IV. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS, CONTINUED

CERD

•          Croatia, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 24 at para. 97.

97. The Committee expresses concern at the continued practice of segregation of Roma children within the educational system and at the reports of discrimination against the Roma regarding access to employment, health, political representation and citizenship rights. The Committee recommends that the State party pay particular attention to the situation of the Roma and take effective measures to prevent the segregation of Roma children within the educational system. The Committee further recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to address the high drop-out and poor performance rates of Roma children and guarantee non-discrimination, especially as regards respect for their cultural identity, language and values. The Committee also encourages the State party to reinforce its efforts to train and recruit Roma teachers and to prevent discrimination against the Roma in access to employment, health, political representation and citizenship rights.

•          Lithuania, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 35 at para. 173.

173. The Committee notes with concern that, despite the adoption of a programme for the integration of the Roma into Lithuanian society for 2000-2004, the Roma experience difficulties in enjoying their fundamental rights in the fields of housing, health, employment and education, and are the subject of prejudicial attitudes. In this regard, the Committee wishes to draw the attention of the State party to general recommendation XXVII on discrimination against Roma...

•          Qatar, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 38 at para. 200.

200. On the subject of education, the Committee notes with satisfaction the existence of numerous schools run by foreign nationals, which follow varying curricula...

•          Republic of Moldova, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 41 at para. 226.

226. The Committee expresses its concern about reports that minorities experience discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, education and health care. It is also concerned at reports that the Roma population is sometimes denied access to, and service in, places intended for the general public. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake effective measures to eradicate practices of discrimination against minorities and, in particular, the Roma population...

•          Switzerland, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 46 at para. 252.

252. While welcoming the position of the Federal Council according to which segregated schooling would be contrary to the Federal Constitution, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, the Committee expresses concern about recent moves towards the establishment of separate classes for foreign pupils in some cantons. It is the view of the Committee that segregated schooling may only in exceptional circumstances be considered as being in conformity with article 2 in conjunction with article 5 (e)(v) of the Convention.

•          Turkmenistan, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 49 at paras. 263 and 264.

263. The Committee expresses deep concern about grave allegations of human rights violations in Turkmenistan, both in civil and political, as well as social, economical and cultural domains...

264. In particular, the Committee is concerned about alleged discrimination affecting persons belonging to minorities in the fields of employment and education, as well as with respect to the freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The Committee received information alleging that the State party's present policy of promotion of Turkmen identity leads to discrimination against persons not of Turkmen ethnicity.

•          Armenia, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 50 at para. 280.

280. While noting the adoption in 1999 of the Education Act, guaranteeing the right to education without discrimination, the Committee remains concerned about inadequate access by minority children to education in their mother tongue and reiterates its recommendation that the State party take measures to ensure, wherever possible, such access.

•          Canada, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 56 at paras. 321 and 337.

321. The Committee...notes with satisfaction the Statement of Reconciliation made by the Federal Government expressing Canada's profound regret for the historic injustices committed against Aboriginal people, in particular within the residential school system. The Committee further welcomes the commitment of the State party to building a new partnership with Aboriginal people and the adoption of numerous programmes for their benefit.

...

337. The Committee is concerned about allegations that children of migrants with no status have been excluded from the school system in some of the provinces and hopes that the situation will be remedied.

•          Estonia, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 60 at paras. 357, 358 and 361.

357. The Committee remains concerned by the situation of the Russian minority residing in Estonia, inter alia in relation to issues under article 5 of the Convention, especially economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to employment, health care, and education. The Committee is particularly concerned about double discrimination against women based on gender and on national or ethnic origin.

358. The Committee is concerned that the limited access to remedies hinders the bringing of complaints of discrimination in relation to, inter alia, the labour market, housing and education. The Committee recommends that the equality council mentioned in the draft equality act be established, in accordance with general recommendation XVII, as a national human rights institution with the mandate to advise and to monitor relevant legislation and practice and with competence to deal with individual complaints against acts of discrimination in the public or private sector.

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361. The Committee recommends that the Government of Estonia consider becoming a party to the...Convention Against Discrimination in Education (1960) of the United Nations Educations, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

•          Hungary, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 63 at paras. 370 and 382.

370. The Committee reiterates, in particular, its satisfaction with the promulgation and implementation of Act LXXVII of 1993 on the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities, which recognizes 13 minorities and provides them with a degree of cultural autonomy, as well as a wide range of educational and linguistic rights, and sets up a system of minority self-governments.

...

382. The Committee notes that, notwithstanding the measures provided for in the "Medium-Term Package of Measures", the drop-out rates among Roma students remain high, especially in secondary education and even more so at university level. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party reconsider its policy of assigning Roma children to schools and classes for the mentally disabled. The Committee is also concerned about discriminatory practices resulting from the system of separate classes for Roma students and from private schooling arrangements. While noting that the State party intends to improve the education of Roma, the Committee further recommends that new programmes integrate Roma children into mainstream schools, as far as possible, in order to avoid discrimination.

•          New Zealand, CERD, A/57/18 (2002) 69 at paras. 416 and 420.

416. The Committee welcomes acknowledgement of the disadvantaged position in society of minorities, especially Maori, and accordingly appreciates the large number of initiatives, programmes and projects in the areas of health, education, employment, social welfare, housing, language and culture, and correction services, which are designed to address the specific needs of Maori, Pacific Island people and persons from other groups such as refugees and ethnic minorities.

...

420. The Committee welcomes the State party's policies and initiatives designed to improve the status and use of the Maori language, including the increase[d] supply of services in the Maori language, including in education and State broadcasting.

•          Ecuador, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 22 at paras. 59 and 60.

59. While welcoming the sincerity with which the State party recognizes the existence of de facto discrimination against indigenous people, Afro-Ecuadorians and members of other minorities, the Committee is concerned that a disproportionately high percentage of persons belonging to ethnic minority groups often do not enjoy equal access to the labour market, land and means of agricultural production, health services, education and other facilities and, accordingly, a disproportionately high percentage of members of these groups live in poverty. The Committee urges the State party to intensify its efforts to raise the living standards of these groups, with a view to ensuring their full enjoyment of the economic, social and cultural rights enumerated in article 5 of the Convention...

60. With regard to the important problem of illiteracy among indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian people, the Committee recommends that the State party take measures to increase the number of bilingual teaching personnel, in particular from among these communities...

•          Fiji, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 25 at paras. 77 and 95.

77. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the inclusion, in the 1997 Constitution of Fiji, of a Social Justice Chapter (sect. 44), calling for the elaboration of programmes designed to achieve, for all groups or categories of persons who are disadvantaged, effective equality of access to education and training, land and housing, and participation in commerce and all levels and branches of State public services.

...

95. While welcoming the assurance given by the State that schools are not racially separated in Fiji, the Committee wishes to receive more information on the consequences and the practical implementation of the Education (Establishment and Registration of Schools) Regulation, which states that “while a registered or recognized school may, when selecting pupils for admission give preference to pupils of a particular race or creed, no admission shall be denied solely on grounds of race or religion”. The Committee also wishes to know whether the State party enhances and financially supports multiracial schools...

•          Ghana, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 30 at para. 121.

121. The Committee is concerned about the existing educational gap between populations of certain geographic areas of the country, which has an ethnic dimension. The Committee encourages the Ghanaian authorities to pursue and increase the efforts already undertaken to remedy this situation...

•          Poland, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 35 at para. 163.

163. The Committee notes efforts to meet the specific educational needs of Roma children, but is concerned that in some cases these efforts have led to segregated classes having a lower standard of education than the Polish counterparts. The Committee recommends that new programmes integrate Roma children into mainstream schools as far as possible, in order to avoid discrimination, and that the State party recruit more teachers and teaching assistants from the Roma minority...

•          Slovenia, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 45 at para. 238.

238. The Committee appreciates the flexible approach of the State party as regards the education of Roma children by attempting to address the issue in each given community. However, the Committee is concerned at the existing practice of educating some children in vocational centres for adults and others in special classes. Recalling its general recommendation XXVII on discrimination against Roma, the Committee encourages the State party to promote the integration of children of Roma origin into mainstream schools.

•          Albania, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 53 at paras. 301, 310 and 315.

301. The Committee welcomes with satisfaction the measures adopted to protect religious freedom and the considerable efforts made to promote the education and cultural rights of persons belonging to national minorities. It particularly commends the adoption of article 20 of the Constitution on education in the mother tongue.

...

310. The Committee takes note of the State party’s explanations that “minority areas” no longer exist in Albania, as the persons belonging to minorities have the same rights, whatever their geographical location. The periodic report nevertheless refers primarily to measures adopted to implement cultural rights in districts where the Greek and Macedonian-Slav minorities are traditionally concentrated. These minorities complain about the lack of mother-tongue education system outside these regions and about the refusal by the Albanian authorities to respond to their requests for such education.

The Committee understands that the exercise of the right to study and to be taught in the mother tongue means that a specific number of members of a minority must be present in a particular geographical area. It also recognizes the efforts being made by the State party to ensure that mother-tongue classes and schools are maintained, despite the drop in the number of students. It nevertheless recommends that the State party ensure that the rights of members of minorities are not unduly restricted outside areas where these minorities are concentrated...

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315. The Committee is concerned about information relating to discrimination against the Roma in respect of access to education, health, hygiene, housing, employment, and sufficient and adequate food and water.

The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts on behalf of the Roma minority, in accordance with general recommendation XXVII. Special efforts should be made, in consultation with the communities concerned, to integrate Roma children into the Albanian educational system, while allowing for the possibility of bilingual or mother-tongue instruction and respecting the communities’ cultural identity and way of life...

•          Bolivia, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 58 at para. 341.

341. The Committee notes the lack of information regarding the Afro-Bolivian community which, according to the information received, accounts for around 31,000 individuals situated at the lower end of the socio-economic scale and who face severe disadvantages in health, life expectancy, education, income, literacy, employment and housing. The Committee further notes that there are no specific provisions making reference to this group in the domestic legislation.

The Committee recommends that the State party adopt measures with a view to ensuring to members of the Afro-Bolivian community the full enjoyment of the rights enumerated in article 5 of the Convention...

•          Czech Republic, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 65 at para. 386.

386. While appreciating the complexity of the problem of special schooling and noting the accompanying measures taken by the Government with a view to promoting adequate support to Roma children, the Committee remains concerned, as does the Committee on the Rights of the Child (see CRC/C/15/Add.201, para. 54), at the continued placement of a disproportionately high number of Roma children in “special schools”.

Recalling its general recommendation XXVII, the Committee urges the Government to continue and intensify the efforts to improve the educational situation of the Roma through, inter alia, enrolment in mainstream schools, recruitment of school personnel from among members of Roma communities, and sensitization of teachers and other education professionals to the social fabric and world views of Roma children and those with apparent learning difficulties.

•          Finland, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 69 at para. 409.

409. With respect to article 5, the Committee is concerned about the difficulties faced by Roma in the fields of employment, housing and education, as well as about reported cases of discrimination in daily life such as denial of access to public places, restaurants or bars.

The Committee draws the attention of the State party to its general recommendation XXVII on discrimination against Roma and recommends that the State party take all necessary measures with a view to promoting tolerance and overcoming prejudices and negative stereotypes in order to avoid any form of discrimination against members of the Roma community.

•          Latvia, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 75 at paras. 452 and 453.

452. While recognizing the importance of the education system in creating a coherent society, the Committee is concerned that the educational reform that will introduce bilingual education in all minority schools by September 2004 may cause problems for linguistic minorities in the educational system if it is implemented in the proposed time frame.

The Committee encourages the State party to remain attentive and flexible to the needs and abilities of the persons primarily affected and concerned by the reform. The importance of maintaining a close dialogue with the schools and local communities, including both parents and children, is paramount in the process. It further urges the State party to monitor the reform process closely in order to ensure that a high quality of education is maintained by, inter alia, considering an extension of the transition period to bilingual education and preventing any negative effects that might otherwise arise.

453. While recognizing the possibility of establishing private schools offering, inter alia, education in minority languages, the Committee urges the State party to ensure that the manner in which funding to private schools is provided is in conformity with the Convention.

•          Republic of Korea, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 83 at para. 489.

489. The Committee...welcomes the amendment to the education regulations that allows foreign children of compulsory school age, including those of undocumented migrant workers, equal access to local schools.

•          Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 85 at para. 511.

511. The Committee is concerned that no information has been provided by the State party on the economic, social and cultural situation of minority groups. It is further concerned that persons of Carib ancestry tend to be viewed as the base of the social pyramid and experience discrimination. In general, access to health care and educational opportunities depends on the level of family income.

...The enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, including access to public services, must be ensured for all without discrimination, in accordance with article 5 of the Convention.

•          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 88 at paras. 542 and 543.

542. The Committee expresses concern about the discrimination faced by Roma/Gypsies/Travellers that is reflected, inter alia, in their higher child mortality rate, exclusion from schools, shorter life expectancy, poor housing conditions, lack of available camping sites, high unemployment rate and limited access to health services.

The Committee draws the attention of the State party to its general recommendation XXVII on discrimination against Roma and recommends that the State party develop further appropriate modalities of communication and dialogue between Roma/Gypsy/Traveller communities and central authorities. It also recommends that the State party adopt national strategies and programmes with a view to improving the situation of the Roma/Gypsies/Travellers against discrimination by State bodies, persons or organizations.

543. The Committee reiterates its concern that besides the Roma/Gypsy/Traveller populations, certain other minority groups or individuals belonging to them experience discrimination in the areas of employment, education, housing and health.

The Committee urges the State party to continue taking affirmative measures in accordance with article 2, paragraph 2, of the Convention to ensure equal opportunities for full enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights...

•          Malawi, CERD, A/58/18 (2003) 93 at para. 559.

559. The Committee expresses concern over the State party’s reservations to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees which, in particular, reduce the protection offered to refugees in the field of employment, access to property, right of association, education and social security.

The Committee welcomes the draft Refugee Act, which reflects the intention of the State party to withdraw these reservations, and encourages the State party to give high priority to this process. The Committee recommends, in particular, that the State party take steps to ensure that child refugees are, in practice, given access to education.

•          Bahamas, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 10 at para. 31.

31. The Committee is concerned at reports of statements and press articles inciting racial discrimination against migrants, Haitians in particular, and actual discrimination against migrants in fields such as education and employment. It is disturbed to hear that the State party says it has not been told of such allegations.

The Committee recommends the State party to conduct an inquiry into these allegations and notify the Committee of the outcome. Where appropriate, the State party should take all necessary punitive, educational and other measures to put an end to such conduct.

•          Nepal, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 24 at para. 133.

133. The Committee is concerned that, although the system of agricultural bonded labour known as Kamaiya was abolished in July 2000, the emancipated Kamaiyas are facing many problems, including lack of housing, land, work and education for their children.

The Committee recommends that the State party ensure effective enforcement of the Bonded Labour Prohibition Act 2002 and programmes adopted to put an end to the practice and discrimination against Kamaiyas.

•          The Netherlands, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 29 at para. 152.

152. The Committee regrets that no reference is made in the report to article 3 of the Convention in relation to racial segregation and continues to express concern at the situation of de facto school segregation in some parts of the country.

In the light of its general recommendation XIX on the prevention, prohibition and eradication of racial segregation and apartheid, the Committee recalls that racial segregation can also arise without any initiative or direct involvement by the public authorities and encourages the State party to continue monitoring all trends which may give rise to racial or ethnic segregation and take measures to minimize the resulting negative consequences...

•          Spain, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 32 at paras. 167 and 174.

167. The Committee...notes with satisfaction the extensive measures taken in the social, economic, cultural and other spheres in connection with the Gypsy community, including inter alia:

(a) The further implementation of the Gypsy Development Programme, aimed at promoting access for members of the Gypsy community - on terms of equality with the rest of the population - to public education, health, housing, employment;

(b) The National Plan of Action for Social Inclusion identifying the Gypsy community as a specific beneficiary group;

(c) The Gypsy Education Group aimed at improving the current situation regarding education for Gypsy children and young people.

...

174. With respect to article 5 of the Convention, while the Committee notes with satisfaction the extensive measures taken by the State party in order to improve the overall situation of Gypsies, it is concerned about the difficulties still faced by a large part of them in the fields of employment, housing and education, as well as about reported cases of discrimination in daily life.

The Committee draws the attention of the State party to its general recommendation XXVII on discrimination against Roma (Gypsies) and recommends that the State party take all necessary measures with a view to promoting tolerance and overcoming prejudices and negative stereotypes in order to avoid any form of discrimination against members of the Roma (Gypsy) community.

•          Suriname, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 36 at para. 198.

198. The Committee is disturbed at the continuing lack of health and education facilities and utilities available to indigenous and tribal peoples. It regrets that no special measures have been taken to secure their advancement on the grounds that there are no available data suggesting that they need special protection.

The Committee recommends that greater efforts be undertaken by the State party, in particular as regards the education plan of action for the interior. It also recommends the inclusion in agreements with large business ventures - in consultation with the peoples concerned - of language specifying how those ventures will contribute to the promotion of human rights in areas such as education.

•          Sweden, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 41 at paras. 219 and 221.

219. While the Committee welcomes the new Equal Treatment of Students in Higher Education Act, which entered into force on 1 March 2002 and which contains prohibitions on direct and indirect ethnic discrimination against students and applicants in the field of higher education, it takes note that the Act is reportedly not being implemented with respect to some Swedish universities.

The Committee invites the State party to provide an assessment of the implementation of the new Act.

...

221. While the Committee acknowledges with satisfaction the initiatives taken by the State party to improve the situation of the Roma, such as the establishment of a Council for Roma Issues in 2002 as an advisory body to the Government, it remains concerned about the difficulties still faced by a large part of the Roma community in areas such as employment, housing and education.

The Committee draws the attention of the State party to its general recommendation XXVII on discrimination against Roma and encourages the State party to intensify its efforts to implement national strategies and programmes in these areas, including the biennial strategic programme of the Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination, with a view to improving the situation of the Roma and their protection against discrimination.

•          Argentina, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 45 at paras. 235 and 249.

235. The Committee welcomes the entry into force of Immigration Law No. 25871 in January 2004, which replaces the former Immigration Law No. 22439, and provides, inter alia, for the following:

...

(b) Migrants’ access to basic rights such as education and health irrespective of their migration status;

...

249. The Committee regrets that despite the State party’s efforts, the right to a bilingual and intercultural education for indigenous peoples recognized by the Constitution is not fully respected in practice. It takes note with concern of allegations regarding the lack of adequate training provided to indigenous teachers and discrimination faced by them, as well as the insufficient measures to preserve indigenous languages and to include the history and culture of indigenous peoples in school curricula.

The Committee recommends that the State party adopt all necessary measures to ensure, in consultation with the indigenous communities, a bilingual and intercultural education for indigenous peoples with full respect for their cultural identity, languages, history and culture, bearing also in mind the wider importance of intercultural education for the general population. It further recommends that adequate training be provided to indigenous teachers and effective measures be adopted to combat all forms of discrimination against them...

•          Mauritania, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 61 at paras. 347 and 348.

347. The Committee notes with concern that no provision is made in the educational curriculum for the inclusion of the national languages Pulaar, Soninke and Wolof.

The Committee recommends that the State party study this question again in consultation with the population groups concerned and that it consider including national languages in the education system for those children who wish to receive an education in those languages. The Committee recalls that, in any event, education in national languages should not lead to the exclusion of the group concerned and should meet the minimum standards with regard to the quality of the courses offered.

348. The Committee notes with concern the State party’s policy of ensuring that the curricula in private and public schools are identical. While taking account of the State party’s desire to monitor the quality of private education, the Committee nevertheless has doubts whether such control over private schools is conducive to the teaching of the languages and cultures of minority groups.

The Committee recommends that the State party respect parents’ freedom to choose the type of education they wish for their children and to choose for their children private schools that offer programmes meeting their expectations in terms of culture and language.

•          Portugal, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 66 at para. 370.

370. While the Committee notes the measures taken by the State party to improve the situation of Roma/gypsies, it remains concerned about the difficulties faced by many members of this community in the fields of employment, housing and education, as well as reported cases of discrimination in daily life. The Committee also invites the State party to take more effectively into account, in all programmes and projects planned and implemented and in all measures adopted, the situation of Roma/gypsy women, who are often victims of double discrimination.

The Committee urges the State party to continue taking special measures in accordance with article 2, paragraph 2, of the Convention to ensure the adequate protection of Roma/gypsies and to promote equal opportunities for the full enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights.

•          Slovakia, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 70 at paras. 385 and 387.

385. While the Committee welcomes the extensive measures adopted by the State party in the field of education aimed at improving the situation of Roma children, including the “Roma assistants” project, it continues to express concern at de facto segregation of Roma children in special schools, including special remedial classes for mentally disabled children.

The Committee recommends that the State party prevent and avoid the segregation of Roma children, while keeping open the possibility of bilingual or mother-tongue education. The Committee further recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to raise the level of achievement in school by Roma children, recruit additional school personnel from among members of Roma communities and promote intercultural education.

...

387. While the Committee notes the “comprehensive Roma settlements development programme”, as well as the “programme of support for the construction of communal rental housing of a different standard”, it expresses concern about the isolation of the Roma community in ghetto-like neighbourhoods and their critical situation in respect of housing conditions, especially in the eastern part of the country, where most of the Roma community is concentrated.

In light of its general recommendation XXVII, the Committee recommends that the State party effectively implement policies and projects aimed at avoiding segregation of Roma communities in housing and involve Roma communities and associations as partners in housing construction, rehabilitation and maintenance projects. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the State party to take all possible measures to further improve housing conditions for Roma, taking also into account that for families, and particularly children, living in a proper environment is an essential prerequisite for access to education and employment on an equal footing.

•          Saint Lucia, CERD, A/59/18 (2004) 86 at para. 449.

449. The Committee notes that access to education and training by indigenous peoples appears very limited and is concerned at the fact that Kweyol is not taught in the education system.

The Committee encourages the State party to take measures to facilitate access to education by members of indigenous peoples and to ensure, as far as possible, that members of indigenous peoples have the opportunity to learn Kweyol and to receive instruction in this language.

•          Australia, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 13 at para. 39.

39. While noting the improvement in the enjoyment by the indigenous peoples of their economic, social and cultural rights, the Committee is concerned over the wide gap that still exists between the indigenous peoples and others, in particular in the areas of employment, housing, health, education and income (art. 5).

The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to achieve equality in the enjoyment of rights and allocate adequate resources to programmes aimed at the eradication of disparities. It recommends in particular...that the State party set up benchmarks for monitoring progress in key areas of indigenous disadvantage.

•          Azerbaijan, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 18 at paras. 60 and 62.

60. The Committee expresses its concern that asylum-seekers, refugees, stateless persons, displaced persons and long-term residents residing in Azerbaijan experience discrimination in the areas of employment, education, housing and health (art. 5).

The Committee urges the State party to continue taking necessary measures in accordance with article 5 of the Convention to ensure equal opportunities for full enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights by asylum-seekers, refugees, stateless persons, displaced persons and long-term residents of Azerbaijan. The Committee...draws the attention of the State party to its general recommendation XXX on discrimination against non-citizens.

...

62. While welcoming the information provided on minority groups, the Committee regrets the insufficiency of information on the participation of these groups in the elaboration of cultural and educational policies. It is also concerned at the lack of programmes to support minority languages, and that those languages are not used in the educational system to an extent commensurate to the proportion of the different ethnic communities represented in the State party’s population (art. 5).

The Committee invites the State party to facilitate the participation of ethnic minorities in the elaboration of cultural and educational policies. The Committee also recommends to the State party that it take the necessary measures to create favourable conditions that will enable persons belonging to minorities to develop their culture, language, religion, traditions and customs, and to learn or to have instruction in their mother tongue...

•          Bahrain, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 22 at paras. 84 and 86.

84. The Committee remains concerned at the situation of migrant workers, in particular regarding their enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights.

In light of article 5 (e) (i) and of general recommendation XXX on non-citizens, the Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to extend full protection from racial discrimination to all migrant workers and remove obstacles that prevent the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by these workers, notably in the areas of education, housing, employment and health...

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86. The Committee notes with concern the reportedly disparate treatment of and discrimination faced by members of some groups, in particular the Shia, that may be distinguishable by virtue of their tribal or national origin, descent, culture or language; the Committee is especially concerned about apparently disparate opportunities that are afforded to such groups.

The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that everyone, without distinction as to race, colour, or national or ethnic origin, enjoys the rights to work and to health and social security, adequate housing and education in accordance with article 5 (e) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) of the Convention.

•          France, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 26 at paras. 107, 110 and 112.

107. The Committee is...concerned at the unfavourable situation faced by immigrants and population groups of immigrant origin in the field of employment and education, despite the State party’s substantial efforts in this area.

The Committee encourages the State party to follow the recommendations set out in the Court of Audit’s report on employment and education for immigrants and population groups of immigrant origin. The Committee draws the State party’s attention to its general recommendation XXV on gender-related dimensions of racial discrimination, and also invites it to bear more specifically in mind, in all measures which are adopted or planned, the situation of women, who sometimes fall victim to twofold discrimination.

...

110. While it appreciates the State party’s oral and written responses to questions relating to the situation of travellers, the Committee remains concerned at delays in the effective application of the Act of 5 July 2000 on the reception and housing of travellers and the persistent difficulties travellers encounter in such fields as education, employment and access to the social security and health system.

The Committee reminds the State party of its general recommendation XXVII on discrimination against Roma and recommends that it should step up its efforts to provide travellers with more parking areas equipped with the necessary facilities and infrastructures and located in clean environments, intensify its efforts in the field of education and combat the phenomena of exclusion of travellers more effectively, including in the fields of employment and access to health services.

...

112. The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the State party on the implementation of the Act of 15 March 2004 governing the wearing of symbols or clothing denoting religious affiliation in State primary and secondary schools, in pursuance of the principle of secularism.

The Committee recommends to the State party that it should continue to monitor the implementation of the Act of 15 March 2004 closely, to ensure that it has no discriminatory effects and that the procedures followed in its implementation always place emphasis on dialogue, to prevent it from denying any pupil the right to education and to ensure that everyone can always exercise that right.

•          Ireland, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 30 at paras. 142 and 145.

142. The Committee, noting that almost all primary schools are run by Catholic groups and that non-denominational or multidenominational schools represent less than 1 per cent of the total number of primary education facilities, is concerned that existing laws and practice would favour Catholic pupils in the admission to Catholic schools in case of shortage of places, particularly in the light of the limited alternatives available (art. 5 (d) (vii) and 5 (e) (v)).

The Committee, recognizing the “intersectionality” of racial and religious discrimination, encourages the State party to promote the establishment of non-denominational or multidenominational schools and to amend the existing legislative framework so that no discrimination may take place as far as the admission of pupils (of all religions) to schools is concerned.

...

145. While noting the efforts made so far by the State party with regard to the situation of members of the Traveller community in the field of health, housing, employment and education, the Committee remains concerned about the effectiveness of policies and measures in these areas (art. 5 (e)).

The Committee recommends to the State party that it intensify its efforts to fully implement the recommendations of the Task Force on the Traveller community, and that all necessary measures be taken urgently to improve access by Travellers to all levels of education, their employment rates as well as their access to health services and to accommodation suitable to their lifestyle.

•          Lao People’s Democratic Republic, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 35 at para. 171.

171. The Committee notes with concern that, according to certain reports, a major obstacle to the education and vocational training of persons belonging to ethnic groups is the fact that education is provided only in Lao. Language barriers are also apparently responsible for the many problems encountered in obtaining access to social services (art. 5).

The Committee recommends to the State party that it take all possible measures to ensure that persons belonging to ethnic groups receive education and vocational training in their mother tongue and that it increase its efforts to ensure that they learn Lao.

•          Luxembourg, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 40 at para. 192.

192. The Committee...notes with satisfaction school curricula that promote interculturalism, a certain number of mother-tongue classes for immigrant children and the introduction of intercultural mediators in schools.

•          Barbados, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 43 at para. 219.

219. While taking note of the State party’s observation that education in Barbados is “socially guaranteed”, the Committee expresses concern that the right to education as well as other economic and social rights are not adequately protected in domestic law.

The Committee recommends to the State party that it ensure equal enjoyment of economic and social rights including the right to education contained in article 5 (e) of the Convention.

•          Nigeria, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 54 at paras. 284 and 293.

284. The Committee notes with appreciation the provision of mobile schools for children of nomadic communities.

...

293. The Committee is concerned about the persistence of discrimination against persons belonging to various ethnic groups in the fields of employment, housing and education, including discriminatory practices by people who consider themselves to be the original inhabitants of their region against settlers from other states...

The Committee recommends that the State party continue to promote equal opportunities for all persons without discrimination in order to ensure their full enjoyment of their rights, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 2, and article 5 of the Convention...

•          Turkmenistan, CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 61 at paras. 318, 321 and 325.

318. The Committee is deeply concerned by consistent information relating to the policy of “Turkmenization” conducted by the State party, and implemented through various measures in the field of employment, education and political life (arts. 2 and 5).

The Committee recalls that policies of forced assimilation amount to racial discrimination and constitute grave violations of the Convention. It urges the State party to respect and protect the existence and cultural identity of all national and ethnic minorities within its territory...

...

321. The Committee is concerned about information that persons belonging to national and ethnic minorities are impeded from exercising their right to enjoy their own culture. In particular, it is concerned about the reported closure of minority cultural institutions and of numerous schools teaching in minority languages, in particular Uzbek, Russian, Kazakh and Armenian languages...

The Committee recommends that the State party fully respect the cultural rights of persons belonging to national and ethnic minorities. In particular, the State party should consider reopening Uzbek, Russian, Kazakh, Armenian and other minority language schools. The Committee suggests that the State party reconsider the requirement that students belonging to national or ethnic minorities wear Turkmen national dress...

...

325. The Committee...[w]hile taking note of the abolition of the exit visa in 2004...remains concerned about the reported impediments imposed on Turkmen students wishing to study abroad (art. 7).

...The Committee...recommends that the State party allow students to study abroad and that it provide detailed information on the actual regulations and practices relating to the recognition of foreign degrees.

•          Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), CERD, A/60/18 (2005) 71 at para. 366.

366. The Committee welcomes with satisfaction the rights and principles contained in the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of 1999, in particular the preamble, which establishes the multi-ethnic and multicultural nature of Venezuelan society, as well as article 21 and chapter VIII which guarantees the rights of indigenous peoples, such as the right to intercultural bilingual education, the right to traditional medicine and the right to participate in political life.

ICCPR

•          Hungary, ICCPR, A/57/40 vol. I (2002) 60 at para. 80(7).

(7) The Committee is deeply concerned at the situation of the Roma people who, despite various steps taken by the State party, remain disadvantaged in almost all aspects of life covered by the Covenant. The Committee particularly regrets ongoing discrimination against Roma with regard to employment, housing, education, social security and participation in public life. The...continuing existence of separate schools are also ongoing sources of concern to the Committee.

The State party should strengthen measures for improving the situation of the Roma people...The State party should also discontinue the placement of Roma children in special schools or special classes and give priority to measures that will enable them to benefit from regular schools and classes (articles 26 and 27 of the Covenant).

•          Togo, ICCPR, A/58/40 vol. I (2002) 36 at para. 78(22).

(22) The Committee is worried about continuing discrimination against women and girls with respect to access to education, employment, inheritance and political representation in Togo. Moreover, as the State party itself has acknowledged, certain cultural practices, as well as women’s unawareness of their rights, give rise to many violations of women’s rights.

The State party should eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, increase its efforts to educate girls and make the population more aware of women’s rights, and carry out new programmes with a view to giving women access to employment and political posts.

•          Mali, ICCPR, A/58/40 vol. I (2002) 47 at para. 81(13).

(13) The Committee states its concern about reports that women do not enjoy rights on an equal basis with men as regards political participation and access to education and employment.

The State party should strengthen its efforts to promote the situation of women in the areas of political participation, access to education and access to employment...

•          Slovakia, ICCPR, A/58/40 vol. I (2003) 52 at para. 82(18).

(18) The Committee notes the introduction of programmes such as pre-school grades at elementary schools, the inclusion of Romani language education and the inclusion of teacher’s assistant positions for Roma pupils. However, the Committee is concerned about the grossly disproportionate number of Roma children assigned to special schools designed for mentally disabled children, which causes a discriminatory effect in contravention of article 26 of the Covenant.

The State party should take immediate and decisive steps to eradicate the segregation of Roma children in its educational system by ensuring that any differentiation within education is aimed at securing attendance in non-segregated schools and classes. Where needed, the State party should also provide special training to Roma children to secure, through positive measures, their access to education without segregation.

•          Portugal, ICCPR, A/58/40 vol. I (2003) 56 at para. 83(20).

(20) The Committee is concerned that, despite extensive positive measures adopted by the State party, the Roma continue to suffer from prejudice and discrimination, particularly with regard to access to housing, employment and social services, and that the State party was unable to submit detailed information, including statistical information, on the situation of these communities as well as on the results achieved by the institutions responsible for the advancement and welfare of the Roma (arts. 26 and 27).

(a) The State party should intensify its efforts to integrate Roma communities in Portugal in a manner that is respectful of their cultural identity, in particular through the adoption of positive action with regard to housing, employment, education and social services.

...

•          Latvia, ICCPR, A/59/40 vol. I (2003) 25 at para. 65(20).

(20) While noting the explanation provided by the State party for the adoption of the Education Law of 1998, particularly the gradual transition to Latvian as the language of instruction, the Committee remains concerned about the impact of the current time limit on the move to Latvian as the language of instruction, in particular in secondary schools, on Russian-speakers and other minorities. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned about the distinction made in providing State support to private schools based on the language of instruction (arts. 26 and 27).

The State party should take all necessary measures to prevent negative effects on minorities of the transition to Latvian as the language of instruction. It should also ensure that if State subsidies are provided to private schools, they are provided in a non-discriminatory manner.

•          Germany, ICCPR, A/59/40 vol. I (2004) 39 at para. 68(21).

(21) The Committee is concerned that the Roma continue to suffer prejudice and discrimination, in particular with regard to access to housing and employment...

(a) The State party should intensify its efforts to integrate Roma communities in Germany in a manner respectful of their cultural identity, in particular through the adoption of positive action with regard to housing, employment and education.

...

•          Suriname, ICCPR, A/59/40 vol. I (2004) 43 at para. 69(19).

(19) While noting the State party’s effort to establish a “nucleus centre” to provide schooling in the interior of the country, the Committee remains concerned at reports indicating that as few as 40 per cent of children living in the interior of the country attend primary school, thus depriving many children of the possibility of attending school on an equal footing with children in other parts of the country (art. 26).

The State party should ensure that all children are afforded equal opportunities for access to schooling, and that school fees do not prevent them from receiving primary education.

•          Serbia and Montenegro, ICCPR, A/59/40 vol. I (2004) 68 at para. 75(24).

(24) The Committee is concerned that widespread discrimination against the Roma persists with regard to all areas of life. The Committee is particularly concerned about the deplorable social and economic situation of the Roma minority, including access to health services, social assistance, education and employment which has a negative impact on the full enjoyment of their rights under the Covenant (arts. 2, 26, 27).

The State party should take all necessary measures to ensure the practical enjoyment by the Roma of their rights under the Covenant, by urgently implementing all strategies and plans to address discrimination and the serious social situation of the Roma in Serbia and Montenegro.

See also:

•          Albania, ICCPR, A/60/40 vol. I (2004) 25 at para. 82(21).

•          Slovenia, ICCPR, A/60/40 vol. I (2005) 74 at para. 93(17).

•          Finland, ICCPR, A/60/40 vol. I (2004) 22 at para. 81(15).

(15) While acknowledging the State party’s efforts to enable the Roma minority to preserve its language and culture and to integrate fully into society, the Committee again notes with concern that Roma still face discrimination in housing, education, employment and access to public places.

The State party should step up its efforts to combat social exclusion and discrimination, and allocate the requisite resources to put into effect all plans to do away with obstacles to the Roma’s practical exercise of the rights they enjoy under the Covenant (arts. 26 and 27).

•          Morocco, ICCPR, A/60/40 vol. I (2004) 35 at para. 84(26).

(26) While welcoming the progress made in the area of education, the Committee remains concerned about the continuing high number of illiterates, particularly among women.

The State party should continue with the action undertaken to remedy this situation (Covenant, art. 26).

•          Poland, ICCPR, A/60/40 vol. I (2004) 40 at para. 85(17).

(17) While noting measures taken to improve the conditions of the Roma community, the Committee is concerned that the Roma continue to suffer prejudice and discrimination, in particular with regard to access to health services, social assistance, education and employment...

The State party should intensify its efforts to prevent discrimination against the Roma community and ensure their full enjoyment of their Covenant rights...

•          Greece, ICCPR, A/60/40 vol. I (2005) 60 at para. 90(14).

(14) The Committee is concerned at allegations of discrimination against members of minority religions, including in the field of education. In particular, public school students are required to attend instructional classes in the Christian Orthodox religion and can opt out only after declaring their religion (art. 18).

(a) The State party should take measures to ensure full respect for the rights and freedoms of each religious community, in conformity with the Covenant;

(b) The Committee encourages the State party to hold consultations with representatives of minority religions, in order to find practical ways to permit religious instruction to be given to those desiring such opportunities. Pupils not wishing to attend religious education classes should not be obliged to declare their religion.

•          Yemen, ICCPR, A/60/40 vol. I (2005) 65 at para. 91(8).

(8) The Committee welcomes the adoption of various measures for the advancement of women, as well as the recognition by the State party that stereotypical views of women’s and men’s social roles and responsibilities have had a negative impact on some aspects of Yemeni legislation. It notes with concern the high rate of illiteracy among women, which clearly hinders the enjoyment of their civil and political rights (arts. 3 and 26).

The State party should increase its efforts to change stereotypical attitudes detrimental to women’s rights, and to promote the literacy and education of girls and women.

ICESCR

•          Croatia, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 125 at paras. 902, 914, 919 and 920.

902. With respect to the right to education, the Committee commends the near-achievement of universal and free compulsory primary education, in conformity with article 14 of the Covenant. However, the Committee is concerned by reports that some children from certain minority groups, in particular the Roma, and children of undocumented aliens may not be going to school. The Committee is concerned about reports that the curriculum and textbooks used in schools contain derogatory references to minority groups.

...

914. The Committee urges the State party to structure its data collection efforts in the future in such a way as to be able to identify clearly the most disadvantaged and marginalized groups of society. It calls on the State party to conduct studies of all its laws, policies and practices with a view to assessing their effects on those groups, especially with regard to those areas that most directly affect their basic living conditions, such as employment, housing restitution, relocation, tenancy rights, health care, naturalization and education. All data should be disaggregated by minority groups, as well as by gender, religion, disability and any other relevant criteria that will help the State party develop targeted programmes to help those most in need.

...

919. The Committee recommends that immediate steps be taken to ensure that all children residing within the territory of the State party, regardless of their ethnic origin or the status of their parents, are able to go to school and are protected from discrimination.

...

920. The Committee urges that the educational curricula of schools at all levels be reviewed with a view to promoting human rights education, mutual understanding, tolerance and friendship, in accordance with article 13 of the Covenant. Conversely, any educational material that is discriminatory or derogatory towards others should be removed. The Committee recommends that the State party take guidance in such educational reform from its General Comment No. 13 (1999) on the right to education (art. 13 of the Covenant) and by Committee on the Rights of the Child General Comment No. 1 (2001) on the aims of education (art. 29, para. 1, of the Convention on the Rights of the Child).

•          Czech Republic, ICESCR, E/2003/22 (2002) 25 at paras. 90 and 111.

90. The Committee is deeply concerned about the over-representation of Roma children in so-called "special schools" which are primarily designed for mentally retarded children, resulting in discrimination, substandard education and the stigma of mental disability.

...

111. The Committee urges the State party to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate discrimination against Roma children by removing them from "special schools" and integrating them into the mainstream of the educational system.

•          Ireland, ICESCR, E/2003/22 (2002) 29 at paras. 129 and 150.

129. The Committee is concerned about the persistence of discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, especially in the fields of employment, social security benefits, education and health.

...

150. The Committee urges the State party to enact legislation that extends the constitutional right to free primary education to all adults with special educational needs.

•          Benin, ICESCR, E/2003/22 (2002) 34 at paras. 179, 198 and 200.

179. The Committee is concerned at the persistently high illiteracy rate in the State party, which is higher among women than men. It also notes with concern the cultural preference given in educational matters to male children, as can be seen in the markedly higher primary school enrolment rates for boys than for girls.

...

198. The Committee recommends the State party to step up efforts to provide girls and boys with equal access to education. It urges the State party to take effective measures to improve the literacy rate, particularly of women.

...

200. The Committee urges the State party to get down to the formulation and adoption of a wide-ranging plan of national education for all, as called for in paragraph 16 of the Dakar Framework for Action adopted at the World Education Forum in April 2000. It is invited to take account, in formulating and carrying out that plan, of the Committee's general comments no. 11 (1999) on plans of action for primary education (art. 14 of the Covenant) and no. 13 (1999) on the right to education (art. 13 of the Covenant), and to institute an effective follow-up system. It is invited to seek advice and technical assistance from UNESCO in formulating and carrying out its plan.

•          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ICESCR, E/2003/22 (2002) 40 at paras. 217, 225, 226, 234, 244 and 245.

217. The Committee is concerned about the persistence of de facto discrimination in relation to some marginalized and vulnerable groups in society, especially ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities, in various fields, including employment, housing and education. The Committee regrets the unwillingness of the State party to adopt comprehensive legislation on equality and protection from discrimination, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 2, and article 3 of the Covenant.

...

225. The Committee notes with concern that the introduction of tuition fees and student loans, which is inconsistent with article 13, paragraph 2 (c) of the Covenant, has tended to worsen the position of students from less privileged backgrounds, who are already underrepresented in tertiary education.

226. The Committee reiterates the concern it expressed in its previous concluding observations21/ that the educational structure in Northern Ireland continues to be heavily segregated on the basis of religion, despite the increased demand for integrated schools.

...

234. The Committee urges the State party to take more effective steps to combat de facto discrimination, in particular against ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, especially in relation to employment, housing and education. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party enact comprehensive legislation on equality and non-discrimination in British law, in conformity with article 2, paragraph 2, and article 3 of the Covenant.

...

244. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to ensure that the introduction of tuition fees and student loans does not have a negative impact upon students from less privileged backgrounds, in accordance with paragraphs 14, 20 and 45 of the Committee's general comment no.13 (1999) on the right to education...

245. The Committee reiterates its recommendation made in 199726/ that the State party consider appropriate measures in Northern Ireland to facilitate the establishment of additional integrated schools in areas where a significant number of parents have indicated their desire to have their children enrolled in such schools.

_________________

Notes

...

21/ [Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1998, Supplement No. 2 (E/1998/22-E/C.12/1997/10) chap. V], para. 301.

...

26/ [Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1998, Supplement No. 2 (E/1998/22-E/C.12/1997/10), chap. V], para. 312.

_________________

•          Slovakia, ICESCR, E/2003/22 (2002) 50 at paras. 314, 323, 325, 327 and 338.

314. The Committee is deeply concerned about discrimination against Roma people in the fields of employment, housing, health care and education...

...

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

...

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

...

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

...

338. The Committee urges the State party to intensify its efforts to increase the school attendance of Roma children, especially at the primary level, and to address the problem of dropouts among secondary school pupils...

•          Poland, ICESCR, E/2003/22 (2002) 54 at paras. 355 and 377.

355. ...The Committee...expresses its concern at the high dropout rates among Roma students.

...

377. ...The Committee...urges the State party to adopt effective measures to combat the low school attendance and high dropout rates among Roma students and to provide for their integration into regular classes on an equal footing with other Polish children.

•          Georgia, ICESCR, E/2003/22 (2002) 59 at paras. 411 and 430.

411. The Committee expresses deep concern about the deplorable situation of internally displaced persons in the State party. The State party's efforts to provide basic services to this disadvantaged group and special legislation adopted to that end have succeeded only partially in meeting the most basic needs of internally displaced persons, particularly with regard to employment, social security, adequate housing and access to water, electricity, basic health services and education.

...

430. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party take effective measures, in consultation with relevant civil society organizations, to improve the situation of internally displaced persons, including the adoption of a comprehensive programme of action aiming at ensuring more effectively their rights to adequate housing, food and water, health services and sanitation, employment and education, and the regularization of their status in the State party.

•          Solomon Islands, ICESCR, E/2003/22 (2002) 65 at paras. 463 and 477.

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

...

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

•          Brazil, ICESCR, E/2004/22 (2003) 28 at paras. 127, 146, 151 and 170.

127. The Committee is concerned about the widespread and deeply rooted discrimination against Afro-Brazilians, indigenous peoples and minority groups such as Gypsies and the Quilombo communities.

...

146. The Committee is concerned about the high rate of illiteracy in Brazil that, according to the State party’s report, was 13.3 per cent in 1999, reflecting the social and economic inequalities still prevalent in the country.

...

151. The Committee urges the State party to take all effective measures to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, colour, ethnic origin or sex in all fields of economic, social and cultural life. It further recommends that the State party undertake urgent measures to ensure equal opportunity for Afro-Brazilians, indigenous peoples and minority groups such as Gypsies and the Quilombo communities, especially in the fields of employment, health and education...

...

170. The Committee requests the State party to adopt effective measures to combat illiteracy...

•          New Zealand, ICESCR, E/2004/22 (2003) 35 at paras. 193 and 208.

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

...

208. The Committee urges the State party to take remedial action to ensure that the indigenous Maori people have equal access to education...

•          Israel, ICESCR, E/2004/22 (2003) 42 at paras. 252 and 288.

252. The Committee notes that, while gaps still remain, the State party has achieved some positive results towards expanding basic education and special education for non-Jewish sectors.

...

288. The Committee...encourages the State party to develop the system of mixed schools for Jewish and Arab pupils, in order to promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among the citizens of the country.

•          Republic of Moldova, ICESCR, E/2004/22 (2003) 49 at paras. 319 and 341.

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

...

341. The Committee urges the State party to reinforce its efforts to ensure that children are not prevented from attending school because of poverty in the family. It also recommends that the State party consider establishing new pre-school educational institutions...

•          Yemen, ICESCR, E/2004/22 (2003) 55 at paras. 367 and 386.

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

...

386. The Committee urges the State party to implement fully its national education for all plan for, taking into account the Committee’s general comments Nos. 11 (1999) on plans of action for primary education (art. 14 of the Covenant) and 13 (1999) on the right to education (art. 13 of the Covenant).

•          Guatemala, ICESCR, E/2004/22 (2003) 59 at paras. 403, 404, 419, 421, 422 and 437.

403. The Committee is concerned about the persisting discrimination against indigenous peoples, with regard to access to, inter alia, landownership, work, education, health services and adequate nutrition and housing.

404. The Committee is concerned about the de facto inequality between women and men, which is perpetuated by traditional prejudices and social conditions, in spite of an important number of legal instruments adopted by the State party.

...

419. The Committee is concerned that only 30 per cent of children living in rural communities complete primary education and, in the case of indigenous children, only 20 per cent complete it. The Committee also expresses its concern about the limited access for indigenous peoples to enjoy education in their mother tongue and to use it in their dealings with public authorities.

...

421. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to combat discrimination against indigenous peoples, in particular in the areas of employment, health services, landownership, adequate nutrition, housing and education.

422. The Committee calls upon the State party to ensure equality between men and women in all spheres of life, in particular by taking effective measures to combat discrimination in the education of the girl-child, in access to employment, in equal pay for work of equal value and in access to land and credit services. The Committee urges the State party to increase the level of representation of women in public services.

...

437. The Committee urges the State party to make efforts to increase school attendance of children, particularly of indigenous children. The Committee recommends that the State party broaden its intercultural bilingual education and allocate adequate funds and human resources to the Department of Intercultural Bilingual Education, and improve the working conditions of teachers by paying them better salaries and providing them with training as well as hiring additional teachers to cover rural areas fully.

•          Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, ICESCR, E/2004/22 (2003) 71 at paras. 516, 529, 534, 550 and 555.

516. The Committee...notes with appreciation the full implementation of a free and universal 11-year education system.

...

529. The Committee notes with concern that existing social and educational policies in the State party for orphans keep them in segregated environments, which can lead to situations of social exclusion.

...

534. The Committee remains concerned that children with disabilities, whenever possible, are not included in the regular school system.

...

550. The Committee urges the State party to strengthen its efforts to provide alternative family care for orphans and to include them in the regular school system.

...

555. The Committee recommends that the State party change the present system concerning the education of children with disabilities by allowing these children to be educated in the regular school system. Moreover, the State party should take measures to raise awareness among students, teachers and families of the special needs of these children and train teachers to assist them effectively in regular classes.

•          Greece, ICESCR, E/2005/22 (2004) 23 at paras. 131, 132, 148, 153 and 170.

131. While acknowledging the State party’s efforts to promote the social integration of Greek Roma, the Committee remains deeply concerned about the persistent discrimination against Roma people in the fields of housing, health and education...

132. The Committee notes with concern that economic, social and cultural rights normally also guaranteed to non-citizens, such as the right to non-discrimination or the right to free education, are reserved to Greek citizens under the State party’s Constitution.

...

148. The Committee is concerned that a high percentage of Roma and Turkish-speaking children are not enrolled in school, or drop out at a very early stage of their schooling. While it is possible to receive bilingual instruction in Turkish and Greek at the two Muslim minority secondary schools in Thrace, the Committee notes with concern that no such possibility exists at the primary level or outside Thrace, and that members of other linguistic groups have no possibility to learn their mother tongue at school.

...

153. The Committee recommends that the State party harmonize its relevant constitutional provisions with its obligation to guarantee that the Covenant rights will be exercised without discrimination, based on the prohibited grounds as enshrined in the Covenant.

...

170. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to increase school attendance by Roma and Turkish-speaking children, including at the secondary level, to ensure, to the extent possible, that children belonging to minority linguistic groups have an opportunity to learn their mother tongue, including regional dialects, at school, and to ensure an adequate staffing with teachers specialized in multicultural education.

•          Kuwait, ICESCR, E/2005/22 (2004) 29 at paras. 199 and 219.

199. The Committee is concerned that the State party does not provide free compulsory education to non-Kuwaiti children as a right enshrined in the Covenant.

...

219. The Committee urges the State party to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that non-Kuwaiti children living in Kuwait have access to free compulsory education as a right enshrined in the Covenant...

•          Spain, ICESCR, E/2005/22 (2004) 34 at paras. 232 and 249.

232. The Committee is concerned that, in spite of the existence of a range of programmes at the national and regional levels aimed at improving the situation of the Roma (Gypsy) population, including the Second National Plan of Action for Social Inclusion (2003-2005) and the Gypsy Development Programme, the Roma remain in a vulnerable and marginalized situation in the State party, especially with regard to employment, housing, health and education.

...

249. The Committee encourages the State party to continue and strengthen its efforts to address the situation of the Roma population, increasing at the same time the involvement of Roma associations in the planning and implementation of such programmes...

•          Ecuador, ICESCR, E/2005/22 (2004) 39 at paras. 277, 279, 300 and 302.

277. The Committee is concerned that, despite the legal framework in place and the growing influence of indigenous grassroots community groups, indigenous people continue to suffer discrimination, particularly with regard to employment, housing, health and education.

...

279. The Committee is deeply concerned about the de facto discrimination against the Afro-Ecuadorian population in all spheres of life...

...

300. The Committee recommends that the State party take effective and practical steps to ensure effective protection of indigenous people against discrimination in many fields, especially with regard to employment, housing, health and education...

...

302. The Committee urges the State party to undertake immediate steps to ensure equal opportunities for Afro-Ecuadorians, particularly with regard to employment, housing, health and education...

•          Italy, ICESCR, E/2005/22 (2004) 54 at paras. 435 and 456.

435. Reiterating its concluding observations on Italy’s third periodic report, the Committee remains concerned about the plight of Roma immigrants living in camps with poor housing, unhygienic sanitary conditions, limited employment prospects and inadequate educational facilities for their children.

...

456. The Committee urges the State party to step up its efforts to build more permanent housing settlements for the Roma immigrants and take all the necessary measures to promote their integration into local communities, offer them job opportunities and make adequate educational facilities available to their children.

•          Azerbaijan, ICESCR, E/2005/22 (2004) 59 at paras. 480, 498, 506 and 524.

480. While noting that the constitutional guarantee of the enjoyment of all rights and freedoms is extended to all foreign citizens and stateless persons, the Committee is concerned about the persistent de facto discrimination against foreign citizens, ethnic minorities and stateless persons in the fields of housing, employment and education...

...

498. The Committee is concerned that pursuant to article 19 of the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners and Persons Without Citizenship, the State party does not provide free compulsory education to non-Azerbaijani children. The Committee also expresses concern that the education standards in the State party have experienced a fall over the last decade owing to a number of factors, including lack of State investment in education.

...

506. The Committee recommends that the State party take all measures to ensure that all persons under its jurisdiction enjoy the economic, social and cultural rights enshrined in the Covenant without discrimination...

...

524. The Committee calls upon the State party to take effective measures to ensure that all children under its jurisdiction have access to free compulsory education as a right, as stipulated in the Covenant, and to significantly increase the public expenditure on education. In this regard the Committee further encourages the State party to consider amending the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners and Persons without Citizenship...

•          Chile, ICESCR, E/2005/22 (2004) 67 at paras. 555 and 585.

555. While noting the progress made in increasing education coverage, the Committee is concerned at the disparity in the quality of education offered in municipal and private schools. The Committee is also concerned about the relatively high drop-out rates, especially among teenage girls.

...

585. The Committee recommends that the State party continue to strengthen efforts to improve the quality of education in municipal schools and to address the issue of dropouts, especially among teenage girls, including by securing adequate support for teenage mothers to continue their education.

•          Zambia, ICESCR, E/2006/22 (2005) 19 at paras. 78, 101 and 125.

78. The Committee notes with appreciation the State’s policy of allowing pregnant girls to continue in their education.

...

101.While noting the activities undertaken by the State party such as the Programme for the Advancement of Girls’ Education aimed at encouraging girls to stay in the school system, especially in the rural areas, the Committee remains concerned that traditional attitudes continue and that discrimination against girl children is prevalent in the State party.

...

125. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts and continue to undertake educational campaigns for all sectors of society, including traditional rulers, parents and guardians, on the value of educating girl children.

•          China, ICESCR, E/2006/22 (2005) 25 at paras. 144, 145, 166, 167, 175, 176 and 195.

144. The Committee notes with deep concern the de facto discrimination against internal migrants in the fields of employment, social security, health services, housing and education that indirectly result from inter alia, the restrictive national household registration system (hukou) which continues to be in place despite official announcements regarding reforms.

145. The Committee is concerned about the reported persistence of discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, especially in terms of employment, social security, education and health.

...

166. The Committee is concerned about the continued irregularities in the State party’s provision of universal access to free compulsory primary education, in particular with regard to rural communities, minority regions, disadvantaged families and internal migrant population. The Committee is also concerned about the high junior middle school drop-out rate in some rural areas.

167. The Committee notes with concern the reports regarding the discrimination of ethnic minorities in the State party, in particular in the field of employment, adequate standard of living, health, education and culture. In this regard, the Committee regrets the insufficient information provided by the State party regarding the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights enshrined in the Covenant by populations in the ethnic minority areas. The Committee notes with concern the reports from sources other than the State party relating to the right to the free exercise of religion as a right to take part in cultural life, and the use and teaching of minority languages, history and culture and the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

...

175. The Committee calls upon the State party to implement its decision to dismantle the hukou system of national household registration and to ensure that in any system that replaces it, internal migrants will be able to enjoy the same work, social security, housing, health and education benefits enjoyed by those in urban areas.

176. The Committee recommends that the State party adopt effective measures to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, especially in the fields of employment, social security, education and health...

...

195. In line with its general comments No. 11 (1999) on plans of action for primary education (art. 14 of the Covenant) and 13 (1999) on the right to education (art. 13 of the Covenant), the Committee calls upon the State party to take effective measures to ensure that all children, including migrant children and ethnic minority children, have access to free compulsory primary education. The Committee also calls upon the State party to undertake effective reforms in the current education financing policies so as to allocate sufficient funds to support the provision of free and compulsory nine-year education to all children on national, state and local levels; and to eliminate all school-related fees so as to make compulsory primary education truly free for all children. The Committee further urges the State party to increase public expenditure on education in general, and to take deliberate and targeted measures towards the progressive realization of the right to education for the disadvantaged and marginalized groups throughout the country.

•          China (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), ICESCR, E/2006/22 (2005) 34 at paras. 218 and 230.

218. The Committee is concerned that the measures taken to facilitate enrolment in local schools of children of migrants from the Mainland and other foreign migrant workers who do not have the legal right to remain in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are insufficient.

...

230. The Committee urges the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to amend its legislation to provide for the right to education of all school-age children in its jurisdiction, including children of migrants without the legal right to remain in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

•          China (Macao Special Administrative Region), ICESCR, E/2006/22 (2005) 38 at paras. 245 and 255.

245. While welcoming efforts made by the Macao Special Administrative Region to enable the integration of children of migrants in the school system, the Committee notes with regret that education provided to children of migrant workers is not free of charge.

...

255. The Committee recommends that the Macao Special Administrative Region strengthen its efforts to provide free compulsory education to all school-age children, including children of migrant workers.

•          Serbia and Montenegro, ICESCR,E/2006/22 (2005) 41 at paras. 273, 297, 301 and 324.

273. The Committee is deeply concerned that, despite the State party’s efforts to improve the economic and social situation of Roma through the national action plans for the implementation of the Decade of Roma Inclusion (2005-2015) in both Republics, widespread discrimination against Roma persists with regard to employment, social security, housing, health care and education.

...

297. The Committee is deeply concerned that a high percentage of Roma children and children belonging to other minority groups, as well as refugee and internally displaced children, are not enrolled in school, drop out at an early stage, are being discriminated against at school, or are placed in schools for children with special needs.

...

301. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure adequate participation of Roma representatives in the implementation of the plans of action adopted or envisaged by both Republics with regard to non-discrimination, gender equality, employment, social protection, housing, health and education of Roma, and to allocate sufficient funds to these and other relevant programmes.

...

324. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to promote school attendance by Roma children and children belonging to other minority groups, as well as refugee and internally displaced children, by increasing subsidies, scholarships and the number of teachers instructing in minority languages. It also urges the State party to eradicate ethnically discriminatory attitudes by taking effective measures in the fields of teaching, education, culture and information, in order to promote understanding, tolerance and mutual respect among all ethnic groups living on its territory.

•          Norway, ICESCR,E/2006/22 (2005) 48 at paras. 349 and 370.

349. The Committee is concerned about the restrictions placed on the access to education of asylum-seekers, as asylum-seeking children only have access to free primary and lower secondary education and asylum-seekers over the age of 18 are not offered courses in Norwegian.

...

370. The Committee encourages the State party to ensure that asylum-seekers are not restricted in their access to education while their claim for asylum is being processed.

CEDAW

•          Estonia, CEDAW, A/57/38 part I (2002) 13 at paras. 82, 93-96, 105 and 106.

82. The Committee commends the State party on Estonia's high level of education, stressing in particular the situation of women in higher education, increasingly in non-traditional areas...

...

93. The Committee is concerned that a clear understanding of temporary special measures according to article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, as well as the reason for their application, seems to be lacking in large parts of Estonian society and in public administration.

94. The Committee recommends that the State party raise public awareness about the importance of such measures in accelerating the process of gender equality. It also recommends that the State party introduce temporary special measures, inter alia, in the educational, employment, professional and political fields, including through encouragement to pursue disciplines and areas of work and of political intervention in which one sex is underrepresented. Such provisions should be designed with measurable goals, targets or quotas and time lines to allow their effective monitoring.

95. The Committee is concerned about the resurgence and persistence of traditional stereotypes regarding the role of men and women in the family, and in society at large. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of targeted educational programmes, mass media campaigns and temporary special measures to eliminate these stereotypes.

96. The Committee urges the State party to design and implement comprehensive programmes in the educational system and to encourage the mass media to promote cultural changes with regard to the roles and tasks attributed to women and men, as required by article 5 of the Convention. It recommends that legislation be enacted and policies adopted to cover not only the prohibition of discrimination against women but also of the more subtle utilization of and support for traditional sex role stereotypes in the family, in employment, in politics and in society.

...

105. While noting with appreciation the high level of education among women, the Committee expresses its concern at the continuing gender disparities regarding educational options of boys and girls, as well as the fact that this high level of education does not result in the elimination of the wage differential between men and women, in particular the gap between female- and male-dominated sectors of employment...

106. The Committee encourages the State party to analyse the lack of correlation between the high level of educational attainments of women and their income levels. It recommends the introduction of measures, including through the use of temporary special measures, to accelerate the representation of women at all levels of decision-making in educational institutions and economic life. It urges the State party to continue to review and reform the curricula and textbooks in order to combat the traditional attitudes towards women and to help to create an enabling environment for promoting women's presence in high-level and well-paid positions.

•          Trinidad and Tobago, CEDAW, A/57/38 part I (2002) 19 at paras. 151, 152 and 157.

151. The Committee is concerned...about the consequences of gender stereotyping in curricula and the impact of the fact that girls take traditional "female" courses and boys traditional "male" courses on women's employment options and income...

152. The Committee encourages the State party to analyse the lack of correlation between the high level of education attained by women and their income levels; it urges the State party to implement curriculum reform and the revision of textbooks in order to combat traditional attitudes towards women and to help to create an enabling environment for women's presence in high-level and well-paid positions...

...

157. ...The Committee is concerned about the high rate of teenage pregnancy and its consequences for girls' enjoyment of the rights guaranteed by the Convention, in particular in the sphere of education.

•          Sri Lanka, CEDAW, A/57/38 part I (2002) 31 at paras. 280 and 281.

280. Despite the progress in education for women and girls, the Committee is concerned about the underrepresentation of women in engineering and technology-related courses in tertiary education.

281. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to increase the representation of women in engineering and technology-related courses in tertiary education.

•          Suriname, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 82 at paras. 55, 56, 59, 60, 65 and 66.

55. Noting the importance of ensuring the broadest possible participation of women to achieve adequate representation at all levels in Suriname, the Committee is concerned about women’s underrepresentation in decision-making bodies in political and economic structures. The Committee notes that, although there are numerous women participating in training programmes, with respect to diplomatic careers the participation of women at the higher levels of the diplomatic service is low.

56. The Committee recommends the adoption of strategies to increase the number of women in decision-making bodies at all levels and in all areas. The Committee recommends that the State party adopt temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention to increase the number of women in decision-making levels in government, governmental bodies, public administration and diplomatic missions. It also recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to organize special training programmes for women and to conduct, on a regular basis, awareness-raising campaigns in this regard.

...

59. The Committee expresses concern at discriminatory practices and certain legal labour provisions that could lead to discrimination against women workers with regard to reproductive health and maternity and notes that, in the civil service, women are discriminated against when entering into marriage or becoming pregnant. It notes that regulations on flexible working hours are lacking and that the employer has the right to decrease the number of vacation days during the year in which maternity leave is enjoyed.

60. The Committee recommends that the State party remove discriminatory labour legislation in accordance with article 11 of the Convention and ensure that women workers have working conditions and social security benefits equal to those enjoyed by men, as well as protection for maternity without discrimination under article 4, paragraph 2 of the Convention.

...

65. ...The Committee is...concerned that women’s work in rural areas is not considered productive labour and that they are hardly represented at all in local government bodies...

66. The Committee urges the State party to give full attention to the needs of rural women, including older women, particularly Amerindian and Maroon women, to ensure that they benefit from policies and programmes in all areas, in particular access to health, education, social services and decision-making...

•          Saint Kitts and Nevis, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 90 at paras. 95-100.

95. The Committee expresses concern about the underrepresentation of women in decision-making posts and in political bodies, particularly Parliament.

96. The Committee urges the State party to introduce a range of legal, political and administrative options, in line with, temporary special measures, in accordance with the provisions of article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, in order to improve the access of women to decision-making. The Committee recommends the adoption of programmes to change the tenor of the political discourse in campaigns in order to achieve greater female participation in them.

97. The Committee expresses concern at the low number of women in the diplomatic service, particularly in higher posts.

98. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures, including in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1 of the Convention, to encourage women to enter into diplomatic careers.

99. The Committee is particularly concerned that, although women have a higher level of education than men, this has not been translated into promotion of women to senior posts in the public and private sectors and/or increased economic returns for women, who continue to be concentrated mainly in the informal sector and in the jobs that pay the least.

100. The Committee recommends the adoption of legislation which guarantees equal pay for work of equal value. It also recommends that measures should be taken to deal with the situation of unemployed women, and the large number of women who work in the informal sector, with a view to their inclusion in the formal sector, and access to social benefits.

•          Belgium, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 95 at paras. 136, 137, 149, 150, 161 and 162.

136. The Committee commends the State party on its employment policy, which integrates equality between women and men. It notes with satisfaction the affirmative action measures provided for by Belgian legislation since the late 1980s, in order to bring about de facto equality between women and men in the public and private sectors. In particular, it expresses satisfaction at the actions taken to create a better distribution of working and household tasks between women and men.

137. The Committee commends the State party for its measures to eliminate traditional and stereotypical attitudes regarding the role of men and women in the family, in employment and in society.

...

149. The Committee is concerned about the significant decline, in recent years, in women’s participation in the entrance examinations for the diplomatic service.

150. The Committee urges the State party to accelerate its efforts to increase the female presence in the diplomatic service.

...

161. The Committee is concerned about the continuing high level of unemployment among women, the high number of women in part -time and temporary jobs and the wage discrimination faced by women.

162. The Committee calls upon the State party to intensify its measures to increase women’s employment, to make sure that women have access to full-time and permanent jobs if they wish, and to promote equal pay for work of equal value.

•          Tunisia, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 102 at paras. 198-201.

198. While noting the measures taken to increase women’s political participation, the Committee is concerned about the low representation of women in high-level decision-making positions, including as members of the Chamber of Deputies, in government positions, in the central council and executive committee of the Tunisian Union for Agriculture and Fisheries, as high-ranking diplomats and as full professors in the universities.

199. The Committee urges the State party to take measures to increase the representation of women in high-level decision-making positions through, inter alia, the implementation of temporary special measures, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention in order to realize women’s right to participate in all areas of public life and, particularly, at high levels of decision-making.

200. The Committee is concerned at the low level of women’s labour force participation and at the lack of information regarding its causes. The Committee welcomes Act No. 83-112, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex with regard to public entities, but is concerned that such legislation does not extend to the private sector. . . .

201. The Committee urges the State party to adopt appropriate measures to ensure women’s equal access to paid employment. The Committee also urges the State party to adopt and enforce appropriate legislation to ensure equal opportunities for women and men in the public and private sectors of the labour market, and to prevent direct and indirect discrimination in employment...

•          Zambia, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 107 at paras. 234, 235, 240, 241, 248 and 249.

234. The Committee is concerned that the provisions in existing laws, including new laws such as the Marriage Act and the Employment Act, discriminate against women directly or indirectly.

235. The Committee calls upon the State party to review and reform its legislation to ensure it is in harmony with the Convention.

...

240. While welcoming the State parties commitment to achieving 30 per cent participation by women in politics by 2005, the Committee notes with concern that the participation of women in political and public life is limited, and that women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making in Government, parliament, political parties, the private sector, special public service committees and other institutions in the community.

241. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to increase the number of women in decision-making positions at all levels and in all areas. It also recommends that the State party introduce temporary special measures, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, to strengthen its efforts to promote women to positions of power, supported by special training programmes and awareness-raising campaigns aimed at underlining the importance of women’s participation in decision-making at all levels.

...

248. The Committee expresses concern at the high rate of unemployment among women. It also expresses concern at disparities between women’s and men’s wages, sexual harassment, and the lack of social security for women.

249. The Committee urges the State party to introduce temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention in creating employment opportunities for women. Efforts should be made to expand the community-based public workers programme into areas where the number of unemployed women is particularly high. The Committee calls on the State party to review its legislation and policy in the employment sector to facilitate full implementation of article 11 of the Convention.

•          Ukraine, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 114 at paras. 285, 286, 293 and 294.

285. While recognizing that the number of women in elected office in local government has increased in some regions, the Committee is concerned about the low representation of women in high-level elected and appointed bodies, including as members of Parliament, of which only 5 per cent are women, as high-ranking officials within the executive branch, where women occupy only 6 per cent of posts, and within the state administrations and civil and diplomatic service.

286. The Committee urges the State party to take measures to increase the representation of women in elected and appointed bodies through, inter alia, the implementation of temporary special measures, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, in order to realize women’s right to participation in all areas of public life and, particularly, at high levels of decision-making. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts in offering or supporting training programmes for current and future women leaders and carry out awareness-raising campaigns regarding the importance of women’s participation in political decision-making.

...

293. While noting with appreciation the high level of education among women, the Committee expresses its concern about the situation of women in the labour market, including the high rate of unemployment among women and the strong occupational segregation with a concomitant wage differential. The Committee is concerned that women are not able to receive adequate retraining to compete in the market. It is further concerned that the State party’s protective labour laws restricting women’s participation in night work and other areas, may create obstacles to women’s participation in the labour market.

294. The Committee urges the State party to ensure equal opportunities for women and men in the labour market, including through the use of temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee recommends that the State party design and implement special training and retraining programmes for different groups of unemployed women. It also recommends that efforts be made to eliminate occupational segregation, including through education, training and retraining. There should be additional wage increases in female-dominated sectors of public employment to close the wage gap between these and male-dominated sectors. The Committee recommends that the State party conduct regular reviews of legislation, in accordance with article 11, paragraph 3, of the Convention, with a view to reducing the number of barriers that women face in the labour market. It also recommends that effective measures allowing for the reconciliation between family and professional responsibilities be strengthened and that the sharing of domestic and family tasks between women and men be promoted.

•          Denmark, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 120 at paras. 314, 325-332, 343 and 344.

314. The Committee commends the State party for appointing a Minister for Gender Equality, thereby making gender equality policy a part of the Government’s politics and affording a greater potential to directly influence the political decision-making process, and for establishing the Gender Equality Board, comprising a judge and two lawyers with expertise in the areas of gender equality and labour market conditions, respectively, that handles complaints about gender-based discrimination in the labour market, the education, health, social and finance sectors, and in private enterprises.

...

325. While noting the creation of an equal pay network for companies interested in exchanging experience on the reasons for the gender-based division of labour, the pay differential and methods of guaranteeing equal pay and that women’s participation in the labour market is at an impressive 75 per cent and their unemployment rate is low at 5.6 per cent, the Committee is concerned at the persistence of the wage gap between women and men.

326. The Committee urges the State party to develop policies and adopt proactive measures to accelerate the eradication of pay discrimination against women, including job evaluations, collection of data, further study of the underlying causes for the wage gap and provision of increased assistance for social partners in collective wage bargaining, in particular in determining wage structures in sectors dominated by women in order to address the gender segregation in the labour market...

327. While commending the State party for having surpassed the critical 30 to 35 per cent threshold in terms of representation of women in decision-making in Parliament, the Committee expresses concern that women’s representation remains low in executive and decision-making positions in municipalities and counties as well as in the private economic sector.

328. The Committee urges the State party to take additional measures to increase the representation of women in decision-making positions in all sectors, including in the municipalities and counties as well as in the private economic sector. It recommends that the State party take steps to facilitate the options available to women in the private sector, inter alia, through the implementation of temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, wherever possible. It also recommends that the State party improve the design of the temporary special measures in accordance with article 4 paragraph 1, of the Convention and monitor their application.

329. Noting the high number of women in the lower ranks of the Foreign Service, the Committee expresses concern about the low level of representation of women in the higher levels of the service, in particular in ambassadorial posts.

330. The Committee recommends that the State party introduce special temporary measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention to increase the representation of women at higher levels in the Foreign Service, particularly as ambassadors.

331. The Committee expresses concern that, despite the high achievement of women in tertiary education, there are distressingly few women professors in the universities. It also expresses concern at the apparent imbalance in the access of women academics, as compared with men academics, to research grants and other resources.

332. The Committee urges the State party to adopt policies to ensure that women professors are not discriminated against with regard to access to professorships and senior positions, resources and research grants so as to increase the number of women in senior positions in universities.

...

343. The Committee expresses concern about the situation of migrant, refugee and minority women in Denmark, including discrimination in education and employment...

344. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to eliminate discrimination against migrant, refugee and minority women...

•          Armenia, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 150 at paras. 56 and 57.

56. The Committee expresses concern at the higher level of women’s unemployment than men’s... It is concerned that there is no equal employment opportunities legislation, providing appropriate civil and criminal remedies for discrimination in hiring, promotion, dismissal and sexual harassment in the public and private sectors. The Committee is also concerned that some of the protective provisions for women in employment are formulated in a way that perpetuates disadvantageous stereotypes.

57. The Committee recommends that the State party adopt equal employment opportunities legislation. The Committee also recommends the setting up of training programmes aiming to facilitate women’s employment and urges the State party to collate sex-disaggregated data on all aspects of women’s employment, and especially wages, so as to address the employment situation in an informed way. In addition, the Committee recommends that the State party review its protective legislation in order to address any negative impact it may have on women’s employment.

•          Czech Republic, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 157 at paras. 91 92, 99 and 100.

91. While recognizing that the number of women in the Chamber of Deputies has increased and that there are currently two women ministers in the Government, the Committee is concerned about the low representation of women in high-level elected and appointed bodies, including Parliament, and as high-ranking officials within the executive bodies, the judiciary, the civil and diplomatic services and international organizations.

92. The Committee urges the State party to take measures, including improvements in the election law, to increase the representation of women in elected and appointed bodies through, inter alia, the implementation of temporary special measures, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, in order to realize women’s right to participation in all areas of public life and, particularly, at high levels of decision-making. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts in offering or supporting training programmes for current and future women leaders and carry out awareness-raising campaigns regarding the importance of women’s participation in political decision-making. The Committee also recommends that, parallel to efforts at the local level, efforts at promoting gender balance in the public sector at the national level be introduced.

...

99. While welcoming the high labour force participation rate of women and the legislative reforms in the area of employment, including the amendments to the Employment Act, the Labour Code, the Act on Wages and the Act on Salaries, the Committee expresses concern about the situation of women in the labour market, including women’s high unemployment rate as compared with that of men and the strong vertical and horizontal segregation and wage differentials between women and men. The Committee is concerned at the lack of enforcement mechanisms and thus at the lack of de facto enforcement of the equal opportunity standards which have been introduced by law.

100. The Committee urges the State party to ensure de facto equal opportunities for women and men in the labour market through, inter alia, use of temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee recommends that efforts be made to eliminate occupational segregation, horizontal and vertical, through, inter alia, education, training and retraining and enforcement mechanisms. It also recommends wage increases in female-dominated sectors of public employment to close the wage gap between these and male-dominated sectors. The Committee recommends that measures allowing for the reconciliation between family and professional responsibilities be strengthened and that the equal sharing of domestic and family tasks between women and men be promoted...

•          Uganda, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 164 at paras. 127, 137-140, 143 and 144.

127. The Committee...welcomes the adoption of the affirmative action policy, resulting in an increase in women’s representation in decision-making positions from 16.9 per cent in 1994 to 39 per cent in 2002. The Committee welcomes the fact that women occupy a number of key high-level positions.

...

137. While noting the increasing number of women in decision-making positions as a result, inter alia, of temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the Committee expresses concern that this number remains low. It is also concerned that the persistence of patriarchal attitudes that view men as natural leaders may preclude women from seeking positions of leadership.

138. The Committee urges the State party to intensify its efforts to encourage women to take up leadership positions through further temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee recommends that the State party offer or support programmes for current and future women leaders and undertake awareness-raising campaigns on the importance of women’s participation in decision-making.

139. The Committee is concerned at the low number of women in the diplomatic service, particularly in postings outside Uganda, and the fact that few Ugandan women work in international organizations.

140. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures, including in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, to encourage women to enter the diplomatic service. It also recommends the introduction of measures to encourage women to seek employment in international organizations.

...

143. The Committee expresses concern...at the high rate of unemployment among women, disparities between the wages of men and women, even in the public sector, disparities in social security and the lack of legal protection for women against sexual harassment at the workplace. It also expresses concern that the draft national employment policy, which promotes equal employment opportunities for men and women, has still not been adopted. It is also concerned that legislation required by article 40 of the Constitution to provide the right to work under satisfactory and safe and healthy conditions, equal pay for equal work, paid leave and maternity protection have still to be enacted.

144. The Committee...urges the State party to enact legislation to protect the rights of persons in employment which complies with the provisions of article 11 of the Convention. The Committee also urges the State party to adopt the draft national employment policy. It further urges the State party to introduce temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention to create employment opportunities for women. The Committee recommends that the State party introduce specific legislation, with accessible procedures and compensation for victims, and penalties for perpetrators, to address sexual harassment in the workplace.

•          Guatemala, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 171 at paras. 186 and 187.

186. The Committee expresses concern that, while the human rights of women are explicitly recognized in a number of laws, there does not appear to be wide awareness among women of their rights under these laws or the means by which those laws can be enforced. The Committee notes that, despite the introduction of protections and social security rights in the area of labour, including domestic workers and those working in the maquila industries, this legislation is not complied with or enforced and that some employers in this industry require women seeking employment to undergo pregnancy tests. The Committee notes that non-enforcement of such labour legislation constitutes “discrimination of effect” as defined in article 1 of the Convention.

187. The Committee calls upon the State party to ensure that State authorities implement all current legislation concerning women’s human rights, in particular labour legislation through proactive investigations of alleged violations of female workers’ rights and take measures to strengthen the enforcement powers of labour inspection authorities. The Committee further urges the State party to take appropriate measures, including the promotion of stronger private sector codes of conduct, to ensure compliance with existing legislation, in particular with regard to the rights of women enshrined in the Convention, which forms part of Guatemalan law. The Committee also calls upon the State party to take steps to raise awareness among women of their legal rights and the means by which those rights can be enforced.

•          Barbados, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 177 at paras. 243-246.

243. The Committee notes...the absence of statutory parental leave for fathers and the apparent lack of equal employment opportunity legislation.

244. The Committee... recommends the adoption of an equal employment opportunity law and a legislative provision on parental leave for fathers.

245. While acknowledging the State party’s social policy, which has introduced services and programmes, including the Poverty Eradication Fund, to boost entrepreneurial activities and increase self-employment and create more employment among women and youth, the Committee is concerned at the feminization of poverty and, in particular, that women head approximately 44.4 per cent of households.

246. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that governmental policies to eradicate poverty are sustainable, incorporate a gender perspective and do not marginalize women.

•          Greece, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 184 at paras. 281-284, 287-290, 295 and 296.

281. The Committee is concerned about the limitations women face in gaining access to employment in the police and the fire brigade.

282. The Committee recommends that the law governing women’s employment in police and the fire brigade be reviewed in order to eliminate discrimination against women.

283. While noting a major decline in unemployment during 1999-2001, especially among women, the Committee expresses concern that women, especially young women holding university diplomas, still constitute the majority of the unemployed in the State party. It is also concerned about the persisting wage gap between women and men, and that women are paid lower salaries than men for the same work and work of equal value.

284. The Committee urges the State party to continue developing policies and adopting proactive measures to increase the employment rate of women, in particular young women, and accelerate the elimination of the wage gap between women and men...

...

287. While noting the high rate of women acquiring degrees, the Committee is concerned about the underrepresentation of women in decision-making and political bodies, particularly in Parliament, the economic sector and academia.

288. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures, inter alia in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, in order to realize women’s right to participation in all areas of public life and, particularly, at high levels of decision-making. It also urges the State party to adopt proactive measures to encourage more qualified women to apply for high-ranking posts in academia and to implement temporary special measures, such as quotas, with goals and timetables, where necessary.

289. The Committee is concerned at the low number of women in the diplomatic service, particularly in postings abroad, and the fact that few Greek women work in international organizations.

290. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures, including in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention to encourage women to enter the diplomatic service and to provide opportunities to access the highest rank of the diplomatic service. It also recommends the introduction of measures to provide information to women on options for employment in international organizations.

...

295. The Committee is concerned about the marginalization of Muslim women with regard to education, employment...

296. The Committee urges the State party to accelerate its efforts aimed at improving Muslim women’s education and employment opportunities...

•          Hungary, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 189 at paras. 327 and 328.

327. The Committee expresses concern about women’s disadvantaged position in the labour market, including the decline in women’s employment and vertical and occupational segregation with wage differentials between women and men. The Committee is also concerned that government policy regarding these wage differentials rests on general job classification schemes and does not specifically address the need for women to be guaranteed equal pay for work of equal value. The Committee is concerned about discrimination in hiring women of childbearing age, mothers with small children and older women.

328. The Committee urges the State party to ensure equal opportunities for women and men in the labour market, inter alia, through the use of temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention. It recommends that efforts be made to eliminate occupational segregation, inter alia, through education, training and retraining. The Committee urges the State party to collate sex-disaggregated data regarding the type and extent of wage differentials and to apply job classification analysis to eliminate the practice of women receiving unequal pay for work of equal value. The Committee recommends that measures allowing for reconciliation between family and professional responsibilities be strengthened and that the sharing of domestic and family tasks between women and men be promoted.

•          Argentina, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 196 at paras. 358 and 359.

358. The Committee is concerned at the precarious nature of women’s employment, in particular the situation of unemployed women in the informal sector.

359. The Committee recommends that the State party should make all necessary efforts to guarantee compliance with the labour legislation and protect women from the violation of their basic labour rights and from discriminatory dismissals.

•          Yemen, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 200 at paras. 400 and 401.

400. In view of the fact that rural women constitute the majority of women in Yemen, the Committee notes with concern that the traditional division of labour in agricultural production disadvantages women and that, for cultural and social reasons, women do not control the means of production and face difficulties in obtaining loans...

401. The Committee urges the State party to take special measures to support the integration of rural women in all sectoral policies and programmes and to eliminate discriminatory practices through awareness-raising and educational programmes targeted at women and men...

•          Mexico, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 205 at paras. 441-444.

441. The Committee expresses its concern about the poor conditions of employment of Mexican women, particularly the wage discrimination, the vertical and horizontal segregation to which they are exposed and the inadequate social benefits they receive. The Committee is especially concerned about women working in the informal sector, including domestic workers, and those employed in the maquila industry whose basic labour rights are not respected; in particular, the Committee is concerned about the pregnancy test demanded by employers which exposes women to the risk of being let go or fired in the event that it proves positive.

442. The Committee recommends that the State party speed up the adoption of the reforms that must be made in the Labour Act, including the prohibition of discrimination against women, in an effort to ensure their participation in the labour market on a footing of genuine equality with men. It also urges the State party to give effect to the labour rights of women in all sectors. To that end, it recommends that the State party strengthen and promote the role of INMUJERES in negotiating the Labour Act so as to give special attention to the needs of women workers and to implement the principle of equal pay for work of equal value and prohibit the requirement of a pregnancy test for maquiladora workers.

443. The Committee expresses its concern about the small percentage of women in high-level posts in all activities, namely political, legislative, trade union and educational.

444. The Committee recommends the adoption of strategies for increasing the number of women in decision-making posts at all levels, particularly in the municipalities, by taking temporary special measures as specified in article 4, paragraph l, of the Convention; it recommends further that the State party strengthen its efforts to promote women to management positions in the public and private sectors through special training programmes and sensitivity campaigns stressing the importance of women’s participation in decision-making at all levels.

•          Peru, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 212 at paras. 478-481.

478. The Committee notes with concern that gender-based discrimination persists in the labour market, including limited and low-level job access for women and their reduced access to resources and new technologies. The Committee is also concerned about wage discrimination and vertical and horizontal segregation. The Committee is concerned at the precarious conditions of women working in the informal sector and at part-time work, who have no labour protection, no access to social security and no due respect for their labour rights. It is also of concern to the Committee that legislation preventing discrimination in employment appears to be based on criminal penalties only and that appropriate civil remedies do not exist.

479. The Committee recommends that the necessary measures should be taken to guarantee implementation of the provisions of article 11 of the Convention and application of the International Labour Organization Conventions, in particular those on non-discrimination in employment and equal remuneration for women and men. The Committee recommends that measures should be taken to eliminate occupational segregation, in particular through education and training.

480. The Committee is concerned that, although progress is observed in the composition of Congress and in local government, as a result of the provisions adopted, the participation of women in Congress, in the judicial area and at the country’s senior levels of politics and administration still seems inadequate.

481. The Committee recommends that strategies should be adopted to increase the number of women involved in decision-making at all levels, through the adoption of temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention, and that the State party should strengthen its activities to promote women to posts of responsibility in both the public and private sectors, with special training programmes and publicity campaigns on the importance of women’s participation in development planning and decision-making.

•          Suriname, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 82 at paras. 57 and 58.

57. The Committee is concerned that, in some educational institutions, teenage mothers are not always readmitted to junior secondary schools because of the perception that “the young mothers would have a negative influence on other girls”, while teenage fathers are not prevented from attending schools.

58. ...The Committee...urges the State party to adopt the necessary legal or administrative measures to prohibit schools from barring young mothers and pregnant teenagers.

•          Zambia, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 107 at paras. 229, 246 and 247.

229. The Committee commends the introduction of the Programme for the Advancement of Girl Child Education, the reservation of 25 per cent of government scholarships exclusively for women who qualify for entry into universities and the lowering of cut-off points for girls to qualify for entry to grades 8 and 10 in schools in order to redress inequality in the education sector.

...

246. Despite the State party’s effort in the area of education, the Committee is concerned at the low rate of female literacy, the low enrolment of girls in school in rural and urban areas and the high dropout rate of girls due to pregnancies. These negative factors are reinforced by stereotyping in textbooks. It notes that education is a key to the advancement of women and that the low level of education of women and girls remains one of the most serious impediments to their full enjoyment of human rights.

247. The Committee urges the State party to strengthen its efforts to improve the literacy level of girls and women in rural and urban areas, to ensure equal access of girls and young women to all levels of education and to prevent girls dropping out of school. It encourages the State party to introduce further special measures in the area of education, including incentives for parents to send girls to school and to encourage the recruitment of more qualified women teachers.

•          Denmark, CEDAW, A/57/38 part II (2002) 120 at paras. 314, 331, 332, 343 and 344.

314. The Committee commends the State party for appointing a Minister for Gender Equality, thereby making gender equality policy a part of the Government’s politics and affording a greater potential to directly influence the political decision-making process, and for establishing the Gender Equality Board, comprising a judge and two lawyers with expertise in the areas of gender equality and labour market conditions, respectively, that handles complaints about gender-based discrimination in the labour market, the education, health, social and finance sectors, and in private enterprises.

...

331. The Committee expresses concern that, despite the high achievement of women in tertiary education, there are distressingly few women professors in the universities. It also expresses concern at the apparent imbalance in the access of women academics, as compared with men academics, to research grants and other resources.

332. The Committee urges the State party to adopt policies to ensure that women professors are not discriminated against with regard to access to professorships and senior positions, resources and research grants so as to increase the number of women in senior positions in universities.

...

343. The Committee expresses concern about the situation of migrant, refugee and minority women in Denmark, including discrimination in education...

344. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to eliminate discrimination against migrant, refugee and minority women. It encourages the State party to be proactive in its measures to prevent discrimination against migrant, refugee and minority women, both within their communities and in society at large...

•          Uganda, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 164 at para. 128.

128. The Committee commends the State party for formulating and implementing the Universal Primary Education Programme, which facilitated the enrolment of 3.3 million girls in school by 2001. It also welcomes the application of temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention to increase the population of women students in tertiary education and the Functional Adult Literary Programme, which has particularly benefited women.

•          Greece, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 184 at paras. 293-296.

293. The Committee expresses concern at the discrimination against minority women living in Greece, particularly Roma women, including with respect to access to education, who suffer from double discrimination based on both their sex and ethnic background, in society at large and within their communities.

294. The Committee urges the Government to take effective measures to eliminate discrimination against minority women... It also urges the State party to address the forms of discrimination including with regard to access to education, by minority women through its legal, administrative and welfare systems.

295. The Committee is concerned about the marginalization of Muslim women with regard to education [and] employment...

296. The Committee urges the State party to accelerate its efforts aimed at improving Muslim women’s education and employment opportunities...

•          Argentina, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 196 at paras. 362 and 363.

362. The Committee is concerned at the fact that the crisis has affected access by women, particularly girls, to public education because they lack the resources needed either to begin or continue their studies.

363. The Committee recommends that the State party should make every possible effort to guarantee access by girls to education under conditions equal to those of boys, with special attention to girls from the most vulnerable sectors.

•          Yemen, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 200 at paras. 386 and 387.

386. While acknowledging the statement made by the State party that education is a cornerstone for development and a key element in the improvement of the status of women and the achievement of equality between women and men, the Committee notes with concern the high levels of illiteracy among women and girls, particularly in rural areas, and the high rate at which girls drop out of school.

387. The Committee calls upon the State party to strengthen its efforts to eradicate female illiteracy, especially among girls, particularly in rural areas, and to take general as well as temporary special measures to ensure primary and secondary education for girls and lower the high dropout rate among girls. The Committee recommends the introduction of measures to create an environment that increases the enrolment and retention rates of girls in schools at all levels through increased training and employment of women teachers, addressing parents’ concerns related to co-education and the setting of precise targets and timetables to measure progress.

•          Mexico, CEDAW, A/57/38 part III (2002) 205 at para. 425.

425. The Committee appreciates the effort made by the State party to bridge the gap between girls and boys in terms of school retention and promotion, particularly through the National Programme of Scholarships for Higher Education.

•          Albania, CEDAW, A/58/38 part I (2003) 13 at paras. 76 and 77.

76. The Committee is concerned about the situation of rural women, as the majority of the female population, who are discriminated against in practice with respect to owning and inheriting property, and who are disadvantaged by poverty, poor infrastructures, lack of credit, and limited access to education, health-care services and social insurance. Noting the decrease in the school dropout rate of girls, the Committee remains concerned about this continuing problem...

77. The Committee urges the State party to give full attention to the needs of rural women and to develop comprehensive policies and programmes aimed at their economic empowerment, ensuring their access to productive resources, capital and credit, as well as education, health-care services, social insurance and decision-making. The Committee requests the State party to undertake a study of the ownership and inheritance of land by rural women and of their general economic, educational and social situation...

•          Switzerland, CEDAW, A/58/38 part I (2003) 20 at paras. 122, 123, 128 and 129.

122. The Committee expresses concern at the situation of migrant women in Switzerland, particularly the discrimination in education and employment they experience and the risk of exploitation and violence that they face...

123. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to eliminate discrimination against migrant women. It encourages the State party to be proactive in its measures to prevent discrimination against them, both within their communities and in society at large, to combat violence against them and to increase their awareness of the availability of social services and legal remedies....The Committee also urges the State party to conduct regular and comprehensive studies on discrimination against migrant women and to collect statistics on their situation in employment, education and health and on the various forms of violence they experience so as to enable the Committee to form a clear picture of their de facto situation.

...

128. The Committee is concerned that, despite the constitutional mandate to ensure gender equality in the field of education, gender inequality prevails in the stereotyped choices both sexes make regarding vocational training and higher education, particularly technical education. The Committee is also concerned that similar patterns can be found among teaching staff, both as regards their professional level and the traditional subjects they teach.

129. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to encourage diversification of the educational choices of boys and girls, mainly through counselling, to help them to fully develop their personal potential.

•          Congo, CEDAW, A/58/38 part I (2003) 29 at paras. 165, 170, 171, 178 and 179.

165. The Committee urges the State party to increase its efforts to address stereotypical attitudes about the roles and responsibilities of women and men that perpetuate direct and indirect discrimination against women and girls. These should include educational measures at all levels, beginning at an early age; the revision of school textbooks and curricula; and awareness-raising campaigns directed at both women and men - designed, where relevant, with the involvement of the media and civil society, including non-governmental organizations - to address stereotypes regarding the role of women and men with a view to combating discrimination against women. The Committee also calls upon the State party to periodically review the measures taken in order to identify shortcomings and to adjust and improve those measures accordingly...

...

170. The Committee is concerned at the low rate of female literacy, the low number of girls who complete primary education in both the urban and rural areas, and the high drop-out rate of girls due to, inter alia, pregnancies and early marriage.

171. The Committee urges the State party to strengthen its efforts to improve the literacy level of girls and women to ensure equal access of girls and women to all levels of education and to take all appropriate measures to prevent girls from dropping out of school. The Committee further urges the State party to encourage an increase in the enrolment of girls at all levels and recommends that such efforts include further use of temporary special measures, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

...

178. The Committee expresses concern about the situation of rural women, particularly in view of their extreme poverty and lack of access to health, education, credit facilities and community services.

179. The Committee urges the State party to pay special attention to the needs of rural women, ensuring that they participate in decision-making and have full access to education, health services and credit facilities...

•          Canada, CEDAW, A/58/38 part I (2003) 53 at paras. 343, 361 and 362.

343. The Committee expresses satisfaction to the State party with the efforts undertaken in some provincial jurisdictions in order to increase the number of female students in the technical and scientific disciplines at the universities.

...

361. While appreciating the federal Government’s efforts to combat discrimination against aboriginal women, including the pending amendment to the Canadian Human Rights Act, and to achieve substantive equality for them, the Committee is seriously concerned about the persistent systematic discrimination faced by aboriginal women in all aspects of their lives. The Committee is concerned that aboriginal women, among other highly vulnerable groups of women in Canada, are over-concentrated in lower-skill and lower-paying occupations, they constitute a high percentage of those women who have not completed secondary education...

362. The Committee urges the State party to accelerate its efforts to eliminate de jure and de facto discrimination against aboriginal women both in society at large and in their communities, particularly with respect to the remaining discriminatory legal provisions and the equal enjoyment of their human rights to education, employment and physical and psychological well-being. It urges the State party to take effective and proactive measures, including awareness-raising programmes, to sensitize aboriginal communities about women’s human rights and to combat patriarchal attitudes, practices and stereotyping of roles....

•          Norway, CEDAW, A/58/38 part I (2003) 61 paras. 413 and 414.

413. While acknowledging the adoption in 2001 of the State party’s plan of action against racism and discrimination, the Committee expresses concern about the multiple discrimination faced by migrant, refugee and minority women with respect to access to education, employment and health care and exposure to violence.

414. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to eliminate discrimination against migrant, refugee and minority women and to further strengthen its efforts to combat xenophobia and racism. It also urges the State party to be proactive in its measures to prevent discrimination against these women, both within their communities and in society at large, and to increase their awareness of the availability of social services and legal remedies...

•          Costa Rica, CEDAW, A/58/38 part II (2003) 86 at paras. 60 and 61.

60. The Committee notes with concern that despite the measures taken aimed at changing stereotyped social concepts and the successes achieved, views and practices still exist, particularly in education, that promote segregation of women in higher education and, in general, discrimination against women throughout the educational system.

61. The Committee recommends to the State party that it continue to implement measures aimed at changing social stereotypes that encourage discrimination against women and impede their egalitarian performance in society.

•          Brazil, CEDAW, A/58/38 part II (2003) 93 at paras. 102, 103, 110, 111, 122 and 123.

102. The Committee is concerned that sharp economic and social regional disparities, particularly in access to education, employment and health care, are posing difficulties in ensuring uniform implementation of the Convention throughout the country.

103. The Committee recommends to the State party that it ensure uniformity of results in the implementation of the Convention in Brazil, not only at the federal level, but also at the State and municipal levels, through effective coordination and the establishment of a mechanism to monitor compliance with the provisions of the Convention at all levels and in all areas.

...

110. The Committee is concerned about the impact of poverty on Brazilian women of African descent, indigenous women, female heads of household and other socially excluded or marginalized groups of women and about their disadvantaged position with respect to access to education, health, basic sanitation, employment, information and justice.

111. The Committee urges the State party to ensure that its poverty eradication measures give priority attention to Brazilian women of African descent, indigenous women, female heads of household and other socially excluded or marginalized groups of women through adequately funded programmes and policies addressing their specific needs.

...

122. Although women’s access to education has improved, the Committee is concerned at the high rate of illiteracy and the low percentage of women having education beyond primary school. It is further concerned at the persistence of gender segregation in educational fields and its consequences for professional opportunities. The Committee is also concerned that, even though teaching is a preponderantly female profession, women are under-represented in higher education.

123. The Committee recommends that pro-active measures for women’s access to all levels of education and teaching be strengthened, particularly for marginalized groups of women, and that diversification of educational and professional choices be actively encouraged for women and men.

•          Morocco, CEDAW, A/58/38 part II (2003) 101 at paras. 176 and 177.

176. The Committee notes that, although they constitute a large proportion of the population, rural women and girls continue to be marginalized in their access to government services.

177. The Committee urges the State party to take special measures to ensure that the needs and concerns of rural women are fully integrated in the formulation and implementation of all sectoral policies and programmes and to ensure that rural women and girls have full access to education and health-care facilities.

•          Slovenia, CEDAW, A/58/38 part II (2003) 109 at para. 200.

200. The Committee notes with satisfaction the high percentage of female students in particular in postgraduate studies...

•          Ecuador, CEDAW, A/58/38 part II (2003) 122 at paras. 321, 322, 325 and 326.

321. Although there is a bilingual education plan and gender mainstreaming programmes designed to be applied at the different levels of basic education and teacher training, the Committee notes with concern that the plan is not applied systematically and in all centres responsible for applying it.

322. The Committee urges the State party to implement the bilingual education plan and the gender mainstreaming programmes.

...

325. Despite the existence of awareness-raising programmes, the Committee is concerned at the persistence of traditional stereotypes relating to the roles and responsibilities of women and men within the family, in the education system and in society in general.

326. The Committee recommends the development of policies and implementation of programmes for women and men aimed at eliminating stereotypes associated with traditional roles within the family and in the education system, employment, politics and society in general.

•          Japan, CEDAW, A/58/38 part II (2003) 130 at paras. 355, 359 and 360.

355. The Committee commends the State party for allocating, under the Initiative on Women in Development, approximately 10 per cent of its official development assistance over the last decade for women’s education, health and economic and social participation, to a number of developing countries in various parts of the world.

...

359. While appreciating the State party’s recognition that the long-standing stereotyped perception of gender roles remains the major obstacle to achieving equality between women and men and noting its efforts based on regular opinion polls in this regard, the Committee remains concerned about the persistence of deeply rooted and rigid stereotypes in Japan regarding the role and responsibilities of women and men in the family and in society, which are reflected in women’s situation in the labour market, educational choices and low participation in political and public life.

360. The Committee recommends that the State party design and implement comprehensive programmes in the educational system, including human rights education and gender equality training, and disseminate information on the Convention and the Government’s commitment to gender equality, with a view to changing existing stereotypical attitudes on women’s and men’s roles...

•          New Zealand, CEDAW, A/58/38 part II (2003) 138 at paras. 409, 410 and 423-426.

409. The Committee is concerned about difficulties women are facing at the university level, as reflected in the fact that men are more likely than women to complete postgraduate programmes, and in the decline in the number of women among university teachers in higher posts. The Committee is also concerned about the potential unfavourable impact on women of the existing Student Loan Scheme.

410. The Committee recommends that the State party promote the adoption of policies within universities aimed at creating a more favourable climate for women in order to achieve equality. The Committee also recommends that the State party review the Student Loan Scheme so that it does not result in additional difficulties for women.

...

423. While recognizing the State party’s efforts to address the needs of Maori and Pacific women and girls through the “Reducing Inequalities” programme, the Committee is concerned that the situation of Maori and Pacific women and girls remains unsatisfactory in many areas, particularly with regard to employment, political participation, decision-making positions in the public and private sector, the judiciary and tertiary education and economic independence...

424. The Committee urges the State party to continue to implement the “Treaty of Waitangi” and to monitor the impact of measures taken through the “Reducing Inequalities” programme on Maori and Pacific women and girls, in particular in the social, economic and political areas and in criminal justice...

425. Taking note of the efforts made by the State party to combat discrimination against refugee and migrant women in New Zealand, the Committee expresses concern at the continuing discrimination suffered by immigrant, refugee and minority women and girls, based on their ethnic background, particularly with respect to education, health, employment, violence against women, and in regard to permanent residence status.

426. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to eliminate discrimination against refugee, migrant and minority women and girls, and to strengthen its efforts to combat xenophobia and racism in New Zealand. It also encourages the State party to be more proactive in its measures to prevent discrimination against these women and girls within their communities and in society at large, to combat violence against them and to increase their awareness of the availability of social services and legal remedies, and to provide for their needs with respect to education, employment and health care...

•          Bhutan, CEDAW, A/59/38 part I (2004) 21 at paras. 113 and 114.

113. While welcoming the significant progress achieved in the increase in the enrolment rate in primary education, where girls now constitute 45 per cent of the enrolled students, the Committee is concerned about the low participation of girls and women in secondary and tertiary education, including in technology- and science-related courses.

114. The Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts to close the gender gap in primary education and to take all necessary measures to increase the number of women in secondary and tertiary education in the country, including in technology- and science-related courses, in order to ensure that girls and women are accorded an equal opportunity to study, develop and benefit from science and technology. It also urges the State party to ensure that women have equal access with men to governmental loans and scholarships for pursuing higher education abroad.

•          Nepal, CEDAW, A/59/38 part I (2004) 34 at paras. 204 and 205.

204. While recognizing that education is a national priority of the State party and that substantial progress has been made, including a decline in the overall illiteracy rate, the Committee is concerned about the continuing significant gap between the literacy rates of women and men. It is concerned about the low female enrolment in primary and secondary schools, high dropout rates and the very limited access for women to tertiary education. The Committee is also concerned that educational opportunities are fewer for women in rural areas and for women of different castes and ethnic groups.

205. The Committee urges the State party to intensify its efforts to address the literacy gap between men and women so that the goals established in the National Plan on Education in regard to equality in education can be achieved, particularly in rural areas and among disadvantaged castes and ethnic groups. The Committee also recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to ensure equal access of girls and women to all levels of education and to take all appropriate measures to prevent girls from dropping out of school. The Committee calls on the State party to allocate more financial and human resources to the education sector, to recruit more women teachers and to ensure that school textbooks do not carry stereotyped images of women.

•          Ethiopia, CEDAW, A/59/38 part I (2004) 42 at paras. 240, 249 and 250.

240. The Committee commends the State party for the temporary special measures introduced in the civil service and in education, in particular the allocation of at least 30 per cent of the total number of university seats to female students. It also commends the State party for the introduction of the girl’s scholarship programme, covering 28 schools in 7 regions, and the incorporation of gender mainstreaming in the school curriculum.

...

249. The Committee, while welcoming the State party’s efforts in the area of education, is concerned at the low rate of female literacy, the continuing gap between boys and girls in the school enrolment rate and at the high drop-out and repetition rates among girls.

250. The Committee urges the State party to strengthen its efforts to improve the literacy rate of girls and women in rural and urban areas, to ensure equal access of girls and young women to all levels of education and to take measures to reduce and eliminate the high drop-out and repetition rates of girls. It encourages the State party to introduce temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and general recommendation 25 at primary and secondary levels of education, including incentives for parents to send girls to school. It also recommends that the State party take steps to ensure that rural women and girls have full access to education and vocational training.

•          Nigeria, CEDAW, A/59/38 part I (2004) 49 at paras. 303 and 304.

303. The Committee expresses concern at the low enrolment rates and educational achievement of girls and women, the continuing high rates of illiteracy of women and girls, in particular in rural areas, and the decline in the quality of education.

304. The Committee urges the State party to ensure full implementation of its Universal Basic Education Policy, launched in 1999, and the educational objectives contained in the National Policy on Women, including with the support of the international community. It calls on the State party to further prioritize action in the field of girls’ and women’s education and to raise awareness about the importance of education as a fundamental human right and the basis for the empowerment of women. It urges that targeted measures with a concrete time frame be taken, in accordance with general recommendation 25, to increase the literacy level of girls and women, in particular in rural areas, to ensure equal access of girls and young women to all levels of education, to prevent girls from dropping out of school, in particular because of early pregnancy, and to overcome traditional attitudes that constitute obstacles to girls’ education. It also encourages the State party to ensure the accessibility of schools to all children, particularly girls, to create further incentives for parents to send girls to school and to step up the recruitment of qualified women teachers at all levels of education.

•          Angola, CEDAW, A/59/38 part II (2004) 118 at paras. 148, 149, 158 and 159.

148. While recognizing the efforts undertaken by the State party aimed at the reconstruction of the country and its socio-economic fabric after the long years of armed conflict, including repatriation, rehabilitation and resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons, the majority of whom are women, the Committee is concerned that the widespread poverty among women and the poor socio-economic conditions are among the causes of the violation of women’s human rights and discrimination against them. The Committee is especially concerned about the situation of women in rural areas, women heads of households, women refugees and internally displaced women returning to their places of origin or migrating to the cities, who often lack access to health, education, services and means and opportunities for economic survival.

149. The Committee urges the State party to make the promotion of gender equality an explicit component of all its national development strategies, policies and programmes, in particular those aimed at repatriation, rehabilitation and resettlement, as well as those aimed at poverty alleviation and sustainable development. It urges the State party to pay special attention to the needs of rural women, women heads of household, refugee women and internally displaced women, ensuring that they participate in decision-making processes and have access to health, education, services and income-generation projects. The Committee also invites the State party to place emphasis on the promotion and protection of women’s human rights in all development cooperation programmes with international organizations and bilateral donors so as to address the socio-economic causes of discrimination against women.

...

158. The Committee is concerned at the poor educational infrastructure, as reflected in the very low budgetary allocation; the lack of, or insufficient number of, schools and teachers; and the poor quality of education. The Committee is concerned that these shortcomings result in a high rate of illiteracy among girls and women, their low enrolment rates in primary, secondary, vocational and higher education, in both urban and rural areas, and in their high drop out rates. The Committee notes that education is a key to the advancement of women and that the low level of education of women and girls remains one of the most serious impediments to their full enjoyment of human rights and the achievement of women’s empowerment.

159. The Committee urges the State party to increase its investment in education as a fundamental human right and as a basis for the empowerment of women. It recommends that the State party continue and further prioritize efforts to: improve the literacy level of girls and women; ensure equal access of girls and women to all levels of education in both urban and rural areas; increase the enrolment rates for girls; and take measures to retain girls in school, including through temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and its general recommendation 25, so as to implement article 10 of the Convention.

•          Equatorial Guinea, CEDAW, A/59/38 part II (2004) 126 at paras. 189, 190, 193 and 194.

189. The Committee is concerned that widespread poverty among women and poor socio-economic conditions are among the causes of the violation of women’s human rights and discrimination against women. The Committee is especially concerned about the situation of rural women, particularly in view of their extreme poverty and lack of access to health care, education, credit facilities and community services.

190. The Committee urges the State party to make the promotion of gender equality an explicit component of its national development plans and policies, and in particular those aimed at poverty alleviation and sustainable development. It urges the State party to pay special attention to the needs of rural women, ensuring that they participate in decision-making processes and have full access to education, health services and credit facilities...The Committee invites the State party to place emphasis on women’s human rights in all development cooperation programmes with international organizations and bilateral donors so as to address the socio-economic causes of discrimination against women, including those impacting women in rural areas, through all available sources of support.

...

193. The Committee is concerned at the low rate of female literacy, the low rate of enrolment of girls in schools and the high dropout rate of girls due to pregnancy, early marriages and the low priority given to girls’ education by families. The Committee notes that education is a key to the advancement of women and that the low level of education of women and girls remains one of the most serious impediments to their full enjoyment of human rights.

194. The Committee urges the State party to raise awareness of the importance of education as a fundamental human right and as a basis for the empowerment of women and to take steps to overcome traditional attitudes that constitute obstacles to girls’ education. It also recommends that the State party prioritize efforts to improve the literacy level of girls and women, ensure equal access of girls and young women to all levels of education, retain girls in school and strengthen the implementation of re-entry policies providing for girls to return to school after pregnancy. The Committee further urges the State party to take measures to increase the enrolment of girls at all levels and recommends the introduction of further special measures, including incentives for parents to send girls to schools.

•          Bangladesh, CEDAW, A/59/38 part II (2004) 134 at para. 233.

233. The Committee commends the State party for the achievement of gender parity in school enrolment at the primary and secondary levels, and has succeeded in decreasing girls’ dropout rates. The Committee also appreciates the successful efforts to increase girls’ and women’s literacy rates.

•          Spain, CEDAW, A/59/38 part II (2004) 149 at paras. 344-349.

344. The Committee is concerned that Roma women remain in a vulnerable and marginalized situation, especially with regard to education, employment, housing and health.

345. The Committee recommends that the State party promote and protect the human rights of Roma women, in particular with regard to their access to education, employment, housing and health.

346. Despite the progress made by women in education in recent years, the Committee remains concerned about discrimination in this area, in particular about early drop out rates from school of Roma girls.

347. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to promote the access of Roma girls to education and their retention in the system. It recommends that the State party conduct research into the subject and, on the basis of its findings, provide incentives to Roma parents to encourage them to ensure that their daughters attend school.

348. The Committee is concerned about information that women who begin doctoral studies do not complete their dissertations at as high a rate as men.

349. The Committee recommends that the State party increase women’s access to resources, including grants, and to childcare facilities, to enable them to complete their dissertations at the same rate as men do.

•          Argentina, CEDAW, A/59/38 part II (2004) 155 at paras. 376 and 377.

376. The Committee is concerned about the situation of rural women, particularly in view of their extreme poverty and lack of access to health care, education, credit facilities and community services.

377. The Committee urges the State party to pay special attention to the needs of rural women, ensuring that they participate in decision-making processes and have full access to education, health services and credit facilities.

•          Samoa, CEDAW, A/60/38 part I (2005) 9 at para. 43.

43. The Committee commends the State party on making primary education compulsory and on the progress made in implementing article 10 of the Convention in regard to the education of girls and women at all levels. The Committee also commends the State party for the very high rate of female literacy.

•          Lao People’s Democratic Republic, CEDAW, A/60/38 part I (2005) 16 at paras. 94, 95, 108 and 109.

94. Despite some progress, the Committee is alarmed at the still very high illiteracy rate of women, 40 per cent, and the large discrepancy between male and female literacy rates and between urban and rural women’s education. The Committee is especially concerned at the extremely low literacy rate among ethnic minority women. The Committee is concerned that the initial plan to make primary education compulsory was postponed from 2000 to 2010.

95. The Committee urges that the State party immediately take all appropriate measures, including temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25 on temporary special measures, to reduce the illiteracy rate of women and to provide education, both formal and informal, to women, including ethnic minority women, especially in rural areas. The Committee also recommends that free and compulsory primary education at the national level be implemented as soon as possible. It further recommends that the State party consider seeking international assistance for these purposes.

...

108. ...The Committee is...concerned that traditional attitudes on gender-role stereotyping keep women and girls in a subordinate position, preventing them from getting equal education and life opportunities, especially in rural areas.

...

109. ...The Committee...recommends that the State party take more active and proactive measures to bring about changes in the traditional patriarchal attitudes on gender-role stereotyping...

•          Algeria, CEDAW, A/60/38 part I (2005) 23 at para. 132.

132. The Committee notes with satisfaction the increase in women’s enrolment in institutions of higher learning, from 39.5 per cent in 1990 to approximately 55.4 per cent in 2003. It also appreciates that girls now comprise 57.53 per cent of students in secondary education.

•          Croatia, CEDAW, A/60/38 part I (2005) 30 at paras. 196, 197, 200 and 201.

196. The Committee is concerned that Roma women remain in a vulnerable and marginalized situation, especially in regard to education, employment, health and participation in public life and decision-making...

197. The Committee requests the State party to take effective measures to eliminate discrimination against Roma women, both in society at large and within their communities, and to enhance respect for their human rights through effective and proactive measures, including temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25, and awareness-raising programmes...

...

200. The Committee is concerned about the persistence of sex-stereotyping in educational curricula and in textbooks. It is also concerned that girls and women in secondary schools and universities continue to choose study areas traditionally seen as “female areas” and that they are underrepresented in the sciences.

201. The Committee encourages the State party to intensify its efforts to eliminate gender stereotyping and to strengthen the mainstreaming of gender perspectives in curricula and textbooks. It also requests the State party to enhance the training of teaching staff in regard to gender equality issues. It calls on the State party to further encourage diversification of the educational choices of boys and girls and, at the tertiary level, to attract more women to the field of science and technology, including through temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention. It also urges the State party to encourage a public dialogue on the educational choices girls and women make and their subsequent opportunities and chances in the labour market.

•          Gabon, CEDAW, A/60/38 part I (2005) 37 at paras. 241, 242, 247 and 248.

241. The Committee expresses concern that, although education is compulsory for all children aged 6 to 16 under Act No. 16/66 of 10 August 1966, the attendance rates for girls drop precipitously at higher levels of education, with 39.94 per cent in junior high school and 7.20 per cent in upper high school. The Committee is also concerned that the attendance rates for girls drop to 2.63 per cent in higher education.

242. The Committee urges the State party to raise awareness of the importance of education as a fundamental human right and as a basis for the empowerment of women. It recommends that the State party prioritize efforts to ensure equal access of girls and young women to all levels of education and to increase their rates of enrolment and retention, including through the use of temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25 on temporary special measures, by giving incentives to parents and scholarships to girl students. The Committee encourages the State party to use its educational and training systems systematically for enhancing knowledge about the Convention and women’s right to equality and non-discrimination.

...

247. The Committee is concerned about the situation of rural women, particularly in view of their geographic isolation and lack of access to adequate nutrition and sanitation, health care, education and income-generating opportunities. This situation leads to multiple forms of discrimination against rural women...

248. The Committee urges the State party to implement, on a priority basis, measures to ensure that rural women have full access to adequate nutrition and sanitation, health-care services, education and income-generating opportunities. The Committee invites the State party, as necessary, to seek assistance from relevant specialized agencies of the United Nations to improve the standard of living of rural women.

•          Paraguay, CEDAW, A/60/38 part I (2005) 44 at paras. 291 and 292.

291. The Committee is concerned about the poor conditions of indigenous women, including monolingual Guaraní women, reflected in their high illiteracy rates, which surpass the national average, low school enrolment rates, poor access to health care and significant levels of poverty, which lead them to migrate to urban centres where they are even more vulnerable to multiple forms of discrimination.

292. The Committee urges the State party to ensure that all policies and programmes explicitly address the high illiteracy rates and the needs of indigenous women, including monolingual Guaraní women, and to actively seek their participation in the formulation and implementation of sectoral policies and programmes. It recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to implement bilingual educational programmes at all levels of education and to ensure indigenous women’s access to education and health care. The Committee also encourages the State party to adopt temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25 on temporary special measures, to accelerate such access for indigenous women. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its programmes of dissemination, education and training on the Convention and its Optional Protocol for indigenous women, including monolingual Guaraní women.

•          Italy, CEDAW, A/60/38 part I (2005) 51 at paras. 332 and 333.

332. The Committee is concerned that certain groups of women, including Roma and migrant women, remain in a vulnerable and marginalized situation, especially in regard to education, employment, health and participation in public life and decision-making...

333. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to eliminate discrimination against vulnerable groups of women, including Roma and migrant women, and to enhance respect for their human rights through all available means, including temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25...

•          Turkey, CEDAW, A/60/38 part I (2005) 58 at paras. 367, 368, 371 and 372.

367. The Committee is strongly concerned about the pervasiveness of patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted traditional and cultural stereotypes regarding the roles and responsibilities of women and men in society, which continue to cast women in a position of inferiority. It expresses its concern that these attitudes contribute to the perpetuation of violence against women, including in the form of “honour killings”, and negatively affect women’s enjoyment of their rights in many areas; they also impede the full implementation of the Convention, including in regard to education, employment, health and participation in decision-making...

368. The Committee calls upon the State party to accelerate its efforts to eliminate stereotypical attitudes about the roles and responsibilities of women and men, in conformity with articles 2(f) and 5(a) of the Convention, including through awareness-raising and educational campaigns directed at both women and men, to foster a better understanding of and support for equality between women and men at all levels of society. The Committee calls on the State party to monitor carefully the impact of such measures. It recommends that the media be further encouraged to project a positive image of women and of the equal status and responsibilities of women and men in the private and public spheres. The Committee also calls upon the State party to introduce without delay additional measures, in collaboration with civil society organizations, women’s groups and community leaders, as well as teachers and the media, to eliminate traditional and cultural practices that discriminate against women in marriage and family relations, taking into account the Committee’s general recommendation 21, on equality in marriage and family relations.

...

371. The Committee is concerned at the high rate of female illiteracy and the lower enrolment and completion rates of girls and women at all levels of education, and that these discrepancies are further aggravated by urban-rural, regional and ethnic differences. The Committee is further concerned that girls and women continue to predominate in traditionally female areas of education and are particularly underrepresented in technical and vocational schools. The Committee is concerned about the disadvantages that result from these educational choices for women’s professional and employment opportunities. It is also concerned that women and girls whose mother tongue is not Turkish may face multiple forms of discrimination in access to and achievement in education. The Committee is also concerned about the impact on girls and women of the ban on wearing headscarves in schools and universities. The Committee is further concerned that stereotypical attitudes continue to create disadvantages for girls in education.

372. The Committee recommends that the State party take proactive measures to decrease the high rate of female illiteracy and to strengthen girls’ and women’s access to all levels of education and teaching and to actively encourage diversification of educational and professional choices for women and men. The Committee recommends that such measures include the use of temporary special measures, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25. The Committee calls on the State party to implement further targeted policies and programmes to overcome educational disadvantages faced by girls and women belonging to diverse ethnic groups and those whose mother tongue is not Turkish, particularly in rural areas, as well as to address regional disparities. The Committee requests the State party to monitor and assess the impact of the ban on wearing headscarves and to compile information on the number of women who have been excluded from schools and universities because of the ban. It also calls on the State party to undertake further awareness-raising on the importance of education for women’s equality and economic opportunities, and to overcome stereotypical attitudes.

•          Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, CEDAW, A/60/38 part II (2005) 101 at paras. 53 and 54.

53. The Committee notes with concern the persistence of traditional and stereotyped assumptions and attitudes in respect of the roles and responsibilities of women and men, which are discriminatory against women and have a pronounced impact, particularly in the areas of education and employment as well as in other areas of their lives. For example, the Committee is concerned at the stereotyping of women, which perceives them exclusively as caregivers and homemakers and assigns them in areas such as education and employment to spheres suitable to their “characteristics”. The Committee is concerned that such expectations of women have serious consequences, preventing them from accessing rights and entitlements on an equal basis with men and creating a dependency on men, husbands and family for housing, food entitlements and other services. It is also concerned that in times of economic crisis, as in the current situation of the country, women’s prescribed roles and lesser entitlement intensifies their hardship and amounts to multiple discrimination.

54. The Committee urges the State party to increase its efforts to address stereotypical attitudes about the roles and responsibilities of women and men, including the hidden patterns that perpetuate direct and indirect discrimination against women and girls in the areas of education and employment and in all other areas of their lives, in accordance with articles 2 (f) and 5 (a) of the Convention. Those efforts should include educational measures at all levels, beginning at an early age; the revision of school textbooks and curricula; and awareness-raising campaigns directed at both women and men to address stereotypes regarding the roles of women and men.

•          Lebanon, CEDAW, A/60/38 part II (2005) 109 at para. 90.

90. The Committee appreciates the progress achieved in the area of women’s education, particularly in institutions of higher education where, in 2002/03, women constituted 53.9 per cent of the total number of students.

•          Benin, CEDAW, A/60/38 part II (2005) 116 at paras. 155 and 156.

155. The Committee is concerned at the poor educational infrastructure and the insufficient number of schools and teachers, which constitute particular obstacles to the education of girls and young women. The Committee expresses its concern about the low rate of enrolment of girls in schools, preference for the education of boys and the high dropout rate of girls due to pregnancy and early and forced marriage. The Committee is especially concerned about the extremely high rate of illiteracy among women and girls, 81 per cent for women and girls between the ages of 15 and 49.

156. The Committee urges the State party to increase its investment in education, including through international donor assistance, and to raise awareness of the importance of education as a human right and as a basis for the empowerment of women. It also encourages the State party to take steps to overcome traditional attitudes that constitute obstacles to girls’ education. It recommends that the State party take steps to ensure equal access of girls and young women to all levels of education, to retain girls in school and to strengthen the implementation of re-entry policies providing for girls to return to school after pregnancy. The Committee recommends that the State party make every effort to improve the literacy level of girls and women through the adoption of comprehensive programmes, in collaboration with civil society, at the formal and non-formal levels and through adult education and training. The Committee encourages the State party to take temporary special measures, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25, to accelerate the improvement of women’s and girls’ educational situation.

•          Gambia, CEDAW, A/60/38 part II (2005) 122 at paras. 207 and 208.

207. While noting the efforts made by the State party to revise its policy on education in order to address the needs of the girl child, the Committee expresses its concern about the low enrolment of girls in school, especially at the secondary and higher levels, and their high dropout rates. The Committee is particularly concerned that, according to the 1993 census, only 27 per cent of women in the Gambia are literate and that in the rural areas the proportion is only 18.3 per cent.

208. The Committee urges the State party to take measures on the importance of realizing women’s and girls’ right to education as a fundamental human right, including for the empowerment of women. It also calls upon the State party to strengthen measures to create an environment that increases the enrolment and retention rates of girls in school at all levels, including through the development of gender-sensitive educational material. The Committee calls upon the State party to step up its efforts to eradicate female illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, including through comprehensive education programmes at the formal and non-formal levels, as well as programmes specifically targeting adult women. The Committee encourages the State party to use temporary special measures, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25, in order to accelerate the improvement of women’s and girls’ education.

•          Israel, CEDAW, A/60/38 part II (2005) 129 at paras. 255, 256, 259 and 260.

255. While appreciating the progress made in the fields of women’s education and health, the Committee is concerned that Israeli Arab women remain in a vulnerable and marginalized situation, especially in regard to education and health. While efforts have been made to eliminate gender stereotypes from textbooks, the Committee is concerned that these persist in the Arab education system.

256. The Committee recommends that the State party take urgent measures to reduce the drop-out rates of Israeli Arab girls and increase the number of Israeli Arab women at institutions of higher education, including temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25. The Committee also urges the State party to review and revise textbooks in the Arab education system in order to eradicate gender stereotypes. The Committee recommends that the State party allocate adequate resources to improve the status of Israeli Arab women’s health, in particular with regard to infant mortality...

...

259. The Committee is concerned that Bedouin women living in the Negev desert remain in a vulnerable and marginalized situation, especially in regard to education, employment and health...

260. The Committee requests the State party to take effective measures to eliminate discrimination against Bedouin women and to enhance respect for their human rights through effective and proactive measures, including temporary special measures in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s general recommendation 25, in the fields of education, employment and health...

•          Burkina Faso, CEDAW, A/60/38 part II (2005) 144 at paras. 347 and 348.

347. The Committee is concerned about the situation of rural women, particularly in view of their extreme poverty and lack of access to adequate nutrition and sanitation, health care, education and income-generating opportunities. This situation leads to multiple forms of discrimination against rural women...

348. The Committee urges the State party to pay special attention to the situation of rural women so as to enhance compliance with article 14 of the Convention. In particular, the Committee calls upon the State party to ensure that rural women have full access to education, health services and credit facilities, and can fully participate in decision-making processes...It also urges the State party to place emphasis on women’s human rights in all development cooperation programmes with international organizations and bilateral donors so as to address the socio-economic causes of discrimination against women and sociocultural causes of poverty of women, especially those affecting women in rural areas, through all available sources of support. The Committee urges the State party to put into operation the principle of gender equality as a key factor in eradicating poverty as outlined in the strategic and regional frameworks for poverty reduction...

•          Ireland, CEDAW, A/60/38 part II (2005) 151 at paras. 382, 383, 392 and 393.

382. The Committee is concerned at the persistence of traditional stereotypical views of the social roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family and in society at large, which are reflected in article 41.2 of the Constitution and its male-oriented language, as recognized by the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, in women’s educational choices and employment patterns, and in women’s low participation in political and public life.

383. The Committee recommends that the State party take additional measures to eliminate traditional stereotypical attitudes, including through sensitization and training of all educational actors and sustained awareness-raising campaigns directed at both women and men...Considering the important role of the media in regard to cultural change, the Committee furthermore recommends that the State party encourage the media to project a positive image of women and of the equal status and responsibilities of women and men in the private and public spheres.

...

392. While recognizing that the second National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion and the National Anti-Poverty Strategy provide for an integrated focus on addressing the needs of specific groups, including women, the Committee is concerned at the situation of vulnerable groups of women who are considered to be at high risk of consistent poverty and social exclusion, including rural women, older women, Traveller women, women who are single parents and women with disabilities. The Committee is particularly concerned at the barriers faced by those vulnerable groups in relation to access to education, employment, health care and other social services.

393. The Committee recommends that the State party closely monitor the situation of poverty and social exclusion of women in the most vulnerable groups and implement effective measures and training programmes that will allow them fully to enjoy the benefits of the State party’s prosperity. The Committee also recommends that a gender impact analysis of all social and economic policies and anti-poverty measures be conducted regularly. It further recommends that the State party consider allowing for the Homemaker’s Scheme (1994) to be applied retroactively so as to benefit older women.

CRC

•          Mauritania, CRC, CRC/C/111 (2001) 8 at paras. 72 and 73.

72. While noting the increase in the number of schools and classrooms, the Committee is nevertheless concerned that only approximately 60 per cent of children attend school and that there are great gender and regional disparities...

73. In light of articles 28 and 29 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Enforce the act that makes basic education compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 14;

(b) Undertake appropriate measures to ensure regular attendance at schools and the reduction of drop-out rates, in particular among girls;

...

•          Kenya, CRC, CRC/C/111 (2001) 21 at paras. 130, 131, 134 and 135.

130. ...Concern is...expressed at the limited number of teachers trained to work with children with disabilities, as well as at the insufficient efforts made to facilitate the inclusion of such children in the educational system and generally in society. The Committee also notes with concern the inadequate resources allocated to special education programmes for children with disabilities.

131. In the light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the recommendations adopted by the Committee at its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities (CRC/C/69, para. 338), it is recommended that the State party:

...

(d) Establish special education programmes for them and where feasible, include them in the regular school system;

...

(f) Increase the resources (financial and human) allocated to special education and enhance the support given to the families of children with disabilities;

(g) Seek technical cooperation for the training of professional staff, including teachers, working with and for children with disabilities, from, inter alia, WHO.

...

134. While the Committee notes that the Education Act is currently under review, it is concerned that the law does not fully guarantee the right to education. The Committee expresses concern about the non-increase (in percentage) of the budget for education and about the introduction of cost-sharing in education which further limits access to education, especially for girls, children from economically disadvantaged families and those living in remote rural communities...

135. The Committee urges the State party to take legal and other measures to guarantee the right to education for all children in its territory, in particular free and compulsory primary education. The Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures, including the allocation and distribution of adequate financial, human and technical resources, to enhance the quality of education, to decrease the repetition and drop-out rates, and to ensure that all children enjoy the right to education. It is further recommended that the State party reinforce its efforts to increase access to education by, inter alia, abolishing cost-sharing in primary education and rationalizing it in secondary and tertiary education...

•          Portugal, CRC, CRC/C/111 (2001) 48 at paras. 240 and 241.

240. The Committee welcomes the State party's emphasis on the integration of children with disabilities into mainstream education. However, the Committee remains concerned that resources for the special education of children with disabilities are unevenly distributed across the country, with a particular concentration in Lisbon limiting the access of some children to these facilities.

241. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Continue and strengthen its efforts to ensure the integration of children with disabilities into regular schools;

(b) Review the distribution of resources for the special education of children with disabilities, with a view to ensuring that all children and their families in need of such services have easy access to them.

•          Cameroon, CRC, CRC/C/111 (2001) 71 at paras. 375, 376, 394 and 395.

375. Noting the current efforts by the State party (notably Act No. 83/013 of 21 July 1983 on the Protection of Disabled Persons and the Establishment of a Sub-Department for the Protection of Disabled Persons within the Ministry of Social Affairs), the Committee is concerned at the lack of statistical data on children with disabilities in the State party, at the situation of children with physical and mental disabilities and, in particular, at the limited specialized health care, education and employment possibilities available for them...

376. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Review the situation of...children [with disabilities] in terms of their access to suitable health care, education services and employment opportunities;

...

(e) Strengthen policies and programmes of inclusion in regular education, train teachers and make schools accessible;

...

394. The Committee is deeply concerned about the poor situation of Pygmy children and children of similar marginalized groups, and at the lack of respect for almost all of their rights, including the rights to health care, to education, to survival and development, to enjoy their own culture and to be protected from discrimination...

395. The Committee urges the State party urgently to gather additional information on the Pygmies and other marginalized groups of the population, and to elaborate a plan of action to protect their rights.

•          Cape Verde, CRC, CRC/C/111 (2001) 135 at paras. 644 and 645.

644. ...The Committee is concerned...at the absence of public schools or trained teachers for children with disabilities in need of special facilities.

645. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Make urgent efforts to improve respect for the rights of children with disabilities, including the rights to non-discrimination, family life, an adequate standard of living, health care, education and leisure;

(b) Continue to provide and encourage access to the regular education system for children with disabilities who are able to participate in this system;

(c) Ensure that, where necessary, specialized educational and health assistance are made available to children with disabilities in need of such assistance;

(d) Ensure the provision of specialized services for children with disabilities making a transition to the regular education system;

...

(f) Develop and implement information campaigns targeting, among others, parents, teachers, care givers and children, on the rights of children with disabilities, including the right to equal treatment;

(g) Seek technical assistance from UNICEF and WHO.

•          Lebanon, CRC, CRC/C/114 (2002) 11 at paras. 52, 53, 69, 70, 77 and 78.

52. The Committee welcomes the information on regional policies to eliminate social disparities and promote equal opportunities. However, it is concerned that the principle of non-discrimination (article 2 of the Convention) is not fully implemented for girls, refugee and asylum-seeking children, Palestinian children, children with disabilities, and children living in less advantaged regions and rural areas, especially with regard to their access to health and adequate educational facilities.

53. In accordance with article 2 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Make concerted efforts at all levels to address discrimination, notably discrimination based on gender, disability, religion, and national, ethnic, or social origin, through a review and reorientation of policies, including increased budgetary allocations for programmes targeting the most vulnerable groups;

(b) Ensure effective law enforcement, undertake studies and launch comprehensive public information campaigns to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination;...

...

69. While welcoming the extensive legislation adopted for children with disabilities, the Committee remains concerned that children with disabilities continue to be subject to discrimination in the areas of health coverage, access to specialized services, family support and education.

70. The Committee urges the State party:

...

(c) To make greater efforts to promote community-based rehabilitation programmes and inclusive education;

...

77. While noting with appreciation the number of initiatives undertaken, in particular the law making basic education free and compulsory until the age of 12 and the intention to raise it further to 15, the Committee is nevertheless concerned about the implementation of the law, including that public education is not entirely free. The Committee is furthermore concerned at the lack of public structures in early childhood education, regional disparities, the differences in cost and quality between State and private schools, which create inequality, the high drop-out rates after primary education, the low number of trained teachers, as well as reports of family preference for male over female children when fees are charged.

78. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take all appropriate measures, including the allocation of adequate financial, human and technical resources, to improve the situation and aims of education, taking into account general comment No. 1 on article 29 (1) of the Convention (aims of education), both with regard to quality as well as relevance, and to ensure that all children enjoy the right to education;

...

(d) Place stronger emphasis on public education, with a view to ensuring that all children subject to the jurisdiction of the State enjoy this fundamental right, and prevent any risk of discrimination, in accordance with the Committee’s previous recommendation ([CRC/C/15/Add.54], para. 30) regarding the growing role of private educational institutions;

...

•          Greece, CRC, CRC/C/114 (2002) 25 at paras. 158 and 159.

158. Acknowledging the many activities of the State party towards improving access to education and the quality of education and introducing multicultural teaching, the Committee remains concerned about a variety of problems that still exist, such as:

(a) The closing of many rural schools, thereby limiting the access of children from rural communities to education;

(b) Reports of xenophobia among teachers and students;

(c) The high overall drop-out rate and the very high drop-out rates among rural and Roma children;

...

(e) Difficulties in gaining access to education for some groups of children, including asylum-seeking and refugee children who experience difficulties in registering for school and obtaining education certificates;

(f) The poor quality of education in many schools that teach in languages other than Greek, including the use of outdated textbooks and late term starting dates; the very high estimated illiteracy rates among Roma children; the low proportion of children from distinct ethnic, religious, linguistic or cultural groups who attend secondary school and that some children, particularly from these groups, are accepted in school only as auditors and not permitted to gain academic credit for their studies;

...

159. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Ensure the access to education for all children in the State party, including increasing the enrolment and reducing the drop-out rates, giving particular attention to children in rural communities, children from Roma and other distinct ethnic, religious, linguistic or cultural groups, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including through the use of information campaigns targeting parents and local authorities;

(c) Ensure that legislation with regard to compulsory education is enforced, including through provision of the appropriate resources for this purpose;

(d) Encourage and support increases in the numbers of children from distinct ethnic, religious, linguistic or cultural groups attending secondary school;

(e) Expand the practice of recruiting second teachers who speak languages other than Greek to cover all relevant schools and major languages;

...

(g) Continue and strengthen existing programmes of training and information for all teachers on multicultural concerns, with a view to the effective integration into the State party’s school system of children from all distinct ethnic, religious, linguistic or cultural groups and other backgrounds;

(h) Ensure that all children are able to gain full academic credit for their school attendance;

...

•          Gabon, CRC, CRC/C/114 (2002) 47 at paras. 225 and 226.

225. While noting the adoption of the Act No. 19/95 on “the welfare of the handicapped”, the Committee is concerned at the very limited statistical data on children with disabilities in the State party and at the situation of children with physical and mental disabilities, and in particular at the limited specialized health care, education and employment possibilities available for them...

226. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Review the situation of children with disabilities in terms of their access to suitable health care, education services and employment opportunities;

...

(d) Strengthen policies and programmes of inclusion in regular education, train teachers and make schools accessible;

...

•          Mozambique, CRC, CRC/C/114 (2002) 65 at paras. 297, 298, 305 and 306.

297. While noting the State party’s 1999 national policy on disabled persons, the Committee remains concerned that:

...

(c) Children with disabilities often have serious difficulty in obtaining transportation and in gaining access to public buildings, including to hospitals and schools;

(d) Children with disabilities have very limited access to formal education.

298. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Make every effort to assure the full integration of children with disabilities into everyday life as enjoyed by other children, including family life, education, leisure and professional training;

(c) Increase the numbers of schools and other institutions for children with disabilities who have special needs;

(d) Take action to address societal discrimination against children with disabilities, noting also links with gender discrimination, including through children’s rights information programmes targeting parents, teachers, social workers, communities in general and children;

(e) Take steps to provide improved transportation facilities for persons with disabilities and in need of assistance, including through the provision of wheelchairs or other specialized equipment;

(f) Implement measures to improve the access of children with disabilities to public buildings, including through legislative and administrative measures;

(g) Ensure respect for the right of children with disabilities to receive a formal education;

...

305. While noting the State party’s significant efforts in this domain, including the construction or renovation of many primary schools in the 1990s, the provision of free school materials to many children, increases in primary school enrolment rates, efforts to improve the access to education of girls and to train teachers, the fall in the repetition and drop-out rates, the Committee remains concerned that:

...

(e) Girls continue to have less access to education than boys above the primary school level; literacy levels among girls, particularly those over 15, are extremely low; less importance is placed by parents and communities on the education of girls than of boys; some practices, such as excessive domestic work required of girls, early marriage and early pregnancy, contribute to limiting girls’ access to education; and only 20 per cent of students who enter higher (tertiary) education are girls;

...

306. Noting the State party’s own recommendations in its initial report, the Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(e) Make greater efforts to ensure that girls have the same opportunities as boys to attend formal education; take steps to ensure that the education of girls is seen, by parents, families and communities, as of equally important as that of boys and that education is seen as a right of all children; address traditional and other practices, such as excessive domestic work, which prevent girls from attending formal education; ensure that pregnancy does not lead to the banning of girls’ attendance at school; consider recruiting and training more women teachers; make particular efforts to support girls seeking higher education; make every effort to implement its own policies; seek technical assistance from UNICEF in this regard;

...

•          Chile, CRC, CRC/C/114 (2002) 90 at paras. 367-370.

367. The Committee...expresses its concern at the low proportion of children with disabilities enrolled in regular schools.

368. In light of article 23 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(f) In light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the Committee’s recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities (CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339), further encourage their integration into the regular educational system and inclusion into society, including by providing special training to teachers and by making schools more accessible;

...

369. The Committee, while noting the increase in the school attendance rate, expresses its concern at the difficult access to education, high drop-out and repetition rates which affect in particular indigenous children, poor children and the ones living in rural areas; the low enrolment rate for pre-school education; the low rate of children reaching secondary education and the treatment of children with behavioural problems. It further notes with concern the important number of pregnant children who are excluded from school and that government measures to avoid this situation are not implemented, especially in private schools.

370. In light of articles 28 and 29 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure regular attendance at school and the reduction of drop-out rates, especially with regard to indigenous children;

(b) Develop appropriate measures to deal with children with behavioural problems without resorting to expulsion from school;

(c) Ensure that measures are effectively implemented in order for pregnant girls to continue attending school both during and after their pregnancy;

...

•          Malawi, CRC, CRC/C/114 (2002) 104 at paras. 436 and 437.

436. ...The Committee...is concerned at the fact that access to education is not always guaranteed to refugee children.

437. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(c) Guarantee access to education to child refugees;

...

•          Guinea-Bissau, CRC, CRC/C/118 (2002) 12 at paras. 66, 67, 74 and 75.

66. While noting that a major effort has been made to address the situation of children with disabilities since 1986 (see report, para. 189), the Committee remains concerned that:

...

(c) There is a lack of health, educational or professional training facilities for children with disabilities (see report, para.147) and, in particular, children with disabilities have very limited access to formal education;

(d) Children with disabilities often have serious difficulty in gaining access to public buildings, including to hospitals and schools.

67. The Committee recommends that the State party, in the spirit of the United Nations Guidelines on Disabilities and the results of the Committee's day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities:

(a) Develop or amend legislation to ensure that discrimination on the grounds of disability is prohibited and that children with disabilities have access to public transportation and public buildings, including all schools and hospitals;

...

(c) Significantly strengthen its assistance to children with disabilities and ensure, inter alia, that they have access to health, educational and professional facilities;

...

74. Despite increases in enrolment over the last decade, the Committee remains concerned that:

...

(b) There are major differences in the access of children to education across the country;

(c) Literacy and enrolment among girls are much lower than the already worrying rates for boys;

...

75. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(e) Urgently give special attention to raising the proportion of girls completing their primary and secondary education, including through affirmative action and similar special measures, and by ensuring that girls have the same opportunities as boys to attend formal education, that the education of girls is seen by parents, families and communities, as being of equal importance to that of boys and that education is seen as the right of all children;

(f) Make every effort to ensure that compulsory education is free for all children, including with regard to textbooks and uniforms for disadvantaged children and families;

...

•          Belarus, CRC, CRC/C/118 (2002) 54 at paras. 249 and 250.

249. The Committee, while acknowledging the State party's efforts to include human rights in school curricula, notes with concern that the availability of education in the Belarusian language is becoming increasingly limited, from early childhood to secondary education. Further, it notes that the number of children in secondary education is decreasing and that education standards, particularly in the secondary system, vary greatly to the disadvantage of lower-income neighbourhoods and rural areas.

250. In light of articles 28 and 29 of the Convention, the State party should:

(a) Ensure the availability of education in the Belarusian language and the accessibility for Roma children and those belonging to other minorities to good quality education;

(b) Improve the quality of education in the whole country in order to achieve the goals mentioned in article 29, paragraph 1, in line with the Committee's general comment No.1 on the aims of education.

•          Tunisia, CRC, CRC/C/118 (2002) 68 at paras. 295 and 296.

295. While welcoming the State party's commitment to making basic education a priority and achieving virtually universal access to education, the Committee remains concerned at the repetition and dropout rates, which, while decreasing, continue to pose a significant challenge to the educational system. The Committee is furthermore concerned at regional disparities in education as well as at the disparity in the illiteracy rate between urban and rural areas as well as gender disparities. The Committee is furthermore concerned at the low enrolment in early childhood education and the decrease of public early childhood education centers which may result in discrimination on the basis of income level.

296. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take all appropriate measures, including the allocation of adequate financial, human and technical resources, to further improve education, as stipulated in articles 28 and 29 paragraph 1 of the Convention, both with regard to quality as well as relevance, taking into account general comment No.1 on article 29 (aims of education), and to ensure that all children enjoy the right to education;

(b) Seek to implement additional measures to promote early childhood education and to encourage children to stay in school, and adopt effective measures to reduce illiteracy rates;

(c) Continue cooperation with the UNESCO and UNICEF in improving the education sector.

•          Switzerland, CRC, CRC/C/118 (2002) 78 at paras. 346, 347, 363 and 364.

346. While welcoming the fact that the Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability (art. 8), the Committee remains concerned at the lack of statistics regarding children with disabilities and the lack of uniform practices for integrating these children in mainstream education in the various cantons...

347. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Undertake an assessment of the existing disparities in the integration of disabled children in mainstream education across the country and take all necessary measures to eliminate these differences which may amount to discrimination;

...

363. The Committee is concerned at the lack of information on Roma and Travellers and their children in the State party and that there is no policy for these children.

364. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake a study on children belonging to Roma and Traveller minorities to assess their situation and develop policies and programmes to prevent social exclusion and discrimination, and to allow these children to fully enjoy their rights, including access to education and health care.

•          United Arab Emirates, CRC, CRC/C/118 (2002) 90 at paras. 389 and 390.

389. The Committee is concerned at the disparities in the enjoyment of economic and social rights, particularly to health and education, experienced by non-national children.

390. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take all necessary measures to ensure that all children within its jurisdiction enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination, in accordance with article 2;...

...

•          Spain, CRC, CRC/C/118 (2002) 117 at paras. 518 and 519.

518. While noting the State party's policies targeting the specific needs of the Roma, such as the projects for the Comprehensive Social Intervention for the Care, Prevention of Exclusion and Integration of the Gypsy people and the Gypsy Development Plan, the Committee remains concerned about the difficult social situation of Roma children and their insufficient access to the education system.

519. The Committee strongly urges the State party:

(a) To take measures to improve and implement more effectively existing legislation and policies with regard to assuring protection of the rights of all children from minority groups, giving particular attention to the situation of Roma children;

(b) Continue to ensure the participation of persons from minorities, including children, in the drafting and implementation of these policies.

•          The Netherlands (Antilles), CRC, CRC/C/118 (2002) 129 at paras. 548, 549 and 573-576.

548. The Committee is concerned that:

...

(d) There are discrepancies in the enjoyment of rights in relation to certain vulnerable groups, especially children from immigrant families who have only limited access to adequate health, education and other social services.

549. The Committee recommends that the Netherlands Antilles:

...

(c) Take strong proactive measures to ensure that children of immigrant families have equal access to education, health and other services.

...

573. Whilst welcoming the efforts taken to develop a national strategic plan for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS within the Netherlands Antilles, the Committee remains concerned at the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS. The Committee is deeply concerned about the very serious impact of HIV/AIDS on the cultural, economic, political, social and civil rights and freedoms of children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS, including the general principles of the Convention and with particular reference to non-discrimination and the rights to health care, education, food and housing, as well as to information and freedom of expression.

574. The Committee recommends that the State party integrate respect for the rights of the child into the development and implementation of its HIV/AIDS policies and strategies on behalf of children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as their families, including by taking into consideration the recommendations the Committee adopted at its day of general discussion on “Children living in a world with HIV/AIDS” ( CRC/C/80, para.243) and to involve children in implementing this strategy.

575. ...The Committee remains concerned...at:

...

(c) The disparity among the islands in enrolment rates and access to education;

...

(e) Various forms of discrimination and exclusion which affect the right to education of certain groups of children, such as pregnant adolescents, undocumented children and children with disabilities, reflecting insufficient attention to articles 28 and 29 of the Convention.

576. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(e) Ensure that pregnant girls of compulsory school age stay in school and are provided with adequate support mechanisms to continue their education after the child is born;

(f) Increase the number, capacity and quality of special education institutions for children with special education needs;

...

•          Argentina, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 8 at paras. 54, 55, 81 and 82.

54. The Committee is concerned that the principle of non-discrimination is not fully implemented for children living in poverty, indigenous children, children of migrant workers, primarily those from neighbouring countries, street children, children with disabilities and marginalized adolescents who are neither studying nor working, especially with regard to their access to adequate health care and educational facilities.

55. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Monitor the situation of children, in particular those belonging to the above-mentioned vulnerable groups, who are exposed to discrimination;

(b) Develop, on the basis of the results of this monitoring, comprehensive strategies containing specific and well-targeted actions aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination.

...

81. The Committee, while noting the increase in school enrolment for both primary and secondary education, remains concerned at the limited access to education and at the high drop out and repetition rates, especially at secondary school level, which affect, in particular, children from marginalized urban and rural areas, indigenous children and children from migrant families, particularly illegal migrants. It further notes with concern the reduction in education spending which affects, in particular, poorer children.

82. In light of articles 28 and 29 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Increase the budget allocated to education;

(b) Enforce the Social Plan of Education in order to ensure regular attendance at school and the reduction of drop out rates, especially with regard to the most vulnerable children;

(c) Strengthen programmes of subsidies and scholarships for the children who are most affected by the economic crisis;

(d) Strengthen and expand education in human and children’s rights;

(e) Improve the quality of education in order to achieve the goals mentioned in article 29, paragraph 1, in line with the Committee’s General Comment No. 1 on the aims of education.

•          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 23 at paras. 139 and 140.

139. The Committee welcomes the increase in the education budget and the measures adopted by the State party to raise standards of literacy and numeracy through initiatives such as the Education Action Zones programme, as well as the development of broad citizenship programmes. Furthermore, the Committee welcomes the development of legislation in Scotland to reflect article 12 of the Convention, but notes that similar legislation is required throughout the State party and that guidelines are insufficient measures to implement article 12. The Committee is concerned at the still high rate of temporary and permanent exclusion from school affecting mainly children from specific groups (ethnic minorities, including black children, Irish and Roma travellers, children with disabilities, asylum-seekers, etc.), and the sharp differences in educational outcomes for children according to their socio-economic background and to other factors such as gender, disability, ethnic origin or care status. Moreover, the Committee is concerned at the widespread bullying in schools. The Committee is particularly concerned that children deprived of their liberty in prisons and juvenile detention centres do not have a statutory right to education, that their education is not the responsibility of the departments responsible for education, and that they do not have support for special education needs. The Committee is further concerned that the majority of children in the care system, as well as teenage mothers, do not attain basic qualifications. The Committee welcomes the development of integrated schools in Northern Ireland, but remains concerned that only about 4 per cent of the schools are integrated and that education continues to be largely segregated.

140. In light of articles 2, 12, 28 and 29 of the Convention, and in line with its previous recommendations ([CRC/C/15/Add.34], para. 32), the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure that legislation throughout the State party reflects article 12 and respects children’s rights to express their views and have them given due weight in all matters concerning their education, including school discipline;

(b) Take appropriate measures to reduce temporary or permanent exclusion, ensure that children throughout the State party have the right to be heard before exclusion and to appeal against temporary and permanent exclusion, and ensure that children who are excluded do continue to have access to full-time education;

(c) Take all necessary measures to eliminate the inequalities in educational achievement and in exclusion rates between children from different groups and to guarantee all children an appropriate quality education;

(d) Ensure that children in detention have an equal statutory right to education and improve education for children in care;

(e) Take measures and set up adequate mechanisms and structures to prevent bullying and other forms of violence in schools and include children in the development and implementation of these strategies, in light of the Committee’s recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on violence against children within the family and in schools;

(f) Taking into consideration the Committee’s General Comment No. 1 on the aims of education, include the Convention and human rights education in the curricula in all primary and secondary schools and teacher training;

(g) Increase the budget for and take appropriate measures and incentives to facilitate the establishment of additional integrated schools in Northern Ireland to meet the demand of a significant number of parents;

(h) Develop educational programmes for teenage mothers to facilitate and encourage their further education;

(i) Evaluate the impact of privatization of schools on the right of children to education.

•          Seychelles, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 41 at paras. 203 and 204.

203. The Committee is encouraged by the State party’s efforts, together with the National Council for the Disabled, to combat discrimination against children and adults with disabilities. Nevertheless, the Committee is concerned that children with disabilities have limited access to public facilities and services because the physical environment is not appropriately designed or because staff and programmes have not been designed to ensure integration of children with disabilities.

204. Taking note of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96, annex) and the results of the Committee’s day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities, held on 6 October 1997 (see CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339), the Committee recommends that the State party continue its cooperation with the National Council for the Disabled and other relevant civil society organizations, in particular in:

(a) Developing and implementing a policy aimed at the full integration of children with disabilities into the mainstream school system;

(b) Assessing the extent to which current services and public facilities are accessible and appropriate for the needs of children with disabilities with a view to improving the physical environment, the coordination of service delivery and the capacity of all staff and professionals working for and with children to include children with disabilities in their programmes, thereby facilitating their active participation in society at large.

•          Sudan, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 53 at paras. 245, 246 and 272-275.

245. The Committee is concerned that:

(a) There are significant inequalities regarding access to basic health and education services between children living in different parts of the country, most especially between southern Sudan and the rest of the country;

...

246. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure that all children, regardless of the region of the country in which they live, enjoy equal respect for their rights, including with regard to basic services;

...

272. The Committee takes note of the adoption of the General Education Act 2002 and the establishment of a girls’ basic education service and of an education service for nomadic children, but remains concerned:

...

(b) At the very low level of enrolment in pre-school, primary and secondary schools owing, among other things, to the fact that education is not compulsory and that a birth certificate is required for enrolment;

(c) That the drop out rate is very high and that many children do not complete their primary education.

273. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Ensure that primary education is free and compulsory for all children;

(c) Continue and strengthen efforts to increase enrolment in pre-school, primary and secondary education through, inter alia, increasing the number of schools, classrooms and teachers and establishing flexible forms of school registration which do not require the presentation of a birth registration certificate;

(d) Reduce the number of children dropping out of education by, inter alia, enforcing compulsory education requirements, providing additional financial support to cover the costs of education, and through the use of public information campaigns on the value of education;

(e) Give particular attention to ensuring the enrolment in school of girls, children with disabilities, refugee children and children from nomadic groups, and continue and strengthen efforts to provide special education and mobile education facilities for children with disabilities and nomadic children, respectively, who are in need of them;

...

(g) Make particular efforts to improve access to education in southern Sudan;

(h) Improve the opportunities for children to have access to tertiary education;

...

274. The Committee is deeply concerned at the fact that the availability, accessibility and quality of education in the southern part of the country is much worse than in the rest of the country (e.g. only 16-18 per cent of children have access to education and not more than 20 per cent of those are girls; the drop out rate is still high; teachers are not paid salaries and most of them are not qualified; schools are often too far away and education is regularly disrupted by the armed conflict; and availability of educational material is very limited). These and other concerns lead to the following recommendations, particularly for the southern part of the country.

275. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Urgently implement measures to raise the number of children enrolling in education and, as far as possible, support children so that they enrol at the correct age;

(b) Significantly strengthen teacher training through, inter alia, improving the quality of training and significantly raising the number of teachers trained, including teachers able to teach in local languages;

(c) Implement measures to improve children’s access to schools through, inter alia, the provision of transport to schools over a certain distance away or the establishment of additional schools closer to children;

(d) Give particular attention to increasing the number of girls enrolling in and completing education;

...

(f) Seek technical assistance from UNICEF in this regard.

•          Ukraine, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 70 at paras. 322, 323, 353, 354, 367 and 368.

322. The Committee remains concerned that the principle of non-discrimination is not fully implemented for children of economically disadvantaged households, children living in rural areas, children in institutions, children with disabilities, Roma children and children affected with HIV/AIDS, especially regarding health care, social welfare and education.

323. The Committee recommends that the State party monitor the situation of children of economically disadvantaged households, children living in rural areas, children in institutions, children with disabilities, children belonging to national minorities such as Roma children, and children affected with HIV/AIDS. On the basis of the results of this monitoring, comprehensive proactive strategies containing specific and well-targeted actions aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination, including in particular access to education and health care, should be elaborated.

...

353. The Committee welcomes the efforts undertaken by the State party to improve the education system with the introduction of the Act “On education”, which includes such aims as ensuring the delivery of compulsory secondary education to all children of school age. The Committee also welcomes the adoption of State standards for higher education. The Committee remains concerned, however, that:

...

(b) The increase in the cost of education has limited access by children from economically disadvantaged households;

...

(e) There are important regional disparities in the number of education establishments and in the quality of education available, with rural areas being at a particular disadvantage, and that children of small national minorities such as Roma do not get quality education, including in their own language;

...

354. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure the availability of free primary education and accessibility for all children in the State party, giving particular attention to children in rural communities, Roma children, Crimean Tartar children and children of other minorities, as well as children from disadvantaged backgrounds, to good quality education, including in their own language;

...

(e) Improve the quality of education in the whole country in order to achieve the goals mentioned in article 29, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee’s General Comment No. 1 on the aims of education, and ensure that human rights education, including children’s rights, is included in the school curricula.

...

367. The Committee is concerned that, despite pilot programmes aimed at improving the situation of the Roma in certain provinces, they still suffer from widespread discrimination, which has in some instances impeded their children’s right to education, health and social welfare.

368. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Initiate campaigns at all levels and in all provinces aimed at addressing the negative attitudes towards the Roma in society at large and in particular amongst authorities and professionals providing health, education and other social services;

(b) Develop and implement a plan aimed at integrating all Roma children into mainstream education and prohibiting their segregation in special classes and which includes pre-school programmes for them to learn the primary language of schooling in their community;

(c) Develop curriculum resources for all schools that include Romani history and culture in order to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for Roma in Ukrainian society.

See also:

•          Republic of Moldova, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 89 at paras. 420 and 421.

•          Poland, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 120 at paras. 545 and 546.

•          Republic of Moldova, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 89 at paras. 408 and 409.

408. The Committee expresses its deep concern at the increasing number of children with disabilities and at the insufficient support provided to their families. It further notes that there are few efforts to integrate these children in mainstream education and society, including in cultural and leisure activities...

409. In light of article 23 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(f) In light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96, annex) and the Committee’s recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities (CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339), further encourage their integration into the regular educational system and inclusion into society, including by providing special training to teachers and by making schools and public facilities accessible;

...

•          Burkina Faso, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 103 at paras. 450, 451, 473, 474, 477 and 478.

450. While noting that discrimination is prohibited under the Constitution, that acts of discrimination are an offence under the new Penal Code and that several measures have been taken to promote the rights of girls and women (establishment of the Ministry for the Advancement of Women and of the Department for the Promotion of Girls’ Education, etc.), the Committee is concerned at the persistence of de facto discrimination in the State party. In particular, the Committee is concerned at the disparities in the enjoyment of rights, e.g. in education, experienced by children belonging to the most vulnerable groups, among others, girls, children with disabilities, children born out of wedlock, children born of incest and children living in rural areas.

451. In line with its previous recommendations ([CRC/C/15/Add. 19], para. 14), the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Make greater efforts to ensure that all children within its jurisdiction enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination, in accordance with article 2;

(b) Prioritize and target social services to children belonging to the marginalized and most vulnerable groups through a proactive and comprehensive strategy;

(c) Ensure effective law enforcement, undertake studies and launch comprehensive public information campaigns to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination, where needed within the framework of international cooperation.

...

473. While noting the plans for a national rehabilitation policy and a national plan of action, the Committee is concerned at the lack of statistical data on children with disabilities in the State party, at the situation of children with physical and mental disabilities and, in particular, at the limited specialized health care, education and employment possibilities available to them...

474. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Review the situation of these children in terms of their access to suitable health care, education services and employment opportunities;

...

(e) Strengthen policies and programmes of inclusion in regular education, train teachers and make schools accessible;

...

477. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of the 1996 Education Act, the increase in budget allocations for education, the adoption of the 10-year Development Plan for Basic Education (2001-2010), the focus put on education in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and the creation of “satellite schools”, but remains deeply concerned at the high illiteracy rate in the State party, which affects more women than men, the lack of pre-school education, the still low enrolment in primary and secondary education, the very high percentage of repeaters and dropouts in primary education, the low quality of education, the high pupil-teacher ratio, the very low percentage of children who complete primary education and the important regional disparities. In addition, the Committee is concerned that primary education is not totally free and that parents have still to pay for supplies. The Committee also welcomes the efforts undertaken by the State party to increase the school enrolment of girls, but remains concerned at the disparities in school enrolment between boys and girls. These and other concerns which are related to the state of education in the State party are reflected in the following recommendations.

478. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure that all children, especially girls, wherever they live, including the least developed areas, have equal access to educational opportunities;

(b) Take all necessary measures to make primary education completely free;

(c) Provide resources to help children go to secondary school;

(d) Take the necessary measures to identify the causes of the high rate of repetition and dropout in primary schools and take steps to address the situation;

...

(h) Take measures to enable children with disabilities to have access to regular schools and to ensure that these children have access to formal and vocational educational opportunities;

...

(j) Provide teachers with adequate training and encourage more women to become teachers;

...

•          Poland, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 120 at paras. 537 and 538.

537. The Committee notes the new initiatives to provide textbooks to children from poor families and provide all schools with computers, yet it remains concerned at the increasing disparities in access to education, the material condition of schools and the quality of education between rural and urban areas, particularly with regard to kindergartens and extracurricular programmes and activities.

538. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that children in rural areas have equal opportunities for a quality education which provides them with the skills to enter the labour market or university-level education based on their merit, by:

(a) Seeking innovative means for promoting the cognitive, social and emotional development of children, through, inter alia, programmes that foster interaction between children and their peers and parental education programmes on the benefits of early childhood education, ensuring that there are sufficient and appropriate kindergarten facilities for all children in rural areas; orienting the education system towards achieving the aims mentioned in article 29, paragraph 1, of the Convention and in the Committee's General Comment No. 1 on the aims of education; and introducing human rights, including children’s rights, into the school curricula;

(b) Ensuring that rural areas and poorer communities are provided with additional funds to allow them to provide the same quality of education and level of extracurricular programmes as urban schools;

(c) Ensuring that students from poor families or those in rural areas have access to scholarships or other forms of financial support that allow them to attend general secondary schools in preparation for university.

•          Israel, CRC, CRC/C/121 (2002) 131 at paras. 576, 577 and 602-605.

576. The Committee is concerned that discrimination, contrary to article 2 of the Convention, persists in the State party, and that non-discrimination is not expressly guaranteed under the Constitution. In particular, the Committee is concerned about discrimination against girls and women, especially in the context of religious laws, discrimination on religious grounds, inequalities in the enjoyment of the economic, social and cultural rights (i.e. access to education, health care and social services) of Israeli Arabs, Bedouins, Ethiopians and other minorities, children with disabilities and children of foreign workers...

577. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take effective measures, including enacting or rescinding legislation where necessary, to ensure that all children enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination, in accordance with article 2;

(b) Strengthen its efforts with respect to affirmative-action initiatives;

(c) Carry out comprehensive public education campaigns to prevent and combat negative societal attitudes in this regard;

(d) Mobilize religious leaders to support such efforts;

...

602. The Committee is concerned about the serious deterioration of access to education of children in the occupied Palestinian territories as a result of the measures imposed by the Israeli Defence Forces, including road closures, curfews and mobility restrictions, and the destruction of school infrastructure.

603. The Committee recommends that the State party guarantee that every Palestinian child has access to education, in accordance with the Convention. As a first step, the State party should ensure that restrictions on mobility are lifted throughout the occupied Palestinian territories during school hours.

604. The Committee welcomes the information that the budget for education has been protected from recent cuts in spending, but is concerned that investment in and the quality of education in the Israeli Arab sector is significantly lower than in the Jewish sector.

605. The Committee recommends that the State party continue and strengthen its affirmative-action programmes and further increase the budget allocated for education in the Arab sector.

•          Estonia, CRC, CRC/C/124 (2003) 9 at paras. 45, 46, 60, 61, 74 and 75.

45. The Committee is concerned that the current discriminatory attitudes towards linguistic minority communities (e.g. the Russian-speaking community), non-citizens, especially those without legal status, and other disadvantaged groups may restrict, directly or indirectly, the rights guaranteed under the Convention to children belonging to those groups. In particular, the Committee is concerned:

...

(b) That there is no legislation at present prohibiting discrimination in housing, and access to education and public services;

...

46. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take effective measures, including enacting or rescinding legislation where necessary, to ensure that all children enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination, in accordance with article 2;

(b) Study the effectiveness of the measures taken to counter all forms of discrimination;

...

60. The Committee...notes with concern that the implementation of the Education Act does not sufficiently envisage the inclusion of disabled children...

61. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Provide early childhood care and special education for children with disabilities;

...

(d) Undertake awareness-raising campaigns which focus on prevention, inclusive education, family care and the promotion of the rights of children with disabilities;

...

(f) Provide adequate support, supervision and training to persons working with these children, including the teaching staff in mainstream schools;

(g) Take measures to remove physical barriers to enable effective access of children with disabilities to schools and other institutions and services in a manner conducive to the child’s achieving the fullest possible social integration and individual development.

...

74. While welcoming the Programme on Integration in Estonian Society, 2000-2007, the Committee notes the tension arising around the question of the language of instruction of children belonging to minority groups in Estonia.

75. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take all measures to implement effectively regulation No. 209 for mother-tongue instruction for students whose mother tongue is not Estonian;

(b) Implement the Programme on Integration in Estonian Society in such a way that all the children of Estonia will be taught about the culture, history and identity of the various groups living in Estonia and that exchanges are organized between pupils of different schools in order to foster contacts, friendships and mutual respect among children from all groups of society;

(c) Guarantee the quality of instruction of the Estonian language to children belonging to minority groups so as to ensure that minority-language-speaking children can participate on a more equal level with Estonian-speaking children, in particular at higher education levels.

•          Republic of Korea, CRC, CRC/124 (2003) 24 at paras. 128-131, 136 and 137.

128. The Committee...is concerned at reports that a significant number of children with disabilities are abandoned each year, that many cannot attend school and when they do attend school they are segregated from other students.

129. The Committee recommends that the State party, in accordance with the recommendations arising from the Committee’s day of general discussion, held in 1997, on children with disabilities, and the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96, annex):

(a) Take effective measures to combat the culture of discrimination against children with disabilities, including through awareness-raising and education campaigns aimed at parents, children, teachers and the general public;

(b) Undertake a comprehensive survey of the number of children with disabilities, including those currently not attending school, which assesses their educational needs and access to education and other social services;

(c) Expand existing programmes aimed at improving the physical access of children with disabilities to public buildings and areas, including schools and recreational facilities, and increase the number of integrated education programmes at pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

130. The Committee is concerned that, despite the State party’s relatively high level of economic development, only primary education is free, while welcoming the information that the State party is in the process of making middle school education free. Similarly, while there is no disparity in enrolment rates of girls and boys in primary education, significantly fewer girls than boys are enrolled in higher education...

131. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(c) Take effective measures to ensure that higher education is accessible to all on the basis of capacity, by promoting the enrolment of girls and addressing persistent gender stereotypes;

...

136. The Committee is concerned that education and social welfare laws and regulations do not include specific provisions providing for the welfare and rights of foreign children, in particular those of undocumented migrant workers.

137. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Amend domestic laws, in particular those on education and social welfare, to include specific provisions which ensure equal access to services for all foreign children, including those of undocumented migrant workers;

...

•          Italy, CRC, CRC/124 (2003) 36 at paras. 161, 162, 170, 171, 184, 185, 195 and 196.

161. The Committee notes the establishment of several observatories on discrimination in the State party as well as the provisions on discrimination contained in Law 40/98 (Regulations on Immigration and Rules on the Conditions of the Foreigner). Nonetheless, the Committee is concerned at racist incidents involving minorities, the use of hate speech in public presentations, and the disparities in the enjoyment of economic and social rights, particularly in the fields of health, social welfare, education and housing, experienced by poor children, Roma children, non-Italian children, including unaccompanied minors, and disabled children.

162. In accordance with article 2 and other related articles of the Convention and in line with its previous recommendations ([CRC/C/15/Add.41]., paras. 17 and 18), the Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(c) Carefully and regularly evaluate existing disparities in the enjoyment by children of their rights and undertake, on the basis of this evaluation, the necessary steps to prevent and eliminate discrimination through proactive measures;

(d) Ensure that the devolution process will enhance the elimination of disparities between children based on the wealth of the region to which they belong;

(e) Continue to prioritize and target resources and social services to children belonging to the most vulnerable groups;

(f) Study promptly the situation of foreign children in detention, ensure their full rights without discrimination, especially to education, and ensure their right to integration into society.

...

170. The Committee is concerned that, as mentioned in the State party’s report (para. 147), children, especially in elementary schools, may suffer from marginalization if they abstain from religious instruction, which mainly covers the Catholic religion. In addition, the Committee is concerned that parents, notably those of foreign origin, are not always aware that religious instruction is not compulsory.

171. In the light of articles 2, 14 and 29 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party make sure that parents, in particular of foreign origin, when they are filling out the relevant forms are aware that Catholic religious instruction is not compulsory.

...

184. The Committee welcomes the adoption of Act 9/99, which extends the duration of compulsory education from 8 to 10 years, and the various programmes to improve teacher training, but remains concerned at the high rate of drop-out in upper secondary education, the variations in educational outcomes for children according to their cultural and socio-economic background and to other factors such as gender (more girls than boys obtain a secondary education diploma), disability and ethnic origin...

185. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Take all necessary measures to eliminate the inequalities in educational achievement between girls and boys and among children from different social, economic or cultural groups and to guarantee quality education to all children;

...

195. While noting the efforts undertaken by the State party to improve the situation of Roma children, the Committee remains concerned at their difficult social situation and their insufficient access to education and health services. In addition, the Committee is deeply concerned at instances of discrimination against this group of children, sometimes from the personnel of the State party themselves.

196. The Committee recommends that the State party develop, in cooperation with Roma NGOs, comprehensive proactive policies and programmes to prevent social exclusion and discrimination and to allow Roma children to enjoy fully their rights, including access to education and health care.

•          Romania, CRC, CRC/124 (2003) 49 at paras. 246, 247, 250-253, 262 and 263.

246. The Committee is concerned that disabled children in Romania remain disadvantaged in the enjoyment of their rights guaranteed by the Convention. The Committee is concerned, among other things, that:

(a) Children with disabilities often have serious difficulty in obtaining transportation and in gaining access to public buildings, including hospitals and schools;

(b) Despite the efforts of the State party to promote inclusion, disabled children in practice have limited access to formal education;

...

247. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(c) Undertake greater efforts for inclusive education of children with all forms of disability and seek greater involvement of local communities in the process;

(d) Improve the physical accessibility of schools and other public buildings;

...

250. The Committee notes the initiatives to launch special programmes and provide free textbooks and school materials, as well as meals, to encourage school enrolment and attendance. However, the Committee is concerned that:

(a) The number of children from rural areas and the percentage of girls dropping out of school are disproportionately high;

...

(d) Children belonging to certain categories do not benefit from equal opportunities as concerns education (e.g. children from disadvantaged families, children with disabilities, children affected by HIV/AIDS, children living in the streets, and Roma and refugee children).

251. The Committee recommends that the State party, taking into account the Committee’s general comment No. 1 on the aims of education:

...

(b) Make every effort to ensure that compulsory education, and possibly secondary education, is free for all children;

...

(e) Take steps to strengthen education infrastructure and resources, including with a view to reducing disparities between urban and rural areas;

...

(i) Take steps to significantly increase the number of children completing secondary education.

252. The Committee notes:

(a) That the legislation (Law 48/2002) provides special protection for vulnerable persons, but remains concerned that de facto discrimination persists regarding access to education, health care and social benefits;

...

253. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure the availability of Romanian language courses, as stipulated by law, to facilitate the integration of asylum-seeker and refugee children in the education system;

(b) Consider preferential treatment for refugees, including exemptions from or reductions in tuition fees for upper secondary and university education;

...

262. The Committee welcomes the implementation of strategies aimed at improving Roma children’s rights to health-care services and inclusion in education (e.g. through the use of health and education mediators and supportive tuition in the Roma language). The Committee also welcomes Roma NGO participation in improving the rights of their children. However, it remains concerned at the negative attitudes and prejudices of the general public, in the political discourse and in media representations as well as at incidents of police brutality and discriminatory behaviour on the part of some teachers and doctors.

263. In accordance with articles 2 and 30 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Initiate campaigns, at all levels and in all regions, aimed at addressing the negative attitudes towards the Roma in society at large, in particular among authorities such as the police and professionals providing health care, education and other social services;

(b) Based on the evaluation of previous strategies, develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for improving access to primary health care, education and social welfare services, in cooperation with Roma NGO partners and targeting the whole Roma child population;

(c) Develop curriculum resources for all schools, including in relation to Roma history and culture, in order to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for the Roma in Romanian society.

See also:

•          Czech Republic, CRC, CRC/C/124 (2003) 78 at paras. 388 and 389.

•          Viet Nam, CRC, CRC/C/124 (2003) 67 at paras. 287, 288, 312 and 313.

287. The Committee notes with concern that domestic legislation does not specifically prohibit discrimination based on all the grounds listed under article 2 of the Convention... Moreover, the lower level of development indicators for ethnic minorities appears to indicate the existence of some level of societal and institutional discrimination, specifically with regard to their access to health and education.

288. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Strengthen efforts to eliminate disparities in the accessibility and quality of health care and education between regions and ethnic minorities;

(c) Conduct a study in collaboration with ethnic community leaders to determine the extent to which ethnic minority children suffer from discrimination and develop policies and programmes to address the root causes of any such discrimination.

...

312. While noting the State party’s efforts to achieve universal enrolment at primary school level, the Committee is concerned that there are significant gaps in access to and quality of education between urban and rural or mountainous regions, and that the school system still suffers from a shortage of well-trained teachers and educational materials. In addition, the Committee is concerned at the low enrolment rates in pre-primary education, the high number of repeaters of the first grade and the significant disparity in enrolment in nursery schools between boys and girls.

313. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take all appropriate measures to increase enrolment in pre-primary education, in particular for girls and in rural areas, and ensure the right to quality, free primary education for all children;

(b) Increase the financial assistance provided to students from economically disadvantaged families at all levels, including pre-primary, particularly in rural areas;

(c) Recruit and train a greater number of teachers from all ethnic minority groups and continue to provide incentives to teachers working in remote and mountainous regions;

(d) Prioritize rural areas and remote and mountainous regions in existing programmes to improve the quality of teaching and the curriculum, and in the construction and development of school infrastructure.

•          Czech Republic, CRC, CRC/C/124 (2003) 78 at paras. 375 and 376.

375. The Committee welcomes the efforts of the Government aimed at developing post-secondary education, making it more accessible, ensuring education for minority groups and integrating children with disabilities into mainstream education. The Committee welcomes the secondary school for Roma children established on the initiative of the Roma people themselves. However, the Committee is concerned that the implementation of the reform of the education system remains insufficient and that in-service teacher training in this respect is lacking. The Committee is further concerned that Roma children continue to be over-represented in so-called “special schools” and at the discrimination in access to education of illegal migrants and refugees who are denied asylum.

376. Noting the State party’s efforts in this domain, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure the availability and accessibility of free primary education for all children in the State party, giving particular attention to providing children in rural communities, children from Roma and other minorities, as well as children from disadvantaged backgrounds such as refugees and illegal migrants, particularly unaccompanied minors, good quality education, including in their own language;

(b) Continue to strengthen its efforts to professionalize the pre-school assessment of children and avoid, as much as possible, assigning children of Roma origin or other children belonging to disadvantaged groups to special schools;

(c) Implement educational reforms with sufficient preparation and support schools in this regard with extra funding and teacher training, and establish a process for quality evaluation of the new programmes;

...

•          Haiti, CRC, CRC/124 (2003) 95 at paras. 444 and 445.

444. The Committee notes the adoption of the National Education and Training Plan and the establishment of a pilot committee for its implementation. The Committee further welcomes the increasing budget allocated to education, as well as the establishment of the National Committee for the Education of Girls. However, the Committee is concerned at the still low enrolment ratios, and the disparities in enrolment between girls and boys and between rural and urban areas...The Committee is also concerned that pregnant girls are excluded from schools...

445. In the light of articles 28 and 29 and other relevant provisions of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Continue its efforts to ensure that all children, especially girls, have equal access to educational opportunities, paying special attention to those living in rural and remote areas;

...

•          Eritrea, CRC, CRC/C/132 (2003) 8 at paras. 71, 72, 75 and 76.

71. The Committee welcomes the information provided by the State party during the dialogue that it has drafted a National Child and Family Welfare Policy, which includes measures to integrate children with disabilities into the education system. Yet, it remains concerned that children with disabilities often suffer from societal discrimination and that a significant proportion do not attend school or participate in social and cultural life.

72. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(c) Continue to strengthen efforts to combat discriminatory attitudes towards children with disabilities, particularly amongst children and parents, and promote their participation in all aspects of social and cultural life;

(d) Formulate a programme that includes appropriate teacher training in order to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to education, including vocational training, and that wherever possible they are integrated into the mainstream education system.

...

75. The Committee is encouraged by the State party’s efforts to increase enrolment rates in basic education, reduce illiteracy, promote cultural and recreational activities and provide education in the native language of all nine ethnic groups. However, it is concerned that enrolment and literacy levels are still low, particularly in secondary and pre-primary education, and that there is a significant disparity between the number of boys and girls in school...

76. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Continue to strengthen measures aimed at increasing enrolment rates in primary and basic education, in particular for girls;

...

(e) Prioritize and continue to strengthen and expand efforts at teacher training and expand recruitment of qualified teachers, in particular women and persons from all ethnic groups for education in mother-tongue programmes;

...

•          Cyprus, CRC, CRC/C/132 (2003) 21 at paras. 115, 116, 127, 128 and 137-140.

115. The Committee is encouraged by positive developments, as noted by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in August 2001, with respect to legislative reform. However, the Committee reiterates the concern of CERD relating to the lack of legal provisions expressly outlawing racial discrimination by private persons in education and employment...

116. The Committee recommends that the State party consider reviewing legislation, and amending it where necessary, with a view to ensuring that all children are accorded equal rights without discrimination based on their ethnic origin, sex, or other grounds...

...

127. The Committee is concerned that, given the situation on the island following the events of 1974, certain categories of children wishing to attend secondary school must be separated from their parents, and may not be allowed to visit their parents regularly or return upon completion of their education. Furthermore, the Committee notes that boarding schools for these children are available only for boys, and that there is one boarding home for girls.

128. The Committee urges the State party to create equal opportunities for all children wishing to pursue education beyond primary school, including by making boarding schools available to both boys and girls and pursuing efforts to reduce periods of separation from parents.

...

137. The Committee notes that the limits for receiving social benefits for children are extended beyond the age of 18 years for persons attending full-time education; however, it notes that the age is not the same for males and females.

138. The Committee encourages the State party to ensure that social benefits for girls and boys are equal so that this is not a factor in their decisions relating to higher education.

139. The Committee notes that the State party accords the utmost importance to education and is encouraged by the high enrolment rate, the increase in pre-primary education as well as international cooperation in this area. However, the Committee is concerned about the broad scope of special schools for children with physical, mental or emotional needs, which, inter alia, is not conducive to the integration of those children into mainstream schools.

140. The Committee encourages the State party to strengthen its efforts to include children with special needs, wherever possible, in mainstream schools, in accordance with article 23 (3) of the Convention. In this respect, the Committee draws the attention of the State party to the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.

•          Zambia, CRC, CRC/C/132 (2003) 32 at paras. 207 and 208.

207. The Committee notes the adoption of the National Policy on Education (1996), the Basic Education Subsector of the Education Programme, the Zambian Education Capacity-Building Programme, and the Programme for the Advancement of Girl Child Education. However, the Committee remains concerned that primary education is not free and compulsory and that the illiteracy rate is high within the State party. The Committee is also concerned at the decreasing budget allocation to education, gender and regional disparities in enrolment in schools, absenteeism, the high dropout (especially among girls) and repeat rates, the poor quality of education, the insufficient number of trained teachers, insufficient schools and classrooms, the lack of relevant learning material and the limited access to pre-school education, notably in rural areas...

208. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Progressively ensure that girls and boys, as well as children from urban, rural and least developed areas, have equal access to educational opportunities;

(c) Take the necessary measures to improve the quality of education and to improve internal efficiency in the management of education, notably by decreasing the dropout rate, especially for girls;

...

•          Sri Lanka, CRC, CRC/C/132 (2003) 48 at paras. 263 and 264.

263. The Committee is concerned that a significant number of children with disabilities, in particular girls, are not able to attend school and that not all special schools managed by NGOs [non-governmental organizations] are registered by the Ministry of Education, and they are concentrated in the more developed and urbanized Western Province.

264. In light of the recommendations of the Committee’s day of general discussion on the private sector as service provider and its role in implementing child rights in 2002 (see CRC/C/121), the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure that all children with disabilities, particularly girls, have access to education by increasing spending and expanding special education programmes, including non-formal special education in rural areas, and by training teachers in mainstream education about special needs;

(b) Register and monitor all special schools run by non-State actors;

...

•          Solomon Islands, CRC, CRC/C/132 (2003) 58 at paras. 304, 305, 329 and 330.

            304. The Committee is concerned that:

(a) There continues to be widespread discrimination against women and girls and that girls are underrepresented in schools;

(b) The principle of non-discrimination is not adequately implemented for children of some ethnic minorities and of economically disadvantaged households, children living in remote islands, children born out of wedlock and children with disabilities, especially with regard to their access to adequate health care and educational facilities.

305. The Committee recommends that the State party monitor the situation of children, in particular those belonging to the above-mentioned vulnerable groups, who are exposed to discrimination and develop, on the basis of the results of this monitoring, comprehensive strategies containing specific and well-targeted actions aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination.

...

329. The Committee is concerned that:

...

(d) There are wide disparities among the islands in terms of the quality of education and its coverage;

(e) Enrolment of girls remains very low.

330. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Ensure, as a priority, that primary education is made compulsory and free to all;

...

(d) Develop strategies to make education accessible to girls and to address their low enrolment rates;

...

(f) Implement its intention to establish vocational schools and develop more programmes to facilitate the transition to the labour market, in accordance with international standards.

•          Jamaica, CRC, CRC/C/132 (2003) 86 at paras. 417, 418, 442 and 443.

417. The Committee is concerned that:

...

(c) Children with disabilities are de facto discriminated against by the absence of specific guarantees for their integration into regular schools and are hindered, inter alia, by limited access to facilities;

(d) Children who are known to be infected with HIV/AIDS are discriminated against at school by some teachers.

418. The Committee recommends that the State party amend its legislation, including the Constitution, to ensure that it fully corresponds to the provisions of article 2 of the Convention and to ensure the full implementation of non-discrimination provisions, giving special attention to children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS, children with disabilities, equality between boys and girls and racial discrimination.

...

442. The Committee welcomes the State party’s progress in the field of education, but remains concerned about:

...

(c) The equality of access to education, in particular concerning boys and children from poor families;

...

443. The Committee recommends that the State party, in the light of the Committee’s general comment No. 1 on article 29 (1) of the Convention (aims of education):

...

(c) Seek to further implement participatory measures to encourage children, especially boys, to stay in school during the period of compulsory education; take further measures to facilitate the accessibility to education of children from all groups in society, particularly children from poor backgrounds, including reviewing the system of school fees; and make every effort to raise awareness in society of the importance of education for all children;

...

•          Morocco, CRC, CRC/C/132 (2003) 100 at paras. 508 and 509.

508. The Committee...welcomes the efforts undertaken by the State party...through the Five-Year Development Plan, as well as through the National Programme for Education and Human Rights launched in 1994, and the programme of cooperation with UNICEF to increase the school enrolment of girls (1997-2001), but remains concerned at the high illiteracy rate, notably among women. In addition, the Committee is concerned at the high dropout and repetition rates, gender and regional disparities in the education system, the cost of primary education (supplies, textbooks, etc.) and the decreasing enrolment in early childhood education...

509. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Progressively ensure that girls and boys, from urban, rural and least developed areas, all have equal access to educational opportunities, without any financial obstacles;

...

•          Kazakhstan, CRC, CRC/C/132 (2003) 129 at paras. 642 and 643.

642. ...The Committee remains concerned at the many difficulties education is facing, inter alia:

(a) The increase in the cost of education which limits access by children from economically disadvantaged households and rural areas;

...

(d) Important regional disparities in the number of educational establishments and in the quality of education, with rural areas being at particular disadvantage;

...

643. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure the availability of free primary education and accessibility for all children in the State party, giving particular attention to children in rural communities, children from minorities, including repatriates and refugees or asylum-seekers, children from disadvantaged groups and those who need special attention, and high-quality education, including in children’s own languages;

...

•          New Zealand, CRC, CRC/C/133 (2003) 27 at paras. 155 and 156.

155. The Committee welcomes the development of bilingual education for Maori; however, it notes with concern the persistent disparities in enrolment and dropout rates among children of different ethnic groups. The Committee is also concerned that the policy on exclusions, as well as increasing hidden costs of education are limiting access to education, particularly for Maori children, pregnant girls, children with special educational needs, lower-income families, non-citizens and new immigrants.

156. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure that all children in the State party have access to free primary education;

(b) Enforce legislation on compulsory education and prohibit exclusions on arbitrary grounds such as pregnancy, and ensure that students of the age of compulsory education who have legitimately been excluded from a school are enrolled elsewhere;

(c) Take effective measures to address disparities in enrolment and dropout rates between ethnic groups, including by strengthening programmes for bilingual education;

...

•          Pakistan, CRC, CRC/C/133 (2003) 37 at paras. 226 and 229.

226. The Committee welcomes the measures taken to increase the attendance of girls at schools and the information that a national “Compulsory Primary Education Ordinance” has been promulgated (March 2002), and also notes the modest improvement in the gross primary enrolment rate. However, the Committee remains deeply concerned that:

...

(e) Gender and geographical disparities remain very high;

...

229. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Ensure that primary education is free and compulsory for all children;

...

(d) Continue and strengthen its efforts to ensure that all children have equal access to educational opportunities, with a view to eliminating the prevailing disparities between girls and boys as well as between urban and rural areas;

...

•          Singapore, CRC, CRC/C/133 (2003) 84 at paras. 425 and 426.

425. ...[T]he Committee welcomes the adoption of the Compulsory Education Act in 2003 and the wide availability of high-quality education services in the State party. However, the Committee is concerned that not all children within the State party’s jurisdiction are covered by the Compulsory Education Act or have access to free primary school...

426. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Extend the Compulsory Education Act to include all children within the State party, including non-citizens, and monitor the implementation of the Act to ensure that all children attend school;

(b) Ensure that all children in the State party have access to free primary education, and ensure that low-income families have access to pre-primary education;

...

•          Bangladesh, CRC, CRC/C/133 (2003) 93 at paras. 495 and 497.

495. The Committee welcomes the progress made by the State party in the field of education, notably with regard to increases in primary and secondary enrolments, the reduction in gender disparities in enrolment and improvement in the literacy rates... However, the Committee is concerned that challenges remain in the above-mentioned areas, that free compulsory education ends after grade 5, that the school dropout rate is high and that gender-based discrimination persists within schools...

...

497. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Continue to address gender-based discrimination and other difficulties encountered by girls within the educational system and school environment;

...

•          Indonesia, CRC, CRC/C/137 (2004) 8 at paras. 80, 81 and 83.

80. The Committee welcomes the inclusion in the Constitution of the right to education as well as a minimum budget allocation for education. It is further encouraged by education reforms initiated by the State party in 1994, which raised the number of years of elementary education from six to nine and which tries to raise teaching standards. The Committee further welcomes the awarding of scholarships to children from poor families.

81. However, the Committee is very concerned:

(a) That education is not free, even at primary level, and that higher education is not affordable for many families;

...

(c) That married children and pregnant teenagers do not generally continue their education;

...

83. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Strengthen measures to achieve universal and free primary education;

(b) Progressively ensure that girls and boys, from urban, rural and least developed areas, have equal access to educational opportunities, without any financial obstacles;

(c) Implement additional measures to provide access to early childhood education for every child;

...

(e) Provide education opportunities for married children and pregnant teenagers;

...

•          Guyana, CRC, CRC/C/137 (2004) 26 at paras. 162 and 163.

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

163. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Continue to strengthen measures aimed at increasing enrolment rates in primary and secondary education and to further increase attempts to bring dropouts back to school and other training programmes;

(b) Ensure that pregnant teenagers are given an opportunity to complete their education;

(c) Develop and use indicators for quality education, especially in the hinterland regions;

...

•          Armenia, CRC, CRC/C/137 (2004) 36 at paras. 231 and 232.

231. The Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of a State programme for the development of education over the period 2001-2005, centred on raising the level of education and broadening the involvement of children in the system. The Committee also welcomes the announced increase in funds allocated to education in the budget for 2004-2006 and the provision of school supplies to poor children under the programme “When September Comes”. However, it is concerned that budget allocations to the education sector remain low and that public underfinancing has led to an increase in user payment, despite the fact that citizens are guaranteed free primary and secondary education under Armenian law. The Committee reiterates in this regard its concern that low wages have forced teachers to offer private tuition, creating a two-tier system of education... Moreover, in line with the concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD/C/61/CO/1), the Committee expresses its concern about the inadequate access by minority children to education in their mother tongue.

232. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Allocate the required resources (human, technical and financial) to ensure access to quality education for all children, including the most vulnerable groups;

...

(c) Continue efforts to remove obstacles to school attendance at all levels in order to keep all children in school and provide programmes that bring dropout students back in school or offer them other appropriate educational/vocational programmes;

...

(e) Ensure, whenever possible, that children belonging to minority groups have access to education in their mother tongue;

(f) Seek assistance from, among others, UNICEF, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and relevant international NGOs.

•          Germany, CRC, CRC/C/137 (2004) 51 at paras. 281, 282, 303 and 304.

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

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

...

303. The Committee notes that decentralized education may lead to some disparities in the implementation of articles 28 and 29 of the Convention...

304. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take all necessary measures, especially through the Federal Government-Länder Commission for Educational Planning and the Promotion of Research (BLK) and with the participation of civil society, to ensure that articles 28 and 29 of the Convention are fully implemented throughout the Länder;

...

•          The Netherlands (Netherlands and Aruba), CRC, CRC/C/137 (2004) 63 at paras. 345, 346, 360, 361, 364 and 365.

345. The Committee notes the significant efforts made by the State party to address racial discrimination, which have also been recognized in detail by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in its concluding observations (CERD/C/304/Add.104) on the thirteenth and fourteenth periodic reports of the Netherlands. However, the Committee is concerned that societal prejudices and discrimination persist in society, in particular, against children of ethnic minorities and refugee and asylum-seeking children, and that in some localities and schools in the Netherlands there is de facto segregation between ethnically Dutch families and families of foreign origin. In Aruba, the Committee is concerned about discrimination against children of migrant families, in particular, in accessing services...

346. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to ensure the implementation of existing laws guaranteeing the principle of non-discrimination and full compliance with article 2 of the Convention, and to adopt a proactive and comprehensive strategy to eliminate discrimination on any grounds and against all vulnerable groups. The Committee requests the State party to pay particular attention to eliminating negative stereotype of refugee and asylum-seeking children in the Netherlands and to address the root causes of de facto segregation in schools and localities. It further recommends that the State party ensure that children of migrant families in Aruba have equal access to education, health and other services...

...

360. The Committee welcomes the continuing efforts to integrate children with disabilities into the mainstream education system, in particular in the Netherlands. However, it is concerned that children with disabilities in the Netherlands spend a significant amount of time waiting to access services and programmes...

361. In keeping with the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96 of 20 December 1993), the Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to integrate children with disabilities into mainstream education and everyday life by:

...

(b) Expanding education possibilities for children with disabilities in Aruba, including those with learning disabilities, at the secondary school level;

(c) Improving the physical accessibility of mainstream schools, leisure and recreational facilities, and other public buildings and spaces in Aruba;

...

364. The Committee is concerned...that in Aruba there are limited services for teenage mothers, who are sometimes excluded from schools.

365. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(d) Provide teenage mothers in Aruba with the appropriate assistance and ensure that they can finish their education.

•          India, CRC, CRC/C/137 (2004) 75 at paras. 407, 408, 442, 443, 459 and 460.

407. The Committee welcomes the National Plan of Action for the Girl Child and the Platform for Action, but is deeply concerned at the persistence of discriminatory social attitudes and harmful traditional practices towards girls, including low school enrolment and high dropout rates, early and forced marriages, and religion-based personal status laws that perpetuate gender inequality in areas such as marriage, divorce, custody and guardianship of infants, and inheritance.

408. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures for the implementation of the National Plan of Action for the Girl Child and encourages the enforcement of protective laws. The Committee also encourages the State party to continue its efforts to carry out comprehensive public education campaigns to prevent and combat gender discrimination, particularly within the family. Political, religious and community leaders should be mobilized to support efforts to eradicate harmful traditional practices and attitudes which still discriminate against girls.

...

442. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Constitution (86th Amendment) Act, 2002 providing for free and compulsory education for all children aged 6-14, the continued efforts of the State party to increase girls’ enrolment in school and the Midday Meal Scheme. While noting an increased enrolment rate, the Committee is seriously concerned that 60 million children do not attend primary school. The Committee is further concerned at the high, although decreasing, level of illiteracy and the striking disparities in terms of access to education, attendance at primary and secondary school and dropout rates between boys and girls. The Committee is also concerned that striking disparities regarding these rates also exist between different states, between rural and urban areas, and between the affluent and the poor and disadvantaged groups...

443. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Improve the education system with a view to achieving the aims mentioned in article 29, paragraph 1 of the Convention and the Committee’s general comment No. 1 on the aims of education, and introduce human rights, including children’s rights, into the school curricula;

(b) Strengthen its efforts to progressively ensure that that all girls and boys, in urban, rural and least developed areas and children belonging to Scheduled Castes and Tribes, have equal access to educational opportunities;

...

(d) Encourage the participation of children at all levels of school life;

...

459. The Committee is concerned at the situation of children belonging to minorities, including to the Primitive Tribal Groups, and at their limited access to social services, including health care, immunization and education, and the violation of their rights to survival and development, to enjoy their own culture and to be protected from discrimination.

460. In addition to its recommendation in paragraph 406, and in line with the recommendations made at its day of general discussion on the rights of indigenous children (CRC/C/133, para. 624), the Committee recommends that the State party implement and/or give the necessary follow-up to the recommendation made by the Standing Committee on Labour and Welfare on the Development of Primitive Tribal Groups (2002).

•          Papua New Guinea, CRC, CRC/C/137 (2004) 94 at paras. 516 and 517.

516. The Committee is encouraged by the State party’s efforts to reform its national education system and to address the key issues of participation and quality of education. It notes that a community-based education would attract children from school-distant groups into educational institution settings. However, it is concerned that enrolment, literacy and retention rates are still low, particularly in primary education, and that there is a significant disparity between the number of boys and girls in school...

517. The Committee recommends that the State party continue to strengthen its efforts to complete the reform of its national education system and in particular to strengthen measures aimed at increasing enrolment and retention rates in primary and basic education, in particular for girls...

•          Slovenia, CRC, CRC/C/137 (2004) 104 at paras. 553, 554, 573 and 574.

553. While taking note of the various programmes aiming at improving the position of the Roma, the Committee is concerned that prejudices and discrimination against the Roma and other minorities in the State party, including Serbs, Bosniacs, Albanians and Croats, remain widespread... Furthermore, while welcoming measures taken to facilitate the integration of Roma children into regular primary schools, the Committee is concerned at the high number of Roma children attending classes for children with special needs.

554. The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to combat negative stereotypes of and discrimination against Roma children and children belonging to other minorities in the State party. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the State party take further measures to improve the standard of living of Roma children and ensure that all these children are integrated into mainstream education, so that special assistance and support for Roma children can be provided at regular classes...

...

573. The Committee notes with concern that implementing measures based on the Law on Guiding Children with Special Needs, adopted in 2000, have still not been adopted and that, as a consequence, children with disabilities who are not enrolled in special institutions cannot take advantage of programmes provided for in the law. It is also concerned about the low enrolment of female children with disabilities in school.

574. In light of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the Committee’s recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on “The rights of children with disabilities” (CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339), the Committee encourages the State party to ensure the expeditious adoption of implementing measures concerning the Law on Guiding Children with Special Needs, and to address the low enrolment of female children with disabilities in school.

•          Japan, CRC, CRC/C/137 (2004) 116 at paras. 651 and 652.

651. The Committee notes the State party’s efforts to reform the education system and bring it into greater conformity with the Convention; however, it is concerned that:

...

(b) Excessive competition for entry into higher education means that public school education must be supplemented by private tutoring, which is not affordable for children from poorer families;

...

(d) Although eligibility criteria have been broadened for graduates from foreign schools in Japan applying to university, some continue to be denied access to higher education;

...

(f) Children of minorities have very limited opportunities for education in their own language;

(g) Despite review procedures, some history textbooks are incomplete or one-sided.

652. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Taking into account the views of students, parents and relevant non-governmental organizations, review the curriculum with a view to reducing the competitiveness of the school system while maintaining a high level of quality of education so as to ensure that all students graduating from high school have equal access to higher education;

...

(d) Expand opportunities for children from minority groups to enjoy their own culture, profess or practise their own religion and use their own language;

(e) Strengthen review procedures for textbooks to ensure that they present a balanced view.

•          El Salvador, CRC, CRC/C/140 (2004) 8 at paras. 79 and 80.

79. The Committee welcomes the progressive increase in elementary education coverage in recent years and the elimination by law, in October 2003, of the so-called voluntary fees, which used to be levied in elementary education. However, it is concerned at persisting gaps between urban and rural areas in coverage and quality of education; high drop-out rates, particularly among rural children; persistent high illiteracy rates among children in rural areas, particularly among girls; and the lack of additional funds allocated for education to address the needs that were previously met by voluntary fees. The Committee is also concerned that pregnant adolescents face discrimination in access to education, that only 40 per cent of students proceed to high school after elementary education and that, despite a gradual increase over the last years, the percentage of children between 4 and 6 attending pre-school education remains low. The lack of access to educational and vocational programmes of juvenile offenders is also a cause for concern.

80. The Committee encourages the State party:

...

(b) To strengthen efforts to bridge the gaps in coverage and quality of education, including vocational training, throughout the country, giving special attention to promoting education of rural girls;

...

(e) To ensure that pregnant adolescents are not prevented from continuing their schooling;

(f) To ensure that juvenile offenders have access to adequate educational and vocational programmes in detention centres and that teachers who educate juvenile offenders receive adequate specialized training;

...

(i) To ratify the 1960 UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education.

•          Panama, CRC, CRC/C/140 (2004) 23 at paras. 144 and 145.

144. While noting the State party’s efforts to improve the educational system and noting with satisfaction the improvements mirrored in education indicators, the Committee remains concerned at the persisting disparities in access to education of vulnerable children, inter alia, children living in rural areas, indigenous children and refugee children, who do not have access to adequate education in terms of their cultural values and identity...

145. The Committee recommends that the State party allocate financial and human resources in order:

...

(c) To pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable children, e.g. girls, indigenous and refugee children, working and street children, in order to fulfil their basic right to education;

...

•          Liberia, CRC, CRC/C/140 (2004) 67 at paras. 358 and 359.

358. The Committee welcomes the State party’s efforts to rehabilitate the educational system that was massively destructed by the civil war. It further takes note of the “Back to School” programme that has already brought many children back to school. However, the Committee is concerned about the continuing low rates of enrolment, the significant disparities of enrolment and literacy rates between boys and girls and the overall low quality and hidden costs of education.

359. The Committee recommends the State party:

(a) Prioritize the construction and reconstruction of schools throughout the country and improve accessibility for all children, taking into account the needs of children with disabilities;

(b) Progressively ensure that girls and boys from urban and rural areas have equal access to educational opportunities and receive free education without any hidden costs;

...

•          Myanmar, CRC, CRC/C/140 (2004) 81 at paras. 436 and 437.

436. The Committee welcomes the launching in 2000 of the Special Four-Year Plan for Education (2000/01-2003/04) aimed at promoting the basic education sector, and of the “Education for All” National Action Plan introduced in 2003 which is aimed specifically at the “access, quality and relevance” of education, but is seriously concerned at the following problematic aspects of the existing education system:

(a) The low quality of education reflected in the high repetition and dropout rates, which affect more girls than boys;

(b) The significant variation in school enrolment between urban and rural areas, and the particularly low level of enrolment of children belonging to minority groups;

...

(d) Free primary education is not guaranteed in practice, as parents are required to cover the costs of uniforms, textbooks, stationery and other supplies; and

...

437. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(c) Ensure that primary education is free in practice by minimizing all costs borne by parents;

...

(e) Strengthen its efforts to progressively ensure that girls as well as boys, from urban, rural and remote areas, and children belonging to minority groups all have equal access to educational opportunities;

(f) Adapt school curriculum to suit the particularities of the local communities, in particular for ethnic minority groups, and make use of local teachers to help children who are experiencing language difficulties;

...

•          Dominica, CRC, CRC/C/140 (2004) 101 at paras. 499 and 500.

499. The Committee takes note of the efforts undertaken by the State party to establish programmes such as the Education Trust Fund and Free Textbooks in order to assist children living in poverty. However, the Committee is concerned at the sustainability of such programmes. Furthermore, the Committee is deeply concerned about the quality of education, access to education by pregnant girls and teenage mothers and the high drop-out rate, in particular among boys.

500. The Committee recommends that the State party, in the light of the Committee’s General Comment No. 1 (2001) on the aims of education:

...

(b) Seek to implement further participatory measures to encourage children, especially boys, to stay in school during the period of compulsory education; take further measures to facilitate the access to education of children from all groups in society, particularly children living in poverty;

...

(d) Provide education opportunities for pregnant girls and teenager mothers so that they can complete their education;

...

•          Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, CRC, CRC/C/140 (2004) 111 at paras. 565 and 566.

565. The Committee notes the State party’s commitment to free universal education, particularly in the light of its current economic difficulties, and welcomes the information that compulsory education up to the age of 17 is free. However, the Committee remains concerned at the following problematic aspects with regard to education:

(a) Increasing absenteeism and seasonally low attendance rates of 60-80 per cent as a result of the prolonged economic hardship;

(b) Hidden costs for parents, which constitute a serious burden in sending children to schools;

...

(d) That political background, opinions and activities can have an influence on admission to higher education;

...

566. The Committee welcomes the recent efforts of the State party to increase the quality of its education system and encourages that these efforts be pursued. It also recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Ensure that female pupils have the same opportunities as male pupils to access higher education;

(c) Sensitize the general public and children in particular to ensure that traditional gender stereotypes do not dictate the subjects studied by male and female pupils;

...

•          France, CRC, CRC/C/140 (2004) 124 at paras. 604 and 605.

604. The Committee notes that the Constitution provides for freedom of religion and that the law of 1905 on the separation of church and State prohibits discrimination on the basis of faith. The Committee equally recognizes the importance the State party accords to secular public schools. However, in the light of articles 14 and 29 of the Convention, the Committee is concerned by the alleged rise in discrimination, including that based on religion. The Committee is also concerned that the new legislation (Law No. 2004-228 of 15 March 2004) on wearing religious symbols and clothing in public schools may be counterproductive, by neglecting the principle of the best interests of the child and the right of the child to access to education, and not achieve the expected results. The Committee welcomes that the provisions of the legislation will be subject to an evaluation one year after its entry into force.

605. The Committee recommends that the State party, when evaluating the effects of the legislation, use the enjoyment of children’s rights, as enshrined in the Convention, as a crucial criteria in the evaluation process and also consider alternative means, including mediation, of ensuring secular character of public schools, while guaranteeing that individual rights are not infringed upon and that children are not excluded or marginalized from the school system and other settings as a result of such legislation. The dress code of schools may be better addressed within the public schools themselves, encouraging participation of children. The Committee further recommends that the State party continue to closely monitor the situation of girls being expelled from schools as a result of the new legislation and ensure they enjoy the right of access to education.

•          Brazil, CRC, CRC/C/143 (2004) 10 at paras. 83 and 84.

83. The Committee welcomes the efforts undertaken by the State party to improve school attendance and the positive results regarding the access of girls to school... However, it remains concerned about the remarkable disparities of access, regular attendance, dropouts and retention of children in schools across the country affecting particularly the poor, the mestizo children, those of African descent and children living in remote areas. The Committee is further concerned about the low quality of education in many schools to the extent that there are many children who, despite several years of school attendance, cannot read and write or do basic calculations.

84. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(c) Increase the completion rate of primary education and ensure that primary education always be free of charge;

...

•          Botswana, CRC, CRC/C/143 (2004) 25 at paras. 155 and 156.

155. The Committee is concerned at the information that primary education is not free for non-nationals and that the State party is considering introducing fees for parents who can afford it. The Committee is also concerned that primary education is not compulsory and at the high dropout rates in particular of girls in secondary schools, partly due to pregnancies.

156. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take all necessary measures, legislative and administrative, to ensure that primary education is free and compulsory as required in article 28 of the Convention;

(b) Continue to strengthen the activities providing pregnant girls with ongoing access to education (before and after giving birth);

...

•          Croatia, CRC, CRC/C/143 (2004) 36 at paras. 224, 225, 227 and 229.

224. While noting the efforts made by the State party with regard to education, e.g. the 2001 Law on the Changes and Amendments of the Primary Education Law, it remains concerned about the different access to education of children belonging to minority and the most vulnerable groups, including Roma children, children living in poverty, children with disabilities and foreign children, which hampers their full enjoyment of a system of education adequate to their values and identity...

225. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take all necessary measures to ensure that articles 28 and 29 of the Convention are fully implemented, in particular with regard to children belonging to the most vulnerable groups (i.e. minority groups, children living in poverty, etc.);

(b) Ensure the implementation of the National Programme for Roma, providing it with adequate human and financial resources and with periodic evaluation of its progress;

...

(g) Take the necessary measures to integrate children with disabilities in the mainstream education system, including vocational education, and in society;

(h) In the light of article 29 on the aims of education, establish adequate programmes and activities with a view to creating an environment of tolerance, peace and understanding of cultural diversity in order to prevent intolerance, bullying and discrimination in schools and in society at large.

...

227. In line with the recommendation of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD/C/60/CO/4, para. 13), and while noting the challenges confronted by the State party in meeting the needs of a large number of refugees, returnees and displaced persons, most of whom are children, the Committee remains concerned that return is still hindered by administrative impediments and hostile attitudes on the part of some national and local officials. The Committee expresses its concern about the difficult access to education and health care for refugee and internally displaced children.

...

229. The Committee also recommends that the State party take effective measures to resolve the problem of property owners, most of whom are Serbs, returning to their homes before their occupiers (refugees and displaced persons) have been able to find alternative shelter, and that further efforts be undertaken to facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons. It also recommends that effective measures be undertaken to ensure that displaced children have equal access to education and health care.

•          Kyrgyzstan, CRC, CRC/C/143 (2004) 50 at paras. 294 and 295.

294. The Committee notes the State party’s efforts to increase enrolment rates, both in primary and secondary education, through the national programmes spelled out in the Education Act. It is, however, concerned at the high dropout rates, especially among girls, due to forced marriages. The increasing practice of requesting parents to pay unofficial monthly and/or one-time enrolment fees, as well as for textbooks and school repairs, constitutes an obstacle for children’s access to education. The Committee is also concerned that enrolment in early childhood education has decreased in the past several years and that access to education is made difficult for children who are migrants with no formal residence permits, working children and/or street children.

295. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Continue to strengthen measures aimed at increasing enrolment rates in primary and secondary education, in particular with regard to early childhood education;

(b) Ensure that the practice of requesting that parents pay “voluntary fees” and other non-official contributions for the education of children is discontinued;

...

(d) Establish special educational programmes in order to accommodate the needs of working children, street children, migrants with no formal residence permits and children deprived of their liberty;

...

•          Equatorial Guinea, CRC, CRC/C/143 (2004) 64 at paras. 365 and 366.

365. The Committee notes the adoption of the Education Law (1995) and welcomes the establishment of the National University of Equatorial Guinea (1995) and the State party’s efforts to increase enrolment rates in primary education, e.g. through the National Plan on Education for All. However, it is concerned that enrolment and literacy levels are still low, particularly in secondary and pre-primary education, and that there is a significant disparity between the number of boys and girls attending school. It also notes with concern the persistence of cultural and traditional perceptions of girls that limit their access to education...

366. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Continue to strengthen measures aimed at increasing enrolment rates in primary and basic education, in particular for girls;

...

(d) Strengthen and expand efforts at teacher training and expand recruitment of qualified teachers, in particular women and persons from all ethnic groups for education in mother tongue programmes;

...

(g) Ensure the provision of adequate financial and human resources for the effective implementation of the educational programmes, in particular the National Plan on Education for All;

...

•          Angola, CRC, CRC/C/143 (2004) 78 at paras. 429 and 430.

429. The Committee notes with appreciation a number of initiatives, including the National Plan on Education for All, to rebuild the educational infrastructure and expand the educational system so as to enrol more children and improve pre-school education. The Committee notes with concern, however, the very low enrolment of children in pre-school and primary school and the even lower enrolment in secondary school, in particular of girls. It is also concerned about the marked disparities in enrolment between rural and urban areas...

430. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures:

...

(e) To increase enrolment rates and reduce repetition and dropout rates and ensure that all children have effective access to primary education free of charge;

(f) To prevent and eliminate gender and urban-rural disparities in school attendance and completion rates;

(g) To undertake campaigns to instil awareness among parents of the importance of sending their children, particularly girls, to school;

...

•          Antigua and Barbuda, CRC, CRC/C/143 (2004) 93 at paras. 509-511.

509. The Committee welcomes the decision by the Board of Education to award scholarships and bursaries to children and the Board’s Textbook Assistance Scheme, which provides children, free of cost, with all the textbooks used in school at the primary and secondary levels. It welcomes the provision of free uniforms as of September 2004 in both primary and secondary schools, and the plan to introduce free meals in primary schools. It also notes with appreciation that education is free at all levels of the public school system until the age of 16. However, it remains concerned about a variety of problems, including: shortage of schools and overcrowding; material shortages in schools; equality of access to education; drop-out of boys. The Committee is also concerned that, owing to the entrance examination system, not all students are guaranteed entry into the free public secondary schools.

510. The Committee is also concerned that a significant number of pregnant teenagers do not generally continue their education, and that the Golden Opportunity Programme initiated by the Ministry of Education seems to have had little success. The Committee is also concerned that girls and young women are often forced to leave school because of pregnancy.

511. The Committee recommends that the State party carefully examine the budgetary allocations for and measures taken within the field with regard to their impact on the progressive implementation of the child’s right to education and leisure activities. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take further measures to facilitate access to education by children from all groups in society by, inter alia, building more schools, improving the provision of school materials, and abolishing the entrance examination system so as to guarantee all students access to public secondary schools;

...

(c) Provide education opportunities for pregnant teenagers;

...

•          Sweden, CRC, CRC/C/146 (2005) 8 at paras. 61 and 62.

61. The Committee welcomes the efforts of the State party to provide free compulsory schooling through the age of 16 years, including universal free pre-schools for children aged 4-5. It is, nevertheless, concerned that:

(a) Children without resident permit, in particular children “in hiding”, do not have access to education;

(b) There are considerable variations in results among the various regions.

62. The Committee recommends that the State party pursue its efforts to ensure that:

(a) All children enjoy the right to education, including children without resident permit, and “children in hiding”;

(b) Variations in results and differences between schools and regions are eradicated;

...

•          Albania, CRC, CRC/C/146 (2005) 19 at paras. 127 and 128.

127. The Committee welcomes the establishment of an inter-ministerial group to develop a National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities, but remains concerned at the large number of children with disabilities who are institutionalized, are not included in the mainstream education system, or are without education at all, and at the general lack of resources and specialized staff for these children...

128. The Committee encourages the State party to actively pursue its current efforts and continue:

...

(b) To pursue efforts to ensure that children with disabilities may exercise their right to education to the maximum extent possible and facilitate their inclusion in the mainstream education system;

...

•          Luxembourg, CRC, CRC/C/146 (2005) 36 at paras. 206 and 207.

206. The Committee notes with satisfaction that refugee and asylum-seeking children have free access to the school system in Luxembourg and that the Ministry of Education has appointed intercultural mediators in order to facilitate the integration of foreigners in the educational system. However, the Committee is still concerned that a large number of foreign children (more than 40 per cent of the school population) are often disadvantaged by the educational programme and teaching methods in Luxembourg, including language problems.

207. The Committee recommends that the State party consider all possible measures through which foreign children and children of asylum-seekers can be granted equal access to the same standard of services in the field of education. The Committee also encourages the State party to ensure that language does not become an obstacle in education and recommends any initiative, including support classes, to help children to learn the needed languages.

•          Belize, CRC, CRC/C/146 (2005) 59 at paras. 342, 343 and 352-354.

342. The Committee expresses grave concern about the situation of children with disabilities and regrets that de facto discrimination against them still exists. The Committee notes with concern the lack of specific legislation which would ensure full and equal participation in social life, including access to social and health services, education, training, information and communication, rehabilitation, recreation and care, for children with disabilities...

343. The Committee urges the State party, taking into account the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96 of 20 December 1993, annex) and the recommendations adopted by the Committee at its day of general discussion on “The rights of children with disabilities” (see CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339):

(a) To enact special legislation dealing exclusively with disability issues, including access to social and health services, rehabilitation, support services, physical environment, information and communication, education, recreation and sports, in order to achieve the objectives of full participation and equality for children with disabilities;

...

(d) To integrate education for children with disabilities into national educational planning and curriculum and to include children with disabilities in the mainstream school system to the extent possible, including by providing the necessary financial and human resources for the training of teachers;

...

352. ...While the Committee takes note of a 10-year Education Sector Strategy with an overall objective of achieving universal educational access for children between the ages of 3 and 16 years, it remains concerned about the fact that parents are sometimes charged additional fees, thereby creating financial obstacles to many children and denying them access to education in primary and particularly in secondary schools. The Committee notes the State party’s efforts to reduce the high rate of school dropouts, but regrets the deficiencies in the implementation of these initiatives.

353. The Committee is concerned at the discrepancies in the implementation of national policies and principles on education in public and private schools, including the church-based schools. With respect to the treatment of pregnant students and teenage mothers in schools, the Committee expresses its grave concern that the State party does not have a policy to prevent and combat the school-based practices of educational exclusion of these students...

354. The Committee recommends that the State party allocate adequate financial, technical and human resources in order:

...

(b) To progressively ensure that all children, without any distinction as to gender or ethnic origin, from all areas of the country, have equal access to compulsory and free quality primary education, without any financial obstacles;

...

(d) To pay special attention to the needs of children belonging to vulnerable groups, including girls, migrant children, working children, children living in poverty, children deprived of their liberty, children belonging to minorities and indigenous children, in order to safeguard their right to education at all levels;

(e) To address the educational needs of pregnant students and teenage mothers in schools and to introduce a national policy on equal treatment of all students in respect of their right to education at all levels;

...

•          Islamic Republic of Iran, CRC, CRC/C/146 (2005) 88 at paras. 477 and 494-496.

477. The Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures, including enacting or rescinding legislation, to prevent and eliminate discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief and ensure that members of minority religions are not imprisoned or otherwise ill-treated on account of their religion and that access to education for their children is provided on an equal footing with others.

...

494. Although the Committee notes the high level of literacy in Iran and the measures taken by the State party to increase school enrolment and lower dropout rates, it remains concerned that not all children are enrolled in or graduate from primary school. Working children, children living on the streets and children without complete personal documents, particularly refugee children with binational parents, have reduced access to schools. It is also concerned that refugee children are currently only being enrolled in schools if their parents have registered with the authorities, and that the enrolment of refugee children is not currently being offered free of charge. It is further concerned about well-documented information that a large number of Baha’i students were not admitted to university on the grounds of their religious affiliation.

495. The Committee is also concerned about the disparity that continues to exist between boys and girls; the high dropout rates of girls in rural schools upon reaching puberty; the lack of female teachers in rural areas; long distances between homes and schools, which keep girls at home, particularly after primary school; and the lack of mobile schools for nomadic children, as well as the remarkable differences in the personal and material equipment between schools in urban and rural areas and between the most and least developed provinces, resulting in unequal educational opportunities...

496. While welcoming the State party’s initiatives with respect to youth, the Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts to reach its goal of universal basic education and recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Ensure that all children, including refugee children, have equal educational opportunities on all levels of the educational system without discrimination based on gender, religion, ethnic origin, nationality or statelessness;

(c) Eliminate all disparities in resources provided to schools in urban and rural areas in order to guarantee equal educational opportunities throughout the country;

...

•          Togo, CRC, CRC/C/146 (2005) 104 at paras. 538, 539, 561, 562, 571 and 574.

538. While noting the efforts made by the State party to address the issue, the Committee notes with concern that societal discrimination persists against vulnerable groups of children, in particular girls and children with disabilities. In particular, the Committee reiterates the concern of the Human Rights Committee (CCPR/CO/75/TGO of 28 November 2002) and of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/1/Add.61 of 21 May 2001) about “continuing discrimination against...girls with respect to access to education, employment and inheritance”.

539. With reference to the recommendations made in this regard by the Human Rights Committee and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Committee urges the State party to undertake an in-depth review of all its legislation, including the Individuals and Family Code and the Nationality Code of 1998, in order to fully guarantee the application of the principle of non-discrimination in domestic laws and compliance with article 2 of the Convention, and to adopt a proactive and comprehensive strategy to eliminate discrimination on any grounds and against all vulnerable groups, especially girls and children with disabilities, and children living in remote areas.

...

561. While noting the installation of access ramps in hospitals for disabled and the promulgation on 23 April 2004 of the Act 2004/005 on the social protection of persons with disabilities, the Committee is concerned that children do not have access to health-care services in the first place. In addition, the Committee is concerned that:

(a) Only very few children with disabilities have access to education and employment services;

(b) Education programmes do not prioritize services for disabled children;

(c) There is no policy for the integration of children with disabilities.

562. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(c) Review the situation of these children in terms of their access to suitable health care, education services and employment opportunities;

(d) Adopt an integration policy, allocate adequate resources to strengthen services for children with disabilities, support their families and train professionals in the field;

...

571. The Committee is concerned that public spending on education is low, that primary education is not free and that the enrolment rate, especially of girls, is low. The Committee is also concerned that, despite the waiving or reducing of fees for girls and economically disadvantaged children, education is not free, that secondary education is not affordable to many children, and consequently that universal compulsory free education has not been achieved.

...

574. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Ensure that girls and boys, from urban and rural areas, all have equal access to educational opportunities, without any financial obstacles;

...

•          Bolivia, CRC, CRC/C/146 (2005) 121 at paras. 638, 639, 646 and 647.

638. The Committee regrets the lack of official data on the number of children with disabilities in the State party and that children with disabilities continue to face various forms of discrimination. The Committee also notes with concern the lack of public assistance and special education for children with disabilities; the large number of children with disabilities who do not attend any form of school education, especially in rural areas; and the lack of an integration policy in general for these children.

639. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures:

(a) To address all issues of discrimination, including social discrimination and discrimination against children with disabilities in rural areas;

...

(c) To ensure and monitor the implementation of the Equality of Opportunity Act and Policy and to take into consideration the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities;

(d) To provide equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities, including by providing the necessary support and ensuring that teachers are trained to educate children with disabilities within regular schools.

...

646. While welcoming the recent reform of the education system and the increase in coverage of both primary and secondary education achieved in the last years, the Committee is concerned at continuing low enrolment rates, especially among girls and indigenous children; the considerable disparities in the coverage and quality of education between urban and rural areas; and high dropout rates and persistently high illiteracy rates, particularly among rural and indigenous children and girls... The lack of access to educational programmes for juvenile offenders is also a cause of concern.

647. The Committee encourages the State party:

(a) To provide sufficient funding to ensure free education at all levels of primary and secondary education;

(b) To strengthen efforts to bridge the gaps in the coverage and quality of education throughout the country;

(c) To strengthen efforts to bridge the gender disparity in education, giving special attention to promoting the education of rural girls;

...

(f) To ensure that all juvenile offenders have access to adequate educational and vocational programmes in detention centres;

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(i) To ratify the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education of 1960.

•          Nigeria, CRC, CRC/C/146 (2005) 135 at paras. 725 and 726.

725. The Committee welcomes that education was given the highest priority in the State party’s annual budget. It also notes with appreciation the initiatives of some State Governments to facilitate children’s access to education and to increase school enrolment, including the “school meal plus programme” and the development of the Strategy for Acceleration of Girls’ Education in Nigeria (SAGEN)... However, in the light of the Committee’s general comment No. 1 on article 29 (1) of the Convention (aims of education), the Committee remains concerned about the various number of problems in the State party’s education system, including:

(a) Unavailability in many parts of Nigeria of free, compulsory and universal primary education, despite the constitutional guarantee;

(b) High illiteracy, particularly among girls and women;

(c) Generally low level of, and regional disparities in, the quality of education in the State party, especially with regard to resources, facilities and the level of teaching;

(d) Gender and regional disparities in school enrolment;

(e) High levels of absenteeism and school dropout rates, in part due to school fees which constitute a burden to parents in sending children to schools;

(f) Mandatory requirement by law in some states of segregation of boys and girls in schools; and

(g) Segregation of refugees and displaced children in separate schools from other children.

726. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Take appropriate measures, in order to ensure that at the least, primary education is compulsory, free and universal for all children;

(b) Prioritize equal accessibility to educational opportunities for girls and boys from urban and rural areas;

...

(e) Seek to further implement participatory measures to encourage children to stay in school during the period of compulsory education;

(f) Take additional steps, including non-formal education programmes, to address the high illiteracy rates;

(g) Ensure that children who drop out of school and pregnant teenagers are provided with the opportunity to resume their studies;

(h) Ensure that education opportunities are provided for children suffering from HIV/AIDS;

(i) Ensure that refugee and asylum-seeking children are placed in schools in the local community, to facilitate their integration;

(j) Increase availability of vocational training programmes for young people, in particular, for girls, with the view to facilitate their access to the labour market, and in this connection, ratify the 1989 UNESCO Convention on Technical and Vocational Education; and

(k) Seek further technical assistance from UNICEF and UNESCO, among others.

•          Saint Lucia, CRC, CRC/C/150 (2005) 10 at paras. 86 and 88.

86. While the Committee is encouraged that the State party has developed “Education Sector Development Plan 2000 to 2005 and Beyond” and that there has been an increase in secondary school enrolment, it remains concerned that the State party does not provide universal access for children in particular to secondary school. It is further concerned at the lack of continued education of school-aged teen mothers, and the growing number of children who drop out of school, particularly among boys.

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88. In the light of articles 28 and 29 of the Convention and its general comment No. 1 (2001) on the aims of education, the Committee recommends that the State party allocate adequate human and financial resources in order to:

(a) Adopt effective measures to include all children in primary education and urgently decrease the dropout rates for children, particularly boys;

(b) Continue its efforts to increase the number of children entering secondary schools through provisions of more classrooms;

...

(d) Ensure that teenage mothers continue their education.

•          Philippines, CRC, CRC/C/150 (2005) 24 at paras. 139, 140, 158, 159 and 171-173.

139. With reference to the high number of overseas Philippine workers, the Committee is concerned about children born abroad to Philippine migrant workers. Due to the non-registration of these children, they are deprived of their right to name, nationality and identity as well as basic services.

140. The Committee recommends to the State party that it encourage and facilitate parents, irrespective of their residence status, to register their children born abroad. The Committee also recommends that the State party ensure that unregistered children without official documentation are allowed access to basic services, such as health and education, while waiting to be properly registered...

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158. Welcoming the State party’s efforts to eliminate discrimination against children with disabilities and to promote their integration into society with equal opportunities, inter alia, by implementing the Programme on Community-based Rehabilitation, the Committee is concerned about the de facto discrimination faced by children with disabilities and their invisible role in society...The Committee is concerned that many children with disabilities live in poverty and their access to social and health services and education is limited...

159. In the light of the United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the recommendations adopted by the Committee on its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities (see CRC/C/69), the Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to:

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(c) Ensure that public education policy and school curricula reflect in all their aspects the principle of full participation and equality and include children with disabilities in the mainstream school system to the extent possible and, where necessary, establish special education programmes tailored to their special needs;

(d) Provide children with disabilities with access to adequate social and health services and the physical environment, information and communication;

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(f) Ensure that professionals working with and for children with disabilities, such as medical, paramedical and related personnel, teachers and social workers are adequately trained;

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171. The Committee takes note of the State party’s efforts to improve the standard and aims of education, including by implementing the new school curricula for elementary and secondary schools, and the curriculum for early childhood, the Education for All Programme of Action and the Child-friendly School System, in collaboration with UNICEF. Notwithstanding these positive steps taken, the Committee remains gravely concerned that there still remain barangays which are not able to provide children with elementary education and there are several vulnerable groups of children, such as children living in poverty, children with disabilities, child labourers, children in armed conflict, indigenous children, children infected with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS and street children, without equal access to elementary education. The Committee is concerned that the costs of schooling, such as meals, transportation, school uniforms and supplies, cause financial obstacles to many children from poor families and deny their equal access to education...

172. The Committee is encouraged by the State party’s efforts to promote indigenous, minority and local languages in education including, inter alia, through the Lingua Franca Project. The Committee is concerned about poor schooling facilities, particularly in the remote barangays, including the insufficient number of classroom seats, textbooks and other schooling supplies. It reiterates its concern about the low rate of enrolment in secondary education and that children living in the remote barangays have very limited access to secondary education...

173. In the light of articles 28 and 29 of the Convention and the Committee’s general comment No. 1 (2001) on the aims of education, the Committee recommends that the State party allocate adequate financial, human and technical resources in order to:

(a) Increase budgetary allocations, governmental subsidies and assistance programmes for children from low-income families in order to secure their equal access to education of all levels;

(b) Urgently take all necessary measures to ensure universal and free primary education for all and pay particular attention to the schooling opportunities in the most remote barangays and to the educational needs of children belonging to vulnerable groups, such as children living in poverty, children with disabilities, indigenous children, child labourers, children in armed conflict, children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS and street children, in order to fulfil their right to education;

...

(d) Provide access to early childhood education for every child making it affordable for poor families and raise awareness of the benefits of preschools and early-learning opportunities among parents;

...

(f) Provide indigenous children and children belonging to minority groups with equal access to quality education which respects their distinct cultural patterns and uses local indigenous and minority languages in education through, inter alia, the Lingua Franca Project;

...

•          Bosnia and Herzegovina, CRC, CRC/C/150 (2005) 49 at paras. 259-261.

259. The Committee is concerned that there exists extensive discrimination regarding access to education by ethnic and/or national minorities, especially Roma (only 33 per cent of whom attend primary school). Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that other marginalized groups of children, including refugees and returnees and children with disabilities face difficulties of access to schooling.

260. The Committee is also concerned about:

(a) The still existing phenomenon of the “two-schools-under-one-roof” system, whereby - in some Cantons - common premises are either divided or being used at different times by children of different ethnicity, who are taught a different curriculum depending on their national origin;

...

261. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Take all necessary measures to ensure that articles 28 and 29 of the Convention are fully implemented, in particular with regard to children belonging to the most vulnerable groups (i.e. minority groups, those living in poverty, refugee and returnee children, Roma children, children with disabilities, etc.);

...

(f) In the light of article 29 on the aims of education, harmonize the educational system throughout the country, eliminate the so-called system of “two-schools-under-one-roof” and establish adequate programmes and activities with a view to create an environment of tolerance, peace and understanding of cultural diversity shared by all children to prevent intolerance, bullying and discrimination in schools and society at large;

...

•          Nepal, CRC, CRC/C/150 (2005) 66 at paras. 317, 318, 346, 347, 356 and 357.

317. With reference, inter alia, to the concerns of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD/C/64/CO/5) regarding the persistent de facto caste-based discrimination against Dalit in education, employment, marriage, access to public places including water sources and places of worship, the Committee expresses serious concern about the harmful effects of this prevailing form of discrimination on the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of the Dalit children in the State party.

318. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to ensure implementation of existing laws guaranteeing the right to non-discrimination, and to adopt appropriate legislation, where necessary, to ensure that all children within its jurisdiction enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention without discrimination, in accordance with article 2. In this regard, the Committee urges the State party to prioritize and target social services for children belonging to the most vulnerable groups, and to take all effective measures to ensure their protection from exploitation...

...

346. While acknowledging that the minimum age of marriage for girls is 18 years, the Committee shares the concern of the State party that the custom of early marriage is widespread in practice, in particular within certain ethnic and religious communities, and that girls, once married, are not afforded the protection for the enjoyment of their rights as children as enshrined in the Convention, including the right to education.

347. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its enforcement of the existing legislation to prevent early marriage and that the State party develop sensitization programmes, involving community and religious leaders and society at large, including children themselves, to curb the practice of early marriage. It also recommends to the State party that it take measures to ensure that when underage girls are married, they continue to fully enjoy their rights as set out in the Convention, including the right to education.

...

356. While welcoming the development of the National Plan of Action on Education for All, and the Basic and Primary Education Master Plan (1997-2002) and the Basic and Primary Education Master Plan II (1999-2004), the Committee is seriously concerned that primary education has not been made compulsory and that the target set by the State party to achieve universal primary education by 2000 was never met and has been extended to 2015... The Committee is also concerned about the high dropout rate, and that significant inequality exists in access to education, in part due to the hidden costs associated with schooling, and that a large proportion of girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds such as Dalit children and children with disabilities remain deprived of educational opportunities.

357. The Committee recommends that the State party carefully examine the budget allocations and measures taken within the field, with regard to their impact on the progressive implementation of the child’s right to education and leisure activities. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Make primary education compulsory and free for all children and for more years than just the five years of primary school;

...

(d) Take further measures to improve the accessibility, in particular for girls, to education of all children, with a view to eliminating the prevailing disparities between girls and boys, as well as between urban and rural areas;

...

(g) Introduce and fully implement targeted programmes for children from poor families and children from marginalized groups;

...

(k) Ratify the Convention against Discrimination in Education (1960) and the Convention on Technical and Vocational Education (1989);

...

•          Ecuador, CRC, CRC/C/150 (2005) 91 at paras. 445, 446, 459 and 460.

445. The Committee acknowledges the remarkable improvement made in the field of education, including the forthcoming implementation of bilingual education... However, the Committee is concerned at the low level of government investment in education, the poor equipment for schools, the limited access to educational facilities for street children and the regional disparities in the full enjoyment of the right to education.

446. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(b) Increase enrolment in primary and secondary education, reducing socio-economic, ethnic and regional disparities in the access and full enjoyment of the right to education;

...

459. The Committee takes note of the various measures undertaken by the State party with regard to indigenous children, including the implementation of the bilingual intercultural education system. However, the Committee remains concerned about the limited enjoyment of rights by indigenous children, particularly with regard to access to education and health due to widespread poverty...

...

460. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to protect the rights of indigenous children against discrimination and to guarantee their enjoyment of the rights enshrined in domestic law and in the Convention. In this regard, the Committee refers the State party to its recommendations adopted following its day of general discussion on the rights of indigenous children at its thirty-fourth session in 2003...

•          Mongolia, CRC, CRC/C/150 (2005) 113 at paras. 556, 557, 566-568, 584 and 585.

556. ...The Committee notes with concern the lack of a legal framework to provide children with disabilities with access to the physical environment. The Committee also notes with concern that the high number of children with disabilities have neither adequate access to social and health services nor to education...

557. The Committee urges the State party, taking into account the United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities and the recommendations adopted by the Committee on its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities (see CRC/C/69):

...

(c) To prevent and prohibit all forms of discrimination against children with disabilities and to ensure equal opportunities for their full participation in all spheres of life;

(d) To take all necessary measures to include children with disabilities in the mainstream school system to the extent possible and, where necessary, to establish special education programmes tailored for their special needs;

(e) To take measures to provide children with disabilities with access to the physical environment, information and communication;

...

566. While noting with appreciation the State party’s efforts to improve the standard of education and to secure access to education by implementing the revised Law on Education adopted in 1995, the Committee is concerned about the remaining difficulties encountered by children, especially in rural areas of the country, in their access to education and attendance in school. The high number of primary-school-aged children not enrolled in school, including gender and regional disparities in school enrolment, the increasing rates of illiteracy and the high rate of school drop-outs, especially in rural areas, give cause for serious concerns.

567. The Committee reiterates its concern about boys belonging to herder families and living in rural areas who are at a higher risk of dropout from school and being involved in child labour. The Committee notes with particular concern that the additional fees collected in schools cause financial obstacles for many children and deny them equal access to education...

568. The Committee recommends that the State party take immediate measures to allocate adequate financial and human resources in order:

(a) To progressively ensure that all children, without any distinction by gender, from all areas of the country, have equal access to quality education without any financial obstacles and to also consider the reinstatement of neighbourhood schools in order to facilitate children’s access to education;

(b) To strengthen measures aimed at increasing enrolment rates in primary and secondary education without any regional disparities and to secure that all children have equal opportunities to complete their education;

(c) To strengthen its efforts to adopt and implement effective measures to decrease school dropout rates, especially among children living in rural areas;

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584. The Committee regrets that it has been largely precluded, through lack of information in the report, from examining compliance of the State party’s obligations with the rights guaranteed under article 30 of the Convention with regard to children belonging to minorities, such as Khazakhs and Tsaatans. The Committee is concerned about the limited enjoyment of their human rights, particularly concerning their access to social and health services and education.

585. The Committee recalls the obligations of the State party under articles 2 and 30 of the Convention and recommends that the State party ensure that children belonging to minorities fully enjoy all of their human rights equally and without discrimination...

•          Nicaragua, CRC, CRC/C/150 (2005) 132 at paras. 644 and 646-648.

644. The Committee is concerned about:

...

(b) Socio-economic and regional disparities - e.g. between urban and rural areas and between the Central/Pacific and Caribbean/Atlantic regions - in the access and enjoyment of the right to education, including lack of facilities in isolated and remote areas;

...

646. The Committee encourages the State party to:

(a) Increase the efforts to eliminate any discrepancy in access to education between urban and rural areas and between the Central/Pacific and Caribbean/Atlantic regions;

...

647. Furthermore, the Committee expresses concern at the information that the majority of public schools require students to pay a “voluntary quota” for their inscription fee, which, added to the expenses incumbent on families for clothing, food, school supplies and transportation, makes education of children for poor families virtually impossible.

648. In the light of article 28 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party ensure primary education for all children free of cost - including payment of a “voluntary quota” and/or school books or other school material - and provide support to families with financial problems for an adequate educational development of their children.

•          Costa Rica, CRC, CRC/C/150 (2005) 149 at paras. 687, 688, 694 and 695.

687. The Committee welcomes the elaboration of the first National Development Plan for Costa Rica’s Indigenous People, the translation into indigenous languages of the Childhood and Adolescence Code, the Law against Domestic Violence and the Law on Responsible Paternity, as well as the incorporation of the rights of indigenous people into the National Plan for Children and Adolescents. The Committee is concerned however at the limited access of indigenous children, migrant children and those living in rural areas, to basic education and health services, and at their low standard of living. The Committee also regrets the absence of information in the State party’s report on the implementation of its previous recommendation regarding the protection of children of migrant families in irregular situations against discrimination. While welcoming the revocation by resolution No. 008857-99 of articles 6 and 7 of Executive Decree (Decreto ejecutivo) No. 21989-MEP-MTSS, the Committee is concerned at information received whereby migrant children are still neither eligible for scholarships, nor entitled to take part in students’ councils.

688. The Committee encourages the State party to continue to pay due attention to the needs of indigenous people by taking appropriate measures to address the high rate of infant mortality among the indigenous communities, and to substantially increase their level of education and standard of living, and endorses the recommendation of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in that regard (CERD/C/60/CO/3, para. 11). The Committee further recommends that the State party provide information on the number of migrant children who benefited from scholarships since the adoption of resolution No. 008857-99. In addition, the Committee recommends that the State party take steps to disseminate the contents of the resolution to the public at large. The Committee also recommends that the State party take appropriate measures to ensure the right of migrant children to take part in students’ councils...

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694. While recognizing the State party’s acceptance of freedom of religion, the Committee is concerned at the fact that classes on Catholicism are part of the curriculum, which is discriminatory for non-Catholic children.

695. The Committee recommends that the State party devise a curriculum that will ensure that the child’s freedom of religion can be fully realized in the educational system without any discrimination.

•          Yemen, CRC, CRC/C/150 (2005) 161 at paras. 783, 784, 789, 790, 793 and 794.

783. While acknowledging the efforts made by the State party, the Committee remains concerned at the numerous problems faced by children with disabilities. It is particularly concerned at the lack of:

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(c) Integration of children with disabilities into the regular schooling system.

784. The Committee recommends that the State party:

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(c) Review the situation of children with disabilities, in terms of their access to employment, education, housing and health-care facilities, and allocate adequate resources to strengthen services for children with disabilities, support their families and provide training for professionals in this field;

(d) Formulate a strategy, one which includes appropriate teacher training, to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to education, and whenever possible they are integrated into the mainstream education system;

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789. While taking note of the efforts made by the State party to address the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) and harmful traditional practices, the Committee reiterates its concern at the existence of harmful traditional practices in certain regions of the State party, including FGM, early marriages and deprivation of education.

790. The Committee recommends that the State party, as a matter of urgency, undertake all necessary measures to eradicate harmful traditional practices, particularly those affecting the girl child, and those harmful to the physical and psychological well-being of children.

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793. The Committee welcomes the information regarding the efforts made by the State party to enhance the quality of education and improve the quality of teaching and working conditions of teachers. However, it remains deeply concerned that:

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(e) Urban/remote/rural disparities remain very high;

(f) Negative stereotypes of girls remain in school curricula; and

...

794. The Committee recommends that the State party:

...

(c) Continue its efforts to ensure that all children have equal access to educational opportunities with a view to eliminating the prevailing disparities between girls and boys as well as in urban and rural areas;

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