III. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS

CERD

•          Peru, CERD, A/50/18 (1995) 41 at para. 199.

Concern is expressed that the socio-economic conditions of certain ethnic groups, particularly of indigenous communities living in rural areas and of indigenous and Peruvians of non-European origin in urban society, remain disadvantageous compared to those of the white population in the urban areas. It is further noted with concern that some effects of the economic and social policy of the Government threaten the enjoyment of the social and economic rights of persons belonging to indigenous communities.

•          Bolivia, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 41 at paras. 278 and 284.

Paragraph 278

Note is taken of the disparities in the access to economic, social and cultural benefits by different ethnic groups. While the difficulties in providing benefits to regions far removed from the capital are appreciated, the disproportionate effects that may hinder the relative development of different communities are of deep concern, as they can perpetuate racial discrimination towards disadvantaged groups.

Paragraph 284

Immediate attention should be paid to the development of rural areas where many indigenous communities are situated. The Government is encouraged to consider expansion of the economic and social infrastructure to enable those communities to be provided with access to clean water, energy, medical care, education, and other essential services and, in this regard, special attention is called to the situation of the Guaraní people. The Government is encouraged to seek international assistance towards this end.

•          China, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 57 at para. 408.

The effects of the differing levels of economic development of different regions and their impact on different communities are of concern, as they may generate racial discrimination towards disadvantaged groups. In addition, efforts with respect to economic development and national modernization should not deprive members of such ethnic groups of the right to their own culture, in particular their traditional ways of life.

•          Peru, CERD, A/54/18 (1999) 21 at para. 155.

Major shortcomings in the health services provided for the rural population in the Andes and in Amazonia are noted, as are allegations of forced sterilization of women belonging to indigenous communities.

•          Rwanda, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 31 at para. 149.

While noting that the State party’s measures to relocate large groups of the population to semi-urban locations are intended to improve access to water, health and other services, reports of forced relocations and that some relocated persons do not have access to adequate housing are of concern. The State party should ensure that all relocations are made on a non-discriminatory basis and that relocated persons enjoy, without discrimination, the rights listed in article 5 of the Convention.

ICCPR

•          Yemen, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 49 at paras. 257 and 263.

Paragraph 257

The widespread employment of minors, especially in rural areas, is of deep concern.

Paragraph 263

The Government should conduct a study on the phenomenon of working children, especially children in rural areas.

•          Mongolia, ICCPR, A/55/40 vol. I (1995) 49 at paras. 338 and 344.

Paragraph 338

Efforts should continue to ensure that persons throughout rural areas of the country have access to education, to medical treatment and to other public facilities that are available to those who live in urban areas.

Paragraph 344

The State party should emphasize the importance of human rights education and should seek to impart such education and information to the population who live outside urban areas and to the illiterate by appropriate means such as radio and other media.

•          Gabon, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 41 at para. 75(14).

The delegation's statement that, in prison, detainees are segregated, accused persons being kept separate from convicted persons and juveniles from adults, is noted. It is, however, of concern that such segregation is still not practised in some rural prisons.

•          Peru, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 45 at para. 76(21).

Recent reports of forced sterilizations, particularly of indigenous women in rural areas and women from the most vulnerable social sectors, are of concern. The State party must take the necessary measures to ensure that persons who undergo surgical contraception procedures are fully informed and give their consent freely.

ICESCR

•          Kenya, ICESCR, E/1994/23 (1993) 24 at para. 82.

It is noted that between 1980 and 1989, no less than 44 per cent of the population - in rural areas 55 per cent - lived below the poverty line. A distressing inequality in income distribution is further noted. Concern is also expressed over the fact that more than 30 per cent of the population of Kenya are reported to suffer from malnutrition.

•          Uruguay, ICESCR, E/1995/22 (1994) 23 at para. 73.

The standard of living of persons in rural areas, particularly those close to borders with neighbouring countries, is of concern.

•          Morocco, ICESCR, E/1995/22 (1994) 28 at paras. 111 and 118.

Paragraph 111

Concern is expressed over the persistence of a "dual" society characterized by disparities in the level of modernization and enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights which especially affect persons living in rural areas. These disparities are particularly evident in the marked differences in the levels of school attendance. The rate of primary school attendance in the urban areas is double that of the rural regions.

Paragraph 118

Further measures should be taken by the State party to reduce existing disparities between the modern and traditional sectors of society and in particular between the rural and urban areas.

•          Paraguay, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 22 at para. 78.

The inequitable distribution of health services between urban and rural areas is of concern. The very small number of medical and paramedical personnel in the country is also noted.

•          Guatemala, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 29 at paras. 127 and 134.

Paragraph 127

Extreme concern is expressed over the adverse effects which the economic and social disparities existing in the country have on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by the majority of the population, particularly by the indigenous and rural populations of Guatemala, as well as by other vulnerable groups in society, especially children, persons with disabilities and elderly persons.

Paragraph 134

Concern is expressed at the issue of low access to safe water for the rural population, the higher incidence of infant mortality within certain socio-economic groups, the situation of persons with disabilities, the prevalence of endemic diseases, the problem of the inadequacy of social welfare and security, the persisting housing shortage and the inadequacy of access to health care. This general situation affecting the most vulnerable in Guatemalan society deprives them of their full enjoyment of the economic, social and cultural rights provided for in the Covenant.

•          El Salvador, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 34 at para. 179.

The construction of low-income housing for the poorest sectors of Salvadoran society should be intensified in urban and rural areas and a greater effort should be made to provide sanitation and drinking-water supplies for the entire population.

•          Zimbabwe, ICESCR, E/1998/22 (1997) 24 at para. 80.

Priority should be given to the promotion of the role of women in society, and an end should be put to all de facto discrimination against them. Programmes should be introduced with a view to redressing the imbalances in the status of women in society, particularly in rural districts.

•          Dominican Republic, ICESCR, E/1998/22 (1997) 43 at paras. 223, 239 and 240.

Paragraph 223

With respect to the right to housing, positive measures and programmes undertaken by the Government may be hampered by a lack of resources allocated by the authorities at the national and local levels to alleviate the many problems associated with the lack of housing; by the dispersion of the many organs and institutions set up to deal with housing and the lack of coordination between them; by the failure of the central authorities to delegate more powers to local communities; and by the priority and preference given to the alleviation of the problems in urban areas to the detriment of rural areas.

Paragraph 239

The Government is called upon to pursue and intensify its efforts to ensure that safe drinking water is made available to the rural population and all those living in deprived urban areas.

Paragraph 240

It is recommended that the Government’s efforts be pursued and intensified in order to fully and effectively address the problems related to housing. In this respect, the following is stressed: the need for increased resources, both for construction and rehabilitation and for the relocation of evicted and displaced communities; for decentralization and greater autonomy of local authorities in this field; and for effective coordination of the activities undertaken by all the competent organs. Attention is also drawn to the need to complete the process of land surveys in order to issue title deeds to regularize the ownership of land by much of the population, in rural as well as urban areas.

•          Iraq, ICESCR, E/1998/22 (1997) 50 at para. 280.

Every effort should be made by the Government to ensure, through the development of adequate infrastructure in all parts of the country, access to potable water by the population as a whole, and especially in the rural areas.

•          Tunisia, ICESCR, E/2000/22 (1999) 36 at paras. 168, 179 and 180.

Paragraph 168

The disparities of living standards, especially with regard to education, health, life expectancy, child mortality, access to piped water and electricity and employment, 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, are of concern.

Paragraph 179

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

Paragraph 180

The State party should make efforts to guarantee a basic education to all children, including those that fail to keep pace with their peers. The problem areas identified on the phenomenon of drop-out, including inadequacy of pedagogical tools, excessive numbers of students per class and per teacher, lack of interest on the part of parents in sending their children to school and distance between school and home, should be addressed, particularly in the less developed rural areas.

•          Cameroon, ICESCR, E/2000/22 (1999) 56 at paras. 335, 336, 352 and 357.

Paragraph 335

The increasing incidence of poverty and unemployment in the State party, especially among the most vulnerable groups, such as minority groups and the elderly, and among the rural population are matters of concern. Alarm is expressed at reports indicating that 55 per cent of the population were living below the poverty line in 1998 of which 40 per cent live in rural areas compared with 15 per cent in urban areas. In this regard, the inadequacy of social security with regard to child maintenance for single parents and low-income families is of concern.

Paragraph 336

The lack of access to potable water for large sectors of society is regretted, especially in rural areas where only 27 per cent of the population have access to safe water (within reasonable reach), while 47 per cent of the urban population have such access.

Paragraph 352

The State party should review its macroeconomic reform programmes with respect to their impact on the standard of living of vulnerable groups, particularly in the rural areas, and make efforts to adjust these reforms in a way that better responds to the current needs of such groups.

Paragraph 357

The Government should take effective measures to end all forms of compulsory parental contribution for primary education. The State party is urged to allocate increased resources to education, in particular for infrastructure and human resources, especially in rural areas. Attention is drawn to General Comment No. 11 (1999) on plans of action for primary education (art. 14 of the Covenant).

•          Mexico, ICESCR, E/2000/22 (1999) 62 at paras. 378, 389, 395 and 404.

Paragraph 378

The increase in the number of persons living in poverty and extreme poverty is disturbing. Unless the structural causes of poverty are properly addressed, a more equitable distribution of wealth between the various sectors of society, between states and between rural and urban areas will not be achieved.

Paragraph 389

Concern remains about the housing shortage and the unsatisfactory condition of a high percentage of the housing stock, especially in rural areas where a significant number of dwellings lack electricity, adequate sewage disposal and piped water.

Paragraph 395

The allocation of development resources by the State party should be conducted in an equitable manner, irrespective of geographic location and the populations concerned.

Paragraph 404

The State party is urged to take 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.

•          Congo, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 43 at paras. 202 and 213.

Paragraph 202

Women in rural areas are especially disadvantaged in terms of education and employment conditions, including wages.

Paragraph 213

The State party is strongly urged to pay immediate attention to and take action with respect to the grave health situation in its territory, with a view to restoring the basic health services, in both urban and rural areas, and to preventing and combating HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.

•          Mongolia, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 53 at paras. 273 and 283.

Paragraph 273

The challenges faced by the State party include improving access to health-care services in rural areas and for the poor, the relatively low life expectancy, the increase in non-communicable and degenerative diseases, as well as sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, child suicide, high maternal mortality, especially in rural areas, and limited access to contraceptives.

Paragraph 283

It is recommended that the State party continue taking steps to ensure that persons living in remote areas have progressively greater access to essential health services. In this respect, the attention of the State party is drawn to General Comment No. 14 on the right to health.

•          Kyrgyzstan, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 62 at para. 347.

Deep concern is expressed about the high rate of poverty, estimated to affect more than 50 per cent of the population. The most affected areas are the remote southern rural areas, where persons over the age of 60, women and children, especially, suffer from poverty. In particular, concern is expressed about malnutrition, which mostly affects infants (19.7 per cent), children and adolescents.

•          Morocco, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 82 at paras. 536, 537, 539, 542, 543, 560, 561, 563, 566 and 567.

Paragraph 536

Concern is expressed about the high percentage of people living below the poverty line, especially in rural areas.

Paragraph 537

The disparities in the standard of living between rural and urban areas, insofar as the former have considerably less access to clean drinking water, sanitary facilities and electricity, is noted with concern.

Paragraph 539

It is regretted 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.

Paragraph 542

Concern is expressed about the high rate of illiteracy in the State party, especially among women in rural areas.

Paragraph 543

Deep concern is expressed 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, 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.

Paragraph 560

The State party is urged to address the problem of poverty, especially in the rural areas.

Paragraph 561

The Committee reiterates the recommendation it made in 1994, which strongly encourages the State party to take measures to reduce the disparities that exist between the rural and urban areas, inter alia, by improving access to water, electricity and sanitary facilities in the rural areas.

Paragraph 563

It is recommended 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.

Paragraph 566

The State party is strongly urged 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 General Comments Nos. 11 and 13 on the right to education, including primary education.

Paragraph 567

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

•          Venezuela, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 29 at para. 87.

Despite the stipulations in article 91 of the Constitution establishing the right of everyone to sufficient wages to support a worker and his family, and by which minimum wages are adjusted every year, concern is expressed that the minimum wage is still far short of meeting workers' basic requirements, and that there are disparities between urban and rural wages.

•          Honduras, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 33 at para. 133.

Concern is expressed about the insufficiency of medical services, especially in rural areas, and the difficulties experienced by people in gaining access to health care institutions.

•          Republic of Korea, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 45 at para. 232.

The Committee notes with concern the shifting population distribution from the rural to the 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.

•          Bolivia, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 52 at paras. 265 and 268.

Paragraph 265

The Committee is aware that efforts to introduce legal crops to replace cocaine production in certain rural areas have led to the impoverishment of the small farmers involved.

Paragraph 268

Deep concern is expressed about the extent of poverty in Bolivia. According to UNDP figures, 88.8% of all households in Bolivia have an income below the poverty line. Moreover, 90% of these households live in rural areas. This situation is reflected in indicators such as infant mortality, life expectancy, literacy rate and access to sanitation, potable water and health care services. In this regard, the highly uneven distribution of wealth is deplored.

•          Togo, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 57 at para. 316.

The occurrence of societal discrimination on the basis of ethnicity by all ethnic groups is a matter of grave concern, particularly the discrimination between southerners and northerners, which is evident in private sector hiring, buying patterns, and the de facto ethnic segregation in urban neighbourhoods. These north-south tensions have regularly been the cause of eruptions of violence of a clearly inter-ethnic character.

•          Senegal, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 61 at paras. 353-355 and 368.

Paragraph 353

There is concern about the increasing number of street children, especially in Dakar, the high incidence of child labour, especially in rural areas, and the exploitation of children engaged in agriculture, domestic work, informal trading and other services.

Paragraph 354

The high incidence of infant mortality, especially in rural areas, is a concern. There is also concern that many children in the rural areas suffer from serious malnutrition and retarded growth.

Paragraph 355

There is concerned that in 2000, 30 per cent of the Senegalese people were living in absolute poverty, that 70 per cent of the poor came from the countryside and were women, and that poverty is on the increase.

Paragraph 368

Effective action should be taken to reduce the unemployment rate by providing training for young people in urban areas and by conducting regular reviews of the minimum wage levels in order to enable workers to attain an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families.

•          Panama, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 73 at paras. 446, 455 and 456.

Paragraph 446

Economic and social underdevelopment in rural areas and inequality in access to productive resources, together with the dominant position held by the urban population in social programmes, are factors impeding government action aimed at implementing the Covenant.

Paragraph 455

The Committee is deeply concerned about the persistent problem of child labour, especially in rural areas, and that the minimum age for employment is under 12 years in agricultural and domestic services.

Paragraph 456

The high incidence of poverty is of concern, especially in the rural areas. In this regard, there is concern about the economic and social policies, which are strongly biased in favour of urban and higher income groups and which have reportedly resulted in resource misallocation and wastage and ineffective social programmes for disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

•          Nepal, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 83 at paras. 532 and 571.

Paragraph 532

The Extent of poverty in the State party is of deep concern, particularly in rural areas where poverty and discrimination against women are most pronounced. In this regard, it is noted that the targets set by the Ninth Plan, which aim at the progressive reduction of the poverty rate from 42 per cent to 32 per cent, were not reached.

Paragraph 571

Remedial action should be taken to address the problems of clandestine abortions, unwanted pregnancies and the high rate of maternal mortality. In this regard, State party is urged to reinforce reproductive and sexual health programmes, particularly in rural areas, and to allow abortion when pregnancies are life threatening or a result of rape or incest.

CEDAW

•          Uganda, CEDAW, A/50/38 (1995) 61 at para. 334.

The privatization of pre-school education, which is an impediment to early education for children, particularly for those in the rural areas, is of concern.

•          Ukraine, CEDAW, A/51/38 (1996) 32 at para. 287.

The limited access of rural women to effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning is noted. This situation often leads large numbers of women to resort to unsafe abortions.

•          Turkey, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part I (1997) 24 at paras. 183, 190 and 204.

Paragraph 183

Concern is expressed over the fact that sufficient appropriate measures have not yet been taken to prevent and combat the acceptance of male dominance and violence against women in rural as well as urban areas, as reflected in such practices as beating women and requiring silent obedience from them. Equally, there is a lack of concrete measures to prevent the high number of suicides among women victims of violence.

Paragraph 190

The high number of women in rural areas working in family enterprises is of concern, since their work is not recognized in the formal economy, they do not receive social security benefits and their access to health services is limited.

Paragraph 204

Measures should be taken to recognize rural women's work in family enterprises for the purposes of pension entitlement.

•          Venezuela, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part I (1997) 30 at para. 243.

Policies and programmes should be undertaken to halt the rise in the maternal mortality rate. Family-planning programmes for teenagers should be developed, in both urban and rural areas.

•          Namibia, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part II (1997) 82 at para. 102.

Concern is expressed over the fact that women, in particular those in the rural areas, are unable to own land.

•          Israel, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part II (1997) 87 at paras. 174 and 176.

Paragraph 174

All necessary measures should be taken to ensure peace with the full participation of all women, Jewish and Christian, Muslim and Druze alike. This is necessary to create an environment where women can enjoy their rights fully and so that equality of opportunities in economic and social development, especially of rural women, can be assured.

Paragraph 176

Measures should be intensified to guarantee the exercise of human rights of non-Jewish women, including those living in the rural areas, particularly in relation to health, education and employment. Special measures should be taken to close the gap between Arab and Jewish schools and address the higher drop-out rates of Arab and Bedouin girls. Adequate resources should be allocated for school facilities and education opportunities, including scholarships. Further, the participation of Arab women in the civil service and in decision-making posts should be increased.

•          Bangladesh, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part II (1997) 117 at para. 453.

In view of the impact of globalization on rural economics, the Government should give high priority to the issues and problems of rural women, especially their ownership of land and access to credit, loans and skills training in new agricultural technologies, with a view to strengthening their productive and employment capacity.

•          Azerbaijan, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 7 at para. 67.

The situation of women in rural areas, in particular with regard to basic health protection and education, as well as social protection, is a concern.

•          Zimbabwe, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 13 at para. 149.

Concern is expressed over the fact that women in rural areas often suffer more as a result of prevailing negative attitudes and discriminatory traditional practices. Furthermore, women in rural areas often work longer hours than any other group.

•          Dominican Republic, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 28 at para. 350.

Full attention should be given to the needs of rural women and an active and participatory role for rural women should be ensured in the design, implementation and monitoring of all policies and programmes that are intended to benefit them, including in areas such as access to health and social services, income-generation projects and housing. The establishment of special banks and of improved access to credit for rural women should be considered.

•          Mexico, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 32 at para. 403.

Efforts should be continued to reduce poverty among rural women, particularly indigenous women, and to work together with non-governmental organizations, making special efforts to promote education, employment and health programmes conducive to the integration of women into the development process, both as beneficiaries and as protagonists.

•          Slovakia, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part II (1998) 55 at para. 93.

The absence of development programmes for rural women to assist them in obtaining the skills and resources necessary to become competitive in the labour market is of concern.

•          South Africa, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part II (1998) 58 at paras. 135 and 136.

Paragraph 135

Vulnerable groups of women, especially rural women, require specific measures to empower them to overcome the constraints of poverty, low levels of education and literacy, high unemployment and high fertility rates. The need for rural women’s participation in land reform programmes is noted.

Paragraph 136

Special programmes for vulnerable groups of women in rural areas, including education and employment, should be implemented. The national machinery for women is encouraged to work actively on matters of land reform policy and problems of rural women to ensure their active participation in those areas.

•          United Republic of Tanzania, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part II (1998) 66 at paras. 235 and 236.

Paragraph 235

The disadvantaged situation of rural women who comprise the majority of the rural population and the majority of workers in rural areas is of concern. Customary and religious laws are practised and accepted more widely in rural areas and often prevent women from inheriting and owning land and property. Food taboos, which are more prevalent in rural areas, are a serious concern as they are not only harmful to the health of women, including mothers, but also impact on the health of future generations.

Paragraph 236

Laws of inheritance and succession should be formulated so as to guarantee rural women their rights of inheritance and ownership of land and property. A programme should also be introduced to educate rural women about their rights and steps should be taken to remove all traditional practices, including food taboos, which are harmful to the health of women.

See also:

•          Democratic Republic of the Congo, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 21 at para. 230.

•          Peru, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part II (1998) 72 at paras. 329 and 330.

Paragraph 329

The vital importance of education in improving the situation of women is emphasized. The high drop-out rates among girls, particularly in poor urban areas and in rural and indigenous areas, are of concern.

Paragraph 330

Programmes should be undertaken to curb and reverse that trend and, where such programmes exist, they should be made more systematic.

•          Algeria, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 12 at para. 90.

The Government should pay due attention to the needs of rural women by reinforcing their active and participatory role in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and programmes that affect them, particularly in the areas of housing credit, income-generating projects and social security.

•          Kyrgyzstan, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 15 at para. 124.

In both urban and rural areas the State party should expand the network of crisis centres and establish consultative services to provide necessary medical assistance to women victims of violence.

•          Thailand, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 24 at para. 246.

The Government is encouraged to give full attention to the needs of rural women and to ensure that they benefit from policies and programmes in all areas, in particular access to decision-making, health, education and social services.

See also:

•          Guyana, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 60 at para. 175.

•          China, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 26 at para. 303.

All government policy and planning for rural areas, including micro-credit, small enterprise development and other income-generating projects, should be developed with the full and active participation of rural women. Urgent attention should be given to addressing women's suicide rates through measures such as the provision of mental health services and a better understanding of the causes of these suicides. Women's studies centres could be encouraged to undertake the necessary research. The Government is urged to ensure that women have equal enjoyment of land rights independent of their marital status.

•          Colombia, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 33 at paras. 398 and 399.

Paragraph 398

Existing programmes should be expanded with a view to improving the status of rural women, particularly among displaced populations, and attention should be focussed as a matter of priority on rural women with a view to improving their health, education and quality-of-life indicators.

Paragraph 399

Those involved in planning and programme implementation should receive gender-sensitive training. Micro-credit programmes should be introduced to improve the economic situation of women, as well as programmes to improve the enjoyment by rural women and displaced women of their human rights to health and education.

•          India, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 7 at paras. 51, 53 and 83.

Paragraph 51

India has a very large and mainly rural population living in absolute poverty, and the feminization of poverty and growing income disparities prevent the benefits of economic development being transferred to women.

Paragraph 53

The existence of regional disparities is an impediment to the effective implementation of the Convention.

Paragraph 83

The State party should review its laws on inheritance urgently and to ensure that rural women obtain access to land and credit.

•          Jordan, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 16 at paras. 188 and 189.

Paragraph 188

Concern is expressed that, notwithstanding rural women’s important role in Jordan and the Government’s efforts at providing education and extension services, they continue to be marginalized in agriculture.

Paragraph 189

The Government is called upon to ensure that special measures are in place to support the full integration of rural women in national development.

•          Democratic Republic of the Congo, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 21 at paras. 223, 224, 227, 228 and 231.

Paragraph 223

Deep concern remains about the low rate of school enrolment of girls, their high drop-out rate and also the high female illiteracy rate, especially in rural areas.

Paragraph 224

The Government is encouraged to step up its efforts by establishing specific programmes to reduce female illiteracy and promote the access of girls to secondary schools. The Government should also envisage the provision of free primary education.

Paragraph 227

The high rates of maternal and infant mortality, the low rate of contraceptive use, particularly in rural areas, and the decline in health services, are noted with deep concern.

Paragraph 228

Efforts should be made to improve the use of contraceptive methods, to repeal article 178 of the Penal Code, which prohibits the dissemination of contraceptive methods, and to provide sex education for young people.

Paragraph 231

The Government is urged to pay the greatest attention to the needs of rural women and to ensure that they benefit from the policies and programmes adopted in all spheres, including recognition of their status as agricultural employees who should benefit from the rights accorded by labour law. Rural women’s equal participation in decision-making, and access to health services and credit should be ensured. More studies should be undertaken on the situation of rural women and more statistical data should be collected to provide guidelines for policies in this sphere.

•          Burkina Faso, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 25 at paras. 264-267 and 274.

Paragraph 264

It is noted that all the human development indicators - particularly in rural areas  - are among the lowest in the continent and constitute a serious obstacle to the implementation of the Convention.

Paragraph 265

The prevalence of discriminatory traditions and customs which accentuate stereotypes and resist all change is of concern. These social practices, attitudes and beliefs derive from an overwhelmingly rural population with low levels of literacy and are contributing to the delay in the advancement of women.

Paragraph 266

The Government is urged to adopt all appropriate measures and policies to develop the sociocultural climate to the benefit of women. The Ministry for the Advancement of Women is called upon, with the cooperation of NGOs, intellectuals, religious leaders and the media, to encourage a change in people’s way of thinking and accelerate the process of the emancipation of women through law reform, information, education and communications activities, particularly in rural areas, so that a change takes place in women’s view of themselves and society as a whole recognizes that the participation of women is necessary for the development of Burkina Faso.

Paragraph 267

Serious concern is expressed over the female illiteracy rate, particularly in rural areas, which is one of the highest in the world.

Paragraph 274

The precarious state of women’s health, especially in rural areas, is of particular concern. The high rates of maternal and infant mortality caused by infectious diseases and malnutrition result from the lack of local health-care centres and adequate health-care providers.

•          Cameroon, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 53 at paras. 61 and 62.

Paragraph 61

It is of concern that, despite the important role of rural women in Cameroon and despite the Government’s efforts to provide them with education and extension services, these women are disadvantaged and living in difficult circumstances.

Paragraph 62

The Government should pay the utmost attention to the needs of rural women and should ensure that they benefit from the policies and programmes adopted in all areas. It should also ensure that rural women are able to participate, on an equal basis, in the adoption of decisions to guarantee them access to literacy, health services, drinking water and credit.

•          Lithuania, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 61 at paras. 158-161.

Paragraph 158

The high rate of abortion among women and a lack of access to various methods of family planning, including contraceptives, especially among women in rural areas, are noted with concern.

Paragraph 159

Comprehensive research into the specific health needs of women, the financial and organizational strengthening of family planning programmes and the provision of wide access to contraceptives for all women, including rural women, are further recommended.

Paragraph 160

Concern is expressed over the fact that the Government does not have enough information on the situation of rural women, especially older rural women, as concerns their cash income, health situation, access to free health care services and social and cultural opportunities.

Paragraph 161

The Government should monitor existing programmes and develop additional policies and programmes aimed at the economic empowerment of rural women, ensuring their access to productive resources and capital as well as to health care services and to social and cultural opportunities.

See also:

•          Egypt, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 33 at paras. 350 and 351.

•          Romania, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 77 at paras. 310-312.

Paragraph 310

Concern is expressed over the high rate of illiteracy of women over 50 years of age and the extremely wide gap in illiteracy between the urban and rural populations, as well as the high dropout rates for girls at secondary level.

Paragraph 311

Measures should be taken to increase the literacy levels of older women, and to reduce the literacy gap between urban and rural women.

Paragraph 312

Concern is expressed over the high percentage of women working as unpaid family workers, especially in rural areas.

•          Burundi, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 7 at paras. 61 and 62.

Paragraph 61

Concern is expressed over the high rate of maternal mortality, especially in rural areas, including deaths as a result of illegal abortions.

Paragraph 62

Every effort should be made to increase access to health-care facilities and medical assistance by trained personnel in all areas, including rural areas, so as to increase, in particular, the number of births assisted by qualified personnel. Effective measures, such as sex education and information campaigns and the provision of effective contraception should be introduced, in order to reduce the number of clandestine abortions.

•          Kazakhstan, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 10 at paras. 103 and 104.

Paragraph 103

Concern is expressed over the high increase in poverty among women compared with men, in particular among households headed by females and older and rural women.

Paragraph 104

The specific targeting of poor women and, particularly those who are heads of household and older and rural women with poverty alleviation programmes is recommended.

•          Uzbekistan, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 18 at paras. 189 and 190.

Paragraph 189

Concern is expressed over the situation of rural women, who comprise 60 per cent of all women in Uzbekistan, including their access to health-care services, education and income-generating activities.

Paragraph 190

Attention should be paid to the specific situation of rural women and special strategies, policies and programmes should be developed that are aimed at the economic empowerment of rural women, ensuring their access to capital and productive resources, as well as to health care services and educational and social opportunities.

See also:

•          Kazakhstan, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 10 at paras. 109 and 110.

•          Mongolia, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 26 at paras. 252 and 274.

Paragraph 252

Data and information should be collected on women living in poverty, disaggregated by age and according to urban and rural areas. The State party should also develop targeted policies and support services, make efforts to prevent more women from falling below the poverty line, and in particular address the situation of households headed by women.

Paragraph 274

The Government should maintain adequate safe, affordable and accessible physical and mental health services for women throughout their life cycle. The Government is urged to increase access, particularly in the rural areas, to affordable contraceptives for women and men, and to provide sex education to girls and boys.

•          Guinea, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 55 at paras. 126, 138 and 139.

Paragraph 126

The high prevalence of illiteracy among women and girls and the low level of schooling of girls, especially in rural areas, are matters of concern. Education is a key to the empowerment of women and the low level of education of women and girls remains one of the most serious impediments to their full enjoyment of their human rights and to sustainable national development.

Paragraph 138

Concern is expressed about the situation of rural women, who constitute the majority of the female population in the country. It is also of concern that customs and beliefs that prevent women from inheriting or gaining ownership of land and property are most broadly accepted in rural areas.

Paragraph 139

The greatest attention should be paid to the needs of rural women and to ensure that they benefit from policies and programmes adopted in all spheres, that they participate in decision-making and have full access to health services and credit facilities. The elimination of discrimination with respect to the ownership and inheritance of land is also urged.

See also:

•          Burundi, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 7 at para. 57.

•          Viet Nam, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 68 at paras. 264 and 268-271.

Paragraph 264

Despite the efforts and the progress made with regard to primary and secondary education, concern is expressed about the high female drop-out rate from schools, and particularly higher education, in rural areas. It is noted that the increase in the rate has coincided with the transformation to a market economy, and it is of concern that the gains that have been made in regard to women’s and girls’ education may not be sustained.

Paragraph 268

Noting that 80 per cent of women in Viet Nam live in rural areas, it is of concern that they have limited access to health-care services, education and income-generating activities.

Paragraph 269

Greater attention should be paid to the situation of rural women and special policies and programmes aimed at their economic empowerment should be developed, ensuring their access to credit, health-care services, educational and social opportunities and productive resources.

Paragraph 270

The retirement ages for women and men differ and this has negative effects on women’s economic well-being. There is also concern that the retirement age is negatively affecting the access of rural women to land.

Paragraph 271

The existing legal provisions regarding the retirement age of women and men should be reviewed, with a view to ensuring that women are entitled to continue productive employment on an equal basis with men. The Land Law should also be evaluated and any provisions which discriminate directly or indirectly against women should be eliminated.

•          Nicaragua, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 72 at paras. 296-298, 301 and 307.

Paragraph 296

The high incidence of poverty among women is of concern, particularly in rural women and households headed by women.

Paragraph 297

The Government is urged to give priority attention to rural women and women heads of household, including in the allocation of budgetary resources, and to monitor research into their situation, with a view to developing effective policies and programmes to strengthen their socio-economic situation and ensuring that they receive needed services and support. It is emphasized that social investment in women not only ensures their enjoyment of the human rights outlined in the Convention, but also constitutes one of the most effective means of combating poverty and promoting sustainable development.

Paragraph 298

The custom of sexual abuse of young girls by older men, particularly in rural areas, is of concern. This violates the rights of girls to reproductive health, as well as other rights under the Convention.

Paragraph 301

Every effort should be made to increase access to health-care facilities and medical assistance by trained personnel in all areas, including rural areas. The implementation of programmes to prevent cervical and breast cancer and to ensure the availability of pregnancy-related medical care is also recommended.

Paragraph 307

Measures should be taken to improve the status of working women, including the introduction of training programmes to promote the integration of women into the labour force and to diversify their participation. The State party should also ensure the establishment of childcare centres, improved access to credit, with special emphasis on rural women, and greater efforts to achieve equal pay for work of equal value.

CRC

•          Viet Nam, CRC, CRC/C/16 (1993) 18 at para. 65.

It is particularly important for the Government of Viet Nam to take all necessary steps, both nationally and also using international assistance and cooperation, to minimize the negative impact that the economic reforms may have on the most vulnerable group, i.e. children of the Vietnamese society. Particular attention should be paid to the protection of children belonging to different minority groups, children living in rural areas and children in urban areas who live and/or work on the street. In the latter case, there seems to be a need to further study the root causes of this phenomenon and develop appropriate strategies to resolve this problem.

•          Russian Federation, CRC, CRC/C/16 (1993) 21 at para. 81.

Regarding article 28 of the Convention, the situation of the girl child in rural areas is of concern.

•          Egypt, CRC, CRC/C/16 (1993) 24 at para. 104.

The principle of non-discrimination must be vigorously applied. A more active approach should be taken to eliminating discrimination against certain groups of children, in particular girl children and children in rural areas. With regard to the gap in literacy and school enrolment mentioned in the report, obstacles facing girls should be adequately addressed so that they can enjoy their right to go to school; further measures might be taken to increase the awareness of parents in this regard.

•          El Salvador, CRC, CRC/C/20 (1993) 19 at para. 92.

The Committee is interested in being informed about the distribution of child care services in rural and urban areas and the training of relevant personnel.

•          Belarus, CRC, CRC/C/24 (1994) 24 at para. 120.

The adequacy of the measures taken to provide social security for the benefit of children should be evaluated. Programmes should be carefully targeted to the needs of both rural and urban children and adequate social safety nets should be put in place for the most disadvantaged groups of children.

•          Burkina Faso, CRC, CRC/C/29 (1994) 15 at para. 70.

Vaccination programmes are not adequate, both in terms of the range of vaccines offered and the groups covered, and do not correspond to real needs, especially in rural areas.

•          Philippines, CRC, CRC/C/38 (1995) 12 at para. 58.

The present balance of resource allocation in the State party between the social and other sectors and the high proportion of military expenditures to the detriment of child related issues, is noted with concern. The unequal distribution of the national wealth in the country and the disparities in the enjoyment of children’s rights, to the detriment of poor urban children, children living in rural areas and children belonging to minorities (or "cultural" communities), are of concern.

•          Ukraine, CRC, CRC/C/46 (1995) 11 at para. 58.

The health status of children, particularly in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the increasing child mortality rate, the apparent priority given to curative rather than preventive health care, the low prevalence of breast-feeding, the high number of abortions and insufficient health education and services on family planning, and the discrepancy between the urban and rural health systems are of concern.

•          Senegal, CRC, CRC/C/46 (1995) 21 at paras. 142 and 160.

Paragraph 142

Further steps should be taken to strengthen the education system, particularly in the rural areas, to improve the quality of teaching and to reduce drop-out rates. Furthermore, all necessary measures should be adopted to ensure a system of compulsory and free primary education, on the basis of equal opportunity, paying due regard to the situation of girls.

Paragraph 160

With regard to article 7 of the Convention, access to appropriate information is not always guaranteed for children, especially those living in rural areas.

•          Nigeria, CRC, CRC/C/57 (1996) 12 at para. 87.

Further measures should be undertaken as a high priority to prevent and combat discrimination, especially on the grounds of gender and ethnic origin, and differential access to services between the rural and urban population.

•          Ethiopia, CRC, CRC/C/62 (1997) 12 at para. 74.

Insufficient steps have been taken to ensure the registration of children after birth and the State registration procedure is hampered in practice by the lack of registration desks, especially in rural areas.

•          Panama, CRC, CRC/C/62 (1997) 19 at paras. 117 and 120.

Paragraph 117

The high number of children involved in labour, especially in rural areas and in particular in coffee-growing areas as a result of a long-standing cultural pattern, is a matter of concern, as is the fact that the Government has not adequately enforced child labour provisions in the rural areas of the country.

Paragraph 120

The State party should urgently develop a comprehensive national strategy on children and pursue its efforts to strengthen the institutional framework to promote and protect human rights in general and the rights of the child in particular. In this regard, a permanent and multidisciplinary mechanism should be developed to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Convention at both national and local levels and in urban and rural areas.

•          Myanmar, CRC, CRC/C/62 (1997) 25 at para. 152.

The high rates of infant mortality and malnutrition, as well as the low level of health services, which are partly due to poverty, deep disparities between urban and rural communities and the impact of the internal conflict, are of concern.

•          Ghana, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 15 at paras. 89 and 96.

Paragraph 89

The Committee is concerned that in many rural areas regulations on birth registration are not fully implemented and children who are not registered may be seriously disadvantaged in the enjoyment of their rights.

Paragraph 96

Although the principle of free, universal and compulsory basic education for all children is recognized by the State party, this fundamental right is not yet fully and equally implemented throughout the country. The low level of school enrolment and the high drop-out rates, especially among girls, the lack of learning and teaching facilities and the shortage of trained teachers, particularly in rural areas, are of concern.

•          Bangladesh, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 22 at para. 147.

The large number of children who are working, including in rural areas, as domestic servants as well as in other areas of the informal sector, is of concern. It is of concern that many such children work in hazardous and harmful conditions, and are often vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation.

•          Paraguay, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 29 at para. 192.

The social and economic disadvantages faced by children, in particular those living in rural and certain urban areas, have led to various forms of exploitation of those children, including their placement as domestic servants in wealthier families, thus exposing them to ill-treatment and abuse, including sexual abuse in some cases.

•          Lao People’s Democratic Republic, CRC, CRC/C/69 (1997) 8 at paras. 50, 51 and 75.

Paragraph 50

Concern is expressed over the high maternal mortality rate, the high mortality and morbidity rates among children, the lack of access to prenatal and maternity care, the generally limited access to public health care and to medicines, in particular in rural areas, and the very high level of malnutrition. The high incidence of traffic accidents involving children and the inadequacy of the efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the communities and at school, in particular in the rural areas, are also matters of concern.

Paragraph 51

Legislation does not specifically mention that primary education is free and this is of concern. The low level of school enrolment and the high drop-out and repetition rates, the disparities between urban and rural areas and between ethnic groups in terms of enrolment and quality of education provided, the shortage of physical infrastructure, school materials and teachers, and the low qualifications of teachers, in particular in rural areas, remain of concern. The lack of vocational training opportunities, in particular in rural and remote areas, is also of concern.

Paragraph 75

Efforts to make free primary education available for all and to train teachers are encouraged. Measures should be taken to improve school enrolment and pupil retention, especially of girls, children belonging to minorities and children living in rural areas. A system for the regular evaluation of the effectiveness of all educational measures taken, including those related to the quality of teaching, must be ensured.

•          Uganda, CRC, CRC/C/69 (1997) 21 at paras. 131 and 147.

Paragraph 131

The persistence of discriminatory attitudes against some groups of children, especially girls, children with disabilities and children living in rural areas, which often results in limiting their access to basic social facilities such as health and education, is of concern.

Paragraph 147

All appropriate measures, including public information campaigns, should be undertaken to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination against girls, orphans, children with disabilities, abandoned children, children born out of wedlock, and child victims of abuse and/or sexual and economic exploitation, especially those living in rural areas, with a view to facilitating their access to basic services.

See also:

•          Ghana, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 15 at para. 106.

•          Hungary, CRC, CRC/C/79 (1998) 7 at para. 59.

Further measures should be undertaken to prevent and redress unequal access to health services and to the education system between the rural and urban population, and in particular to facilitate the access of Roma children to health and education. Health services and medical supplies should be equally distributed between and within the local governments. Schools and vocational training should be made accessible to poor children and those living in rural areas, especially children belonging to the Roma population.

•          Ecuador, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 9 at para. 45.

The prevalence of malnutrition, high rates of maternal mortality and the limited access to health services in remote rural areas are of concern. Appropriate resources should be allocated and technical assistance should be considered, when needed, to reinforce efforts to make basic health-care accessible to all children. Concerted efforts are required to combat malnutrition and ensure the adoption and implementation of a national nutritional policy for children. International cooperation for the establishment of programmes such as the WHO/UNICEF "Integrated Management of Childhood Illness" is recommended.

•          Bolivia, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 22 at para. 104.

The growing disparities between rural and urban areas, as well as the growing number of the population living in urban poor and marginalized areas, are matters of concern. Measures to reduce economic and social disparities, including between rural and urban areas, should be increased to prevent discrimination against the most disadvantaged groups of children, such as children belonging to indigenous communities, girl children, children with disabilities, children born out of wedlock and children who are living and/or working on the streets.

See also:

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at para. 355.

•          Yemen, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 33 at paras. 174 and 178.

Paragraph 174

The prevalence of malnutrition as well as the limited access to health services in rural areas; the persistence of health problems related to insufficient access to safe water and sanitation; the high rate of maternal mortality due to the fact that the majority of births take place in the absence of appropriate medical care, as well as the limited access of women to appropriate health services and education, especially in rural areas, are matters of concern. The appropriate resources should be allocated and technical assistance should be considered, when needed, to reinforce efforts to make basic health care accessible to all children. Concerted efforts are needed to combat malnutrition and to ensure the adoption and implementation of a national nutritional policy for children. International cooperation for the establishment of programmes such as the WHO/UNICEF programme, Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, is recommended. Efforts should be strengthened in the provision of user-friendly health-care facilities for women (antenatal, maternal and perinatal care) and adequate training for health workers (for example, midwives), especially in rural and remote areas.

Paragraph 178

The persistence of high school drop-out, repetition, absenteeism and illiteracy rates, as well as the low enrolment rate and limited access to education in rural and remote areas, remain of concern. All appropriate measures should be taken to improve the school infrastructure and update its equipment; to accelerate the implementation of the compulsory education system; to improve access to education for boys and girls, including of the most vulnerable groups; to strengthen training programmes for the teaching personnel. To this effect, international cooperation from UNESCO and UNICEF should be sought.

•          Honduras, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 26 at para. 124.

The establishment of the Honduran Programme of Community Education (PROHECO), which aims at improving children’s access to education, is noted with appreciation. However, the low enrolment rates, especially in rural and remote areas, high drop-out rates from primary and secondary schools, and the lack of attention to the special needs of working children and children with disabilities remain matters of concern. Efforts should be continued in the field of education by strengthening educational policies and systems in order to reduce regional disparities in access to education, and retention programmes and vocational training for drop-outs should be established. Technical assistance in this area, should be sought from UNESCO.

See also:

•          Costa Rica, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 37 at para. 233.

•          Russian Federation, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 18 at paras. 84 and 85.

Paragraph 84

The growing disparities between regions, including notably the far north, and between urban and rural children, in legislation, budgetary allocations, policies and programmes regarding health, education and other social services, and with the situation of children in need of special protection, remain of concern.

Paragraph 85

The disadvantaged situation of girls in rural areas, particularly with regard to access to education, health and protection from sexual abuse and exploitation, is of concern.

•          Mexico, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 34 at paras. 177, 180 and 185.

Paragraph 177

Further measures are required to reduce economic and social disparities, including between urban and rural areas, and to prevent discrimination against the most disadvantaged groups of children, such as girls, children with disabilities, children belonging to indigenous and ethnic groups, children living and/or working on the streets and children living in rural areas.

Paragraph 180

Greater efforts are needed to ensure that all children are registered, especially those belonging to the most vulnerable groups. Measures should be strengthened to ensure the immediate registration of the birth of all children, especially of those living in rural and remote areas and belonging to indigenous groups.

Paragraph 185

The regional disparities in access to health care, the high rates of malnutrition among children under five years of age and those of school age, especially in rural and remote areas and among children belonging to indigenous groups, remain of concern. Effective measures should continue to be taken to ensure access to basic health care and services for all children. More concerted efforts need to be taken to guarantee equal access to health care and to combat malnutrition, with special emphasis on children belonging to indigenous groups and children living in rural and remote areas.

See also:

•          Peru, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 62 at paras. 372 and 377.

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at paras. 369 and 371.

•          Mali, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 43 at para. 203.

All necessary measures should be taken to ensure that adequate human and financial resources are allocated to facilitate the coordination and implementation of the National Plan of Action and the Convention, and programmes should be established in rural areas at the community level.

•          India, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 10 at paras. 78-80 and 88.

Paragraph 78

Noting the 1995 Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, the Committee nonetheless is concerned at the very poor level of and access to care for children with disabilities, especially those living in rural areas; and the lack of assistance provided to persons responsible for their care. In the light of article 23 of the Convention, the Committee emphasizes the need to ensure the implementation of policies and programmes to guarantee the rights of mentally and physically disabled children and to facilitate their full inclusion in society.

Paragraph 79

In the light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and of the Committee’s recommendations adopted on its day of general discussion on Children with Disabilities (CRC/C/69), it is recommended that the State party increase the capacity of institutions for the rehabilitation of children with disabilities and improve access to services for such children living in rural areas. Awareness campaigns which focus on prevention, inclusive education, family care and the promotion of the rights of children with disabilities need to be undertaken. Adequate training should also be made available to persons working with these children. The State party is encouraged to undertake greater efforts to make available the necessary resources and to seek assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF, WHO and relevant NGOs.

Paragraph 80

In light of article 24 of the Convention, it is noted that the State party has already focused and placed priority on the main health issues by establishing several national programmes. Nevertheless, concern is expressed about the high maternal mortality, and very high levels of low birth weight and malnutrition among children, including micronutrient deficiencies, linked to the lack of access to prenatal care and, more generally, limited access to quality public health care facilities, insufficient numbers of qualified health workers, poor health education, inadequate access to safe drinking water and poor environmental sanitation. This situation is exacerbated by the extreme disparities faced by women and girls, especially in rural areas.

Paragraph 88

Concern is expressed at the prevailing poor situation in the State party with respect to education, which is characterized by a general lack of infrastructure, facilities and equipment, insufficient numbers of qualified teachers and a drastic shortage of text books and other relevant learning materials. There is serious concern regarding the striking disparities in terms of access to education, attendance at primary and secondary levels and drop-out rates between: different states, rural and urban areas, boys and girls, the affluent and poor, and children belonging to scheduled castes and tribes. The importance of focusing attention on improving the provision and quality of education is emphasized, especially in view of its potential benefit for addressing various concerns, including the situation of girls and reducing the incidence of child labour.

•          Sierra Leone, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 24 at paras. 155, 156, 170, 180, 181 and 184.

Paragraph 155

Concern is expressed that efforts to respect the principle of the survival and development of the child have focussed primarily on children living in cities and the main towns.

Paragraph 156

The State party is urged to make every effort to ensure that policy, programmes and activities focus on respecting the principle of the survival and development of all children.

Paragraph 170

The State party is urged to make every effort to rebuild national health infrastructures and to ensure the access of the whole population to basic health services, including in rural areas. The Committee recommends, in addition, the establishment of a comprehensive mental health service. Further, the State party is urged to seek international cooperation in implementing this recommendation.

Paragraph 180

Deep concern is expressed about the right to education. The drastic fall in the number of primary schools, with the remaining schools concentrated primarily in the main towns to the exclusion of the rural population, is a particular concern. The fact that 70 per cent of primary schoolteachers are not qualified and the very high drop-out rates of children from primary school are a concern. In addition, while recognizing the State party’s efforts to provide free education to children in the first three years of primary school, it is noted that the State party’s assistance to pupils and parents only covers school fees and does not provide for other education related costs. Children in other classes must carry the entire burden of the cost of their education.

Paragraph 181

Recognizing the efforts made by the State party to establish schools in displaced persons camps and to raise the levels of enrolment among both girls and boys, the State party is urged to rapidly reopen primary schools in all regions of the country, including in rural areas, so as to ensure that every child has access to primary education. With a view to assuring a better quality of education, the State party is urged to encourage trained teachers who have left the State party to return. The State party should strengthen teacher training courses so as to increase the number and standard of teachers, and invest sufficient resources in the education system to provide adequate school facilities, materials and salaries for teachers. The State party is urged to ensure that education is entirely free for all students, including through the provision of assistance to purchase uniforms and school books.

Paragraph 184

It is recommended that the State party make every effort to increase the enrolment and graduation rates of girls in primary education, inter alia through the promotion of children’s rights in rural communities and through the enforcement of compulsory primary education requirements.

•          Costa Rica, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 37 at para. 224.

The State party should increase measures to reduce socio-economic and regional disparities and to prevent discrimination against the most disadvantaged groups of children, such as the girl child, children with disabilities, children belonging to indigenous and ethnic groups, children living in and/or working on the streets and children living in rural areas.

See also:

•          Dominican Republic, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 91 at para. 504.

•          Armenia, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 53 at paras. 318, 319 and 338.

Paragraph 318

Concern is expressed at the discrepancies in the enjoyment of rights in relation to certain vulnerable groups: children with disabilities, children living in rural areas, refugee children, children from poor families, children living and/or working on the streets, and those living in institutions.

Paragraph 319

Concerted efforts should be made at all levels to address social inequalities through a review and reorientation of policies, including increased budgetary provision for programmes targeting the most vulnerable groups. The State party is encouraged to ensure the effective enforcement of protective laws, undertake studies and launch comprehensive public information campaigns to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination, to sensitize society to the situation and needs of children within the society and particularly within the family, where needed within the framework of international cooperation.

Paragraph 338

In line with the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/1/Add.39), the Committee is concerned at the decline in budgetary allocation to the education sector, and the deterioration in the quality of education. The persistence of high drop-out, repetition and absenteeism rates are of concern, as is the poor access to education in rural areas.

•          Peru, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 64 at paras. 369 and 378.

Paragraph 369

Concern is expressed at the precarious situation of children from the rural highlands and the Amazonia region, especially regarding their limited access to education and health services. It is recommended that the State party increase measures to reduce economic and social disparities, including between urban and rural areas, to prevent discrimination against the most disadvantaged groups of children, such as girls, children with disabilities, children belonging to indigenous and ethnic groups, children living in and/or working on the streets and children living in rural areas, and to guarantee their full enjoyment of all the rights recognized in the Convention.

Paragraph 378

Concern is expressed about the high drop-out and repetition rates in primary and secondary school, and about the disparities in the access to education between rural and urban areas. In light of articles 28, 29 and other related articles of the Convention, the State party should continue with its efforts to strengthen its educational policies and system in order to extend school coverage and to improve school quality, making schools more responsive to geographical and cultural diversity.

See also:

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at paras. 374 and 375.

•          South Africa, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 81 at paras. 429, 433 and 442.

Paragraph 429

That professional groups, children, parents, and the public at large are generally not sufficiently aware of the Convention and the rights-based approach enshrined therein is a concern. It is recommended that a greater effort be made to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are widely known and understood by adults and children alike, in both rural and urban areas. The State party is encouraged to reinforce its efforts to make the Convention available in local languages and to promote and disseminate its principles and provisions through the use of, inter alia, traditional methods of communication. The reinforcement of adequate and systematic training and/or sensitization of traditional community leaders as well as professional groups working with and for children is recommended (such as health personnel, including psychologists, social workers, officials of central or local administration, and personnel of child-care institutions).

Paragraph 433

The Births and Deaths Act provides for the registration of all children at birth. Recent initiatives have been undertaken to improve and facilitate the process of birth registration, particularly in rural areas. However, concern is expressed that many children are still not registered. In light of articles 7 and 8 of the Convention, the State party is encouraged to continue its efforts through, inter alia, mobile clinics and hospitals, to ensure that birth registration is made accessible to all parents within the State party. Efforts should be made to raise awareness among government officers, community leaders and parents to ensure that all children are registered at birth.

Paragraph 442

That health services in the districts and local areas continue to lack adequate resources (both financial and human) is a concern. Concern is also expressed that the survival and development of children within the State party continue to be threatened by early childhood diseases such as acute respiratory infections and diarrhoea. Concern is also expressed about the high incidence of child and infant mortality as well as maternal mortality, the high rate of malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency and stunting; the poor situation of sanitation; and insufficient access to safe drinking water, especially in rural communities. It is recommended that the State party reinforce its efforts to allocate appropriate resources and develop comprehensive policies and programmes to improve the health situation of children, particularly in rural areas. In this context, the State party should facilitate greater access to primary health services; reduce the incidence of maternal, child and infant mortality; prevent and combat malnutrition, especially in vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of children; and increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

•          Jordan, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 31 at paras. 173-175, 177, 178, 191, 192, 195, 196, 200 and 203.

Paragraph 173

Early and forced marriages, primarily in rural areas, are a concern.

Paragraph 174

The State party should continue its efforts in respect of public education campaigns to combat early and forced marriages, particularly in rural areas.

Paragraph 175

Concern is expressed that discriminatory social attitudes towards the education of girls, primarily in rural areas, result in their low levels of school enrolment and high drop-out rates, and in early and forced marriages.

Paragraph 177

Concern is expressed about the disparities in the enjoyment of rights, especially with regard to health and education, experienced by children belonging to vulnerable groups, including those living in rural regions of the country and those living in unofficial Palestinian refugee camps.

Paragraph 178

The State party should take all necessary measures to ensure that all children within its jurisdiction enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination, in accordance with article 2. Social services for children belonging to the most vulnerable groups should be prioritized and targeted. Assistance should be sought from the international community, including United Nations agencies such as UNICEF and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Paragraph 191

Notwithstanding the improvement in Jordan's health indicators over the past 25 years, concern is expressed that children living in rural regions may not have equal access to health services.

Paragraph 192

It should be ensured that vulnerable groups, such as children living in desert regions, benefit from health services. Efforts to increase the quality and coverage of post-natal care, and to raise awareness and disseminate materials on maternal health and family planning should be continued.

Paragraph 195

In light of article 24 of the Convention, concern is expressed about problems involving waste treatment and poor access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, particularly in rural areas, which negatively impact upon the health of children.

Paragraph 196

In light of article 24 (c) of the Convention, all appropriate measures should be taken, including through international cooperation, to prevent and combat the damaging effects of environmental pollution and contamination of water supplies on children, and to strengthen procedures for inspection. Collection of data on access to clean water and sanitation is encouraged.

Paragraph 200

The required resources should continue to be allocated, human and financial, to repairing and upgrading infrastructure, equipment and teaching materials and improving teachers’ salaries, particularly in rural areas.

Paragraph 203

The Committee remains concerned that children living in remote areas, particularly in Bedouin communities, are often kept out of school to help with farming.

See also:

•          Egypt, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 36 at paras. 220 and 221.

•          Kyrgyzstan, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 51 at paras. 310, 311, 314 and 315.

Paragraph 310

The deterioration in the health of the most vulnerable groups, especially women and children, is a concern. In particular, note is taken of the increase in the incidence of communicable diseases, including vaccine-preventable diseases, and in childhood malnutrition. Moreover, concern is expressed that because of distant facilities and insufficient numbers of personnel and medication, children in rural regions suffer most.

Paragraph 311

It should be ensured that the commitment to primary health care, including implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses strategy, is met by adequate allocation of resources, both human and financial, and that all children, especially from the most vulnerable groups, have access to health care.

Paragraph 314

In light of article 24 of the Convention, concern is expressed at problems involving the recycling, collection and disposal of waste in urban areas and poor access to safe water and adequate sanitation in rural areas, which negatively impact upon the health of children.

Paragraph 315

In light of article 24 (c) of the Convention, all appropriate measures should be taken, including through international cooperation, to prevent and combat the damaging effects of environmental degradation on children, including pollution and contamination of water supplies.

•          Cambodia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 64 at paras. 380, 381, 384 and 385.

Paragraph 380

Concern is expressed at children’s limited access to health services, due notably to the shortage of medical and public health personnel and the insufficient number of primary health centres, in particular in rural areas. The high cost of health care and medicines, which lead families into debt and greater poverty, is also of concern.

Paragraph 381

Access to health-care services and medicines should be improved and extended in order to guarantee access by children belonging to poor families and other marginalized groups.

Paragraph 384

While welcoming the current efforts being carried out by the State party, in cooperation with international agencies, to improve its educational system, concern is expressed about the fact that equal access to quality education is not ensured owing to a lack of schools in rural and remote areas.

Paragraph 385

The State party should continue to undertake effective measures to increase access to schools, in particular for poor children, girls, children belonging to minority groups and children living in remote areas.

•          Suriname, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 84 at paras. 454, 464, 479, 480, 491, 492, 499 and 500.

Paragraph 454

Note is taken of the challenges faced by the State party in implementing adequate programmes and services for children living in communities in the interior which are in many instances isolated and very difficult to reach.

Paragraph 464

In light of articles 2, 3 and 6 of the Convention, the State party is encouraged to pay particular attention to the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention by prioritizing budgetary allocations to the implementation of the economic, social and cultural rights of children, to the maximum extent of available resources including, where needed, international cooperation. In allocating resources, the State party should pay particular attention to districts in the interior and seek to end the inequalities in service provision in these parts of the country.

Paragraph 479

While the law provides for the registration of children at birth, concern is expressed that children, particularly those belonging to communities in the interior of the country, are still not registered.

Paragraph 480

In light of articles 7 and 8 of the Convention, appropriate measures should be taken, including awareness-raising among government officers, community and religious leaders and parents themselves, to ensure that all children are registered at birth.

Paragraph 491

The health situation of children, especially those living in the interior, is noted with concern. In particular, note is taken of their limited access to basic health care; the insufficient number of trained medical personnel; the high incidence of malaria; high maternal, child and infant mortality rates, including suicides and accidents; inadequate breastfeeding and weaning practices, high rates of malnutrition, poor sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water, especially in rural areas.

Paragraph 492

The Government should allocate appropriate resources and develop comprehensive policies and programmes to improve the health situation of children, especially those living in the interior; facilitate greater access to primary health services; increase the number of trained medical and other health personnel; take steps to reduce the incidence of maternal, child and infant mortality; promote healthier breastfeeding and weaning practices; prevent and combat malnutrition, especially among vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of children; increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation and reduce the incidence of malaria.

Paragraph 499

Concerns remain about the situation of education, particularly in the interior. It is noted that there is still limited access to education, high drop-out and repetition rates, insufficient numbers of trained teachers actually in the classroom, insufficient schools and classrooms, and a general lack of relevant learning material.

Paragraph 500

All appropriate measures should be taken, including the allocation of adequate financial, human and technical resources, to improve the situation of education and ensure that all children enjoy the right to education. It is further recommended that all appropriate measures be taken to increase access to education, especially as regards children living in the interior, and to encourage trained teachers to stay in teaching. The State party should seek to implement additional measures to encourage children, especially girls in the interior and boys in urban communities, to stay in school, particularly during the period of compulsory education.

•          Burundi, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 17 at paras. 129, 130, 139, 140, 149 and 150.

Paragraph 129

It is of concern that a majority of children in rural areas do not have adequate access to information.

Paragraph 130

In light of article 17, all appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that children in all rural areas are provided with adequate access to information and that they are also protected from information which may be harmful to them.

Paragraph 139

The low immunization rate, the high levels of malnutrition and micro-nutrition deficiencies and the extremely poor health conditions among children in general, and particularly in camps, are matters of deep concern. Further, the Committee is concerned at high mortality rates among children, high maternal mortality rates, at low investment in health care, the limited number of hospitals and health centres that are operational, the limited drug supply and relatively high cost of medicines, including generic drugs, and the concentration of medical professionals in Bujumbura city.

Paragraph 140

The State party is urged to make significant increases in the health budget, to make every effort to improve public health, including primary health care, and to ensure adequate access for all children to health services, with particular regard to those living in rural communities and in camps.

Paragraph 149

The Committee is very concerned at the dramatic fall in the number of children attending primary and secondary school in the State party, at the insufficient number of qualified teachers working in rural communities and in camps, at the lack of adequate teaching equipment and at repeated attacks by armed persons on schools.

Paragraph 150

The State party is urged to continue and strengthen its efforts to rebuild and reopen schools, recruit qualified teachers in those areas where they are needed, make available adequate teaching equipment and ensure that all children, including indigent and displaced children, have equal access to education opportunities.

•          Tajikistan, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 53 at paras. 287, 288, 293 and 294.

Paragraph 287

The prevailing disparities in the enjoyment by children of their rights are matters concern. In particular, concern is expressed about at the situation of: children living in institutions; children in regions of the country that are lagging behind in socio-economic development and experiencing civil unrest; internally displaced, refugee and asylum-seeking children; and children of rural families.

Paragraph 288

All necessary measures should be taken to ensure that all children within the jurisdiction enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination, in accordance with article 2. The State party should prioritize and target social services for children belonging to the most vulnerable groups.

Paragraph 293

Given that lack of timely birth registration can have negative consequences for the full enjoyment by children of their fundamental rights and freedoms, serious concern is expressed about the fact that

many parents in rural areas, particularly internal migrants, fail to register their children owing to a lack of knowledge about its necessity, lack of access to registration facilities, lack of documentation and inability to pay registration fees.

Paragraph 294

In the light of article 7 of the Convention, it is recommended that greater efforts be made to ensure free and timely registration of all births, and measures with regard to training and awareness-raising concerning registration in rural areas. Steps such as the establishment of mobile registration offices are encouraged as are registration units in schools and health facilities.

See also:

•          India, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 10 at para. 69.

•          Kyrgyzstan, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 51 at paras. 288, 289, 296 and 297.

•          Central African Republic, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 77 at paras. 408, 421, 422, 434 and 464.

Paragraph 408

The very high illiteracy rate among the population is a serious impediment to implementation of certain aspects of the Convention in the countryside.

Paragraph 421

The Committee is very concerned about the poor knowledge and understanding of the Convention within the State party, especially among rural populations.

Paragraph 422

The State party is urged to make every effort to improve knowledge and understanding of the Convention and its provisions among the population in general and the rural population in particular. The State party should undertake a long-term campaign to disseminate the Convention through diverse means, taking into consideration the high rates of illiteracy and the lack of access of the large majority of the population to television or radio.

Paragraph 434

In light of article 7 of the Convention, every effort should be made to ensure the birth registration of all children, particularly in rural areas, for example via the use of mobile offices, and to ensure that birth registration services are free.

Paragraph 464

The State party is encouraged to make every effort to ensure that, at a minimum, children from poorer families and communities, including rural communities, have access to basic health and other services which are either free or within their means.

•          Marshall Islands, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 89 at paras. 511, 512, 515-518, 521, 522, 527-530, 535 and 536.

Paragraph 511

The principle of non-discrimination (art. 2) is not fully implemented for children living in the outer islands and in poor urban communities, especially with regard to their access to adequate health and educational facilities.

Paragraph 512

The State party should collect disaggregated data to enable effective monitoring of potential discrimination, in particular against girls, children living in poor urban communities and in the outer islands and those with disabilities.

Paragraph 515

In light of article 7 of the Convention which requires the registration of children “immediately after birth,” insufficient measures have been undertaken to ensure the birth registration of all children, in particular those living in the outer island communities.

Paragraph 516

Special efforts should be made to guarantee an effective system of birth registration to ensure that all children fully enjoy their fundamental rights. The State party should develop widespread awareness among the population of the importance of birth registration and improve the registration system, including by providing mobile registration units in the outer islands.

Paragraph 517

It is noted with concern that children living in the outer islands do not have adequate access to information and material from a diversity of national and international sources aimed at promoting the child’s development and physical and mental health.

Paragraph 518

It is recommended that the State party reinforce measures for the production of programmes and books for children and disseminate them within the country, in particular the outer islands, and in this regard envisage taking steps for the introduction of the use of computers in schools.

Paragraph 521

It is of concern that many children in urban areas are left unattended at home while their parents are at work or pursue leisure activities. Owing to recent and rapid urbanization, assistance from extended family support networks is not always available.

Paragraph 522

The State party should continue and strengthen its measures and programmes to educate and provide counselling on parental responsibilities to the general public. In light of articles 18 and 21 of the Convention, the State party is urged to consider developing comprehensive measures to encourage responsible parenthood and to assist needy families with their child-rearing responsibilities, for instance by offering social assistance to families or by securing childcare services and facilities for working parents.

Paragraph 527

The survival and development of children within the State party continues to be threatened by illnesses caused by inadequate sanitation, hygiene and diet, and vitamin A and iodine deficiencies are widespread. Concern is also expressed about the insufficient number of local trained health workers; wide discrepancies in the distribution of health professionals between communities; limited access to health services in the outer island communities; and poor sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water, particularly in recently developed urban areas and the outer islands communities.

Paragraph 528

The State party should allocate appropriate resources and develop comprehensive policies and programmes to improve the health situation of children and facilitate greater access to primary health services. The State party is encouraged to continue its efforts to reduce the incidence of child and infant mortality and to undertake additional measures to increase access to safe drinking water and to improve sanitation. Further, with reference to the lack of trained local health workers and the tendency for these workers to emigrate, the State party should reinforce its efforts to recruit and train more health workers and take appropriate measures to encourage those trained abroad to return after their training and practice in the Marshall Islands, in particular in the outer islands.

Paragraph 529

Concern is expressed at the increasing number of cases of malnutrition, due to overcrowding in urban areas and the importation of food having high levels of sugar and fat, and at the low levels of breastfeeding.

Paragraph 530

It is recommended that the State party strengthen its nutrition programme in order to prevent and combat malnutrition and assess the impact of the programme on those affected with a view eventually to improving its effectiveness, in particular by encouraging healthier nutritional habits. The National Nutrition and Children’s Council is encouraged to continue its work on a national breastfeeding policy.

Paragraph 535

Concern is expressed about the low enrolment rate in elementary and secondary schools; the high drop-out rate of students in high schools; the insufficient numbers and low standard of trained/qualified teachers and schools available, in particular in the outer islands; the poor quality of education and the lack of vocational training in schools. Also of concern is the lack of play space and recreational facilities for children, both in the urban centres and in the outer islands.

Paragraph 536

In light of article 28 of the Convention, appropriate measures should be undertaken to ensure regular attendance at schools, the reduction of drop-out rates and the incorporation of vocational education in school curricula. The State party is urged to continue to strengthen the teacher training programme in order to increase the number of trained teachers and improve the quality of teaching. The State party should seek to ensure the right of the child to rest and leisure and to engage in play and recreational activities by developing appropriate facilities, including in the outer islands.

•          Comoros, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 110 at paras. 636 and 637.

Paragraph 636

The growing number of children who, owing to rural exodus and poverty, are forced to live and work on the streets is of concern.

Paragraph 637

Special programmes should be established to address the situation of children living and/or working in the streets. Moreover, the State party should ensure that these children have access to: health care, rehabilitation services for physical, sexual and substance abuse, services for reconciliation with families, comprehensive education, including vocational and life-skills training, and legal aid.

•          Latvia, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 9 at paras. 44, 64, 65 and 70.

Paragraph 44

Concern is expressed that the principles and provisions of the Convention are not disseminated at all levels of society, and in particular in rural areas.

Paragraph 64

It is of concern that children with disabilities are granted additional State benefits only up to the age of 16 and that children with disabilities living in rural areas do not have access to the same level of services and medicines as children living in other parts of the country.

Paragraph 65

The necessary resources should be allocated for programmes and facilities for all children with disabilities up to the age of 18, especially those children living in rural areas, and community-based programmes should be developed in order for children to be able to stay at home with their families.

Paragraph 70

The high number of children not attending compulsory primary school is noted with concern. A number of schools in rural areas have been closed. The quality of education provided in rural areas is inferior to that in urban areas.

See also:

•          Lithuania, CRC, CRC/C/1-3 (2001) 47 at paras. 288 and 289.

•          Ethiopia, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 24 at para. 149.

The State party is urged to continue to make every effort to achieve respect for children’s rights to life, survival and development, including through improved economic development, strengthening of social infrastructure and efforts to alleviate poverty. Special attention should be given to children living in rural areas and to refugee and internally displaced children.

•          Egypt, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 36 at paras. 226, 227 and 235-237.

Paragraph 226

Concern is expressed at the large disparities in the enjoyment of economic and social rights, particularly health and education, by children living in rural areas and regions lagging behind in socio-economic development.

Paragraph 227

The State party should take all necessary measures to ensure that all children within its jurisdiction enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination, in accordance with article 2. Resources and social services for children belonging to the most vulnerable groups, especially in areas which lack basic services, should be prioritized and targeted.

Paragraph 235

With regard to the situation of children with disabilities, greater efforts should be made to promote community-based rehabilitation programmes and inclusive education; to address geographical disparities in the distribution of services (i.e. in rural areas, and regions such as Upper Egypt); and to ensure the provision of services for children under four years, as well as severely mentally disabled children. The State party is encouraged to undertake greater efforts to make available the necessary resources and to seek assistance from UNICEF, WHO and relevant NGOs, among others.

Paragraph 236

The high incidence of anaemia and parasitic infections among children, particularly in rural areas, is of concern.

Paragraph 237

The State party should improve its health infrastructure and continue to cooperate and seek assistance from UNICEF and WHO, among others.

•          Lithuania, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 47 at paras. 268, 269, 272, 273, 280, 281, 292 and 293.

Paragraph 268

The efforts of the State party in training professionals working with and for children are noted. Nevertheless, the principles and provisions of the Convention are not disseminated at all levels of society, notably in rural areas and among children.

Paragraph 269

In light of article 42, efforts to develop more creative methods to promote the Convention should be strengthened, including through audiovisual aids, such as picture books and posters, at all levels of society and in particular for children. The Convention should be fully integrated into the curricula at all levels of the educational system.

Paragraph 272

The principle of non-discrimination is not being fully implemented for children living in vulnerable families and in institutions, children with disabilities, Roma children, refugee and asylum-seeking children and children living in rural areas, in particular with regard to their access to adequate health and educational facilities.

Paragraph 273

The State party should collect disaggregated data and other information in order to identify discrimination against children, in particular those belonging to the above-mentioned vulnerable groups, with a view to developing comprehensive strategies aimed at ending all forms of discrimination.

Paragraph 280

It is of deep concern that owing to the inadequacy of social assistance and the lack of alternatives, an increasing number of children from poor families are being placed in institutions.

Paragraph 281

In light of articles 18 and 26 of the Convention, the State party should further strengthen comprehensive measures to support parents, in particular those living in rural areas, in their efforts to raise their children, for instance by increasing various forms of social assistance to families, including counselling services, or by securing day-care services and facilities.

Paragraph 292

It is of concern that a large number of families, in particular those with three or more children, and single women with children live under the subsistence level. This problem is predominant in rural areas.

Paragraph 293

In light of articles 3, 4, 6, 26 and 27 of the Conve.tion, the State party should take all appropriate measures, such as the adoption and enforcement of the Programme of Assistanca to Families Raising Children, to the maximum extent of its available resources and in particular at the local level, to support families in a difficult economic and/or social situation in order to ensure to the maximum extent possible Phe survival and development of all children living in Lithuania, without discrimination.

•          Lesotho, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 57 aT paras. 361 and362.

Paragraph 361

Concerns remain that many children do not have access ti education, in 0articular herd-boys, children ,iving in poverty and children in remote rural communities. With respect to the general situation of education, the following is noted with coNcern: the lack of trained teachers, the poor educational infrastructure, the lack of equipment, the extent of Overcrowding, the high pupil-teacher ratios, the high drop-out, illiteracy and repetition rates, the lack of basic training mat%rials and shortages of text books and other materials. The poor conditions of education in hich mountainous and rural areas is a particular concern.

Paragraph 362

The State party should continue itsefforts to increase the school attendance and literacy rates of herd-boys in mmuntainous regions, including through research into the structural and other underlying causes for the failure of boys to complete their education and through consideration of possible solutions such as alternative approaches to care for cattle and flexible school hours and curricula. All appropriate measures should be taken to increase the number of trained teachers, strengthen the educational infrastructure and curriculum, and improve the coordination of education policy, the management of schools aNd the quality of education. The State party shkuld undertake additional measures to motivate parents to encourage their children to enrol in school and complete their education. The Convention should be &ully integrated into the curricula at all levels of the educational system.

•     ;    Palau, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 79 at para. 470.

The Master Plan for Education 2000 is noted, and aiMs to improve the quality and relevance of education and prepare students for adult life. However, concern is expressed about inadequate performance of students and the continually high drop-out rates, paRticularly at the secondary school level. There is insufficient teacher support in smaller schools in the rural areas and the outer islands, and overcrowding in the larger schools in the urban centres.

•          Dominican Republic, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 91 at paras. 499, 516, 517, 522 and 523.

Paragraph 499

The State party should strengthen its efforts to disseminate the principles and provisions of the Convention as a measure to sensitize society about children’s rights through social mobilization. Special emphasis should be placed on the dissemination of the Convention among minority groups, as well as in rural and remote areas.

Paragraph 516

Concern is expressed at the limited access to health centres, in particular in rural areas.

Paragraph 517

All appropriate measures should continue to be taken to improve the health infrastructure, including through international cooperation, to ensure access to basic health care and services for all children and to increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Paragraph 522

Concerns remain about the high drop-out and repetition rates in primary and secondary schools, disparities between urban and rural areas in terms of access to education and to quality education, the insufficient number of well-trained teaching staff and children’s limited access to materials and text books.

Paragraph 523

In the light of article 28 and other related articles of the Convention, the State party should continue its efforts in the field of education by strengthening its policies and system in order to: improve on-going retention programmes and vocational training for drop-out students; improve schools’ infrastructure; continue with curricular reform, including teaching methodologies; eradicate regional disparities with reference to school enrolment and attendance; and implement special education programmes taking into account the needs of vulnerable children.

See also:

•          Cambodia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 64 at para. 350.

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at para. 351.

•          Guatemala, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 47 at paras. 253-256 and 266.

Paragraph 253

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

Paragraph 254

All necessary measures should be taken to end discrimination. In this respect, the State party is encouraged to monitor discrimination against children, in particular those belonging to indigenous groups, urban and rural poor children, girls, children with disabilities, and displaced children, and to develop, on the basis of the results of such monitoring, comprehensive strategies for implementing specific and well-targeted actions aimed at ending all forms of discrimination.

Paragraph 255

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

Paragraph 256

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

Paragraph 266

The necessary resources should be allocated for programmes and facilities for all children with disabilities, especially those living in rural areas, and community-based programmes should be developed to enable them to stay at home with their families.

See also:

•          Turkey, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 18 at paras. 109, 110 and 115.

•          Chile, CRC, CRC/C/114 (2002) 90 at paras. 368-370.

•          Côte d’Ivoire, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 59 at paras. 337 and 338.

Paragraph 337

Of concern are the low education levels among children in the State party, gender and rural-urban disparities in school attendance, the limited access of children with disabilities to formal or vocational educational opportunities, the number of children who are several years behind in their primary education, and the high drop-out rate of children who do attend school.

Paragraph 338

Every effort should be made to ensure that girls and boys, as well as children from urban and rural areas, have equal access to educational opportunities. In this regard, assistance should be sought from UNICEF and UNESCO.

See also:

•          Cameroon, CRC, CRC/C/111 (2001) 71 at paras. 379 and 380.

•          Bhutan, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 85 at paras. 456 and 457.

Paragraph 456

Noting the difficulties imposed by terrain and settlement patterns, it is of concern that the failure of timely birth registration can have negative consequences on the full enjoyment by children of their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Paragraph 457

Greater efforts should be made to ensure the timely registration of all births and to issue birth certificates. Awareness-raising should be carried out about registration in rural areas. The State party should also consider the establishment of mobile registration offices and registration units in schools.