UNITED

NATIONS


CRC

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Convention on the

Rights of the Child


Distr.

GENERAL

 

CRC/C/84

5 March 1999

 

Original: ENGLISH

 

 









COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD


Report on the twentieth session


(Geneva, 1129 January 1999)





CONTENTS


Chapter                                                                                                               Paragraphs Page


   I. ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1  17             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  12            4

        F.             Presessional working group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      13  15            5

        G.             Organization of work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      16                 5

        H.             Future regular meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      17                 6







GE.9940858 (E)



CONTENTS (continued)


Chapter                                                                                                               Paragraphs Page


  II. REPORTS BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE

        CONVENTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      18  185          6


        A.             Submission of reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      18  22           6

        B.             Consideration of reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      23  185          7


                        1. Concluding observations: Austria. . . . . . . . . . .      29  59           7

                        2. Concluding observations: Belize. . . . . . . . . . . .      60  90          12

                        3. Concluding observations: Guinea. . . . . . . . . . . .      91  127         21

                        4. Concluding observations: Sweden. . . . . . . . . . . .     128  150        29

                        5. Concluding observations: Yemen. . . . . . . . . . . . .     151  185        33


 III. OVERVIEW OF THE OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE. . .     186  222        40


        A.             Review of developments relevant to the work

                         of the Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     186  197        40

        B.             Cooperation with United Nations and other

                         competent bodies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     198  217        42

        C. Future thematic debate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      218               49

        D.             Followup to the day of general discussion on

                         children with disabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     219  222        49


  IV.        DRAFT PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE NINETEENTH SESSION      223               51


   V. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      224               51


Annexes


   I.          States which have ratified or acceded to the Convention on the

               Rights of the Child as at 29 January 1999. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     52


  II.          Membership of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. . . . . . . . . . .     58


 III.          Status of submission of reports by States parties under

               article 44 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

               as at 29 January 1999. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     59


  IV.        List of initial and second periodic reports considered by the

               Committee on the Rights of the Child as at 29 January 1999. . . . . . .     72


   V.         Provisional list of reports scheduled for consideration at the

               Committee's twentyfirst and twentysecond sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . .     77


  VI.        List of documents of the twentieth session of the

               Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     78


I. ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS


A. States parties to the Convention


1.         As at 29 January 1999, the closing date of the twentieth 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 twentieth session at the United Nations Office in Geneva from 11 to 29 January 1999. The Committee held 26 meetings (506th to 531st). An account of the Committee's deliberations at its twentieth session is contained in the relevant summary records (CRC/C/SR.506509, 511513, 515517, 520524 and 531).


C. Membership and attendance


4.         All the members of the Committee attended the twentieth 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, Ms. Nafsiah Mboi, Ms. Lisbeth Palme 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, International Monetary Fund, World Health Organization.


7.         The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was represented.


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


General consultative status

 

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




Special consultative status

 

Association for the Prevention of Torture, Coalition against Trafficking in Women, Defence for Children International, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, International Federation of Social Workers, International Federation of Women in Legal Careers, International Federation Terre des Hommes, International Service for Human Rights, World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, World Organization against Torture.


Others

 

Federation for the Protection of Children's Human Rights, Il Telefono Azzurro, International Baby Food Action Network, NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, NGO Working Group on Nutrition.


D. Agenda


9.         At its 506th meeting, on 11 January 1999, 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.       Also at the 506th meeting, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson, addressed the Committee.


11.       In her statement, the High Commissioner stressed that 1999 marked the tenth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as the fiftieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 on the protection of victims of war. She expressed the hope that this commemoration would lead to making the universal implementation of the rights of the child a


priority for all Governments, human rights organs, NGOs and the civil society. She also recalled the plight of children in armed conflict and the need for more determined efforts against this evil.


12.       The High Commissioner expressed her appreciation to the Committee and paid special tribute to outgoing members, the Chairperson Ms. Mason, and Mrs. Palme. She said that her Office would convene a workshop during the Committee's twentysecond session to mark the tenth anniversary, on the topic “The Convention on the Rights of the Child: a Decade of Achievements and Challenges”. She also referred to the possible adoption in June 1999 of the proposed ILO Convention on the prohibition and immediate elimination of the worst forms of child labour.


F. Presessional working group


13.       In accordance with a decision of the Committee at its first session, a presessional working group met in Geneva from 12 to 16 October 1998. All the members, except Mr. Francesco Paolo Fulci, Mrs. Marilia Sardenberg 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 and the World Health Organization also participated. 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, also attended.


14.       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.


15.       Members of the Committee elected Mrs. Esther Margaret Queenie Mokhuane to chair the presessional working group. The latter held eight meetings, at which it examined lists of issues put before it by members of the Committee relating to the initial reports of three countries (Chad, Guinea and St. Kitts and Nevis) and the second periodic reports of two countries (Honduras and Yemen). 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 7 October 1998.


G. Organization of work


16.       The Committee considered the organization of work at its 506th meeting, on 11 January 1999. The Committee had before it the draft programme of work for the twentieth session, prepared by the Secretary-General in consultation with the Chairperson of the Committee, and the report of the Committee on its nineteenth session (CRC/C/80).




H. Future regular meetings


17.       The Committee noted that its twentyfirst session would take place from 17 May to 4 June 1999 and that its presessional working group would meet from 1 to 5 February 1999.


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


A. Submission of reports


18.       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), 1998 (CRC/C/61) and 1999 (CRC/C/78); and on periodic reports of States parties due in 1997 (CRC/C/65), 1998 (CRC/C/70) and 1999 (CRC/C/83);


            (b)       Note by the Secretary-General on the States parties to the Convention and the status of submission of reports (CRC/C/82 and Corr.1);


            (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.11);


            (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.11).


19.       The Committee was informed that, in addition to the five reports that were scheduled for consideration by the Committee at its current session (see paragraph 23 below) and those which had been received prior to the Committee's nineteenth session (see CRC/C/80, para. 15), the Secretary-General had received the initial reports of Côte d'Ivoire (CRC/C/8/Add.41), the Dominican Republic (CRC/C/8/Add.40), Latvia (CRC/C/11/Add.22), Liechtenstein (CRC/C/61/Add.1), Palau (CRC/C/51/Add.3) and Saudi Arabia (CRC/C/61/Add.2) and the second periodic reports of Ethiopia (CRC/C/70/Add.7), Guatemala (CRC/C/65/Add.10), Lebanon (CRC/C/70/Add.8), Paraguay (CRC/C/65/Add.12) and Portugal (CRC/C/65/Add.11). The status of submission of reports by States parties under article 44 of the Convention is given in annex III.


20.       A list of initial reports considered by the Committee as of 11 January 1999, as well as a provisional list of initial and second periodic reports scheduled for consideration at the Committee's twentyfirst and twentysecond sessions, are contained in annexes IV and V respectively.


21.       As at 29 January 1999, the Committee had received 132 initial and 20 periodic reports. A total of 98 reports have been examined by the Committee (see annex IV).


22.       By note verbale dated 11 November 1998, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Office at Geneva transmitted comments relating to the recommendations adopted by the Committee in its concluding observations (CRC/C/15/Add.94) on the initial report of Iraq (CRC/C/41/Add.3). In its reply dated 1 February 1999 the Committee indicated that Iraq's comments would be reflected in the Committee's biennial report in accordance with article 45 (d) of the Convention.


B. Consideration of reports


23.       At its twentieth session, the Committee examined initial reports submitted by three States parties under article 44 of the Convention. It devoted 13 of its 25 meetings to the consideration of reports (see CRC/C/SR.507509, 511513, 515517, 521524).


24.       The following reports, listed in the order in which they were received by the Secretary-General, were before the Committee at its twentieth session: Austria (CRC/C/11/Add.14), Belize (CRC/C/3/Add.46), Guinea (CRC/C/3/Add.48), Sweden (CRC/C/65/Add.3), Yemen (CRC/C/70/Add.1).


25.       By a letter dated 13 January 1999, the Permanent Mission of Barbados to the United Nations Office at Geneva requested that the consideration of the initial report of Barbados (CRC/C/3/Add.45), which had been scheduled for the twentieth session, be postponed, on account of the general elections in January. The Committee agreed to postpone the consideration of that report until its next session.


26.       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.


27.       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.


28.       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.


1. Concluding observations: Austria


29.       The Committee considered the initial report of Austria (CRC/C/11/Add.14) at its 507th to 509th meetings (see CRC/C/SR.507-509), held on 12 and 13 January 1999 and adopted* the following concluding observations.


A. Introduction


30.       The Committee welcomes the submission of the initial report of the State party and expresses its appreciation for the clear and comprehensive nature of the report, which followed closely the Committee’s guidelines. The Committee



         


            * At the 531st meeting, held on 29 January 1999.


also takes note of the written answers to the list of issues (CRC/C/Q/AUSTRIA.1) and the additional information provided to it during the course of the dialogue and immediately afterwards, which enabled it to assess the situation of the rights of the child in the State party. The Committee welcomes the constructive and open dialogue with the State party delegation, which included a student.


B. Positive aspects


31.       The Committee commends the State party on its prohibition of all forms of corporal punishment through its 1989 ban on “any type of physical or psychological abuse of children as a means of education” (CRC/C/11/Add.14, para. 256). It also notes additional efforts to increase protection of children against abuse, including the adoption of a comprehensive list of measures against violence in family and society and of an Action Plan against Child Abuse and against Child Pornography in the Internet. The Committee notes the adoption in August 1998 of a resolution of the European Union Council on Youth Participation, on the proposal of the Austrian presidency.


32.       The Committee welcomes the establishment of the ombudsman systems for children and adolescents in each of the nine Länder, and at the federal level.


33.       The Committee notes with satisfaction the functioning of a comprehensive pattern of student representation in the school system.


34.       The Committee welcomes the adoption of legislation establishing extraterritorial jurisdiction for nationals of the State party involved in the sexual exploitation of children.

 

C. Principal subjects of concern and the Committee's

                            recommendations


35.       The State party maintains two reservations affecting articles 13 and 15, and article 17 of the Convention. The Committee takes note of the commitment of the State party to review its reservations, in light of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action of 1993, with a view to their withdrawal.


36.       The Committee is concerned that the federal system in the State party may on occasion pose difficulties for the federal authorities in their effort to implement the provisions of the Convention while ensuring the principle of non-discrimination, in accordance with the provisions of article 2 of the Convention. The Committee urges the State party to ensure that the existing mechanisms of coordination and reliance on general constitutional principles are fully utilized so as to protect children fully from any disparity with respect to areas within the “exclusive competence” of the Länder.


37.       The Committee appreciates the diligent review of existing legislation to examine its conformity with the provisions of the Convention, as requested by a 1992 parliamentary resolution. It notes with satisfaction the State party's commitment to submit to a parliamentary hearing a proposal to incorporate the principles and provisions of the Convention into the Constitution, and to invite the parliaments of the Länder to consider the same possibility in the context of regional constitutional reforms. The Committee remains concerned about inconsistencies between domestic legislation and the principles and provisions of the Convention, especially with regard to the right to family reunification and some rights of immigrant, asylumseeking and refugee children. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to ensure that all its domestic legislation is in full conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention, and in particular with articles 9, 10, 20 and 22.


38.       The Committee is concerned that no governmental body, at the federal or the Land level, seems to have a clear mandate to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Convention. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to ensure effective coordination and monitoring of activities relating to the implementation of the Convention, at all levels of Government.


39.       The Committee notes that recent budgetary austerity measures have had an impact on children, and may in particular affect the more vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. While noting the recent decision to undertake a comprehensive reform of family assistance measures which should lead to improvements in financial help to families through increased allowances and tax deductions, the Committee remains concerned that other budgetary austerity measures introduced in recent years have not been reversed. While the welfare system can be considered generous, article 4 of the Convention still imposes an obligation to seek further improvements, particularly given the comparatively high level of available resources. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to ensure implementation of economic, social and cultural rights to the “maximum extent of available resources”.


40.       The Committee notes that the State party contributes 0.33 per cent of its gross domestic product for development assistance (GDP) and has a specific budget line for children-related projects, for example, support to the ILO's International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour. The Committee encourages the State party to consider allocating a fixed percentage of its international development cooperation funds to programmes and schemes for children. The Committee also encourages the State party to strive to achieve the United Nations target of 0.7 per cent of GDP for international development assistance.


41.       Cooperation with and involvement of NGOs in the implementation of the Convention, including preparation of the reports, remain limited. The Committee encourages the State party to consider more proactive measures to involve NGOs in the implementation of the Convention.


42.       While noting initial efforts to disseminate the Convention, the Committee considers that education and training activities for professional groups need to be expanded. The Committee recommends that the State party renew its efforts to disseminate the Convention, in appropriate languages, both to children and to a broader public. It also recommends that the State party undertake systematic education and training programmes on the provisions of the Convention for all professional groups working for and with children,


such as judges, lawyers, law enforcement officials, civil servants, personnel working in institutions and places of detention for children, teachers, health personnel, including psychologists, and social workers.


43.       Austrian law and regulations do not provide a legal minimum age for medical counselling and treatment without parental consent. The Committee is concerned that the requirement of a referral to the courts will dissuade children from seeking medical attention and be prejudicial to the best interests of the child. The Committee recommends that, in accordance with the provisions of articles 3 and 12 of the Convention, an appropriate age and structures for medical counselling and treatment without parental consent be set by law.


44.       The Committee is concerned about remaining instances of gender discrimination. The Committee recommends that the State party consider undertaking an in-depth study of the ages of sexual consent and sexual relations, taking into account present legislation, its implications and its impact on children in the light of the principles and provisions of the Convention, with a view to ensuring that the legislation is as conducive to the realization of the rights of girls as of boys and having regard for the best interests of the child.


45.       The Committee regrets that forced sterilization of mentally disabled children is legal with parental consent. The Committee recommends that existing legislation be reviewed so as to make sterilization of mentally disabled children require the intervention of the courts, and that care and counselling services be provided to ensure that this intervention is in accordance with the provisions of the Convention, especially article 3 on the best interests of the child and article 12.


46.       While noting that studies are under way concerning possible reforms to the criminal law, the Committee is concerned that existing legislation protects children from sexual exploitation through pornography or prostitution only up to the age of 14. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to ensure that the age of sexual consent does not conflict with the right of all children to be fully protected from exploitation. In this regard, the Committee also encourages continued consideration of the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children held in Stockholm in 1996.


47.       Regarding article 11, the Committee notes with satisfaction that Austria is a party to the 1980 European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children and to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Committee encourages the State party to promote the conclusion of bilateral agreements to the same effect with States that are not parties to the two abovementioned conventions. The Committee also recommends that maximum assistance be provided through diplomatic and consular channels, in order to solve cases of illicit transfer and non-return of children arising in such States, in the best interest of the children involved.


48.       The Committee is concerned about the extended timeframe for the review of placement ordered by the courts for mentally ill children. The Committee encourages the State party, in determining the periodicity for the review of placement, to consider the principles and provisions of the Convention, in particular the best interests of the child.


49.       Regional disparities, including differences between rural and urban areas, exist in the provision of rehabilitation services for abused children. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to fully implement the right of the child to physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration in accordance with article 39 of the Convention.


50.       The Committee takes note of the efforts of the State party to integrate children with disabilities by providing a wide range of services. The Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts to promote the social inclusion of children with disabilities in accordance with article 23 of the Convention.


51.       The Committee is concerned that, in spite of the provision of additional financial resources, the number of places available in services such as kindergarten and pre-school facilities appears to be inadequate. In light of article 18.3, the Committee recommends to the State party to take all appropriate measures to increase the number of places in kindergarten and pre-school facilities, such as day care.


52.       The Committee shares the State party’s concern that “a large number of children in Austria are living on the edge of poverty” (CRC/C/11/Add.14, para. 373), and the increase in family allowances and tax deductions planned for 1999 and 2000 may not be sufficient to prevent poverty. The Committee recommends that all appropriate measures be taken to prevent poverty in light of the principles and provisions of the Convention, especially its articles 2, 3, 6, 26 and 27.


53.       Noting that in the school curriculum “civic education” incorporates, inter alia, human rights and children’s rights, but does not appear to refer specifically to the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to include specific information on the provisions of the Convention in its school curriculum.


54.       The Committee notes that budgetary austerity measures have affected the working of the school system, for example by introducing some family contributions for school books and enrichment activities, or by reducing the choice of optional subjects. The Committee recommends that these measures be examined carefully with regard to their impact on the progressive implementation of the child’s right to education and leisure activities in accordance with articles 28, 29 and 31 of the Convention, and in particular so as to limit their impact on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.


55.       Notwithstanding the 1997 Alien’s Act requirement to use “more lenient means when minors are involved”, the Committee is seriously concerned about legislation which permits the detention of asylumseeking children pending deportation. The Committee urges the State party to reconsider the practice of detaining asylum-seeking children, and that such children be treated in accordance with the best interests of the child and in view of the provisions of articles 20 and 22 of the Convention.


56.       The Committee is concerned that domestic legislation permits children from the age of 12 to be involved in light work, and recommends that the State party consider ratifying ILO Convention (No. 138) concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and changing its domestic legislation accordingly.


57.       With regard to juvenile justice, the Committee remains concerned about the lack of disaggregated statistics on types of offence, length of sentences, length of pre-trial detention, etc. The Committee requests that further information on the situation of children in prison be provided and urges the State party to ensure the full compatibility of the juvenile justice system with the Convention, especially articles 37, 40 and 39, as well as with 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.


58.       While acknowledging the steps taken to ensure the rights of children belonging to minorities, and in particular the projects providing school assistance and linguistic and cultural support to children belonging to the Roma group, the Committee remains concerned about social and other discrimination faced by children belonging to the Roma and other minorities, and in particular by those belonging to groups that do not enjoy the constitutional status of “ethnic groups” (see CRC/C/11/Add.14, para. 517). The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to protect and ensure the rights of Roma, Sinti and other minority children, including protection from all types of discrimination, in accordance with articles 2 and 30 of the Convention.


59.       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.


2. Concluding observations: Belize


60.       The Committee considered the initial report of Belize (CRC/C/3/Add.46) at its 511th to 513th meetings (CRC/C/SR.511-513) on 14 and 15 January 1999, and adopted* the following concluding observations:


A. Introduction


61. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report and the written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/Q/BELI.1). The Committee


         


            * At the 531st meeting, held on 29 January 1999.

is encouraged by the constructive, open and frank dialogue it had with the State party and welcomes the positive reactions to the suggestions and recommendations made during the discussion. The Committee acknowledges that the presence of a high-ranking delegation directly involved in the implementation of the Convention allowed for a fuller assessment of the situation of the rights of children in the State party.


B. Positive aspects


62.       The Committee notes the recent efforts undertaken by the State party in the field of law reform. In this regard, it takes note of the enactment of the Families and Children's Act of 1998 which aims to reform and consolidate the law relating to families and children and provide for the care, protection and maintenance of children. The Act also makes provisions with respect to the fostering and adoption of children.


63.       The Committee appreciates the State party's initiatives within the school environment. In this regard, it welcomes the organization of an election for schoolchildren to choose the provisions of the Convention most significant to them as well as the State party's use of appropriate materials and popular oral forms in disseminating the provisions and principles of the Convention. The Committee also notes the establishment of a school nutrition programme for primary schoolchildren.


64.       The Committee notes with appreciation the efforts by the State party to strengthen cooperation with NGOs and welcomes the recent appointment of a focal point for NGOs within the Ministry of Human Development, Women and Youth. The Committee also notes the inclusion of NGOs in the National

Committee for Families and Children which has responsibility for promoting the implementation of the Convention; promoting improved coordination, planning and implementation of childrelated programmes; and advocating for the adoption and implementation of positive policies for families and children.


                        C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation

                            of the Convention


65.       The Committee acknowledges that the economic and social difficulties facing the State party have had a negative impact on the situation of children and have impeded the full implementation of the Convention. In particular it notes the impact of the structural adjustment programme and the increasing level of unemployment and poverty. The Committee further notes that the limited availability of skilled human resources, compounded by the high rate of emigration, also adversely affects the full implementation of the Convention.


D. Subjects of concern and the Committee's recommendations


66.       The Committee notes the recent efforts by the State party to introduce legislative reform. It is concerned, however, that domestic legislation still does not fully reflect the principles and provisions of the Convention. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake a review of its domestic legislation to ensure full conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention. The Committee also encourages the State party to consider the possibility of enacting a comprehensive code for children. In this regard, the Committee further recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.


67.       The Committee regrets that the State party has not acceded to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Committee notes that these two international human rights instruments would strengthen the efforts of the State party to meet its obligations in guaranteeing the rights of all children under its jurisdiction. The Committee encourages the State party to consider the possibility of acceding to both instruments.


68.       While noting the efforts of the National Committee for Families and Children in facilitating the coordination and monitoring of child rights issues, the Committee is concerned that involvement and coordination at the local level are still somewhat limited. The Committee is also concerned that the State party has not yet implemented its National Plan of Action for Children or its National Plan of Action for Human Development. The Committee recommends that the State party seek to use a comprehensive approach to the implementation of the Convention by, inter alia, ensuring the introduction of measures at the local level to promote and protect children's rights. The Committee also recommends that further steps be taken by the State party to strengthen its coordinating efforts through the National Committee for Families and Children, particularly at the local level. The Committee also encourages the State party to implement its National Plan of Action for Children and the National Plan of Action for Human Development.


69.       The Committee notes the recent formation of a Social Indicators Committee responsible for monitoring quality data collection throughout the State party and ensuring its comprehensive analysis. The Committee is still concerned, however, that the current datacollection mechanism is insufficient to afford the systematic and comprehensive collection of disaggregated quantitative and qualitative data for all areas covered by the Convention in relation to all groups of children in order to monitor and evaluate progress achieved and assess the impact of policies adopted with respect to children. The Committee recommends that the system of data collection be reviewed with a view to incorporating all the areas covered by the Convention. Such a system should cover all children up to the age of 18 years, with specific emphasis on those who are particularly vulnerable, including children with disabilities; children belonging to minority and indigenous groups, such as Maya and Garifuna children; children living in remote rural areas; children living in poverty; children living and/or working on the street; refugee and asylumseeking children; illegal immigrant children; children in the juvenile justice system; children of single-parent families; children born out of wedlock; sexually abused children; and institutionalized children.


70.       The Committee also expresses concern at the absence of an independent mechanism to register and address complaints from children concerning violations of their rights under the Convention. The Committee suggests that an independent child-friendly mechanism be made accessible to children to deal with complaints of violations of their rights and to provide remedies for such violations. The Committee further suggests that the State party undertake an awarenessraising campaign to facilitate the effective use by children of such a mechanism.


71.       The Committee notes the impact of economic policies and the structural adjustment programme which have had adverse effects on social investment. The Committee remains concerned that in light of article 4 of the Convention, not enough attention has been paid in allocating budgetary resources in favour of children to the maximum extent of available resources. In light of articles 2, 3 and 6 of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to pay particular attention to the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention by prioritizing budgetary allocations to ensure implementation of the economic, social and cultural rights of children, to the maximum extent of available resources and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation.


72.       While recognizing the efforts of the State party to promote awareness of the principles and provisions of the Convention, particularly within the primary school system, the Committee remains concerned that professional groups, children not regularly enrolled in school and the public at large are generally not sufficiently aware of the Convention and the rightsbased approach enshrined therein. The Committee recommends that greater effort be made to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are widely known and understood by adults and children alike, residing in both rural and urban areas. In this regard, it encourages the State party to continue its efforts to make the Convention available, including through popular oral forms, in all minority and indigenous languages. The Committee further recommends the reinforcement of adequate and systematic training and/or sensitization of professional groups working with and for children, such as judges, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, teachers, school administrators, health personnel, including psychologists, social workers, officials of central or local administration, and personnel of child-care institutions. The Committee encourages the State party to also seek measures to raise the awareness of the media and the public at large on the rights of the child. It further suggests that the State party seek to ensure that the Convention is fully integrated into the curricula at all levels of the educational system. In this regard, the Committee suggests that the State party seek technical assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF and UNESCO.


73.       The Committee expresses concern at the low minimum legal age for marriage (14). The Committee is also concerned that the law does not allow children, particularly adolescents, to pursue medical or legal counselling without parental consent, even when it is in the best interests of the child. The Committee notes with concern that domestic legislation does not provide a legal minimum age for conscription into the armed forces. The Committee is concerned at the proposal of the State party to establish 16 years as the legal minimum age for conscription. The Committee recommends that the State party review its legislation in order to bring it into conformity with the provisions of the Convention. The Committee further encourages the State party to set a legal minimum age for conscription and to set that age at 18 years rather than 16 years as proposed by the State party.


74.       The Committee wishes to express its concern that the State party does not appear to have fully taken into account the provisions of the Convention, especially its general principles, as reflected 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, as well as in its policies and programmes relevant to children. It is the Committee's view that further efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the principles of the Convention, in particular the general principles, not only guide policy discussion and decision-making, but are also appropriately integrated in all legal revisions as well as in judicial and administrative decisions and in projects, programmes and services which have an impact on children.


75.       While the Committee notes that the principle of non-discrimination (art. 2) is reflected in the Constitution as well as in other domestic legislation, it is still concerned that measures adopted to ensure that all children are guaranteed access to education and health services and are protected against all forms of exploitation are insufficient. Of particular concern are certain vulnerable groups of children, including children with disabilities; children belonging to minority and indigenous groups, such as Maya and Garifuna children; children living in remote rural areas; children living in poverty; children living and/or working on the street; refugee and asylumseeking children; illegal immigrant children; children in the juvenile justice system; children of single-parent families; children born out of wedlock and institutionalized children. The Committee recommends to the State party to increase its efforts to ensure implementation of the principle of non-discrimination and full compliance with article 2 of the Convention, particularly as it relates to the vulnerable groups.


76.       While the Committee notes the efforts made by the State party to encourage the participatory rights of children, especially in schools, it is concerned that traditional practices, culture and attitudes still limit the full implementation of article 12 of the Convention. The Committee recommends that the State party seek to develop a systematic approach to increasing public awareness of the participatory rights of children and encourage respect for the views of the child within the family and the care and judicial systems.


77.       The Committee notes that the State party has enacted domestic legislation to guarantee registration at birth (the Registration of Births and Deaths Act), but is concerned that this legislation is not fully consistent with the principles and provisions guaranteed under the Convention. The Committee is also concerned that many children are still not registered, particularly immigrant children and those living in remote rural communities. The lack of awareness about registration procedures is also a matter of concern for the Committee. In light of articles 7 and 8 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake legislative reform with a view to ensuring that fathers are also made responsible for the registration of their children and that children born out of wedlock are guaranteed their right to preservation of identity, name and family relations. The Committee also recommends that all necessary measures be taken to ensure that birth registration is made accessible to all children within the State party. In this regard, the Committee also suggests that the State party seek to implement, at the earliest opportunity, its proposal to introduce a mobile birth registration programme as well as additional district facilities to reach those families in remote rural communities. The Committee also recommends that the State party increase its efforts to raise awareness among government officers, community leaders and parents to ensure that all children are registered at birth. The Committee encourages the State party to adopt measures to regularize the situation of immigrant children and provide them with documentation to guarantee their rights and facilitate their access to basic health, education and other services.


78.       The Committee expresses grave concern that corporal punishment is still widely practised within the State party and that domestic legislation does not prohibit its use within schools, the family, the juvenile justice and alternative care systems and generally within the society. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including of a legislative nature, to prohibit corporal punishment within school, the family, the juvenile justice and alternative care systems and generally within the society. It further 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, especially article 28.2.


79.       The Committee notes the proposal of the State party to introduce a Community and Parent Empowerment Project which aims to assist parents in managing their parental responsibilities and strengthening their parenting skills. The Committee remains concerned, however, at the large and increasing number of singleparent families as well as the high number of abandoned children, especially children born out of wedlock, children of poor families, and children whose parents have left the country in search of economic opportunities. In this regard, the Committee also expresses concern at the lack of adequate alternative care facilities and qualified personnel in this field. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts in providing support, including training, for parents, especially fathers, to discourage the abandonment of children. It is also recommended that the State party develop additional programmes to facilitate alternative care, including foster care, provide additional training for social and welfare workers and establish independent complaint and monitoring mechanisms for alternative care institutions.


80.       While noting the legal provisions regarding domestic as well as intercountry adoption, the Committee remains concerned at the widespread practice of informal adoptions, especially in rural areas. In light of article 21 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures, including the implementation of proper monitoring procedures, to prevent the abuse of the practice of informal adoption. In this regard, the Committee further encourages the State party to consider the possibility of acceding to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption of 1993.


81.       The Committee notes the proposals of the State party to host a consultation on domestic violence and to introduce, within the police department, a new unit to deal specifically with domestic violence. However, the lack of awareness and information on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse of children, including sexual abuse, and the lack of appropriate financial and human resources remain matters of grave concern. The Committee is particularly concerned that domestic legislation on sexual abuse does not include protective measures for boys. In light of article 19, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and sexual abuse in order to adopt adequate measures and policies and help change traditional attitudes. It also recommends that cases of domestic violence, ill-treatment and sexual abuse of children be properly investigated within a child-friendly judicial procedure, sanctions applied to perpetrators and publicity given to decisions taken in such cases, with due regard for the right to privacy of the child. Measures should also be taken to ensure the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of victims, in accordance with article 39 of the Convention, and the prevention of criminalization and stigmatization of victims. The Committee also recommends to the State party to implement its proposal to introduce legislation making the reporting of child abuse mandatory and to undertake legal reform to ensure that boys are protected. The Committee recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF.


82.       The Committee expresses its concern at the lack of policies and programmes aimed at mother and child interaction activities within the home to promote leisure and creative play for children, particularly those under the age of two years. The Committee notes that such activities have a crucial bearing on the development of the child's cognitive abilities and their social and emotional development. In light of article 31 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies on play involving mother and child interaction with a view to developing adequate programmes and policies in this regard.


83.       The Committee notes with concern the health situation of children in the State party and is particularly concerned at the high child and infant mortality rates, poor breastfeeding practices, high rate of malnutrition, increasing incidence of stunting and limited access to safe drinking water, especially in rural communities. The Committee encourages the State party to develop comprehensive policies and programmes to reduce the incidence of child and infant mortality, to promote and improve breastfeeding practices, to prevent and combat malnutrition, especially in vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of children, and consider requesting technical assistance for the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses and other measures for child health improvement from, inter alia, UNICEF and WHO.


84.       The Committee expresses its concern regarding the limited availability of programmes and services and the lack of adequate data in the area of adolescent health, including accidents, suicide, violence and abortion. The Committee is particularly concerned at the high and increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts in promoting adolescent health policies and strengthening 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, including the special situation of children infected with, affected by or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and STDs. Additionally, it is recommended that the State party undertake further measures, including the allocation of adequate human and financial resources, to develop youth-friendly care and rehabilitation facilities for adolescents.


85.       The Committee notes the recent initiative by the State party to include children with disabilities in the primary school system. In this regard, the Committee further notes the recent introduction of a family/communitybased approach to care programmes for children with disabilities. The Committee expresses its concern, however, at the absence of legal protection and the lack of adequate facilities and services for persons with disabilities, including children. 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, increase its efforts to implement alternatives to the institutionalization of children with disabilities, establish special education programmes for children with disabilities and further encourage their inclusion in 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 WHO can be sought to this effect.


86.       The Committee remains concerned at the situation of education, particularly as regards overcrowding, the high drop-out rate, the lack of basic training materials, poorly maintained infrastructure and equipment, shortages of textbooks and other materials, the limited number of trained teachers and the lack of play space and recreational facilities. The Committee is also concerned that some children, particularly immigrant children and those living in poverty and among minority and indigenous communities, still do not have access to education. The Committee expresses further concern that the school curricula do not adequately address the special situation of non-Englishspeaking children, particularly the minority, indigenous and Spanishspeaking children. The Committee recommends that all appropriate measures be taken to improve the quality of education and to provide access for all children within the State party. In this regard, it is recommended that the State party seek to strengthen its educational system through closer cooperation with UNICEF and UNESCO. The Committee also recommends that the State party seek to implement additional measures to encourage children to stay in school, particularly during the period of compulsory education. The Committee further recommends that the State party seek to ensure the right of the child to rest and leisure and to engage in play and recreational activities. The State party is further encouraged to review its educational policies and programmes with a view to ensuring that they adequately reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the population.


87.       Child labour and economic exploitation are matters of concern. The Committee is particularly concerned about the situation of immigrant children working in the banana industry. The Committee encourages the State party to introduce monitoring mechanisms to enforce labour laws and protect children from economic exploitation. In this regard, it is further recommended that the State party undertake a study on the situation of children engaged in hazardous work, especially those employed in the banana industry. The Committee also suggests that the State party consider ratifying ILO Convention (No. 138) concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment.


88.       The Committee is particularly concerned with the high and increasing incidence of drug and substance abuse among youth; the lack of legal provisions in relation to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; and the limited social and medical programmes and services available in this regard. In light of article 33 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including legislative, administrative, social and educational measures, to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and to prevent the use of children in the illicit production and trafficking of such substances. It encourages the State party to support rehabilitation programmes dealing with children victim of drug and substance abuse. In this regard, the Committee encourages the State party to consider seeking technical assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF, WHO and the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board.


89.       While the Committee notes that the State party has in place domestic legislation relating to juvenile justice, it is still concerned at the general situation of the administration of juvenile justice and in particular its compatibility with the Convention, as well as other relevant United Nations standards. The Committee is also concerned at the absence of specific legal provisions ensuring that children remain in contact with their families while in the juvenile justice system. Further concern is expressed at the situation of overcrowding in detention facilities; the holding of minors in adult detention facilities; and the lack of reliable statistical data on the number of children in the juvenile justice system. The Committee also expresses grave concern at the low minimum legal age of criminal responsibility (7). The Committee recommends that the State party take additional steps to reform the system of juvenile justice in the spirit of the Convention, in particular articles 37, 40 and 39, 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 considering deprivation of liberty only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest possible period of time, protecting the rights of children deprived of their liberty, and ensuring that children remain in contact with their families while in the juvenile justice system. Training programmes on relevant international standards should be organized for all those professionals involved with the system of juvenile justice. The Committee suggests that the State party consider seeking technical assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the 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 in Juvenile Justice. The Committee also recommends that the State party increase the legal minimum age of criminal responsibility and ensure that its legislation is in conformity with the Convention in this regard.


90.       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 publication of the report be considered, along with the relevant summary records and the concluding observations adopted by the Committee. Such a document should be widely distributed in order to generate debate and awareness of the Convention and its implementation and monitoring within the Government and the general public, including NGOs.


Concluding Observations: Guinea


91.       The Committee considered the initial report of Guinea (CRC/C/3/Add.48) at its 515th to 517th meetings (see CRC/C/SR.515-517), held on 19 and 20 January 1999 and adopted* the following concluding observations:

 

A. Introduction


92.       While the Committee welcomes the submission of the initial report of the State party, which included concrete information on the situation of children, it takes note that the report did not strictly follow the guidelines established by the Committee. The Committee also takes note of the written answers to its list of issues (CRC/C/Q/GUI/1). The Committee is encouraged by 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 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


93.       The Committee is encouraged by the fact that Guinea is a State party to the six major international instruments of the United Nations system for the protection of human rights. The Committee also welcomes the fact that Guinea has become a State party to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on their Destruction.


94.       The Committee welcomes the establishment of several governmental structures, at the central level, for the protection and defence of children's rights in the State party, such as the Ministry of Social Affairs and Promotion of Women and Children's Rights (1994), the Guinean Committee for Monitoring, Protection and Defence of the Rights of Children (1995), and the Committee on Equity between Girls and Boys in Schooling (1991). The adoption of a National Programme of Action in favour of the Guinean Child is also welcome.


95.       The Committee notes with appreciation the creation, in all the prefectures (at the local level), of Committees on Children (Comités pour l'enfance), which play a role of social mobilization and advocacy for the Guinean child. The establishment of a network of Mayors Defenders of Children (Maires défenseurs des enfants) at the municipal level is also welcomed.


         


            * At the 531st meeting, held on 29 January 1999.

                        C. Factors and difficulties impeding further progress

                            in the implementation of the Convention


96.       The Committee notes that the State party is among the least developed countries of the world. The Committee also notes that the implementation of

structural adjustment programmes and the current presence within the territory of the State party of a large number of refugees from neighbouring countries affect the full implementation of the Convention.


97.       The Committee notes that certain traditional practices and customs, prevailing particularly in rural areas, hamper the effective implementation of the Convention, especially with regard to the girl child. 


D. Principal subject of concern and Committee's Recommendations


98.       While the Committee notes that the State party's legislation (e.g. Code des personnes et de la famille) covers several provisions of the Convention, it remains concerned that other domestic legislation does not fully reflect the principles and provisions of the Convention. The Committee is also concerned that the current legislation covering children's rights is fragmented in different laws without due regard to the integrated approach of the Convention. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to review its legislation on children's rights with respect to its full conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention. The Committee suggests that the State party consider enacting a comprehensive piece of legislation such as a Children's Code. The Committee encourages the State party to seek to this effect international cooperation from, inter alia, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF.


99.       Although the Guinean Committee for Monitoring, Protection and Defence of the Rights of the Child is in charge of coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the Convention, the Committee considers that there is still a need to strengthen the capacity of this institution, in particular with regard to its human and financial resources. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to strengthen the Guinean Committee for Monitoring, Protection and Defence of the Rights of the Child to enable it to fully assume its coordinating and monitoring role. It further recommends that the Guinean Committee take into consideration the holistic approach of the Convention to guarantee the complete realization of all the rights enshrined by the Convention.


100.     Concern is expressed at the lack of a systematic, comprehensive and disaggregated quantitative and qualitative datacollection mechanism for all areas covered by the Convention, especially the most hidden such as child abuse or illtreatment, but also in relation to all vulnerable groups of children, including girls, children with disabilities, children living in rural areas, children living in poverty, children born out of wedlock, children victims of sale, trafficking and prostitution and refugee children. The Committee recommends that the State party develop a comprehensive system of collecting disaggregated data, in order to gather all necessary information on the situation of all children under 18 years of age in the various areas covered by the Convention, including children belonging to vulnerable groups. Technical cooperation in this area from, inter alia, UNICEF is encouraged.

101.     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. The Committee encourages the State party to pay particular attention to the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention and to ensure judicious 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 (art. 2), the best interests of the child (art. 3) and the right to survival and development (art. 6).


102.     While recognizing the efforts of the State party to disseminate the Convention, the Committee is of the opinion that the measures adopted to promote widespread awareness of the principles and provisions of the Convention for both adults and children need to be strengthened. The Committee encourages the State party to reinforce its efforts to make the provisions and principles of the Convention widely known and understood by adults and children alike.


103.     Although the Committee welcomes the efforts of the State party to carry out sensitization programmes on the Convention for local authorities and religious leaders, it considers that training programmes for professional groups working with and for children need to be further developed. The Committee encourages the State party to continue with its efforts in the provision of sensitization programmes and training to all professional groups working with and for children, such as judges, lawyers, law enforcement and army officials, civil servants, personnel working in institutions and places of detention for children, teachers and health personnel, including psychologists and social workers.


104.     The Committee takes note of the existence of a partnership between the authorities of the State party and nongovernmental organizations working for and with children and is encouraged by the openness of the State party's authorities to involve representatives of the civil society in the process of reporting to this treaty body. Nevertheless, the Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its partnership with nongovernmental organizations working in the field of children's rights.


105.     The Committee is concerned about the different minimum legal ages for marriage for boys (18) and girls (16), and considers that this practice is contrary to the principles and provisions of the Convention, especially articles 2 and 3. The Committee recommends that the State party increase the minimum legal ages for marriage. It further recommends that the State party undertake awarenessraising campaigns on the negative effects of early marriages.


106.     It is a matter of concern to the Committee that the State party does not yet 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. Further efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the general principles of the Convention are reflected in the legislation, guide policy discussions, and are appropriately integrated into any judicial and administrative decisions and in the development and implementation of all projects, programmes and services which have an impact on children.


107.     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 in the Convention, in particular in relation to matters of inheritance as well as access to education and health services. The Committee is particularly concerned at the situation of vulnerable groups of children, such as girl children, children with disabilities, children living in rural areas, children living in poverty, refugee children and children born out of wedlock. The Committee recommends that a more active approach should be taken to eliminate discrimination against vulnerable groups of children.


108.     While recognizing the efforts of the State party for the establishment of a Children's Parliament, the Committee is still concerned that the participatory rights of children, as enshrined by the Convention, are not yet taken into account by the society at large, especially with regard to freedom of expression (art. 13), freedom of thought, conscience and religion (art. 14), freedom of association and peaceful assembly (art. 15). The Committee recommends that the State party should further develop a systematic approach to increasing, including through the media, public awareness of the participatory rights of children in order to make these rights and their implications fully understood by the population at large.


109.     The Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient measures undertaken by the State party in the area of birth registration and at the lack of awareness on registration procedures, especially in rural areas. In light of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take all available measures to ensure the immediate registration of the birth of all children. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the State party to ensure that birth registration procedures are made widely known and understood by the population at large.


110.     Although the Committee is aware that corporal punishment is prohibited by law, it remains concerned that traditional societal attitudes still regard the use of corporal punishment by parents as an acceptable practice. The Committee recommends that the State party reinforce measures to raise awareness on the negative effects of corporal punishment and ensure that discipline in schools, families and all institutions is administered in a manner consistent with the child's dignity, in light of article 28 of the Convention. It further recommends that the State party ensure that alternative disciplinary measures are developed and administered within the family and schools.


111.     With regard to the situation of children deprived of a family environment, the Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient number of alternative care centres and the lack of support to the existing ones supported by nongovernmentalorganizations. Concern is also expressed about the low quality of living conditions in the existing care centres for children and the lack of adequate monitoring of placement conditions. The Committee is also concerned about the conditions of children living in an informal type of placement, whose situation is not periodically reviewed in accordance with article 25 of the Convention. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to establish alternative care centres for children deprived of a family environment and/or to provide support to the private ones. Independent monitoring should be set up for public and private care institutions. In light of article 25 of the Convention, the Committee further suggests the State party to systematically review the conditions of children living in an informal type of placement.


112.     While the Committee takes note that a specific legal framework for adoption procedures is being discussed by the National Assembly, it remains concerned at the insufficient protection measures regarding domestic and intercountry adoption. The Committee encourages the State party to continue strengthening its legal provisions regarding domestic and intercountry adoption and to consider accession to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption of 1993.


113.     The Committee is concerned at the insufficient awareness and lack of information on illtreatment and abuse, including sexual abuse, both within and outside the family, and at the insufficient legal protection measures, resources and trained personnel to prevent and combat such abuses. The lack of rehabilitation measures for the physical and psychological recovery of abused children is also a matter of concern. 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, including domestic violence and sexual abuse of children. 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.


114.     While the Committee notes with appreciation the State party's efforts to combat infant and child mortality rates, it is still concerned about the prevalence of malnutrition as well as the limited access to health services, especially in rural areas. The persistence of health problems related to insufficient access to safe water and sanitation are also matters of concern. The Committee suggests that the State party allocate appropriate resources and, when needed, consider seeking technical assistance to reinforce its efforts to make basic health care accessible to all children. In particular, concerted efforts are needed to combat malnutrition and ensure the adoption and implementation of a national nutritional policy on children. International cooperation for the establishment of programmes such as the WHO/UNICEF programme Integrated Management of Childhood Illness is recommended.


115.     While the Committee acknowledges the State party's efforts to combat and prevent STDs and HIV/AIDS, the Committee expresses its deep concern at the spread of the epidemic and its direct and indirect effects on children. The Committee recommends that programmes relating to the incidence and treatment of children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS should be reinforced. International cooperation from UNICEF, WHO and UNAIDS is encouraged. The Committee encourages the State party to refer to the Committee's recommendations formulated during the day of general discussion on children living in a world with HIV/AIDS (see CRC/C/80).


116.     While welcoming the State party's innovative measures, both legal and educational, to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices affecting the health of girls, the Committee expresses its concern at the limited impact of these measures. The Committee recommends to the State party to strengthen its measures to combat and eradicate the persistent practice of female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to the health of the girl child. It encourages the State party to continue carrying out sensitization programmes for practitioners of female genital mutilation and other harmful practices.


117.     While the Committee acknowledges the State party's efforts in the area of adolescent health, it is particularly concerned at the high and increasing rate of early pregnancies, high maternal mortality rate and the lack of access by teenagers to reproductive health education and services. The Committee suggests that a comprehensive and multidisciplinary study be undertaken to understand the scope of adolescent health problems, including the negative impact of early pregnancies. The Committee recommends to the State party to promote adolescent health policies and programmes by, inter alia, strengthening reproductive health education and counselling services. The Committee encourages the State party to consider seeking international assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF and WHO.


118.     In relation to the situation of children with disabilities, the Committee expresses its concern at the limited infrastructure, qualified staff and specialized institutions. 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, envisage awarenessraising campaigns to reduce discrimination, establish special education programmes and centres and encourage the inclusion of disabled children into society. 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.


119.     While the Committee welcomes the State party's efforts to provide access to preschool education to all children, it remains concerned at the persistence of high school dropout, repetition, absenteeism and illiteracy rates, as well as the low enrolment rate and limited access to education in rural areas. Concern is also expressed at the shortage of trained teachers, insufficient school infrastructure and equipment, and gender disparities in school attendance. The Committee recommends to the State party to undertake all appropriate measures to, inter alia, improve the access to education, especially of the most vulnerable groups of children, and to reinforce training programmes for the teaching personnel. Furthermore, the Committee suggests to the State party that attention should be given to incorporating the Convention and the teaching of human rights in the school curricula, especially within the framework of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education. The Committee encourages the State party to seek to this effect international cooperation from, inter alia, UNESCO and UNICEF.


120.     While the Committee welcomes the State party's openness to hosting refugees from bordering African States, it expresses its concern at the limited capacity of the State party to protect and guarantee the rights of unaccompanied and refugee children. The absence of a legal and administrative framework to protect their rights; the fact that most refugee births are not registered; the lack of alternative care measures for unaccompanied refugee children; and the arbitrary detention of refugee children are matters of concern. The Committee recommends to the State party to develop a legislative framework for the protection of refugee children and unaccompanied children; to establish alternative care for unaccompanied refugee children; to ensure that all refugee births are registered; and to ensure that refugee children are not subject to arbitrary detention. The Committee encourages the State party to continue working in close cooperation with international agencies active in the field of refugee protection such as UNHCR and UNICEF.


121.     The Committee is concerned about the growing number of children who, owing, inter alia, to rural exodus, poverty, and violence and abuse within the family, have to live and/or work on the streets and therefore are deprived of their fundamental rights and exposed to various forms of exploitation. The Committee recommends to the State party to undertake research on the issue of children living and/or working on the streets as a basis for adopting appropriate programmes and policies for the protection and rehabilitation of these children and the prevention of this phenomenon.


122.     The Committee expresses its concern at the large number of children who are involved in labour activities, including in the informal sector, in agriculture and in the family context. The Committee remains concerned at the insufficient law enforcement and the lack of adequate monitoring mechanisms to address this situation. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake a study on the scope of child labour with a view to using it as a framework for the development of strategies and programmes in this area. It suggests that the State party review all relevant domestic legislation with a view to bringing it into conformity with the Convention and other relevant international standards. Child labour laws should be enforced, the labour inspectorates strengthened and penalties imposed in cases of violation. Furthermore, it is suggested that the State party consider ratifying ILO Convention (No. 138) concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment. International cooperation from the ILO can be sought to this effect.


123.     The Committee is particularly concerned at the high and increasing incidence of drug and substance abuse among youth; the lack of legal provisions in relation to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; and the limited social and medical programmes and services available in this regard. In light of article 33 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including legislative, administrative, social and educational measures, to protect children from being used in the illicit production and trafficking of such substances. It also encourages the State party to support rehabilitation programmes dealing with children 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.


124.     The Committee is concerned at the absence of data and of a comprehensive study on the issue of sexual exploitation of children. In light of article 34 and other related articles of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party engage in studies with a view to designing and implementing appropriate policies and measures, including care and rehabilitation, to prevent and combat the sexual exploitation of children. It also recommends to the State party to reinforce its legislative framework to fully protect children from all forms of sexual abuse or exploitation, including within the family. The Committee further recommends to the State party to use as a reference framework the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children held in Stockholm in 1996.


125.     The Committee is concerned at the increasing phenomenon of trafficking and sale of children into neighbouring countries for work or prostitution. The insufficient measures to prevent and combat this phenomenon are also a matter of concern. In light of article 35 and other related articles of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party review its legal framework and reinforce law enforcement, and strengthen its efforts to raise awareness in communities, in particular in rural areas. Cooperation with neighbouring countries through bilateral agreements to this effect to prevent crossborder trafficking is strongly encouraged.


126.     While welcoming the cooperation of the State party with nongovernmental organizations and UNICEF in its efforts to monitor the situation of children deprived of liberty and the establishment of a juvenile justice system, the Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient number of facilities for the detention of juveniles and at the fact that juveniles are detained with adults. The Committee is also concerned at the insufficiency of facilities and programmes for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of juveniles. The Committee is further concerned that the deprivation of liberty of a child is not being used as a measure of last resort, as established by the Convention. 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 programmes. 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.


127.     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 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: Sweden


128.     The Committee considered the second periodic report of Sweden (CRC/C/65/Add.3) at its 521st to 522nd meetings (see CRC/C/SR.521-522), held on 22 January 1999 and adopted* the following concluding observations.


A. Introduction


129.     The Committee welcomes the timely submission of the second periodic report and commends the State party for the submission to the Committee of additional information during the intervening period on its own initiative. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the comprehensive nature of the report, while regretting that it did not entirely follow the Committee's guidelines, in particular by repeating information that had already been included in the initial report and making very limited reference to the concluding observations issued by the Committee upon its examination of that report and to their implementation. The report focuses too heavily on the description of legislative measures, while containing limited statistical and other information on the actual status of children. The Committee also takes note of the written answers to the list of issues (CRC/C/Q/SWE/2) and the additional information provided to it during the course of the dialogue, which enabled it to assess progress in the implementation of the rights of the child in Sweden. The Committee welcomes the constructive dialogue with the State party delegation.


                                    B. Followup measures undertaken and progress

                                        achieved by the State party


130.     The Committee appreciates the setting up of a parliamentary committee to review existing legislation to ensure its conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention.


131.     The Committee appreciates the efforts of the State party to implement the recommendations of the Committee (see CRC/C/15/Add.2, para. 12) and welcomes progress achieved in reviewing legislation and taking appropriate measures to improve the compatibility of the juvenile justice system with the Convention, especially articles 37, 39 and 40, 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.


132.     The Committee commends the support of the State party to international efforts to combat commercial sexual exploitation of children, and welcomes the adoption in 1997 of the National Plan of Action against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.


         


            * At the 531st meeting, held on 29 January 1999.


133.     The Committee commends the State party for its continued commitment to the rights of the child in its development cooperation programmes, and notes with satisfaction that the State party is one of the few to meet, and exceed,

the United Nations target of 0.7 per cent of GDP for development assistance. The Committee welcomes the efforts of the State party to provide training on human rights and the rights of the child to officials working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish International Development Agency.


                                    C. Principal subjects of concern and the

                                        Committee's recommendations


134.     While noting the positive aspects of decentralization in the provision of services by the municipalities, the Committee is concerned that it has caused inconsistencies in policies and disparities in the provision of or accessibility to services by children and their families. In line with its earlier recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.2, para. 10), the Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to ensure that municipalities respect the framework of government policies designed to fully protect children from any discrimination in the implementation of the Convention.


135.     While the Committee welcomes the establishment in 1993 of an ombudsman for children, in accordance with the Committee's recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.2, para. 10), it is concerned about a number of issues raised during the dialogue with the State party concerning the role, autonomy and structural position of the ombudsman for children. The Committee welcomes the launching of an inquiry into the effectiveness of the ombudsman, carried out by a one-man committee, and encourages the State party to examine carefully its results and consider reviewing the role and autonomy of the ombudsman for children.


136.     The Committee notes that the impact of the 1991-1993 recession experienced by the State party led to budgetary austerity measures which have had an impact on children and cause concern regarding the achievement of progress in the implementation of the Convention. While welcoming the decision of the State party to give priority in the use of additional resources to children with special support needs, the Committee remains concerned about the introduction of charges and cutbacks in educational and social services provided by some municipalities as the result of budgetary austerity measures. The Committee recommends that the State party review the impact of the budgetary cuts so as to renew efforts to implement the Convention to the maximum extent of available resources in accordance with article 4.


137.     The Committee welcomes the decision of the State party to review the legislation setting a lower age of marriage for children resident in or nationals of other States. The Committee encourages the State party to consider changes in the legislation with a view to increasing protection against the harmful effects of early marriage and to eliminating discrimination among children within its jurisdiction.


138.     With regard to article 2 of the Convention and to the Committee's earlier recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.2, paras. 7 and 13), the Committee notes with concern that the principle of non-discrimination is not fully implemented for the children of illegal immigrants, the so-called “children in hiding”. The Committee recommends to the State party that it review its policies, with a view to expanding the services available to illegal immigrant children beyond the provision of emergency health services.


139.     The Committee expresses its concern about the reported increase in the incidence of racism and xenophobia, and shares the concerns of the State party about the effectiveness of the existing legislation on “unlawful discrimination” and “agitation against an ethnic group”. The Committee encourages the State party to act upon its stated commitment to review the legislation and urges it to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination, as provided for in article 2.2 of the Convention.


140.     Regarding the right to acquire a nationality, the Committee is concerned about the existing legislation concerning stateless children. The Committee encourages the State party to complete its revision of the Citizenship Act and urges that resulting amendments fully take into account article 7 of the Convention.


141.     While noting that measures are being taken and discussed, the Committee remains concerned about the protection of children from access to pornographic materials. The Committee encourages the State party to continue taking all appropriate measures, bearing in mind the provisions of articles 13, 17 and 18 of the Convention.


142.     In relation to article 11 of the Convention, the Committee notes with satisfaction that Sweden is a party to the European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children and to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts to conclude bilateral agreements to the same effect with States that are not parties to the two abovementioned conventions, and to review existing legislation on the recognition of foreign decisions on custody and to consider ratification of the Hague Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Cooperation in respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children of 1996.


143.     While noting that some municipalities offer family counselling services free of charge, and that the fee being charged in other municipalities may not seem too high, the Committee is concerned that a significant number of families find such fees a disincentive to seeking needed help and assistance. The Committee recommends that the State party review its policies in this regard so as to facilitate access to family counselling services, in particular for the more vulnerable groups.


144.     With regard to the Committee's recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.2, paras. 9 and 11), and while appreciating the efforts being undertaken in providing increased training to professionals in this regard, the Committee is concerned that the system of compulsory reporting of incidents of child abuse is not working satisfactorily. The Committee recommends that the State party continue its efforts and undertake further measures to improve the protection of children from all sorts of abuse, in accordance with article 19 of the Convention.


145.     Although the State party has one of the widest public support systems, disparities between municipalities and social strata seem to be widening, resulting in social exclusion and tension and poor services being delivered to the economically disadvantaged groups. The Committee recommends that all appropriate measures be taken, in accordance with articles 2, 26, 27 and 30 of the Convention, to ensure universal access to social benefits, in particular for the poorer families, and that the public be better informed on their rights in this regard.


146.     While welcoming the State party's plans to dedicate the 1999 annual inspection of schools to the issue of bullying, the Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts to prevent bullying in schools, to collect information on the incidence of this phenomenon and, in particular, to set up specific structures to enable the participation of children in adequately addressing and resolving this problem.


147.     The Committee remains concerned about the impact of budgetary cuts on the child's right to education. The Committee encourages the State party in its decision to restore higher levels of funding for remedial education and extend coverage to children in need of special assistance. It also recommends that the State party review its policy on access to daycare services for children of unemployed parents, taking into consideration the child's right to education and leisure activities in accordance with articles 2, 3, 28 and 31 of the Convention, particularly in relation to current efforts to increase the educational role of preschool and daycare centres.


148.     With regard to its earlier recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.2, para. 13), the Committee is concerned about the rising incidence of substance abuse among adolescents. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake systematic efforts to collect data on and monitor substance abuse, and in particular on its impact among the more vulnerable groups.


149.     While appreciating the review of legislation and other measures undertaken by the State party to improve protection of children from sexual exploitation, in line with the recommendation of the Committee (see CRC/C/15/Add.2, paras. 8 and 11), including current efforts to review domestic legislation so as to eliminate the “dual criminality” requirement for extraterritorial legislation, the Committee remains concerned about the need to increase protection from sexual exploitation, particularly for children between 15 and 18 years. The Committee encourages the State party to continue and increase its efforts to ensure better protection for children up to the age of 18.


150.     Finally, in the light of article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the second periodic 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.


Concluding observations: Yemen


151.     The Committee considered the second periodic report of Yemen (CRC/C/70/Add.1) at its 523rd to 524th meetings (see CRC/C/SR.523-524), held on 25 January 1999, and adopted* the following concluding observations.


A. Introduction


152.     The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's second periodic report as well as the additional information requested by the Committee (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 22), which reflect the commitment of the State party to promote and protect children's rights. Nevertheless, the Committee regrets that the report has not followed the guidelines for periodic reports and has not included information on follow-up measures to the Committee's recommendations on the initial report. The failure to submit written responses to the list of issues (CRC/C/Q/YEM/2) is also regretted. The Committee is encouraged by the dialogue with the State party's delegation. The Committee also acknowledges that the presence of a delegation directly involved in the implementation of the Convention enabled it to better assess the situation of the rights of the child in the State party.


                                     B. Follow-up measures undertaken and progress

                                        achieved by the State party


153.     The Committee expresses its appreciation at the adoption of several initiatives such as the National Population Strategy (1990-2000), the Social Security Network and the Social Welfare Fund (1996), which aim at combating poverty and strengthening social programmes to counter the negative impact of economic reforms in the State party. This initiative reflects the Committee's recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 20).


154.     The Committee welcomes the State party's initiative to eliminate school fees for girls, as a measure to reduce traditional gender disparities in the educational system.


155.     The Committee notes with appreciation the participation of non-governmental organizations in the elaboration of the State party's second periodic report and within the Higher Council for Mothers and Children, in line with a recommendation of the Committee (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 18).


156.     The Committee welcomes the fact that Yemen has become a State party to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on their Destruction.




         


            * At its 531st meeting, held on 29 January 1999. 


                        C.        Factors and difficulties impeding further progress

                                    in the implementation of the Convention


157.     The Committee notes that the State party is still facing serious political, economic and social challenges, such as its transition from a feudal to a modern society and the effects of its recent process of

reunification, which affect the situation of children. It is also noted that the current presence within the territory of the State party of a large number of refugees from the Horn of Africa may still be negatively affecting the full implementation of the Convention in the State party.


158.     The Committee notes that certain traditional practices and customs, prevailing particularly in rural areas, continue to hamper further progress in the effective implementation of the provisions of the Convention, especially with regard to the girl child.


                                    D. Principal subjects of concern and the

                                        Committee's recommendations


159.     In accordance with its previous recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 22), the Committee reiterates its concern at the fact that the State party's second periodic report (CRC/C/70/Add.1) has not been prepared according to the Committee's guidelines for periodic reports. The Committee recommends that the next periodic report of the State party be prepared in accordance with the Committee's guidelines as set out in document CRC/C/58. In this connection, the Committee suggests that the State party consider seeking technical assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights or UNICEF.


160.     While the Committee takes note of the steps taken by the State party to review its legislation on children's rights, it reiterates its concern at the fact that the State party has not complied with the Committee's recommendations (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 14) to ensure that domestic legislation is in full conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures in order to ensure that its legislation is in full conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention. The Committee also suggests that the State party consider the enactment of comprehensive legislation such as a children's rights code.


161.     With reference to the Committee's recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 18), the Committee takes note of the reactivation of the Higher Council for Maternal and Child Welfare and welcomes the willingness of Yemen's Prime Minister to head this Council. Nevertheless, the Committee is still concerned about the insufficiency of funding for the adequate functioning of the Council. The Committee remains concerned about the lack of adequate coordination between government institutions and bodies involved in the protection of children's rights, both at national and local levels. The Committee encourages the State party to take all necessary steps to strengthen the role of the Higher Council for Maternal and Child Welfare, at both central and local levels. In addition, the Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party take further steps to strengthen coordination between the various government institutions and bodies involved in children's rights.


162.     With regard to the Committee's recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 19) concerning the need to develop indicators for monitoring the implementation of policies and programmes for children, the Committee remains concerned that disaggregated data and indicators for all areas covered by the Convention were not included in the periodic report. The Committee recommends to the State party to continue reviewing and updating its datacollection system, with a view to including all the areas covered by the Convention. Such a system should include all children under 18 years of age with specific emphasis on vulnerable groups of children. In this regard, the Committee encourages the State party to seek technical assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF.


163.     While the Committee acknowledges the State party's efforts to disseminate information on the provisions of the Convention, it remains concerned about the limited impact of these measures. The Committee recommends to the State party to take further measures, including through the media, to disseminate the Convention among the adult population, including professional groups, community, tribal and religious leaders, as well as among children. The Committee encourages the State party to continue working in this area in close partnership with non-governmental organizations and UNICEF.


164.     The Committee regrets the lack of information on the State party’s measures to carry out training programmes for professional groups working with and for children in accordance with the Committee’s recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 17). The Committee recommends to the State party to take all necessary steps for the provision of sensitization programmes and training to all professional groups working with and for children, such as judges, lawyers, law enforcement and army officials, civil servants, personnel working in institutions and places of detention for children, teachers, health personnel, psychologists and social workers.


165.     With regard to the Committee's recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 20), the Committee recognizes the numerous efforts undertaken by the State party in regard to the implementation of social programmes. Nevertheless, it remains concerned that the adoption of structural adjustment programmes might have an adverse effect on the implementation of social programmes, especially those related to children. In light of articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to continue undertaking all appropriate measures to the maximum extent of its available resources, including through international cooperation, to continue ensuring that sufficient budgetary allocations are provided to social services for children and that particular attention is paid to the protection of children belonging to vulnerable and marginalized groups. The Committee also recommends to the State party to take into consideration the child rights component in designing its social policies and programmes.


166.     The Committee remains concerned that the legal “ages of maturity”, which refer to the criterion of puberty, set at 10 years for boys and at 9 years for girls, are too low. Concern is also expressed at the low age of criminal responsibility (7 years). Furthermore, the Committee reiterates its deep concern (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 7) at the fact that the State party has lowered the minimum legal age for marriage of boys from 18 to 15, instead of increasing the one for girls. The Committee recommends to the State party to introduce adequate reforms to its legislation in order to raise the ages of maturity and criminal responsibility and to raise the minimum legal age for marriage, with a view to bringing them into full conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention. In this regard, the Committee encourages the State party to undertake awarenessraising campaigns regarding the harmful effects of early marriage.


167.     With respect to the Committee’s recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 14), the Committee remains concerned that the State party does not appear to have fully taken into account the general principles of the Convention - 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, administrative and judicial decisions, and in its policies and programmes relevant to children. The Committee reiterates its recommendation that further efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the general principles of the Convention are reflected in the legislation, guide policy discussions, and are appropriately integrated into any judicial and administrative decisions as well as into the development and implementation of all projects, programmes and services which have an impact on children.


168.     With regard to the implementation of article 2 of the Convention, the Committee expresses its concern about the persistent disparities between the northern and southern regions of the State party as well as between urban and rural areas. Furthermore, the Committee remains concerned (see CRC/C/15/Add. 47, paras. 8 and 9) about the occurrence of discrimination affecting girls, children with disabilities, children born out of wedlock, refugee children, Akhdam children and children belonging to nomadic groups. The Committee reiterates its recommendation to the State party to continue taking measures to reduce economic, social and geographical disparities, including between rural and urban areas, and to prevent discrimination against the most disadvantaged groups of children.


169.     The Committee is still concerned (see CRC/C/15/Add. 47, para. 6) that the participatory rights of children, as enshrined in the Convention, are not taken into account by the society at large, especially with regard to freedom of expression (art. 13), freedom of thought, conscience and religion (art. 14), freedom of association and peaceful assembly (art.15). The Committee recommends that the State party should further develop a systematic approach to increasing public awareness, including through the media, of the participatory rights of children in order to make these rights and its implications fully understood by the population at large.


170.     The Committee expresses its concern at the insufficient measures undertaken by the State party in the area of birth registration, and at the lack of awareness of registration procedures, especially in rural areas. In light of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take all available measures to ensure the immediate registration of the birth of all children. The Committee encourages the State party to ensure that birth registration procedures are made widely known and understood by the population at large. Furthermore, the Committee wishes to call the attention of the State party to the serious implications of the absence of a birth certificate, which can result in the sentencing of a child to the death penalty or preclude his or her access to health services.


171.     Although the Committee is aware that ill-treatment of children is prohibited by law, it remains concerned that the use of corporal punishment by parents is widely regarded to be acceptable. The Committee recommends that the State party reinforce measures to raise awareness on the negative effects of corporal punishment and ensure that discipline in schools, families and all institutions is administered in a manner consistent with the child’s dignity, in light of articles 3, 12, 19 and 28 of the Convention. The Committee further suggests that the State party ensure that alternative disciplinary measures are developed within the family, at schools and other institutions.


172.     The Committee expresses its concern at the lack of information on the implementation of the Committee’s recommendation with regard to enhancing the role of the family in the promotion of children’s rights (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 16). The Committee reiterates its recommendation to the State party to pay special attention to enhancing the role of the family in the promotion of children's rights, and stresses the importance of the status of women in family and social life. In this regard, the Committee recognizes the importance of developing family counselling services, in both urban and rural areas.


173.     Although the Committee is aware of the long tradition of in-community care for children deprived of a family environment, it expresses its concern at the insufficient number of care centres for abandoned boys and the absence of facilities for abandoned girls. The Committee recommends to the State party to take all available measures to establish alternative care centres for abandoned girls and/or establish alternatives to institutionalizing children (for example, foster families, adoption, kafalah). The Committee further recommends that the State party undertake follow-up measures and institute a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure the adequate development of this group of children.


174.     While the Committee notes with appreciation the State party’s efforts to combat infant and child mortality rates, it is still concerned about the prevalence of malnutrition as well as the limited access to health services in rural areas. The persistence of health problems related to insufficient access to safe water and sanitation are also matters of concern. Furthermore, the Committee is particularly concerned about the high rate of maternal mortality due to the fact that the majority of births take place in the absence of appropriate medical care, as well as the limited access of women to appropriate health services and education, especially in rural areas. The Committee suggests that the State party allocate appropriate resources and consider seeking technical assistance, when needed, to reinforce its efforts to make basic health care accessible to all children. In particular, concerted efforts are needed to combat malnutrition and ensure the adoption and implementation of a national nutritional policy for children. International cooperation for the establishment of programmes such as the WHO/UNICEF programme Integrated Management of Childhood Illness is recommended. In addition, the Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts in the provision of userfriendly healthcare facilities for women (antenatal, maternal and perinatal care) and adequate training for health workers (for example, midwives), especially in rural and remote areas.


175.      With regard to adolescent health, the Committee is particularly concerned at the high and increasing rate of teenage pregnancies and the insufficient access to reproductive health education and counselling services for teenagers, including outside schools. The Committee is also concerned at the lack of preventive measures, including information campaigns, regarding STDs and HIV/AIDS. The Committee recommends to the State party to promote adolescent health policies and the strengthening of reproductive health education and counselling services. The Committee also recommends that further efforts be undertaken for the development of childfriendly counselling services as well as care and rehabilitation facilities for adolescents. Furthermore, the Committee recommends to the State party, inter alia, to undertake awarenessraising campaigns to prevent and combat the spread of STDs and HIV/AIDS and to establish health facilities and programmes for the care of children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS (see also the Committee’s recommendations on children living in a world with HIV/AIDS, CRC/C/80).


176.     The Committee is concerned about the practice of female genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices affecting the health of the girl child in some regions of the State party. The Committee wishes to endorse the recommendation made by the Human Rights Committee in 1995 to the State party (see A/50/40, para. 261) to conduct a study on the practice of female genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices and formulate specific plans to prevent, combat and eradicate this practice.


177.     The Committee expresses its concern at the high rate of children with disabilities in the State party and at the lack of infrastructure, limited qualified staff, and specialized care and rehabilitation facilities to address their needs. 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, envisage awareness-raising campaigns to reduce discrimination against them, establish special education programmes and centres, and encourage their inclusion into society.


178.     With regard to the educational system, the Committee remains concerned at the persistence of high school drop-out, repetition, absenteeism and illiteracy rates as well as the low enrolment rate and limited access to education in rural and remote areas. Concern is also expressed at the shortage of trained teachers, insufficient school infrastructure, lack of basic equipment, outdated school curricula and gender and geographical disparities in school attendance. In light of articles 28 and 29 of the Convention, the Committee recommends to the State party to undertake all appropriate measures to, inter alia, improve the school infrastructure and update its equipment; to accelerate the implementation of the compulsory education system; to improve access to education for boys and girls, including of the most vulnerable groups; to strengthen training programmes for the teaching personnel. The Committee encourages the State party to seek, to this effect, international cooperation from, inter alia, UNESCO and UNICEF.


179.     The Committee regrets the lack of information on the implementation of the Committee’s recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 17) regarding the need to incorporate the Convention and the teaching of human rights in the school curricula. The Committee reiterates its recommendation to the State party that attention should be given to incorporating the Convention and the teaching of human rights in school curricula, especially within the framework of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education.


180.     While the Committee welcomes the State party’s openness to hosting refugees from the Horn of Africa, it expresses its concern at the limited capacity of the State party to protect and guarantee the rights of unaccompanied and refugee children. With respect to the Committee’s recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 21), the Committee remains concerned at the lack of information on the number of asylumseeking and refugee children. In light of article 22 of the Convention, the Committee reiterates its recommendation to the State party to ensure adequate legal protection of refugee children, including the guarantee of their physical safety and access to health and education. In this connection, the Committee suggests that the State party consider seeking technical assistance from, inter alia, UNHCR.


181.     In light of articles 38 and 39 of the Convention, the Committee is concerned about the situation of children affected by the recent armed conflicts in the State party as well as in neighbouring countries. Concern is also expressed about the presence of landmines in the State party, which threatens the lives of children. The Committee recommends to the State party to take all appropriate measures for the protection of children affected by armed conflicts, including their physical and psychological rehabilitation and social reintegration. The Committee recommends to the State party to take all necessary measures, especially awarenessraising programmes on landmines for the population at large, including children. In this regard, the Committee encourages the State party to consider seeking international cooperation.


182.     While the Committee takes note of the measures taken by the State party in the field of child labour, it remains concerned about their limited impact, including on the situation of child beggars (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 21), and at the lack of adequate monitoring mechanisms. Furthermore, the Committee reiterates its concern for children living and/or working on the streets, who require special attention because of the risks they are exposed to. The Committee recommends to the State party to review its legislation and practice in order to protect children from being economically exploited. Labour inspectorates should be strengthened and penalties imposed in case of violation. It is suggested that the State party consider ratifying ILO Convention (No. 138) concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment. The Committee further recommends to the State party to undertake research on the issue of children living and/or working on the streets with a view to adopting a national policy for the protection and rehabilitation of these children.


183. Although the Committee welcomes the State party’s willingness to carry out research on the issue of sexual exploitation of children, it is concerned at the absence of knowledge, data and a comprehensive study on this issue. In light of article 34 and other related articles of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies with a view to designing and implementing appropriate policies and measures, including care and rehabilitation, to prevent and combat the sexual exploitation of children. It also recommends to the State party to review and reinforce its legislative framework to fully protect all children under 18 years of age from all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation, including within the family. The Committee further recommends to the State party to use as a reference framework the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children held in Stockholm in 1996.


184. While noting that the State party has in place domestic legislation relating to juvenile justice, the Committee remains concerned at the general situation of the administration of juvenile justice and in particular its compatibility with the Convention, as well as with other relevant United Nations standards. The Committee is especially concerned about the lack of detention centres for female juvenile offenders; the use of detention other than as a measure of last resort; the poor living conditions in detention centres; the use of physical punishment, including flogging, and torture in detention centres; the lack of rehabilitation measures and educational facilities for juvenile offenders; and the placement of “potential delinquents” in detention centres instead of care institutions for their rehabilitation. Furthermore, the Committee considers that the age of criminal responsibility, set at 7 years, is too low. The Committee reiterates its recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add.47, para. 21) that the State party take all measures to review its legislation in order to fully reflect 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. Training programmes on relevant international standards should be organized for all professionals working in the system of juvenile justice. The Committee recommends to the State party to consider seeking technical assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the 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.


185. Finally, in light of article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the second periodic report 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 by the Committee. Such a document should be widely distributed in order to generate debate and awareness of the Convention, its implementation and monitoring within the Government, the Parliament and the general public, including concerned nongovernmental organizations.


III. OVERVIEW OF THE OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE


A. Review of developments relevant to the work of the Committee


186. During the session, various members of the Committee reported on meetings in which they had participated.


187. The Chairperson, Ms. Mason, participated in the launching of the NGO Children's Law Centre in Northern Ireland. While there, she was interviewed by the BBC on the work of the Committee as well as aspects of the Convention, including its implementation. She also met with a number of parliamentarians, including heads of political parties. She also met with the minister with responsibility for children in the Republic of Ireland, with whom she discussed the recommendations of the Committee concerning the State party's report, and with the President of the Republic of Ireland.


188. On 5 and 6 November 1998 Ms. Mason attended a conference in Nicosia, Cyprus, on “Children's Rights and Wrongs” which focused on the promotion of awareness on child rights issues. Mr. Rabah also attended the conference. The issues discussed during the conference included child labour, children in armed conflicts, commercial sexual exploitation, and the child and the media.


189. Ms. Mason described her visit to the Philippines where she participated in the launching of UNICEF's State of the World's Children report. While in the Philippines, she visited a university law school and was interviewed by a local television station.


190. Mr. Kolosov informed the Committee about his participation in a round table during the conference “Listening to Children: New Strategies for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Europe” held on 2 December 1998 at the European Parliament in Brussels, at which he had made a presentation. He also participated in an expert group meeting on international norms and standards relating to disability, held from 8 to 12 December 1998 at the University of California at Berkeley. The meeting, which was coordinated by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division of Social Policy and Development, focused on the review of technical documents and the development of technical guidelines for draft model legislation in this field.


191. Mr. Rabah advised the Committee that he attended the meeting of the International Association of Refugee Law Judges, held from 11 to 15 October 1998, in Ottawa, Canada, during which he made a presentation on article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He also participated in a training seminar for police officers on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, held in Beirut in December 1998 where he gave a lecture on the legal framework of the Convention and the activities of the Committee.


192. Ms. Karp informed the Committee of her participation, as a resource person, in a conference on child rights organized by UNICEF from 23 to 25 November 1998 in Sofia. Participants included representatives from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. She also attended the opening of the Citizens' and NGO's Big Assembly in Japan from 4 to 11 December 1998. At the invitation of Defence for Children International (DCI), Ms. Karp had been invited to open the Assembly and to launch the NGO Follow-Up Movement for implementation of the recommendations made by the Committee to Japan regarding its implementation of the Convention.


193. Ms. Karp noted that her visit to Japan had also included the opening of an inaugural meeting in parliament on the implementation of the Convention and the recommendations of the Committee with respect to the report of Japan. Participants in the debate included members of parliament, representatives of various governmental agencies and departments, NGOs and children. She also had the opportunity to address several audiences in Tokyo, Okayama and Kyoto and to meet with the Speaker of the Upper House, the ViceSpeaker of the Lower House, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the Teachers Union and was interviewed by major Japanese newspapers.


194. Ms. Mboi reported that she attended World Forum '98, held from 6 to 8 November 1998 in Manila, and presented closing remarks on the topic “Ensuring Justice for Children and Youth in the 21st Century”. Ms. Mboi provided an overview of her presentation on juvenile justice which emphasized the issues of prevention; the establishment of fair, humane, prompt, child-friendly legal processes; and rehabilitation, resocialization and reintegration. Participants at World Forum '98 adopted the “Manila Declaration: Respecting, Promoting and Protecting Children's Rights”.


195. Ms. Mboi also informed the Committee that she attended a Regional Consultation on Violence and the Role of the Health Sector, held in Yangon, from 12 to 15 January 1999, and presented a paper on “Reflection on Violence against Girls and Women: a Call for Action by the Health Care Sector”. During the discussion, Ms. Mboi touched on issues such as the intergenerational impact of domestic violence, the role of the health care provider and the causes of violence. The Consultation was organized by the WHO SouthEast Asia Regional Office.


196. Ms. Sardenberg reported that she attended the final meeting of the Child Watch International project on indicators for monitoring children's rights, held on 30 October 1998 at Cambridge University. The project was developed in response to the needs expressed by the Committee (see CRC/C/16). Ms. Judith Ennew, the project manager, had presented initial results during the nineteenth session of the Committee and agreed to keep the Committee informed of the project's progress. Ms. Sardenberg also addressed the 8th Annual Conference of the Model United Nations coordinated by the International School of The Hague, held from 14 to 16 November 1998 at The Hague. The event, entirely organized by the students, was a good international educational experience offering young people the possibility of participating in discussions of crucial issues currently on the international agenda.


197. Ms. Sardenberg also participated in the Second Experts Consultation on the Right to Adequate Food which took place in Rome on 18 and 19 November 1998. The event was coordinated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. During the discussions, Ms. Sardenberg stressed the importance of the principles and provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in relation to the implementation of the right to adequate food. Reference was also made to a set of recommendations concerning the report of the 1996 World Food Summit (see E/CN.4/1999/45).


B. Cooperation with United Nations and other competent bodies


198. During the pre-sessional working group and the twentieth session itself, the Committee held various 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.


199. On 13 October 1998, Mrs. Cynthia PriceCohen, Director of the Child Rights International Research Institute, briefed the Committee on new activities undertaken by the Institute. She also shared with members of the Committee some ideas regarding the reporting process under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.


200. On 12 January 1999, Mrs. Marta Santos-Pais, Director of the Division of Evaluation, Policy and Planning of UNICEF, informed the Committee about her organization’s position and action on behalf of children affected by armed conflict. She also briefed the Committee on the preliminary results of a workshop organized by UNICEF on indicators in the field of the rights of the child.


201. On 13 January 1999, the Committee met with Mr. Olara Otunnu, Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral on children in armed conflict. During the discussion, Mr. Otunnu informed the Committee about the activities he had undertaken during his first year as Special Representative. His field missions to Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Sudan, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Kosovo) and Afghanistan had allowed him opportunities to witness first hand the situation of affected children in those areas and to press for important commitments on their behalf. His meeting with the Security Council last June had resulted in a successful public debate as well as a groundbreaking presidential statement on the issue of children in armed conflicts. He had lobbied actively during the deliberations leading to the adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court, contributing to the inclusion of provisions on children in the Statute. Mr. Otunnu highlighted a number of other activities, making particular reference to the mobilization of NGOs as well as the implementation of a series of regional symposia and media outreach programmes. In concluding his presentation to the Committee, Mr. Otunnu pointed out that his programme of work for 1999 involved a series of initiatives at the country, regional and international levels which focused on developing public advocacy, strengthening international standards and local values, establishing concrete initiatives in the midst of ongoing conflict, and mobilizing concerted responses to post-conflict needs. He reiterated the importance of continued cooperation and collaboration with various partners, including United Nations agencies, NGOs and research institutes, particularly as regards the implementation of his proposed programme of work.


202. The Committee met with Ms. Carolyn Hamilton, Director of the Children in Armed Conflict Unit of the University of Essex, United Kingdom, on 15 January 1999. During the meeting, Ms. Hamilton provided an overview of the work of the Unit which involves the collection of data and information on the situation of children in armed conflict; the review and analysis of problems faced by these children; and the formulation of ideas, methods and procedures to reduce the impact of armed conflict on their lives. The major focus of the Unit had been the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Kosovo). A needs analysis had been undertaken to determine the impact of the crisis on children there, particularly as regards access to and availability of humanitarian aid. The field mission had revealed the need for childspecific programmes as well as a rightsbased approach in the planning and delivery of services and stressed the importance of identifying a childspecific coordinator to guarantee the rights of children in the conflict area.


203. From 18 to 19 January 1999, Mrs. Judith Karp represented the Committee at a meeting entitled “Sexual abuse, child pornography and paedophilia on the Internet: an international challenge” organized by UNESCO in Paris, where she made a statement on the importance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in combating these phenomena.


204. On 26 January 1999, the Committee met with Ms. Ofelia Calcetas-Santos, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. Ms. Calcetas-Santos explained that the working methodology adopted in fulfilling her mandate involved a yearly thematic, focused approach on issues such as juvenile justice, the child and the media, including pornography and the Internet, education and commercial sexual exploitation. Her activities with respect to these thematic issues included the promotion and encouragement of legislative, administrative, educational and awarenessraising measures at both the national and international levels. Her current focus was the sale and trafficking aspect of her mandate. She stressed the importance of continued dialogue and institutionalized cooperation between the Special Rapporteur and the Committee. She noted that to this end, she had adopted the practice of reviewing the reports of States parties to the Convention as well as the concluding observations of the Committee, in preparation for her country missions.


205. On 21 January 1999, the Committee held a meeting with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, as well as other competent bodies.


206. The representative of UNICEF drew the attention of the Committee to several documents relating to the recent activities of that agency. A summary of the deliberations of a preparatory meeting held in December 1998 in relation to the pilot initiative entitled “What Do You Think?” was presented. This initiative focuses on children’s participation in reporting their views on respect for their rights, including through the reporting process of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Committeés receptivity to hearing first hand from children about the implementation of their rights under the Convention had been an incentive for the project. The NGO Group on the Convention on the Rights of the Child had actively participated in the preparatory meeting. Feedback from the 12 pilot countries where the project was to be launched would be shared with the Committee. Another publication, entitled “Managing Child Rights in East Asia and the Pacific”, highlighted the experiences of the countries in that region in implementing the Convention. Reports prepared by UNICEF on the “Health and Development Rights of Young People in Crisis” and the “Training of Trainers” were also distributed.


207. The UNICEF representative also referred to a letter from the Norwegian Ombudsman for Children, on behalf of the European Network of Ombudsmen for Children, addressed to the High Commissioner for Human Rights listing the arguments for promoting the establishment of independent offices for children within all States parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.


208. The representative of ILO reported that the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations had a close look at the reports of States parties to the Convention as well as the concluding observations of the Committee and found that the Committee, through its dialogues and recommendations, had incited States to accede to ILO Convention (No. 138) concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment. The ILO representative welcomed this cooperation and strengthening of links between the Committee and the ILO supervisory bodies.


209. The representative informed the Committee about the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work which was adopted at the June 1998 session of the International Labour Conference. Information was also provided on the proposed ILO convention on the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour which is likely to be adopted at the next session of the International Labour Conference, scheduled for June 1999. The representative stressed the significance of this convention in accelerating the international effort to combat child labour.


210. The representative of WHO provided an overview of the organization's proposed programme of work for 1999, particularly those aspects that relate to the promotion and protection of the rights of children to survival and development, health and healthcare services. This year's focus was on improving the capacity of WHO to act on issues relating to the rights of children by advocating and implementing, and by effective coordination within the organization of activities relating to these rights. In this connection, the organization proposes to strengthen its human and technical resources by increasing staff training and establishing a resource training guide for staff. The representative highlighted the significance of the work of WHO in relation to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and reiterated the importance of continued cooperation.


211. The representative of the IMF, in providing an overview of the mandate of that institution, acknowledged that while there appeared to be few links between the mandate of the Committee and that of the Fund, continued cooperation and collaboration was essential. Social and other policies linked to the development and rights of children were likely to be more successful in a stable macroeconomic environment.


212. Among the major areas for cooperation with the Committee was the issue of quality of governance as reflected in fiscal policy, central bank activities and the integrity of judicial institutions. In this connection, the IMF had developed a code of good governance as well as methods to combat corruption. Further information on recent developments within the IMF can be found on the IMF Website.


213. The representative highlighted recent initiatives within the IMF to focus more closely on social concerns. Among such activities was a highlevel seminar involving academics, research institutions and IMF officials on the impact of IMF policies on income distribution and equity. The IMF's heightened sensitivity to the social impact of its programmes was demonstrated in its recent policy discussion in relation to Indonesia where budgetary targets initially proposed had been reduced in order to accommodate the continued payment of food subsidies to vulnerable groups. The Indonesian case illustrated how the IMF's work in the international financial arena can influence the environment in which child rights are to be implemented.


214. On 22 January 1999 Committee members attended the launching of a UNICEFsponsored study by Vitit Muntarbhorn, Professor of Law at Chulalongkoru University, Bangkok, and former Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, entitled “Extraterritorial Criminal Laws against Child Sexual Exploitation”.


Question of a draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on involvement of children in armed conflicts


215. On 11 January 1999, some members of the Committee attended the fifth session of the intersessional openended working group of the Commission on Human Rights on a draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on involvement of children in armed conflicts. On behalf of the Committee, Mr. Yury Kolosov addressed the working group and stated that the draft optional protocol should be expedited. As requested in resolution 1998/76 of the Commission, the Committee had submitted its written comments on the issue together with the text of the recommendation it had adopted at its nineteenth session on children in armed conflicts (see E/CN.4/1999/WG.13/2).


Question of a draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography


216. Reaffirming the importance it attaches to following closely activities in the field of children's rights undertaken within the United Nations system, the Committee had decided to participate in the fifth session of the inter-sessional open-ended working group of the Commission on Human Rights on a draft optional protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. The Committee was represented by two of its members, Mrs. Judith Karp and Mrs. Esther Queenie Mokhuane.


217. On 27 January 1999, Mrs. Karp made the following statement to the working group on behalf of the Committee:

 

“1.On behalf of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, I would like to thank participants in this inter-sessional working group for the efforts you have been making to address and clarify the highly important and difficult issues involved in combating the sale and trafficking of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

 

“2.The international community has further strengthened the unprecedented support given to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has virtually reached universal ratification, with only two States not being parties to the Convention. This exceptional degree of success places the Convention, with its comprehensive provisions, in a unique and particularly strong role to ensure effective promotion and protection of the rights of the child.

 

“3.As you know, the Committee on the Rights of the Child gives, and has always given, great importance to these issues in its examination of the reports submitted by States parties on their implementation of the many relevant provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. They have also been addressed in detail during the days of general discussion organized by the Committee on different aspects of the Convention, and in particular on its general discussion on the topic 'economic exploitation of children' in 1993.

 

“4.It is important to recall that when the Commission on Human Rights adopted resolution 1994/90, the Committee on the Rights of the Child examined it carefully during its sixth session. After detailed discussions and in the light of the thematic general discussion, the Committee adopted a recommendation, and submitted written comments on the guidelines for a possible draft optional protocol for your first session, held in November 1994.

 

“5.In its recommendation, the Committee stated that the Convention on the Rights of the Child already establishes a very important international legal framework to deal with situations of sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, and in particular in order to improve the system of prevention, as well as the protection and rehabilitation of children, at the national, bilateral and multilateral levels. The Convention takes a holistic approach to the rights of children which is crucial when addressing issues as complex as the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. The legal framework set out in the Convention had been complemented by two Programmes of Action adopted by the Commission on Human Rights, for the Prevention of the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography and for the Elimination of the Exploitation of Child Labour. The Committee on the Rights of the Child firmly believed in 1994, and continues to believe now, that in view of this reality, the priority should lie with the strengthening of the implementation of such existing international standards. The Committee confirms its position that new provisions to be incorporated in an optional protocol should strengthen and complement the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and not only reaffirm existing standards or even undermine them.

 

“6.Since 1994, the Committee has followed with interest the deliberations of this inter-sessional working group during the four sessions it has held so far. The Committee appreciates the valuable work that has been carried out, and has given close attention to the very important issues that have been raised in the detailed discussions undertaken in this forum.

 

“7.Other developments have pointed out the importance assigned to these difficult issues by the international community. The World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, held in Stockholm in August 1996, adopted a Declaration and an Agenda for Action which recommended a detailed list of strategies and measures to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the prevention and eradication of sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The Committee on the Rights of the Child has recommended to States parties to the Convention during its examination of their initial reports that they study the Stockholm Declaration and an Agenda for Action and consider adopting a national plan of action along the lines suggested in those documents.

 

“8.In addition, the International Labour Organization has prepared a new convention concerning the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, which is likely to be adopted at the next General Conference, in June 1999. In Vienna, the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is working on the preparation of a draft optional protocol on the trafficking in women and children that would complement the draft convention against transnational organized crime. This new legal instrument is expected to be ready by 2000, and will address the need to standardize and promote improved international cooperation in the penalization and prevention of the sale of children and any form of sexual exploitation of children, and the protection of victims.

 

“9.The Committee on the Rights of the Child has been able to refer to a variety of legal sources to formulate its concluding observations on the way in which States parties should be expected to implement their obligations under the Convention. These sources of detailed advice include existing international legal instruments (such as the not widely ratified Slavery Conventions and the 1949 Convention for the Suppression of Traffic in Persons and Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others), and will soon be complemented by the new instruments being proposed by the ILO and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. Guidance on implementation of the obligations imposed by the Convention on the Rights of the Child can also be obtained from the Programme of Action on the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (adopted by the Commission on Human Rights in 1996) and the work of the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, as well as of the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

 

“10.Thus, in the last few years, work has been carried out in a variety of forums, and detailed recommendations have emerged from a variety of sources (and in particular from the Stockholm World Congress) and are now emerging from the work being carried out in the context of the ILO and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. Other initiatives are also being pursued, including the meeting of experts organized on 18 and 19 January 1999 by UNESCO in Paris on sexual abuse of children, child pornography and paedophilia on the Internet.

 

“11.The Committee on the Rights of the Child is following all these developments closely; it has contributed comments and suggestions and participated in the discussion of many of these initiatives. It hopes that the negotiations being carried out in Vienna will also take close note of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and that cooperation with the Committee will also be considered in regard to that exercise.

 

“12.In the light of all of these initiatives, and of the difficulties encountered during the meetings of this inter-sessional working group, the Committee on the Rights of the Child feels that it may be worth reconsidering the best way of proceeding with this very important work. It is also important to stress that the working group has shed considerable light on the key issues and there is little doubt that its very existence has contributed to the attention given by the international community to these issues in recent years. Nevertheless, it seems to the Committee that it might be helpful for the working group to take stock of recent developments and to reassess its approach in light of these changing circumstances, with a view to providing a very valuable opportunity for the international community to ensure that the overall approach which is emerging is optimal. There are a lot of calls for coherence and coordination but it is difficult to achieve these objectives when many initiatives are developing simultaneously; it is essential to avoid duplication and overlapping initiatives, as well as the risk of inconsistency and incompatibility. Reassessing recent developments in this area is, in any event, an option which deserves further reflection on the part of both the working group and of the Commission itself. It is, indeed, the belief of the Committee that the holistic approach to the rights of the child enshrined in the Convention requires a careful effort, and closer collaboration among all the relevant actors, to ensure the harmonization of outcomes.

 

“13.Of course, the only concern of the Committee on the Rights of the Child in putting such a suggestion forward for consideration is to ensure that the best possible combination of approaches will be adopted by the international community in its efforts to implement the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the prevention of the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.”


C. Future thematic debate


218. In view of the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the adoption by the General Assembly of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1999), the Committee exceptionally decided to postpone its next thematic debate to 2000 and instead agreed to co-organize, with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, a two-day workshop during its twentysecond session entitled: “The Convention on the Rights of the Child: a decade of achievements and challenges”.


               D. Follow-up to the day of general discussion

                   on children with disabilities


219. The working group on the rights of children with disabilities, established as an outcome of the day of general discussion on children with disabilities (1997) (see CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339 and CRC/C/80, paras. 244247), held its first meeting in London on 23 and 24 January 1999. It was chaired by Mr. Bengt Lindquist, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Social Development on disabilities, and attended by

Mrs. Esther Queenie Mokhuane from the Committee on the Rights of the Child, Mrs. Rachel Hurst from Disabled Peoples' International, Mrs. Sue Stubbs and Mrs. Ulrike Persson from the International Save the Children Alliance, Mrs. Kicki Nordstrom from the World Blind Union, Mrs. Gerison Lansdown from the Children's Rights Office, United Kingdom, and Mr. Darryl Cowley, coordinator of the working group. Representatives from the World Federation of the Deaf and Inclusion International were invited but unable to attend.


220. On behalf of the Committee, Mrs. Mokhuane made a statement in which she highlighted the Committee's efforts to promote the rights of children with disabilities. Through its dialogue with and recommendations to States parties, the Committee recommended the enactment of domestic legislation, implementation of appropriate policies and programmes, and allocation of adequate resources to guarantee and protect the rights of children with disabilities. The Committee had also urged States parties to take all necessary measures to improve the situation and protect the rights of children in armed conflicts and those affected by landmines.


221. The primary purpose of the first meeting was to develop a plan of action for the 18month working life of the Group. It was agreed that the primary purpose of the Group would be to strengthen and support the work of the Committee on the Rights of the Child in monitoring and promoting the rights of children with disabilities. Accordingly the following programme was agreed:


     (a)  To organize a series of regional meetings to which disabled children and young people, and local disability organizations would be invited to present their experiences of respect or lack of respect for their rights, what they would like to see changed and their suggestions for future action. Initially, the Group will seek to organize meetings in Latin America and Africa. Further meetings will be held in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and, eventually, in Asia;


     (b)  To collect examples of good practice in promoting the rights of children with disabilities - for example, participation, inclusion, deinstitutionalization - for widespread dissemination. To collate data on social outcomes for children - for example, the proportion of children with access to education, in mainstream education, and supported in the community. The International Save the Children Alliance agreed to undertake this work;


     (c)  To explore the possibility for the Committee on the Rights of the Child to adopt a general comment on article 23 of the Convention;


     (d)  To hold a hearing in Geneva, and possibly also in New York, at which United Nations agencies and bodies would be invited to present to the Group current and planned work designed to promote the rights of children with disabilities;


     (e)  To provide evidence to the pre-sessional working group of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on the situation of children with disabilities in the States parties under discussion;


     (f)  To contribute, through the evidence gathered in the regional meetings, to the Children's Summit planned for 2001;


     (g)  To contribute to the debate on bioethics from the perspective of the rights of children with disabilities;


     (h)  To design a logo and leaflet to promote and explain the role and aims of the working group. It was agreed that the title of the Group would be “Rights of children with disabilities: a working group in consultation with the Committee on the Rights of the Child”.


222. The next meeting of the working group will take place in London on 15 and 16 May 1999.


IV. DRAFT PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE TWENTYFIRST SESSION


223. The following is the draft provisional agenda for the twenty-first session of the Committee:

 

1.Opening

 

2.Solemn declaration by the newly elected members of the Committee

 

3.Election of the officers of the Committee

 

4.Adoption of the agenda

 

5.Submission of reports by States parties

 

6.Consideration of reports by States parties

 

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

 

8.Methods of work of the Committee

 

9.General comments

 

10.Future meetings

 

11.Other matters.


V. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT


224. At its 531st meeting, held on 29 January 1999, the Committee considered the draft report on its twentieth 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 29 JANUARY 1999

(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

Kazakhstan      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 29 JANUARY 1999

 

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

22 January 1998

 8 November 1994

27 October 1995

22 December 1994

CRC/C/8/Add.3

CRC/C/8/Add.41

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

 1 December 1999

CRC/C/8/Add.40

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

25 November 1998

27 April 1998

 6 August 1998

 6 April 1998

CRC/C/11/Add.12

CRC/C/11/Add.22

CRC/C/11/Add.20

CRC/C/11/Add.21

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

Palau

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

21 October 1998



CRC/C/51/Add.2

CRC/C/51/Add.3

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



22 September 1998



CRC/C/61/Add.1

Saudi Arabia

25 February 1996

24 February 1998

21 October 1999

CRC/C/61/Add.2


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    18 September 1998   CRC/C/65/Add.9

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     7 October 1998     CRC/C/65/Add.10

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      12 October 1998     CRC/C/65/Add.12


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       8 October 1998     CRC/C/65/Add.11

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      9 September 1998   CRC/C/70/Add.5

Côte d'Ivoire        5 March 1998

Croatia              7 October 1998

Cuba                19 September 1998

Cyprus               8 March 1998


Denmark             17 August 1998       15 September 1998   CRC/C/70/Add.6

Djibouti             4 January 1998

Dominica            11 April 1998

Dominican Republic  10 July 1998

Estonia             19 November 1998


Ethiopia            12 June 1998         28 September 1998   CRC/C/70/Add.7

Finland             19 July 1998          3 August 1998      CRC/C/70/Add.3

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          5 August 1998      CRC/C/70/Add.4

Kuwait              19 November 1998

Lao People's

  Democratic

  Republic            6 June 1998


Lebanon             12 June 1998          4 December 1998    CRC/C/70/Add.8

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      1 July 1998        CRC/C/70/Add.2

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


Second periodic reports due in 1999


Albania             27 March 1999

Austria              4 September 1999

Azerbaijan          11 September 1999

Bahrain             14 March 1999

Belgium             15 January 1999





Second periodic reports due in 1999 (continued)


State party          Date due         Date of submission   Symbol


Bosnia and

  Herzegovina         5 March 1999

Cambodia            15 November 1999

Canada              11 January 1999

Cape Verde           3 July 1999

Central African

  Republic           23 May 1999


China               31 March 1999

Czech Republic      31 December 1999

Equatorial Guinea   14 July 1999

Germany              4 May 1999

Iceland             26 November 1999


Ireland             27 October 1999

Latvia              13 May 1999

Lesotho              8 April 1999

Lithuania           28 February 1999

Slovakia            31 December 1999


Thailand            25 April 1999

Trinidad and Tobago  3 January 1999

Tunisia             28 February 1999

United Kingdom of

  Great Britain and

  Northern Ireland   14 January 1999

Zambia               4 January 1999


Annex IV


LIST OF INITIAL AND SECOND PERIODIC REPORTS CONSIDERED BY THE

COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD AS AT 29 JANUARY 1999

 

                               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 of

       Great Britain and

       Northern Ireland        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

     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

     Micronesia

       (Federated States of)   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


 


                               State party reports         Observations adopted by the Committee


Nineteenth session

(September-October 1998)


Initial reports


     Ecuador                  CRC/C/3/Add.44              CRC/C/15/Add.93

     Iraq                     CRC/C/41/Add.3              CRC/C/15/Add.94

     Thailand                 CRC/C/11/Add.13             CRC/C/15/Add.96

     Kuwait                   CRC/C/8/Add.35              CRC/C/15/Add.97


Second periodic reports


     Bolivia                  CRC/C/65/Add.1              CRC/C/15/Add.95


Twentieth session

(January 1999)


Initial reports


     Austria                  CRC/C/11/Add.14             CRC/C/15/Add.98

     Belize                   CRC/C/3/Add.46              CRC/C/15/Add.99

     Guinea                   CRC/C/3/Add.48              CRC/C/15/Add.100


Second periodic reports


     Sweden                   CRC/C/65/Add.3              CRC/C/15/Add.101

     Yemen                    CRC/C/70/Add.1              CRC/C/15/Add.102



Annex V


PROVISIONAL LIST OF REPORTS SCHEDULED FOR CONSIDERATION AT

THE COMMITTEE'S TWENTYFIRST AND TWENTYSECOND SESSIONS


Twentyfirst session

(17 May4 June 1999)


Initial reports


     Barbados                 CRC/C/3/Add.45

     St. Kitts and Nevis      CRC/C/3/Add.51

     Benin                    CRC/C/3/Add.52

     Chad                     CRC/C/3/Add.50


Second periodic reports


     Honduras                 CRC/C/65/Add.2

     Nicaragua                CRC/C/65/Add.4


Twentysecond session

(20 September8 October 1999)


Initial reports


     Armenia                  CRC/C/28/Add.9

     Vanuatu                  CRC/C/28/Add.8

     India                    CRC/C/28/Add.10

     Mali                     CRC/C/3/Add.53

     Netherlands              CRC/C/51/Add.1


Second periodic reports


     Russian Federation       CRC/C/65/Add.5


Annex VI


LIST OF DOCUMENTS ISSUED FOR THE TWENTIETH SESSION

OF THE COMMITTEE

 

CRC/C/3/Add.48            Initial report of Guinea

 

CRC/C/3/Add.46            Initial report of Belize

 

CRC/C/11/Add.14           Initial report of Austria

 

CRC/C/27/Rev.11           Note of the SecretaryGeneral on the followup to the consideration of initial reports by States to the Convention

 

CRC/C/40/Rev.11           Note of 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/65/Add.3            Second periodic report of Sweden

 

CRC/C/70/Add.1            Second periodic report of Yemen

 

CRC/C/81 and Corr.1       Provisional agenda and annotations

 

CRC/C/82 and Corr.1       Note by the SecretaryGeneral on the States parties to the Convention and the Status of submission of reports

 

CRC/C/83                  Note by the SecretaryGeneral on periodic reports due in 1999

 

CRC/C/SR.506531          Summary records of the twentieth session



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