Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA (1997)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, 16/05/97, E/C.12/1/Add.15.

18. The Committee is concerned that the State party's delegation views HIV/AIDs as a problem essentially relating to foreigner workers. It is also concerned that the delegation of the State party has indicated that foreign workers who are working in the State party with valid work permits and subsequently become HIV-positive are usually deported. The Committee is of the view that this action is discriminatory and inconsistent with the provisions of the Covenant.

23. The Committee recommends that measures be taken to ensure better and more widespread education, especially in rural areas, as well as to health care, social security and housing.

25. The Committee recommends that foreign workers who are employed in the State party with valid work permits should not be deported if they become HIV-positive while in the country. It further recommends that the State party not treat the HIV/AIDs problem as one essentially relating to foreigners, and that it take energetic steps by way of a publicity campaign in the media to inform its population of the nature of the disease, its modes of transmission, and what steps can be taken to avoid contracting it.

LUXEMBOURG (2003)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Luxembourg, 23/05/2003, E/C.12/1/Add.86.

10. The Committee welcomes the measures taken by the State party to promote equality between women and men at the workplace, including the law of 28 June 2001 reversing the burden of proof in cases of gender-based discrimination.

12. The Committee welcomes the measures undertaken by the State party to combat trafficking in persons, child pornography and sexual exploitation of women and children. In particular, the Committee welcomes the extraterritorial application of certain provisions of the Criminal Code, allowing for the criminal prosecution of persons, both nationals and non-nationals, for sexual crimes committed abroad.

17. The Committee notes that the State party still has not revised the Constitution in order to include the principle of equality between women and men.

22. The Committee notes with concern that women are still underrepresented in the work force. While taking note that the disparities between wages of men and women have been reduced, the Committee also notes with concern that the current level of wage difference (women receiving 15 per cent lower wages than men) remains a matter of concern.

23. The Committee remains concerned about the terminological distinction between "legitimate" and "natural" children in the Civil Code. While the distinction does not imply a difference in protection of rights, the Committee expresses its concern about the terminology's pejorative connotations.

24. The Committee reiterates its concern about adolescent health problems, owing in particular to drug abuse and high rates of alcohol and tobacco consumption.

29. The Committee recommends that the State party approve the constitutional reform which will guarantee the principle of equality between women and men.

34. The Committee calls upon the State party to effectively implement the measures outlined in the National Plan of Action for Employment aimed at increasing the level of participation of women in the labour market and to ensure equal treatment between women and men, including equal remuneration for work of equal value.

36. The Committee recommends that the State party enact the draft law on domestic violence introduced in May 2001, by which a violent spouse may be forced to leave the family home, as soon as possible.

37. The Committee recommends that the reference to "legitimate" and "natural" children in the Civil Code be replaced by "children born in wedlock" and "children born out of wedlock", respectively.

42. The Committee notes the imminent establishment of a national university (Université de Luxembourg) and recommends that education at the university be free from the outset, or that tuition fees be kept at a minimum level with a view to progressively introducing free higher education, as required by article 13 (2) (c) of the Covenant.

MALTA (2004)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Malta, 14/12/2004, E/C.12/1/Add.101.

5. The Committee welcomes the Act to Promote Equality between Men and Women of 2003 and the setting up of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality between Men and Women.

11. The Committee is concerned that persistent cultural stereotypes of the role of women negatively affect the equal enjoyment of rights by both men and women. The Committee notes with concern in this regard that women remain largely underrepresented in public service and that there are no female judges in the State party.

19. While noting that various forms of assistance are provided to victims of domestic violence, the Committee is concerned that domestic violence is currently not defined in law as a specific crime, which makes it more difficult for victims of violence to claim their rights.

20. The Committee notes with concern the distinction made between "legitimate" and "illegitimate" children in the Civil Code of the State party and the fact that children born out of wedlock do not have the same rights as children born in wedlock.

23. The Committee observes with concern that abortion is illegal in all cases under the law of the State party.

24. The Committee is concerned at the lack of sexual and reproductive health care services in the State party.

29. The Committee recommends that the State party further strengthen efforts to raise public awareness about gender equality, including by providing the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality for Men and Women with adequate support, and report on results obtained in its next periodic report.

37. The Committee encourages the State party to expedite the adoption of the Domestic Violence Bill currently under consideration.

38. The Committee urges the State party to expedite the planned revision of the Civil Code so as to abolish the terminology "legitimate" and "illegitimate" children and ensure equality in the enjoyment of rights of children born both in and out of wedlock.39. The Committee encourages the State party to review its legislation with a view to raising the age of criminal responsibility.

41. The Committee urges the State party to review its legislation on abortion and consider exceptions to the general prohibition of abortion for cases of therapeutic abortion and when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

42. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen education programmes on sexual and reproductive health and support sexual and reproductive health services.

MALI (1994)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Mali, 21/12/94, E/C.12/1994/17.

13. Regarding the right to health enshrined in Article 12 of the Covenant, the Committee is concerned that child, infant and maternal mortality rates in Mali are still among the highest in the world. Thus, almost one in five children under the age of five dies each year. Approximately 1,000 deliveries per 100,000 births result in the death of the mother. Diarrhoea, malaria and acute respiratory infections, aggravated by malnutrition, alone account for more than 40 per cent of deaths. AIDS is spreading rapidly. With regard to water and sanitation, the average rate of access to water country-wide is about 50 per cent, but as low as 4 per cent in the difficult terrain of the north of the country. The overall rate of access to sanitation facilities is estimated at approximately 15 per cent. The geographical distribution of health services and personnel continues to show a heavy urban bias.

14. The Committee expresses its profound concern about the prevalence of traditional practices of female genital mutilation, to which, according to one expert, as many as 75 per cent of girls and women in Mali are being subjected. Even though the Government attempts, by means of radio and television broadcasts, to discourage female circumcision, legislation in effect for 30 years prohibiting such practices has never been enforced.

MAURITIUS
(1995)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Mauritius, E/C.12/1995/18, paras. 228-247.

245. The Committee recommends an in-depth study and analysis of the situation of child abuse, child prostitution, domestic violence against women, teenage pregnancy, abortion, suicide, and alcohol and drug abuse, and of how the State party can best protect and ensure the economic, social and cultural rights of the population of Mauritius affected by those problems. In this regard, the State party should, inter alia, initiate efforts to gather statistics and other information relevant to the situation.

(1994)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Mauritius, 31/05/94, E/C.12/1994/8.

15. With regard to Article 12, the Committee notes the deplorable state of mental health care in Mauritius. It is also concerned about information according to which half of the maternal deaths since 1982 have been due to complications following abortion, which is prohibited by law.

MEXICO (1999)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Mexico, 08/12/99, E/C.12/1/Add.41.

21. The Committee is deeply concerned about the situation of women workers in the maquiladoras, some of whom are subjected to pregnancy tests upon recruitment and at intervals during work, and are dismissed if found to be pregnant.

26. The Committee is alarmed about the high rate of domestic violence, and in particular domestic violence against women. The Committee is also deeply concerned about the growth in the number of street children despite the efforts of the Government to tackle the problem.

29. The Committee is also concerned to learn that the fourth highest cause of death among women in Mexico is illegal abortion.

37. The Committee also urges the State party to adopt immediate steps towards the protection of women workers in the maquiladoras, including prohibiting the practice of demanding medical certification that prospective workers are not pregnant and taking legal action against employers who fail to comply.

40. The Committee urges the State party to take more effective measures to combat domestic violence, in particular domestic violence against women, and the serious problem of street children. The Committee also urges the State party to remedy the root causes of these problems.

42. The Committee urges the State party to continue taking more effective measures to ensure access to basic health-care services for all children and to combat malnutrition, especially among children belonging to indigenous groups living in rural and remote areas.

43. The Committee calls upon the State party to monitor closely the female mortality rate and to take steps to reduce the incidence of death caused by illegal abortion. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party intensify its educational campaign regarding women's sexual and reproductive health, and include such subjects in school curricula.

MOLDOVA (2003)

Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Republic of Moldova, 12/12/2003, E/C.12/1/Add.91.

7. The Committee welcomes the establishment of a National Commission for Women's Issues in 1999 and the adoption of the National Plan to Promote Gender Equality in Society in 2003.

13. The Committee is concerned about the extent to which gender inequality persists in Moldova.

14. The Committee is concerned about the high rates of unemployment, particularly among young people, women and the Roma population. The Committee notes with great concern, in this regard, that the lack of employment opportunities and low salaries have prompted massive emigration of people in the active and working age, a majority of whom work abroad illegally without social insurance and legal protection.

15. The Committee is concerned about the persistent gap in wages between women and men despite the Remuneration Act No. 847 of 14 February 2002, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex in determining remuneration.

19. The Committee is alarmed about the extent of trafficking in persons, particularly women, despite the various measures taken by the State party to prevent and combat this phenomenon, including the adoption in 2001 of a National Plan of Action against the Trafficking in Human Beings and the introduction of sanctions against trafficking-related crimes under the new Penal Code of 2002.

20. The Committee is concerned that violence against women remains widespread. The Committee notes with regret that existing legislation does not define "domestic violence" as a specific offence. Lack of crisis centres for victims of domestic violence is also a cause for concern.

25. The Committee is alarmed about the rising incidence of tuberculosis in the State party and notes with particular concern the acuteness of this problem in prisons where the infection rate is more than 40 times higher than the national average, according to the 2003 Baseline Study on the Human Rights Status in the Republic of Moldova.

26. The Committee is concerned about the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases in the State party. In this regard, it is also concerned that sex education classes held in urban areas are almost non-existent in rural areas.

27. The Committee is concerned about the continuing high level of infant and maternal mortality. It is also concerned that the number of abortions remains high (15.6 per 1,000 women of fertile age in 2002), notwithstanding the ongoing programmes in the area of reproductive health.

29. The Committee is concerned about the high rates of non-attendance and high dropout rates in primary and secondary education. It notes with particular concern that the main reason for non-attendance is acute family poverty. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of pre-school education.

35. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to promote gender equality in all spheres of life, including by ensuring the effective implementation of the National Plan to Promote Gender Equality in Society.

36. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to improve job opportunities for young people, women and Roma people. It also recommends that the State party seek to conclude international agreements with a view to ensuring the social protection of migrant workers and, in particular, accede to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

37. The Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures to reduce inequality between men and women in the labour market, including by ensuring equal pay for work of equal value, and to report back on progress made in its next periodic report.

41. The Committee urges the State party to reinforce its efforts to combat the phenomenon of trafficking in persons, including by ensuring the effective implementation of anti-trafficking legislation and programmes and by improving job possibilities and assistance to women living in poverty. In view of the cross-border character of trafficking-related crimes, the State party is encouraged to seek international assistance and strengthen regional cooperation with countries to which Moldovans are trafficked. 42. The Committee encourages the State party to consider defining "domestic violence" as a specific offence under the Penal Code. It also encourages the State party to give effect to the planned amendments of the Civil Procedure Code, which aim to protect victims of domestic violence. The Committee also recommends that the State party increase the number of crisis centres where victims of domestic violence could find safe lodging and counselling.

46. The Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures to ensure the quality, affordability and accessibility of health services, especially in rural areas. In this respect, the Committee draws the attention of the State party to its general comment No. 14 (2000) on the right to the highest attainable standard of health and requests detailed information, on a disaggregated and comparative basis, on progress made in the second periodic report.

47. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts under the National Programme on Tuberculosis Prophylaxis and Control to combat the spread of tuberculosis, including by ensuring the availability of medicines and adequate sanitary conditions in prisons.

48. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, including through public information campaigns and by ensuring that sex education is also introduced to schools in rural areas.

49. The Committee urges the State party to reinforce its efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality by increasing health coverage for women and children. The Committee calls upon the State party to strengthen efforts to promote awareness of sexual and reproductive health, safe contraceptive methods and the health risk of using abortion as a method of birth control, and to report on the results of such measures in its next periodic report.

51. The Committee urges the State party to reinforce its efforts to ensure that children are not prevented from attending school because of poverty in the family. It also recommends that the State party consider establishing new pre-school educational institutions. The Committee requests the State party to provide in its next periodic report disaggregated data on a comparative basis on enrolment and dropout rates among boys and girls and vulnerable groups. It refers the State party to its general comment No. 13 (1999) for guidance in this regard.

MOROCCO
(2000)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Morocco, 01/12/2000, E/C.12/1/Add.55.

16. Despite the measures taken by the State party to advance the status of women in Moroccan society, the Committee is concerned that there are still persisting patterns of discrimination against women in national legislation, particularly in family and personal status law, as well as inheritance law

23. The Committee notes with concern the persistent discrimination against children born out of wedlock,who are frequently abandoned by their parents, and their lack of legal protection with regard to personal status and family law.

28. The Committee regrets that the State party has not adopted a national strategy and action plan on health, and that health coverage provided by the State party does not cover more than 20 per cent of the population. Moreover, the Committee is concerned that access to primary health care in rural areas is even more limited, in comparison to the urban areas.

29. The Committee expresses its concern about the high rate of maternal and infant mortality in Morocco.

31. The Committee expresses its concern about the high rate of illiteracy in the State party, especially among women in rural areas.

32. The Committee is deeply concerned about the low level of primary school attendance. Currently less than 50 per cent of children of both sexes are being regularly educated. In addition, the Committee is also concerned that the access of young girls to education is considerably more limited, particularly in the rural areas, which accounts for the fact that the adult illiteracy rate is 65 per cent for women, as against 40 per cent for men.

40. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party proceed as expeditiously as possible with the adoption and full implementation of the Action Plan for Integrating Women into Development. In particular, the Committee urges the State party to amend existing legislation that institutionalizes discrimination against women, such as provisions of family, inheritance and personal status law, with a view to strengthening the legal status of women.

47. The Committee reiterates its recommendation in paragraph 23 of its concluding observations of 1994 (E/C.12/1994/5) that the State party take legislative and other measures to eliminate discrimination and ensure effective protection against discrimination with regard to children born out of wedlock.

52. The Committee also recommends that the State party adopt a national strategy and action plan on health which will increase the health coverage provided by the State party, in particular with regard to the rural areas.

53. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures in order to address the problem of the high rate of maternal and infant mortality in Morocco.

55. The Committee strongly urges the State party to ensure access to free and compulsory primary education for all, especially for women and girl children, and particularly in the rural areas, taking into consideration the Committee's General Comments Nos. 11 and 13 on the right to education, including primary education. In addition, the Committee requests that information be included in the next periodic report on government subsidies to private higher education and on education programmes for nomadic peoples, on measures taken by the State party in this respect and on the results of these measures.

56. The Committee urges the State party to take remedial action to address the persistent problem of the high rate of illiteracy, particularly among women in rural areas.

(1994)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Morocco, 30/05/94, E/C.12/1994/5.

5. The Committee welcomes the efforts made by the State party in the field of health services resulting in the reduction of infant and maternal mortality rates, as well as the adoption of a National Plan of Action for the implementation of the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children.

NEPAL (2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Nepal, 24/09/2001, E/C.12/1/Add.66.

17. The Committee notes with concern the legal inequalities between women and men in the field of inheritance, the regime of shared assets in marriage, divorce, child custody in case of divorce and remarriage, and the conferring of nationality to children on equal terms. It expresses its concern also about the de facto inequality that exists between men and women in the Nepalese society, despite legislative guarantees of equality. It further notes with concern the low representation of women in public service, the high female illiteracy rate and the unequal wages for equal work.

18. The Committee is deeply concerned at the high number of women and girls being trafficked for prostitution. The Committee also regrets the continuation of polygamy and the practices or dowry, Deuki and prostitution among the Bedi caste, particularly in rural areas.

19. The Committee is concerned at the high rate of domestic violence and the absence of specific legislation in this field.

31. The Committee is concerned about the high incidence of infant and child mortality, especially in rural areas. It further notes that many children in rural areas suffer from malnutrition.

32. The Committee notes with deep concern the high rates of maternal mortality, especially in rural areas, owing mainly to unsafe and illegal abortions, and that female life expectancy in Nepal is lower than male life expectancy.

33. The Committee notes with alarm that abortion is absolutely illegal and is considered a criminal offence, punishable by severe sentences, and cannot be carried out even when pregnancy is life threatening or the result of incest or rape. The Committee also regrets the fact that the reproductive and sexual health programmes are not implemented because of lack of financial resources.

35. The Committee is deeply concerned that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the State party is spreading at an alarming rate due to commercial sex and trafficking of women and children, and sex tourism.

36. The Committee notes that the State party has initiated free primary education but is concerned that the policy of compulsory education has yet to be implemented. It further notes the great disparity in enrolment in primary schools between girls and boys, the high drop-out rate among pupils, and the low quality of education in public schools.

43. The Committee urges the State party to enact or enforce legislation prohibiting customary practices, such as polygamy, dowry, Deuki and prostitution among the Bedi caste, and restricted ownership by women of land and family property, which violate the rights of women and girl children and to take measures to combat such practices by all means, including national educational programmes.

44. The Committee recommends that the State party adopt specific legislation on domestic violence against women and children.

45. The Committee recommends that the State party enforce its legislation in an effective way and establish administrative mechanisms and monitoring systems to prevent and combat trafficking in women and children. It further recommends the strengthening of measures to allow the return, rehabilitation and reintegration into society of trafficked women.

55. The Committee urges the State party to take remedial action to address the problems of clandestine abortions, unwanted pregnancies and the high rate of maternal mortality. In this regard, the Committee urges the State party to reinforce reproductive and sexual health programmes, in particular in rural areas, and to allow abortion when pregnancies are life threatening or a result of rape or incest.

56. The Committee requests that the State party, in its next periodic report, provide data about shorter-term health plans and more detailed information about mentally disabled persons and access to private hospitals and institutions by the more marginalized sectors of the population.

57. The Committee recommends that primary and basic education be made free and compulsory for all without discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion or social status.

NEW ZEALAND (2003)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: New Zealand, 23/05/2003, E/C.12/1/Add.88.

14. While noting that measures are being taken by the State party to redress inequality between men and women with regard to employment conditions, the Committee is concerned about the persistence of a gap between the wages of women and men, in contradiction with the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.

15. While taking note of the measures taken by the State party to confront domestic violence under the Ministry of Health Family Violence Project, the Committee is concerned about the persistence of the phenomenon among all socio-economic groups and especially among the indigenous Maori people.

18. The Committee notes with concern that despite improvements in some health indicators, the general health situation of the indigenous Maori people continues to be worse than that of other segments of the population in the State party. In particular, the Committee is concerned that the life expectancy of Maoris is significantly lower than the national average.

19. The Committee notes with concern that the provision of secondary and tertiary health care services in rural and remote areas is considerably inferior to that in urban areas.

20. The Committee is concerned about persistent inequalities between the Maori and non-Maori people in access to education and the high drop-out rates, especially among Maori children and young people and the disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

27. The Committee recommends that the State party continue and intensify programmes to reduce inequality between men and women in the workplace, including ensuring equal pay for work of equal value.

30. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify measures taken to combat domestic violence and that it provide, in its next periodic report, information on the results achieved in the implementation of the Te Rito: New Zealand Family Violence Prevention Strategy, including statistical data on cases of domestic violence, disaggregated by sex, ethnic group and age.

33. The Committee requests the State party to adopt effective measures to improve the health situation of the indigenous Maori people.

34. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to ensure equitable access to health services in both rural and remote areas. The Committee draws the attention of the State party in this regard to its general comment No. 14. The State party is also requested to provide detailed information, on a disaggregated and comparative basis, on progress made in this respect in its next periodic report.

35. The Committee urges the State party to take remedial action to ensure that the indigenous Maori people have equal access to education. Moreover, the Committee requests the State party to provide in its next periodic report disaggregated data on a comparative basis on enrolment and drop-out rates among Maori children and young people, and the disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

NIGERIA (1998)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Nigeria, 13/05/98, E/C.12/Add.23.

20. The Committee deplores the failure of the government of Nigeria to abolish female genital mutilation, a practice which is incompatible with the human rights of women and in particular with the right to health. According to UNICEF, the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Nigeria is estimated to be 50 % of the female population.

21. The Committee condemns the continuing existence of legal provisions which permit the beating ("chastisement") of women by their husbands.

22. The Committee notes with concern that polygamy, a practice which is very often incompatible with the economic, social and cultural rights of women, is widespread in Nigeria.

23. The Committee expresses its deep concern about the rising number of homeless women and young girls, who are forced to sleep in the streets where they are vulnerable to rape and other forms of violence.

28. The Committee notes with concern that gross under-funding and inadequate management of health services led during the last decade to rapid deterioration of health infrastructures in hospitals. The 1996 budget capital allocation to health and social services was N. 1,7 billion, only 3,5 percent of total capital allocations to federal ministries. Frequently, hospital patients not only have had to buy drugs but have also had to supply needles, syringes and suture threads, in addition to paying for bed space. As a result many Nigerian doctors have chosen to migrate abroad.

30. The Committee regrets the fact that the Government's social and health allocations have consistently diminished up until 1998 and that the authorities have reintroduced primary school fees in certain States, and has imposed hospital charges where they did not exist before.

39. The Committee calls on the Government to cease and prevent, in law and in practice, all forms of social, economic and physical violence and discrimination against women and children, especially the continuous, degrading and dangerous practice of female genital mutilation.

PANAMA (2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Panama, 24/09/2001, E/C.12/1/Add.64.

16. The Committee is concerned about the persistence of domestic violence and the inability of the State party to apply the existing legislation. It is also concerned about cases of sexual harassment and the high rate of murder suffered by women.

17. The Committee is deeply concerned about the persistent problem of child labour, especially in the rural areas, and that the minimum age for employment is under 12 years in agricultural and domestic services. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of effective measures taken to protect children against sexual violence and other forms of exploitation.

20. The Committee notes with concern that the significant progress achieved in reducing child mortality has not been accompanied by a similar reduction in the rate of maternal mortality, which remained stable between 1980 and 1997. The Committee is also concerned about respect for the rights of women with regard to reproductive and sexual health and in particular about the high rates of illegal abortion and early pregnancy.

21. The Committee considers that the growing number of HIV/AIDS cases registered during the last decade constitutes a serious health problem.

22. The Committee remains concerned about the low rates of literacy, especially among women.

23. The Committee is concerned about the inadequacy of resources allocated to address the problems of primary and secondary education.

33. With regard to Act No. 30 of 2001, the Committee strongly recommends that the State party take effective measures to disseminate and implement vigorously existing legislation on domestic violence, that police and other law enforcement officials be given better training to this end, and that information be provided in the third periodic report on the number and outcome of court cases related to domestic violence.

37. The Committee calls upon the State party to take urgent measures aimed at reducing the excessively high maternal mortality rate, and to expand the availability and accessibility of reproductive and sexual health information and services, so as to encourage a reduction in the rates of illegal abortion and early pregnancy.

38. The Committee requests the State party to provide, in its third periodic report, detailed information on the number of persons living with HIV/AIDS and on the measures taken for the prevention, treatment and care of those infected, affected, or particularly vulnerable.

39. The Committee encourages the State party to refer, for its third periodic report, to its general comment No. 14 for assistance on how to report on its implementation of article 12 of the Covenant. The Committee requests the State party to provide detailed information in its third periodic report on the cost, affordability and availability - particularly in rural areas and for marginalized groups - of the expanded provision of outpatient and home care services that have reportedly accompanied the reduction in the number of beds available for hospital-based psychiatric treatment.

40. The Committee urges the State party to implement a comprehensive national plan of education for all, as required by paragraph 16 of the Dakar Framework for Action, taking into account the Committee's general comments Nos. 11 and 13, as well as general comment No. 1 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on the aims of education. The Committee recommends that the State party establish literacy programmes for adults, especially for indigenous peoples and in the rural areas. The Committee requests the State party also to provide in its third periodic report detailed information about the measures taken to increase the quality of and promote equal opportunity for all in education, including in vocational education. The Committee encourages the State party to consider ratifying the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education of 1960.

41. The Committee requests the State party to take measures aimed at increasing the resources available to fight illiteracy and promote primary and secondary education, as well as to provide information in its third periodic report about the allocation of resources to different levels and types of education.

PARAGUAY (1996)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Paraguay, 28/05/96, E/C.12/1/Add.1.

16. The Committee expresses its concern about the inequitable distribution of health services between urban and rural areas. It also notes the very small number of medical and paramedical personnel in the country. The high rate of infant mortality and infant morbidity are also matters of concern for the Committee, as are the high maternal mortality rate and the inadequacy of guidance and family planning services.

28. The Committee encourages the State party to take measures to improve the system of health care which should take into account the needs of all segments of society and reduce the disparities from which the system now suffers.

PERU (1997)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Peru, 16/05/97, E/C.12/Add.1/14.

16. Most of the Indian and Mestizo populations of Peru, which amount to over three quarters of the country's total population, are extremely poor, and the Committee notes with concern the precariousness of the health situation of these people. The Committee finds that poor women with no education have a maternal mortality rate ten times higher than that of educated women.

23. The Committee is concerned about the high mortality rate among children and women due to the lack or inadequacy of proper health services.

35. The Committee encourages the State party to take steps to improve the health care system and extend it to all sections of the population.

PHILLIPINES (1995)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Phillipines, 07/06/95, E/C.12/1995/7.

20. With regard to health services, the Committee notes the Government's plans to privatise and decentralise much of its programme. While there is no reason that the private sector should not be fully involved in the provision of health services, the Committee emphasises that such an approach does not in any way relieve the Government of its Covenant-based obligation to use all available means to promote adequate access to health care services, particularly for the poorer segments of the population. The Committee was unable to receive any assurances from the Government that its current plans have sought to address this issue adequately.

21. In terms of the availability of resources, the Committee notes with concern that a greater proportion of the national budget is devoted to military spending than to housing, agriculture and health combined.

22. The Committee notes with concern that, in the face of a rapidly growing population infected by HIV and AIDS, only several hundred of an affected population estimated by WHO to be in excess of 30,000 have been registered under the Government's programme. This would seem to indicate that the programme is either punitive of those who register or is not adequately publicized and made available to victims of the virus. In addition, the Committee was not provided with any information indicating that the Government is seeking to combat widespread discrimination against the victims of the virus.

23. The Committee recommends that consideration be given to increasing the proportion of the national budget devoted to slum upgrading programmes, to community mortgage programmes and programmes in the field of health and agriculture designed in particular to benefit the poorer groups in society.

POLAND
(2002)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Poland, 19/12/2002, E/C.12/1/Add.82.

5. The Committee welcomes the establishment in November 2001 of the Government Plenipotentiary for Equal Gender Status with the responsibility of promoting the principle of equality between men and women in government legislation and policies. The Committee also notes the recent expansion of the responsibilities of the Plenipotentiary to include combatting discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, religion and belief, age and sexual orientation.

7. The Committee also welcomes the recent amendments to the Labour Code, which ban discrimination on the grounds of sex, age, disability, nationality or belief, and guarantee equal remuneration for work of equal value. The Committee notes with appreciation that under the new Labour Code the burden of proof is incumbent on the employer if an employee complains about discriminatory practices.

14. The Committee regrets that the State party has not provided data about the Romani population living in Poland and that it has not yet adopted and implemented a comprehensive programme to address the problems faced by Romani communities, in particular unemployment and inadequate living standards. The Committee also expresses its concern at the high dropout rates among Romani students.

17. The Committee is also concerned that, despite the measures taken by the State party to combat discrimination against women in employment, the discrepancy persists between the law and actual practice with respect to equal remuneration for work of equal value and to promotion in employment, as acknowledged by the State party's delegation.

18. The Committee is further concerned that there are no specific regulations against sexual harassment in the State party. It notes with regret that the State party was not able to provide information on this subject in its report and written replies to the list of issues, as requested by the Committee.

19. The Committee notes with concern the different retirement ages for men (65) and women (60), which in practice result in lower pensions for women.

23. The Committee expresses its concern that the relatively high incidence of child labour in rural areas, as acknowledged by the State party's delegation, has a negative impact on children's health and right to education.

24. The Committee is concerned about the rising incidence of trafficking in women for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

25. The Committee is also concerned about the high number of reported cases of domestic violence and notes with regret that insufficient information was provided on this issue by the State party.

28. The Committee is concerned that family planning services are not provided in the public health-care system and that women have no access to affordable contraception. It also expresses concern that education in sexual and reproductive health is not adequately covered in the national school curricula.

29. The Committee is concerned about the restrictive abortion laws, which have resulted in a large number of women risking their health by resorting to clandestine abortionists.

32. The Committee notes with regret that the State party did not provide sufficient information on its programmes to combat HIV/AIDS.

36. The Committee also urges the State party to provide updated information on the Romani population and to adopt a comprehensive programme to address the obstacles to the advancement of the Romani population, including measures to ensure effective remedy for cases of discrimination against Roma in employment, housing and health care. The Committee further urges the State party to adopt effective measures to combat the low school attendance and high dropout rates among Romani students and to provide for their integration into regular classes on an equal footing with other Polish children.

39. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation to the State party to ensure the implementation of the legal provisions and administrative regulations guaranteeing equal remuneration for men and women and the equal opportunity for promotion in employment, subject to no considerations other than those of seniority and competence. The Committee encourages the adoption of the draft legislation on the equal status of men and women, currently being considered by the Senate of the State party.

40. The Committee also reiterates its previous recommendation to the State party that sexual harassment be prohibited by law, and urges the State party in its next periodic report to provide information on sexual harassment.

45. The Committee also recommends the adoption of legislation in order to regulate child labour in rural areas in such a way that the right to health and right to education of working children are fully protected.

46. The Committee further recommends that the State party take effective measures to combat trafficking in women, inter alia, by ensuring that those responsible for trafficking are prosecuted, and to ratify the international instruments aimed at intensifying cooperation in this field among States, including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The Committee requests the State party in its next periodic report to report on the progress made in this regard.

47. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen programmes and increase budget allocations for combatting domestic violence, ensuring, among other things, the availability and accessibility of crisis centres where victims of domestic violence can find safe accommodation and counselling.

50. The Committee also recommends that family planning services be provided by the public health-care system, that contraceptives be available at affordable prices and that sexual and reproductive health education be included in the national school curricula.

51. The Committee requests that the State party provide in its next periodic report detailed information, including comparative data, about the problem of abortion in Poland and the measures, legislative or otherwise, including the review of its present legislation, it has undertaken to protect women from clandestine and unsafe abortions.

55. The Committee further requests the State party to provide information on legislation and programmes concerning persons with HIV/AIDS, as requested in the list of issues to be taken up in connection with the present report.

(1998)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Poland, 16/06/98, E/C.12/1/Add.26.

12. The Committee notes that restrictions have recently been imposed on abortions that exclude economic and social grounds for performing legal abortions. The Committee expresses its concern that because of this restriction, women in Poland are resorting to unscrupulous abortionists and risking their health in doing so. The Committee is also concerned that family planning services are not provided in the public health-care system so that women have no access to affordable contraception.

13. The Committee also expresses concern at the rising incidence of domestic violence and of trafficking of young women, as acknowledged by the Government. It notes the absence of specific regulations on sexual harassment of women, the lack of shelters for the women and children who are victims of family violence in 33 per cent of voivodships, and the apparent lack of counselling facilities for such victims.

20. The Committee recommends that every effort be made to ensure women's right to health, in particular reproductive health. It recommends that family planning services be made available to all persons, including counselling on safe alternatives to contraception and reliable and informative sex education for school-age children.

21. The Committee recommends that sexual harassment against women be prohibited by law. It recommends that shelters for women and children who are victims of family violence, with all necessary support facilities, including counseling and other assistance, be provided in all voivodships. It looks forward to receiving in the next periodic report detailed information on the problem of domestic violence and the results of the recently adopted Action Programme for Women.

PORTUGAL (2000)

Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Portugal, 01/12/2000, E/C.12/1/Add.53.

13. The Committee is also concerned at the increase of trafficking in women which is linked to organized crime.

14. The Committee takes note with concern of the increase in paedophilia and child pornography. These phenomena are associated with the increase in drug trafficking and consumption and other criminal activities which endanger the security and health of the population of the State party.

18. The Committee urges the State party to intensify its efforts to create a culture of tolerance and to eliminate all forms of discrimination, in so far as they affect women, Roma, asylum seekers and immigrants.

22. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to prevent drug addiction among young people and impose appropriate penalties on persons who commit offences relating to paedophilia, child pornography and trafficking in women. The Committee also recommends that the State party give due consideration to ratifying ILO Convention No. 138 (minimum age).

REPUBLIC OF KOREA (2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Republic of Korea, 21/05/2001, E/C.12/1/Add.59.

16. Notwithstanding the advances noted in paragraph 6, the Committee notes with deep concern the continued unequal status of women. Persisting problems include the traditional preference for sons, which is manifested in a high incidence of induced abortions of girl foetuses that threaten the reproductive rights of women; the patriarchal head-of-family system (ho-ju) as defined in law; the high incidence of domestic violence; the relatively low access by women to tertiary education; discrimination against women and sexual harassment in the workplace; and a large gap in the average salaries paid to women and to men.

21. The Committee is concerned about the rising incidence of sexual exploitation of children, child labour, and hardships caused by a breakdown of the family. In this regard, the legal protection accorded to children does not appear to have been adequately implemented.

22. The Committee notes with concern the shifting population distribution from rural to urban areas, with most government programmes to develop infrastructure, education, health care and other essential facilities being highly concentrated in the urban areas. Urban migration of younger people has left many older persons to care for family farms in the countryside. The Committee regrets that the situation of persons living in rural areas has not been sufficiently dealt with during the present dialogue.

26. The Committee is disturbed that the portion of the government budget allocated to health, which is under 1 per cent is low and declining. It is concerned at the predominance of privately operated health care facilities - estimated to exceed 90 per cent of all health care facilities, a trend that accelerated in the wake of the financial crisis - and the consequent negative implications for access to health care by the most marginalized sectors of society.

40. The Committee recommends that the State party take more effective measures to combat the sexual trade of children and child labour, as well as expand its programmes directed at the protection and rehabilitation of the victims of such practices.

43. Insofar as traditional practices pose an obstacle to the fulfilment of some rights or perpetuate discrimination of any kind, including the preference for sons and the abortion of girl foetuses, the State party should carry out large-scale public campaigns to promote understanding among the general public about human rights.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
(2003)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Russian Federation, 12/12/2003, E/C.12/1/Add.94.

10. The Committee is deeply concerned about the poor living conditions in the Republic of Chechnya and notes with regret that sufficient information was not provided on this problem in the State party's report. While acknowledging the difficulties posed by the ongoing military operations, the Committee is concerned about the problems faced by people in the Republic of Chechnya with regard to the provision of basic services, including health care and education.

12. The Committee is concerned about reports of cases where the lack of registration of place of residence and other identity documents in practice places limitations on the enjoyment of rights, including work, social security, health services and education. The Committee is also concerned about reports that some groups of people, including the homeless and the Roma, face particular difficulties in obtaining personal identification documents, including registration of residence.

15. The Committee remains concerned about the relatively high rates of unemployment in the State party, particularly among young people, women, people of pre-pensionable age and persons with disabilities. It also notes with concern the significant regional disparities, with unemployment rates ranging from 32.4 to 56.5 per cent in the nine worst affected regions.

20. The Committee is concerned about the difference in wages between men and women as well as about working conditions for women. It is also concerned about sexual harassment of women in the workplace.

23. The Committee is very concerned about the high incidence of trafficking in persons in the State party and about the lack of reliable statistics on the number of people trafficked and of information on cases where persons have been prosecuted under existing anti-trafficking legislation.

24. The Committee remains concerned about the high incidence of domestic violence and the fact that victims of domestic violence are not adequately protected under existing legislation.

31. The Committee is concerned about the general deterioration of the level of availability and accessibility of health care in the State party. The Committee also notes with concern that hospitals and clinics in poor regions often do not stock all essential drugs, and that, despite the constitutional guarantee of free medical care, many health clinics charge fees for their services and request patients to purchase medicaments. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned about the poor health status of northern indigenous peoples, the life expectancy of whom is estimated to be 15-20 years lower than the national average.

32. The Committee notes that the State party lacks federal legislation on the rights of patients concerning, inter alia, professional ethics and redress for medical errors.

33. The Committee remains concerned about the high incidence of tuberculosis in the State party, particularly in prisons, in the Republic of Chechnya and in the regions of the Far North, in particular among indigenous communities.

34. The Committee notes with concern the sharp increase in the HIV-infection rate during the last three years, the increasing incidence of HIV contracted through heterosexual contacts, and the increasing number of children born of HIV-positive mothers.

35. The Committee is concerned about the high levels of infant and maternal mortality in the State party. It also notes with concern that unsafe abortion remains a main cause of maternal mortality.

37. The Committee remains concerned about reports that a sizeable number of children, due to migration, homelessness and neglect, do not attend school.

38. The Committee urges the State party to allocate sufficient funds to reinstate basic services, including the health and education infrastructure, in the Republic of Chechnya.

42. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to promote gender equality and encourages the adoption of the draft federal law "On State Guarantees of Equal Rights and Freedoms, and Equal Opportunities, for Men and Women in the Russian Federation" currently before the Duma.

48. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake effective measures, including through affirmative action, to improve the working conditions for women and to ensure equal pay for work of equal value. The Committee also recommends that the State party enact legislation criminalizing sexual harassment in the workplace.

51. The Committee calls upon the State party to ensure effective implementation of existing anti-trafficking legislation. It also encourages the State party to proceed with the adoption of proposed legislative amendments and of the draft act "On Counteracting the Trafficking of People" which aim at providing more effective protection for victims and ensuring the prosecution of traffickers. Moreover, the State party should ensure the availability of accessible crisis centres where victims of trafficking can receive assistance.

52. The Committee calls upon the State party to intensify its efforts to combat domestic violence by enacting specific legislation criminalizing domestic violence and providing training for law enforcement personnel and judges regarding the serious and criminal nature of domestic violence. Moreover, the Committee urges the State party to ensure the availability and accessibility of crisis centres where victims of domestic violence can find safe lodging and counselling.

57. The Committee calls upon the State party to ensure that mechanisms are in place to ensure the enjoyment of basic rights of conscripts, including their access to adequate food and health care.

61. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to combat tuberculosis, under the special federal programme "Urgent measures to tackle tuberculosis in Russia for the period 1998-2004", including by ensuring the availability of medicines and adequate sanitary conditions in prisons, and by taking special measures to combat the epidemic in the worst affected regions.

62. The Committee, in line with its general comment No. 14 (2000) on the right to the highest attainable standard of health, calls upon the State party to take urgent measures to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. The State party should ensure that all persons know about the disease and how to protect themselves, including through sex education in schools, and that methods of protection are available at affordable prices. Moreover, awareness-raising campaigns should aim at preventing discrimination against HIV-positive people.

63. The Committee urges the State party to reinforce its efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality. The State party should promote awareness of safe contraceptive methods and ensure that abortions are carried out under adequate medical and sanitary conditions.

(1997)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Russian Federation, 20/05/97, E/C.12/1/Add.13.

10. The Committee welcomes the present official policy of family planning, which has resulted in a decline in the number of abortions.

27. The Committee expresses its serious concern that in 1996 there was an eightfold increase in the rate of HIV-infection, which, according to the State party's representative, is largely due to increased drug use. It is also a source of concern that drug addiction is a major and growing problem among the young.

28. The inadequate funding of hospitals is a major source of concern. Moreover, the non-availability of drugs for the treatment of illness is also a source of preoccupation, particularly for those who cannot afford these medicines.

40. The Committee urges the State party to address the eightfold increase in HIV-infection in 1996 as a health question of the utmost importance. It recommends that an information campaign which explains the nature of the disease, the modes of transmission, including sexual modes of transmission, and prevention techniques be undertaken in the mass media. It also recommends that the State party adopt laws and take all necessary measures to prevent discrimination against persons who are HIV-positive, so that they may live normal lives.

41. The Committee recommends that funding of hospitals be increased and that medicines and medical attention be made available to those who cannot afford them, given the existing problems already highlighted above.

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES (1997)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 02/12/97, E/C.12/1/Add.21.

5. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights since 9 November 1981. Since then, it has not submitted a single report. The Committee strongly urges the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to fulfill its reporting obligations as soon as possible, so that the Covenant can be given full effect for the benefit of the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Committee emphasizes that it considers the non-performance by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines of its reporting obligations not only as a violation of the Covenant, but also as a grave impediment to the adequate application of the Covenant.

10. It also notes that numerous initiatives have recently been undertaken by the Department of Women's Affairs in the field of educational and other programmes aimed at promoting family life and the respective roles of men and women in society, as well as at addressing the problem of teenage pregnancies. The Committee welcomes the setting up of a family court under the Domestic Violence Act of 1995 to deal specifically and speedily with cases of domestic violence, which, according to the State party's report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, is a major problem in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The passing of an Equal Pay Act and the setting up of a Land Reform Programme to assist rural women to have access to more land and to broaden their economic base are also welcome developments.

12. With respect to Article 12 of the Covenant, the Committee welcomes efforts made to develop the health-care system throughout the country. In particular, it welcomes the development of local health systems through the establishment of district health teams and health committees in all geographical areas of the country. The Committee further welcomes developments in relation to ante-natal and post-natal health care, prevention and information programmes on AIDS, through the National AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention and Control Programme set up in 1989, and family planning. The Committee welcomes the fact that the population per physician decreased from 5,500 in 1970-1975 to 2,619 in 1989-1994, that the neonatal and infant mortality rates are gradually declining and that the immunization coverage is nearly 100 per cent.

21. The Committee also expresses concern about the absence of a comprehensive scheme for maternity leave, with the result that not all female workers benefit from such leave.

26. With respect to the right to health, the Committee notes with concern the high incidence of pregnancies among females of school age (between 1988 and 1991, 24 per cent of all births were to teenage mothers), and underlines that such pregnancies often have adverse consequences on the health of the child and of the mother and on the latter's ability to continue her studies.

SENEGAL (2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Senegal, 24/09/2001, E/C.12/1/Add.62.

15. The Committee expresses its concern about the de jure and de facto inequality that exists between men and women in Senegalese society. For example, article 152 of the Family Code discriminates against women, notably in the fields of taxation, allocation of seeds and family allowances. The Committee is particularly concerned about the lack of progress made by the State party in eradicating the enduring discriminatory practices against women and girls. Such practices include polygamy, restricted access to land, property, housing and credit facilities, and the inability to inherit land.

20. The Committee is concerned that, while half of Senegalese workers are employed in the informal sector, most of them still lack access to basic social services, including social security and health insurance, and work long hours in unsafe conditions.

21. The Committee is concerned that the State party is not taking appropriate measures to protect the rights of domestic workers, mostly women and girls, especially with regard to their lack of access to basic social services, their unfavourable working conditions and their wages, which are far below the minimum wage.

24. The Committee is concerned that, in spite of the existence of legislation banning the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), FGM is still practised with impunity by certain ethnic groups and in certain regions.

25. The Committee is concerned about the lack of effective measures taken, including the enforcement of existing legislation, to eliminate all forms of violence against women.

26. The Committee is concerned about the rise in clandestine abortions, unwanted pregnancies and the high rate of maternal mortality which is as high as 500 deaths per 100,000 live births.

28. The Committee is concerned about the high incidence of infant mortality, especially in rural areas. The Committee is also concerned that many children in the rural areas suffer from serious malnutrition and retarded growth.

33. The Committee is concerned that the asylum-seekers who, while waiting for a decision on their status, which takes a long time, are denied access to basic social services, including hospital care. The Committee is also concerned that children of asylum-seekers who have not yet been granted refugee status cannot enrol in school unless they are able to pay tuition fees.

34. The Committee is concerned about the low rate of primary school enrolment and about the high rate of illiteracy in Senegal, especially among women. The Committee is also concerned that the State party is no longer always hiring trained teachers, but employs at lower wages unskilled teachers as volunteers, and that the number of drop-outs among primary and secondary school pupils is significant.

38. The Committee calls upon the State party to take remedial action to address the inequality of and discrimination against women and girls in Senegal, both in law and in practice. In particular, the Committee urges the State party to consider repealing article 152 of the Family Code.

39. The Committee urges the State party to enact or enforce legislation prohibiting customary practices such as polygamy, FGM, restricted access by women to land, property, housing and credit facilities and the inability to inherit land and to take measures to combat such practices by all means, including national education programmes.

40. The Committee urges the State party to take immediate measures to address the problem of discrimination against women in access to employment and to monitor closely, both in the private and public sectors, the implementation of the law on maternity leave.

46. The Committee calls upon the State party to take all effective measures, including the enforcement of existing legislation and the adoption of national awareness campaigns, to eliminate all forms of violence against women.

47. The Committee urges the State party to take remedial action to address the problems of clandestine abortions, unwanted pregnancies and the high rate of maternal mortality. In this regard, the Committee urges the State party to undertake more effective reproductive and sexual health programmes in schools and colleges.

54. The Committee urges the State party to expedite the consideration of the applications of asylum-seekers and to provide them with basic social services, including hospital care and free education for their children.

57. The Committee recommends that the State party establish literacy programmes for adults and intensify its efforts to increase the school attendance of children, especially at the primary level, and address the problem of drop-outs among primary and secondary pupils.

SLOVAKIA (2002)

Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Slovakia, 19/12/2002, E/C.12/1/Add.81.

9. The Committee is deeply concerned about discrimination against Roma people in the fields of employment, housing, health care and education. Although the State party acknowledges this fact, the legislative and administrative measures undertaken by the State party to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Roma are still insufficient to address the problem. The Committee is also concerned about the absence of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law.

10. While the Committee appreciates the efforts of the State party in seeking to ensure equal rights for men and women, it notes with concern the inadequate representation of women in the decision-making bodies of the State party and the persistence of patriarchal attitudes in Slovak society.

13. The Committee is concerned that there remains a large disparity between the wages of men and women, and that, according to the Slovak Statistical Office, women's wages in general are 25 per cent lower than those of men.

15. The Committee notes with concern that, despite the State party's adoption of legislative measures on domestic violence, the problem persists and is widespread.

16. The Committee is concerned about the persistent problem of trafficking in women, as well as the sexual exploitation of women and children in the State party.

18. The Committee is alarmed about the low rate of primary school enrolment and the high drop out rates at secondary schools among Roma children.

20. The Committee recommends that the State party take into account its obligations under the Covenant in the formulation of its social welfare, housing, health and education policies.

21. The Committee also recommends to the State party that human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, be reflected in its official development assistance policy.

22. The Committee urges the State party to take concrete measures, including the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 2, of the Covenant, to combat and eliminate discrimination against minority groups, in particular against Roma people.

23. The Committee requests the State party to provide, in its second periodic report, detailed information on any government policies, programmes and measures adopted to contribute to the effective implementation of the legislation on equality between men and women, including the representation of women at the various levels of Government and public administration.

24. The Committee calls upon the State party to take effective measures, including increasing the resources allocated to reducing the unemployment rate, in particular among women, Roma people and other disadvantaged and marginalized groups, especially in rural areas.

26. The Committee urges the State party to effectively implement measures recently adopted to ensure equal pay for work of equal value, as provided for in the Covenant, and to reduce the wage gap between men and women.

29. The Committee calls upon the State party to enforce its legislation on domestic violence and to take appropriate preventive measures in order to give the required assistance to victims of domestic violence.

30. The Committee urges the State party to adopt effective measures, including through regional cooperation, to combat trafficking in women and to adopt preventive programmes to combat the sexual exploitation of women, adolescents and children.

33. The Committee urges the State party to intensify its efforts to increase the school attendance of Roma children, especially at the primary level, and to address the problem of dropouts among secondary school pupils. The Committee also recommends that the State party collect and develop data, disaggregated by gender and ethnic origin, as stated in the Committee's General Comment No. 13, paragraph 7, for inclusion in its next periodic report.

SOLOMON ISLANDS
(2002)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Solomon Islands, 19/12/2002, E/C.12/1/Add.84.

6. The Committee is concerned about the inadequate representation of women at all levels of decision-making bodies of the State party and the persistence of patriarchal attitudes in the society.

10. The Committee is alarmed at the high incidence of domestic violence against women and children in the State party.

11. While commending the intensive efforts made by the State party to combat malaria, the Committee notes with concern that malaria remains a major public health problem in the State party. The Committee is also concerned that acute respiratory infections, as well as sexually transmitted infections, remain the main cause of health problems, as indicated in the Human Development Report 2002.

12. The Committee is concerned that malnutrition, especially among young people, is widespread, despite the fact that food supplies are available in almost sufficient quantities in all parts of the country.

13. The Committee is also concerned that many communities in the State party do not have access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities, which poses severe health risks to them.

14. The Committee is deeply concerned that primary education is not compulsory in the State party, as provided for in article 14 of the Covenant. The Committee notes furthermore that the cost of textbooks, stationery and teaching materials is unaffordable for many parents and makes primary education inaccessible to many.

15. The Committee is concerned that fewer girls than boys enrol in primary schools and that there is a high drop-out rate among girls in both primary and secondary schools.

16. While noting the considerable efforts made by the State party to reduce illiteracy, the Committee remains concerned that illiteracy, especially among women, poses a grave problem.

18. The Committee urges the State party to take all effective measures to prohibit discrimination on the basis of nationality or sex in all fields of economic, social and cultural life. In addition, the Committee requests the State party to provide, in its next periodic report, detailed information about any government policies, programmes and measures adopted to assist in the implementation of the legislation on equality between men and women, as provided for in articles 2, paragraph 2, and 3 of the Covenant.

19. The Committee also urges the State party to design and implement a national job-creation programme and to provide vocational training, in particular to women and young people. The Committee recommends that the State party encourage the establishment of small businesses, including through the creation of accessible credit schemes.

23. The Committee urges the State party to adopt and implement effective legislative and administrative measures to protect members of the family, particularly women and children, from domestic violence. The Committee recommends that the State party establish support services for victims of domestic violence and take steps to sensitize law enforcement officials and the general public to the gravity of this issue.

27. The Committee also urges the State party to intensify its malaria control programme and to address the problem of acute respiratory infections and sexually transmitted diseases, inter alia, through appropriate education and training of caregivers at all levels. The Committee encourages the State party to continue its close cooperation with the World Health Organization and other health-care organizations in this regard.

28. The Committee further urges the State party to take steps to ensure that all children are able to fully exercise their right to free and compulsory primary education, in accordance with article 14 of the Covenant, and to seek assistance from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in this regard. The Committee refers the State party to its General Comment No. 11 (1999) on plans of action for primary education.

29. The Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures, including programmes which explicitly target parents, to eliminate gender disparity in enrolment rates both at primary and secondary education levels.

30. The Committee also recommends that the State party increase its efforts to reduce the high rate of illiteracy, especially among women.

31. The Committee encourages the State party to provide human rights education in schools at all levels and to raise awareness about human rights, in particular economic, social and cultural rights, among State officials and the judiciary.

(1999)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Solomon Islands, 14/05/99, E/C.12/1/Add.33.

22. The Committee notes that infant mortality remains a major cause of concern, in spite of the commendable health policies of the Government of Solomon Islands which have drastically decreased the mortality rate of children under the age of 5. According to a 1996 WHO publication, the infant mortality rate is estimated at 26.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, while, according to a 1997 UNDP and UNFPA joint report, the maternal mortality rate is as high as 550 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Committee is concerned about the low percentage of the population with access to adequate sanitation (only 9 per cent of the rural population) and to safe drinking water available in the home or within reasonable access (63 per cent of the entire population), as indicated in a 1996 WHO publication. The Committee recalls that the lack of adequate sanitation facilities directly adds to the severe malaria problem affecting more than one third of the population.

24. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government of Solomon Islands actively participate in a constructive dialogue with the Committee on how the obligations arising from the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights can be fulfilled in a more adequate manner. It calls the Government's attention the fact that the Covenant creates a legal obligation for all States parties to submit their initial and periodic reports and that Solomon Islands has been in breach of this obligation for many years.

SPAIN (2004)

Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Spain, 07/06/2004, E/C.12/1/Add.99.

5. The Committee notes with appreciation the measures taken to combat domestic violence. In particular, it welcomes the enactment of Act No. 27/2003 of 31 July 2003, regulating protection orders and providing for various forms of assistance to victims of domestic violence, and the setting up of a committee to monitor the implementation of the Act.

7. While noting that undocumented immigrants residing in the State party enjoy a number of fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to basic social services, health care and education, on the condition that they register with their local municipality, the Committee remains concerned about the precarious situation of the large number of those undocumented immigrants who only enjoy a limited protection of their economic, social and cultural rights.

11. While appreciating the measures taken by the State party to promote gender equality, notably under the Plan for the Equality of Opportunities between Women and Men 2003-2006, the Committee remains concerned about the persistent gender inequalities in the State party, particularly with regard to women's participation in decision-making and in the labour market.

12. The Committee is concerned that the level of unemployment remains high (11.3 per cent), particularly among young people and women (15.7 per cent as compared to 8.1 per cent among men). The high rate of long-term unemployment, particularly affecting persons above the age of 40, unemployment among the Roma, well above the national average, and significant regional disparities in unemployment, ranging from 5.23 per cent in Navarra to 20.19 per cent in Andalucía (data for 2002), are also causes of concern.

15. The Committee expresses concern about the vulnerable situation of domestic workers, a majority of whom are immigrants.

16. The Committee expresses concern about the lack of sufficient information on the problem of trafficking of persons to the State party for sexual exploitation and on the measures taken in this respect by it.

17. While recognizing the measures taken to combat domestic violence in the State party, the Committee expresses its concern about the rising number of fatal cases of domestic violence and of the persistent high number of complaints lodged by women for ill-treatment at the hands of their spouses or partners.

22. The Committee is concerned about the high abortion rate among adolescent women between 15 and 19 (13.89 per cent in 2001).

28. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to ensure the effective implementation of the Plan for the Equality of Opportunities between Women and Men 2003-2006 and report on the progress made in this regard in its next periodic report.

29. The Committee recommends that the State party continue strengthening programmes to reduce unemployment targeting the most affected regions and groups. It also recommends that the State party take further measures to make it easier for women to reconcile work and family life. The Committee encourages, in this regard, the State party to improve childcare facilities for children under the age of 3.

33. The Committee requests that the State party provide, in its fifth periodic report, detailed information on the problem of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of persons in the State party and on measures taken to tackle these problems.

34. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to combat domestic violence and requests information on achievements and difficulties encountered in the implementation of Act No. 27/2003 regulating protecting orders for victims of domestic violence.

35. The Committee requests the State party to provide information on the results of the experimental programmes designed to prevent, detect and allow action to be taken in situations of child abuse which are being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Autonomous Communities.

40. The Committee recommends that the State party monitor closely the incidence of abortions among adolescent women and adopt necessary measures, legislative or otherwise, to address this problem, including by intensifying specific programmes on sexual and reproductive health among adolescent women, and provide information on this subject of concern in its next periodic report.

SRI LANKA (1998)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Sri Lanka, 16/06/98, E/C.12/1/Add.24.

13. The Committee notes with concern the plight of hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankan women working abroad as domestic helpers, many of them underpaid and treated as virtual slaves. The Committee regrets that the Government has not made a serious effort to assess the negative impact of this phenomenon on children who are left in vulnerable and difficult circumstances without their mothers and to take appropriate remedial measures.

14. The Committee notes that Sri Lanka not only has the second highest rate of suicide among youth in the world, but a rising incidence of drug and alcohol dependence, adolescent crime, child abuse, sexual disorders and domestic violence against women. The Committee expresses its deep regret that the Government has failed to comply with its obligation under Article 10 of the Covenant (concerning protection of the family) and Article 12.

16. The Committee also notes with concern that inadequate efforts appear to have been made by the Government to promote awareness among the women of Sri Lanka of their human rights.

22. The Committee strongly recommends that the Government establish mechanisms to facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance and to strictly monitor and ensure that the intended recipients actually receive the assistance. In particular, the Committee urges the Government to seek further international assistance in its efforts to provide permanent housing to displaced persons who have been living in "temporary" shelters since the war began 15 years ago. It is further recommended that the Government reassess the food assistance programme already in place in affected areas with a view to improving the nutritional standards of the food provided, particularly to children and expectant and nursing mothers.

SURINAME (1994)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Suriname, 21/12/94, E/C.12/1994/18.

10. The Committee notes with concern the inconsistent protection of the rights of workers, depending on their membership in trade unions. It notes in this regard that workers who are not covered by collective bargaining agreements are not guaranteed a minimum wage, are not covered by occupational safety clauses and receive little or no protection in the event of illness. In the case of women workers, the Committee notes that women who are not members of trade unions receive little or no maternity benefits and may be dismissed if they become pregnant. The Committee is further concerned about the inadequate protection of immigrant workers.

17. The Committee recommends that legislation be enacted to protect workers who are not covered by collective bargaining agreements, in order to ensure them a minimum wage, health and maternal benefits, safe working conditions, and other guarantees that meet international standards for conditions of work. In this connection, the Committee recommends that assistance from the International Labour Organization be sought. Further, the Committee encourages the Government to extend such protection also to immigrant workers.

SWEDEN (2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Sweden, 30/11/2001, E/C.12/1/Add.70.

8. The Committee recognizes that a number of Ombudspersons exist in the country, dealing with different aspects of human rights with a focus on discrimination issues. The Committee welcomes the creation of the office of an Ombudsperson against Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation.

34. The Committee encourages the State party to adopt a comprehensive national health strategy and a plan of action in which it sets benchmarks for its health care strategies.

35. The Committee encourages the State party to provide human rights education in schools at all levels and to raise awareness about human rights, in particular economic, social and cultural rights, among State officials and the judiciary.

36. The Committee urges the State party to adopt special measures criminalizing the trafficking of human beings.

37. The Committee urges the State party to ensure that education in independent schools, including those that have been established in the form of private companies with shareholders, is in full conformity with article 13, in particular article 13.1 on educational aims and objectives, of the Covenant and with the Committee's General Comment No.13.

38. The Committee urges the State party to take additional and effective measures that promote instruction in the mother tongue of minorities and immigrants.

39. The Committee urges the State party to repeal the requirement of "dual criminality" in relation to the offence of sexual exploitation of minors and women committed by Swedish citizens abroad.

40. The Committee encourages the State party to provide more specific, disaggregated and comparative data in its fifth periodic report, in particular with respect to the privatization of health care in the country.

SWITZERLAND (1998)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Switzerland, 07/12/98, E/C.12/1/Add.30.

15. The Committee notes that despite the constitutionalization of the right to maternity benefits, the Parliament has not yet recognized this right. This does not, in the Committee's view, satisfy the requirements of Article 10 that pregnant women should be entitled to adequate social security benefits.

22. The Committee regrets the silence of the report on abortion and the incidence of diseases particular to women.

35. The Committee also requests the State party to provide more detailed information in its next report on the situation of the mental health of the population and in particular of mental patients in the country and on progress achieved in this field.

36. The Committee recommends that the State party, in accordance with Article 12, paragraph 3 (d), of the Covenant, review its systems of health care to prevent the high costs of these from having a negative effect on the standard of living of families, which is incompatible with Article 11, paragraph 1 of the Covenant.

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC (2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Syrian Arab Republic, 24/09/2001, E/C.12/1/Add.63.

14. The Committee expresses its concern about the persisting discrimination in the political, social and economic spheres of life against women in Syrian society, which is particularly reflected in limited participation by women in the political and economic decision-making process, a low legal age of marriage for girls, more severe punishment of women for adultery and "honour crimes", and unequal treatment insofar as personal property and social security laws are concerned. The Committee regrets that the State party has not adopted any significant legislative or administrative measures to eliminate this discrimination, nor ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

24. The Committee expresses its concern about the persistent occurrence of domestic violence against both women and children and the lack of legislation to criminalize such violence. Moreover, the Committee is concerned that there is no law against spousal rape.

26. The Committee regrets the lack of comparative statistical data on the State party's implementation of the right to health, as well as the fact that it did not receive replies to a considerable number of questions on the right to health in the list of issues.

31. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party take effective measures to incorporate a gender equality perspective in both legislation and in governmental policies and administrative programmes, with a view to ensuring equality of men and women and addressing in particular the problems of the low legal age of marriage for girls, more severe punishment of women for adultery and "honour crimes", and the unequal treatment of women insofar as personal, property, succession and social security laws are concerned. The Committee also encourages the State party to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

37. The Committee urges the State party to take all effective measures to address the problem of child labour in family enterprises and in the agricultural sector, which runs counter to protection of the rights of the child to health and to education.

40. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party adopt legislation and other measures to combat domestic violence and spousal rape, and vigorously implement such legislation and other measures in order to provide adequate protection for victims of such practices.

43. The Committee also requests the State party to provide replies to the written and oral questions raised by the Committee in the list of issues and during the dialogue which were left unanswered, and in particular requests comparative statistical data on the implementation of the right to health, thereby taking into account the Committee's general comment No. 14 on the right to health.

44. The Committee urges the State party to implement its comprehensive National Education For All Plan, as anticipated by paragraph 16 of the Dakar Framework for Action, taking into account the Committee's general comments Nos. 11 and 13 on the right to education and general comment No. 1 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Committee also urges the State party to ratify the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education of 1960.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (2002)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Trinidad and Tobago, 05/06/2002, E/C.12/1/Add.80.

6. The Committee welcomes the establishment of the Domestic Violence Unit within the Gender Affairs Division.

7. The Committee commends the introduction of free secondary education for all.

13. The Committee is concerned at the lack of disaggregated data in the State party's report and written replies, especially with regard to gender participation in employment, participation of women and children in the informal sector and poverty, in particular with regard to disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

14. The Committee is concerned about the lack of specific and comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in the State party. The Committee is particularly concerned that the Equal Opportunity Act 2000 does not afford protection to individuals on the grounds of sexual orientation, age and HIV/AIDS status, among others.

17. The Committee notes with concern that women earn less than men for work of equal value, especially in the private sector.

19. The Committee is deeply concerned that the minimum age for work, which is too low, in certain cases as low as 12 years, leaves children more vulnerable to exploitation and prejudices their right to education.

22. The Committee is concerned that despite some positive initiatives, including the establishment of the Domestic Violence Unit, the incidence of violence against women remains high. The Committee also notes with concern the persistence of gender stereotypes that discriminate against women.

23. The Committee is concerned that clandestine abortion is the cause of a high rate of maternal mortality due to infections and complications from procedures performed under unsanitary conditions by untrained personnel.

24. The Committee also notes with concern the continuing high rate of HIV/AIDS, especially among young women.

25. The Committee notes that the State party, in answering questions about specific programmes devoted to reducing and preventing infant mortality and maternal mortality, as well as teenage pregnancies and back-street abortions, did not provide disaggregated data on a comparative basis which would put the Committee in the position to ask focussed questions as to how the delineated health programmes have actually been put into practice.

26. The Committee is deeply concerned about the living conditions of prisoners and detainees in the State party, especially with regard to access to health care and adequate food and basic facilities.

27. The Committee is concerned about the large number of people living below the poverty line, especially women heading single parent households, who receive insufficient protection from the State party in the enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights.

30. The Committee is also concerned at the high rates of domestic and sexual violence, the excessive use of force by the police and the persistence of a generalized "culture of violence" in Trinidad and Tobago.

31. The Committee is concerned that problems of persisting overcrowding in hospitals, lack of staff and non-accessibility of basic drugs have put great strain on the public health service, which has detrimental effects on access to basic health-care facilities, goods and services, especially for the disadvantaged and marginalized groups of society.

36. The Committee requests the State party to provide in its next periodic report extensive gender disaggregated data in order to facilitate the analysis of trends, progress or worrying tendencies with regard to the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights.

37. The Committee recommends that the State party take legislative and other effective measures to eliminate discrimination, in accordance with article 2.2 of the Covenant. In particular, the Committee wishes to encourage the State to undertake proactive policies to promote the rights of individuals, especially with regard to their sexual orientation and HIV/AIDS status.

40. The Committee urges the State party to take legislative and other measures to ensure equal pay for work of equal value for men and women.

44. The Committee urges the State party to take effective legislative and other measures in order to address child labour. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the State party ratify ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour.

45. The Committee calls upon the State party to take all effective measures, including the enforcement of existing legislation and the extension of national awareness campaigns, to eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women.

46. The Committee requests the State party to provide in its next periodic report detailed information based on comparative data about the problem of abortion in Trinidad and Tobago and the measures, legislative or otherwise, including the review of its present legislation, it has undertaken to protect women from clandestine and unsafe abortion.

47. The Committee, while noting the sustained efforts made to address HIV/AIDS problems, urges the State party to step up its measures to combat HIV/AIDS and, in particular, to enhance the provision of education on sexual and reproductive health.

48. The Committee recommends that the State party, in its next periodic report, provide more detailed statistics on a disaggregated and comparative basis concerning specific health programmes devoted to reducing and preventing infant mortality and maternal mortality, as well as teenage pregnancies and back-street abortions. The State party is invited to set benchmarks in this area which might form the basis of the dialogue with the Committee during the next periodic review.

53. The Committee calls upon the State party to exercise the full authority of the law and all means at its command to eradicate the scourge of violence. The Committee reminds the State party that, in undertaking measures to combat violence, it must ensure respect for human dignity and the protection of human rights at all times. The Committee requests the State party to provide in its third periodic report detailed information on the measures it has taken and the progress it has achieved in its efforts to eradicate all forms of violence, particularly violence against women and children and excessive force used by the police.

54. The Committee recommends that the State party provide in its next periodic report, on a disaggregated and comparative year-by-year basis, facts and figures on access to basic health-care facilities, goods and services, and similar figures about the development of a private health-care system, including on the effects of this on continued access to health facilities by the disadvantaged and marginalized groups of society.

TUNISIA (1999)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Tunisia, 14/05/99, E/C.12/1/Add.36

16. The Committee is concerned about the disparities of living standards, especially with regard to education, health, life expectancy, child mortality, access to piped water and electricity and employment, to be found between the prosperous north-east coast of Tunisia and the underdeveloped north-west, between the interior of the country and the south, and between the towns and rural areas.

27. The Committee recommends that the State party develop an immediate national plan of action in order to reduce the disparities of living standards that exist between the various regions.

UKRAINE (2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Ukraine, 24/09/2001, E/C.12/1/Add.65.

10. The Committee continues to express concern at the situation of women in society and the insufficient measures taken by the State party to eliminate discrimination against them. Most low-paid workers and 80 per cent of the unemployed are women. They are also frequently victims of violence in the family and of sexual harassment in the workplace.

11. The Committee is concerned at the large-scale trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of women and children.

13. The Committee is concerned about the large number of children, especially newborns and children with disabilities, who are abandoned or are otherwise deprived of a family environment, and regrets the absence of an effective strategy to address this phenomenon.

17. The Committee notes with concern that the budgets allocated for education and scientific research have fallen sharply, leading to a deterioration in the quality of education. The Committee is particularly concerned about obsolete teaching materials and equipment in schools and colleges, and the low levels of remuneration for teachers.

18. The Committee is concerned at the deterioration in the health of the most vulnerable groups, especially women and children, and in the quality of health services. The Committee notes with concern the rise in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and the spread of HIV/AIDS. It is also concerned about the high incidence of alcohol abuse and tobacco use, especially among persons under 18 years.

22. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen the provisions in its legal order with respect to the prohibition of discrimination in accordance with article 2 (2) of the Covenant, in particular on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Recalling the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (General Assembly resolution 34/169), the State party should take all necessary steps to prevent incidents of racially motivated ill-treatment and ensure that timely and thorough investigations and effective prosecutions are carried out.

23. The Committee calls upon the State party to take all effective legal measures to prohibit gender discrimination in all fields of civil, political, economic, social and cultural life.

28. The Committee recommends that the State party adopt all appropriate measures to prevent and combat incidents of domestic violence and sexual harassment, as well as appropriate measures to reduce unemployment among women.

29. The Committee encourages the State party to strengthen its efforts to combat the trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of women and children. It recommends that the State party vigorously pursue the enforcement of criminal laws in this regard; ensure that victims are not penalized and are provided with rehabilitation; ensure that the National Coordination Council against Trafficking is adequately resourced and staffed; and reinforce its cooperation with international and regional organizations, as well as on a bilateral basis. The Committee recommends that the State party, in its fifth periodic report, provide full information on the trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of women and children, including data on the scale of the phenomenon.

31. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that its commitment to primary health care is met by adequate allocation of resources and that all persons, especially from the most vulnerable groups, have access to health care. The Committee suggests that the State party establish comprehensive reproductive health programmes, as well as measures to ensure that abortion is not perceived as a method of contraception. It further recommends that adolescents have access to and be provided with reproductive health education, as well as with STD and HIV/AIDS prevention programmes. The Committee recommends that the State party provide children with accurate and objective information about alcohol and tobacco use, and discourage activities on public mass media promoting their consumption.

32. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to allocate the required resources to implement effectively the 1991 Law on Education. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that general comments No. 11 on plans of action for primary education and No. 13 on the right to education, as well as general comment No. 1 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on the aim of education, are duly taken into consideration when elaborating its educational policies. The Committee recommends that the State party promote the participation of parents and communities, especially ethnic minorities, in school governance in order to improve enrolment rates and monitor the quality of education.

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND (2002)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Dependent Territories, 05/06/2002, E/C.12/1/Add.79.

14. The Committee is concerned about the persistence of de facto discrimination in relation to some marginalized and vulnerable groups in society, especially ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities, in various fields, including employment, housing and education. The Committee regrets the unwillingness of the State party to adopt comprehensive legislation on equality and protection from discrimination, in accordance with articles 2.2 and 3 of the Covenant.

17. The Committee is deeply concerned that the incidence of domestic violence has increased in recent years.

21. The Committee is concerned about the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in some of the State party's Caribbean territories. It is particularly concerned about the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the Turks and Caicos Islands and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the lack of availability of, and access to, anti-retroviral medication for migrant workers and AIDS orphans.

25. The Committee further recommends, recalling its previous recommendation (see paragraph 33 of its 1997 concluding observations), that the State party review and strengthen its institutional arrangements, within the government administration, which are designed to ensure that its obligations under the Covenant are taken into account, at an early stage, in the Government's formulation of national legislation and policy on issues such as poverty reduction, social welfare, housing, health and education. Given that its general comments are based upon experience gained over many years, including the examination of numerous States parties' reports, the Committee urges the State party to give careful consideration to its general comments and statements when formulating policies that bear upon economic, social and cultural rights.

31. The Committee urges the State party to take more effective steps to combat de facto discrimination, in particular against ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, especially in relation to employment, housing and education. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party enact comprehensive legislation on equality and non-discrimination in United Kingdom law, in conformity with articles 2.2 and 3 of the Covenant.

35. The Committee recommends that the State party continue its efforts to combat domestic violence and, in particular, to ensure that there are sufficient refuge places to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence. The Committee requests that the State party provide information in its next periodic report on further measures taken by the State party in relation to domestic violence, as well as on the results and effectiveness of such measures.

36. Given the principle of the dignity of the individual, which provides the foundation for international human rights law (see paragraph 41 of the Committee's General Comment No. 13) and in the light of article 10.1 and 10.3 of the Covenant, the Committee recommends that the physical punishment of children in families be prohibited, in line with the recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (see paragraph 31 of the 1995 concluding observations of that Committee (CRC/C/15/Add.34)).

40. In the context of HIV/AIDS, the Committee urges the State party to ensure the availability of, and equal access to, anti-retroviral medication for all individuals in Overseas Dependent Territories.

Hong Kong (1997)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Hong Kong, 04/12/97, E/C.12/1/Add.19.

14. The Committee notes with concern the serious incidence of domestic violence against women which the State party has estimated at 680,000 cases in 1995, according to a national crime survey.

15. The Committee expresses its concern that waiting times for surgery can be 18 months or longer. In practice, this situation has worsened over the past six months and is of such a character as to call for immediate action. The continuation of this situation calls into question whether the State party has made its best efforts to satisfy the provisions of Article 12 of the Covenant.

URUGUAY (1994)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Uruguay, 30/05/94, E/C.12/1994/3.

12. The Committee also considers that it has not been given enough information on access to health, drinking water, care and education by minority groups living in Uruguay, as well as access by such groups to various types of employment, inter alia in the public service.

VENEZUELA (2001)

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Venezuela, 21/05/2001, E/C.12/1/Add.56.

16. The Committee is alarmed about the high rate of domestic violence and the extent of child prostitution and trafficking in children, and regrets the lack of available statistics on the number of street children. The Committee is deeply concerned about the extent of the sex trade involving children and the inability of the State party to address these issues.

26. The Committee invites the State party to provide, in its next periodic report, updated statistics on the situation of women in Venezuela, in particular on the phenomenon of domestic violence, as well as on the status of implementation of the newly adopted law on domestic violence. The Committee urges the State party to take more effective measures to combat domestic violence against women and children.

27. The Committee urges the State party to indicate, in its next periodic report, the problem of the measures it has undertaken to address the problem of street children and, in particular, the problem of their sexual exploitation.

29. The Committee requests the State party to provide, in its next periodic report, detailed information about the functioning of the social security system, the privatization of the health-care system and the integration of vulnerable groups, including indigenous people, into the health-care system.

YEMEN (2003)

Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Yemen, 12/12/2003, E/C.12/1/Add.92.

5. The Committee welcomes the establishment of the National Committee on Women which is charged with, inter alia, the task of reviewing and drafting legislation relevant to women.

9. Despite the measures taken by the State party to advance the status of women in Yemen, the Committee is concerned about the existence of certain customs, traditions and cultural practices which lead to substantial discrimination against women and girls and that there are still persisting patterns of discrimination, particularly in family and personal status law, as well as inheritance law. The Committee is also concerned about the widespread discrimination faced by women in their access to an adequate representation at all levels of decision-making bodies in the State party.

14. The Committee is concerned about the lack of measures to combat sexual and domestic violence as well as the lack of legislation to criminalize such violence.

15. The Committee is concerned about the high rate of infant and maternal mortality and the insufficient availability of health services, especially for women in rural areas. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health programme in the State party.

18. The Committee is concerned about the living conditions of prisoners and detainees in the State party, especially women, with regard to access to health-care facilities, adequate food and safe drinking water.

20. The Committee is concerned about the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases in the State party.

21. The Committee is also concerned that people suffering from HIV/AIDS do not always have full access to the necessary services, food and facilities.

24. The Committee is concerned that the policy of compulsory education has yet to be fully implemented. It further notes the high dropout rates, especially among girls in rural areas, and the inadequate training of teachers.

25. The Committee remains concerned that the high level of illiteracy, especially among women in rural areas amounting to over 70 per cent, poses a major problem and has a deep impact on the enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights.

28. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party amend existing legislation to bring it in line with the provisions of article 3 of the Covenant. The Committee requests the State party to provide, in its second periodic report, detailed information on government policies, programmes and measures adopted for the immediate and effective implementation of the legislation on equality between men and women, including the representation of women at various levels of the Government and public administration.

33. The Committee calls upon the State party to adopt and implement the necessary measures to combat domestic and sexual violence and to provide adequate protection for victims of such practices.

34. The Committee urges the State party to increase its efforts to reduce the rate of infant and maternal mortality by providing adequate access to health services and vaccinations programmes, especially for women and children in rural areas. The Committee urges the State party to adopt and implement a national sexual and reproductive health programme.

37. The Committee urges the State party to take effective legislative or other measures to provide adequate health-care facilities, adequate food and safe drinking water to prisoners and detainees, especially women. The Committee also urges the State party to ensure the professional and social reintegration of women ex-prisoners, through vocational training.

39. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to control the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Committee further requests the State party to provide detailed statistical data, disaggregated on a year-by-year basis, on the incidence of HIV/AIDS and on the measures taken to combat this pandemic, including public information programmes.

40. The Committee, in line with its general comment No. 14 (2000) on the right to the highest attainable standard of health, recommends that the State party provide adequate health care for people suffering from HIV/AIDS and that public information programmes be provided to raise awareness of these problems in Yemeni society.

43. The Committee urges the State party to implement fully its National Action Plan for Education for All, taking into account the Committee's general comments Nos. 11 (1999) on plans of action for primary education (article 14 of the Covenant) and 13 (1999) on the right to education (art. 13).

44. The Committee requests the State party to adopt effective measures to combat illiteracy and to provide, in its second periodic report, information on the measures it has undertaken and on the results of these measures. The Committee also requests the State party to include disaggregated and comparative statistics in its second periodic report.