III. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS

CERD

•          Holy See, CERD, A/48/18 (1993) 58 at para. 303.

Given that educational activities are one of the most important means of fighting against racial prejudice and for harmony between different groups, further efforts of the State party should be focussed on the implementation of article 7 of the Convention and the State party should undertake further measures to promote equality of educational opportunities.

•          Australia, CERD, A/49/18 (1994) 78 at para. 550.

The report submitted by the State party and the concluding comments of the Committee should be disseminated as widely as possible in order to encourage the involvement of all sectors concerned in the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.

•          Trinidad and Tobago, CERD, A/50/18 (1995) 21 at para. 48.

More publicity should be given to make the public aware of the right to seek from national tribunals just and adequate reparation for any damage suffered as a result of racial discrimination.

•          Sri Lanka, CERD, A/50/18 (1995) 32 at para. 134.

Measures taken by the Government to disseminate knowledge of human rights among the various segments of the national community by, inter alia, the incorporation of human rights concepts into school curricula, training in human rights provided for law enforcement officials, and the introduction of human rights as a subject in undergraduate and postgraduate university studies is noted with satisfaction.

•          Romania, CERD, A/50/18 (1995) 53 at paras. 269 and 277.

Paragraph 269

Satisfaction is expressed with the Government's efforts to raise awareness of international human rights standards through civic instruction in the schools and through human rights training programmes initiated in cooperation with international human rights organizations.

Paragraph 277

The Government should engage in a public campaign, conducted through the media, the schools and other means at the disposal of the Government, to familiarize the public with the Convention, to attempt to change traditional prejudices against minorities and to convey messages of tolerance. In this regard, the Government should continue to provide instruction on international human rights standards and norms in the schools and organize periodic training programmes for persons engaged in the administration of justice, including judges, police officers and lawyers.

•          El Salvador, CERD, A/50/18 (1995) 83 at para. 493.

The State party should actively foster a legal culture that effectively protects human rights by disseminating information on the international human rights treaties to which it is a party as widely as possible among the authorities responsible for the protection of human rights as well as among the general public.

•          Colombia, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 15 at para. 53.

The State party should give the necessary attention to migration processes, including undertaking large-scale awareness-raising programmes oriented towards human rights and tolerance, in order to avoid social and racial prejudice and discrimination.

•          Denmark, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 17 at para. 78.

Further action is suggested to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are more widely disseminated, particularly among minority groups, government officials, employers and trade unions. The public should be better informed about the remedy available under article 14 of the Convention.

•          Hungary, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 22 at para. 129.

The Government should continue to publicize the provisions of the Convention and ensure the wide dissemination of its report and concluding observations. The public should also be better informed of the remedy available under article 14 of the Convention.

•          Russian Federation, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 25 at para. 158.

The accepted procedure of individual communications under article 14 of the Convention should be made widely known in the country.

•          Brazil, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 45 at para. 305.

The State party should devote due attention to developing programmes to foster awareness of human rights and of the need for tolerance, in order to prevent social and racial discrimination and prejudice.

•          India, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 51 at paras. 346 and 369.

Paragraph 346

The plurality of newspapers and the mass media, and their awareness of human rights problems, play an important role in the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Paragraph 369

A continuing campaign to educate the population on human rights, in line with the Constitution of the State party and with universal human rights instruments, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, is recommended. This should be aimed at eliminating the institutionalized thinking of the high-caste and low-caste mentality.

•          Namibia, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 67 at para. 502.

The State party should strengthen measures taken to foster a culture that effectively protects human rights by disseminating as widely as possible information on the international human rights instruments to which it is party and on the outcome of the consideration of the present report, among the authorities responsible for the enforcement of the Convention's provisions, as well as among the general public.

•          Germany, CERD, A/52/18 (1997) 25 at para. 164.

Concern is expressed over manifestations of xenophobia and racial discrimination, including acts of anti-Semitism and hostility against certain ethnic groups and racial violence. Such manifestations reflect deep-seated prejudices and latent fears still prevailing in certain sections of the population, particularly among the less educated and the unemployed. This situation calls for continued efforts to eradicate the causes of discrimination and to intensify information and educational programmes.

•          Belgium, CERD, A/52/18 (1997) 31 at para. 229.

The State party should ensure, by means of appropriate information and training, that the judicial authorities and the police treat persons of European and non-European origin the same way.

•          Iceland, CERD, A/52/18 (1997) 35 at para. 245, 249 and 252.

Paragraph 245

The State party is commended for having distributed the Committee's concluding observations to the media, most of which commented on them, thereby providing an occasion for public debate.

Paragraph 249

Further publicity should be given to the State party's declaration under article 14, so as to make that recourse more widely available.

Paragraph 252

The State party is invited to make its report and concluding observations widely available with a view to enhancing public awareness of the problems and dangers of racial discrimination.

•          Bulgaria, CERD, A/52/18 (1997) 39 at para. 294.

The public should be better informed of the procedure available under article 14 of the Convention. The declaration concerning article 14 should be made more widely available to the public in the various languages spoken in the country.

•          Mexico, CERD, A/52/18 (1997) 42 at para. 316.

It is hoped that the State party will continue its efforts to improve the effectiveness of measures and programmes designed to ensure that members of all population groups, especially the 56 indigenous groups, fully enjoy their political, economic, social and cultural rights. The State party should devote due attention to the legislative changes required as well as to the development of programmes to foster awareness of human rights, particularly among representatives of the State.

•          Algeria, CERD, A/52/18 (1997) 52 at para. 403.

The State party should launch an effective information campaign in order to inform and educate all sectors of society on the provisions of the Convention and inform them of the remedy available under article 14 of the Convention. Additionally, the State party should ensure the wide dissemination of its report and of the concluding observations of the Committee.

•          Sweden, CERD, A/52/18 (1997) 65 at para. 510.

Further action should be taken to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are more widely disseminated among the Roma, the Sami and "Tornedal Finns", immigrant associations and other ethnic groups, as well as among government officials, employers and trade unions. The public should also be better informed about available recourse under article 14 of the Convention. It is recommended that the twelfth periodic report be widely disseminated, as well as the present concluding observations adopted by the Committee.

•          Switzerland, CERD, A/53/18 (1998) 28 at para. 61.

Preventive measures, such as information campaigns, educational programmes and more intensive training programmes for law enforcement officials, will strengthen the implementation of the Convention.

•          Ukraine, CERD, A/53/18 (1998) 39 at para. 155.

The State party should undertake awareness-raising campaigns on the use of judicial remedies against racism, including the procedure provided for in article 14 of the Convention.

•          Lebanon, CERD, A/53/18 (1998) 42 at para. 181.

In the light of article 2 of the Convention, the State party should take all appropriate measures, such as major information campaigns, with a view to preventing and combating all forms of racial discrimination.

•          Cambodia, CERD, A/53/18 (1998) 55 at para. 301.

All necessary measures should be taken to provide training and education of law enforcement officers, civil servants, judges and lawyers, as well as teachers and students, at all levels of education, and the public at large, in the field of human rights and prevention of racial discrimination.

•          Croatia, CERD, A/53/18 (1998) 59 at paras. 318 and 324.

Paragraph 318

Concern is expressed about the lack of information and awareness among the population of international human rights standards in general and of the Convention in particular.

Paragraph 324

The State party should use all effective measures to familiarize the public with the Convention, in order to change traditional prejudices against certain minorities, and to convey messages of tolerance. In this regard, the State party should continue to provide instruction on international human rights standards in schools and organize training programmes for persons engaged in the administration of justice, including judges, lawyers and law enforcement officials.

•          Cyprus, CERD, A/53/18 (1998) 62 at paras. 340 and 343.

Paragraph 340

The lack of information on complaints concerning racially motivated offences, other than complaints lodged by foreign housemaids, as well as the absence of lawsuits in courts claiming racial discrimination, and of communications filed with the Committee under article 14 of the Convention, may indicate that awareness of the Convention is not high among judges, lawyers and the public at large.

Paragraph 343

Emphasizing the role of the justice system in the elimination of racial discrimination, the State party should consider measures for improving awareness of the Convention and associated legal and administrative remedies. Lawyers and administrators should be supplied with information on the Convention and on available remedies.

•          Republic of Korea, CERD, A/54/18 (1999) 14 at para. 62.

The State party should take all appropriate measures, including through awareness-raising campaigns, to protect women married to asylum seekers and children of mixed marriages, particularly Amerasian children, from racial discrimination or racial prejudice.

•          Haiti, CERD, A/54/18 (1999) 28 at paras. 259 and 263.

Paragraph 259

The absence of complaints and legal action by victims of racism may possibly be an indicator of a lack of awareness of the existence of available legal remedies in cases of racial discrimination. Members of the public may not be sufficiently aware of the protection against racial discrimination provided by the Convention.

Paragraph 263

With regard to the implementation of article 7 of the Convention, concern is expressed that the Convention has not yet been translated into Creole, since this is the other official language.

•          Romania, CERD, A/54/18 (1999) 30 at paras. 284 and 285.

Paragraph 284

The lack of complaints and judicial decisions may indicate a lack of awareness of the existence of available legal remedies and of the protection against racial discrimination provided by the Convention. The State party should take measures to remedy this situation.

Paragraph 285

Adequate means should be found to ensure that the media constitute an instrument that helps to combat racial prejudice, particularly against the Roma, and fosters a climate of understanding and acceptance among the various groups which make up the country's population.

•          Islamic Republic of Iran, CERD, A/54/18 (1999) 32 at para. 308.

The State party should ensure that seminars, training courses and workshops on human rights include teaching about the Convention and give due attention to the concluding observations of the Committee and the relevant national legislation, particularly relating to the availability of domestic remedies.

•          Mauritania, CERD, A/54/18 (1999) 34 at para. 333.

With regard to the implementation of article 7 of the Convention, the State party should intensify its efforts to promote the various national languages and to encourage the broad dissemination of human rights.

•          Chile, CERD, A/54/18 (1999) 37 at para. 380.

The State party should use all effective means to raise the awareness of its people about the rights of indigenous peoples and national or ethnic minorities and is encouraged to continue to provide instruction on human rights standards in schools and organize training programmes for, in particular, law enforcement officials.

•          Azerbaijan, CERD, A/54/18 (1999) 46 at para. 499.

The State party should facilitate equal access to the courts and administrative bodies for all persons belonging to ethnic minorities and provide information on the right to seek just and adequate reparation for any damage suffered as a result of racial discrimination.

•          Australia, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 17 at para. 42.

The State party’s reports should be made widely available to the public from the time they are submitted and that the Committee’s observations on them be similarly publicized.

See also:

•          Bahrain, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 20 at para. 55.

•          Estonia, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 24 at para. 87.

•          France, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 26 at para. 106.

•          Lesotho, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 28 at para. 118.

•          Denmark, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 22 at paras. 69 and 70.

Paragraph 69

The Convention has not yet been translated into the Greenlandic language. It is recommended that the State party rapidly facilitate this process and provide means for the dissemination of the Greenlandic version of the Convention.

Paragraph 70

The Committee reiterates its suggestion that even further action be taken to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are more widely disseminated, particularly among minority groups, government officials, employers and trade unions. The public should be better informed about the remedy available under article 14 of the Convention.

•          France, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 26 at para. 104.

Concern is expressed over reports that negative images of the Roma minority prevail in the mass media and in the public generally. It is recommended that the State party give full effect to the provisions of article 7 of the Convention by adopting effective measures, particularly in the fields of education, training and human rights information, to combat such prejudices.

•          Malta, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 29 at para. 130.

The State party is encouraged to increase its efforts in disseminating information about the duties and responsibilities of the Ombudsman, as well as about the procedure for launching complaints concerning racial discrimination.

•          Rwanda, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 31 at para. 147.

The State party’s past efforts to introduce “screening” practices, such as the Commissions de Triage, as an additional means of providing an early release from detention of those persons against whom there is little recorded evidence of criminal offences is noted. It is recommended that the State party recommence such efforts and ensure that the population is well informed of these procedures so that those persons who are released are able to reintegrate into their communities safely.

•          Zimbabwe, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 38 at para. 191.

The efforts made by the State party within the education system to reduce racial segregation, introduce the use of minority languages and incorporate human rights education into the curricula through innovative methods are noted.

•          Finland, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 41 at paras. 219 and 221.

Paragraph 219

The State party should find adequate modalities to make journalists and people working in the media sector more aware of racial discrimination.

Paragraph 221

The State party is invited to ensure the wide dissemination of the text of the Convention, as well as of the report and the concluding observations adopted thereon. The accepted individual communications procedure under article 14 of the Convention should be widely publicized for the benefit of the general public.

•          Mauritius, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 43 at para. 229.

The State party is reminded that the existence of constitutional and legislative provisions prohibiting racial discrimination and incitement to racial hatred and the absence of judicial decisions relating to such acts does not mean that there is no racial discrimination in society. It is therefore essential to inform the public of the existence of such legal provisions.

•          Czech Republic, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 50 at paras. 275 and 285.

Paragraph 275

The launching and implementation of the “Tolerance Project”, a public awareness campaign intended to prevent racial discrimination and increase tolerance, as well as other programmes in the field of human rights education are regarded as significant measures in the implementation of article 7 of the Convention.

Paragraph 285

With regard to article 7 of the Convention, the measures taken by the State party in the field of teaching, education, culture and information to combat racial discrimination should be intensified. The State party should continue and extend its educational programmes in order to raise awareness of the population at large of all aspects relating to racism and racial discrimination.

•          Nepal, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 52 at para. 302.

The State party is encouraged to carry out comprehensive public education campaigns to combat discriminatory traditional customs and societal attitudes.

•          Sweden, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 57 at paras. 334 and 344.

Paragraph 334

The State party’s efforts to disseminate the Convention, as well as the concluding observations and the summary records of its previous meetings with the Committee, among Sami and other minority groups, NGOs, trade unions and the wider public are welcomed.

Paragraph 344

All appropriate measures should be undertaken to ensure that the report and these concluding observations are widely distributed to the public. It is also recommended that the State party continue and develop its dialogue with civil society, in particular with the non-governmental organizations.

•          Holy See, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 66 at para. 401.

It is recommended that the State party undertake all appropriate measures to ensure that the report and these concluding observations are widely distributed to the public.

See also:

•          Malta, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) at para. 134.

•          Uzbekistan, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 70 at para. 437.

While the State party’s initiative in the field of human rights education is welcomed, educational programmes to prevent and combat racial discrimination need to be strengthened. In this regard, it is recommended that the State party extend its educational programmes in order to raise awareness of the population at large of all aspects related to racial discrimination.

•          Algeria, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 16 at para. 38.

It is recommended that the State party's periodic reports be made widely available to the public from the time they are submitted and that the Committee's concluding observations be similarly publicized. In addition, all sectors of society should be informed and educated on the provisions of the Convention including those of article 14 of the Convention.

•          Argentina, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 18 at para. 44.

The measures taken to strengthen the National Institute to Combat Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism (INADI) are welcomed. The activities of the latter are also welcomed, such as organizing training seminars for primary and secondary schoolteachers to embrace pluralism, training courses for law enforcement officials, publicity campaigns in the media and the establishment of a mechanism to receive complaints and take action thereon by mediating and intervening in the courts.

•          Bangladesh, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 21 at para. 76.

In connection with the implementation of article 7 of the Convention, the State party is encouraged to continue to take steps to strengthen awareness about human rights in general and the Convention in particular, through education. It is further recommended that the State party undertake training in the provisions of the Convention in the training programmes of law enforcement officials.

•          Georgia, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 24 at paras. 94 and 99.

Paragraph 94

The State party is reminded that the absence of complaints and legal action by victims of racial discrimination could possibly be an indication of a lack of awareness of available legal remedies or a result of the absence of relevant specific legislation. It is therefore essential to provide for the relevant provisions in the national legislation and to inform the public of the availability of all legal remedies.

Paragraph 99

It is recommended that the State party’s report and the present concluding observations be widely distributed to the public. It is recommend that the State party disseminate the text of the Convention and organize education and training programs aimed at all sectors of society, in particular, law enforcement officials regarding human rights in general and the provisions of the Convention in particular.

•          Germany, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 27 at para. 118.

Noting that the State party's report has been made readily available to the public from the time it was submitted, the Committee recommends that its concluding observations be similarly publicized. It encourages the State party to insert the concluding observations on the appropriate ministry's website

•          Greece, A/56/18 (2001) 29 at paras. 132 and 138.

Paragraph 132

The State party is encouraged to build upon its education programs at all levels in order to counter negative stereotypes and promote the objectives of the Convention. It is recommended that the State party take into account General Recommendation XXVII concerning Roma in further legal and policy initiatives.

Paragraph 138

It is recommended that the State party's report and these concluding observations be widely disseminated by the State party, including among minority populations.

•          Iceland, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 32 at para. 154.

It is noted that few incidents of racial discrimination are recorded by the police. The State party should carefully review allegations of racial insults and threats suffered by immigrants and consider additional ways in which the formulation of formal complaints in such cases could be encouraged, including publicizing the State party's declaration under article 14 of the Convention.

•          Japan, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 34 at para. 164.

Efforts made to raise awareness about existing human rights standards, particularly the publication of the full texts of fundamental human rights treaties on the web-site of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination is welcomed. Dissemination of the State party's reports on the implementation of treaties and the concluding observations of the respective UN monitoring bodies is also welcomed.

•          Portugal, A/56/18 (2001) 38 at paras. 197 and 199.

Paragraph 197

It is recommended that the State party take measures to inform the population in general, and the most vulnerable groups in particular, about the possibility of bringing complaints before the Commission for Equality and against Racial Discrimination.

Paragraph 199

It is recommended that the State party's reports be made readily available to the public from the time they are submitted and that the Committee's concluding observations on them be similarly publicized. The adoption of measures in order to inform the public about the acceptance by Portugal of article 14 of the Convention is also recommended.

•          Cyprus, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 48 at paras. 259 and 272.

Paragraph 259

The establishment in September 1998 of the National Institution for the Protection of Human Rights, which contributes, inter alia, to the dissemination of information with regard to the Convention and other international conventions is welcomed.

Paragraph 272

The State party is encouraged to take further steps to increase awareness of the Convention among the general public, in particular foreign domestic workers, members of the police and the judiciary. It is also recommended that measures taken by the State party to combat discrimination in the field of education, culture and information be intensified.

•          Egypt, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 50 at para. 285.

The initiatives taken by the Government in the area of human rights education in schools and universities is welcomed and the efforts undertaken by the State party to teach and promote a culture of human rights, tolerance and peace are noted. These efforts are encouraged and it is hoped that the State party will continue along this path.

•          Italy, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 53 at para. 318.

While recognizing that the State party has made the declaration provided for under the Convention in 1978, the Committee has not received any communications from persons under the jurisdiction of the State party. The State party should ensure that the public is well informed of the possibility of submitting communications to the Committee.

See also:

•          Ukraine, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 61 at para. 377.

•          Sri Lanka, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 56 at para. 336.

The State party is reminded of its obligation to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations into allegations of human rights violations involving racial discrimination and bring those responsible to justice. The State party should continue to disseminate knowledge of human rights instruments as well as international humanitarian law among security forces and law enforcement officers.

•          Trinidad and Tobago, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 58 at para. 350.

The absence of complaints by victims of racial discrimination could possibly be an indication of a lack of awareness of available legal remedies. It is therefore essential to inform the public of the availability of all legal remedies.

•          Viet Nam, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 68 at para. 424.

The State party should strengthen the education of society in a spirit of respect for human rights and in particular the rights of members of ethnic minorities.

ICCPR

•          Mongolia, ICCPR, A/47/40 (1992) 134 at para. 602.

The texts of the Covenant and the Optional Protocol should be widely publicized in order that the general public, the judiciary and the relevant agencies of the Government are made aware of the rights enshrined in the provisions of these instruments. Adequate training in human rights norms should be provided for attorneys and members of the judiciary as well as for police, prison and other security officials. In undertaking the implementation of these recommendations, the State party should further avail itself of the Advisory Services and Technical Assistance Programme of the Centre for Human Rights.

•          Luxembourg, ICCPR, A/48/40 vol. I (1993) 30 at paras. 134, 141 and 144.

Paragraph 134

In general, the provisions of the Covenant were not adequately publicized in Luxembourg. In this regard, it is suggested that the Government facilitate a greater awareness among the general public and, in particular, among members of the judiciary and the legal profession.

Paragraph 141

Concern is expressed at the insufficient publicity given to the Covenant among persons in those professions most concerned with its application and among the general public, who thus may not be adequately informed of the protection afforded by the Covenant and of the possibility of submitting individual communications under the Optional Protocol.

Paragraph 144

Steps should be undertaken to disseminate information about the Covenant and the Optional Protocol.

•          United Republic of Tanzania, ICCPR, A/48/40 vol. I (1993) 35 at paras. 185 and 189.

Paragraph 185

The insufficient publicity given to the Covenant, with the result that the general public may not be informed of the protections afforded under it, is of concern.

Paragraph 189

Active measures should be taken to ensure that the provisions of the Covenant are made widely known to the general public and, in particular, to members of the judiciary and the legal and other professions most directly concerned with its application. Both Covenants should be translated into the national language, Swahili, and integrated into educational curricula at all levels.

See also:

•          Dominican Republic, ICCPR, A/48/40 vol. I (1993) 95 at para. 459.

•          Uruguay, ICCPR, A/48/40 vol. I (1993) 102 at para. 507.

Greater publicity should be given to the Covenant and the Optional Protocol to ensure that the provisions of these instruments are widely known to members of the legal profession, the judiciary and law enforcement officials, as well as to the general public.

See also:

•          Dominican Republic, ICCPR, A/48/40 vol. I (1993) 95 at para. 463.

•          Hungary, ICCPR, A/48/40 vol. I (1993) 128 at para. 665.

The texts of the Covenant and the first Optional Protocol should be widely publicized so that the judiciary, the relevant governmental agencies, and the general public are made fully aware of the rights enshrined in the provisions of these instruments.

•          Iceland, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 19 at para. 82.

Further measures should be taken to ensure that the provisions of the Covenant are more widely disseminated, particularly among the legal profession and members of the judiciary.

See also:

•          Denmark, ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 14 at para. 76.

•          Norway, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 21 at para. 97.

The laudable efforts already made in connection with the promotion of greater public awareness of the provisions of the Covenant and the Optional Protocols should be further pursued.

•          Malta, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 26 at para. 131.

Further measures should be taken to ensure that the provisions of the Covenant are made more widely known, particularly among the legal profession, members of the judiciary and administrative authorities. The general public should also be adequately informed of the provisions of the Covenant and those contained in the Optional Protocol.

•          Romania, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 28 at para. 149.

A more active approach should be taken in overcoming public attitudes that hamper the effective implementation of human rights standards. Public information and education activities need to be strengthened so that the general public may be better acquainted with the provisions of the Covenant and the steps taken to apply it in practice. In this connection, greater use could be made of non-governmental organizations and the media.

•          Costa Rica, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 31 at para. 165.

The importance of involving concerned professional organizations, non-governmental organizations, the media and the general public in efforts to improve the application of the Covenant is emphasized. Additional measures should be taken with a view to making provisions of the Covenant more widely known among judges, lawyers, teachers and the general public.

•          Cameroon, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 36 at para. 201.

The Government is invited to disseminate the Covenant by culturally appropriate means, so that everyone has a knowledge of his or her rights, whatever the place of residence and situation in Cameroonian society.

•          Togo, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 44 at para. 265.

Measures should be taken to ensure the implementation in prisons and detention centres of all provisions of article 10 of the Covenant together with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. They should be more widely disseminated and observed, particularly among the personnel of the armed forces, security and police officers involved in arrest and detention matters, as well as members of the judiciary.

•          Italy, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 47 at para. 288.

Education and training programmes on multi-culturalism should be strengthened with a view to eliminating racial discrimination and advancing tolerance and understanding among peoples and races.

•          Azerbaijan, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 50 at para. 311.

The need to improve information and education regarding human rights so as to make the public more familiar with the provisions of the Covenant is stressed.

•          Cyprus, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 53 at paras. 326 and 333.

Paragraph 326

It is of concern that public awareness of the Covenant is not sufficient nor is adequate publicity given to the availability and presentation of its reports under the Covenant. In this connection, the lack of cases invoking the provisions of the Covenant in the courts, as well as the lack of communications filed under the First Optional Protocol, seem to indicate that awareness of the Covenant and the Optional Protocol is not high among judges or members of the bar.

Paragraph 333

Measures should be taken to ensure greater public awareness of the provisions of the Covenant and the Optional Protocol and that the legal profession as well as judicial and administrative authorities have detailed information on those instruments in order to ensure their effective application. Adequate publicity should be given to the second periodic report and its consideration by the Committee, including these comments, in order to stimulate greater interest in the Covenant in Cyprus.

•          Burundi, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 58 at para. 365.

Strenuous efforts should be made to educate and inform the whole of Burundi society regarding human rights. This campaign should take account of Burundi's traditions and customs, including the role of mothers in educating their children.

•          Paraguay, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 42 at para. 223.

The Covenant, the Optional Protocols and the Committee's comments should be widely disseminated among the Paraguayan public and the scope of human rights education should be extended to members of the police and security forces, the legal profession and other persons involved in the administration of justice, with a view to making it a part of their regular training.

•          United States of America, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 52 at para. 304.

Measures should be taken to ensure greater public awareness of the provisions of the Covenant and the legal profession as well as judicial and administrative authorities at federal and state levels should be made familiar with these provisions in order to ensure their effective application.

•          Ukraine, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 57 at para. 333.

The text of the Covenant and the Optional Protocol should be widely publicized in the languages spoken in Ukraine, so that the public is made fully aware of the rights enshrined in the provisions of these instruments. Education in human rights and democracy should be included in school and university curricula and the Committee’s comments should be widely disseminated and incorporated into the curricula of all human rights training programmes organized for law-enforcement officials and administration officers.

•          Latvia, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 62 at paras. 353 and 361.

Paragraph 353

Appropriate measures should be taken to provide effective and efficient remedies for all persons whose rights under the Covenant have been violated. Measures should be taken to ensure greater public awareness of the remedies available to individuals, including the provisions of the first Optional Protocol.

Paragraph 361

The Covenant, the Optional Protocol and the Committee's comments should be widely disseminated among the Latvian public. Additionally, human rights education should be provided in school at all levels and comprehensive human rights training should be provided to judges, lawyers, law enforcement officers and other persons involved in the administration of justice. In this regard, the State party should avail itself of the technical cooperation services of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights, and seek the cooperation of the relevant non-governmental organizations.

See also:

•          Estonia, ICCPR, A/51/40 vol. I (1996) 19 at para. 135.

•          Russian Federation, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 65 at paras. 392, 397 and 407.

Paragraph 392

The relationship between the various bodies charged with the protection of human rights should be clearly defined and coordinated and the existence and functions of these bodies should be widely publicized.

Paragraph 397

Efforts should be made to make the Covenant and other international human rights norms as widely known as possible, not only among the authorities invested with the administration of justice, law enforcement and prison officers, but also among the general public. The State party should avail itself of the technical cooperation services of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights.

Paragraph 407

Education in human rights should be included in school and university curricula and the Committee’s comments should be widely disseminated and incorporated into the curricula of all human rights training programmes organized for law-enforcement officers and administration officials.

•          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 72 at para. 435.

It is recommended that these comments and information about the dialogue with the Committee be distributed to interested non-governmental groups and the public at large.

•          Sri Lanka, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 75 at para. 476.

Further measures should be taken to develop greater awareness of the Covenant; in particular, law enforcement officials and members of the legal profession should be made fully cognizant of the provisions of the Covenant.

•          Sweden, ICCPR, A/51/40 vol. I (1996) 17 at para. 95.

Appropriate measures should be taken to fight the emergence of racist and xenophobic attitudes among some elements of Swedish society. The importance of educational campaigns in schools and at all levels of society and of media campaigns aimed at building a society where diverse cultures can coexist in a spirit of harmony and enrich one another is stressed.

•          Spain, ICCPR, A/51/40 vol. I (1996) 24 at para. 182.

The necessary steps, including educational measures and information campaigns, should be taken to avert racist and xenophobic tendencies.

•          Switzerland, ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 19 at para. 108.

Measures should be taken by the authorities to combat discrimination against women in practice. In this connection, the importance of educational campaigns to develop awareness of the problem of discrimination is emphasized.

•          Gabon, ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 24 at para. 143.

The Government of Gabon should develop information and awareness programmes on the principles and provisions of the Covenant in the various languages spoken in Gabon. It is also recommended that human rights education be provided at all levels in schools and that comprehensive human rights training be provided to all segments of the population, including law enforcement officers and all persons involved in the administration of justice. In this regard, the State party should avail itself of the technical cooperation services of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Centre for Human Rights.

•          Peru, ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 28 at para. 169.

Education programmes should be established for children and for the community in order to develop a thorough understanding of the principles of respect for human rights and of tolerance and of the role those principles play in the development of a sound and stable democracy.

•          Germany, ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 32 at para. 182.

Although programmes of education of young people and training of police officers concerning racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobic attitudes have been started, it is regretted that broader educational and training programmes in human rights values do not appear to have received the same level of support. It is also of concern that despite significant efforts by the Government, racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism still persist among certain segments of the population. Efforts to educate youth and train the police that racism and xenophobia are violative of basic human dignity, contrary to fundamental values and constitutionally and legally impermissible should be intensified, and it is urged that such education and training be placed in the wider context of human rights education and training. The Federal and Länder governments should introduce courses in human rights in schools, colleges and universities and also in police and defence academies, with a view to strengthening a culture of respect for human rights.

•          Bolivia, ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 35 at para. 223.

An educational programme should be devised so that all segments of the population, in particular members of the army, security forces and the police, and members of the judiciary and lawyers, are better acquainted with international standards for the protection and observance of human rights and human dignity.

•          Portugal (Macau), ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 50 at paras. 316, 324 and 330.

Paragraph 316

Efforts made by the authorities to disseminate information on human rights to members of the judiciary, civil servants, teachers and the public in general are welcomed.

Paragraph 324

Despite the efforts that are being made by the authorities to disseminate information in regard to the rights recognized in the Covenant, the public in general, and non-governmental organizations in particular, were not adequately informed of the Human Rights Committee's consideration of the report. Non-governmental organizations in Macau are not being encouraged to participate in programmes for the promotion and protection of human rights and their cooperation is not sought in regard to the implementation of human rights.

Paragraph 330

Further efforts should be undertaken to disseminate information in regard to the rights recognized in the Covenant and the activities carried out by the Committee. In particular, the present observations should be circulated widely.

•          Slovakia, ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 58 at para. 375.

Priority should be given to addressing discrimination, in particular through training and education campaigns.

•          Senegal, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 13 at paras. 61 and 62.

Paragraph 61

It is regretted that certain traditional cultural attitudes with respect to women are not compatible with their dignity as human beings and continue to hamper their equal enjoyment of rights embodied in the Covenant. The State party should launch a systematic campaign to promote popular awareness of persistent negative attitudes towards women and to protect them against all forms of discrimination.

Paragraph 62

Specific attention should be given in the law to the problem of domestic violence, and the need for information and education campaigns to prevent and combat any form of physical violence against women is stressed.

•          Jamaica, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 15 at para. 80.

The incidence of domestic violence against women is of concern. Therefore, increased efforts should be made to sensitize the population to the need to respect women's dignity, legislation should ensure ready access to remedies for violations of women's human rights, and social and educational programmes should be pursued to ensure the upholding of women’s rights by way of abolishing all discrimination.  

•          Belarus, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 26 at para. 156.

Information on the individual communications procedure under the Optional Protocol should be disseminated among the public at large, and in particular among prisoners (including prisoners on death row) and other detainees and members of the legal profession, and education on the full extent of their human rights should be made available to the population at large.

•          Zimbabwe, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 35 at para. 216.

Educational campaigns should be undertaken and institutional mechanisms should be established to address all forms of violence against women, and to provide assistance to victims of violence.

•          Uruguay, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 38 at para. 248.

Greater publicity should be given to the Covenant and the Optional Protocol to ensure that the provisions of these instruments are made widely known to the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, law enforcement officials and members of the legal profession, as well as to the general public.

•          Finland, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 40 at para. 262.

Efforts should be made to provide to the Sami and Roma minority printed texts of all available human rights documents, translated into the Sami and Roma languages where possible.

•          Ecuador, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 43 at para. 282.

The information that a series of educational programmes have been devised in collaboration with international institutions, to enable all segments of the population, in particular members of the army, security forces and the police, and members of the judiciary and lawyers, to be better acquainted with international standards for the protection and observance of human rights and human dignity, is welcomed.

•          Algeria, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 52 at para. 366.

Urgent steps should be taken by the State party to make known to the public, the universities, the legal community and, particularly, to the non-governmental human rights organizations, the rights protected under the Covenant and the fact that individuals whose rights have been violated may submit communications to the Committee.

•          United Republic of Tanzania, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 57 at para. 395.

Recent changes in the law so as to criminalize rape between separated spouses and the practice of female genital mutilation, as well as the power of a court to hear sexual abuse cases in private, are appreciated. However, traditional customs inhibit complaints on these matters, and marital rape as such is not recognized as a criminal offence. The Committee recommends that information be promulgated about these remedies and that the State party take action to support women who are entitled to take advantage of them (arts. 3 and 26).

•          Armenia, ICCPR, A/54/40 vol. I (1999) 29 at para. 119.

The State party is commended for its efforts in disseminating information on human rights, including human rights education in school curricula. In particular, human rights training of the legal profession and of the judiciary is necessary for democracy. Therefore, such training should be provided.

•          Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, ICCPR, A/54/40 vol. I (1999) 32 at para. 140.

Urgent steps should be taken to disseminate the Covenant and the Optional Protocol to the public at large, to persons in detention and to the legal community.

•          Mongolia, ICCPR, A/55/40 vol. I (2000) 49 at paras. 343 and 344.

Paragraph 343

The texts of the Covenant and of the Optional Protocol should be made widely available to the public, together with an explanation that the former may be relied on in the courts in order to obtain remedies and that the latter provides a recourse to the Human Rights Committee.

Paragraph 344

Human rights education and information should be imparted to populations living outside urban areas and to the illiterate by appropriate means such as radio and other media.

•          Kyrgyzstan, ICCPR, A/55/40 vol. I (2000) 57 at paras. 387, 388 and 421.

Paragraph 387

It is noted that the general public in Kyrgyzstan as well as public officials remain insufficiently aware of the Covenant and its Optional Protocol and the accompanying mechanisms.

Paragraph 388

Measures should be taken to enhance awareness of the Covenant and its Optional Protocol through a programme of dissemination of human rights texts and the systematic training of all persons involved in the administration of justice, in particular judges, lawyers, prosecutors and prison personnel.

Paragraph 421

The State party is urged to make available to the public the text of the State party’s initial report together with the present concluding observations. The second periodic report should be widely disseminated among the public, including civil society and non-governmental organizations.

See also:

•          Kuwait, ICCPR, A/55/40 vol. I (2000) 65 at para. 497.

•          Ireland, ICCPR, A/55/40 vol. I (2000) 61 at para. 431.

The Committee welcomes the initiatives being undertaken in the area of human rights education, including education for primary and secondary students, members of the police (Garda) and the legal profession.

•          Kuwait, ICCPR, A/55/40 vol. I (2000) 65 at paras. 459 and 492.

Paragraph 459

In reference to General Comment No. 28 on equality between men and women, the State party is urged to take all necessary measures to sensitize the population, so as to eradicate attitudes that lead to discrimination against women in all sectors of daily life and society.

Paragraph 492

The State party should enable all parts of the labour force to join and to engage in trade union activities, by informing them of their rights under article 22, paragraph 1, of the Covenant.

•          Denmark, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 34 at para. 73(4).

Denmark's efforts to educate its population, and in particular to train the police, in human rights are welcomed.

•          Argentina, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 38 at paras. 74(15) and 74(17).

Paragraph 74(15)

With regard to article 3 of the Covenant, despite significant advances, traditional attitudes towards women continue to exercise a negative influence on their enjoyment of Covenant rights. The high incidence of violence against women, including rape and domestic violence, is of particular concern. Sexual harassment and other manifestations of discrimination in both the public and private sectors are also a matter of concern. It is noted that information on these matters is not systematically maintained, that women have a low awareness of their rights and the remedies available to them, and that complaints are not being adequately dealt with. A large-scale information campaign should be undertaken to promote awareness among women of their rights and the remedies available to them.

Paragraph 74(17)

The present concluding observations and the next periodic report should be widely disseminated among the public, including civil society and non-governmental organizations operating in the State party.

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

The State party must bring prison conditions into line with article 10 of the Covenant and the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, making those rules available to the police, the Armed Forces, prison staff and anyone else responsible for conducting interrogations, as well as to persons deprived of their liberty.

•          Uzbekistan, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 59 at paras. 79(19) and 79(28).

Paragraph 79(19)

The State party should organise awareness campaigns to address all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, in order to comply fully with articles 3, 6, 7 and 26 of the Covenant.

Paragraph 79(28)

While the fact that the Covenant takes priority over national legislation and its provisions can be directly invoked before the courts is welcomed, no relevant case has as yet been brought before the courts. The State party should make serious efforts to disseminate knowledge of the provisions of the Covenant among judges to enable them to apply the Covenant in relevant cases and among lawyers and the public to enable them to invoke its provisions before the courts (article 2 of the Covenant).

•          Croatia, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 65 at paras. 80(23) and 80(24).

Paragraph 80(23)

The apparently low level of awareness amongst the public of the provisions of the Covenant and the Optional Protocol procedure is of concern. The State party should publicise the provisions of the Covenant and the availability of the individual complaint mechanism provided in the Optional Protocol.

Paragraph 80(24)

The State party should widely publicise the text of its initial report, the written answers it has provided in responding to the list of issues drawn up by the Committee and, in particular, these concluding observations.

See also:

•          Uzbekistan, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 59 at para. 79(29).

•          Czech Republic, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 83 at para. 83(25).

The apparently low level of awareness amongst the public of the provisions of the Covenant and the Optional Protocol procedure is of concern (art. 2). The State party should publicize the provisions of the Covenant and the availability of the individual complaint mechanism provided in the Optional Protocol so as to increase public awareness.

•          Monaco, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 89 at para. 84(21).

The State party should ensure that its next periodic report is disseminated prior to its consideration by the Committee so that the comments of the population and non-governmental organizations may be obtained beforehand.

ICESCR

•          Colombia, ICESCR, E/1992/23 (1991) 68 at para. 321.

Concern is expressed that education in human rights as called for in article 13 (1) of the Covenant is currently being given only to members of the judiciary and police force. Human rights education needs to extend to all constituents of the nation if it is to achieve its goal - the full development of the human personality and the sense of its dignity, and strengthened respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

•          Germany, ICESCR, E/1994/23 (1993) 49 at para. 254.

Equal treatment should be accorded to both International Human Rights Covenants in relation to human rights education in school curricula as well as mass media information and dissemination.

•          Senegal, ICESCR, E/1994/23 (1993) 51 at para. 267.

In order to encourage and facilitate greater public involvement in the implementation of the Covenant, the State party should ensure that adequate publicity is given to the Covenant, its provisions are translated into local languages and its report to the Committee along with these concluding observations are made available to interested groups and individuals.

•          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ICESCR, E/1995/22 (1994) 52 at para. 277.

Appropriate measures should be taken to disseminate information on the rights guaranteed under the Covenant to all sectors of society, particularly to judges, civil servants, social workers and members of other professions concerned by its implementation.

•          Republic of Korea, ICESCR, E/1996/22 (1995) 24 at para. 79.

Programmes of education should be extended in order to increase awareness of the provisions of the Covenant throughout society and to ensure its application in the judicial process, as well as its observance by law enforcement agencies.

•          Colombia, ICESCR, E/1996/22 (1995) 41 at para. 196.

It is urged that greater attention be given to the problem of discrimination against women and that programmes be implemented for the eradication of inequalities between men and women. Such programmes should, at the same time, aim to raise public awareness and interest in the economic, social and cultural rights of women.

•          Mauritius, ICESCR, E/1996/22 (1995) 47 at paras. 241 and 246.

Paragraph 241

It is regretted that the State party has failed to disseminate public information concerning human rights in general, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in particular. In addition, the absence of human rights education in all school curricula is noted with concern.

Paragraph 246

The Government should adopt without delay an intensive and systematic public information campaign on human rights in general, and on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in particular.

•          Algeria, ICESCR, E/1996/22 (1995) 54 at para. 301.

Extensive consciousness-raising campaigns should be launched to prevent family violence. Adequate information should also be provided to the victims of such violence, with regard to their right to obtain compensation.

•          Paraguay, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 22 at para. 80.

The apparent failure to disseminate the Covenant in the various sectors of society, particularly in the Guarani language, is regretted. It is noted that little has been done to inform the general population, and in particular the indigenous population, of its fundamental rights.

•          Spain, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 27 at para. 106.

It is noted that the public as a whole and the media are still largely ignorant of the Covenant's provisions, with the result that the vast majority of the population is unaware of the commitments entered into by the Spanish authorities with regard to economic, social and cultural rights.

•          Guatemala, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 29 at para. 135.

Notice is taken of the inadequacy of human rights education provided for the entire population.

•          Portugal (Macau), ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 48 at para. 252.

It is of concern that the majority of the population is not familiar with the judicial system of the Territory, and that insufficient measures have been adopted to ensure that the principles and provisions of the Covenant are made widely known to the population.

•          Zimbabwe, ICESCR, E/1998/22 (1997) 24 at para. 81.

The State party is urged to undertake an appropriate information campaign to acquaint the public, as well as government officials at all levels, with the Covenant’s provisions. Educational programmes should be extended in order to increase awareness of the provisions of the Covenant throughout society and to ensure its application in the judicial process, as well as its observance by law enforcement agencies.

•          Peru, ICESCR, E/1998/22 (1997) 33 at paras. 157 and 162.

Paragraph 157

The Government is called upon to make a greater effort to translate the Covenant into appropriate indigenous languages and to give more publicity to its provisions.

Paragraph 162

Urgent steps should be taken, in particular by raising the awareness of employers and State agents, with a view to guaranteeing fully the right to engage in trade-union activities and the right to strike.

•          Dominican Republic, ICESCR, E/1998/22 (1997) 43 at paras. 230 and 231.

Paragraph 230

Concrete and appropriate measures should be taken, such as information and education campaigns and the reform of the criminal law, in order to penalize acts of racial discrimination by public officials and private persons, and to prevent and combat such acts.

Paragraph 231

The Government should pursue its policies designed to achieve full equality between men and women, in all areas of economic, social and cultural life. In particular, a thorough review of domestic legislation should be undertaken with a view to eliminating any remaining discriminatory legal provisions, especially with respect to the labour, family, criminal, civil and social security laws; specific remedies should be made available to women victims of sexual discrimination; and information and education campaigns should be carried out.

•          Iraq, ICESCR, E/1998/22 (1997) 50 at paras. 271 and 274.

Paragraph 271

It is recommended that urgent and concrete steps be taken to ensure that the provisions of the Covenant are made widely known among the population. Systematic education programmes on the rights enshrined in the Covenant should be set up in all schools and other educational institutions.

Paragraph 274

With respect to discrimination against women, it is recommended that the Government pursue its policies designed to achieve full equality between men and women in all areas of economic, social and cultural life. In particular, a thorough review of domestic legislation should be carried out in order to eliminate any remaining discriminatory legal provisions, specific remedies should be made available to women victims of sexual discrimination and information and education campaigns should be carried out to that end.

•          Sri Lanka, ICESCR, E/1999/22 (1998) 22 at para. 80.

Inadequate efforts appear to have been made by the Government to promote awareness among the women of Sri Lanka of their human rights.

•          Nigeria, ICESCR, E/1999/22 (1998) 27 at para. 138.

The present concluding observations should be disseminated widely.

See also:

•          Italy, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 34 at para. 142.

•          Belgium, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 77 at para. 495.

•          Canada, ICESCR, E/1999/22 (1998) 63 at para. 432.

The Canadian Judicial Council should provide all judges with copies of the Committee's concluding observations and encourage training for judges on Canada's obligations under the Covenant.

•          Cameroon, ICESCR, E/2000/22 (1999) 56 at para. 347.

The Government is urged to prohibit customary practices which violate the rights of women and to take active measures to combat such practices and beliefs by all means, including educational programmes. Government action should focus, in particular, on the elimination of the practices of polygamy, forced marriages and female genital mutilation, and the bias in favour of the education of boys.

•          Mexico, ICESCR, E/2000/22 (1999) 62 at para. 408.

The State party should take the necessary measures to ensure that the provisions of the Covenant are widely disseminated, through human rights education in all curricula, among all sectors of society, particularly among the judiciary and administrative authorities.

•          Italy, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 34 at para. 133.

It is recommended that the State party devise a national strategy to combat violence against women, the elements of which should include data collection, enactment of relevant legislation, training courses for and sensitizing of the police forces and the judiciary, establishment of refuges for battered women and public awareness-raising campaigns.

•          Egypt, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 38 at para. 177.

The State party must enhance its strategies and programmes aimed at combatting domestic violence. In this regard, the State party is urged to criminalize marital rape and combat this problem through information campaigns and educational programmes.

•          Jordan, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 49 at paras. 242, 249 and 257.

Paragraph 242

It is recommended that the State party expedite the publication of the Covenant in the Official Gazette and take the necessary action to make it enforceable in the courts, including the courts of first instance.

Paragraph 249

It is recommended that the State party take all effective legal measures to prohibit discrimination on grounds of sex in all fields of civil, political, economic, social and cultural life. The State party should take all appropriate measures, such as comprehensive public education campaigns, to prevent and combat discriminatory treatment and negative societal attitudes in this regard, particularly within the family.

Paragraph 257

It is recommended that the State party develop an ongoing programme for the dissemination of information regarding the implementation of the Covenant among the public, civil society and all sectors and levels of administration. Moreover, it is recommended that the State party strengthen its efforts and develop systematic and ongoing training programmes on the provisions of the Covenant for professional groups, including parliamentarians, judges, lawyers and local government officials.

•          Mongolia, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 53 at para. 281.

The State party is urged to organize public campaigns to raise awareness about domestic violence, to criminalize spousal rape and to provide victims with shelters and adequate remedies.

•          Sudan, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 57 at para. 319.

The State party is urged to take adequate measures to enhance awareness of human rights at all levels of society, including government officials, the judiciary, the military, and the security and police forces.

•          Finland, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 73 at para. 460.

It is requested that the State party disseminate these concluding observations as widely as possible among its citizens.

See also:

•          Egypt, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 38 at para. 185.

•          Mongolia, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 53 at para. 285.

•          Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China), ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 39 at para. 208.

•          Morocco, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 82 at paras. 518 and 571.

Paragraph 518

The efforts by the State party with respect to the information campaign to disseminate information on international human rights instruments among the judiciary are noted with satisfaction.

Paragraph 571

It is requested that the State party disseminate the concluding observations as widely as possible among its citizens at all levels of society.

•          Venezuela, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 29 at paras.82, 92 and 105.

Paragraph 82

Concern is expressed about the State party's slowness in implementing its own National Plan of Action for Human Rights and the lack of awareness about rights enshrined in the Covenant.

Paragraph 92

The State party is urged to organize an awareness-raising campaign to educate the public at large about their economic, social and cultural rights, and to target in particular magistrates, police officers and other responsible officials.

Paragraph 105

The State party is requested to disseminate these concluding observations as widely as possible among the State institutions concerned as well as its citizens.

•          Honduras, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 33 at paras. 138 and 161.

Paragraph 138

It is recommended that the State party improve the human rights training programmes in such a way as to ensure better knowledge, awareness and application of the Covenant and other international human rights instruments, and in particular among the judiciary, law enforcement officials and other actors responsible for the implementation of the Covenant.

Paragraph 161

The State party is requested to disseminate its concluding observations widely among all levels of society.

•          Republic of Korea, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 45 at para. 253.

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

•          Bolivia, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 52 at para. 292.

The State party is urged to combat violence against women by initiating a campaign with a view to combatting negative traditional practices and prejudices and their effects and consequences.

•          Togo, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 57 at paras. 313 and 317.

Paragraph 313

The efforts undertaken by the Government to address the problems of trafficking in children and female genital mutilation by, inter alia, organizing awareness campaigns and workshops, are acknowledged.

Paragraph 317

It is noted with concern that trafficking in women for the purpose of forced prostitution and non-consensual labour as domestic servants persists. It is also noted with concern that trafficking in persons predominantly concerns children, who are sold as young as 2 years old for future work on plantations or as house servants. Although the State party has been undertaking some measures to address these problems, such as conducting public awareness campaigns and organizing a workshop for border police and other law enforcement officers on child trafficking trends and judicial remedies, the root causes of these problems have not been adequately addressed.

•          Senegal, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 61 at paras. 372 and 390.

Paragraph 372

All effective measures, including the enforcement of existing legislation and the adoption of national awareness campaigns, should be taken to eliminate all forms of violence against women.

Paragraph 390

The State party should disseminate these concluding observations as widely as possible among concerned State institutions, as well as its citizens.

•          Ukraine, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 78 at para. 515.

The State party should develop an ongoing programme for the dissemination of information regarding the content of the Covenant and its implementation among the public, civil society, and all sectors and levels of administration. Moreover, the State party should develop systematic and ongoing training programmes on the provisions of the Covenant for professional groups, including parliamentarians, judges, lawyers and local government officials.

•          Germany, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 97 at paras. 672 and 690.

Paragraph 672

Given the limited functions and powers of the German Institute for Human Rights, it is recommended that steps be taken either to extend the Institute's functions and powers or to establish a separate national human rights institution with broad functions and powers, such as the power to investigate complaints, conduct national inquiries and formulate recommendations for employers and other actors. In the meantime, it is recommended that the Institute, consistent with its existing functions and powers: devote the same attention to economic, social and cultural rights as to civil and political rights; organize programmes to raise awareness of economic, social and cultural rights, especially among public officials, lawyers and the judiciary; give particular attention to the relationship between human rights and international cooperation; and be responsible for preparing a comprehensive plan of action in full conformity with paragraph 71 of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

Paragraph 690

The concluding observations should be disseminated widely among all levels of society. The continued involvement of non-governmental organizations and other members of civil society in the preparation of the next periodic report is encouraged.

See also:

•          Japan, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 90 at para. 641.

CEDAW

•          Ecuador, CEDAW, A/49/38 (1994) 94 at para. 543.

Programmes should be developed to promote awareness among Ecuadorian men and women of the need to modify cultural values that perpetuate discrimination in any form.

•          Uganda, CEDAW, A/50/38 (1995) 61 at para. 341.

Legal measures should be taken against all religious and customary practices that discriminate against women. Furthermore, awareness programmes must be put in place to change mentality and attitudes.

•          Iceland, CEDAW, A/51/38 (1996) 12 at para. 100.

Information programmes among migrant women, in particular those that pertain to the rights of women in Iceland, should be intensified.

•          Paraguay, CEDAW, A/51/38 (1996) 16 at para. 133.

The wide dissemination of the Convention, primarily among women, and in particular among rural and indigenous people, is recommended.

•          Ethiopia, CEDAW, A/51/38 (1996) 19 at para. 153.

When resources are available, the translation of the Convention must be in as many local languages as possible so that it may benefit many people.

•          Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part I (1997) 21 at para. 138.

Concern is expressed over the fact that the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women is not taught in schools.

•          Turkey, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part I (1997) 24 at paras. 194 and 197.

Paragraph 194

Serious efforts are required to address violence against women, especially domestic violence, through legislation and comprehensive, gender-sensitive awareness-raising and education campaigns for the public in general and for law enforcement agencies, such as judges, lawyers and police in particular.

Paragraph 197

The media should be mobilized in support of advancing the status and the rights of women, including through non-sexist and non-stereotypical portrayal of women in the media and through programmes to address violence against women.

•          Namibia, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part II (1997) 82 at para. 117.

More educational programmes on human rights and legal literacy for women should be introduced at all levels.

•          Luxembourg, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part II (1997) 92 at para. 219.

In relation to the removal of the stereotyped attitudes and perceptions of the role of women in society and to raise the awareness of men of their family responsibilities, educational programmes in schools should be reoriented in accordance with article 5 of the Convention.

•          Italy, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part II (1997) 106 at para. 359.

The Government is urged to embark on public sensitization campaigns in relation to domestic violence in its various manifestations (sexual, physical, etc.) to ensure the protection of human rights of women and the girl child in the family. In particular, it is recommended that measures be introduced to encourage complaints and provide mechanisms for effective and timely responses to such claims.

•          Australia, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part II (1997) 111 at para. 401.

The Convention and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action should be translated for non-English-speaking Australians.

•          Azerbaijan, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 7 at paras. 77 and 78.

Paragraph 77

The provisions of the Convention should be widely publicized among the general public and, in particular, among teachers, social workers, law enforcement officials, prison staff, medical personnel, judges, lawyers and members of other professions who are concerned with the implementation of the Convention.

Paragraph 78

Human rights education should be introduced in schools and universities.

•          Dominican Republic, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 28 at para. 334.

Emphasizing that legal measures alone are not sufficient, the failure of the Government to undertake comprehensive and systematic public awareness and information campaigns to change stereotypical attitudes that are detrimental to women’s equality is noted.

•          Mexico, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 32 at para. 415.

Rape awareness campaigns should be conducted for non-governmental organizations and legislators.

•          Slovakia, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part II (1998) 55 at para. 80.

Procedures designed to permit prosecution of violence against women independent of victim testimony should be implemented and the requirement that the complainant’s evidence be corroborated should be omitted; crisis centre hotlines and victim support centres equipped with medical, psychological and emotional support should be established; and, in order to raise public awareness, information should be disseminated through the media on this issue.

•          Algeria, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 12 at para. 74.

The Government, non-governmental organizations, intellectuals and the mass media should encourage enlightened attitudes and accelerate women’s emancipation through publicity and public awareness campaigns.

•          Kyrgyzstan, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 15 at paras. 114, 121, 139 and 142.

Paragraph 114

Policies, including educational and mass media and awareness-raising campaigns should be introduced and efforts should be directed at countering both intentional and unintentional discrimination.

Paragraph 121

A range of measures, including comprehensive public education and mass media campaigns, should be introduced to eliminate traditional stereotypes of the roles of men and women.

Paragraph 139

Effective measures should be taken with respect to the implementation of existing laws, the improvement of women’s economic situation and the implementation of public education programmes to change traditional values supportive of polygamy, in order to eradicate this practice altogether.

Paragraph 142

The present concluding comments should be widely disseminated in order to make the people of Kyrgyzstan, and particularly government administrators and politicians, aware of the steps to be taken to ensure de jure and de facto equality for women. The Government should continue to disseminate widely, in particular, to women’s and human rights organizations, the Convention, the Committee’s general recommendations and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

See also:

•          Liechtenstein, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 18 at para. 171.

•          Greece, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 20 at para. 212.

•          Myanmar, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) at para 138.

•          Jordan, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 16 at para. 193.

•          Democratic Republic of the Congo, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 23 at para. 238.

•          Burkina Faso, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 26 at para. 286.

•          Germany, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 31 at para. 333.

•          Belarus, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 36 at para. 378.

•          Greece, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 20 at para. 196.

The Government should develop programmes to raise awareness of the constitutional remedy among women and women's groups so that individual acts of discrimination will be consistently challenged and so that the Constitution will have an impact on government action and policy and on the private sector.

•          China, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 26 at para. 284.

Legislation that expressly prohibits gender discrimination, including unintentional and indirect discrimination, should be adopted. It is also recommended that the Government improve the availability of means of redress, including legal remedies, under the Women's Law. The Government should provide legal aid to women who suffer discrimination in its various forms to assist them in the realization of their rights. It should also widely publicize all these measures so that adequate enforcement of the law can be ensured.

•          Colombia, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 33 at paras. 360, 382 and 390.

Paragraph 360

Steps should be taken to disseminate the Convention and to educate the general population, particularly women, about the law as an essential step towards enabling them to learn about and defend their rights.

Paragraph 382

A systematic effort should be made to educate the population on gender issues by all possible methods and in all sectors. Programmes should be developed with the aim of raising the awareness of media personnel with respect to equality of men and women, with a view to eradicating sexist stereotypes in all media.

Paragraph 390

Women must be made aware of their rights through wider dissemination of legislation providing protection for them as workers.

•          Georgia, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part II (1999) 53 at para. 95.

The principle of the equality of women and men should be incorporated in the Constitution. Education and awareness-raising campaigns should be initiated utilizing, inter alia, the large number of women in mass media and education.

•          Nepal, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part II (1999) 57 at para. 154.

The implementation of an extensive public awareness campaign in order to increase the understanding of gender issues and human rights of women amongst the people of Nepal is recommended.

•          Ireland, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part II (1999) 60 at para. 184.

The Government is urged to monitor and review its work and family life policies and legislation so as to ensure that they create incentives and opportunities for women and men to share, equally, paid work outside the home and unpaid family work. It is recommended that such regulations and policies be accompanied by awareness-raising and educational efforts aimed at changing attitudes concerning women’s traditional roles and responsibilities for child and family care.

•          Democratic Republic of the Congo, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 21 at paras. 215 and 216.

Paragraph 215

Concern is expressed at the persistence of traditional customs and practices, which are in violation of women’s fundamental rights, such as dowry, the levirate, polygamy, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

Paragraph 216

The Government is urged to enact legislation to prohibit such traditional practices. The Government should work with NGOs and the media to change attitudes through information and awareness-raising campaigns, the teaching of the Convention in schools and the translation of the Convention into local languages so as to accelerate women’s enjoyment of their human rights.

•          Burkina Faso, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 25 at paras. 266 and 269.

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 269

In addition to formal education, the Government should focus its efforts on informal education and the campaign against illiteracy through programmes targeted at girls and women. The Government is urged to take into account the importance of civic education for women and the family and the teaching of human rights throughout the school curriculum.

•          Germany, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 29 at para. 310.

The Government is urged to take measures to ensure that public officials, including law enforcement officials, contribute to the realization of the principle of de facto equality for women in the entire territory of the country. The Government should ensure that tertiary and continuing legal education of lawyers and the judiciary adequately covers the evolving understanding of equality and non-discrimination and international norms and standards in that regard. The Government is also urged to ensure the availability of effective domestic remedies and their accessibility to women, especially in the light of the pending entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention. Direct reference to the Convention in its legislative, policy and programmatic initiatives is also encouraged, since the Convention is legally binding and such use would increase awareness of the international commitments entered into by the State party.

•          Belarus, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 34 at paras. 350, 361 and 362.

Paragraph 350

It is noted that human rights education has been introduced into curricula, including teaching on the human rights of women, and that gender education is being introduced at tertiary educational institutions.

Paragraph 361

Concern is expressed over the continuing prevalence of sex-role stereotypes and the reintroduction of such symbols as a Mothers’ Day and a Mothers’ Award, which are seen as encouraging women’s traditional roles. The issue of whether the introduction of human rights and gender education aimed at countering such stereotyping is being effectively implemented is also a matter of concern.

Paragraph 362

The State party should train teachers to strengthen capacity for human rights education in schools. Monitoring human rights education and gender studies with regard to the number of educational establishments offering such education, and also the impact of such education, is also recommended.

•          Cameroon, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 53 at paras. 53, 54 and 66.

Paragraph 53

The persistence of cultural practices and deep-rooted stereotypes relating to the roles and responsibilities of women and men in all areas of life, which affect their enjoyment of all human rights, is disturbing.

Paragraph 54

The Government is urged to carry out further public-awareness, information and training programmes targeting community leaders and the general public, so as to change ways of thinking and the stereotyped perceptions of the roles and responsibilities of women and men.

Paragraph 66

The text of the present conclusions should be widely disseminated in Cameroon so as to inform the public, in particular administrators, officials and politicians, of the measures taken to guarantee equality de jure and de facto between men and women, and of the supplementary measures to be adopted in this area. The Government is also urged to continue to give broad publicity, particularly among women’s associations and human rights organizations, to the Convention, its Optional Protocol, the general recommendations of the Committee, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the results of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century”, held in June 2000.

See also:

•          Republic of Moldova, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 56 at para. 117.

•          Lithuania, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 61 at para. 165.

•          Iraq, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 66 at para 210.

•          Austria, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 70 at para. 243.

•          Cuba, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 73 at para. 277.

•          Romania, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 77 at para. 322.

•          Burundi, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 7 at para. 67.

•          Kazakhstan, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) at para. 113.

•          Republic of Moldova, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 56 at paras. 98 and 102.

Paragraph 98

Urgent measures should be taken to modify social and cultural patterns of behaviour, including through information and public awareness-raising campaigns, so as to facilitate the emergence of non-discriminatory attitudes about the roles and responsibilities of women and men.

Paragraph 102

Measures should be taken to ensure that public officials, especially law enforcement officials and the judiciary, are fully sensitized to all forms of violence against women. The Government is also invited to ujdertake awareness-raising measures, including a campaign of zero tolerance, to make such violence socially and morally unacceptable.

•          Lithua.ia, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 61 at para. 138.

Concern is expressed about the lack of targeted educational programmes, mass media campaigns and temporary special measures in education, employment and politicsto eliminate these stereotypes. The fact that provisions in the current draft Code of Advertising Ethics may not be sufficient to address advertisements that utilize and support traditional sex-role stereotypes, is also of concern.

•          Austria, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 70 at para. 241.

Human rights education, and in particular women’s human rights education on the basis of the Convention should be introduced into school curricula.

•          Cuba, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 73 at para. 264.

The Government should increase public awareness of the need to take measures to prevent such violence, consider launching a zero-tOlerance campaign on violence against women, and increase the awareness of public officials and the judiciary about the seriousness of such violence. The Government is further invited to increase the availa`ility of support measures for women victims of domestic violence, such as telephone helplines and shelters for battered women.

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

The Government is encouraged to ensure the implementation of Laws and policies that provide for de jure equality and seek to eliminate discrimination against women. The Government should ensure that those charged with responsibility for the imphementation of laws and policies are made fully aware of their contents and public education and legal literacy campaigns should be put in place to ensure widE knowledge of law and policy reform.

See also:

•          Guinea, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 55 at para. 121.

•       &!160;  Maldives, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 15 at para. 138.

The Government is called upon to create public awareness on violence against women as an infringement of human rights that has grave social costs for the whole community.

•          Uzbekistan, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 18 at para. 194.

The wide dissemination of the present concluding comments is requested, in order to make the people of Uzbekistan, particularly government administrators and politicians, aware of the steps that have been taken to ensure the de jure and de facto equality of men and women and the future steps that are required in that regard.

•          Jamaica, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 22 at para 233.

The wide dissemination of the present concluding comments is requested, in order to make the people of Jamaica, and particularly the Government’s administrators and politicians, aware of the steps that have been taken to ensure the de jure and de facto equality of women and the future steps that are required to those ends. The Government is also requested to continue to disseminate widely - in particular to women’s and human rights organizations - the Convention and its Optional Protocol, the Committee’s general recommendations, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the results of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century”.

See also:

•          Maldives, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 15 at para. 146.

•          Mongolia, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 26 at para. 278.

•          Egypt, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 33 at para. 358.

•          Andorra, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 49 at para. 53.

•          Mongolia, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 26 at paras. 257 and 258.

Paragraph 257

It is noted with concern that Mongolia has not yet specifically developed gender-sensitization and legal literacy programmes for its large youth population.

Paragraph 258

The Government is called upon to extend its distance education programmes for the youth population to include gender education programmes as soon as possible. The youth population can be an important resource in changing stereotypical and patriarchal attitudes in society.

•          Finland, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 29 at para. 311.

It is requested that the present concluding comments be disseminated widely and their public discussion supported, in order to make politicians and government administrators, women’s non-governmental organizations and the public at large aware of the steps required, to ensure de jure and de facto equality for women. It is further requested that information, such as the Convention and its Optional Protocol, the Committee’s general recommendations, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the results of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century”, continue to be disseminated widely, particularly to women’s and human rights organizations.

•          Guinea, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 55 at paras. 115 and 123.

Paragraph 115

The establishment of legal aid centres to disseminate information about women’s rights is welcomed.

Paragraph 123

An action plan should be developed, including a public-awareness campaign targeted at both women and men, with the support of civil society and social partners, to eliminate the gap between statutory law and social customs and practices, especially with regard to family law. The State party should work with relevant ministries and non-governmental organizations, including lawyers’ associations and women’s groups, to create an enabling environment for legal reform and effective law enforcement. The Government is called upon to ensure women’s awareness of their rights and to explore and apply innovative methods to reach illiterate women.

•          Nicaragua, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 72 at paras. 290 and 291.

Paragraph 290

The publication and dissemination of a handbook explaining the provisions of the Convention is commended.

Paragraph 291

The Government is commended for its efforts to include the teaching of human rights in kindergarten, primary, secondary and technical or vocational schools, and in military and police training academies, and on the integration of a gender perspective into the National Development Plan and school curricula and teacher training.

CAT

•          Italy, CAT, A/47/44 (1992) 57 at para. 337.

It is emphasized that, in accordance with the Convention, the State should be held civilly responsible for the acts of its servants. Special chapters of the Convention should be included in the handbooks issued to police personnel and made available to the medical profession.

•          Jordan, CAT, A/50/44 (1995) 23 at para. 180.

Measures should be taken to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are made more widely known to the public.

•          Russian Federation, CAT, A/52/44 (1997) 9 at para. 43.

Programmes should be adopted to inform detainees and the public of their rights and the means available under the law to protect them.

•          Ukraine, CAT, A/52/44 (1997) 23 at para. 145.

It is highly desirable that the widest possible publicity be given to the main provisions of the Convention through the press and other media and that practical training in the rules and standards of the Convention be made available for investigators and the staff of penal institutions.

•          Mexico, CAT, A/52/44 (1997) 26 at para. 167.

The following measures are considered necessary:

Training and dissemination programmes intended particularly for law enforcement officials and health professionals should be strengthened and should include issues relating to the prohibition of torture;

Procedures to inform detainees of their rights should be developed. Detainees should be immediately and directly informed of their rights by public officials at the time of arrest and those rights should be posted in all detention centres, prosecutors' offices and courthouses.

•          Paraguay, CAT, A/52/44 (1997) 30 at para. 210.

Systematic programmes of education and information regarding the prohibition of torture should be developed and fully included in the training of the officials referred to in article 10 of the Convention.

•          El Salvador, CAT, A/55/44 (2000) 28 at para. 170.

Human rights education and promotion activities should be continued, with the introduction of human rights training into formal education programmes intended for new generations.

•          Belarus, CAT, A/56/44 (2001) 19 at para. 46.

The Committee's conclusions and recommendations, and the summary records of the review of the State party's third periodic report, should be widely distributed in the country, including by publication in both the government-controlled and independent media.

•          Georgia, CAT, A/56/44 (2001) 35 at para. 82.

The Committee's conclusions and recommendations, and the summary records of the review of the State party's second periodic report, should be widely distributed in the country.

See also:

•          Czech Republic, CAT, A/56/44 (2001) 46 at para. 114.

•          Slovakia, CAT, A/56/44 (2001) 43 at para.105.

The State party should distribute the Committee's conclusions and recommendations, and the summary records of the review of the State party's initial report, widely in the country, and encourage non-governmental organizations to participate in this effort.

•          Brazil, CAT, A/56/44 (2001) 49 at paras. 118 and 120.

Paragraph 118

The State party’s efforts concerning the implementation of an education programme and the national human rights promotion campaign (scheduled for June 2001) aimed at sensitizing public opinion and the official actors concerned to action to combat torture are noted with satisfaction.

Paragraph 120

The State party should reinforce human rights education and promotion activities in general and regarding the prohibition of torture in particular, for law-enforcement officials and medical personnel, and introduce training in these subjects in official education programmes for the benefit of the younger generations.

•           Kazakhstan, CAT, A/56/44 (2001) 52 at para. 129.

The Committee's conclusions and recommendations, and the summary records of the review of the State Party's initial report should be widely distributed and the State party's report in the country, including to law enforcement officials and by means of publication in the media and through distribution and popularization efforts by non-governmental organizations.

•          Costa Rica, CAT, A/56/44 (2001) 55 at para. 136.

The State party should widely disseminate the conclusions and recommendations.

CRC

•          El Salvador, CRC, CRC/C/20 (1993) 19 at para. 93.

Strategies and educational programmes along with the adequate dissemination of information should be undertaken in order to counter certain prejudices which affect children negatively, such as gender-based discrimination (known as "machismo") and discrimination against disabled children (especially in rural areas), and to enhance the participation of children, in particular within the family.

•          Pakistan, CRC, CRC/C/29 (1994) 10 at para. 52.

Measures must be taken to make the provisions and principles of the Convention widely known among adults and children alike. To assist in these efforts, it is suggested that political, religious and community leaders be encouraged to take an active role in supporting efforts to eradicate traditional practices or customs which discriminate against children, particularly the girl child, or are harmful to the health and welfare of children. In addition, it is recommended that training about child rights should be given to relevant professional groups. Law enforcement personnel, including police officials and judges, should be aware of the provisions of the Convention, especially those relating to the system of the administration of juvenile justice.

•          Norway, CRC, CRC/C/29 (1994) 27 at para. 173.

Appropriate ways and means should be used to target further publicity on the Convention, especially about those provisions and principles of the Convention relevant to the situation of particular groups of children, for instance, children in the system of administration of justice and the prevention of discrimination against children suffering from AIDS and HIV infection.

•          Mongolia, CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 13 at paras. 55 and 79.

Paragraph 55

The Committee is encouraged by the Government's willingness to disseminate the Convention on the Rights of the Child within Mongolian society and to make public through the media, and especially television programmes, all its related actions.

Paragraph 79

The State party is encouraged to disseminate widely the State party's report, the summary records of the discussion of the report in the Committee and the concluding observations adopted by the Committee following its consideration of the report. It is suggested that the these documents be brought to the attention of Parliament and that the suggestions and recommendations for action contained therein be followed up. Cooperation with non-governmental organizations should be reinforced.

See also:

•          Nepal, CRC, CRC/C/54 (1996) 25 at para. 190.

•          Cyprus, CRC, CRC/C/54 (1996) 38 at para. 265.

•          Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 17 at paras. 103 and 121.

Paragraph 103

While acknowledging that activities have been undertaken to make the Convention known to adults and children alike, further efforts seem to be required in this respect.

Paragraph 121

The media’s pledge to give full coverage to the discussion of the State party's report by the Committee is encouraging.

•          Iceland, CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 23 at paras. 128, 139 and 145.

Paragraph 128

The establishment of the Office of Children's Ombudsman is welcomed, as is its role of disseminating among the public information on the rights of the child and of encouraging compliance with international instruments.

Paragraph 139

While noting the steps taken to disseminate the text of the Convention among students at all school levels, the inclusion of human rights in general, and of children's rights in particular, as a subject in schools and universities is still pending.

Paragraph 145

The State party should pursue and further develop its policy aimed at disseminating information and at increasing awareness of the Convention. The authorities are also urged to integrate the Convention and children's rights into the training curricula of professional groups dealing with children and in the school and university curricula.

•          Republic of Korea, CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 26 at paras. 159 and 169.

Paragraph 159

Insufficient measures have been taken to ensure that the principles and provisions of the Convention are widely known to children and adults. The lack of adequate training on the contents of the Convention of the various professional groups working with and for children, including teachers, social workers, judges, law enforcement officials, psychologists and health personnel, is also noted with regret.

Paragraph 169

The Government should develop public campaigns with a view to addressing effectively the problem of persisting discriminatory attitudes, in particular towards girls, disabled children and children born out of wedlock, and adopt pro-active measures to improve the status and protection of these groups of children.

•          Croatia, CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 31 at paras. 188, 204 and 209.

Paragraph 188

The efforts pursued by the Government, in cooperation with non-governmental organizations, with a view to raising public awareness on the rights of the child, are welcomed. In this connection, the Committee welcomes the European Youth Campaign being undertaken under the auspices of the Council of Europe to combat racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance.

Paragraph 204

Public information activities and other appropriate action should be undertaken to make better known the principles and provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant international human rights instruments, including through their incorporation in school curricula, with a view to enhancing democratic institutions, achieving national reconciliation, encouraging the protection of the rights of children belonging to minority groups and eliminating the atmosphere of impunity among those that harass these groups.

Paragraph 209

It is recommended that the report of the State party, the records of the dialogue held between itself and the State delegation and the concluding observations adopted by the Committee be widely disseminated throughout the nation in all minority languages as well as in Croatian. A national debate should be encouraged about the State party's compliance with the Convention within and among the Government, international organizations and national non-governmental organizations and also among the public.

•          Finland, CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 35 at paras. 223, 233, 234 and 240.

Paragraph 223

Concern is expressed about the absence of a global information and dissemination strategy for the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The Convention does not yet exist in all languages spoken by minorities residing in the State party.

Paragraph 233

Greater efforts are required to make the provisions and principles of the Convention widely known and understood by adults and children alike, in the light of article 42 of the Convention. The Convention should be translated into all languages spoken by minorities living in the State party. The State party is encouraged to develop a systematic approach towards increasing public awareness of participatory rights of children, in the light of article 12 of the Convention.

Paragraph 234

To reduce the current increase in negative feeling and racism towards foreigners, the State party should take all necessary measures, including information campaigns in schools and in society at large.

Paragraph 240

The State party is encouraged to disseminate widely the State party report, the summary records of the discussion of the report in the Committee and the concluding observations adopted by the Committee following its consideration of the report. It is suggested that these documents be brought to the attention of Parliament and that the suggestions and recommendations for action contained therein be followed up in close cooperation with the non-governmental society.

•          Nepal, CRC, CRC/C/54 (1996) 25 at paras. 157, 175, 176 and 188.

Paragraph 157

The decision of the Government to hold a press conference in Nepal prior to the consideration by the Committee of its initial report, as a means to create awareness in the public at large of the international commitments undertaken to promote and protect children's rights is welcomed. It is encouraging that the delegation will present the concluding observations of the Committee in another press conference upon return to Nepal.

Paragraph 175

The State party should launch a comprehensive and integrated public information campaign aimed at promoting children's rights within the society, and particularly within the family. The State party should also ensure specific training on the Convention for professional groups working with and for children, including teachers, social workers, health personnel, judges and law enforcement officials. International cooperation with, the Centre for Human Rights and the United Nations Children's Fund could be sought to this effect.

Paragraph 176

The State party is encouraged to further increase public awareness of the participatory rights of children, as well as to consider incorporating the Convention in the school curriculum.

Paragraph 188

A technical assistance programme should be developed with the Centre for Human Rights, including in the areas of law reform in the field of children's rights and training of professionals working with children. Special attention should be paid to training programmes on the relevant international standards, in particular for judges, law enforcement officials, correctional officers and social workers. Attention should also be given to awareness and information campaigns on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

•          Guatemala, CRC, CRC/C/54 (1996) 31 at paras. 204, 219, 223 and 233.

Paragraph 204

Insufficient measures have been adopted to promote widespread awareness of the principles and provisions of the Convention to adults and children alike, particularly to those belonging to indigenous populations, in the light of article 42 of the Convention. The failure to provide sufficient activities to train and educate professionals working with or for children about the Convention is regretted.

Paragraph 219

Information and education about children's rights should be disseminated among children and adults alike. Consideration should be given to the translation of such information into the main indigenous languages and appropriate measures should be adopted to spread such information in such a way that it reaches groups affected by a high level of illiteracy.

Paragraph 223

A comprehensive public information campaign should be developed and implemented urgently to combat the abuse of children in the family and within society as well as the use of corporal punishment in schools.

Paragraph 233

It is recommended that the State party's report, the summary records of the examination of the report in the Committee and the Committee's concluding observations be given wide dissemination in Guatemala. It is suggested that these documents be brought to the attention of the Congress as a means of ensuring follow-up to the suggestions and recommendations made by the Committee.

•          Cyprus, CRC, CRC/C/54 (1996) 38 at paras. 255 and 257.

Paragraph 255

The State party is encouraged to develop a systematic approach to increasing public awareness of the participatory rights of children, in the light of article 12 of the Convention. Current efforts to make the provisions and principles of the Convention widely known and understood by adults and children alike should be pursued and developed in the light of article 42 of the Convention.

Paragraph 257

The State party should carry out a comprehensive and integrated public information campaign aimed at promoting children's rights within society, and particularly within the family.

See also:

•          Mongolia, CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 13 at para. 68.

•          Panama, CRC, CRC/C/62 (1997) 19 at para. 123.

Measures should be taken that are aimed at developing a culture of human rights and at changing attitudes towards children in general, and in particular children belonging to indigenous groups. Information and education about children's rights should be disseminated to children and adults alike. Such information should be translated into the different languages spoken by indigenous people. Moreover, the existence of a high level of illiteracy in the country requires the use of the media in a manner adapted to the various levels of the audiences in the country.

•          Cuba, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 9 at para. 65.

Further measures should be undertaken to protect children from abuse and maltreatment, in particular through the development of a widespread public information campaign for the prevention of corporal punishment and bullying of children, whether by adults or by other children.

•          Ghana, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 15 at paras. 106 and 116.

Paragraph 106

All appropriate measures, including public information campaigns, should be undertaken to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination against girls and children with disabilities, especially those living in rural areas, with a view to facilitating their access to basic services.

Paragraph 116

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

•          Bangladesh, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 22 at para. 167.

As a means of tackling the integrated issues of education and child labour, including in the informal sector, effective information campaigns should be carried out to prevent and eliminate child labour, and the present cooperation between the State party, international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF and non-governmental organizations should be expanded.

•          Lao People’s Democratic Republic, CRC, CRC/C/69 (1997) 8 at para. 63.

Efforts should be strengthened to make the provisions and principles of the Convention widely known by adults and children alike. The State party is encouraged to further increase, through the print and electronic media, public awareness of the participatory rights of children, and to incorporate the Convention in the school curriculum. Appropriate oral or visual material should be developed to further spread knowledge of the Convention among minorities. Assistance from, among others, UNICEF, should be sought in this regard.

•          Uganda, CRC, CRC/C/69 (1997) 21 at para. 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 children 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.

•          Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, CRC, CRC/C/73 (1998) 9 at para. 36.

The insufficient steps that have been taken to date to promote awareness and understanding of the principles and provisions of the Convention among both children and adults are of concern.

See also:

•          Yemen, CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 9 at para. 36.

•          Czech Republic, CRC, CRC/C/69 (1997) 28 at para. 171.

•          Iraq, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 15 at para. 81.

In the light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96), the Committee recommends that the State party develop early identification programmes to prevent disabilities, implement alternatives to the institutionalization of children with disabilities, envisage awareness-raising campaigns to reduce discrimination against children with disabilities, establish special education programmes for children with disabilities and encourage their inclusion in the regular school system and society.

See also:

•          Costa Rica, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 37 at para. 232.

•          Peru, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 64 at para. 376.

•          Cambodia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 64 at para. 379.

•          Bolivia, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 22 at para. 105.

Further efforts should be made to ensure the implementation of the principles of the "best interests of the child" and "respect for the views of the child", especially his or her rights to participate in the family, at school, within other institutions and in society in general. Awareness-raising among the public at large, including traditional communities and religious leaders, as well as educational programmes on the implementation of these principles should be reinforced.

•          Kuwait, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 28 at para. 139.

All appropriate measures, including of a legislative nature, should be taken to prohibit corporal punishment in schools, in the family and other institutions, and in society at large. Awareness-raising campaigns should be conducted to ensure that alternative forms of discipline are administered in a manner consistent with the child's human dignity.

See also:

•          Belize, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 12 at para. 78.

•          Saint Kitts and Nevis, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 17 at para. 81.

•          Chad, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 45 at para. 190.

•          Grenada, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 72 at para. 404

•          Thailand, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 35 at para. 170.

A systematic approach should be developed to increase public awareness of the participatory rights of children and encourage respect for the views of the child within the family, as well as within the school, care and judicial systems.

See also:

•          Sierra Leone, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 24 at para. 154.

•          Grenada, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 72 at para. 398.

•          South Africa, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 81 at para. 432.

•          Suriname, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 84 at para. 478.

•          Guinea, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 21 at para. 108.

A systematic approach should be developed, through the use of the media, to increase public awareness of the participatory rights of children in order to make these rights and their implications fully understood by the population at large.

•          Yemen, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 33 at para. 163.

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

•          Benin, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 35 at para. 141.

The recent introduction of a special telephone hotline for children to deal with complaints of violations of their rights and to provide remedies for such violations is noted, however adequate efforts have not been made to include social workers and NGOs in the telephone hotline service and to ensure adequate training for all officers currently assigned to field calls. Efforts should be made to introduce an awareness-raising campaign to facilitate the effective use of the hotline and to ensure its accessibility to all children.

•          Venezuela, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 10 at para. 41.

The measures used to disseminate the Convention need to be strengthened, especially to facilitate the entry into force of the Organic Law for the Protection of Children and Adolescents. Efforts should be reinforced to make the provisions and the principles of the Convention widely known. Special attention should be paid to increasing awareness of the Convention and to its relationship with the new Organic Law for the Protection of Children and Adolescents.

•          Russian Federation, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 18 at paras. 81, 83 and 95.

Paragraph 81

An increased effort in support for, and cooperation with, NGOs in their efforts should be made to provide training, disseminate information about the Convention, monitor implementation, and to strengthen partnership in the reporting process and in the monitoring of care and juvenile justice institutions.

Paragraph 83

Further measures should be taken to publicize and teach the principles and provisions of the Convention among the adult population, including professional groups and parents, as well as among children.

Paragraph 95

The need for information and education campaigns to prevent and combat all forms of physical or mental violence against children is stressed.

•          Vanuatu, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 29 at para. 150.

A systematic approach should be developed with the involvement of community chiefs, religious leaders and civil society, to increase public awareness of the participatory rights of children and encourage respect for the views of the child within the family, in school and generally in society.

•          The Netherlands, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 53 at para. 249.

Strong and effectively targeted information campaigns should be undertaken to combat the phenomenon of female genital mutilation carried out outside the State party’s territory.

•          India, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 10 at paras. 56, 63, 65, 69, 83 and 109.

Paragraph 56

There is a low level of awareness of the Convention amongst the general public, including children and professionals working with children.

Paragraph 63

The State party is encouraged to continue its efforts to carry out comprehensive public education campaigns to prevent and combat caste-based discrimination.

Paragraph 65

The State party should continue its efforts to carry out comprehensive public education campaigns to prevent and combat gender discrimination, particularly within the family. To assist in these efforts, political, religious and community leaders should be mobilized to support efforts to eradicate traditional practices and attitudes which discriminate against girls.

Paragraph 69

The State party should make greater efforts to ensure the timely registration of all births, in accordance with article 7 of the Convention, and take training and awareness-raising measures as regards registration in rural areas.

Paragraph 83

The State party should combat discrimination against HIV/AIDS affected persons by strengthening awareness-raising and sensitization programmes for the public, and particularly health professionals.

Paragraph 109

The State party should continue its efforts to carry out extensive campaigns to combat harmful traditional practices, such as child marriages and ritual prostitution; and inform, sensitize and mobilize the general public on the child’s right to physical and mental integrity, and safety from sexual exploitation.

•          Sierra Leone, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 24 at paras. 135, 136, 140, 177, 203 and 209.

Paragraph 135

Recognizing the particular importance of an understanding of children’s rights in post-conflict reconstruction in the State party, and particularly in contexts where some customary law or traditional practices may be harmful for some children, the Committee acknowledges the progress made by the State party in disseminating the principles and provisions of the Convention. However, concern remains that dissemination and understanding of the Convention has not been followed by corresponding implementation in the everyday activities or work of civil servants and the population at large.

Paragraph 136

In light of article 42, it is recommended that the State party make additional efforts in the dissemination of the Convention, provide training on its provisions for professionals, inter alia law officials, teachers and health workers, and provide teaching on its provisions to the adult population. The State party should ensure that such training focuses on, and contributes to, practical implementation of the Convention’s provisions and principles. The State party should make every effort to develop a culture of knowledge and respect for human rights in all sectors of the population.

Paragraph 140

The State party should undertake child rights promotional activities in communities which apply customary law practices, explaining the rights of children in this regard with a view to ensuring that a minimum age for marriage is established, that it is the same for both boys and girls, and that girls are not forced into marriage.

Paragraph 177

The State party should pass legislation prohibiting practices of female genital mutilation, ensure that such legislation is enforced in practice and undertake preventive information campaigns.

Paragraph 203

The State party should initiate information campaigns alerting the public to the risks of sexual abuse within the family and within communities.

Paragraph 209

In the light of article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the initial report and written replies submitted by the State party should be made widely available to the public at large and the publication of the report should be considered, along with the relevant summary records and concluding observations adopted thereon by the Committee. Such a document should be widely distributed in order to generate debate and awareness of the Convention, its implementation and monitoring within the Government, the Parliament and the general public, including concerned non-governmental organizations. The State party should request international cooperation in this regard.

See also:

•          India, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 10 at para. 115.

•          Costa Rica, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 37 at para. 238.

•          The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 45 at paras. 253 and 294.

•          Armenia, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 53 at para. 353.

•          Peru, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 64 at para. 383.

•          Costa Rica, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 37 at paras. 224-226 and 229.

Paragraph 224

Educational campaigns should undertake to raise awareness in order to prevent and combat discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnic and/or national origin.

Paragraph 225

In the light of articles 12 to 17 and other related articles of the Convention, it is recommended that further efforts be made to ensure the implementation of the participatory rights of children, especially their rights to participate in the family, at school, within other institutions and in society in general. Awareness raising among the public at large, as well as educational programmes on the implementation of these principles, should be reinforced in order to change traditional perceptions of children as objects and not as subjects of rights.

Paragraph 226

The State party should prohibit the use of corporal punishment in the home and take effective measures to enforce the legal prohibition of corporal punishment in schools and other institutions and in the penal system. The State party should undertake educational campaigns for the development of alternative disciplinary measures for children at home, in schools and other institutions.

Paragraph 229

Concern is expressed at the insufficient awareness regarding the harmful consequences of neglect and abuse, including sexual abuse, both within and outside the family. Furthermore, educational programmes should be established to combat traditional attitudes within society regarding this issue.

See also:

•          Peru, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 64 at para. 375.

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at para. 368.

•          Dominican Republic, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 91 at para. 506.

•          The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 45 at paras. 253, 262 and 294.

The State party is encouraged to undertake campaigns to raise the awareness of parents of the harmful effects of corporal punishment.

•          Armenia, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 53 at paras. 327 and 345.

Paragraph 327

In the light of, inter alia, articles 19 and 39 of the Convention, it is recommended that the State party ensure that all forms of physical and mental violence, including corporal punishment and sexual abuse against children in the family, schools and care institutions are prohibited. Programmes for the rehabilitation and reintegration of abused children need to be strengthened and adequate procedures and mechanisms established to receive complaints, monitor, investigate and prosecute instances of ill-treatment. The State party should launch awareness-raising campaigns on the ill-treatment of children and its negative consequences. It is recommended that the State party promote positive, non-violent forms of discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment, especially in the home and schools. The training of teachers, law-enforcement officials, care workers, judges and health professionals in identification, reporting and management of cases of ill-treatment is recommended.

Paragraph 345

The State party should carry out campaigns to inform and sensitize the general public, especially parents and children, of work hazards; and to involve and train employers’, workers’ and civic organizations; government officials, such as labour inspectors and law-enforcement officials, and other relevant professionals.

See also:

•          India, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 10 at paras. 77 and 102.

•          Islamic Republic of Iran, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 8 at para. 61.

•          Georgia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 18 at para. 119.

•          Kyrgyzstan, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 51 at para. 307.

•          Tajikistan, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 53 at para. 302.

•          Slovakia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 100 at para. 575.

•          Egypt, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 36 at para. 233.

•          Peru, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 64 at paras. 358, 370 and 380.

Paragraph 358

The translation of the Convention into Quechua, one of the official languages in the State party is regarded as a positive measure.

Paragraph 370

Further efforts should be made to ensure the implementation of the principle of “best interests of the child”. Awareness-raising among the public at large, including community leaders, as well as educational programmes on the implementation of this principle should be reinforced in order to change traditional perceptions of children who are too often regarded as objects (Doctrina de la Situación Irregular) rather than subjects of rights.

Paragraph 380

With regard to the sexual exploitation of children, while noting with appreciation the reforms to the State party’s Children and Adolescents Code, Penal Code and Penal Procedures Code, as well as other measures in this area, concerns remain about the absence of a national plan of action to combat and prevent sexual exploitation of children. The limited awareness among the population on sexual exploitation and abuse and on the available measures to identify and report cases of abuse is also a matter of concern. In light of article 34 and other related articles of the Convention, it is recommended that the State party conduct a national study on the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of children as a basis to design and implement a comprehensive national plan of action to prevent and combat this phenomenon, and continue conducting awareness-raising campaigns on this issue. The State party should take into account the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children held in Stockholm in 1996.

See also:

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at paras. 389 and 390.

•          Grenada, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 72 at paras. 392, 398, 400 and 406.

Paragraph 392

The State party should reinforce its efforts to establish an independent Ombudsperson, to deal with complaints of violations of the rights of children and to provide remedies for such violations. It is suggested that the State party introduce an awareness-raising campaign to facilitate the effective use by children of such a mechanism.

Paragraph 400

The State party is encouraged to increase its efforts to develop family education and awareness through, inter alia, providing support, including training for parents, especially those in “visiting” and “common law” relationships, in parental guidance and joint parental responsibilities, in the light of article 18 of the Convention.

Paragraph 406

The State party should undertake an a7areness raising campaign to sensitize the public to the rights and special needs of children with disabilities as well as children with mental health concerns.

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