ÿWPC[ Z¤éÚ©±½OagJš®NíÏkˆëÖ‡{vCŒç]ÁBˆ>ºF»À}*Øëc“"ÒÖqž£/K”ý±õd_æ6¨·."FÜê’Q4UÒ!È:UglÑÿDÌ®¥ g§øøÎ–ï­N§Él>M‘j“u›ë«[„G2´#„8\à:IjÑHRšþƒÃ4†ªž’WÂ. 4ÅÆÅ5v{yŽ÷™µã+ÊÙ“áTóµ¾ JûCæ¶k$» ×z3W#$Ê™ü¤H]äH•/Å'#ª‹DVÍ ¿ éãØáŸ–޾ð"„A'ÿO è7i0øß#Q 4«mçUò9FÛ]s¯z¼(g¥0Ôµìò¼mYSæ­½Þi  jG|ẂРGW•Ž9uzƒùš™&ýÀ»€õ?¹ ÅMøF›¡u¹µrÇïj`é~ïÌò² .g¤`fò"“cŸ~sù×b%DÈe÷@²ÈÔîSÙÆµ´v¶¼l·}ãÞl êƒSmÜìÆ<“-/ :~‡kÕNµÏ]¢¨Sƒù™s@PülOPUÖë»CìÉ•fu¦±÷4ºéð\;€988Ò›§Ú5ú”ô:`ØàŒ|E±ÝŒØh¤hÞK #Á¶UNw %Å 0:Ë^ w4)8 m:QNY˜HP LaserJet 4000 Series PSÈÚØÚÚØÈÚ0&Öd9 Z‹6Times New Roman RegularX(üœ$¡¡ÔUSUS.,ÔÙ²–- eû*œ¤(”€pr3|x ÿU‹ÿÀÀÀ Ý ƒüœ!ÝÔUSUS.,ÔÝ  ÝÔ_ÔÔ€¼ü”»XXÔò òÓ  ÓÓ  ÓBELGIUMÐ ° ÐÓkÓÌÌÔ€X±hX»¼ü”ÔCRC€A/51/41€(1996)ó óÐ ì< ÐÌÌ577.€€The€Committee€considered€the€initial€report€of€Belgium€(CRC/C/11/Add.4)€at€its€222òòndóó€€to€224òòthóó€Ð °  Ðmeetings€(CRC/C/SR.222-224),€held€on€31€May€and€1€June€1995,€and€adopted,€at€its€233òòrdóó€€meeting,Ð œ ì Ðon€9€June€1995,€the€following€concluding€observations.Ð ˆ Ø ÐÌ(a)€òòIntroductionÐ `°  ÐóóÌ578.€€The€Committee€expresses€its€appreciation€to€the€State€party€for€its€very€comprehensive€report,Ð 8ˆ  Ðand€welcomes€the€open€and€self-critical€approach€taken€by€the€Government€of€Belgium€in€preparingÐ $t  Ðthe€report.€It€also€wishes€to€express€appreciation€to€the€State€party€for€the€submission€of€writtenÐ `  Ðreplies€to€its€list€of€issues,€as€well€as€for€the€additional€information€provided€during€the€course€of€theÐ üL Ðdiscussion.Ð è8 ÐÌ579.€€The€presence€of€a€high-level€delegation€enabled€the€Committee€to€engage€in€a€frank€andÐ À Ðconstructive€dialogue€with€those€directly€responsible€for€the€implementation€of€the€Convention€onÐ ¬ü Ðthe€Rights€of€the€Child,€at€the€federal€and€communities€levels.Ð ˜è ÐÌ(b)€òòPositive€factorsóóÐ pÀ ÐÌ580.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€openness€of€the€delegation€to€review€of€the€declarations€madeÐ H˜ Ðupon€ratification€and€its€willingness€to€consider€withdrawing€them.Ð 4„ ÐÌ581.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€measures€taken€by€the€Government€of€Belgium,€since€the€entryÐ  \ Ðinto€force€of€the€Convention€in€1992,€to€promote€and€protect€the€rights€of€the€child.€In€thisÐ øH Ðconnection,€the€Committee€particularly€welcomes€the€adoption€of€a€comprehensive€legal€frameworkÐ ä4 Ðto€ensure€full€conformity€with€the€Convention€and€the€adoption€of€a€recent€law€which€extends€theÐ Ð  Ðnational€jurisdiction€in€cases€of€child€prostitution€and€pornography€and€allows€the€State€to€prosecuteÐ ¼!  Ðany€person€accused€of€"sex€tourism";€the€revision€of€article€371€of€the€Civil€Code,€which€nowÐ ¨"ø  Ðprovides€for€"mutual€respect€between€parents€and€children";€the€steps€taken€in€view€of€the€ratificationÐ ”#ä! Ðof€the€1993€Hague€Convention€on€Protection€of€Children€and€Cooperation€in€respect€of€Ô_ÔIntercountryÔ_ÔÐ €$Ð" ÐAdoption;€the€announced€intention€to€revise€the€Civil€Code€with€a€view€to€lowering€the€minimumÐ l%¼ # Ðage€of€consent€to€adoption,€in€the€spirit€of€article€12€of€the€Convention;€as€well€as€the€establishmentÐ X&¨!$ Ðof€institutions€and€mechanisms€for€the€promotion€and€protection€of€the€right€of€the€child€by€theÐ D'”"% Ðcommunities.€The€Committee€also€expresses€its€appreciation€for€the€launching€of€awareness-raisingÐ 0(€#& Ðcampaigns€for€the€prevention€of€child€abuse€and€neglect.Ð )l$' ÐÌ582.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€fact€that€the€Convention€is€self-executing€and€that€its€provisionsÐ ô*D&) Ðmay€be,€and€in€practice€have€been€in€several€instances,€invoked€before€the€court.€It€also€notes€withÐ à+0'* Ðsatisfaction€the€fact€that€Belgium€applies€the€principle€of€the€primacy€of€international€human€rightsÐ Ì,(+ Ðstandards€over€national€legislation€in€case€of€conflict€of€law.Ð ¸-), ÐÔ_Ô‡583.€€The€Committee€notes€with€satisfaction€that€during€the€present€period€of€economic€recession,Ð ° Ðattention€has€been€paid€by€the€authorities€with€a€view€to€ensuring€that€the€budgetary€resources€forÐ œì Ðthe€social€welfare€of€the€most€disadvantaged€groups€of€the€population€and,€among€them€children,€willÐ ˆØ Ðnot€decrease€in€the€State€party.Ð tÄ ÐÌ(c)€òòPrincipal€subjects€of€concernÐ L œ ÐóóÌ584.€€The€Committee€would€like€to€suggest€that€the€State€party€consider€establishing€a€permanentÐ $ t Ðnational€mechanism€for€the€purpose€of€coordinating€the€implementation€of€the€Convention€and€itÐ  ` Ðnotes€the€need€for€an€effective€overall€system€for€the€collection€of€data€on€the€rights€of€the€child€atÐ ü L  Ðthe€federal€level,€including€in€particular€on€especially€vulnerable€groups€of€children.Ð è 8  ÐÌ585.€€The€Committee€is€concerned€about€the€application€of€the€law€and€policy€concerning€childrenÐ À  Ðseeking€asylum,€including€unaccompanied€children.€It€is€particularly€concerned€that€unaccompaniedÐ ¬ü  Ðminors€who€have€had€their€asylum€request€rejected,€but€who€can€remain€in€the€country€until€they€areÐ ˜è  Ð18€years€old,€may€be€deprived€of€an€identity€and€denied€the€full€enjoyment€of€their€rights,€includingÐ „Ô  Ðhealth€care€and€education.€Such€a€situation,€in€the€view€of€the€Committee,€raises€concern€as€to€itsÐ pÀ Ðcompatibility€with€articles€2€and€3€of€the€Convention.Ð \¬ ÐÌ586.€€With€regard€to€the€provisions€of€article€2€of€the€Convention,€the€Committee€is€concerned€thatÐ 4„ Ðchildren€belonging€to€disadvantaged€groups€of€the€population€appear€more€likely€to€be€placed€in€care.Ð  p ÐIn€this€regard,€the€Committee€recalls€the€importance€of€the€family€in€the€upbringing€of€a€child€andÐ  \ Ðemphasizes€its€view€that€the€separation€of€a€child€from€his€or€her€family€must€take€the€child's€bestÐ øH Ðinterest€as€a€primary€consideration.Ð ä4 ÐÌ587.€€The€Committee€expresses€its€concern€about€the€possibility€of€relinquishment€of€jurisdictionÐ ¼  Ðprovided€for€in€article€38€of€the€Young€Persons'€Protection€Act,€which€allows€for€young€personsÐ ¨ø Ðbetween€the€ages€of€16€and€18€to€be€tried€as€adults€and€thereby€face€the€imposition€of€a€deathÐ ”ä Ðsentence€or€a€sentence€of€life€imprisonment.€The€Committee€is€also€concerned€that€in€accordanceÐ €Ð Ðwith€the€provisions€of€article€53€of€the€same€Act,€children€may€be€kept€in€prison€for€a€period€of€15Ð l¼ Ðdays€and€be€kept€in€isolation.Ð X ¨ ÐÌ(d)€òòSuggestions€and€recommendationsóóÐ 0"€  ÐÌ588.€€The€Committee€wishes€to€encourage€the€State€party€to€consider€reviewing€the€declarationsÐ $X" Ðmade€upon€ratification€of€the€Convention€with€a€view€to€considering€withdrawing€them.Ð ô$D # ÐÌ589.€€The€Committee€wishes€to€suggest€that€the€State€party€envisage€the€establishment€of€aÐ Ì&"% Ðpermanent€mechanism€of€coordination,€evaluation,€monitoring€and€follow-up€for€policies€aiming€atÐ ¸'#& Ðthe€protection€of€the€child€to€ensure€that€the€Convention€is€fully€respected€and€implemented,€at€theÐ ¤(ô#' Ðfederal€and€communities€levels.€In€this€respect€and€as€part€of€the€ongoing€efforts€of€the€State€partyÐ )à$( Ðto€promote€and€protect€the€rights€of€the€child,€the€Committee€suggests€that€ways€and€means€beÐ |*Ì%) Ðestablished€to€facilitate€regular€and€closer€cooperation€between€the€federal€and€communitiesÐ h+¸&* Ðgovernments€in€cooperation€with€non-governmental€organizations€involved€in€monitoring€the€respectÐ T,¤'+ Ðfor€the€rights€of€the€child€in€Belgium.Ð @-(, Ї590.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€Belgium€envisage€the€creation€of€a€permanent€mechanismÐ ° Ðof€data€collection€at€the€national€level,€in€order€to€have€an€overall€assessment€of€the€situation€ofÐ œì Ðchildren€in€the€country€and€to€ensure€a€comprehensive€and€multidisciplinary€evaluation€of€progressÐ ˆØ Ðand€difficulties€in€implementing€the€Convention.Ð tÄ ÐÌ591.€€The€Committee€is€of€the€opinion€that€efforts€to€harmonize€national€legislation€with€theÐ L œ Ðprovisions€of€the€Convention€should€be€further€pursued,€in€particular€as€regards€articles€38€and€53Ð 8 ˆ Ðof€the€Young€Persons'€Protection€Act€of€April€1965€with€a€view€to€ensuring€its€full€conformity€withÐ $ t Ðthe€Convention.€The€Committee€wishes€to€encourage€the€State€party€to€continue€to€take€steps€withÐ  ` Ða€view€to€ensuring€the€abolition€of€the€death€penalty€in€peace€as€well€as€in€wartime.€The€CommitteeÐ ü L  Ðfurther€encourages€the€State€party€to€consider€reforming€its€legislation€with€a€view€to€ensuring€theÐ è 8  Ðprohibition€of€corporal€punishment€within€the€family.Ð Ô$  ÐÌ592.€€The€Committee€would€also€like€to€suggest€that€further€consideration€be€given€in€the€light€ofÐ ¬ü  Ðarticle€12€of€the€Convention€to€ways€of€encouraging€the€expression€of€views€by€children€and€thoseÐ ˜è  Ðviews€being€given€due€weight€in€the€decision-making€processes€affecting€their€lives,€in€particular€inÐ „Ô  Ðfamily€life,€at€school€and€local€levels€as€well€as€within€the€judicial€system,€including€in€situationsÐ pÀ Ðwhere€the€child€participates€in€the€proceedings€as€a€witness.Ð \¬ ÐÌ593.€€The€Committee€would€like€to€encourage€the€State€party€to€develop€further€an€ongoing€andÐ 4„ Ðsystematic€approach€to€making€the€principles€and€provisions€of€the€Convention€widely€known€toÐ  p Ðchildren€and€adults€alike.€In€addition,€the€Committee€recommends€that€the€principles€and€purposesÐ  \ Ðof€the€Convention€be€made€widely€known€in€the€languages€spoken€in€Belgium,€and€translated€alsoÐ øH Ðinto€the€languages€of€major€refugee€and€immigrant€groups.€In€view€of€the€adoption€by€the€GeneralÐ ä4 ÐAssembly€of€resolution€49/184€proclaiming€the€United€Nations€Decade€for€Human€Rights€Education,Ð Ð  Ðthe€Committee€encourages€the€State€party€to€consider€using€this€opportunity€to€promote€theÐ ¼  Ðincorporation€of€education€about€the€Convention€in€school€curricula.€It€is€the€view€of€the€CommitteeÐ ¨ø Ðthat€it€is€important€that€the€teaching€methods€used€in€schools€should€reflect€the€spirit€and€philosophyÐ ”ä Ðof€the€Convention€and€the€aims€of€education€laid€down€in€its€article€29.Ð €Ð ÐÌ594.€€Consideration€should€also€be€given€to€incorporating€education€on€the€provisions€and€principlesÐ X ¨ Ðof€the€Convention€in€training€programmes€for€various€professional€groups,€including€teachers,€socialÐ D!” Ðand€health€workers,€immigration€officers,€law€enforcement€personnel,€judges€and€personnel€in€careÐ 0"€  Ðand€detention€institutions.Ð #l! ÐÌ595.€€The€Committee€wishes€to€encourage€the€State€party€to€ensure€that€applications€for€the€purposeÐ ô$D # Ðof€family€reunification€in€the€cases€of€refugees€and€migrant€workers€are€dealt€within€a€positive,Ð à%0!$ Ðhumane€and€expeditious€manner.Ð Ì&"% ÐÌ596.€€The€Committee€encourages€the€Government€of€Belgium€to€consider€signing€and€ratifying€theÐ ¤(ô#' ÐInternational€Convention€on€the€Protection€of€the€Rights€of€All€Migrant€Workers€and€Members€ofÐ )à$( ÐTheir€Families.Ð |*Ì%) ÐÌ597.€€Finally,€the€Committee€appreciates€the€willingness€of€the€Government€of€Belgium€to€publishÐ T,¤'+ Ðthe€initial€report€of€Belgium,€as€well€as€the€summary€records€of€the€meetings€with€the€Ô_ÔCommitteeÐ @-(, Ðand€the€concluding€observations€of€the€Committee€on€the€report,€and€recommends€that€theseÐ ° Ðdocuments€be€disseminated€as€widely€as€possible€in€the€languages€spoken€in€Belgium.Ð  œì ÐÔUKUS.,Ôò òÓ  ÓÌÓì.ÓCRC€€CRC/C/118€(2002)ó óÐ œì ÐÌÌ92.€€At€its€782nd€and€783rd€meetings€(see€CRC/C/SR.782„783),€held€on€23€May€2002,€theÐ `° ÐCommittee€on€the€Rights€of€the€Child€considered€the€second€periodic€report€of€BelgiumÐ L œ Ð(CRC/C/83/Add.2)€and€adopted,€at€the€804th€meeting,€held€on€7€June€2002,€the€following€concludingÐ 8 ˆ Ðobservations.€Ð $ t ÐÌA.€€òòIntroductionóóÐ ü L  ÐÌ93.€€The€Committee€notes€with€appreciation€that€the€report€followed€the€guidelines€for€reporting.€ItÐ Ô$  Ðnotes€that€the€report€was€timely,€comprehensive€and€self„ÓÓcritical€in€nature,€as€were€the€written€repliesÐ À  Ðto€its€list€of€issues€(CRC/C/Q/Ô_ÔBELGÔ_Ô/2)€and€welcomes€the€additional€information€provided€inÐ ¬ü  Ðannexes.€The€discussion€in€the€report€on€the€follow„ÓÓup€to€the€Committee's€earlier€recommendationsÐ ˜è  Ðwas€especially€appreciated.€The€Committee€also€notes€with€appreciation€the€presence€of€a€high„ÓÓlevelÐ „Ô  Ðdelegation,€which€contributed€to€an€open€dialogue€and€a€better€understanding€of€the€implementationÐ pÀ Ðof€the€Convention€in€Belgium.€Ð \¬ ÐÌB.€€òòFollow„ÓÓup€measures€undertaken€and€progress€achieved€by€the€State€partyóóÐ 4„ ÐÌ94.€€The€Committee€welcomes:Ð  \ ÐÌThe€adoption€of€article€22€Ô_ÔbisÔ_Ô€of€the€Constitution€on€the€protection€of€children;Ð ä4 ÐÌThe€adoption€of€new€laws€by€the€State€party€concerning€the€protection€of€children,€child€Ð ¼  ÐÓÓlabour,€guardianship€and€family€mediation;Ð ¨ø ÐÌThe€numerous€initiatives€to€combat€trafficking€and€child€sexual€exploitation,€among€others:€theÐ €Ð Ðintroduction€of€Joint€Actions€under€the€Ô_ÔEuropolÔ_Ô€Convention;€the€establishment€of€a€nationalÐ l¼ Ðcommission€of€experts€to€study€sexual€exploitation€of€children;€the€establishment€of€Child€Focus,Ð X ¨ Ða€European€centre€for€missing€and€exploited€children;€the€adoption€of€three€Acts€in€1995€to€combatÐ D!” Ðsexual€exploitation;€and€the€reform€of€the€Criminal€Code;Ð 0"€  ÐÌThe€ratification€of€the€Optional€Protocol€to€the€Convention€on€the€involvement€of€children€in€armedÐ $X" Ðconflict;€andÐ ô$D # ÐÌThe€ratification€of€ILO€Convention€No.€182€on€the€Worst€Forms€of€Child€Labour.Ð Ì&"% ÐÌC.€òòPrincipal€subjects€of€concern€and€recommendationsóóÐ ¤(ô#' ÐÌòòThe€Committee's€previous€recommendationsóóÐ |*Ì%) ÐÌ95.€€The€Committee€regrets€that€some€of€the€concerns€it€expressed€and€the€recommendations€it€madeÐ T,¤'+ Ð(CRC/C/15/Add.38)€after€its€consideration€of€the€State€party's€initial€report€(CRC/C/11/Add.4)€haveÐ @-(, Ðbeen€insufficiently€addressed,€particularly€those€contained€in€paragraphs€8,€9,€11€and€13€to€16.€ThoseÐ ° Ðconcerns€and€recommendations€are€reiterated€in€the€present€document.€Ð œì ÐÌ96.€€The€Committee€urges€the€State€party€to€make€every€effort€to€address€the€previousÐ tÄ Ðrecommendations€that€have€not€yet€been€implemented€and€the€list€of€concerns€contained€in€theÐ `° Ðpresent€concluding€observations.€Ð L œ ÐÌ1.€€òòGeneral€measures€of€implementationóóÐ $ t ÐÌòòReservations€and€declarationsóóÐ ü L  ÐÌ97.€€The€Committee€appreciates€the€fact€that€the€State€party€has€reviewed€its€declaration€on€articleÐ Ô$  Ð2€and€its€reservation€to€article€40.2€(v)€of€the€Convention,€pursuant€to€the€previous€concludingÐ À  Ðobservations.€Nevertheless,€it€is€concerned€that€the€State€party€does€not€intend€to€withdraw€them.Ð ¬ü  ÐWith€respect€to€article€2,€the€Committee,€noting€that€the€general€principle€of€non„ÓÓdiscrimination€inÐ ˜è  Ðthe€Convention€prohibits€differences€in€treatment€on€grounds€that€are€arbitrary€and€objectivelyÐ „Ô  Ðunjustifiable,€including€nationality,€is€concerned€that€the€declaration€on€article€2€may€restrict€theÐ pÀ Ðenjoyment€of€non„ÓÓBelgian€children€in€Belgium€of€rights€contained€in€the€Convention.€TheÐ \¬ ÐCommittee€emphasizes€that€the€guarantee€of€non„ÓÓdiscrimination€in€the€Convention€applies€to€"eachÐ H˜ Ðchild€within€[the€State€party's]€jurisdiction".€With€respect€to€the€reservation€to€article€40,€theÐ 4„ ÐCommittee€is€concerned€that€the€possibility€of€appeal€to€the€Court€of€Cassation€against€judgementsÐ  p Ðand€measures€imposed€by€the€Court€of€Assizes€(sitting€here€as€the€court€of€first€and€last€instance)€isÐ  \ Ðstrictly€limited€to€points€of€law€and€therefore€deprives€the€defendant€of€a€full€review€of€his€case€byÐ øH Ða€higher€court,€which€is€all€the€more€important€in€that€the€Court€of€Assizes€handles€the€most€severeÐ ä4 Ðcases€and€imposes€relatively€heavy€sentences.Ð Ð  ÐÌ98.€€The€Committee€encourages€the€State€party€to€review€its€declaration€and€reservation€with€a€viewÐ ¨ø Ðto€withdrawing€them€in€accordance€with€the€Declaration€and€Programme€of€Action€of€the€ViennaÐ ”ä ÐWorld€Conference€on€Human€Rights€(1993).Ð €Ð ÐÌòòLegislationóóÐ X ¨ ÐÌ99.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€information€provided€by€the€State€party€on€draft€laws€concerningÐ 0"€  Ðthe€rights€of€the€child,€including€with€respect€to€adoption,€guardianship€for€unaccompanied€minors,Ð #l! Ðaccess€to€courts€and€guarantees€of€due€process.Ð $X" ÐÌ100.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party:Ð à%0!$ ÐÌ(a)€€Rigorously€review€these€laws€and€ensure€that€they€and€other€laws€concerning€children,€as€wellÐ ¸'#& Ðas€administrative€regulations,€are€rights„ÓÓbased€and€conform€to€international€human€rights€standards,Ð ¤(ô#' Ðincluding€the€Convention;Ð )à$( ÐÌ(b)€€Ensure€that€adequate€provision€is€made€for€their€effective€implementation,€including€budgetaryÐ h+¸&* Ðallocation;€Ð T,¤'+ ÐÐ @-(, Ð(c)€€Ensure€their€speedy€promulgation.€Ð ° ÐÌòòCoordinationóóÐ ˆØ ÐÌ101.€€The€Committee€notes€the€establishment,€since€the€initial€report€was€considered,€of€the€Inter„Ð `° ÐMinisterial€Conference€for€the€Protection€of€Child€Rights€and€the€agreement€on€the€creation€of€aÐ L œ Ðnational€commission€for€the€rights€of€the€child.€However,€the€Committee€remains€concerned:€at€theÐ 8 ˆ Ðabsence€of€a€global€vision€of€children's€rights€and€its€translation€into€a€national€plan€of€action;€thatÐ $ t Ðdifferent€laws€governing€different€administrative€jurisdictions€may€lead€to€discrimination€in€theÐ  ` Ðenjoyment€of€children's€rights€across€the€State€party;€that€the€absence€of€a€central€mechanism€toÐ ü L  Ðcoordinate€the€implementation€of€the€Convention€in€Belgium€makes€it€difficult€to€achieve€aÐ è 8  Ðcomprehensive€and€coherent€child€rights€policy.Ð Ô$  ÐÌ102.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party:Ð ¬ü  ÐÌ(a)€€Expedite€the€formal€approval€and€full€implementation€of€the€above„ÓÓmentioned€agreement€inÐ „Ô  Ðorder€to€establish€a€national€commission€for€the€rights€of€the€child€and€provide€it€with€adequateÐ pÀ Ðhuman€and€financial€services;Ð \¬ ÐÌ(b)€€Assign€coordination€of€the€implementation€of€the€Convention€to€a€highly€visible€and€easilyÐ 4„ Ðidentifiable€permanent€body€with€an€adequate€mandate€and€adequate€resources;Ð  p ÐÌ(c)€€Prepare€and€implement€a€comprehensive€national€plan€of€action€for€the€implementation€of€theÐ øH ÐConvention,€paying€special€attention€to€children€belonging€to€the€most€vulnerable€groups€(e.g.€poorÐ ä4 Ðhouseholds,€asylum„ÓÓseekers),€through€an€open,€consultative€and€participatory€process;€Ð Ð  ÐÌ(d)€€Continue€and€expand€the€use€of€child€impact€assessments€in€the€formulation€of€budgets€and€policies.Ð ¨ø ÐÌòòMonitoring€structuresóóÐ €Ð ÐÌ103.€€The€Committee€notes€the€establishment,€since€the€initial€report€was€considered€of€theÐ X ¨ ÐChildren's€Rights€Commissioner€for€the€Flemish€Community.€The€Committee€acknowledges€theÐ D!” Ðactivities€of€the€Ô_ÔDlguÔ_Ô€Ô_ÔGnralÔ_Ô€aux€Droits€des€Enfants€in€the€French€Community€and€of€the€CentreÐ 0"€  Ðfor€Equal€Opportunities€and€Opposition€to€Racism.€However,€the€Committee€is€concerned€that€thereÐ #l! Ðis€no€independent€mechanism€to€monitor€the€implementation€of€the€Convention€and€empowered€toÐ $X" Ðreceive€and€address€complaints€of€children€in€the€German„ÓÓspeaking€Community,€nor€at€the€federalÐ ô$D # Ðlevel.Ð à%0!$ ÐÌ104.€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party:Ð ¸'#& ÐÌ(a)€€Establish€independent€human€rights€institutions€in€the€German„ÓÓspeaking€Community€and€at€theÐ )à$( Ðfederal€level,€in€accordance€with€the€Paris€Principles€(General€Assembly€resolution€48/134),€toÐ |*Ì%) Ðmonitor€and€evaluate€progress€in€the€implementation€of€the€Convention.€They€should€be€accessibleÐ h+¸&* Ðto€children€and€empowered€to€receive€and€investigate€complaints€of€violations€of€child€rights€in€aÐ T,¤'+ Ðchild„ÓÓsensitive€manner€and€to€address€them€effectively;€Ð @-(, ÐÌ(b)€€Ensure€that€all€the€human€rights€institutions€have€formal€advisory€functions€with€the€respectiveÐ œì Ðlegislative€bodies€and€that€they€establish€formal€links€with€each€other.Ð ˆØ ÐÌòòData€collectionóóÐ `° ÐÌ105.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€statistical€annexes€provided€with€the€list€of€issues;€notesÐ 8 ˆ Ðmeasures€under€way€to€improve€data€collection€in€offices€processing€asylum€claims;€and€welcomesÐ $ t Ðthe€information€that€a€working€group€on€statistics€will€be€set€up€within€a€national€study€forum€onÐ  ` Ðjuvenile€delinquency.€Nevertheless,€with€reference€to€its€previous€concluding€observations,€theÐ ü L  ÐCommittee€is€still€concerned€at€the€absence€of€a€nationwide€mechanism€to€collect€and€analyse€dataÐ è 8  Ðon€the€areas€covered€by€the€Convention.Ð Ô$  ÐÌ106.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party€establish€a€nationwide€system€such€thatÐ ¬ü  ÐÔ_ÔdisaggregatedÔ_Ô€data€are€collected€on€all€persons€under€18€years€for€all€areas€covered€by€theÐ ˜è  ÐConvention,€including€the€most€vulnerable€groups€(e.g.€non„ÓÓnationals,€children€with€disabilities,Ð „Ô  Ðchildren€of€economically€disadvantaged€households,€children€in€conflict€with€the€law,€etc.),€and€thatÐ pÀ Ðthese€data€are€used€to€assess€progress€and€design€policies€to€implement€the€Convention.Ð \¬ ÐÌòòTraining/dissemination€of€the€ConventionóóÐ 4„ ÐÌ107.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€information€that€the€State€party€has€made€available€compilationsÐ  \ Ðof€the€initial€report,€the€summary€records€of€the€meetings€at€which€it€was€discussed,€and€theÐ øH ÐCommittee's€concluding€observations.€It€also€welcomes€the€information€concerning€specialÐ ä4 Ðpublications€for€disabled€children.€However,€the€Committee€is€concerned€that€the€State€party€is€notÐ Ð  Ðundertaking€adequate€dissemination,€awareness„ÓÓraising€and€training€activities€concerning€theÐ ¼  ÐConvention€in€a€systematic€and€targeted€manner.€Ð ¨ø ÐÌ108.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party:Ð €Ð ÐÌ(a)€€Strengthen€and€make€ongoing€its€programme€for€the€dissemination€of€information€on€theÐ X ¨ ÐConvention€and€its€implementation€among€children€and€parents,€civil€society€and€all€sectors€andÐ D!” Ðlevels€of€government,€including€initiatives€to€reach€vulnerable€groups,€such€as€new€immigrants;Ð 0"€  ÐÌ(b)€€Develop€systematic€and€ongoing€training€programmes€on€human€rights,€including€children'sÐ $X" Ðrights,€for€all€professional€groups€working€for€and€with€children€(e.g.€judges,€lawyers,€lawÐ ô$D # Ðenforcement€officials,€civil€servants,€local€government€officials,€personnel€working€in€institutionsÐ à%0!$ Ðand€places€of€detention€for€children,€teachers€and€health€personnel).€Ð Ì&"% ÐÌ2.€òòGeneral€principlesóóÐ ¤(ô#' ÐÌòòThe€right€to€non„ÓÓdiscriminationóóÐ |*Ì%) ÐÌ109.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€Decree€of€March€2000€expanding€the€mandate€of€the€Centre€forÐ T,¤'+ ÐEqual€Opportunities€and€Opposition€to€Racism€to€include€all€forms€of€discrimination,€includingÐ @-(, Ðgrounds€of€gender,€sexual€orientation,€birth,€civil€status,€ill€health,€age€and€disability.€The€CommitteeÐ ° Ðis€concerned€at€racist€incidents€against€minorities;€the€disparities€in€the€enjoyment€of€economic€andÐ œì Ðsocial€rights,€particularly€health€and€education,€experienced€by€poor€children,€non„ÓÓBelgian€children,Ð ˆØ Ðincluding€unaccompanied€minors,€and€disabled€children.Ð tÄ ÐÌ110.€€In€accordance€with€article€2€of€the€Convention,€the€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party:Ð L œ ÐÌ(a)€€Take€all€appropriate€measures,€such€as€comprehensive€public€education€campaigns,€to€preventÐ $ t Ðand€combat€negative€societal€attitudes,€and€implement€the€recommendations€of€the€Committee€onÐ  ` Ðthe€Elimination€of€Racial€Discrimination€(March€2002);Ð ü L  ÐÌ(b)€€Take€all€necessary€measures€to€ensure€that€all€children€within€its€jurisdiction€enjoy€all€the€rightsÐ Ô$  Ðset€out€in€the€Convention€without€discrimination;Ð À  ÐÌ(c)€€Continue€to€prioritize€and€target€resources€and€social€services€to€children€belonging€to€the€mostÐ ˜è  Ðvulnerable€groups;€Ð „Ô  ÐÌ(d)€€Review€existing€policies€and€practice€in€relation€to€children€with€disabilities,€including€draftÐ \¬ Ðlegislation,€with€due€regard€to€the€Standard€Rules€on€the€Equalization€of€Opportunities€for€PersonsÐ H˜ Ðwith€Disabilities€(General€Assembly€resolution€48/96)€and€to€the€Committee's€recommendationsÐ 4„ Ðadopted€at€its€day€of€general€discussion€on€children€with€disabilities€(see€CRC/C/69).Ð  p ÐÌ111.€€The€Committee€requests€that€specific€information€be€included€in€the€next€periodic€report€onÐ øH Ðmeasures€and€programmes€relevant€to€the€Convention€on€the€Rights€of€the€Child€undertaken€by€theÐ ä4 ÐState€party€in€follow„ÓÓup€to€the€Declaration€and€Programme€of€Action€adopted€by€the€2001€WorldÐ Ð  ÐConference€against€Racism,€Racial€Discrimination,€Xenophobia€and€Related€Intolerance,€and€takingÐ ¼  Ðaccount€of€General€Comment€No.€1€on€article€29.1€of€the€Convention€(aims€of€education).Ð ¨ø ÐÌòòRespect€for€the€views€of€the€childóóÐ €Ð ÐÌ112.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€information€that€several€structures€have€been€set€up€with€theÐ X ¨ Ðsupport€of€the€State€party€through€which€children€can€make€their€views€known.€These€includeÐ D!” Ðconferences,€courses€on€children's€rights,€councils€in€schools€and€communities,€and€the€"What€doÐ 0"€  Ðyou€think?"€project.€However,€the€Committee€is€concerned€that€children€are€not€adequately€informedÐ #l! Ðon€how€they€can€have€input€into€policies€that€affect€them,€nor€how€their€views€will€be€taken€intoÐ $X" Ðconsideration€once€they€have€been€solicited;€and€that€sufficient€attention€has€not€been€accorded€toÐ ô$D # Ðthe€participation€of€primary€and€secondary€students€in€school€governance,€including€in€areas€suchÐ à%0!$ Ðas€school€regulations€and€management€of€discipline.€With€respect€to€court€or€administrativeÐ Ì&"% Ðproceedings€affecting€the€child,€the€Committee€is€concerned€that€the€right€to€be€heard€is€largelyÐ ¸'#& Ðdiscretionary€under€article€931€of€the€Judicial€Code,€and€is€not€adequately€guaranteed€to€the€child.Ð ¤(ô#' ÐThe€Committee€welcomes€the€information€concerning€a€draft€law€in€this€regard.Ð )à$( ÐÌ113.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party,€in€accordance€with€article€12,€take€furtherÐ h+¸&* Ðsteps€to€promote€and€facilitate€meaningful€participation€of€children€in€society,€including€in€schools.Ð T,¤'+ ÐMoreover,€it€recommends€that€legislation€governing€procedure€in€courts€and€administrativeÐ @-(, Ðproceedings€ensure€that€a€child€capable€of€forming€his/her€own€views€has€the€right€to€express€thoseÐ ° Ðviews€and€that€they€are€given€due€weight.€Ð œì ÐÌ3.€€òòCivil€rights€and€freedomsóóÐ tÄ ÐÌòòViolence/abuse/neglect/maltreatmentóóÐ L œ ÐÌ114.€€The€Committee€notes€with€satisfaction€the€numerous€initiatives€taken€in€the€area€of€child€abuse,Ð $ t Ðincluding€sexual€abuse,€such€as€the€Law€on€the€Criminal€Protection€of€Minors€(of€28€NovemberÐ  ` Ð2000),€amendments€to€the€Criminal€Code€and€the€adoption€of€article€22€Ô_ÔbisÔ_Ô€of€the€ConstitutionÐ ü L  Ðconcerning€the€protection€of€the€child's€moral,€physical€and€sexual€integrity.€But€it€remainsÐ è 8  Ðconcerned€that€corporal€punishment€is€not€expressly€prohibited€by€law.Ð Ô$  ÐÌ115.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party:Ð ¬ü  ÐÌ(a)€€Take€legislative€measures€to€prohibit€corporal€punishment€of€children€in€the€family,€in€schoolsÐ „Ô  Ðand€in€institutions;Ð pÀ ÐÌ(b)€€Continue€to€carry€out€public€education€campaigns€about€the€negative€consequences€of€corporalÐ H˜ Ðpunishment€and€promote€positive,€non„ÓÓviolent€forms€of€discipline;€Ð 4„ ÐÌ(c)€€Establish€effective€procedures€and€mechanisms€to€receive,€monitor€and€investigate€complaints,Ð  \ Ðand€to€intervene€where€necessary;Ð øH ÐÌ(d)€€Prosecute€in€cases€of€ill„ÓÓtreatment,€ensuring€that€the€abused€child€is€not€victimized€in€legalÐ Ð  Ðproceedings€and€his/her€privacy€is€protected;Ð ¼  ÐÌ(e)€€Provide€for€the€care,€recovery€and€reintegration€for€victims;Ð ”ä ÐÌ(f)€€Strengthen€the€reporting€system,€through€full€support€of€the€confidential€centres€for€abusedÐ l¼ Ðchildren,€and€train€teachers,€law€enforcement€officials,€care€workers,€judges€and€health€professionalsÐ X ¨ Ðin€the€identification,€reporting€and€management€of€cases€of€ill„ÓÓtreatment.Ð D!” ÐÌòòHuman€rights€educationóóÐ #l! ÐÌ116.€€The€Committee€is€concerned€that€the€aims€of€education€outlined€in€article€29€of€theÐ ô$D # ÐConvention,€including€the€development€and€respect€of€human€rights,€tolerance€and€equality€of€theÐ à%0!$ Ðsexes€and€religious€and€ethnic€minorities€is€not€explicitly€part€of€the€curricula€throughout€the€StateÐ Ì&"% Ðparty.Ð ¸'#& ÐÌ117.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party,€taking€into€account€the€Committee's€GeneralÐ )à$( ÐComment€No.€1€on€the€aims€of€education,€include€human€rights€education,€including€children'sÐ |*Ì%) Ðrights,€in€the€curricula€of€all€primary€and€secondary€schools,€particularly€with€respect€to€theÐ h+¸&* Ðdevelopment€and€respect€of€human€rights,€tolerance€and€equality€of€the€sexes€and€religious€andÐ T,¤'+ Ðethnic€minorities.€Ð @-(, Ї4.€€òòSpecial€measures€of€protectionóóÐ ° ÐÌòòUnaccompanied€minorsóóÐ ˆØ ÐÌ118.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€creation€of€a€special€bureau€for€unaccompanied€minors€in€theÐ `° ÐAliens€Office€for€handling€their€requests€to€stay.€It€also€notes€a€number€of€other€activities,€amongÐ L œ Ðothers:€concerning€the€establishment€of€special€reception€centres€for€unaccompanied€minors;€a€draftÐ 8 ˆ Ðlaw€on€the€creation€of€a€guardianship€service,€access€to€education€and€missing€persons,€whichÐ $ t Ðcontains€provisions€on€unaccompanied€minors.€But€there€are€not€yet,€as€the€GovernmentÐ  ` Ðacknowledges,€specific€regulations€for€unaccompanied€minors,€whether€seeking€asylum€or€not.Ð ü L  ÐÌ119.€€In€accordance€with€the€principles€and€provisions€of€the€Convention,€especially€articles€2,€3€andÐ Ô$  Ð22,€and€with€respect€to€unaccompanied€persons€under€18€years€of€age,€the€Committee€recommendsÐ À  Ðthat€the€State€party:Ð ¬ü  ÐÌ(a)€€Expedite€efforts€to€establish€special€reception€centres€for€unaccompanied€minors,€with€specialÐ „Ô  Ðattention€to€those€who€are€victims€of€trafficking€and/or€sexual€exploitation;Ð pÀ ÐÌ(b)€€Ensure€that€the€stay€in€those€centres€is€for€the€shortest€time€possible€and€that€access€to€educationÐ H˜ Ðand€health€is€guaranteed€during€and€after€the€stay€in€the€reception€centres;Ð 4„ ÐÌ(c)€€Approve€as€soon€as€possible€the€draft€law€on€the€creation€of€a€guardianship€service,€in€order€toÐ  \ Ðensure€the€appointment€of€a€guardian€for€an€unaccompanied€minor€from€the€beginning€of€the€asylumÐ øH Ðprocess€and€thereafter€as€long€as€necessary,€and€make€sure€that€this€service€is€fully€independent,Ð ä4 Ðallowing€it€to€take€any€action€it€considers€to€be€in€the€best€interests€of€this€minor;Ð Ð  ÐÌ(d)€€Ensure€unaccompanied€minors€are€informed€of€their€rights€and€have€access€to€legalÐ ¨ø Ðrepresentation€in€the€asylum€process;Ð ”ä ÐÌ(e)€€Improve€cooperation€and€exchange€of€information€among€all€the€actors€involved,€including€theÐ l¼ ÐAliens€Office€and€other€relevant€authorities,€police€services,€tribunals,€reception€centres€and€Ô_ÔNGOsÔ_Ô;Ð X ¨ ÐÌ(f)€€Ensure€that,€if€family€reunification€is€carried€out,€it€is€done€in€the€best€interests€of€the€child;Ð 0"€  ÐÌ(g)€Expand€and€improve€follow„ÓÓup€of€returned€unaccompanied€minors.Ð $X" ÐÌòòSexual€exploitation€and€traffickingóóÐ à%0!$ ÐÌ120.€€The€Committee€reiterates€its€satisfaction€with€the€numerous€measures€taken€by€the€State€partyÐ ¸'#& Ðto€combat€the€sexual€exploitation€and€trafficking€of€children.€It€is€nevertheless€concerned€thatÐ ¤(ô#' Ðtrafficking€for€the€purposes€of€sexual€or€other€exploitation€is€still€a€problem.Ð )à$( ÐÌ121.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party:Ð h+¸&* ÐÌ(a)€€Fully€implement€the€recommendations€of€the€national€commission€of€experts;Ð @-(, Ї(b)€€Continue€to€implement€policies€and€programmes€in€accordance€with€the€Declaration€and€AgendaÐ ° Ðfor€Action,€and€the€Global€Commitment€adopted€at€the€1996€and€2001€World€Congresses€againstÐ œì ÐCommercial€Sexual€Exploitation€of€Children;Ð ˆØ ÐÌ(c)€€Continue€to€recruit€female€police€officers€to€improve€communication€and€contacts€with€foreignÐ `° Ðgirls€and€women€working€in€prostitution;Ð L œ ÐÌ(d)€€Ensure€that€adequate€resources€(human€and€financial)€are€allocated€to€policies€and€programmesÐ $ t Ðin€this€area;Ð  ` ÐÌ(e)€€Continue€to€undertake€awareness„ÓÓraising€campaigns€in€countries€of€origin;Ð è 8  ÐÌ(f)€€Expand€cooperation€with€countries€of€origin€and€transit;Ð À  ÐÌ(g)€€Continue€to€cooperate€with€the€International€Organization€for€Migration.Ð ˜è  ÐÌòòAdministration€of€juvenile€justiceóóÐ pÀ ÐÌ122.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€information€received€since€the€initial€report€was€considered€thatÐ H˜ Ðthe€death€penalty€was€abolished€in€1996;€that€article€53€of€the€1965€Young€Person's€Protection€Act,Ð 4„ Ðwhich€provided€for€pre„ÓÓtrial€detention€for€up€to€15€days,€was€repealed;€and€that€a€national€studyÐ  p Ðforum€on€juvenile€justice,€including€a€workshop€on€statistics,€has€been€set€up.€However,€it€isÐ  \ Ðconcerned€that€the€interim€law€of€1€March€2002€(which€expires€on€31€October€2002)€on€theÐ øH Ðtemporary€detention€of€juvenile€delinquents€and€the€creation€of€the€Ô_ÔEverbergÔ_Ô€Centre€effectivelyÐ ä4 Ðreplaced€article€53€of€the€1965€Act€with€a€similar,€if€not€more€restrictive,€regime.€Moreover,€theÐ Ð  ÐCommittee€remains€concerned€that€under€article€38€of€the€1965€Act,€persons€under€the€age€of€18€mayÐ ¼  Ðbe€tried€as€adults.€Overall,€the€Committee€is€concerned€that€the€holistic€approach€to€addressing€theÐ ¨ø Ðproblem€of€juvenile€crime€advocated€in€the€Convention,€including€with€respect€to€prevention,Ð ”ä Ðprocedures€and€sanctions,€has€not€been€sufficiently€taken€into€consideration€by€the€State€party.Ð €Ð ÐÌ123.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party:Ð X ¨ ÐÌ(a)€€Establish€a€system€of€juvenile€justice€that€fully€integrates€into€its€legislation€and€practice€theÐ 0"€  Ðprovisions€of€the€Convention,€in€particular€articles€37,€39€and€40,€as€well€as€other€relevantÐ #l! Ðinternational€standards€in€this€area,€such€as€the€Beijing€Rules,€the€Riyadh€Guidelines,€the€UnitedÐ $X" ÐNations€Rules€for€the€Protection€of€Juveniles€Deprived€of€their€Liberty,€and€the€Guidelines€forÐ ô$D # ÐAction€on€Children€in€the€Criminal€Justice€System;Ð à%0!$ ÐÌ(b)€€Ensure€that€persons€under€18€are€not€tried€as€adults;Ð ¸'#& ÐÌ(c)€€With€respect€to€the€law€of€March€2002,€and€its€review€in€October€2002,€ensure,€in€accordanceÐ )à$( Ðwith€article€37€of€the€Convention,€that€the€deprivation€of€liberty€is€only€used€as€a€measure€of€lastÐ |*Ì%) Ðresort,€for€the€shortest€possible€time,€that€guarantees€of€due€process€are€fully€respected€and€thatÐ h+¸&* Ðpersons€under€18€are€not€detained€with€adults.€Ð T,¤'+ ÐÐ @-(, Ð5.€òòOptional€protocolsóóÐ ° ÐÌ124.€€The€Committee€encourages€the€State€party€to€ratify€the€Optional€Protocol€to€the€ConventionÐ ˆØ Ðon€the€Rights€of€the€Child€on€the€sale€of€children,€child€prostitution€and€child€pornography.Ð tÄ ÐÌ6.€€òòDissemination€of€the€reportsóóÐ L œ ÐÌ125.€€Finally,€the€Committee€recommends€that€in€accordance€with€article€44,€paragraph€6,€of€theÐ $ t ÐConvention,€the€second€report€presented€by€the€State€party€be€made€widely€available€to€the€publicÐ  ` Ðat€large€and€that€consideration€be€given€to€the€publication€of€the€report€along€with€the€writtenÐ ü L  Ðanswers€to€the€list€of€issues€raised€by€the€Committee,€the€relevant€summary€records€of€the€discussion,Ð è 8  Ðand€the€concluding€observations€adopted€by€the€Committee€following€its€consideration€of€the€report.Ð Ô$  ÐSuch€a€document€should€be€widely€distributed€in€order€to€generate€debate€and€awareness€of€theÐ À  ÐConvention€and€its€implementation€and€monitoring€within€the€Government,€the€Parliament€and€theÐ ¬ü  Ðgeneral€public,€including€concerned€non„ÓÓgovernmental€organizations.Ð ˜è  ÐÔUS.,UK.,×.Ô