abuse.


194. The Committee recommends that the State party envisage undertaking a review of the system of juvenile justice in light of the principles and provisions of the Convention and of other United Nations 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. Particular attention should be paid to the establishment of alternatives to detention, the monitoring and complaints procedures and the conditions in substitute prisons.


195. Finally, the Committee recommends that, in light of article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the initial report and written replies presented by the State party be made widely available to the public at large and that the report be published, along with the relevant summary records and the concluding observations adopted thereon by the Committee. Such a wide distribution should generate debate and awareness of the Convention and of its implementation and monitoring within the Government, the Parliament and the general public, including concerned non-governmental organizations.


Concluding observations of the Committee on the

Rights of the Child: Maldives


196. The Committee considered the initial report of Maldives (CRC/C/8/Add.33 and 37) at its 468th to 470th meetings (see CRC/C/SR.468-470), held on 28 and 29 May 1998, and adopted* the following concluding observations:


A. Introduction


197. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the submission of its initial reports and the written answers to the list of issues (CRC/C/Q/MAL/1). The Committee is encouraged by the frank, selfcritical and constructive dialogue with the State party's delegation.



          


     * At the 477th meeting, held on 5 June 1998.


The Committee also acknowledges the fact that the presence of a high-ranking delegation directly involved in the implementation of the Convention enabled it to assess the situation of the rights of the child in the State party.


B. Positive aspects


198. The Committee notes the enactment of the Law on the Protection of the Rights of the Child (Law 9/91), which constitutes a basis for the development of more comprehensive legislation in this area.


199. The Committee welcomes the establishment of the National Council for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, in charge of monitoring the goals set by the National Plan of Action, as well as the Unit for the Rights of the Child (URC) within the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare, in charge of the implementation of the Convention in the State party.


                  C. Factors and difficulties impeding the

                      implementation of the Convention


200. The Committee takes note of the particular nature of the State party, its geographical configuration comprising 1,190 islands, out of which only approximately 200 are inhabited, the relatively small population composed of a number of different and isolated communities, as well as changes in the economic structures and rapid population growth.


D. Principal subjects of concern


201. The Committee is concerned that the reservations made to articles 14 and 21 of the Convention by the State party may affect the implementation of the rights guaranteed in these articles.


202. The Committee expresses its concern regarding the need to harmonize fully the Law on the Protection of the Rights of the Child (Law No. 9/91) and other domestic legislation with the principles and provisions of the Convention, taking into account its holistic nature.


203. Although the Committee is aware of existing coordinating mechanisms, it is concerned at the insufficiently systematic and comprehensive, and also disaggregated, quantitative and qualitative datacollection, for all areas covered by the Convention, especially the most vulnerable groups of children, such as children living in institutional care, girl children and children living on isolated islands.


204. The Committee is concerned at the lack of a specific mechanism to monitor progress in all areas covered by the Convention and in relation to all groups of children, especially the most vulnerable ones, in urban and rural areas.


205. With regard to article 4 of the Convention, the Committee is concerned that the financial and human resources available for the implementation of all the rights recognized by the Convention are insufficient to ensure adequate progress in improving the situation of children in the State party.


206. The Committee is concerned regarding the lack of participation of civil society in designing and implementing policies and programmes for children.


207. While recognizing the efforts of the State party to disseminate the Convention and to train professionals working for and with children on the provisions and principles of the Convention, as well as the translation of the Convention into the Maldivian language (Dhivehi), the Committee is of the view that these measures are still insufficient.


208. The Committee is concerned at the lack of clarity on the status of children aged between 16 and 18 years. In this regard, it is especially concerned by the low minimum ages for marriage and criminal responsibility.


209. The Committee is concerned that the State party does not appear to have fully taken into account the provisions of the Convention, especially its general principles as contained in its articles 2 (non-discrimination), 3 (best interests of the child), 6 (right to life, survival and development) and 12 (respect for the views of the child), in its legislation, its administrative and judicial decisions, and in its policies and programmes relevant to children.


210. With regard to the implementation of article 2, the Committee is concerned at the insufficient measures adopted to ensure the full enjoyment by girl children and children with disabilities of the rights recognized in the Convention. The Committee is also concerned at the situation of children born out of wedlock, especially with regard to their right to inheritance. Furthermore, the Committee expresses its concern at the existing disparities between children living on the capital island of Male and those living on remote islands.


211. While aware of the efforts undertaken by the State party for the prevention of ill-treatment of children, the Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient awareness of and lack of information on ill-treatment and abuse, including sexual abuse both within and outside the family, at the insufficient legal protection measures, at the inappropriate resources, both financial and human, as well as at the lack of adequately trained personnel to prevent and combat such abuse. The insufficiency of rehabilitation measures for such children and their limited access to justice are also matters of concern.


212. The Committee is concerned at the high rate of divorce - considered among the highest in the world - in the State party and its possible negative impact on children. The Committee is also concerned at the lack of research and studies on the harmful consequences on children of divorces and early marriages as well as the insufficient measures to create public awareness on the detrimental effects of divorce.


213. The Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient alternative care measures for children deprived of a family environment.


214. Despite the State party’s efforts in reducing the infant mortality rate and increasing child immunization, the Committee is concerned at the prevalence of malnutrition (stunting and iron deficiency) and the high maternal mortality rate, as well as the limited access to safe water and adequate sanitation. The Committee is also concerned regarding problems of adolescent health, in particular the high and increasing rate of early pregnancies, the lack of access by teenagers to reproductivehealth education and services, and the insufficient preventive measures against HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, the Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient measures to promote breastfeeding of children, especially in health facilities.


215. With regard to the situation of children with disabilities, the Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient measures taken by the State party to ensure effective access of these children to health, education and social services, and to facilitate their full inclusion into society. The Committee is also concerned about the small number of well-trained professionals working with and for children with disabilities.


216. Although the Committee is aware of the State party’s achievements in the area of primary school enrolment, it remains concerned at the fact that education is not compulsory by law, at the high drop-out rate between primary and secondary school, at the shortage of trained teachers, at the existing gender disparities in secondary school enrolments and at disparities in the access to education between the capital and the atolls.


217. While the Committee is aware of the plans to establish a drug rehabilitation unit, it expresses its concern at the insufficient measures undertaken to address issues of drug abuse which are increasingly affecting children in the State party.


218. The Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient preventive measures, including legal ones, to avoid the emergence of child labour and economic exploitation, including sexual exploitation. The Committee is also concerned at the lack of preventive measures, including legal ones, concerning child prostitution, child pornography, trafficking and sale of children.


219. While the Committee takes note that the administration of juvenile justice is regulated by the Penal Code and the Law on the Protection of the Rights of the Child, it is concerned about the full compatibility of such legislation with articles 37, 40 and 39 of the Convention as well as other relevant standards, such as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules), the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (the Riyadh Guidelines) and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty. Although the Committee is aware that juvenile offenders aged up to 16 enjoy a special judicial procedure, it is particularly concerned regarding the situation of those between 16 and 18 years, who are considered as adults.

 

E. Suggestions and recommendations


220. In the light of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in June 1993, which encouraged States to withdraw reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Committee recommends the State party to consider reviewing its reservations to the Convention with a view to withdrawing them.  

221. The Committee recommends the State party to engage in a comprehensive reform of its legislation, with a view to ensuring its full conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention.


222. The Committee encourages the State party to accede to other major international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which all bear an impact on the rights of the child.


223. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen and extend the activities of the Coordinating Committee on Children. It also recommends that the State party develop a comprehensive system of collecting disaggregated data, in order to gather all necessary information on the situation of children in the various areas covered by the Convention, including children belonging to vulnerable groups. The Committee encourages the State party to seek to this effect international cooperation from, inter alia, UNICEF.


224. The Committee encourages the State party to consider the establishment of an independent mechanism to fully monitor the implementation of the Convention, especially for the most vulnerable groups of society.


225. With regard to the implementation of article 4 of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to consider the possibility of seeking international cooperation for additional resources to implement all the rights enshrined by the Convention.


226. In order to enhance the partnership with all components of the civil society in implementing the Convention, the Committee strongly encourages the State party to facilitate the establishment of non-governmental organizations dealing with children and to cooperate with them.


227. The Committee encourages the State party to pursue its efforts for the dissemination of the principles and provisions of the Convention and in providing training to all professional groups working with and for children. The Committee suggests that the State party seek assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF in this regard.


228. The Committee recommends that the State party raise the legal age of definition of the child, which is currently set at 16 years. In this regard, the legal minimum ages for marriage and criminal responsibility should be reviewed.


229. It is the Committee's view that further efforts should be undertaken to ensure that the general principles of the Convention (arts. 2, 3, 6 and 12) not only guide policy discussions and decision-making, but are also appropriately reflected in any judicial and administrative proceedings and in the development and implementation of all projects, programmes and services which have an impact on children.


230. The Committee recommends that the principle of non-discrimination, as provided under article 2 of the Convention, be fully implemented. A more proactive approach should be taken to eliminate discrimination against the girl child, children with disabilities, children living on remote islands, and children born out of wedlock. The Committee encourages the State party to enact and implement its National Policy on Women, which may bear a positive impact on the status of the girl child.


231. In the light of article 19 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to prevent and combat ill-treatment within the family and sexual abuse of children. It suggests, inter alia, that the authorities set up social programmes to prevent all types of child abuse as well as to rehabilitate the child victims. Law enforcement should be strengthened with respect to such crimes; adequate procedures and mechanisms to deal with complaints of child abuse should be developed, such as special rules of evidence, and special investigators or community focal points.


232. The Committee recommends that the State party accelerate the enactment of its Family Law. The Committee also recommends that the State party undertake research and studies on the negative impact of family disruption on children as well as to continue with its awarenessraising campaign on this issue. Furthermore, the Committee recommends to the State party to improve counselling services for parents.


233. In view of article 20 (3) of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party give consideration to the establishment of alternative care measures, such as kafalah, for children deprived of a family environment.


234. The Committee recommends that the State party promote adolescent health policies and programmes by, inter alia, strengthening reproductivehealth education and counselling services as well as improving preventive measures to combat HIV/AIDS. The Committee further suggests that a comprehensive and multidisciplinary study be undertaken to understand the scope of the phenomenon of adolescent health problems, including the negative impact of early marriages. The Committee also recommends that further efforts, both financial and human, such as the development of counselling services for both young people and their families, be undertaken for the prevention and care of adolescents' health problems and for the rehabilitation of victims.


235. In the light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96), the Committee recommends that the State party develop early identification programmes to prevent disabilities, implement alternative measures to the institutionalization of children with disabilities, envisage awareness-raising campaigns to reduce their discrimination, establish special education programmes and centres, and encourage their inclusion in society. The Committee also recommends to the State party to undertake research on the causes of disabilities. The Committee further recommends to the State party to seek technical cooperation for the training of professional staff working with and for children with disabilities. International cooperation from, inter alia, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) can be sought to this effect.


236. With regard to article 28 of the Convention, the Committee recommends to the State party to make primary education compulsory and available free to all, to improve the training of school teachers and the access to education of the most vulnerable groups of children, including girl children and children living on remote islands. The Committee recommends to the State party to consider seeking international assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF and UNESCO.


237. The Committee recommends that preventive measures, including legal reform, be taken to fully implement the provisions of article 32 of the Convention and other related international instruments.

 

238. In the light of article 34 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that preventive measures, including legal reform, be taken to prevent and combat the sexual exploitation of children, including through pornography, prostitution, trafficking and sale.


239. In the light of articles 24, 33 and 39 of the Convention, the Committee recommends to the State party to strengthen its efforts to prevent and combat drug and substance abuse among children, and to take all appropriate measures, including public information campaigns in and outside the schools. It also encourages the State party to support rehabilitation programmes for child victims of drug and substance abuse. In this regard, the Committee encourages the State party to consider seeking technical assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF and the World Health Organization.


240. With regard to the administration of juvenile justice, the Committee recommends that the State party accelerate the adoption of special procedures for children to fully integrate the provisions of the Convention, in particular articles 37, 40 and 39 as well as other relevant international standards in this area, such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty in its legislation, laws, policies, programmes and practices. In particular, the Committee recommends special procedures for children aged between 16 and 18, who are currently considered adults, to establish special courts for children and to review the provision of legal counselling for children in care centres. Furthermore, the Committee recommends to the State party to consider seeking international assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Centre for International Crime Prevention, the International Network on Juvenile Justice and UNICEF through the Coordination Panel on Juvenile Justice.


241. Finally, in the light of article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the initial report and written replies submitted by the State party be made widely available to the public at large and that the publication of the report be considered, along with the relevant summary records and concluding observations adopted thereon by the Committee. Such a wide distribution should generate debate and awareness of the Convention, its implementation and monitoring within the Government, the Parliament and civil society.




Concluding observations of the Committee on the

Rights of the Child: Luxembourg


242. The Committee considered the initial report of Luxembourg (CRC/C/41/Add.2) at its 471st to 473rd meetings (see CRC/C/SR.471-473), held on 2 and 3 June 1998, and adopted* the following concluding observations:


A. Introduction


243. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's detailed initial report, which followed the guidelines established by the Committee. It also takes note of the written answers to the list of issues (CRC/C/Q/LUX/1). The Committee further welcomes the fruitful and constructive dialogue with the delegation.


B. Positive factors


244. The Committee notes the existence of the Youth Parliament, and welcomes its involvement in the discussion regarding the proposed law to establish a committee having the functions of an Ombudsperson.


245. The Committee welcomes the statement of the delegation that the Government of Luxembourg has the intention of increasing its contribution to international development assistance from 0.36 per cent to the 0.7 per cent United Nations target of its Gross Domestic Product by the end of 1999.


C. Principal subjects of concern


246. The Committee is concerned that the State party has made reservations affecting articles 2, 6, 7 and 15 of the Convention.


247. The Committee expresses its concern that while the 1992 Law on Youth Protection covers several provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, domestic legislation still needs to be amended and new laws enacted to fully implement the principles and provisions of the Convention. In this regard, the Committee is concerned by the slow pace for the adoption of proposed appropriate amendments.


248. The Committee is concerned that the State party has not adopted a comprehensive policy to promote and protect children’s rights. It is also concerned by the absence of a strong coordination and monitoring mechanism and that the project to establish a Luxembourg Committee on Children's Rights as an independent monitoring mechanism has still not been formalized.


249. While recognizing the efforts of the State party in this respect, the Committee is concerned that insufficient measures have been taken to provide


          


     * At the 477th meeting, held on 5 June 1998.



adequate training on children’s rights to all professional groups working with and for children. It also believes that systematic dissemination and awareness raising about the principles and provisions of the Convention in all parts of society, among children and adults alike, still remains a matter of concern.


250. The Committee is concerned that there is no law which fully covers all the grounds related to non-discrimination as spelled out in article 2 of the Convention, and that children born out of wedlock may still suffer different forms of discrimination and stigmatization, particularly from the use of the terms “legitimate” and “illegitimate” in the Civil Code.


251. The Committee expresses its concern that the general principles of the Convention, especially its articles 2 (non-discrimination), 3 (best interests of the child) and 12 (respect for the views of the child), are not yet fully implemented in legislation, policies and practice.


252. The Committee expresses its concern that the rights enumerated in article 7.1 of the Convention, especially the right of the child to know his or her parents, are denied by the State party to children born anonymously (“under x”), even if this right is proven to be in their best interests.


253. The Committee is concerned that no legislation exists to protect children from being exposed to violence and pornography through video movies and other modern technologies, most prominently, the Internet. Moreover, concern is expressed that possession of pornographic material, including that involving children, is not an offence in the State party.


254. In the light of articles 3, 5, 19 and 28.2 of the Convention, concern is expressed that corporal punishment within and outside the family is not specifically prohibited by law.


255. The Committee is concerned that legislation does not cover all existing forms of placement. It is further concerned that regular and independent monitoring and periodic review of placement are not systematically undertaken. The Committee is also concerned by the placement of children in care institutions in neighbouring countries due to lack of facilities and trained professionals in the State party.


256. With regard to adoption, the Committee notes with concern that domestic legislation does not appear to respect fully all the provisions of article 21 of the Convention, especially the implementation of appropriate measures to ensure that intercountry adoption does not result in improper financial gain for those involved in it.


257. The Committee expresses its concern that the Penal Code restricts its protection from all forms of abuse and neglect to children under 14 years old.


258. While taking note of the 1994 law on school inclusion for children with disabilities, the Committee is concerned at the unclear status of implementation of this legislation.


259. The Committee expresses its concern at the noticeable reduction in the rate of breastfeeding following the first month of birth. It is further concerned by the short maternity leave period and that the International Code for Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes is not fully implemented.


260. The Committee expresses its concern about the rate of suicides among young people in the State party, and that suicides have occurred among young people when in detention. The Committee is also concerned by the increase of drug and alcohol abuse among youth.


261. The Committee is concerned about the insufficient measures taken by the State party to introduce human rights education, including the rights of the child, into the school curricula in a systematic manner, in accordance with article 29 of the Convention.


262. With regard to sexual exploitation of children, the Committee expresses its concern at the existence of child prostitution in the State party and at the involvement of children in international prostitution networks. It is further concerned that it is not illegal for children above 16 to get involved in prostitution.


263. The administration of juvenile justice, and in particular its compatibility with articles 37, 40 and 39 of the Convention and with other relevant standards such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty, is a matter of concern to the Committee. The Committee is particularly concerned that children aged between 16 and 18 may be referred to ordinary courts and judged as adults. It is further concerned that juveniles may be detained with adults in ordinary prisons, where the conditions are extremely unfavourable, including strict limits on time for exercise and leisure, the virtual absence of educational opportunities and long periods of isolation in their cells. In this regard, the Committee is concerned by the slow pace taken to implement all decisions taken by the interministerial working group to improve drastically the conditions of detention of children.


E. Suggestions and recommendations


264. In the light of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action of 1993, the Committee encourages the State party to consider reviewing its

reservations with a view to their withdrawal.


265. The Committee recommends that the State party, on a priority basis, take all necessary measures to ensure that its domestic legislation is in full conformity with the provisions and principles of the Convention.


266. The Committee encourages the State party to adopt a comprehensive strategy for children. The Committee also wishes to suggest that the State party envisage the establishment of a permanent mechanism of coordination, evaluation, monitoring and followup for policies aimed at the protection of the child to ensure that the Convention is fully respected and implemented, at the central and local levels. In this respect and as part of the ongoing


efforts of the State party to promote and protect the rights of the child, the Committee encourages the State party in its efforts to establish an independent monitoring body, such as an Ombudsperson.


267. The Committee recommends that the State party continue to disseminate the Convention in appropriate languages to adults and children alike. It also recommends that the authorities continue to ensure awareness raising, education and training programmes about the Convention on the Rights of the Child for professional groups working for and with children, such as: judges, lawyers, law enforcement and army officials, civil servants, including at the local level, personnel working in institutions or other places of detention for children, health personnel and social workers.


268. The Committee recommends that the State party fully take into account in its legislation all the grounds for protection from discrimination as spelled out in article 2 of the Convention. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to ensure that children born out of wedlock do not suffer discriminatory treatment or stigmatization, and that the terms “legitimate” and “illegitimate”, which are currently used in the Civil Code, be eliminated. In view of the multinational dimension of the society, the Committee further recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including legal ones, to guarantee all the rights set forth by the Convention to all children living within its jurisdiction, in the light of articles 2, 3 and 22.


269. It is the Committee's view that further efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the general principles of the Convention, in particular “nondiscrimination” (art. 2), the “best interests of the child” (art. 3) and the “respect for the views of the child” (art. 12), not only guide policy formulation and decision-making, but also are integrated appropriately into any judicial and administrative decisions, as well as in the development and implementation of all projects and programmes which have an impact on children.


270. In order to protect fully the rights of children born anonymously (“under x”), the Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to ensure that the provisions of article 7, especially the right of the child to know his or her parents, be fully enforced in the light of the principles of “nondiscrimination” (art. 2) and the “best interests of the child” (art. 3).


271. In the light of article 17 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate legal and other measures to protect children from being exposed to violence and pornography through video movies and other modern technologies, including the Internet. The Committee also recommends that the State party pursue its efforts to adopt legislation effectively prohibiting the possession of pornographic material involving children. Bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries should be engaged to this effect.


272. In the light of articles 3, 19 and 28.2, the Committee recommends that corporal punishment at home and in care institutions be explicitly prohibited by law.


273. The Committee encourages the State party to take all appropriate measures, including of a legislative nature, to ensure that a child placed in any form of institution is guaranteed all his/her rights set forth by the Convention, in particular the right to periodic review of placement. The Committee also recommends that the State party establish a monitoring mechanism for care and other types of institutions. Particular attention should be paid to monitoring children placed in foreign institutions when specialized expertise or appropriate facilities do not exist in the State party. In this regard, the Committee recommends that a study to assess the impact of placement of children in neighbouring countries be undertaken.


274. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that domestic legislation, procedures, policies and practices fully respect the provisions of article 21 of the Convention. It encourages the State party to consider ratifying the Hague Convention of 1993 on Protection of Children and Cooperation with Respect to Intercountry Adoption.


275. With regard to the rights of children with disabilities and in the light of, inter alia, the provisions of article 23 of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to take all measures to implement fully the 1994 law on school inclusion.


276. The Committee encourages the State party to specifically integrate human rights education, including the rights of the child, in the school curricula.


277. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake a comprehensive study to identify reasons for the drop in breastfeeding after the first month. It also recommends the extension of the period of maternity leave, serious efforts to educate the public - especially new parents - on the benefits of breastfeeding and the adoption of other measures, as necessary, to counteract any negative impact on employment of women who wish to continue breastfeeding their children for a longer period of time. Finally, the Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to promote compliance with the International Code for Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.


278. The Committee encourages the State party to undertake studies on the causes of suicide and other mental health problems among young people and to adopt measures to combat this phenomenon. It further recommends that the State party undertake “youthfriendly” preventive, curative and rehabilitative measures to address the increasing problem of drug and substance abuse among young adolescents.


279. The Committee recommends reinforcing its legislation, policies and programmes to prevent and combat all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, including child prostitution, child pornography and trafficking in children. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the State party establish a comprehensive national plan of action and implement the recommendations of the 1996 Stockholm Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.


280. With regard to the administration of juvenile justice, the Committee recommends that the State party take all measures to fully integrate the provisions of the Convention, in particular articles 37, 40 and 39, as well as other relevant international standards in this area, such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty in its legislation, policies and practices. Special attention should be given to alternatives to detention, to preventing suicide in detention, to providing appropriate infrastructures to detained children in order to fully ensure their separation from adults and to guarantee that they have regular contacts with their family. The right of detained children to education, including vocational training, should be fully taken into account. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to implement all appropriate recommendations adopted by the interministerial working group to improve drastically the conditions of detention of children.


281. Finally, in the light of article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the initial report and written replies submitted by the State party be made widely available to the public, along with the summary records of the relevant meetings and concluding observations adopted by the Committee. Such wide distribution should generate debate and awareness of the Convention and the state of its implementation, particularly within the Government, the relevant ministries, the Parliament and non-governmental organizations.


III. OVERVIEW OF THE OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE


                   A. Review of developments relevant to

                       the work of the Committee


282. During the session, the Committee was informed by members about various meetings in which they had participated.


283. Mr. Rabah informed the Committee about his participation at a series of seminars on juvenile justice organized jointly by the Lebanese Ministry of Justice and UNICEF on 3, 4 and 5 April 1998. The seminars mainly addressed judges, lawyers and social workers.


284. On 1 March 1998, Mrs. Palme was invited by the Mouhamed Boudiaf Foundation (Algeria) to make introductory remarks on the situation and the future of children in Algeria.


285. From 7 to 12 March 1998, Mrs. Karp attended a conference on the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of young persons entitled “Out from the shadows” in Victoria (Canada). She delivered a lecture on the role of the Committee in combating sexual exploitation of children. This meeting brought together for the first time, from a wide range of countries from the Americas, children and adolescents who had been commercially sexually exploited. The 54 young delegates adopted a Declaration and Agenda for Action which was subsequently submitted to the members of the Committee. Mrs. Karp further participated as a resource person in a seminar on reporting procedures for the Baltic region and Poland, organized by UNICEF in Riga (Latvia) on 2325 March 1998. She also participated on behalf of the Committee in the seventh session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held from 23 to 24 April 1998 in Vienna and made an intervention under the item on standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice with particular reference to ECOSOC resolution 1997/1 concerning the establishment of a coordination panel on technical advice and assistance in juvenile justice.


286. From 23 to 25 March 1998, Mrs. Mboi participated in World Vision International's annual meeting held in Seattle (United States) where she presented a paper on the rights of the girl child. The East Asia and Pacific Regional Office of UNICEF invited Mrs. Mboi to participate as a resource person in a meeting held from 18 to 20 May 1998 regarding the regional implementation process of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the strengthening of national coordinating bodies. Mrs. Mboi, who represented the Committee at this meeting, shared with participants her experience in monitoring the rights of the child.


287. Mrs. Sardenberg reported that she had attended as an observer on behalf of the Committee the meeting of the Global Advisory Committee of the Childwatch Monitoring Children’s Rights Project, from 20 to 21 March 1998, at the Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge (United Kingdom). In her presentation, Mrs. Sardenberg reaffirmed the support of the Committee for this project and insisted on the need to develop appropriate indicators in the field of children’s rights which would respond to the requirements of validity, objectivity, accuracy and disaggregation (see CRC/C/10).


B. Cooperation with United Nations and other competent bodies


288. During the session, the Committee held meetings with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies as well as other competent bodies in the framework of its ongoing dialogue and interaction with these bodies in light of article 45 of the Convention.


289. On 25 May 1998, the Committee met informally with members of the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery in order to share relevant information about the activities of each group of experts, common objectives, as well as possible areas of cooperation. Members of the Committee were informed that the Working Group would focus special attention in 1999 to the issue of sale and trafficking in human beings, including children. Furthermore, the Committee agreed to more systematically integrate in its work the 1949 Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others, the different slavery instruments, the Programme of Action for the Prevention of the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography and the Programme of Action for the Elimination of the Exploitation of Child Labour.


290. During an informal meeting between non-governmental organizations from Japan and the Committee held on 26 May 1998, members of the Committee were briefed by four NGO representatives on the latest developments regarding the rights of the child in Japan.


291. At its 474th meeting, on 3 June 1998, the Committee met with four representatives, aged between 12 and 15 years old, of the Global March Against Child Labour. The Global March was officially launched in November 1997 and began on 17 January 1998 in the Philippines to culminate in Geneva during the International Labour Conference in June 1998, in order to express support for the ILO’s proposed new convention targeting extreme forms of child labour. During their dialogue with Committee members, the representatives of the Global March explained how they had been economically exploited in their countries. They also told the Committee how they had organized themselves to undertake a world campaign against child labour - the Global March. They expressed the hope that the future ILO convention would prove to be a strong tool to eliminate all forms of exploitative child labour.


292. At its 475th meeting, on 4 June 1998, the Committee held a meeting with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies as well as other competent bodies. Representatives of UNICEF, ILO, UNHCR, UNAIDS, WHO and nongovernmental organizations attended this meeting. The Chairperson,

Ms. Mason, introduced to all the partners the preliminary survey of technical advice and assistance in the framework of the Convention on the Rights of the Child prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Representatives of UNICEF reported about several recent initiatives that were of interest to the Committee, including the future update and expansion of UNICEF's implementation handbook on the Convention and the activities planned for the followup to the World Summit for Children (2001). The representative of UNHCR presented the main actions undertaken in relation to the rights of the child and stressed some issues which were of particular concern to UNHCR, such as the detention of children, especially asylum seekers, and the forced military recruitment of young people in refugee camps. Members of the Committee were also informed about the recent changes that had taken place within WHO and their impact on the work of the Committee. The representative of WHO informed the Committee about a resolution adopted by the fiftyfirst World Health Assembly on the health of children and adolescents which, inter alia, stressed the need for WHO to support the work of the Committee as well as to assist States in their reporting and implementation obligations in the health field under the Convention. The representative of UNAIDS provided information on the status of children affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS and detailed the programme of the 12th World AIDS Conference which was scheduled to take place in Geneva in June 1998. Finally, the representative of the NGO Group on the Convention on the Rights of the Child indicated that the Group had recently organized two regional meetings in West Africa and Europe of national coalitions on children's rights; she also indicated that NGOs and individual experts were available, if requested, to provide background information for members which could be used in drafting general comments. She also stressed the importance attached by the NGO community to the fulfilment by States parties of their obligation to submit periodic reports seven years after the entry into force of the Convention in each State.


C. Future thematic debate


293. At its seventeen session, the Committee had decided to devote its next thematic discussion to the consideration of “Children living in a world with HIV/AIDS”, scheduled to take place on 5 October 1998. At the present session, the Committee adopted an outline for the discussion which is contained in annex VI.




D. Informal visit


294. From 29 May to 1 June 1998, the Committee was invited by the Italian authorities, with the support of the Italian National Committee for UNICEF, for an informal visit to Florence. During the threeday visit, members of the Committee met with local, regional and national authorities, including Mrs. Livia Turco, Minister for Social Solidarity. The meetings provided the Committee with a chance to be briefed on the implementation of the Convention in Italy. A working meeting with the UNICEF International Child Development Centre (ICDC) was also organized on 30 May 1998. After a brief explanation of its main activities, ICDC representatives offered suggestions on ways to improve cooperation between the Centre and the Committee. It was suggested, inter alia, that cooperation for the preparation and followup of the Committee’s thematic discussion days could be enhanced. On 30 June, the Committee was invited by the Sienna regional branch of the National Committee for UNICEF to visit care institutions, including a support and rehabilitation centre for children in difficult circumstances.


E. Other related activities


295. On 6 and 7 March 1998 the Committee's working group on the child and the media met in London. The working group was established in October 1996 after a discussion day held by the Committee on this topic (see CRC/C/57, paras. 24257 and CRC/C/66, para. 327 and annex IV). The meeting was convened by Mr. Thomas Hammarberg, Chair of the working group, and organized by the Office of the Norwegian Ombudsperson for Children, Mr. Trond Waage, on behalf of the Government of Norway.


296. Following recommendations adopted during the October 1996 discussion day, the support expressed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and followup work undertaken by the working group, the Government of Norway decided to organize an international workshop on the issue of the child and the media in Oslo from 20 to 22 January 1999. The aim of the London meeting was to define the framework, format (including participants), agenda and objectives of the international workshop.


297. Representatives from Press Wise/International Federation of Journalists, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF, WHO and NORDICOM (Nordic Research on Media and Communication) (UNESCO) participated in the meeting in addition to Mr. Hammarberg and Mr. Waage.


298. The workshop will take place within the framework of the tenth anniversary commemoration of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly.


299. The main objectives of the international workshop will be to enable Governments, inter alia, to improve their policies and programmes in this field, mainly with respect to issues of protection, access and participation (article 17 of the Convention); narrow the gap between the respective interests of the private media owners, States and civil society; sensitize private media owners, journalists and other media workers to children's rights; and improve participation of children in the media.


IV. DRAFT PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE NINETEENTH SESSION


300. The following is the draft provisional agenda for the nineteenth session of the Committee:


     1.   Adoption of the agenda.


     2.   Organizational and other matters.

 

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


     4.   Consideration of reports of States parties.


     5.   General discussion on “Children living in a world with HIV/AIDS”.

 

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


     7.   Methods of work of the Committee.


     8.   Future meetings of the Committee.


     9.   Other matters.


V. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT


301. At its 477th meeting, held on 5 June 1998 the Committee considered the draft report on its eighteenth session. The report was unanimously adopted by the Committee. 




Annex I


STATES WHICH HAVE RATIFIED OR ACCEDED TO THE CONVENTION ON

THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD AS AT 5 JUNE 1998 (191)


States          Date of signature    Date of receipt of   Date of entry

                                      instrument of        into force

                                      ratification/

                                      accession a/ 


Afghanistan     27 September 1990    28 March 1994        27 April 1994

Albania         26 January 1990      27 February 1992     28 March 1992

Algeria         26 January 1990      16 April 1993        16 May 1993

Andorra          2 October 1995       2 January 1996       1 February 1996

Angola          14 February 1990      5 December 1990      4 January 1991


Antigua and

 Barbuda         12 March 1991         5 October 1993       4 November 1993

Argentina       29 June 1990          4 December 1990      3 January 1991

Armenia                               23 June 1993 a/      22 July 1993

Australia       22 August 1990       17 December 1990     16 January 1991

Austria         26 January 1990       6 August 1992        5 September 1992


Azerbaijan                            13 August 1992 a/    12 September 1992

Bahamas         30 October 1990      20 February 1991     22 March 1991

Bahrain                               13 February 1992 a/  14 March 1992

Bangladesh      26 January 1990       3 August 1990        2 September 1990

Barbados        19 April 1990         9 October 1990       8 November 1990


Belarus         26 January 1990       1 October 1990      31 October 1990

Belgium         26 January 1990      16 December 1991     15 January 1992

Belize           2 March 1990         2 May 1990           2 September 1990

Benin           25 April 1990         3 August 1990        2 September 1990

Bhutan           4 June 1990          1 August 1990        2 September 1990

  

Bolivia          8 March 1990        26 June 1990          2 September 1990

Bosnia and

 Herzegovina b/                                               6 March 1992

Botswana                              14 March 1995 a/     13 April 1995

Brazil          26 January 1990      24 September 1990    24 October 1990

Brunei

 Darussalam                            27 December 1995 a/  26 January 1996


Bulgaria        31 May 1990           3 June 1991          3 July 1991

Burkina Faso    26 January 1990      31 August 1990       30 September 1990

Burundi          8 May 1990          19 October 1990      18 November 1990

Cambodia        22 September 1992    15 October 1992      14 November 1992

Cameroon        25 September 1990    11 January 1993      10 February 1993

                    


     a/ Accession.


     b/ Succession.


States          Date of signature    Date of receipt of   Date of entry

                                      instrument of        into force

                                      ratification/

                                      accession


Canada          28 May 1990          13 December 1991     12 January 1992

Cape Verde                             4 June 1992 a/       4 July 1992

Central African 

 Republic        30 July 1990         23 April 1992        23 May 1992

Chad            30 September 1990     2 October 1990       1 November 1990

Chile           26 January 1990      13 August 1990       12 September 1990


China           29 August 1990        2 March 1992         1 April 1992

Colombia        26 January 1990      28 January 1991      27 February 1991

Comoros         30 September 1990    22 June 1993         21 July 1993

Congo                                 14 October 1993 a/   13 November 1993

Cook Islands                           6 June 1997 a/       6 July 1997


Costa Rica      26 January 1990      21 August 1990       20 September 1990

Côte d’Ivoire   26 January 1990       4 February 1991      6 March 1991

Croatia b/                                                   8 October 1991

Cuba            26 January 1990      21 August 1991       20 September 1991

Cyprus           5 October 1990       7 February 1991      9 March 1991


Czech

 Republic b/                                                1 January 1993

Democratic      

 People’s

 Republic of

 Korea           23 August 1990       21 September 1990    21 October 1990

Democratic

 Republic of

 Congo           20 March 1990        27 September 1990   27 October 1990

Denmark         26 January 1990      19 July 1991         18 August 1991

Djibouti        30 September 1990     6 December 1990      5 January 1991


Dominica        26 January 1990      13 March 1991        12 April 1991

Dominican

 Republic         8 August 1990       11 June 1991         11 July 1991

Ecuador         26 January 1990      23 March 1990         2 September 1990

Egypt            5 February 1990      6 July 1990          2 September 1990

El Salvador     26 January 1990      10 July 1990          2 September 1990


Equatorial

 Guinea                                15 June 1992 a/      15 July 1992

Eritrea         20 December 1993      3 August 1994        2 September 1994

Estonia                               21 October 1991 a/   20 November 1991

Ethiopia                              14 May 1991 a/       13 June 1991

Fiji             2 July 1993         13 August 1993       12 September 1993




States          Date of signature    Date of receipt of   Date of entry

                                      instrument of        into force

                                      ratification/

                                      accession  


Finland         26 January 1990      20 June 1991         20 July 1991

France          26 January 1990       7 August 1990        6 September 1990

Gabon           26 January 1990       9 February 1994     11 March 1994

Gambia           5 February 1990      8 August 1990        7 September 1990

Georgia                                2 June 1994 a/       2 July 1994


Germany         26 January 1990       6 March 1992         5 April 1992

Ghana           29 January 1990       5 February 1990      2 September 1990 Greece          26 January 1990      11 May 1993          10 June 1993

Grenada         21 February 1990      5 November 1990      5 December 1990

Guatemala       26 January 1990       6 June 1990          2 September 1990


Guinea                                13 July 1990 a/       2 September 1990

Guinea-Bissau   26 January 1990      20 August 1990       19 September 1990

Guyana          30 September 1990    14 January 1991      13 February 1991

Haiti           20 January 1990       8 June 1995          8 July 1995

Holy See        20 April 1990        20 April 1990         2 September 1990


Honduras        31 May 1990          10 August 1990        9 September 1990

Hungary         14 March 1990         7 October 1991       6 November 1991

Iceland         26 January 1990      28 October 1992      27 November 1992

India                                 11 December 1992 a/  11 January 1993

Indonesia       26 January 1990       5 September 1990     5 October 1990


Iran (Islamic

 Republic of)     5 September 1991    13 July 1994         12 August 1994

Iraq                                  15 June 1994 a/      15 July 1994

Ireland         30 September 1990    28 September 1992    28 October 1992

Israel           3 July 1990          3 October 1991       2 November 1991

Italy           26 January 1990       5 September 1991     5 October 1991


Jamaica         26 January 1990      14 May 1991          13 June 1991

Japan           21 September 1990    22 April 1994        22 May 1994

Jordan          29 August 1990       24 May 1991          23 June 1991

Kazakstan       16 February 1994     12 August 1994       11 September 1994

Kenya           26 January 1990      30 July 1990          2 September 1990


Kiribati                              11 December 1995 a/  10 January 1996

Kuwait           7 June 1990         21 October 1991      20 November 1991

Kyrgyzstan                             7 October 1994       6 November 1994

Lao People’s

 Democratic

 Republic                               8 May 1991 a/        7 June 1991

Latvia                                14 April 1992 a/     14 May 1992




States          Date of signature    Date of receipt of   Date of entry

                                      instrument of        into force

                                      ratification/

                                      accession

 

Lebanon         26 January 1990      14 May 1991          13 June 1991

Lesotho         21 August 1990       10 March 1992         9 April 1992

Liberia         26 April 1990         4 June 1993          4 July 1993

Libyan Arab 

 Jamahiriya                            15 April 1993 a/     15 May 1993

Liechtenstein   30 September 1990    22 December 1995     21 January 1996


Lithuania                             31 January 1992 a/    1 March 1992

Luxembourg      21 March 1990         7 March 1994         6 April 1994

Madagascar      19 April 1990        19 March 1991        18 April 1991

Malawi                                 2 January 1991 a/    1 February 1991

Malaysia                              17 February 1995 a/  19 March 1995


Maldives        21 August 1990       11 February 1991     13 March 1991

Mali            26 January 1990      20 September 1990    20 October 1990

Malta           26 January 1990      30 September 1990    30 October 1990

Marshall 

 Islands         14 April 1993         4 October 1993       3 November 1993

Mauritania      26 January 1990      16 May 1991          15 June 1991


Mauritius                             26 July 1990 a/       2 September 1990

Mexico          26 January 1990      21 September 1990    21 October 1990

Micronesia 

 (Federated

 States of)                             5 May 1993 a/        4 June 1993

Monaco                                21 June 1993 a/      21 July 1993

Mongolia        26 January 1990       5 July 1990          2 September 1990


Morocco         26 January 1990      21 June 1993         21 July 1993

Mozambique      30 September 1990    26 April 1994        26 May 1994

Myanmar                               15 July 1991 a/      14 August 1991

Namibia         26 September 1990    30 September 1990    30 October 1990

Nauru                                 27 July 1994 a/      26 August 1994


Nepal           26 January 1990      14 September 1990    14 October 1990

Netherlands     26 January 1990       6 February 1995      7 March 1995

New Zealand      1 October 1990       6 April 1993         6 May 1993

Nicaragua        6 February 1990      5 October 1990       4 November 1990

Niger           26 January 1990      30 September 1990    30 October 1990


Nigeria         26 January 1990      19 April 1991        19 May 1991

Niue                                  20 December 1995 a/  19 January 1996

Norway          26 January 1990       8 January 1991       7 February 1991

Oman                                   9 December 1996 a/   8 January 1997

Pakistan        20 September 1990    12 November 1990     12 December 1990





States          Date of signature    Date of receipt of   Date of entry

                                      instrument of        into force

                                      ratification/

                                      accession

 

Palau                                  4 August 1995 a/     3 September 1995

Panama          26 January 1990      12 December 1990     11 January 1991

Papua

 New Guinea      30 September 1990     1 March 1993        31 March 1993

Paraguay         4 April 1990        25 September 1990    25 October 1990

Peru            26 January 1990       4 September 1990     4 October 1990


Philippines     26 January 1990      21 August 1990       20 September 1990

Poland          26 January 1990       7 June 1991          7 July 1991

Portugal        26 January 1990      21 September 1990    21 October 1990 Qatar            8 December 1992      3 April 1995         3 May 1995

Republic of  

 Korea           25 September 1990    20 November 1991     20 December 1991


Republic of

 Moldova                               26 January 1993 a/   25 February 1993

Romania         26 January 1990      28 September 1990    28 October 1990

Russian

 Federation      26 January 1990      16 August 1990       15 September 1990

Rwanda          26 January 1990      24 January 1991      23 February 1991

Saint Kitts

 and Nevis       26 January 1990      24 July 1990          2 September 1990


Saint Lucia                           16 June 1993 a/      16 July 1993

Saint Vincent

 and the

 Grenadines      20 September 1993    26 October 1993      25 November 1993

Samoa           30 September 1990    29 November 1994     29 December 1994

San Marino                            25 November 1991 a/  25 December 1991

Sao Tome 

 and Principe                          14 May 1991 a/       13 June 1991


Saudi Arabia                          26 January 1996 a/   25 February 1996

Senegal         26 January 1990      31 July 1990          2 September 1990

Seychelles                             7 September 1990 a/  7 October 1990

Sierra Leone    13 February 1990     18 June 1990          2 September 1990

Singapore                              5 October 1995 a/    4 November 1995


Slovakia b/                                                  1 January 1993

Slovenia b/                                                 25 June 1991

Solomon

 Islands                               10 April 1995 a/     10 May 1995

South Africa    29 January 1993      16 June 1995         16 July 1995

Spain           26 January 1990       6 December 1990      5 January 1991





States          Date of signature    Date of receipt of   Date of entry

                                      instrument of        into force

                                      ratification/

                                      accession

 

Sri Lanka       26 January 1990      12 July 1991         11 August 1991

Sudan           24 July 1990          3 August 1990        2 September 1990

Suriname        26 January 1990       1 March 1993        31 March 1993

Swaziland       22 August 1990        7 September 1995     6 October 1995

Sweden          26 January 1990      29 June 1990          2 September 1990


Switzerland      1 May 1991          24 February 1997     26 March 1997

Syrian Arab 

 Republic        18 September 1990    15 July 1993         14 August 1993

Tajikistan                            26 October 1993 a/   25 November 1993

Thailand                              27 March 1992 a/     26 April 1992

The former

 Yugoslav

 Republic of

 Macedonia b/                                                17 September 1991


Togo            26 January 1990       1 August 1990        2 September 1990

Tonga                                  6 November 1995 a/   6 December 1995

Trinidad and

 Tobago          30 September 1990     5 December 1991      4 January 1992

Tunisia         26 February 1990     30 January 1992      29 February 1992

Turkey          14 September 1990     4 April 1995         4 May 1995


Turkmenistan                          20 September 1993 a/ 19 October 1993

Tuvalu                                22 September 1995 a/ 22 October 1995

Uganda          17 August 1990       17 August 1990       16 September 1990

Ukraine         21 February 1991     28 August 1991       27 September 1991

United Arab

  Emirates                              3 January 1997 a/    2 February 1997


United Kingdom

 of Great Britain

 and Northern

 Ireland         19 April 1990        16 December 1991     15 January 1992

United

 Republic

 of Tanzania      1 June 1990         10 June 1991         10 July 1991

Uruguay         26 January 1990      20 November 1990     20 December 1990

Uzbekistan                            29 June 1994 a/      29 July 1994

Vanuatu         30 September 1990     7 July 1993          6 August 1993


Venezuela       26 January 1990      13 September 1990    13 October 1990

Viet Nam        26 January 1990      28 February 1990      2 September 1990

Yemen           13 February 1990      1 May 1991          31 May 1991

Yugoslavia      26 January 1990       3 January 1991       2 February 1991

Zambia          30 September 1990     5 December 1991      5 January 1992


Zimbabwe         8 March 1990        11 September 1990    11 October 1990


Annex II


MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD


Name of member                                Country of nationality


Mr. Francesco Paolo FULCI**                    Italy


Mrs. Judith KARP*                              Israel


Mr. Yury KOLOSOV*                              Russian Federation


Miss Sandra Prunella MASON*                    Barbados


Mrs. Nafsiah MBOI**                            Indonesia


Mrs. Esther Margaret Queenie MOKHUANE**        South Africa


Mrs. Awa N'Deye OUEDRAOGO*                     Burkina Faso


Mrs. Lisbeth PALME*                            Sweden


Mr. Ghassan Salim RABAH**                      Lebanon


Mrs. Marilia SARDENBERG**                      Brazil






















                    


     * Term expires on 28 February 1999.


     ** Term expires on 28 February 2001.



Annex III

 

STATUS OF SUBMISSION OF REPORTS BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF

THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD AS AT 5 JUNE 1998

 

Initial reports due in 1992

State party

Date of entry into force

Date due

Date of submission

Symbol

Bangladesh


Barbados

Belarus

Belize

Benin

 2 September 1990

 

 8 November 1990

31 October 1990

 2 September 1990

 2 September 1990

 1 September 1992


 7 November 1992

30 October 1992

 1 September 1992

 1 September 1992

15 November 1995


12 September 1996

12 February 1993

 1 November 1996

22 January 1997

CRC/C/3/Add.38 and Add.49

CRC/C/3/Add.45

CRC/C/3/Add.14

CRC/C/3/Add.46

CRC/C/3/Add.52

Bhutan

Bolivia

Brazil

Burkina Faso

Burundi

 2 September 1990

 2 September 1990

24 October 1990

30 September 1990

18 November 1990

 1 September 1992

 1 September 1992

23 October 1992

29 September 1992

17 November 1992


14 September 1992


 7 July 1993

19 March 1998


CRC/C/3/Add.2


CRC/C/3/Add.19

CRC/C/3/Add.58

Chad

Chile

Costa Rica

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Democratic Republic

  of the Congo

 1 November 1990

12 September 1990

20 September 1990

21 October 1990


27 October 1990

31 October 1992

11 September 1992

20 September 1992

20 October 1992


26 October 1992

14 January 1997

22 June 1993

28 October 1992

13 February 1996


16 February 1998

CRC/C/3/Add.50

CRC/C/3/Add.18

CRC/C/3/Add.8

CRC/C/3/Add.41


CRC/C/3/Add.57

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador


France

Gambia

 2 September 1990

 2 September 1990

 2 September 1990


 6 September 1990

 7 September 1990

 1 September 1992

 1 September 1992

 1 September 1992

 

 5 September 1992

 6 September 1992

11 June 1996

23 October 1992

 3 November 1992


 8 April 1993

CRC/C/3/Add.44

CRC/C/3/Add.6

CRC/C/3/Add.9 and Add.28

CRC/C/3/Add.15

 

 

 


Initial reports due in 1992 (continued)

State party

Date of entry into force

Date due

Date of submission

Symbol

Ghana

Grenada

Guatemala

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

 2 September 1990

 5 December 1990

 2 September 1990

 2 September 1990

19 September 1990

 1 September 1992

 4 December 1992

 1 September 1992

 1 September 1992

18 September 1992

20 November 1995

24 September 1997

 5 January 1995

20 November 1996

CRC/C/3/Add.39

CRC/C/3/Add.55

CRC/C/3/Add.33

CRC/C/3/Add.48

Holy See

Honduras

Indonesia


Kenya

Mali

 2 September 1990

 9 September 1990

 5 October 1990


 2 September 1990

20 October 1990

 1 September 1992

 8 September 1992

 4 October 1992


 1 September 1992

19 October 1992

 2 March 1994

11 May 1993

17 November 1992



2 April 1997

CRC/C/3/Add.27

CRC/C/3/Add.17

CRC/C/3/Add.10 and

Add.26


CRC/C/3/Add.53

Malta

Mauritius

Mexico

Mongolia

Namibia

30 October 1990

 2 September 1990

21 October 1990

 2 September 1990

30 October 1990

29 October 1992

 1 September 1992

20 October 1992

 1 September 1992

29 October 1992

26 December 1997

25 July 1995

15 December 1992

20 October 1994

21 December 1992

CRC/C/3/Add.56

CRC/C/3/Add.36

CRC/C/3/Add.11

CRC/C/3/Add.32

CRC/C/3/Add.12

Nepal

Nicaragua

Niger

Pakistan

Paraguay

14 October 1990

 4 November 1990

30 October 1990

12 December 1990

25 October 1990

13 October 1992

 3 November 1992

29 October 1992

11 December 1992

24 October 1992

10 April 1995

12 January 1994


25 January 1993

30 August 1993 and 13 November 1996

CRC/C/3/Add.34

CRC/C/3/Add.25


CRC/C/3/Add.13

CRC/C/3/Add.22 and Add.47

Peru


Philippines

Portugal

Romania

Russian Federation

 4 October 1990


20 September 1990

21 October 1990

28 October 1990

15 September 1990

 3 October 1992


19 September 1992

20 October 1992

27 October 1992

14 September 1992

28 October 1992


21 September 1993

17 August 1994

14 April 1993

16 October 1992

CRC/C/3/Add.7 and

Add.24

CRC/C/3/Add.23

CRC/C/3/Add.30

CRC/C/3/Add.16

CRC/C/3/Add.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial reports due in 1992 (continued)

State party

Date of entry into

force

     Date due

Date of submission

    Symbol

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Senegal

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Sudan

 2 September 1990

 2 September 1990

 7 October 1990

 2 September 1990

 2 September 1990

 1 September 1992

 1 September 1992

 6 October 1992

 1 September 1992 

 1 September 1992

21 January 1997

12 September 1994


10 April 1996

29 September 1992

CRC/C/3/Add.51

CRC/C/3/Add.31


CRC/C/3/Add.43

CRC/C/3/Add.3 and Add.20

Sweden

Togo

Uganda

Uruguay

Venezuela

 2 September 1990

 2 September 1990

16 September 1990

20 December 1990

13 October 1990

 1 September 1992

 1 September 1992

15 September 1992

19 December 1992

12 October 1992

 7 September 1992

27 February 1996

 1 February 1996

 2 August 1995

 9 July 1997

CRC/C/3/Add.1

CRC/C/3/Add.42

CRC/C/3/Add.40

CRC/C/3/Add.37

CRC/C/3/Add.54

Viet Nam


Zimbabwe

 2 September 1990


11 October 1990

 1 September 1992


10 October 1992

30 September 1992


23 May 1995

CRC/C/3/Add.4 and Add.21

CRC/C/3/Add.35

Initial reports due in 1993

Angola

Argentina


Australia

Bahamas

Bulgaria

 4 January 1991

 3 January 1991


16 January 1991

22 March 1991

 3 July 1991

 3 January 1993

 2 January 1993


15 January 1993

21 March 1993

 2 July 1993


17 March 1993

 

 8 January 1996


29 September 1995


CRC/C/8/Add.2 and Add.17

CRC/C/8/Add.31


CRC/C/8/Add.29

Colombia

Côte d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

27 February 1991

 6 March 1991

 7 November 1991

20 September 1991

 9 March 1991

26 February 1993

 5 March 1993

 6 November 1993

19 September 1993

 8 March 1993

14 April 1993


 8 November 1994

27 October 1995

22 December 1994

CRC/C/8/Add.3


CRC/C/8/Add.19

CRC/C/8/Add.30

CRC/C/8/Add.24

Initial reports due in 1993 (continued)

State party

Date of entry into

force

    Date due

Date of submission

    Symbol

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Estonia

18 August 1991

 5 January 1991

12 April 1991

11 July 1991

20 November 1991

17 August 1993

 4 January 1993

11 April 1993

10 July 1993

19 November 1993

14 September 1993

17 February 1998

CRC/C/8/Add.8

CRC/C/8/Add.39

 

 

Ethiopia

Finland

Guyana

Hungary

Israel

13 June 1991

20 July 1991

13 February 1991

 6 November 1991

 2 November 1991

12 June 1993

19 July 1993

12 February 1993

 5 November 1993

 1 November 1993

10 August 1995

12 December 1994


28 June 1996

CRC/C/8/Add.27

CRC/C/8/Add.22


CRC/C/8/Add.34

Italy

Jamaica

Jordan

Kuwait

Lao People's

  Democratic Republic

 5 October 1991

13 June 1991

23 June 1991

20 November 1991

 7 June 1991

 4 October 1993

12 June 1993

22 June 1993

19 November 1993

 6 June 1993

11 October 1994

25 January 1994

25 May 1993

23 August 1996

18 January 1996

CRC/C/8/Add.18

CRC/C/8/Add.12

CRC/C/8/Add.4

CRC/C/8/Add.35

CRC/C/8/Add.32

Lebanon

Madagascar

Malawi

Maldives


Mauritania

13 June 1991

18 April 1991

 1 February 1991

13 March 1991


15 June 1991

12 June 1993

17 May 1993

31 January 1993

12 March 1993


14 June 1993

21 December 1994

20 July 1993


 6 July 1994

CRC/C/8/Add.23

CRC/C/8/Add.5


CRC/C/8/Add.33 and

Add.37

Myanmar

Nigeria

Norway

Panama

Poland

14 August 1991

19 May 1991

 7 February 1991

11 January 1991

 7 July 1991

13 August 1993

18 May 1993

 6 February 1993

10 January 1993

 6 July 1993

14 September 1995

19 July 1995

30 August 1993

19 September 1995

11 January 1994

CRC/C/8/Add.9

CRC/C/8/Add.26

CRC/C/8/Add.7

CRC/C/8/Add.28

CRC/C/8/Add.11

Initial reports due in 1993 (continued)

State party

Date of entry into

force

    Date due

Date of submission

    Symbol

Republic of Korea

Rwanda

San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe

Slovenia

20 December 1991

23 February 1991

25 December 1991

13 June 1991

25 June 1991

19 December 1993

22 February 1993

24 December 1993

12 June 1993

24 June 1993

17 November 1994

30 September 1992



29 May 1995

CRC/C/8/Add.21

CRC/C/8/Add.1



CRC/C/8/Add.25

Spain

Sri Lanka

The former Yugoslav

  Republic of

  Macedonia

Ukraine


United Republic of

  Tanzania

 5 January 1991

11 August 1991

17 September 1991



27 September 1991


10 July 1991

 4 January 1993

10 August 1993

16 September 1993



26 September 1993


 9 July 1993

110 August 1993

23 March 1994

 4 March 1997

 


8 October 1993


CRC/C/8/Add.6

CRC/C/8/Add.13

CRC/C/8/Add.36



CRC/C/8/Add.10/

Rev.1

Yemen


Yugoslavia

31 May 1991


 2 February 1991

30 May 1993


 1 February 1993

14 November 1994


21 September 1994

CRC/C/8/Add.20 and

Add.38

CRC/C/8/Add.16


Initial reports due in 1994

Albania

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Belgium

28 March 1992

 5 September 1992

12 September 1992

14 March 1992

15 January 1992

27 March 1994

 4 September 1994

11 September 1994

14 March 1994

14 January 1994


 8 October 1996

 9 November 1995


12 July 1994


CRC/C/11/Add.14

CRC/C/11/Add.8


CRC/C/11/Add.4

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cambodia

Canada

Cape Verde

Central African

  Republic

 6 March 1992

14 November 1992

12 January 1992

 4 July 1992

23 May 1992

 5 March 1994

15 November 1994

11 January 1994

 3 July 1994

23 May 1994


18 December 1997

17 June 1994


15 April 1998


CRC/C/11/Add.16

CRC/C/11/Add.3


CRC/C/11/Add.18

 

Initial reports due in 1994 (continued)

State party

Date of entry into force

Date due

Date of submission

Symbol

China

Czech Republic

Equatorial Guinea

Germany

Iceland

 1 April 1992

 1 January 1993

15 July 1992

 5 April 1992

27 November 1992

31 March 1994

31 December 1994

14 July 1994

 4 May 1994

26 November 1994

27 March 1995

 4 March 1996


30 August 1994

30 November 1994

CRC/C/11/Add.7

CRC/C/11/Add.11


CRC/C/11/Add.5

CRC/C/11/Add.6

Ireland

Latvia

Lesotho

Lithuania

Slovakia

28 October 1992

14 May 1992

 9 April 1992

 1 March 1992

 1 January 1993

27 October 1994

13 May 1994

 8 April 1994

28 February 1994

31 December 1994

 4 April 1996


27 April 1998


 6 April 1998

CRC/C/11/Add.12


CRC/C/11/Add.20


CRC/C/11/Add.17

Thailand

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

United Kingdom of

  Great Britain and

  Northern Ireland


Zambia

26 April 1992

 4 January 1992

29 February 1992

15 January 1992




 5 January 1992

25 April 1994

 3 January 1994

28 February 1994

14 January 1994




 4 January 1994

23 August 1996

16 February 1996

16 May 1994

15 March 1994

CRC/C/11/Add.13

CRC/C/11/Add.10

CRC/C/11/Add.2

CRC/C/11/Add.1,

Add.9, Add.15 and

Add.15/Corr.1, Add.19


Initial reports due in 1995

Algeria

Antigua and Barbuda

Armenia

Cameroon

Comoros

16 May 1993

 4 November 1993

23 July 1993

10 February 1993

22 July 1993

15 May 1995

 3 November 1995

 5 August 1995

 9 February 1995

21 July 1995

16 November 1995


19 February 1997


24 March 1998

CRC/C/28/Add.4


CRC/C/28/Add.9


CRC/C/28/Add.13

Congo

Fiji

Greece

India

Liberia

13 November 1993

12 September 1993

10 June 1993

11 January 1993

 4 July 1993

12 November 1995

11 September 1995

 9 June 1995

10 January 1995

 3 July 1995


12 June 1996


19 March 1997


CRC/C/28/Add.7


CRC/C/28/Add.10

Initial reports due in 1995 (continued)

State party

Date of entry into force

Date due

Date of submission

Symbol

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Marshall Islands

Micronesia (Federated

  States of)

Monaco

Morocco

15 May 1993

 3 November 1993

 4 June 1993


21 July 1993

21 July 1993

14 May 1995

 2 November 1995

 3 June 1995


20 July 1995

20 July 1995

23 May 1996

18 March 1998

16 April 1996



27 July 1995

CRC/C/28/Add.6

CRC/C/28/Add.12

CRC/C/28/Add.5



CRC/C/28/Add.1

New Zealand

Papua New Guinea

Republic of Moldova

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and

  the Grenadines

 6 May 1993

31 March 1993

25 February 1993

16 July 1993

25 November 1993

 5 May 1995

31 March 1995

24 February 1995

15 July 1995

24 November 1995

29 September 1995

CRC/C/28/Add.3

 

 

Suriname

Syrian Arab Republic

Tajikistan

Turkmenistan

Vanuatu

31 March 1993

14 August 1993

25 November 1993

20 October 1993

 6 August 1993

31 March 1995

13 August 1995

24 November 1995

19 October 1995

 5 August 1995

13 February 1998

22 September 1995

14 April 1998


27 January 1997

CRC/C/28/Add.11

CRC/C/28/Add.2

CRC/C/28/Add.14


CRC/C/28/Add.8


Initial reports due in 1996

Afghanistan

Gabon

Luxembourg

Japan

Mozambique

27 April 1994

11 March 1994

 6 April 1994

22 May 1994

26 May 1994

26 April 1996

10 March 1996

 5 April 1996

21 May 1996

25 May 1996



26 July 1996

30 May 1996



CRC/C/41/Add.2

CRC/C/41/Add.1

Initial reports due in 1996 (continued)

State party

Date of entry into force

Date due

Date of submission

Symbol

Georgia

Iraq

Uzbekistan

Iran (Islamic

  Republic of)

Nauru

 2 July 1994

15 July 1994

29 July 1994

12 August 1994


26 August 1994

 1 July 1996

14 July 1996

28 July 1996

11 August 1996


25 August 1996

 7 April 1997

 6 August 1996


 9 December 1997

CRC/C/41/Add.4

CRC/C/41/Add.3


CRC/C/41/Add.5

Eritrea

Kazakstan

Kyrgyzstan

Samoa

 2 September 1994

11 September 1994

 6 November 1994

29 December 1994

 1 September 1996

10 September 1996

 5 November 1996

28 December 1996



16 February 1998



CRC/C/41/Add.6

 

 

Initial reports due in 1997

Netherlands

Malaysia

Botswana

Qatar

Turkey

 7 March 1995

19 March 1995

13 April 1995

 3 May 1995

 4 May 1995

 6 March 1997

18 March 1997

12 April 1997

 2 May 1997

 3 May 1997

15 May 1997

CRC/C/51/Add.1

Solomon Islands

Haiti

South Africa

Pilau

Swaziland

10 May 1995

 8 July 1995

16 July 1995

 3 September 1995

 6 October 1995

 9 May 1997

 7 July 1997

15 July 1997

 3 September 1997

 5 October 1997



4 December 1997



CRC/C/51/Add.2

Tuvalu

Singapore

Tonga

22 October 1995

 4 November 1995

 6 December 1995

21 October 1997

 3 November 1997

 5 December 1997

 

 

Initial reports due in 1998

State party

Date of entry into force

Date due

Date of submission

Symbol

Kiribati

Niue

Liechtenstein

Brunei Darussalam

Andorra

10 January 1996

19 January 1996

21 January 1996

26 January 1996

 1 February 1996

 9 January 1998

18 January 1998

20 January 1998

25 January 1998

31 January 1998

 

 

Saudi Arabia

25 February 1996

24 February 1998

 

 


Initial reports due in 1999

United Arab Emirates

Switzerland

Cook Islands

 2 February 1997

26 March 1997

 6 July 1997

 1 February 1999

25 March 1999

 5 July 1999

 

 

 

 


Second periodic reports due in 1997


State party           Date due        Date of submission     Symbol


Bangladesh           1 September 1997 

Barbados             7 November 1997

Belarus             30 October 1997

Belize               1 September 1997

Benin                1 September 1997


Bhutan               1 September 1997

Bolivia              1 September 1997    12 August 1997      CRC/C/65/Add.1

Brazil              23 October 1997

Burkina Faso        29 September 1997

Burundi             17 November 1997


Chad                31 October 1997

Chile               11 September 1997

Costa Rica          20 September 1997    20 January 1998     CRC/C/65/Add.7

Democratic People's

  Republic of Korea  20 October 1997

Democratic Republic

  of the Congo       26 October 1997


Ecuador              1 September 1997

Egypt                1 September 1997

El Salvador          1 September 1997

France               5 September 1997

Gambia               6 September 1997


Ghana                1 September 1997

Grenada              4 December 1997

Guatemala            1 September 1997

Guinea               1 September 1997

GuineaBissau       18 September 1997


Holy See             1 September 1997

Honduras             8 September 1997    18 September 1997   CRC/C/65/Add.2

Indonesia            4 October 1997

Kenya                1 September 1997

Mali                19 October 1997


Malta               29 October 1997

Mauritius            1 September 1997

Mexico              20 October 1997      14 January 1998     CRC/C/65/Add.6

Mongolia             1 September 1997

Namibia             29 October 1997


Nepal               13 October 1997

Nicaragua            3 November 1997     12 November 1997    CRC/C/65/Add.4

Niger               29 October 1997

Pakistan            11 December 1997

Paraguay            24 October 1997


Second periodic reports due in 1997 (continued)


State party          Date due         Date of submission   Symbol


Peru                 3 October 1997      25 March 1998       CRC/C/65/Add.8

Philippines         19 September 1997

Portugal            20 October 1997

Romania             27 October 1997

Russian Federation  14 September 1997    12 January 1998     CRC/C/65/Add.5


Saint Kitts          1 September 1997

  and Nevis          

Senegal              1 September 1997

Seychelles           6 October 1997

Sierra Leone         1 September 1997

Sudan                1 September 1997


Sweden               1 September 1997    25 September 1997   CRC/C/65/Add.3

Togo                 1 September 1997

Uganda              15 September 1997

Uruguay             19 December 1997

Venezuela           12 October 1997


Viet Nam             1 September 1997

Zimbabwe            10 October 1997


Second periodic reports due in 1998


Angola               3 January 1998

Argentina            2 January 1998

Australia           15 January 1998

Bahamas             21 March 1998

Bulgaria             2 July 1998


Colombia            26 February 1998

Côte d'Ivoire        5 March 1998

Croatia              7 October 1998

Cuba                19 September 1998

Cyprus               8 March 1998


Denmark             17 August 1998

Djibouti             4 January 1998

Dominica            11 April 1998

Dominican Republic  10 July 1998

Estonia             19 November 1998


Ethiopia            12 June 1998

Finland             19 July 1998

Guyana              12 February 1998

Hungary              5 November 1998

Israel               1 November 1998



Second periodic reports due in 1998 (continued)


State party          Date due         Date of submission   Symbol


Italy                4 October 1998

Jamaica             12 June 1998

Jordan              22 June 1998

Kuwait              19 November 1998

Lao People's

  Democratic

  Republic            6 June 1998


Lebanon             12 June 1998

Madagascar          17 April 1998

Malawi              31 January 1998

Maldives            12 March 1998

Mauritania          14 June 1998


Myanmar             13 August 1998

Nigeria             18 May 1998

Norway               6 February 1998

Panama              10 January 1998

Poland               6 July 1998


Republic of Korea   19 December 1998

Rwanda              22 February 1998

San Marino          24 December 1998

Sao Tome and

  Principe           12 June 1998

Slovenia            24 June 1998


Spain                4 January 1998

Sri Lanka           10 August 1998

The Former Yugoslav

  Republic of

  Macedonia          16 September 1998

Ukraine             26 September 1998

United Republic

  of Tanzania         9 July 1998


Yemen               30 May 1998           3 February 1998    CRC/C/70/Add.1

Yugoslavia           1 February 1998




Annex IV


LIST OF INITIAL REPORTS CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE

ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD AS AT 5 JUNE 1998


 

                               State party reports         Observations adopted by the Committee


Third session

(January 1993)


     Bolivia                  CRC/C/3/Add.2               CRC/C/15/Add.1

     Sweden                   CRC/C/3/Add.1               CRC/C/15/Add.2

     Viet Nam                 CRC/C/3/Add.4 and 21        CRC/C/15/Add.3

     Russian Federation       CRC/C/3/Add.5               CRC/C/15/Add.4

     Egypt                    CRC/C/3/Add.6               CRC/C/15/Add.5

     Sudan                    CRC/C/3/Add.3               CRC/C/15/Add.6 (preliminary)


Fourth session

(September-October 1993)

 

     Indonesia                CRC/C/3/Add.10              CRC/C/15/Add.7 (preliminary)

     Peru                     CRC/C/3/Add.7               CRC/C/15/Add.8

     El Salvador              CRC/C/3/Add.9 and 28        CRC/C/15/Add.9

     Sudan                    CRC/C/3/Add.3 and 20        CRC/C/15/Add.10

     Costa Rica               CRC/C/3/Add.8               CRC/C/15/Add.11

     Rwanda                   CRC/C/8/Add.1               CRC/C/15/Add.12 (preliminary)


Fifth session

(January 1994)


     Mexico                   CRC/C/3/Add.11              CRC/C/15/Add.13

     Namibia                  CRC/C/3/Add.12              CRC/C/15/Add.14

     Colombia                 CRC/C/8/Add.3               CRC/C/15/Add.15 (preliminary)

     Romania                  CRC/C/3/Add.16              CRC/C/15/Add.16

     Belarus                  CRC/C/3/Add.14              CRC/C/15/Add.17


Sixth session

(April 1994)


     Pakistan                 CRC/C/3/Add.13              CRC/C/15/Add.18

     Burkina Faso             CRC/C/3/Add.19              CRC/C/15/Add.19

     France                   CRC/C/3/Add.15              CRC/C/15/Add.20

     Jordan                   CRC/C/8/Add.4               CRC/C/15/Add.21

     Chile                    CRC/C/3/Add.18              CRC/C/15/Add.22

     Norway                   CRC/C/8/Add.7               CRC/C/15/Add.23

 


                               State party reports         Observations adopted by the Committee


Seventh session

(September-October 1994)


     Honduras                 CRC/C/3/Add.17              CRC/C/15/Add.24

     Indonesia                CRC/C/3/Add.10 and 26       CRC/C/15/Add.25

     Madagascar               CRC/C/8/Add.5               CRC/C/15/Add.26

     Paraguay                 CRC/C/3/Add.22              CRC/C/15/Add.27 (preliminary)

     Spain                    CRC/C/8/Add.6               CRC/C/15/Add.28

     Argentina                CRC/C/8/Add.2 and 17        CRC/C/15/Add.35 (adopted at the eighth session)


Eighth session

(January 1995)


     Philippines              CRC/C/3/Add.23              CRC/C/15/Add.29

     Colombia                 CRC/C/8/Add.3               CRC/C/15/Add.30

     Poland                   CRC/C/8/Add.11              CRC/C/15/Add.31

     Jamaica                  CRC/C/8/Add.12              CRC/C/15/Add.32

     Denmark                  CRC/C/8/Add.8               CRC/C/15/Add.33

     United Kingdom           CRC/C/11/Add.1              CRC/C/15/Add.34


Ninth session

(May-June 1995)


     Nicaragua                CRC/C/3/Add.25              CRC/C/15/Add.36

     Canada                   CRC/C/11/Add.3              CRC/C/15/Add.37

     Belgium                  CRC/C/11/Add.4              CRC/C/15/Add.38

     Tunisia                  CRC/C/11/Add.2              CRC/C/15/Add.39

     Sri Lanka                CRC/C/8/Add.13              CRC/C/15/Add.40


Tenth session

(October-November 1995)


     Italy                    CRC/C/8/Add.18              CRC/C/15/Add.41

     Ukraine                  CRC/C/8/Add.10/Rev.1        CRC/C/15/Add.42

     Germany                  CRC/C/11/Add.5              CRC/C/15/Add.43

     Senegal                  CRC/C/3/Add.31              CRC/C/15/Add.44

     Portugal                 CRC/C/3/Add.30              CRC/C/15/Add.45

     Holy See                 CRC/C/3/Add.27              CRC/C/15/Add.46



 


                               State party reports         Observations adopted by the Committee


Eleventh session

(January 1996)


     Yemen                    CRC/C/8/Add.20              CRC/C/15/Add.47

     Mongolia                 CRC/C/3/Add.32              CRC/C/15/Add.48

     Federal Republic

       of Yugoslavia           CRC/C/8/Add.26              CRC/C/15/Add.49

     Iceland                  CRC/C/11/Add.6              CRC/C/15/Add.50

     Republic of Korea        CRC/C/8/Add.21              CRC/C/15/Add.51

     Croatia                  CRC/C/8/Add.19              CRC/C/15/Add.52

     Finland                  CRC/C/8/Add.22              CRC/C/15/Add.53


Twelfth session

(May-June 1996)


     Lebanon                  CRC/C/18/Add.23             CRC/C/15/Add.54

     Zimbabwe                 CRC/C/3/Add.35              CRC/C/15/Add.55

     China                    CRC/C/11/Add.7              CRC/C/15/Add.56

     Nepal                    CRC/C/3/Add.34              CRC/C/15/Add.57

     Guatemala                CRC/C/3/Add.33              CRC/C/15/Add.58

     Cyprus                   CRC/C/8/Add.24              CRC/C/15/Add.59


Thirteenth session

(September-October 1996)


     Morocco                  CRC/C/28/Add.1              CRC/C/15/Add.60

     Nigeria                  CRC/C/8/Add.26              CRC/C/15/Add.61

     Uruguay                  CRC/C/3/Add.37              CRC/C/15/Add.62

     United Kingdom

       (Hong Kong)             CRC/C/11/Add.9              CRC/C/15/Add.63

     Mauritius                CRC/C/3/Add.36              CRC/C/15/Add.64

     Slovenia                 CRC/C/8/Add.25              CRC/C/15/Add.65


Fourteenth session

(January 1997)


     Ethiopia                 CRC/C/8/Add.27              CRC/C/15/Add.66

     Myanmar                  CRC/C/8/Add.9               CRC/C/15/Add.67

     Panama                   CRC/C/8/Add.28              CRC/C/15/Add.68

     Syrian Arab Republic     CRC/C/28/Add.2              CRC/C/15/Add.69

     New Zealand              CRC/C/28/Add.3              CRC/C/15/Add.70

     Bulgaria                 CRC/C/8/Add.29              CRC/C/15/Add.71


 


                               State party reports         Observations adopted by the Committee


Fifteenth session

(MayJune 1997)


     Cuba                     CRC/C/8/Add.30              CRC/C/15/Add.72

     Ghana                    CRC/C/3/Add.39              CRC/C/15/Add.73

     Bangladesh               CRC/C/3/Add.38 and 49       CRC/C/15/Add.74

     Paraguay                 CRC/C/3/Add.22 and 47       CRC/C/15/Add.75

     Algeria                  CRC/C/28/Add.4              CRC/C/15/Add.76

     Azerbaijan               CRC/C/11/Add.8              CRC/C/15/Add.77


Sixteenth session

(SeptemberOctober 1997)


     Lao People's

       Democratic Republic     CRC/C/8/Add.32              CRC/C/15/Add.78

     Australia                CRC/C/8/Add.31              CRC/C/15/Add.79

     Uganda                   CRC/C/3/Add.40              CRC/C/15/Add.80

     Czech Republic           CRC/C/11/Add.11             CRC/C/15/Add.81

     Trinidad and Tobago      CRC/C/11/Add.10             CRC/C/15/Add.82

     Togo                     CRC/C/3/Add.42              CRC/C/15/Add.83


Seventeenth session

(January 1998)


     Libyan Arab Jamahiriya   CRC/C/28/Add.6              CRC/C/15/Add.84

     Ireland                  CRC/C/11/Add.12             CRC/C/15/Add.85

     Federated States of

       Micronesia              CRC/C/28/Add.5              CRC/C/15/Add.86


Eighteenth session

(MayJune 1998)


     Hungary                  CRC/C/8/Add.34              CRC/C/15/Add.87

     Democratic People's

       Republic of Korea       CRC/C/3/Add.41              CRC/C/15/Add.88

     Fiji                     CRC/C/28/Add.7              CRC/C/15/Add.89

     Japan                    CRC/C/41/Add.1              CRC/C/15/Add.90

     Maldives                 CRC/C/8/Add.33 and 37       CRC/C/15/Add.91

     Luxembourg               CRC/C/41/Add.2              CRC/C/15/Add.92




Annex V


PROVISIONAL LIST OF REPORTS SCHEDULED FOR CONSIDERATION

AT THE COMMITTEE'S NINETEENTH AND TWENTIETH SESSIONS


Nineteenth session

(21 September-9 October 1998)


Initial reports


     Ecuador                  CRC/C/3/Add.44

     Iraq                     CRC/C/41/Add.3

     Thailand                 CRC/C/11/Add.13

     Kuwait                   CRC/C/8/Add.35


Second periodic reports


     Bolivia                  CRC/C/65/Add.1

     Sweden                   CRC/C/65/Add.3


Twentieth session

(422 January 1999)


Initial reports


     Barbados                 CRC/C/3/Add.45

     Austria                  CRC/C/11/Add.14

     Belize                   CRC/C/3/Add.46

     Guinea                   CRC/C/3/Add.48

     Chad                     CRC/C/3/Add.50


Second periodic reports


     Honduras                 CRC/C/65/Add.2

     Yemen                    CRC/C/70/Add.1




Annex VI


Discussion day - 5 October 1998


GENERAL DISCUSSION ON “CHILDREN LIVING IN A WORLD WITH AIDS”


Outline


     “Children living in a world with AIDS” is the theme for the next general discussion of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The discussion will take place on 5 October 1998 during the nineteenth session of the Committee at the United Nations Office at Geneva. United Nations bodies and specialized agencies as well as non-governmental organizations and individual experts are invited to take part.

     The purpose of the general discussions is to foster a deeper understanding of the contents and implications of the Convention as they relate to specific topics. The discussions are public. The decision to devote a day of discussion to this topic was taken by the Committee at its seventeenth session in accordance with rule 75 of its provisional rules of procedure.

     Since its identification in the early 1980s, AIDS has drastically changed the world in which all children live. It is estimated that since the beginning of the epidemic close to 4 million children under 15 years old have been infected worldwide, and that nearly 3 million of them have died. The impact of HIV/AIDS in the daily lives of children is enormous as they all run the potential risk of being infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

     The history of the epidemic has shown that vulnerable persons, including children, are the most likely to be infected. Infection increases vulnerability as it exposes victims to discrimination and injustice. This vicious circle, which affects in particular the developing world, where more than 90 per cent of infected people live, has a huge impact on the future of our societies because most infected people are in their peak productive and reproductive years. The AIDS epidemic therefore threatens the social and economic development of all States, especially the most fragile ones. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), several countries have already fallen in the ranking of the Human Development Index mainly as a consequence of the reduction of life expectancy and economic production due to AIDS.

     Initially, children were considered to be only marginally affected by the epidemic. However, the international community has discovered that unfortunately, children are at the heart of the problem. According to UNAIDS - the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS - the most recent trends are alarming: in most parts of the world, the majority of new infections are in young people between the ages of 15 and 24, sometimes younger. Women are also increasingly becoming infected: in 1997, 46 per cent of the people who died of AIDS were women. In most regions of the world, the vast majority of infected women do not know they are infected and may unknowingly infect their children before or during birth or through breastfeeding. Over 90 per cent of the children who have acquired the virus were infected by their HIV-positive mothers. Consequently, many States have recently registered an increase in their infant and child mortality rates.

     Young adolescents are also vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because their first sexual experience may take place in an environment in which they have no access to proper information and guidance. Young people who are drug users are, of course, at high risk.

     HIV/AIDS has also generated double victimization of children living in especially difficult circumstances, such as victims of sexual exploitation, forced and exploitative labour, detention, forced recruitment, extreme poverty and drug addiction and children members of such groups as asylum seekers and unaccompanied and refugee children. Those children are proportionally at higher risk of infection by the virus. Because HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse, discriminatory attitudes with respect to sex often lead to the stigmatization and marginalization of children living and interacting with persons with HIV/AIDS.

     In the absence of a cure or a vaccine, the main way of slowing the spread of HIV is prevention. The Convention on the Rights of the Child contains human rights whose enforcement is extremely relevant in preventing and combating the spread of AIDS among children and adolescents and avoiding their being adversely affected by the disease and its consequences. This will be the starting point for the discussion.

     All too often, the issue of children and AIDS is perceived as mainly a medical problem, although in reality it touches on a much wider range of issues. In this regard the right to health (article 24 of the Convention) will be central to the discussion. But AIDS impacts so heavily on the lives of all children that it affects all their rights - civil, political, economic, social and cultural. The general principles of the Convention - non-discrimination (art. 2), the best interests of the child (art. 3), the right to life, survival and development (art. 6), respect for the views of the child (art. 12) - will therefore be the guiding themes in the consideration of this issue at all levels of the fight against the disease: prevention, care and protection.

     Adequate preventive measures can only be provided to children and adolescents if their rights are fully respected, including their right to access information and material aimed at the promotion of their social, spiritual and moral well-being and physical and mental health (art. 17), their right to preventive health care and family planning education and services (art. 24 (f)), their right to an appropriate standard of living (art. 27) and their right to privacy (art. 16).

     Protection and adequate care can only be provided in an environment which promotes and protects all rights, especially the right not to be separated from parents (art. 9), the right to privacy (art. 16), the right to be protected from violence (art. 19), the right to special protection and assistance by the State (art. 20), the rights of children with disabilities (art. 23), the right to health (art. 24), the right to social security, including social insurance (art. 26), the right to education and leisure (arts. 28 and 31), the right to be protected from economic exploitation, from illicit use of narcotic drugs and from sexual exploitation (arts. 32, 33, 34 and 36), the right to be protected from abduction, sale and trafficking as well as torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (arts. 35 and 37), and the right to physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration (art. 39).

     Experience has shown that many obstacles hinder delivery of effective prevention and care services and the support of community initiatives on HIV/AIDS. Denial that a problem exists can block the political and individual commitment needed for effective programmes. Financial, technical and human resources to support community-based action are difficult to mobilize. In too many cases, even essential services are limited, poorly managed or technically unsound.

     The Committee on the Rights of the Child and its wide range of partners clearly has a role to play in facilitating the shaping of a proper environment within all States to lift taboos, provoke constructive dialogue, and promote and protect all the rights of the child living in a world with AIDS. The main objectives of the theme day will therefore be as follows:

     (a)  To strengthen the identification and understanding of all the human rights of children living in a world with AIDS and evaluate their status at the national level;

     (b)  To promote the general principles of the Convention in the context of HIV/AIDS, including the rights of the child to be protected from discrimination and to have his or her views taken into account;

     (c)  To identify measures and good practices to increase the level of implementation by States of rights related to the prevention of HIV/AIDS and the care and protection of children infected with or affected by the virus; to develop appropriate models of advocacy to promote the rights of the child in the context of HIV/AIDS at all levels (governmental, intergovernmental, non-governmental, professional groups, etc.), and in all sectors of society, including in the family and at school;

     (d)  To contribute to the formulation and promotion of child-oriented policies, strategies and programmes to prevent and combat HIV/AIDS at the national level;

     (e)  To promote at the national level the adoption of guidelines on HIV/AIDS and child rights, in the light of the Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights jointly issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

     In this framework, the Committee on the Rights of the Child invites written contributions on all the issues and topics mentioned above, which should be sent before 15 August 1998 to:

     Committee on the Rights of the Child

     Secretariat

     Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

     Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10 - Switzerland

 

 


Annex VII


LIST OF DOCUMENTS ISSUED FOR THE EIGHTEENTH SESSION

OF THE COMMITTEE

 

CRC/C/3/Add.41            Initial report of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

 

CRC/C/8/Add.33 and 37     Initial report of Maldives

 

CRC/C/8/Add.34            Initial report of Hungary

 

CRC/C/15/Add.87           Concluding observations: Hungary

 

CRC/C/15/Add.88           Concluding observations: Democratic People's Republic of Korea

 

CRC/C/15/Add.89           Concluding observations: Fiji

 

CRC/C/15/Add.90           Concluding observations: Japan

 

CRC/C/15/Add.91           Concluding observations: Maldives

 

CRC/C/15/Add.92           Concluding observations: Luxembourg

 

CRC/C/27/Rev.10           Follow-up to the consideration of reports under article 44 of the Convention

 

CRC/C/28/Add.7            Initial report of Fiji

 

CRC/C/40/Rev.9            Note by the Secretary-General on areas identified by the Committee for technical assistance

 

CRC/C/41/Add.1            Initial report of Japan

 

CRC/C/41/Add.2            Initial report of Luxembourg

 

CRC/C/74                  Provisional agenda and annotations

 

CRC/C/75                  Note by the Secretary-General on the States parties to the Convention and the status of submission of reports

 

CRC/C/SR.454-477          Summary records of the eighteenth session.



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