The Application of Human Rights to Reproductive & Sexual Health

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child

GABON (2002)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Gabon, 01/02/2002, CRC/C/15/Add.171.

20. The Committee is concerned at the difference between the minimum legal ages for marriage of boys (18 years) and that of girls (15 years) , which is gender discriminatory and allows for the practice of early marriages.

21. The Committee recommends that the State Party set the same minimum age for marriage for girls and boys by increasing the minimum age for girls; and develop sensitisation programmes involving community leaders, the society at large, including children themselves, to curb the practice of early marriage.

24. While noting that discrimination is prohibited under the Constitution (article 2) , and noting that the State Party has taken measures to suppress discrimination against children born out of wedlock (art. 671 of the Civil Code) and against disabled children (Act 19/95 of 13 February 1996) , the Committee is concerned by the persistence of de facto discrimination in the State Party. In particular, the Committee is concerned at the disparities in the enjoyment of rights experienced by children belonging to the most vulnerable groups, such as girls, children with disabilities, children born out of wedlock, children living in rural areas, and Pygmy children.

25. The Committee recommends that the State party: a) make greater efforts to ensure that all children within its jurisdiction enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination, in accordance with article 2; and b) prioritise and target social services for children belonging to the most vulnerable groups.

26. The Committee requests that specific information be included, in the next periodic report, on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention on the Rights of the Child undertaken by the State party to follow up on the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and taking account of General Comment no 1 on article 29(1) of the Convention (aims of education) .

33. The Committee is concerned at the large number of single-parent families headed by women - - many of them are not able to raise their children due to financial reasons - and at the existence of polygamy which may, as acknowledged by the State Party (para. 178 of the State Party report) , negatively affect the upbringing and development of the child.

34. The Committee recommends that the State Party: a) take all necessary measures to provide assistance to single parent families headed by women in order to support them in upbringing their children in light of article 18(2) of the Convention; b) undertake an in depth and comprehensive study on the impact of polygamy with a view to find out the possible negative consequences of polygamy on the upbringing and development of the child, and develop, on the basis of the results of this study, measures to address this possible negative impact on the realisation of the rights of the child within the family.

39. While noting that child abuse is criminalized under the Penal Code, and that the Department of Social Affairs is responsible for addressing the cases of child abuses, and while taking note of the Bill under discussion to criminalize sexual violence against children, the Committee is deeply concerned at the high incidence of abuse within family and in schools in the State party, the lack of statistical data, and comprehensive plan of action, and at the insufficient infrastructures.

40. The Committee recommends the State party to: a) undertake a study on violence, including sexual violence, against children within the family, at schools and in other institutions to assess the scope, nature and causes of these practices in order to adopt and implement a comprehensive plan of action effective measures and policies in conformity with article 19 of the Convention, and to contribute to changing attitudes; b) take all necessary steps to introduce the legal prohibition of the use of corporal punishment in schools and other institutions and at home; c) properly investigate cases of violence, through a child-sensitive judicial procedure, notably by giving appropriate weight to children's views in legal proceedings, and that sanctions be applied to perpetrators with due regard given to guaranteeing the right to privacy of the child; d) provide services for physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of the victims of rape, abuse, neglect, ill-treatment, violence or exploitation, in accordance with article 39 of the Convention; and take measures to prevent the criminalisation and stigmatisation of victims; e) take into consideration the recommendations of the Committee adopted on its days of general discussion on children and violence (CRC/C/100, para. 688, and CRC/C/111, paras. 701-745); f) seek technical assistance from, inter alia , UNICEF and WHO.

41. While taking note of the adoption of the Ordinance nE 001/95 on health and the establishment of a National Health Plan of Action, and while finding encouraging the new data on mortality rates, the Committee is deeply concerned at the still high infant and under-5 mortality rates and low life expectancy in the State Party. The Committee also remains concerned that health services in the districts and local areas continue to lack adequate resources (both financial and human) and that medicines are too expansive and not easily accessible. In addition, the Committee is concerned that the survival and development of children within the State Party continue to be threatened by early childhood diseases such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, malaria and tuberculosis and malnutrition. Concern is also raised at the very low rate of breastfeeding. The Committee is further concerned at the regular outbreaks of epidemics such as Ebola.

42. The Committee recommends that the State Party: a) reinforce its efforts to allocate appropriate resources and develop and implement comprehensive policies and programmes to improve the health situation of children, particularly in rural areas; b) facilitate greater access to primary health services; reduce the incidence of maternal, child and infant mortality; prevent and combat malnutrition, especially among vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of children; promote proper breastfeeding practices; c) develop high-quality and affordable health care in light of the Bamako initiative; d) take necessary measures to deal with emergency situation, including to combat epidemics, such as Ebola; and e) pursue additional avenues for cooperation and assistance for child health improvement with, inter alia, WHO and UNICEF.

45. While noting the adoption of the Act on general measures for health and social welfare which abrogates Ordinance 64/69 (Act 001/2000) , the Committee remains concerned that insufficient attention has been given to adolescent health issues, including developmental, mental, and reproductive health concerns (see the rather high percentage of STDs among adolescent in the written replies) , and substance abuse. The Committee is deeply concerned at the lack of education on contraception resulting in the high percentage of teenage pregnancies and its social and health related consequences.

46. The Committee recommends the State Party to: a) undertake a comprehensive study to assess the nature and extent of adolescent health problems, and with the full participation of adolescents, use this as a basis to formulate adolescent health policies and programmes with a particular attention to the prevention of STDs and early pregnancies notably through new efforts to educate adolescents on contraception; and b) strengthen mental health and adolescent-sensitive counselling services and make them accessible to adolescents.

47. While noting the existence of the National Anti-AIDS Programme and the effort of the State Party in that respect (e. g. agreement with pharmaceutical companies to ensure cheap access to AIDS drugs) , the Committee remains extremely concerned at the high incidence and increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst adults and children and the resulting number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. In this regard, the Committee is concerned at the lack of alternative care for these children.

48. The Committee recommends that the State Party: a) increase its efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS and take into consideration the recommendations of the Committee adopted on its day of general discussion on children living in a world with HIV/AIDS (CRC/C/80, para. 243) ; b) urgently consider ways of minimizing the impact upon children of HIV/AIDS-related deaths of parents, teachers and others, in terms of children's reduced access to a family life, to adoption, to emotional care and education; c) involve children in formulating and implementing preventive policies and programmes; and d) seek further technical assistance from, inter alia, UNAIDS.

53. While noting the adoption of the Act on the general organization of education (Act 16/96) , the high enrolment rate in primary education, the priority given to education and the increasing of the budget allocated to education, the Committee remains deeply concerned at the remaining high illiteracy rate in the State Party which affects more women than men, the low enrolment in early childhood education, the very high percentage of repeaters and dropouts in primary education, the low quality of education, the high teacher-pupil ratio, the very low percentage of children that complete primary education and the important regional disparities.

54. The Committee recommends that the State Party: a) take necessary measures to find the causes of the high rate of repetition and dropout in primary schools and to provide remedies to this situation; b) establish bridges between formal and non-formal education; c) take necessary measures to remedy for the low quality of education and for better internal efficiency in management of education; d) raise awareness about the importance of early childhood education and develop programmes to increase the enrolment at the pre-school level; e) extend resources to help children to go to secondary education; f) take measures to enable access to regular schools to children with disabilities and to ensure that these children have access to formal and vocational educational opportunities; g) ensure that girls and boys, as well as children from urban, rural and least developed areas, have equal access to educational opportunities; h) address education towards the aims mentioned in art. 29(1) of the Convention and the Committee's General Comments on the Aims of Education; i) implement the ban of corporal punishment at schools and train teachers with alternative measures of discipline; j) encourage participation of children at all levels of school life; and k) seek assistance from UNICEF and UNESCO.

59. While noting the criminalisation of trafficking of children in a recent Act of 2001 and the establishment of an national inter-ministerial committee to fight against trafficking in children and the serious commitment of the State Party with regard to this issue, the Committee is deeply concerned at the large number of trafficked children who are still exploited mostly in the informal labour market or enslaved, particularly for children coming from abroad.

60. The Committee encourages the State Party to pursue its efforts to: a) set up a comprehensive programme to prevent and combat the sale and trafficking of children; b) implement appropriate policies and programmes for the rehabilitation and recovery of child victims and for the access to basic services for children who are waiting for their repatriation; c) monitor the bilateral agreement with Benin and extend this cooperation to other countries where trafficked children come from as well as envisage the signature of agreements with these countries; d) carry out an awareness-raising campaign and prevent this phenomenon.

61. In addition, the Committee recommends the State Party to ratify the 2000 Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

64. The Committee is concerned about the increasing number of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution and pornography. Concern is also expressed at the insufficient programmes for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of children victims of such abuse and exploitation.

65. 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 assess the scope of commercial sexual exploitation of children, including prostitution and pornography; and implement appropriate policies and programmes for prevention and for the rehabilitation and recovery of child victims according to the Declaration and Agenda for Action and the Global Commitment adopted at the 1996 and 2001 World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

GAMBIA (2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Gambia, 06/11/2001, CRC/C/15/Add.165.

23. The Committee is concerned that there is no clear legal definition of the child in the State party and that various legal minimum ages which are inconsistent with the Convention, discriminatory and/or too low have been set.

24. With reference to paragraph 60 of the State party's initial report, the Committee encourages the State party to take the necessary legislative measures: (a) To establish a clear definition of the child in accordance with article 1 and other related principles and provisions of the Convention; (b) To set the legal minimum age for marriage of girls and boys at 18 years; and (c) To establish clear legal minimum ages for compulsory education, employment and enlistment in the armed forces, in accordance with the principles and the provisions of the Convention.

40. The Committee is concerned about the high and increasing incidence of physical and sexual abuse of children, including in schools, care institutions and at home. Concern is also expressed about the lack of awareness of and information on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse (sexual, physical and psychological) of children and the insufficient financial and human resources allocated for programmes to combat abuse against children.

41. In light of article 19, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse (including sexual abuse within the family) in order to adopt policies which will help to change attitudes and improve the prevention and treatment of cases of violence against children. The Committee encourages the State party to consider introducing an effective system for reporting cases of abuse, including sexual abuse, of children. It also recommends that cases of domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse of children be properly investigated within a child-sensitive judicial procedure and that sanctions be applied to perpetrators, with due regard given to protecting the right to privacy of the child. In accordance with article 39 of the Convention, measures should be taken to ensure the rehabilitation of victims as well as perpetrators. Efforts should also be made to prevent the criminalization and stigmatization of child victims of abuse. The Committee recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF and UNDP.

42. The Committee notes the efforts of the State party to improve health care for children through, inter alia, the National Nutrition Policy and the Participatory Health, Population and Nutrition Project. However, the Committee is concerned at the insufficient number of trained medical personnel; the lack of medicines, equipment and support for health workers; the high maternal, child and infant mortality rates; the high rate of malnutrition; the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS; the high incidence of malaria and acute respiratory infections; poor sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water, especially in rural areas.

43. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Allocate sufficient resources to reinforce its policies and programmes to improve health care for children; (b) Take all effective measures to increase the number of trained medical and other health personnel, including traditional healers; facilitate cooperation between trained medical personnel and traditional healers, especially midwives; reduce the incidence of maternal, child and infant mortality; increase access to safe drinking water; improve sanitation; prevent and combat malnutrition; and reduce the incidence of malaria and acute respiratory infections; (c) Take all effective measures to facilitate greater access to health services by, inter alia, abolishing or rationalizing cost-sharing in primary health care to reduce the burden on poor families; (d) Continue its cooperation, through the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses and other measures for child health improvement, with, among others, WHO and UNICEF.

44. The Committee expresses its concern with respect to the limited availability of programmes and services and the lack of adequate data in the area of adolescent health, violence, suicides, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, and, especially, early and forced marriage and early pregnancy and STDs.

45. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen adolescent health policies, including reproductive health education. Further, the Committee suggests that a comprehensive and multidisciplinary study be undertaken to assess the scope of adolescent health problems. It also recommends that the State party undertake awareness-raising campaigns to discourage early and forced marriages. Additionally, it recommends that the State party allocate adequate human and financial resources to increase the number of social workers and psychologists and to develop youth-sensitive care, counselling and rehabilitation facilities for adolescents. It is further recommended that the State party seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF and WHO.

46. While noting the launch of the HIV/AIDS Rapid Response Programme, the Committee remains extremely concerned at the high incidence and increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst adults and children and the resulting number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. In this regard, the Committee is concerned at the lack of alternative care for these children.

47. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Increase its efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS and take into consideration the recommendations the Committee adopted at its day of general discussion on children living in a world with HIV/AIDS (CRC/C/80, para. 243) ; (b) Urgently consider ways of minimizing the impact upon children of the HIV/AIDS-related deaths of parents, teachers and others, in terms of children's reduced access to a family life, adoption, emotional care and education; (c) Involve children in formulating and implementing preventive policies and programmes; and (d) Seek further technical assistance from, among others, UNAIDS.

48. While the Committee notes the launch in March 1997 of the First National Action Plan for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation, it remains concerned that female genital mutilation (FGM) is not prohibited by law and is still widely practised in the State party. Concern is also expressed about the persistent use of other harmful traditional practices, including early, consanguine and forced marriages.

49. The Committee recommends that the State party take legislative and awareness-raising measures to combat and eradicate the persistent practice of FGM and other traditional practices harmful to the health, survival and development of children, especially girls. The Committee urges the State party to introduce sensitization programmes for practitioners and the general public to encourage change in traditional attitudes and discourage harmful practices.

54. The Committee notes the efforts of the State party to improve the situation of education in the country, including the recent launching of the Third Education Sector Programme. Nevertheless, the Committee expresses concern that primary education is not free in practice, which further limits access to education, especially for girls, children from economically disadvantaged families and those living in remote rural communities. Concern is also expressed regarding low enrolment and high drop-out and repetition rates, insufficient numbers of trained teachers, an insufficient number of schools and classrooms, lack of relevant learning material, and geographical disparity in enrolment rates and access to education. The Committee is particularly concerned about the high rate of illiteracy within the State party, especially in relation to girls. In light of article 29 (1) of the Convention, the Committee is also concerned about the quality of education within the State party.

55. The Committee urges the State party to take legal and other measures to guarantee the right to education for all children within its territory. The Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures, including the allocation and distribution of adequate financial, human and technical resources, to make primary education free, train teachers, including female teachers effectively, enhance the quality of education and improve the literacy rate. It is further recommended that the State party reinforce its efforts to increase enrolment in schools by, inter alia, abolishing and/or rationalizing user fees at all levels of the educational system. The State party should pay particular attention to the quality of education, in light of article 29 (1) and the Committee's general comment No. 1 on the aims of education. It is recommended that the State party seek to strengthen its educational system through closer cooperation with UNICEF and UNESCO.

64. The Committee is concerned about the large and increasing number of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including for prostitution and pornography, especially among child labourers and street children. Concern is also expressed at the insufficient programmes for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims of such abuse and exploitation.

65. 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 assessing the scope of commercial sexual exploitation of children, including for prostitution and pornography, and implementing appropriate preventive and rehabilitative policies and programmes for child victims. The Committee also encourages the State party to pursue its efforts to adopt a national plan of action against commercial sexual exploitation of children, taking into account the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the 1996 World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

GEORGIA
(2003)

Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Georgia, 27/10/2003, CRC/C/15/Add.222.

26. While noting the high level of birth registration, the Committee is concerned at the information that some groups of children, in particular children abandoned at maternity wards, children whose parents cannot afford the registration (related) fee, refugee children and children of internally displaced persons still do have difficulties with proper birth registration.

27. The Committee recommends that the State party take the necessary measures to facilitate birth registration of children in difficult circumstances and make all birth registration free.

34. The Committee welcomes the Presidential Decree approving a Plan of Action against Torture for 2003-2005 and the related plan to amend the Criminal Code with a view to strengthening the protection from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. However, it remains concerned at the information that children are subjected to torture and other forms of violence and abuse in police stations, institutions and schools.

35. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures for the expeditious and effective implementation of the Plan of Action against Torture, ensuring full protection of children from all forms of violence, proper interrogation, prosecution and sentencing of perpetrators, and the provision of care, recovery and compensation for all child victims.

42. The Committee notes the information provided in the written replies to its list of issues on the Plan of Action to Combat Violence against Women 2000-2002 and on the 2000-2003 State programme for the protection, development and social adaptation of minors. However, the Committee regrets that many of its concerns and recommendations expressed during the consideration of the initial report have not been addressed, and is deeply concerned at the high incidence of abuse, neglect and violence within the family and in other settings. The Committee is also concerned at the occurrence of violence (bullying) in schools. The Committee concurs with the concerns expressed by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Human Rights Committee, with regard to the occurrence of domestic violence, as they relate to children. The Committee regrets that the State party has not introduced domestic violence as a specific offence in criminal law or criminal procedural legislation and has not considered undertaking studies, or other steps, in this respect.

43. The Committee recommends that the State party reinforce its efforts to formalize a comprehensive strategy to prevent and combat domestic violence and other forms of violence, including bullying in schools. The State party is encouraged to enact specific domestic violence legislation which brings together criminal and civil provisions, including remedies. In this respect, the State party is encouraged, inter alia, to consult the framework for model legislation on domestic violence (E/CN. 4/1996/53/Add. 2) which outlines important elements integral to comprehensive legislation on domestic violence. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that measures be taken to provide counselling and support services to all children victims of violence, including those who bully others in school.

44. The Committee welcomes the fact that the State party considers corporal punishment totally unacceptable and inadmissible. However, the Committee notes that the prohibition of corporal punishment, referred to in the second periodic report of Georgia to the Human Rights Committee (see CCPR/C/GEO/2000/2, paragraph 117) , refers only to the educational system and institutional care establishments, and regrets that corporal punishment is not explicitly prohibited in the family.

45. The Committee encourages the State party expressly to prohibit corporal punishment in the family in legislation and to fully implement the prohibition of the use of violence, including corporal punishment, in schools and institutions, inter alia, by promoting positive, non-violent forms of discipline, especially in families, schools and care institutions in light of article 28 (2) of the Convention.

46. The Committee welcomes the programme for the countrywide reform of the system of institutionalizing disabled children and notes the need to set up an intersectoral working group for its implementation. Furthermore, the Committee notes that social assistance for families is limited to those caring for children up to 16 years. The Committee remains concerned that children with disabilities remain outside mainstream education and are marginalized in society.

47. The Committee encourages the State party to pursue actively its current efforts and continue: (a) To review existing policies and practice in relation to children with disabilities, taking due regard of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and of the Committee's recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on the issue of "The rights of children with disabilities" (see CRC/C/69) ; (b) To undertake greater efforts to make available the necessary professional (i. e. disability specialists) and financial resources, especially at the local level, and to promote and expand community-based rehabilitation programmes, including parent support groups; (c) To strengthen public awareness campaigns to change negative public attitudes towards children with disabilities; (d) To take the necessary measures to integrate children with disabilities in the mainstream education system and society; (e) To take necessary measures for the education that is relevant for their parenting of children with disabilities.

48. The Committee welcomes the information contained in the State party's report (para. 181) on the national health-care policy and on the strategic plan to develop health care in Georgia over the period 2000-2009. The Committee is aware of efforts to reduce infant mortality, but remains deeply concerned at the high rate of infant mortality during the reporting period (68/1,000 for 1998 and 51/1,000 for 1999) . It is equally concerned that the supply of safe and good-quality drinking water is inadequate.

49. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation regarding the allocation of human and financial resources for the implementation of the National Health Policy. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Strengthen its efforts to implement the National Health Policy through adequate and sustainable allocation of resources (both human and financial) , including the training of sufficient numbers of health-care professionals, the provision of adequate salaries for health-care workers, and investments in health-care infrastructure, especially in the most disadvantaged areas; (b) Improve the effectiveness of antenatal care and maternal health education with a view to reducing the high incidence of infant mortality; (c) Address the situation regarding the supply of safe drinking water by, inter alia, seeking further support from the World Bank for the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia for the rehabilitation of the network of water supply and sewerage systems; (d) Seek technical assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF.

50. The Committee notes with concern the increasing incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and that existing health services may not be tailored to the needs of adolescents, thus reducing their willingness to access primary health services.

51. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to promote adolescent health policies and strengthen the programme of health education in schools. It further recommends measures, including the allocation of adequate human and financial resources, to evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes in health education, in particular as regards reproductive health, and to develop child- and youth-sensitive confidential counselling, care and recovery facilities that are accessible without parental consent when this is in the best interests of the child. The State party could consider seeking technical cooperation and advice from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

56. The Committee welcomes the cooperation of the Ministry of Education with international organizations and NGOs and is encouraged by the educational reform being implemented and the significant support received, allowing secondary education to be provided free of charge. The Committee is, however, concerned at the decline in public expenditure on education and the existence of a system of informal payments whereby much of the budget of educational institutions is funded by households. It is also concerned at the lack of data on repetitions, expulsions and dropout rates. Furthermore, it is concerned that education is provided to mentally and physically disabled persons only in residential institutions, and that their number has significantly increased from 1997 to 2000, despite the general decline in the population.

57. The Committee urges the State party, taking into account its general comment No. 1 on the aims of education, pursue its efforts to ensure that all children enjoy the right to education consistent with articles 28 and 29 of the Convention, and that children with disabilities are integrated into the mainstream education in keeping with article 3 of the Convention. It encourages the State party to increase the level of public expenditure on compulsory education and to take measures to put an end to the participation of households in the so-called "school funds", which may limit the attendance at schools of the most vulnerable children. The State party is further encouraged to collect disaggregated data on students who are expelled, drop out or experience other school-related problems and to provide them with assistance and counselling services.

62. The Committee notes that the human rights treaty bodies which considered the reports of Georgia have consistently expressed concern at the practice of trafficking in persons, in particular women, and at the lack of protection of women, including young children, from, inter alia, sexual exploitation and trafficking.

63. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Undertake measures to reduce and prevent the occurrence of sexual exploitation and trafficking, including by sensitizing professionals and the general public to the problems of sexual abuse of children and trafficking, through education including media campaigns; (b) Increase protection provided to victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking, including prevention, social reintegration, access to health care and psychological assistance in a coordinated manner, including by enhancing cooperation with NGOs, taking into account the Declaration and Agenda for Action and the Global Commitment adopted at the 1996 and 2001 World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children; (c) Ensure that a confidential, accessible and child-sensitive mechanism is established to receive and effectively address individual complaints from all children, including those in the 15 18 years age group; (d) Train law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute reported cases of sexual abuse, in a child sensitive manner; (e) Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography; (f) Seek technical assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF.

64. The Committee shares the concern expressed by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the findings of the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography regarding the high number of street children who are often victims of trafficking networks and various other forms of exploitation, indicating that the number of children living on the streets is increasing and that families are allowing children as young as 7 to make a living on the streets. Furthermore, the Committee is deeply concerned by allegedly widespread police brutality towards street children.

65. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Undertake a study to assess the scope and causes of the phenomenon and consider establishing a comprehensive strategy to address the increasing number of street children with the aim of preventing and reducing this phenomenon in the best interests of these children and with their participation; (b) Make additional efforts to provide protection to children living on the streets and to ensure their access to education and health services; (c) Strengthen the support and assistance to families in this respect; (d) Continue to support NGOs to assist these children.

(2000)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Georgia, 28/06/2000, CRC/C/15/Add.124.

14. The Committee is concerned 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 categories of children in order to monitor and evaluate progress achieved and assess the impact of policies adopted with respect to children.

15. The Committee recommends that the State party reinforce its efforts to introduce a comprehensive system of data collection 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 living in the mountainous regions; children with disabilities; children living in poverty; children in conflict with the law; children of single-parent families; child victims of abuse, including sexual abuse; children living and/or working on the streets; internally displaced children; and children affected by armed conflicts, especially those in South Ossetia and Abhkazia, particularly in the Gali district. The Committee takes note of the State party's request for technical assistance in this regard and encourages it to follow up with, among others, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF.

24. The Committee notes with concern that the principle of non-discrimination is not adequately implemented with respect to certain vulnerable groups of children, including children living in conflict areas, children living in institutions, children living in the mountainous regions, children with disabilities, children of single parent families, children of poor families, children in conflict with the law, children living and/or working on the streets, refugee children and internally displaced children. The Committee is particularly concerned about their limited access to adequate health, education and other social services.

25. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to ensure implementation of existing laws guaranteeing the principle of non-discrimination and their full compliance with article 2 of the Convention, particularly as it relates to the vulnerable groups.

28. The Committee notes the efforts of the State party to encourage respect for the views of the child in court and administrative proceedings as well as within the school environment through, inter alia, the establishment of school councils where students are represented and allowed to promote the views of their peers. It is concerned, however, that the views of children are still not adequately respected within the family and in society generally.

29. The Committee recommends that the State party 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, communities, and care and other institutions.

40. The Committee notes with appreciation that a department for the protection of the rights of children has been established within the Ministry of Education to monitor and prevent abuse and neglect of children and that a research project was conducted in 1997 to ascertain the real situation of abuse of children within schools, the family and in society generally. The Committee welcomes the appointment of inspectorates for the affairs of minors that are mandated to monitor the situation of abuse within families, as well as the establishment of a crisis centre which includes rehabilitation programmes for street children and women victims of domestic violence. However, the Committee remains concerned at the high and increasing incidence of abuse of children, including sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment and domestic violence. The Committee also expresses concern at the lack of awareness and information on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse (physical, sexual and psychological) of children and the insufficient financial and human resources allocated, as well as at the inadequacy of the programmes established to prevent and combat all forms of abuse of children. While the Committee notes that a State programme for the protection, development and social adaption of minors has been established it is concerned that funding allocated for its implementation is insufficient.

41. In light of article 19, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse (including sexual abuse within the family) with a view to adopting adequate policy measures and to changing traditional attitudes. The Committee recommends that all appropriate measures be taken to introduce mandatory reporting of abuse, including sexual abuse of children. It also recommends that cases of domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse of children be properly investigated within a child-friendly judicial procedure and sanctions applied to perpetrators, including treatment, with due regard given to protecting the right to privacy of the child. Additional measures should also be taken to ensure the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims in accordance with article 39 of the Convention, and the prevention of criminalization and stigmatization of victims. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to discourage the neglect and abandonment of children. The State party is encouraged to allocate funds to implement the State programme for the protection, development and social adaption of minors. The Committee recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from UNICEF, among others.

42. While the Committee notes that corporal punishment in schools is prohibited by law and that there is an intention also to prohibit its use within the family, it is concerned that this type of punishment continues to be used in schools, families and care institutions.

43. The Committee recommends that the State party take legislative measures to prohibit all forms of physical and mental violence, including corporal punishment, within the family, the schools and care institutions. The Committee further recommends that the State party, through, for example, public awareness campaigns, promote positive, non-violent forms of discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment, especially in families, the schools and care institutions.

44. The Committee notes with appreciation the elaboration of a National Health Policy to the year 2010 with the support of WHO and the World Bank, which includes the enhancement of the health of mothers and children as one of its priorities. However, the Committee is concerned about the health situation of children which continues to be affected by the poor economic situation within the State party. In particular, it notes the limited access to and quality of health services, particularly among children living in conflict zones as well as in the mountainous regions; the increasing cost of basic health care of which the State party covers only 15-20 per cent; the inadequate allocation of funding for health; the high maternal, child and infant mortality rates; the increasing malnutrition rate; and the deteriorating situation of sanitation and safe drinking water supplies. While the Committee notes that the State party is receiving technical assistance for the immunization campaign, it is concerned that vaccines continue to be unavailable and that negative social attitudes towards vaccinations have resulted in a resurgence of preventable diseases such as diphtheria.

45. The Committee recommends that the State party allocate appropriate resources for the implementation of the National Health Policy and, where appropriate, develop additional policies and programmes to improve the health situation of children, especially those living in mountainous regions and conflict zones; facilitate greater access to and quality of primary health services; ensure the availability of vaccines; reduce the incidence of maternal, child and infant mortality; prevent and combat malnutrition, especially in vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of children; and increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Additionally, the Committee encourages the State party to continue its cooperation with respect to the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses initiative.

46. The Committee expresses its concern with respect to the limited availability of programmes and services and the lack of adequate disaggregated data in the area of adolescent health, including teenage pregnancy, abortion, HIV/AIDS and STDs, alcohol, drug and substance abuse, including tobacco use, violence and mental health.

47. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts in promoting adolescent health policies and child-friendly counselling services as well as strengthening reproductive health education, including the promotion of acceptance by men of the use of contraceptives. The Committee suggests that a comprehensive and multidisciplinary study be undertaken to ascertain 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 take further measures, including the allocation of adequate human and financial resources, to increase the number of social workers and psychologists, and to develop youth-friendly care and rehabilitation facilities for adolescents. It is further recommended that the State party seek technical assistance from UNICEF and WHO, among others.

48. The Committee welcomes the 1997-2000 State programme for social protection and rehabilitation of children with disabilities as well as the survey undertaken in this regard. The Committee remains concerned, however, about the absence of protection and the lack of adequate facilities, coordination and services for children with disabilities. The Committee is also concerned that insufficient efforts have been made to facilitate the inclusion of children with disabilities in the regular school system and in society generally.

49. In light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the Committee's recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities (CRC/C/69) , it is recommended 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, where possible, encourage their inclusion in the regular school system and in society generally. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to ensure that adequate resources are allocated for the effective implementation of programmes and services for children with disabilities, as well as their families. Further, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake an awareness-raising campaign to sensitize the public about the rights and special needs of children with disabilities, including children with mental health concerns. The Committee further recommends that the State party seek technical cooperation for the training of professional staff working with and for children with disabilities from WHO, among others.

52. While the Committee notes that the Constitution provides for the right to education and that the 1997 Education Act was adopted with a view to improving the situation of education in the State party, it remains concerned at the situation of education, particularly of children in conflict zones and the mountainous regions. In this connection, the Committee expresses concern at the impact of the economic situation on the educational system as well as the decline in enrolment and attendance rates, particularly at the secondary level; the poor infrastructure, including inadequate heating, classrooms and other facilities for instruction; the limited availability of learning materials; insufficient resources, both human and financial; and inadequate instruction in local languages. The Committee also notes with concern that the current economic conditions in the State party and the increasing cost of childcare services have led to a significant decline in the enrolment of children in pre-school.

53. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including the allocation of adequate financial, human and technical resources, to improve the situation of education and ensure that all children enjoy the right to education. The Committee further recommends that the State party seek to implement additional measures to encourage children to stay in school, particularly during the period of compulsory education, and to facilitate pre-school education. The Committee encourages the State party to take all appropriate measures to improve the quality of teaching, to develop child-friendly schools, and to facilitate the introduction of traditional languages into the school curricula. It is recommended that the State party seek to strengthen its educational system through closer cooperation with UNICEF and UNESCO.

54. The Committee notes that despite limited resources, Georgia has received some 5,000 Chechnyans, mainly women, children and elderly people. The Committee notes that the State party has enacted the Refugees Act; however, it is concerned that insufficient efforts have been made to establish a special refugee status determination procedure for unaccompanied minors. Concern is also expressed at the absence of specific regulations regarding family reunification.

55. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to protect the rights of refugee, asylum-seeking and unaccompanied children and facilitate their access to adequate housing, education, health and other social services. In this regard, the State party should consider the adoption of legislation on asylum-seekers. Additionally, it is recommended that the State party take measures to facilitate family reunification and to establish an efficient refugee status determination procedure for unaccompanied minors. The Committee further recommends that the State party undertake a study on refugee, asylum-seeking and unaccompanied children to ascertain the extent to which they are victims of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment; economic exploitation, including forced labour; commercial sexual exploitation; sale, trafficking and abduction; and abandonment, abuse and neglect.

56. The Committee notes the adoption of the Forcibly Displaced Persons-Exiles Act and the State party's efforts, in cooperation with UNHCR, to provide humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons, including free health care and education for children. However, the Committee remains concerned about their situation.

57. The Committee recommends that the State party implement the "New Approach" to internal displacement, which is to improve the current conditions of internally displaced persons while continuing to support their right to return voluntarily to their homes in safety and dignity, as developed by UNDP, UNHCR, the World Bank and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and endorsed by the State party.

62. Concern is expressed at the large and increasing number of children living and/or working on the streets.

63. The Committee recommends to the State party to establish mechanisms to ensure that children living and/or working on the streets are provided with identity documents, food, clothing and housing. Moreover, the State party should ensure that these children are provided adequate access to health care, rehabilitation services for physical, sexual, and substance abuse, protection from police brutality, services for reconciliation with their families and education, including vocational and life-skills training. The Committee recommends to the State party to cooperate and coordinate its efforts in this regard with civil society.

66. The Committee expresses concern about the increasing number of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution and pornography. Concern is also expressed at the insufficient programmes for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims of such abuse and exploitation. The Committee also notes with concern that there have been reported incidents of sale, trafficking and abduction of children, especially girls, for commercial sexual exploitation.

67. 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 legislation, policies and measures, including care and rehabilitation, to prevent and combat the sexual exploitation of children, as well as the sale, trafficking and abduction of children for commercial sexual exploitation.

GERMANY (2004)

Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Germany, 26/02/2004, CRC/C/15/Add.226.

23. While acknowledging the prohibition of discrimination in the Basic Law (art. 3) , the Committee is concerned at the de facto discrimination against foreign children and at incidents of racial hatred and xenophobia that have a negative effect on the development of children. The Committee is also concerned that some of the Land disparities in practices and services provided and in the enjoyment of rights by children may amount to discrimination.

24. In accordance with article 2 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party carefully and regularly evaluate existing disparities in the enjoyment by children of their rights and undertake on the basis of that evaluation the necessary steps to prevent and combat discriminatory disparities. It also recommends that the State party strengthen its administrative and judicial measures to prevent and eliminate de facto discrimination against foreign children or children belonging to minorities.

25. The Committee requests that specific information be included, in the next periodic report, on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention undertaken by the State party to follow up on the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted in 2001 by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, taking into account the Committee's general comment No. 1 (2001) on article 29 (1) (aims of education).

28. The Committee notes the progress achieved in the implementation of article 12 of the Convention with various legal provisions recognizing the right of the child to express his/her views, but remains concerned that the general principle as laid down in that article is not fully applied and duly integrated in practice into the implementation of the policies and programmes throughout the State party.

29. The Committee recommends that further efforts be made to ensure the implementation of the principle of respect for the views of the child. In this connection, particular emphasis should be placed on the right of every child to participate in the family, at school, within other institutions and bodies, and in society at large, with special attention to vulnerable groups. This general principle should also be reflected in all policies and programmes relating to children. Awareness-raising among the public at large as well as education and training of professionals on the implementation of this principle should be reinforced.

30. The Committee notes the decision of the Constitutional Court of 24 September 2003 (2 BvR 1436/02, Case Ludin) but is concerned at laws currently under discussion in some of the Länder aiming at banning schoolteachers from wearing headscarves in public schools, as this does not contribute to the child's understanding of the right to freedom of religion and to the development of an attitude of tolerance as promoted in the aims of education under article 29 of the Convention.

31. The Committee recommends that the State party take educational and other measures aimed at children, parents and others to develop a culture of understanding and tolerance, particularly in the area of freedom of religion, conscience and thought by, inter alia, avoiding measures which single out a particular religious group.

34. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of the third law to amend the federal law on child benefits (entered into force on 1 January 2001) which improves the possibility for both parents to take parental leave and the amendment of the law on parental custody which provides for shared parental custody (Sorgerecht) even when they are divorced, separated, or not married, but remains concerned that the judicial system is not yet prepared to fully implement this latter legislation.

35. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures for a full implementation of the new legislation relating to the law on parental custody, notably through adequate training for magistrates.

40. The Committee welcomes the introduction in 2000 of the law to prohibit violence in the upbringing of children, which prohibits corporal punishment within the family, and of various other legal instruments to fight against domestic violence (e. g. 2002 Act for Further Improving Children's Rights) but remains concerned that there is a lack of comprehensive data and information on the impact of the new legislation. The Committee is further concerned that various forms of violence continue to exist in the State party, in particular, sexual abuse and the growing problem of violence at school.

41. In light of article 19 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Undertake a comprehensive study on violence, more particularly on sexual abuse and violence at school, in order to assess the extent, scope and nature of these practices; (b) Strengthen awareness-raising campaigns with the involvement of children in order to prevent and combat child abuse; (c) Evaluate the work of existing structures and provide training for professionals involved in such cases.

42. The Committee expresses its concerns at the widespread abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco among children; at the high incidence of infants born with the foetal alcohol syndrome; and that the number of children either of whose parents is a drug addict is estimated at 3 million.

43. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to combat the abuse of drugs and alcohol among children and parents by, inter alia, undertaking intensive education campaigns and setting up adequate rehabilitation services.

44. The Committee is concerned that children with psychiatric illness are treated in the adult's ward in psychiatric institutions and that ethical issues pertaining to psychiatry are not sufficiently taken into consideration. The Committee is further deeply concerned at the very high incidence of suicide among children and adolescents.

45. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to ensure that children are separated from adults in psychiatric institutions and to take into consideration more fully international standards regarding the ethics of psychiatry. In addition, the Committee recommends that the State party strengthen adolescent health services, in particular counselling services and suicide prevention programmes.

46. The Committee notes that the prohibition on the practice of female genital mutilation is covered under criminal law, but expresses its concern at reports that female genital mutilation is practised in the State party on girls from sub-Saharan countries.

47. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Undertake a study on the extent and nature of female genital mutilation practised in the State party or abroad on girls who live in Germany; (b) Organize an information and awareness-raising campaign, taking into account the results of the study, to prevent this practise; (c) Involve in this work non-governmental organizations that are active in this field; (d) Give priority to the elimination of female genital mutilation in its programme of international cooperation by, inter alia, extending financial and technical assistance to countries of origin where female genital mutilation is practised that have active programmes designed to eliminate this practice.

48. The Committee shares the concerns of the State party regarding the lack of sufficient childcare facilities, especially in the western part of the country (see CRC/C/83/Add. 7, paragraphs 584, 585 and 630) and of national standards for these facilities.

49. In line with articles 18 (3) and 25 of the Convention and in light of the recommendations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C. 12/1/Add. 68, para. 44) , the Committee recommends that the State party take measures to establish more childcare services to meet the needs of working parents, and to set up national standards to ensure quality childcare is available to all children.

56. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Plan of Action of the Federal Government for the Protection of Children and Young People from Sexual Violence and Exploitation (January 2003) , but remains concerned at the various ages retained in the Criminal Code depending on the offence committed by an adult against a child.

57. In light of article 34 and other related articles of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Extend the protection against sexual exploitation and trafficking provided for in all relevant legislation to all boys and girls below the age of 18 years; (b) Pursue its efforts to combat sexual exploitation of and trafficking in children by effectively implementing its Plan of Action, in accordance with the 1996 Declaration and Agenda for Action and the 2001 Global Commitment adopted at the World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

58. While noting the efforts undertaken in this regard, the Committee expresses its concerns at the increasing number of street children in the State party, as well as the high percentage of foreign children among them.

59. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Pursue its efforts to prevent and reduce this phenomenon by addressing its root causes with a special emphasis on the protection of foreign children; (b) Ensure that street children are provided with adequate food, clothing, housing, health care and educational opportunities, including vocational and life-skills training, in order to support their full development; (c) Ensure that these children are provided with recovery and reintegration services for physical, sexual and substance abuse; and services for reconciliation with their families.

GHANA (1997)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Ghana, 18/06/97, CRC/C/15/Add.73.

31. In the light of Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that priority be given in budget allocations to the realization of the economic, social and cultural rights of children, with particular emphasis on health and education, and on the enjoyment of these rights by children, particularly the most disadvantaged. In this regard, the Committee suggests that the authorities responsible for overall planning and budgeting continue to be fully involved in the activities of the Ghana National Commission on Children, with a view to ensuring that their decisions have a direct and positive impact on the budget.

32. The Committee further recommends that all appropriate measures, including public information campaigns be undertaken to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination against girls and children with disabilities, especially those living in rural areas, with a view, inter alia, to facilitating their access to basic services.

39. The Committee encourages the State party to undertake to prevent and combat the phenomenon of children working and/or living on the street by, inter alia, engaging in research and collection of data, promoting integration and vocational training programmes as well as guaranteeing equal access to health and social services.

40. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including through international cooperation, to prevent and combat malnutrition.

41. The Committee suggests that the Government strengthen its information and prevention programmes to combat HIV/AIDS and sexually transmittable diseases (STD) as well as discriminatory attitudes towards children affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS. The Committee further recommends that the State party pursue and strengthen its family planning and reproductive health programmes, including for adolescents.

42. The Committee shares the view of the State party that serious efforts are required to address harmful traditional practices such as early marriage, female genital mutilation and Trokosi. The Committee recommends that all legislation be reviewed to ensure its full compatibility with children's rights and that public campaigns involving all sectors of society be developed and pursued with a view to changing attitudes. All appropriate action in this regard should be taken on a priority basis.

47. In light of Article 34 and other related Articles of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party reinforce its legislative framework to fully protect children from all forms of sexual abuse or exploitation, including within the family. It also recommends that the State party engage in studies with a view to designing and implementing appropriate policies and measures, including in the area of rehabilitation, to combat this phenomenon comprehensively and effectively. The Committee wishes in this regard to draw the attention of the State party to the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children held in Stockholm in 1996.

GREECE (2002)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Greece, 01/02/2002, CRC/C/15/Add.170.

13. While noting the involvement of many ministries in the implementation of the Convention, the Committee remains concerned: a) By the lack of a clear structure or body for the coordination of the Convention's implementation both at the national level and, via the process of de-centralisation, and at the regional level; b) That considerable disparities exist with regard to the Convention's implementation between urban and rural areas.

14. The Committee recommends that the State party: a) Establish a coordinating body with adequate authority and sufficient human, financial and other resources to support an effective coordination for the full implementation of the Convention; b) Implement measures to reduce disparities in the Convention's implementation and ensure equal access to services, such as education, health, welfare and other services, for all children including those in isolated regions.

15. Noting the State party's progress in decentralising health services, the Committee remains concerned that many services fundamental to the Convention's implementation remain centralised in main cities.

16. The Committee recommends that the State party: a) Strengthen the Convention's overall implementation throughout the country, giving particular attention to implementation in rural and small island communities, and among ethnic, national, cultural and other population groups including through ongoing efforts to strengthen the presence of health and education professionals in such communities; b) Promptly implement the laws on decentralisation of health and social services.

21. The Committee is concerned that the percentage of budgetary allocations toward health and education for children are unclear and those allocated to public education appear to be low.

22. The Committee recommends that the State party clarify the budgetary allocations for social services and ensure that allocations, including particularly for education and in the light of article 4 of the Convention, are allocated to the "maximum extent of . . . available resources. "

36. The Committee is concerned: b) By the very poor educational and health statistics relative to children from Roma communities.

37. The Committee recommends that the State party take steps to: b) Improve respect for the rights to life, survival and development of Roma children, including through proactive efforts on the part of relevant authorities.

50. While acknowledging the many activities of the Child Health Institute in the field of child abuse and neglect and the new bill to establish the legal bystander for the child victim, the Committee remains concerned: a) At the absence of national data on the incidence of child abuse and neglect; b) At indications that physical, psychological, and sexual abuse are prevalent within the family and in the context of institutional care; c) That social, medical and other service resources through which the State party can respond to abuse and neglect are primarily limited to Athens and that even there are insufficient.

51. The Committee recommends that the State party: a) Improve its data collection with regard to the abuse and neglect of children including sexual abuse within the family; b) Develop and implement a national programme for the prevention and reduction of the incidence of child abuse and neglect of children within the family and within institutions, inter-alia, by conducting awareness raising campaigns and the provision of adequate support to families at risk; c) Develop and implement an effective system for reporting and referral of cases of child abuse and neglect, appropriate measures for the protection of child victims and the provision of rehabilitative assistance and prosecution and treatment of alleged perpetrators of abuse and neglect; d) Strengthen the capacity of social services across the country to identify and treat instances of abuse or neglect of children including for physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of the victims of rape, abuse, neglect, ill-treatment, violence or sexual exploitation, in accordance with article 39 of the Convention; and take measures to prevent the criminalization and stigmatization of victims; strengthen the use of child sensitive methods of investigation and presentation of court evidence, and the availability of expert multi-disciplinary child assistance teams, including psychosocial counsellors; and ensure that domestic legislation provides adequate protection for all children, both girls and boys, from sexual and other forms of abuse; e) Take note of the Committee's recommendations adopted on its 2000 and 2001 days of general discussion on children and violence (CRC/C/100, para. 688, and CRC/C/111, paras. 701-745).

56. The Committee is concerned that: a) The State party's data on basic national health indicators are insufficient; b) Weaknesses in infrastructure and problems for uninsured families may limit the realisation of children's right to health care; c) There is a shortage of nurses and social workers, and notes the need to improve the quality of dental services, as indicated by the State party in its report; d) Children of parents who are not covered by family social insurance policies may not have access to health care; e) Children from certain groups, such as the Roma and some immigrant groups, have particularly poor access to health care, leading to a high level of health concerns; f) High numbers of children smoke cigarettes and use alcohol.

57. The Committee recommends that the State party: a) Strengthen its health infrastructure including through the recruitment of additional nurses and social workers; b) Ensure that all children have access to health care, irrespective of the insurance situation of their parents; c) Give particular attention to ensuring the access to health care of children from Roma communities and other economically disadvantaged groups; d) Take steps to lower the numbers of children smoking cigarettes and using alcohol, including through the use of information campaigns.

60. The Committee is concerned that: a) The existing plans for sex education in schools have not been fully implemented; b) Abortions are widely used as a method of birth control; c) There are weaknesses with family planning assistance to adolescents, and that these are related to inadequacy of staffing and obtaining suitable premises and equipment, as indicated by the State party in its report.

61. The Committee recommends that the State party: a) Ensure the provision of relevant health information to adolescents, including through the existing plans for sex education in schools and safe birth control practices; b) Strengthen its provision of family planning counselling and assistance, with particular regard to reproductive health, and in addition ensure that adolescents have free and confidential access to such assistance.

66. Acknowledging the many activities of the State party toward improving access to education, the quality of education and in introducing multicultural teaching, the Committee remains concerned by a variety of problems that still exist, such as: a) The closing of many rural schools, limiting the access of children from rural communities to education; b) Reports of xenophobia among teachers and students; c) The high overall drop out rate from school and by the very high drop out rates among rural and Roma children; d) Reports that compulsory education requirements are not systematically enforced; e) Difficulties in gaining access to education for some groups of children, including asylum seeking and refugee children who experience difficulties in registering themselves to attend school and obtaining education certificates; f) The low quality of education in many schools that teach in languages other than Greek, including the use of outdated text books and late term starting dates; the very high estimated figures for illiteracy among Roma children; the low proportions of children from distinct ethnic, religious, linguistic or cultural groups who attend secondary school and that some children, particularly from these groups are accepted in school only as auditors and not permitted to gain academic credit for this period of study; g) The lack of sufficient space for schools, particularly in cities.

67. The Committee recommends that the State party: a) Continue ongoing efforts to increase the proportion of the national budget spent on public education; b) Ensure the access to education for all children in the State party, including increasing the enrolment and reducing the drop out rates, giving particular attention to children in rural communities, children from Roma and other distinct ethnic, religious, linguistic or cultural groups and to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including through the use of information campaigns targeting parents and local authorities; c) Ensure that legislation with regard to compulsory education is enforced, including through provision of the appropriate resources for this purpose; d) Encourage and support increases in the numbers of children from distinct ethnic, religious, linguistic or cultural groups attending secondary school; e) Expand the practice of establishing second teachers who speak languages other than Greek to cover all relevant schools and major languages; f) Ensure that schools have sufficient space to function effectively, including for gymnasium and sports facilities; g) Continue and strengthen existing programmes to conduct training and information programmes for all teachers on multicultural concerns, so as to ensure the effective integration into the State party's school system of children from all distinct ethnic, religious, linguistic or cultural groups and other backgrounds; h) Ensure that all children are able to gain full academic credit for their school attendance; i) Implement these recommendations in the light of the Committee's general comment on article 29.1 of the Convention, on the aims of education.

76. Welcoming the State party's recent bill in this regard, the Committee remains concerned: a) At reports of the sexual exploitation of children; b) At reports of children being trafficked into, and sometimes through, the State party for, inter-alia, sexual exploitation; c) At the absence of available official statistics on the sexual exploitation and/or trafficking of children; d) At the lack of protection, under the law, of boy prostitutes.

77. The Committee recommends that the State party: a) Undertake a study on the causes and scope of sexual exploitation and trafficking of children including by gathering reliable data on its incidence; b) With reference to the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action and the Global Commitment adopted at the World Congresses Against Commercial Exploitation of Children, held in 1996 and 2001, develop a National Plan of Action to address the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children covering, inter alia, all aspects of assistance to child victims, and ensure that the plan is implemented in all regions of the country, including through the prosecution of persons responsible for such acts; c) Ensure that in the context of any cross-border efforts to address trafficking, the best interests of the children concerned are a primary consideration; d) Strengthen its efforts to identify and report on practices of child sexual exploitation and strengthen cooperation with NGOs working in this field; e) Strengthen its actions to assist child victims of such abuse, including through the provision of counselling and health and social services to the victims.

GRENADA (2000)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Grenada, 04/02/2000, CRC/C/15/Add.121.

13. While acknowledging the difficulties that girls continue to face in many areas, the Committee is also concerned about the situation of boys, particularly as regards their generally "low self-esteem" and academic under-achievement in comparison to that of girls. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake a study on child rearing practices and how they affect boys and girls. The Committee further recommends that the State party implement programmes to address the self-esteem of boys and address discrimination arising from the socialization of boys and girls into rigid gender roles and the resulting determination of family and social attitudes concerning children based on gender.

14. The Committee is concerned that the Criminal Code does not provide boys the same legal protection against sexual abuse and exploitation as girls. In this regard, the Committee notes that the Code refers to the protection of the "female child" only. The Committee recommends that the State party amend its legislation to ensure that boys are provided equal and adequate protection against sexual abuse and exploitation.

20. The Committee welcomes the recent initiatives of the State party to address the issues of child abuse and domestic violence, including the establishment of a Crisis hotline for domestic violence and child abuse as well as the opening of an emergency shelter for battered women and their children. Additionally, the Committee notes the efforts of the State party to train teachers and police officers and to sensitize the media and the general public on child abuse. The Committee further notes the intention of the State party to include a child abuse register as a part of the social and economic survey which is scheduled to commence January 2000. The Committee remains concerned at the lack of awareness and information on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse of children, including sexual abuse; and the insufficient financial and human resources allocated, as well as the inadequate programmes established to prevent and combat these abuses. The Committee is also concerned that insufficient efforts have been made to protect the right to privacy of child victims of abuse. In the 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 policy measures and contribute to changing 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, and sanctions applied to perpetrators including treatment, with due regard given to protecting 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 recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF.

22. The Committee expresses its concern with respect to the limited availability of programmes and services and the lack of adequate data in the area of adolescent health, including accidents, violence, suicide, mental health, abortion, HIV/AIDS and STDs. The Committee is particularly concerned with the high incidence of teenage pregnancy and the situation of teenage mothers, especially in relation to their late attendance at antenatal clinics as well as their generally poor breast-feeding practices. The Committee is concerned that most of the current cases of infant and maternal mortality are related to teenaged mothers. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts in promoting adolescent health policies and counselling services, as well as strengthening reproductive health education, including the promotion of male acceptance of the use of contraceptives. The Committee further suggests that a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary 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, and making efforts to increase the number of social workers and psychologists, to develop youth-friendly care, counselling and rehabilitation facilities for adolescents. The Committee also encourages the State party to develop comprehensive policies and programmes to reduce the incidence of infant and maternal mortality and promote proper breast-feeding and weaning practices among teenaged mothers. In this connection, it is also recommended that the State party consider seeking technical assistance for the integrated management of childhood illnesses and other measures for child health improvement from, inter alia, UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

23. While noting the recent appointment in the State party of a clinical psychologist to deal with the mental health of children, the Committee remains concerned about the situation of mental health of children. The Committee expresses its concern at the absence of legal protection and the lack of adequate facilities and services for children with disabilities. The Committee is also concerned that insufficient efforts have been made by the State party to facilitate the inclusion of children with disabilities in the educational system and generally within society. The Committee notes with concern that the effectiveness of the Early Intervention Programme for Children with Disabilities has been impeded by a lack of human and financial resources. In the light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly Resolution 48/96) and the Committee's recommendations adopted at its Day of General Discussion on the Rights of Children with Disabilities (CRC/C/69) , it is recommended 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 recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to ensure that adequate resources are allocated for the effective implementation of the Early Intervention Programme for Children with Disabilities. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake a study on the situation of mental health with a view to addressing this increasing concern. Further, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake an awareness raising campaign to sensitize the public to the rights and special needs of children with disabilities as well as children with mental health concerns. The Committee further recommends that the State party seek technical cooperation for the training of professional staff working with and for children with disabilities from, inter alia, the World Health Organization.

GUATEMALA
(2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Guatemala, 09/07/2001, CRC/C/15/Add.154.

22. The Committee reiterates its concern about the disparity between the legal minimum age for admission to employment (14 years) and the age for the end of compulsory education (15 years) . Further, it notes that, in line with its recommendation (ibid. , para. 26) , a proposal to set the minimum legal age for marriage for both boys and girls at 16 was introduced in Congress but was never considered.

23. In light of articles 1 and 2 and other related provisions of the Convention, the Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party pursue its efforts to review its legislation with a view to increasing the minimum age of marriage for girls to that for boys in order to bring it into full conformity with the provisions and principles of the Convention. It further recommends that the State party redefine the minimum age for admission to employment so that it corresponds to the age at which compulsory education ends.

26. The Committee is concerned that the principle of non-discrimination (art. 2) is not fully implemented for children belonging to indigenous groups, urban and rural poor children, girls, children with disabilities and displaced children especially with regard to their access to adequate health and educational facilities.

27. The Committee recommends that the State party take all the necessary measures to end discrimination. In this respect, the State party is encouraged to monitor discrimination against children, in particular those belonging to the above-mentioned vulnerable groups, and to develop, on the basis of the results of such monitoring, comprehensive strategies for implementing specific and well-targeted actions aimed at ending all forms of discrimination.

28. The Committee notes with concern that a large number of children, in particular girls in rural and poor urban areas, are not registered because of distance from registry offices or because parents are unaware of the importance of the procedure for birth registration.

29. In light of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party develop more widespread awareness among the population of the importance of birth registration and improve the registration system so that it reaches all people, in particular those in rural areas.

30. The Committee is deeply disturbed by information that violence against children is increasing. In particular, it notes with great concern that many children fear for their lives because they are continually threatened and are victims of violence, notably when they are living and/or working in the street but also when they are at home. Of particular concern to the Committee is the alleged involvement of the State Civil Police in some of the alleged cases of violence and the lack of proper investigation of these cases by Guatemalan authorities.

31. The Committee recommends that the State party take, as a matter of the highest priority, all the necessary steps to prevent these serious violations of children's rights and to ensure that they are properly investigated and that those responsible are brought to justice. In light of article 39, the Committee also invites the State party to take all appropriate measures to ensure the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims of torture and/or ill-treatment and to provide adequate compensation. The State party is invited to seek international cooperation in this regard.

36. The adoption of the Act on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Domestic Violence in 1996, the creation of CONACMI and the conducting of national campaigns against child abuse are positive measures in line with the Committee's recommendation (ibid. , para. 33) . However, concern is expressed at the lack of data and appropriate measures, mechanisms and resources to prevent and combat domestic violence, including child physical and sexual abuse, and neglect and at the limited number of services for abused children, in particular in rural areas.

37. In light of article 19 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse, including sexual abuse, in order to understand the extent, scope and nature of these practices, adopt and effectively implement adequate measures and policies, and encourage changes in attitudes. The Committee also recommends that cases of domestic violence and ill-treatment and abuse of children, including sexual abuse within the family, be properly investigated within a child-sensitive inquiry and judicial procedure in order to ensure better protection of child victims, including the protection of their right to privacy. Measures should also be taken to provide support services to children in legal proceedings, and for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of the victims of rape, abuse, neglect, ill-treatment and violence, in accordance with article 39 of the Convention. The Committee recommends that the State party seek, in this regard, international cooperation and technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF and WHO.

38. The Committee, while taking note of the Act on the Provision of Services for Persons with Disabilities of 1996 and the establishment of a National Network for Support to Disabled Persons which has also established departmental links in the interior of the country, is nevertheless concerned that discrimination against children with disabilities still occurs and that parents are often unaware of their children's rights. Further, it is concerned about the huge number of children with disabilities who are institutionalized and the general lack of resources and specialized staff for these children.

39. In light of article 23 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake measures to ensure that the situation of children with disabilities is monitored in order to effectively assess their situation and needs, and to conduct public awareness campaigns in all languages, in particular indigenous ones, to raise awareness of the situation and rights of children with disabilities. It further recommends that the State party allocate the necessary resources for programmes and facilities for all children with disabilities, especially those living in rural areas, and develop community-based programmes to enable them to stay at home with their families. Also, support programmes for parents of children with disabilities are recommended, including counselling and, when necessary, financial assistance. In light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the Committee's recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on "The rights of children with disabilities" (see CRC/C/69) , it is also reiterated (ibid. , para. 38) that the State party should further encourage the integration of disabled children into the regular educational system and their inclusion in society, including by providing special training to teachers and by making schools more accessible. The Committee recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from, among others, WHO.

40. Measures such as the launching of a Comprehensive Health Care System (SIAS) , the Friendly Hospitals initiative, a national plan for the reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality and a national mother and child programme are positive steps. However, the Committee is concerned that the health standard of the children living in Guatemala, especially children living in the rural areas and in poor urban areas, is inadequate. It notes in particular the high infant mortality rates due, inter alia, to nutritional deficiencies, lack of sanitation facilities and limited access to preventive and curative health services, with wide differences between urban and rural areas and between the different ethnic groups; the Committee also notes the high maternal mortality rates, due largely to a high incidence of illegal abortion.

41. In light of article 24 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party allocate appropriate resources and develop comprehensive policies and programmes to improve the health situation of all children without discrimination, in particular by focusing more on primary-level care and decentralizing the health-care system. In particular, to prevent child mortality and morbidity and to address the high maternal mortality rate, the Committee recommends the provision of adequate antenatal and postnatal health-care services and the development of campaigns to provide parents with basic knowledge about child health and nutrition, the advantages of breastfeeding, hygiene and environmental sanitation, family planning and reproductive health. The Committee encourages the State party to look to international cooperation for the full and efficient implementation of the immunization programme. Further, it recommends to the State party to seek technical assistance from, among others, WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA.

44. The Committee expresses its concern regarding the high rates of early pregnancy, the rise in the number of children and youths using drugs, the increase in cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) , in particular syphilis, and the growing number of cases of HIV/AIDS among youths. Further, it notes the limited availability of programmes and services in the area of adolescent health, including mental health, and the lack of sufficient prevention and information programmes in schools, especially on reproductive health.

45. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to promote adolescent health policies, including mental health, particularly with respect to reproductive health and substance abuse, and strengthen the programme of health education in schools. The Committee further suggests that a comprehensive and multidisciplinary study be undertaken to understand the scope of adolescent health problems, including the negative impact of STDs and HIV/AIDS, in order to be able to develop adequate policies and programmes. It is also recommended that the State party undertake further measures, including the allocation of adequate human and financial resources, to evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes in health education, in particular as regards reproductive health, and to develop youth-sensitive and confidential counselling, care and rehabilitation facilities that are accessible without parental consent when this is in the best interests of the child. The Committee encourages the State party to seek additional technical cooperation from, among others, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO and UNAIDS.

46. While noting with appreciation the number of national efforts undertaken to extend the coverage and improve the quality of the school system, particularly at the pre-school and primary levels and with special attention paid to girls, the Committee is nevertheless concerned about the high repetition and drop-out rates, the high pupil-teacher ratio and the high incidence of absenteeism, truancy and over-age pupils. Further, it notes with concern that bilingual education is offered only in a limited number of indigenous languages and only at pre-school level and in the first three grades of primary schooling.

47. In light of articles 28 and 29 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake appropriate measures to increase budgetary allocations for education, ensure regular attendance at schools and the reduction of drop-out rates, and strengthen the quality of education in order to achieve the goals stated in article 29. 1, in line with the Committee's General Comment No. 1 on the aims of education (CRC/C/GC/2001/1) . It also reiterates its recommendation (ibid. , para. 37) that the State party should continue to strengthen the teacher training programme in order to increase the number of trained teachers and improve the quality of teaching and the bilingual education programme. In this respect, the Committee encourages the State party to seek additional technical cooperation from, among others, UNESCO and UNICEF.

52. While noting that the National Plan against Sexual and Commercial Exploitation is in the final stages of elaboration, the Committee expresses its deep concern that, with regard to the increasing phenomenon of commercial sexual exploitation of children, in particular girls, there are no data available, legislation is inadequate, cases involving sexually exploited children are often not investigated and prosecuted, and no rehabilitation programmes are available.

53. In light of article 34 of the Convention and in line with the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (see E/CN. 4/2000/73/Add. 2) , the Committee recommends that the State party expedite the adoption of the National Plan against Sexual and Commercial Exploitation, taking into account the Agenda for Action adopted at the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and undertake a study on this issue in order to understand its scope and causes, to enable effective monitoring of the problem and to develop the necessary measures and programmes to prevent, combat and eliminate it. The Committee invites the State party to seek international cooperation in this regard.

54. The Committee expresses its concern at the significant number of children living in the streets and notes that assistance to these children is provided mainly by non-governmental organizations. In light of article 6 of the Convention, serious concern is expressed at allegations of rape, ill-treatment and torture, including murder for the purpose of "social cleansing", of children living in the streets.

55. The Committee recommends that the State party expedite the adoption of a National Plan for the Care of Street Children and ensure that children living in the streets are provided with nutrition, clothing, housing, health care and educational opportunities, including vocational and life-skills training, in order to support their full development. Moreover, the State party should ensure that these children are provided with rehabilitation services for physical, sexual and substance abuse; protection from police brutality; and services for reconciliation with their families. The Committee encourages the State party to seek additional international cooperation from, among others, UNICEF and WHO.

(1996)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Guatemala, 07/06/96, CRC/C/15/Add.58.

35. The Committee encourages the State party to strengthen its support to families in carrying out their child-rearing responsibilities, such as by providing nutritious food and conducting vaccination programmes. As a means of addressing the problems of maternal death and poor antenatal care and delivery services, the Committee suggests that the State party consider introducing a more effective system training medical personnel and birth attendants. The Committee also recommends that the State party consider requesting international cooperation from relevant international organizations to address issues relating to the reproductive health of women.

38. The Committee recommends that provision be made for offering social assistance to families to help them with their child-rearing responsibilities as laid down in Article 18 of the Convention as a means of reducing institutionalization of children. Further efforts are also required to ensure the active participation of disabled children in the community in conditions which ensure their dignity and promote their self-reliance, as well as to ensure that disabled children are separated from adults suffering from mental ill-health. The Committee recommends that measures be taken to review periodically the placement and treatment of children as required under Article 25 of the Convention.

39. The problems of children traumatized by the effects of armed conflict and violence in society are, in the Committee's view, a matter of serious concern. In this connection, the Committee recommends that the State party give consideration to the implementation of specific projects for children, to be carried out in an environment which fosters the health, self-respect and dignity of the child.

GUINEA (1999)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Guinea, 31/01/99, CRC/C/15/Add.100.

24. 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 WHO/UNICEF's "Integrated Management of Childhood Illness" is recommended.

25. 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 this 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 General Discussion Day on Children Living in a World with HIV/AIDS, CRC/C/80) .

26. 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 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.

27. 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 multi-disciplinary study be undertaken to understand the scope of adolescent health problems, including the negative impact of early pregnancies. The Committee recommends the State party to promote adolescent health policies and programmes by, inter alia, strengthening reproductive health education and counseling services. The Committee encourages the State party to consider seeking international assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF and WHO.

28. In relation to the situation of children with disabilities, the Committee expresses its concern at the lack of infrastructure, limited 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 their discrimination, establish special education programmes and centres and encourage their inclusion into society. The Committee further recommends the State party to seek technical cooperation for the training of professional staff working with and for children with disabilities.

34. 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 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 the State Party to use as a reference framework the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the 1996 Stockholm World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

GUINEA BISSAU (2002)

Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Guinea Bissau, 13/06/2002, CRC/C/15/Add.177.

7. The Committee is concerned to note that: (a) There is "an absence of specific legislation on the implementation of the Convention", as indicated in paragraph 61 of the State party's report; (b) The Law on Children's and Women's Protection, which was approved by Parliament in 1997, has not been implemented and that the status of this law, according to the delegation, is unclear; (c) The review of, inter alia, penal law and family and labour legislation has not produced concrete results so far; (d) Customary law which does not fully comply with the Convention is applied much more often than national legislation, particularly on issues relevant to children, girls/women and the family.

8. Noting as a positive step the reactivation by the Parliament of the Ad Hoc Commission for the Child and Woman, the Committee urges the State party: (a) To strengthen and speed up the process of revision and harmonization of national laws in the light of and in accordance with the principles and provisions of the Convention; (b) Take the necessary steps, including involving the community and traditional leaders, to bring customary law practices into compliance with the provisions and principles of the Convention; (c) Seek technical assistance from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

9. While noting the creation of the National Council for Childhood (see paragraphs 100 and 126 of the State party's report) and the recent establishment of the Institute for Women and Children (see the State party's replies to the list of issues, Part III) , the Committee remains deeply concerned at: (a) The lack of a well defined and comprehensive children's rights policy and an up to date national plan of action for the implementation of the Convention; (b) The many difficulties encountered in the coordination and evaluation of the implementation of the Convention; (c) The lack of monitoring of the implementation of the Convention.

10. The Committee urgently recommends that the State party: (a) Develop and implement a comprehensive child rights policy and National Plan of Action, to replace the 1992 Plan; (b) Provide the National Council for Childhood or the Institute for Women and Children with the necessary financial and human resources in order to allow one of these bodies to perform the role of promoting and coordinating activities for the implementation of the rights of women and children; (c) The Committee urgently recommends that the State party establish an independent and effective mechanism in accordance with the Paris Principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (General Assembly resolution 48/134) , provided with adequate human and financial resources and easily accessible to children; (d) Seek technical assistance from UNICEF and OHCHR.

11. The Committee is deeply concerned that budget allocations for services such as health and education are extremely low. In addition, sole dependence on foreign assistance raises concerns as to the sustainability of the required resources. The Committee notes, further, that teachers and many other State employees often do not receive their salaries.

12. With view to the State party's strengthening of its implementation of article 4 of the Convention, and in the light of articles 2, 3 and 6, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Establish a clear policy on the allocation of resources in favour of children, including those resources allocated by international agencies or bilateral assistance; (b) Prioritize budgetary allocations to ensure implementation of the rights of children to the maximum extent of available resources and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation; (c) Ensure the payment of salaries to State employees whose work is essential for the respect of children's rights.

19. The Committee is concerned that: (a) Differences in the minimum legal age of marriage for girls (14) and boys (16) is discriminatory and that, in practice, the marriage of girls at age 13 or 14 is common; (b) Boys under the age of 16 are legally permitted to join the armed forces if they have parental agreement and that children well under the age of 16 were recruited into armed forces in 1998 and 1999, during the internal armed conflict.

20. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Raise the minimum legal age of marriage of girls so that it is the same as for boys and enforce respect for this minimum age; (b) Clearly define the legal minimum age at which children can be recruited into the armed forces, raising the age limit to comply, at a minimum, with the standards set in the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and ensure enforcement of these standards.

22. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Amend the legislation to ensure that it fully corresponds with the provisions of article 2 of the Convention; (b) Formulate policies and programmes with a view to addressing discrimination against specific groups of children, in particular girls and children with disabilities.

23. The Committee requests that specific information be included in the next periodic report on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention on the Rights of the Child undertaken by the State party to follow up on the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and that take into account General Comment No. 1 on article 29. 1 of the Convention (aims of education) .

24. The Committee is concerned that: (a) The principle of the "best interests of the child" has not been fully implemented by the State party or reflected in legislation, policy, programmes or activities; (b) As indicated by the State party in its replies to the list of issues, the principle of the best interests of the child is not reflected at all in customary law.

25. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Urgently implement the principle of the best interests of the child in all of its activities relating to children and the implementation of the Convention, including legislation, policy, programmes and activities; (b) Ask for international assistance to undertake a study on the best interest principle and its implementation, in order to ensure the wide application of this principle by the Government and throughout society.

28. Noting the significant efforts by the State party to improve birth registration, the Committee remains concerned that not all children are registered at birth and that the imposition of a financial fine upon parents who register the birth of their child after the expiry of the official deadline is a hindrance to birth registration.

29. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Review its birth registration procedures, consider the abolition of sanctions for late registration and continue to use creative means of increasing birth registration (such as the use of mobile registration units in rural areas and sensitization campaigns) , with a view to ensuring the systematic registration of all births; (b) Seek technical assistance from UNICEF.

30. The Committee is concerned that: (a) Sexual abuse of children within the family, including the extended family is a regular occurrence; (b) Corporal punishment is widely practised in the family; (c) Domestic violence, particularly against women, is widespread and frequently used as a way to resolve family conflicts, and that this violence, even when not directly inflicted upon children, has a very negative impact on their development.

31. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Undertake a study on the extent of abuse and ill-treatment of children in the family; (b) Take steps to end the sexual abuse of children, including through improving the access of children and adults to reporting mechanisms, and increasing the investigation of cases and the prosecution of the persons responsible; (c) Combat the practice of corporal punishment of children in the family, including through the use of information campaigns on the harm it can cause and on the importance of alternative measures of discipline; (d) Take all appropriate measures to address and prevent domestic violence, whether physical or mental, within the family and to ensure the full protection of children against this type of violence; (e) Raise awareness among the public of the problem of domestic violence, with a view to changing traditions that inhibit victims, particularly women and girls, from reporting it; (f) Investigate cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse, through a child sensitive judicial procedure, and that sanctions be applied to perpetrators with due regard given to guaranteeing the right to privacy of the child; (g) In the light of articles 19 and 39 of the Convention, implement measures for reporting, referral and intervention and for the rehabilitation of victims, with a view to ensuring the recovery and reintegration of victims; (h) Take note of the recommendations of the Committee's days of general discussion on violence against children.

34. The Committee is deeply concerned at: (a) The limited access to, capacity and quality of health-care services, including in terms of distance between people's homes and health facilities, cost and the insufficient number of hospital beds and the limited availability of affordable and appropriate medication; (b) The high rates of infant and maternal mortality, malnutrition inadequate immunization and high mortality from malaria; (c) The limited proportion of the population with access to safe water and adequate sanitation, including in schools, and related cholera and meningitis epidemics; (d) Low levels of health education within communities.

35. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Significantly increase its expenditure on health; (b) Significantly improve children's access to health services and to medication including by strengthening the quality and capacity of the health infrastructure, providing financial assistance or free medical care to children in need of such support and their families and addressing the access concerns of those children living in isolated rural communities; (c) Take action to address specific concerns, including infant and maternal mortality, malnutrition, inadequate immunization, malaria rates and cholera and meningitis epidemics; (d) Take action to ensure that all children have access to drinking water and adequate sanitation, including in schools, and to ensure adequate waste disposal arrangements; (e) Seek assistance through international cooperation in this regard.

36. While noting that a major effort has been made to address the situation of children with disabilities since 1986 (see report, para. 189) , the Committee remains concerned that: (a) The rights of children with disabilities are very poorly respected (see report, para. 187) , societal discrimination is prevalent against children with disabilities, including children with Down's syndrome, and there are cases of the killing of newborn children who have physical disabilities; (b) As indicated in the State party's report, the law does not prohibit discrimination against the disabled specifically, there is no law mandating accessibility for persons with disabilities and existing legislation with regard to children with disabilities is not implemented; (c) There is a lack of health, educational or professional training facilities for children with disabilities (see report, para. 147) and, in particular, children with disabilities have very limited access to formal education; (d) Children with disabilities often have serious difficulty in gaining access to public buildings, including hospitals and schools.

37. The Committee recommends that the State party, in the spirit of the United Nations Guidelines on Disabilities and the results of the Committee's day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities: (a) Develop or amend legislation to ensure that discrimination on the grounds of disability is prohibited and that children with disabilities have access to public transportation and public buildings, including all schools and hospitals; (b) Ensure the implementation of all legislative measures of protection for children with disabilities, in particular with regard to non-discrimination, giving attention to practices such as the killing of newborn children with disabilities; (c) Significantly strengthen its assistance to children with disabilities and ensure, inter alia, that they have access to health, educational and professional facilities; (d) Review the recommendations made at the First National Conference on Disabled People (see report, para. 190) and implement those recommendations which remain valid; (e) Revive services established to assist persons with disabilities in the past, but which are no longer functioning, or functioning only in part (see report, paras. 195-198) ; (f) Seek international cooperation in this regard.

38. The Committee is concerned that insufficient attention is given to the prevention of adolescent health concerns.

39. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to address adolescent health concerns, with a particular focus on prevention and the provision of adequate reproductive health education.

40. The Committee is deeply concerned at the negative impact of the growing rate of HIV/AIDS infection on the cultural, economic, political, social and civil rights and freedoms of children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS, including the Convention's general principles, with particular reference to the rights to non-discrimination, to health care, education, food and housing, as well as to information and freedom of expression.

41. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Integrate respect for the rights of the child into the development and implementation of its HIV/AIDS policies and strategies on behalf of children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as their families, including by making use of the Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights (E/CN. 4/1997/37, annex I) and with particular reference to children's rights to non-discrimination, health, education, food and housing, as well as to information and freedom of expression; (b) Make every effort to provide for the treatment of children and their parents infected by HIV/AIDS; (c) Strengthen programmes to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and to ensure protection of the rights of AIDS orphans; (d) Take note of the results of the Committee's day of general discussion on children living in a world with AIDS (5th October 1998) ; (e) Seek international cooperation in this regard.

42. Noting the work undertaken to address female genital mutilation and other harmful practices, including through international cooperation, the Committee remains deeply concerned that: (a) As indicated in the State party's report, the early marriage of girls - often around the age of 13 or 14 - is common (see report, para. 33) and can lead to poor health for girls; (b) Female genital mutilation is practised widely within certain ethnic groups, especially the Fulas and the Mandinkas; (c) As indicated in the State party's report (para. 202) , traditional food taboos are common and thought to be one cause of malnutrition among children and mothers.

43. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Make every effort to combat practices involving the early marriage of girls, including through the involvement of community leaders and the use of education campaigns; (b) Continue and strengthen its efforts to end practices of female genital mutilation, for example through legislative prohibition, through the implementation and enforcement of legislation and through public awareness campaigns; (c) Take steps to end the practise of harmful traditional food taboos by children and mothers; (d) Strengthening and further supporting the work of the Committee against harmful practices; (e) Seek cooperation with countries in the region that have positive experience of combating these harmful practices.

44. Despite increases in school enrolment over the past decade, the Committee remains concerned that: (a) Literacy rates and primary and secondary school enrolment rates among children are extremely low; (b) There are major differences in the access of children to education across the country; (c) Literacy and enrolment among girls are much lower than the already worrying rates for boys; (d) Primary education, where available, is of a low quality and many schools offer only the 1st and 2nd grades and few offer more than four years of education; (e) Schools lack adequate books and materials; (f) Only 1 per cent of children have access to nurseries, kindergartens or similar institutions (see report, para. 217) ; (g) Many teachers have not received any formal training; (h) The number and quality of special education institutions are extremely limited; (i) Ninety per cent of education costs are supported by external assistance (see report, para. 216) .

45. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Raise the State party's contribution to the education budget to the maximum of available resources, while also continuing to seek support through international cooperation; (b) Strengthen education infrastructure, including with regard to administration, management, educational planning, the quality of education in general, the training of teachers and other staff, the construction of additional schools and classrooms, and the provision and quality of textbooks and other school materials and equipment; (c) Consider strengthening the quality of primary and secondary school curricula, taking into consideration the Committee's General Comment on article 29. 1 of the Convention and the aims of education (CRC/GC/2001/1) ; (d) Urgently take action to increase the proportion of children enrolling in primary school and completing compulsory education; (e) Urgently give special attention to raising the proportion of girls completing their primary and secondary education, including through affirmative action and similar special measures, and by ensuring that girls have the same opportunities as boys to attend formal education, that the education of girls is seen by parents, families and communities, as being of equal importance to that of boys and that education is seen as the right of all children; (f) Make every effort to ensure that compulsory education is free for all children, including with regard to textbooks and uniforms for disadvantaged children and families; (g) Increase the number, capacity and quality of special education institutions; (h) Seek technical assistance from UNICEF and UNESCO in this regard.

54. The Committee is concerned at the lack of information regarding the activities of the very high proportion of children who do not go to school. There are indicators that these children may, in urban areas, be involved in prostitution or may spend much time on the street, where they are vulnerable to many kinds of exploitation (for example, drug-trafficking, sexual exploitation, drug abuse) .

55. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Undertake a study to assess the situation of children not attending school and to implement, based on the results of the study, all appropriate measures to protect effectively children from all forms of exploitation, including through prevention and the rehabilitation and recovery of child victims; (b) Prepare a plan of action to address the sexual exploitation of children, taking note of the recommendations made in the Declaration and Agenda for Action and the Global Commitment adopted at the 1996 and 2001 World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children; (c) Seek regional cooperation in this regard.

GUYANA (2004)

Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Guyana, 26/02/2004, CRC/C/15/Add.224.

The Committee is concerned at the low minimum age of sexual consent (13 years) and at the low minimum legal age of criminal responsibility (10 years) .

The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Raise the minimum age of sexual consent; (b) Raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to an internationally acceptable level.

The Committee is concerned that, as noted by the State party, societal discrimination persists against girls and vulnerable groups of children, including children living in poverty, Amerindian children and children with disabilities, and that the Constitution does not prohibit discrimination on the grounds of disability.

The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to adopt appropriate legislation, to ensure implementation of existing laws guaranteeing the principle of non-discrimination and full compliance with article 2 of the Convention, and to adopt a proactive and comprehensive strategy to eliminate discrimination on any grounds and against all vulnerable groups.

The Committee requests that specific information be included, in the next periodic report, on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention undertaken by the State party to follow up on the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, taking into account the Committee's general comment No. 1 (2001) on article 29 (1) of the Convention (aims of education).

The Committee takes note of the establishment of Children and Youth Parliaments. However, given the strong traditional views, the Committee remains concerned that children have limited opportunities freely to express their views in schools, courts or within the family.

The Committee welcomes the information that the right of the child to express his or her views freely (article 12 of the Convention) will be included in the draft Children's Bill (art. 25) and recommends that the State party ensure that children's views are given due consideration in the family, schools, courts, and relevant administrative and other processes through, inter alia: (a) Expanding further the Child-friendly Classroom Programmes, the student councils and other forms of child participation; (b) Training professionals working with and for children as well as the use of information campaigns.

The Committee is concerned that, although parents are required by law to register the birth of their children, the number of children who are not registered at birth is significant, particularly in remote areas and among Amerindians.

In the light of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee urges the State party to increase its efforts, including awareness-raising campaigns, to ensure the registration of all children at birth.

The Committee expresses its concern at the fact that corporal punishment is still widely practised in the family, in schools and in institutions, and that domestic legislation does not prohibit its use.

The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Expressly prohibit corporal punishment by law in the family, schools and other institutions; (b) Conduct awareness-raising campaigns to ensure that alternative forms of discipline are administrated in a manner consistent with the child's human dignity and in conformity with the Convention, especially article 28 (2) ; (c) Seek international technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF in this regard.

The Committee is concerned at the large number of female heads of households and the often limited degree to which fathers assume their parental responsibilities. The Committee is also concerned that a substantial number of parents emigrate to other countries, leaving children behind with relatives or in institutions.

The Committee recommends that the State party undertake measures with a view to strengthening the capacities of families, nuclear and extended, to take care of their children and pay particular attention to strengthening the role of fathers. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the State party collaborate with NGOs.

The Committee takes note of the study conducted and the project developed in collaboration with UNICEF addressing violence and children in Guyana. The Committee is deeply concerned about the generally violent environment where Guyanese children are living and the increased reporting of ill-treatment and abuse of children, including sexual abuse. The Committee is also deeply concerned that section 67 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act (chapter 8:01) criminalizes a girl of 16 years or older for having sexual intercourse with a relative like a grandfather or brother and makes her liable to imprisonment for a period of seven years.

The Committee recommends that the State party pay particular attention to child abuse and neglect in and outside the family by, inter alia: (a) Abolishing, as a matter of priority, the provision mentioned above (para. 37) by taking the necessary measures to prevent incest; (b) Developing an effective reporting system with timely and adequate investigations and child-sensitive protection in order to bring perpetrators to justice; (c) Ensuring that victims of violence have access to counselling and assistance with recovery and reintegration; (d) Developing awareness-raising campaigns with the involvement of children in order to prevent and combat child abuse.

The Committee notes with appreciation the formulation of a National Policy on the Rights of People with Disabilities in 1997 and the establishment of its monitoring body, the Commission on Persons with Disabilities. However, the Committee remains concerned at the societal discrimination experienced by children with disabilities, the inaccessibility of buildings and transportation for them, the absence of an inclusive policy and the situation of children with disabilities in remote areas who are doubly disadvantaged.

In the light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the Committee's recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on the rights of the children with disabilities (CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339) , the Committee recommends that the State party ensure that the National Policy on the Rights of People with Disabilities addresses children's rights, taking into account the provision for non-discrimination, accessibility to all services, including public buildings and transportation, and integration into mainstream education and that it specifically addresses the situation of children in remote areas.

The Committee welcomes the implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) and the marked improvement in immunization coverage. However, the Committee remained concerned at the high infant and under-5 mortality rates, the high incidence of malaria, especially among the Amerindian children, as well as the high incidence of malnutrition, including iron deficiency anaemia and stunting of growth.

The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Take all necessary measures to reduce mortality rates by improving prenatal care and preventing communicable diseases; (b) Continue to combat malaria and address environmental causes and strengthen availability of nets and insecticides, especially in areas where malaria is most prevalent; (c) Address the issue of malnutrition by education and ensuring availability of adequate nutrition among mothers and children; (d) Continue to encourage exclusive breastfeeding for six months with appropriate introduction of infant diet thereafter, taking into account the support needed for working mothers.

The Committee is concerned at the high rate of teenage pregnancies and drug abuse among adolescents.

The Committee recommends that the State party set up adequate services for adolescents, including mental health and reproductive health services. It also recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to prevent drug abuse and provide therapeutic and rehabilitative services for drug abusers.

The Committee welcomes the National Strategic Plan HIV/AIDS 2002-2006 and the manufacturing of anti-retroviral drugs in the State party and supplying them free of charge to adults. However, the Committee is concerned about the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS within the State party causing a large number of children to be infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Committee recommends that the State party integrate respect for the rights of the child into the development and implementation of its HIV/AIDS policies and strategies on behalf of children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as their families, in accordance with the Committee's general comment No. 3 (2003) on HIV/AIDS and the rights of the child (CRC/GC/2003/3) .

The Committee notes the State party's efforts to increase enrolment rates at both primary and secondary schools and the programme established to bring dropout children back into educational settings. However, the Committee remains concerned at the high dropout rates, especially among boys, which are influenced by the economic situation of the families. The Committee is also concerned at the decrease in the quality of education, teacher availability and training and at the widening of educational disparities in the hinterland regions.

The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Continue to strengthen measures aimed at increasing enrolment rates in primary and secondary education and to further increase attempts to bring dropouts back to school and other training programmes; (b) Ensure that pregnant teenagers are given an opportunity to complete their education; (c) Develop and use indicators for quality education, especially in the hinterland regions; (d) Include human rights education as part of the curriculum.

The Committee expresses its concern at the increasing prevalence of child labour in the State party.

The Committee recommends that the State party take the necessary measures for improving the effectiveness of labour inspectorate and other forms of monitoring child labour.

While noting the study with UNICEF on street children and the State party's awareness of the phenomenon of increasing numbers of street children, the Committee remains concerned at the situation of street children and at the lack of adequate and sufficient measures to address this situation.

The Committee recommends that the State party continue and strengthen its efforts to assist street children, including reintegration into their families as well as taking preventive measures. It also recommends that the State party continue to seek international assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF and ILO in this regard.

The Committee notes the results of the studies on the problem of sexual exploitation in the State party and expresses its concern at the lack of specific data on this issue and of targeted measures to address it.

The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Undertake a comprehensive study on children involved in the commercial sex industry and use the data to design policies and programmes to prevent commercial sexual exploitation of children, including through the development of a national plan of action on commercial sexual exploitation of children as agreed at the First and Second World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, held in 1996 and 2001; (b) Train law enforcement officials, social workers and prosecutors on how to receive, monitor, investigate and prosecute complaints in a child-sensitive manner that respects the privacy of the victim.

HAITI (2003)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Haiti, 18/03/2003, CRC/C/15/Add.202.

3. The Committee welcomes: (b) The establishment of the National Committee for the Education of Girls to enhance the enrolment of girls in education.

21. The Committee is concerned about the difference in the minimum legal age of marriage of girls (15 years) and boys (18 years)

22. The Committee recommends that the State party raise the minimum legal age of marriage of girls to that of boys.

25. The Committee, while noting that discrimination is prohibited under the Constitution (art. 18) and that a Ministry for the Status of Women was established in 1994, remains nonetheless concerned by the persistence of discriminatory legal rules regarding children born out of wedlock. The Committee is further concerned at the de facto discrimination in the State party. In particular, the Committee is concerned at the disparities in the enjoyment of rights experienced by children belonging to the most vulnerable groups, such as girls, restavek, children from poor families, street children, children with disabilities and children living in rural areas.

26. In the light of article 2 and other related articles of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Adopt, as a matter of priority, effective legal measures to stop discrimination against children born out of wedlock; (b) Ensure through legislation that all children within its jurisdiction enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination and prioritize and direct social services to children belonging to the most vulnerable groups through proactive and comprehensive policy measures; (c) Ensure effective law enforcement, and launch comprehensive public information campaigns to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination, where needed within the framework of international cooperation.

27. The Committee requests that specific information be included in the next periodic report on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention undertaken by the State party to follow up on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, taking account of the Committee's General Comment No. 1 on article 29, paragraph 1, of the Convention (aims of education)

30. The Committee notes that the Decree of 12 December 1960 provides for the right of children to express themselves in the family; however, it is concerned that children's opinions are not given sufficient consideration and that respect for the views of the child remains limited within the family, at schools, in the courts and before administrative authorities and in the society at large.

31. The Committee encourages the State party to ensure that children's views are given due consideration, in accordance with article 12 of the Convention, in the family, at schools, in the courts, and in all relevant administrative and other processes concerning them through, inter alia, the adoption of appropriate legislation, the training of professionals and the establishment of specific activities at schools.

32. The Committee welcomes the 1995 Decree, which allows for late birth registration, but remains concerned at the large number of children whose birth is not being registered. The Committee is further concerned at the fees which parents have to pay for a birth certificate of their children.

33. In the light of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee urges the State party to strengthen its efforts to ensure that all children are registered at birth, including through awareness-raising campaigns, to consider facilitating procedures of birth registration, notably by suppressing any fees and decentralizing the system, and to take measures to register those who were not registered at birth.

36. The Committee welcomes the Act prohibiting corporal punishment (August 2001) within the family and at schools, but remains concerned at the persistent practice of corporal punishment by parents or teachers and the ill-treatment of child domestics (restaveks). The Committee is further deeply concerned about instances of ill-treatment of street children by law enforcement officers.

37. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Take all necessary measures for the effective implementation of the law prohibiting corporal punishment, in particular by making use of information and education campaigns to sensitize parents, teachers, other professionals working with children and the public at large to the harm caused by corporal punishment and to the importance of alternative, non-violent forms of discipline, as foreseen in article 28, paragraph 2, of the Convention; (b) Investigate in an effective way reported cases of ill-treatment of children by law enforcement officers and ensure that alleged offenders are transferred from active duty or suspended while they are under investigation, dismissed and punished if convicted; (c) Provide for the care, recovery and reintegration of child victims.
Violence, abuse and neglect.

42. The Committee is concerned at the high incidence of violence against and abuse of children within the family environment, including sexual abuse and neglect of children, and that insufficient efforts have been made to protect children. The Committee is particularly concerned at the very high rate of sexual abuse of girls (more than one third of women were sexually abused before the age of 15 years) In addition, the Committee is concerned at the lack of statistical data and a comprehensive plan of action, and the insufficient infrastructures.

43. In the light of articles 19 and 39 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Assess the scope, nature and causes of violence against children, in particular sexual violence against girls, with a view to adopting a comprehensive strategy and effective measures and policies and to changing attitudes; (b) Properly investigate cases of violence, through a child-sensitive judicial procedure, notably by giving appropriate weight to children's views in legal proceedings, and apply sanctions to perpetrators with due regard given to guaranteeing the right of the child to privacy; (c) Provide services for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of girl victims of sexual abuses and any other children victims of abuse, neglect, ill-treatment, violence or exploitation, and take appropriate measures to prevent the criminalization and stigmatization of victims; (d) Take into consideration the recommendations of the Committee adopted at its days of general discussion on the theme "Violence against children" (CRC/C/100, para. 688 and CRC/C/111, paras. 701-745) ; (e) Seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

44. The Committee welcomes the efforts undertaken by the State party in the area of basic health and welfare, such as the Extended Vaccination Programme, the adherence to the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and the promotion of breastfeeding, but remains deeply concerned at the high infant, under-five and maternal mortality rates and low life expectancy in the State party. The Committee also remains concerned that access to health services in the rural areas is limited, and that the survival and development of children in the State party continue to be threatened by early childhood and infectious diseases, diarrhoea and malnutrition. The Committee is further concerned at the poor state of sanitation and at the insufficient access to safe drinking water, especially in rural areas.

45. The Committee recommends that the State party by, inter alia, implementing as soon as possible its National Health Plan: (a) Reinforce its efforts to allocate appropriate resources and develop and implement comprehensive policies and programmes to improve the health situation of children, particularly in rural areas; (b) Facilitate greater access to primary health services, notably in rural areas; reduce the incidence of maternal, child and infant mortality; prevent and combat malnutrition, especially among vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of children; and continue to promote proper breastfeeding practices; (c) Continue its immunization campaigns and incorporate them into the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness; (d) Establish midwifery training programmes to assure safe home delivery; (e) Pursue additional avenues for cooperation and assistance for the improvement of child health with, among others, WHO and UNICEF.

46. The Committee is concerned that insufficient attention has been given to adolescent health issues, including developmental, mental and reproductive health concerns, and substance abuse. The Committee is also concerned at the particularly vulnerable situation of girls, given, for instance, the very high percentage of early pregnancies. In that respect, the Committee is particularly concerned at the high incidence of illegal abortions with the inevitable attendant risks to health and life.

47. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Undertake all necessary measures to formulate adequate adolescent health policies and programmes, paying particular attention to adolescent girls; (b) Strengthen sexual and reproductive health education, mental health and adolescent-sensitive counselling services and make them accessible to adolescents.

48. The Committee notes the adoption of the HIV National Strategic Plan, but is extremely concerned at the high incidence and increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst adults and children, more particularly at the high incidence of children infected at birth and at the number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The Committee is further concerned at the lack of knowledge among adolescents on how to prevent HIV/AIDS in spite of real efforts of the State party to raise awareness on this issue.

49. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Increase its efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS, taking into consideration the recommendations of the Committee adopted at its day of general discussion on children living in a world with HIV/AIDS (CRC/C/80, para. 243) ; (b) Urgently take measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission, inter alia, by combining it with the activities to reduce maternal mortality, and take adequate measures to address the impact upon children of the HIV/AIDS-related deaths of parents, teachers and others, in terms of children's reduced access to family life, adoption, emotional care and education; (c) Strengthen its efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among adolescents, particularly among those belonging to vulnerable groups; (d) Seek further technical assistance from, among others, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

50. The Committee notes that a colloquium, held in 1999, adopted recommendations regarding children with disabilities to be implemented by the State party, but remains concerned at the absence of a comprehensive strategy for children with disabilities, at the lack of data and at the insufficient measures taken by the State party to ensure effective access of these children to adequate health services, education and social services, and to facilitate their full inclusion in society. The Committee is also concerned about the small number of well-trained professionals working with and for children with disabilities.

51. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Develop a comprehensive strategy, including the necessary plans of action, for children with disabilities; (b) Collect data on disabled children in order to review their situation in terms of their access to suitable health care, education services and employment opportunities; (c) Take note of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96, annex) and of the Committee's recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities (CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339) ; (d) Allocate adequate resources to strengthen services for children with disabilities, support their families and train professionals in the field; (e) Seek assistance from, among others, UNICEF and WHO.

52. The Committee notes the adoption of the National Education and Training Plan and the establishment of a Pilot Committee for its implementation. The Committee further welcomes the increasing budget allocated to education, as well as the establishment of the National Committee for the Education of Girls. However, the Committee is concerned at the still low enrolment ratios, and the disparities in enrolment between girls and boys and between rural and urban areas. The Committee is further concerned at the very limited number of public schools and at the low quality of education reflected in the high repetition and drop-out rates, which are attributable mainly to the lack of appropriate training for teachers (paragraph 192 of the State party's report) The Committee is also concerned that pregnant girls are excluded from schools. Finally, the Committee is concerned that education is principally run by the private sector (ibid. para. 184) , while supervision by the State through the National Partnership Commission is very limited.

53. In the light of articles 28 and 29 and other relevant provisions of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Expedite an effective implementation of the National Education and Training Plan; (b) Continue its efforts to ensure that all children, especially girls, have equal access to educational opportunities, paying special attention to those living in rural and remote areas; (c) Take the necessary measures to guarantee access to adapted and adequate curricula designed for vulnerable children like street children, restaveks and over-age children or adolescents; (d) Take the necessary measures to identify the causes of the high repetition and drop-out rates in primary schools and take steps to redress the situation; (e) Better monitor the school curricula and the quality of education in private schools; (f) Introduce, strengthen and systematize human rights education, including the rights of the child, into school curricula, beginning in primary school; (g) Provide teachers with adequate training; (h) Review its policy to ensure leadership in the governance of the education sector, notably by widening the powers of the National Partnership Commission; (i) Seek technical assistance from, among others, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and UNICEF.

56. The Committee is deeply concerned at the situation of child domestic workers (restaveks) , in particular at the low age (12 years) retained in article 341 of the Labour Code at which children can be placed with families, taking into account that, in practice, even younger children are concerned. The Committee notes with concern that these children, most of them girls, are forced to work long hours under harsh conditions and without any financial gains, and are subjected to ill-treatment and abuse, including sexual abuse.

57. The Committee recommends that the State party urgently: (a) Repeal article 341 of the Labour Code and ensure observance of the minimum age for employment set at 15 years; (b) Take all the necessary measures to prevent and end under-age employment through a comprehensive strategy, notably by holding debates and awareness campaigns, providing guidance and support to the most vulnerable families, and addressing the root causes of the phenomenon; (c) Properly investigate cases of violence, through a child-sensitive judicial procedure, and apply sanctions to perpetrators; (d) Ensure that restaveks are offered services for their physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration, including access to education.

58. The Committee expresses its concern at the increasing number of street children and at the lack of a systematic and comprehensive strategy to address this situation and to provide these children with adequate protection and assistance. In addition, the Committee is concerned that these children are used for the perpetration of offences and that some of them have disappeared.

59. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Ensure that street children are provided with adequate nutrition, clothing, housing, health care and educational opportunities, including vocational and life-skills training, in order to support their full development; (b) Ensure that these children are provided with recovery and reintegration services for physical, sexual and substance abuse, and services for reconciliation with their families; (c) Investigate the disappearances of street children; (d) Develop a comprehensive strategy to address the increasingly large number of street children, with the aim of preventing and curbing this phenomenon.

60. The Committee is deeply concerned at the high incidence of trafficking of children from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. The Committee is concerned that these children once they are separated from their family are forced to beg or to work in the Dominican Republic.

61. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to prevent the trafficking of Haitian children to the Dominican Republic. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party conclude an agreement with the Dominican Republic for the repatriation of trafficked children to Haiti and for tightening border controls. The Committee recommends that the State party continue to seek assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration.

HOLY SEE (1995)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Holy See, 27/11/95, CRC/C/15/Add.46.

9. The Committee is concerned at the insufficient attention paid to the promotion of education of children on health matters, the development of preventive health care, guidance for parents and family planning education and services, in the light of the provisions of the Convention.

HONDURAS
(1999)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Honduras, 24/08/99, CRC/C/15/Add.105.

20. While the Committee acknowledges the State party's efforts to implement the Committee's recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add. 24, para. 24) for the protection of the rights of the most vulnerable groups of children, it is of the opinion that these measures need to be reinforced. In addition, the Committee is particularly concerned about the prevalence of cultural attitudes and traditions which are patriarchal and discriminative against the girl child. The Committee reiterates its recommendation to the State party and further recommends that it increase measures to reduce economic and social disparities, including between urban and rural areas, to prevent discrimination against the most disadvantaged groups of children, such as the girl child, children with disabilities, children belonging to indigenous and ethnic groups, children living in and/or working on the streets and children living in rural areas. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts in order to revise prevailing cultural attitudes and traditional practices which constitute a form of gender-based discrimination, contrary to the principle of non-discrimination enshrined in article 2 of the Convention. The Committee also recommends that the State party undertake educational campaigns to raise awareness for the prevention and combating of discrimination on the grounds of gender and ethnic origin. Furthermore, the Committee suggest that the State party consider acceding to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

21. With regard to its recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add. 24, para. 20) , the Committee notes that the current domestic legislation has partially integrated the principles of "best interests of the child" (art. 3) and "respect for the views of the child," (art. 12) Nevertheless, it remains concerned that in practice, these principles are not fully implemented and children are not yet perceived as persons entitled to rights. The Committee recommends that further efforts be made to ensure the implementation of the principles of "best interests of the child" and "respect for the views of the child", especially his or her rights to participate in the family, at school, within other institutions and in society in general. These principles should also be reflected in all policies and programmes relating to children. Awareness raising among the public at large, including communities and religious leaders as well as educational programmes on the implementation of these principles should be reinforced in order to change traditional perceptions regarding children as objects and not as subjects of rights.

22. While the Committee takes note of the State party's efforts to improve birth registration, especially those by the Office of the National Registry of Persons (RNP) and the National Commissioner for Human Rights, it remains concerned about the fact than in some Departments only 20 per cent of all births are registered. In light of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee reiterates its recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add. 24, para. 25) and further recommends that the State party increase measures to ensure the immediate registration of the birth of all children, especially those living in rural and remote areas. In addition, the Committee encourages the State party to ensure that birth registration procedures are widely known and understood by the population at large.

23. Although the Committee notes with appreciation the enactment of the Education Reform Law, which encourages and increases the participation of children in schools, it is still concerned that participatory rights of children have not been sufficiently developed in the State party. In addition, concern is also expressed at the existing legal prohibition of student's organizations in schools of secondary education, which is contrary to the child's rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly. In light of articles 15 and 16 and other related articles of the Convention, the Committee recommends that further measures, including legislation reform, be undertaken to promote the participation of children in the family, school and social life, as well as the effective enjoyment of their fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of opinion, expression, and association.

24. With regard to the implementation of the Committee's recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add. 24, para. 33) , the Committee notes the measures taken by the State party to investigate cases of police brutality against children living in and or working on the streets as well as the payment of indemnifications of the victims of such abuses. Nevertheless, the the Committee is of the opinion that judicial measures need to be reinforced. The Committee recommends that the State party reinforce its judicial mechanisms to deal with complaints of police brutality, ill-treatment and abuse of children, and that cases of abuse of children be duly investigated in order to avoid the impunity of perpetrators.

25. While noting that the Children and Adolescent Code (1996) and other domestic legislation regulate the process of adoptions, the Committee regrets that the State party has not fully complied with the implementation of its recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add. 24, para. 26) The Committee reiterates its suggestion to the State party to consider its accession to the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.

26. While the Committee takes note of the State party's efforts to implement the Committee's recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add. 24, para. 33) regarding the need to take all available measures to prevent and combat cases of abuse and ill-treatment of children, it is of the opinion that these measures need to be reinforced. Concern is also expressed at the insufficient awareness regarding the harmful consequences of ill-treatment and abuse, including sexual abuse, both within and outside the family. Concern is also expressed at the insufficient resources, both financial and human, as well as at the lack of adequately trained personnel to prevent and combat such abuse. The insufficiency of rehabilitation measures and facilities for such children and their limited access to justice are also matters of concern. In light of, inter alia, articles 19 and 39 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including setting up multi-disciplinary programmes and rehabilitation measures to prevent and combat child abuse and ill-treatment of children within the family, at school and in society at large. It suggests, inter alia, that law enforcement should be strengthened with respect to such crimes; adequate procedures and mechanisms to deal with complaints of child abuse should be reinforced in order to provide children with prompt access to justice to avoid the impunity of the offenders. Furthermore, educational programmes should be established to combat traditional attitudes within society regarding this issue. The Committee encourages the State party to consider seeking to this effect international cooperation from, inter alia, UNICEF and international non-governmental organizations.

27. In light of its recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add. 24, para. 28) , the Committee welcomes the measures taken to improve the health standards of children, in particular those initiatives related to the reduction of infant mortality such as the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) , implemented in cooperation with the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Nevertheless, the Committee remains concern about the persistent high rates of malnutrition in children under five years of age and in school-age children and low access to health care services in rural and remote areas. The Committee recommends that the State party continue taking all appropriate measures, including through international cooperation, to ensure access to basic health care and services for all children. More concerted efforts need to be taken to combat malnutrition and ensure the adoption and implementation of a national nutritional policy and action plan for children.

28. With regard to adolescent health issues, the Committee welcomes the State party's initiatives and programmes to prevent and combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and takes note of the intention to enact legislation for the protection of the rights of persons infected by HIV/AIDS. Nevertheless, the Committee is particularly concerned at the high and increasing rate of teenage pregnancies, the insufficient access by teenagers to reproductive health education and counseling services, including outside schools. The Committee is also concerned at the increasing rate of substance abuse among adolescents. The Committee recommends the State party to continue, with the support of international cooperation, with its efforts in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and to take into consideration the Committee's recommendations adopted on its General Discussion Day on "Children Living in a World of HIV/AIDS" (CRC/C/80) It also suggests that a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary study be undertaken to understand the scope of adolescent health problems as a basis to promote adolescent health policies and the strengthening of reproductive health education and counseling services. The Committee also recommends that further efforts be undertaken for the development of child friendly counseling services as well as care and rehabilitation facilities for adolescents. Measures to prevent and combat substance abuse among adolescents should be strengthened.

29. With regard to the situation of children with disabilities, the Committee expresses its concern at the lack of adequate infrastructure, limited qualified staff, and specialized institutions for these children. In addition, the Committee is particularly concerned at the lack of a governmental policy and programmes for children with disabilities and at the lack of governmental monitoring of private institutions for these children In light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and of the Committee's recommendations adopted on its General Discussion Day on "Children with Disabilities" (CRC/C/69) , the Committee recommends that the State party develop early identification programmes to prevent disabilities, implement alternative measures to the institutionalization of children with disabilities, envisage awareness-raising campaigns to reduce their discrimination, establish special education programmes and centres as needed and encourage their inclusion in the educational system and into society, and establish adequate monitoring of private institutions for children with disabilities. The Committee further recommends the State party to seek technical cooperation for the training of professional staff working with and for children with disabilities. Furthermore, the Committee encourage the State party to continue working in partnership with specialized non-governmental organizations in this field.

30. In light of its recommendation (see CRC/C/15/Add. 24, paras. 30-31) on the educational system, the Committee takes note of the follow-up measures undertaken by the State party in this field and notes with appreciation the plans for the establishment of the Honduran Programme of Community Education - Programa Hondureño de Educación Comunitaria (PROHECO), which aims at improving children's access to education. Nevertheless, the Committee remains concerned about the low enrolment rates, especially in rural and remote areas, high drop-out rates from primary and secondary school, and the lack of attention to the special needs of working children and children with disabilities. The Committee recommends that the State party continue with its efforts in the field of education by strengthening its educational policies and system in order to reduce regional disparities in access to education and to establish retention programmes and vocational training for drop-out students. The Committee encourages the State party to consider technical assistance in this area, inter alia, UNESCO.

(1994)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Honduras, 24/10/94, CRC/C/15/Add.24.

14. The number of teenage pregnancies in Honduras is relatively high and the Committee, therefore, has serious doubts regarding the adequacy of family and sex education, particularly with regard to the general level of understanding and knowledge about family planning methods and the availability of family planning services. The Committee is also concerned that certain attitudes remain in society which hamper efforts to eradicate sexual abuse and exploitation.

15. The Committee notes that the lack of provision of and access to health services and facilities, and clean water and sanitation is an extremely serious problem in rural areas. The Committee is also concerned at the prevalence of the malnutrition of children from the poorer and more disadvantaged sectors of the population, especially as regards the adverse effects of the insufficiency of nutritious food on the child's right to survival and a healthy development.

16. As recognized by the State party, the Committee is concerned that measures are lacking to implement the provisions of Article 23 of the Convention relating to disabled children.

27. The Committee urges the State party to further strengthen family education programmes which should provide information on parental responsibilities in the upbringing of a child, including the importance of avoiding the physical punishment of children. The Committee further recommends that greater attention and resources be extended to the provision of family planning information and services. The Committee encourages the State party to further support measures which promote the provision of child care services and centres for working mothers.

28. While the Committee recognizes that the State party has introduced and developed primary health care and achieved major progress in immunization coverage, it notes that in some areas of the country, particularly in rural areas, a serious problem of access to the public health system, including primary health, persists. The Committee recommends that measures be taken urgently to extend and strengthen the primary health care system and to improve the quality of health care, including through incentives to attract higher numbers of volunteers into the system at the community level and through the provision of essential medicines and medical equipment at the various levels of health care in the country.

29. The Committee takes note of the efforts made by the State party to provide family and social assistance programmes as well as to implement supplementary food programmes with the aid of international cooperation, including from the World Food Programme. Notwithstanding these efforts, the Committee recommends that major attention and resources must be focused on further measures to address the problems of extreme poverty affecting the majority of the population which have adversely affected the rights of the child to, inter alia, adequate nutrition, clothing and housing.

HUNGARY (1998)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Hungary, 05/06/98, CRC/C/15/Add.87.

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

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

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

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

36. With regard to adolescent health issues, the Committee recommends that in order to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies, reproductive health education programmes be strengthened and that information campaigns be launched concerning family planning and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts in undertaking comprehensive studies on suicide among youth to enable authorities to improve their understanding of this phenomenon and take appropriate measures to reduce the suicide rate. The Committee also recommends that the State party undertake further preventive and curative measures, including rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, to address the issue of drug abuse and alcohol consumption among adolescents.

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

Countries cont'd >>