IV. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS

CERD

•          Holy See, CERD, A/48/18 (1993) 58 at para. 305.

In view of the moral influence wielded by the Holy See and the national Catholic churches, it is suggested that the State party should take a more active stance against unjust systems which have the effect of fostering racist attitudes, as well as against any tendency towards racism and xenophobia which might develop in national societies.

•          Bosnia and Herzegovina, CERD, A/48/18 (1993) 87 at para. 471.

Those responsible for massive, gross and systematic human rights violations and crimes against international humanitarian law should be held responsible and prosecuted. In that connection, the Government is urged to assist efforts to arrest, bring to trial and punish all those responsible for crimes which would be covered by the terms of reference of the International Tribunal established pursuant to Security Council resolution 808 (1993).

•          Croatia, CERD, A/48/18 (1993) 90 at para. 506.

The State party is urged to undertake all measures at its disposal to bring an end to the massive, gross and systematic human rights violations occurring in those areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina controlled by the State party. The State party is urged to assist efforts to arrest, bring to trial and punish all those responsible for crimes which would be covered by the terms of reference of the International Tribunal established pursuant to Security Council resolution 808 (1993).

See also:

•          Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), CERD, A/48/18 (1993) 95 at para. 545.

•          Croatia, CERD, A/50/18 (1995) 36 at para. 168.

Great concern has been expressed concerning the earlier intention of the State party not to permit the military, civilian and police components of the United Nations Protection Force to remain in the country. It is considered that withdrawal may have the gravest implications for minority ethnic groups and displaced persons in the United Nations Protected Areas (UNPAs), the demilitarized zone and elsewhere.

•          Bosnia and Herzegovina, CERD, A/50/18 (1995) 46 at paras. 223 and 224.

Paragraph 223

Persons responsible for massive, gross and systematic human rights violations and also crimes against international humanitarian law should be held responsible and prosecuted on the national or the international level.

Paragraph 224

The continuing and persistent violations of basic principles of international law and international obligations deriving therefrom, including basic principles underlying the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, calls for the application of enforcement measures by the Security Council in connection with the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

•          Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), CERD, A/50/18 (1995) 48 at paras. 240, 241, 245 and 246.

Paragraph 240

The failure of the State party to cooperate with the Special Process on disappearances of the Commission on Human Rights is deplored. It is noted that without this cooperation, no progress can be made in establishing the fate of large numbers of Croats, Bosnian Muslims and others who have disappeared.

Paragraph 241

The unwillingness of the State party to recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia is deplored and extreme concern is expressed with regard to the apparent policy of the Government to purport to bestow impunity on perpetrators of fundamental violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

Paragraph 245

It is insisted that all perpetrators of violations of the Convention be brought to justice. The State party is further called upon to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

Paragraph 246

It is urgently suggested that the State party reconsider its failure to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and the Special Process on disappearances of the Commission on Human Rights. The Committee notes the important role played by both these mechanisms in promoting compliance with the terms of the Convention.

•          Colombia, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 15 at para. 57.

The State Party should intensify its cooperation with the technical assistance programme of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights, including for the training of those involved in activities related to human rights and for the education of the younger generation.

•          Hungary, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 22 at para. 114.

The signing of agreements with neighbouring countries in connection with minority rights issues, in line with paragraph 7 of the Preamble to the Convention, is a subject of satisfaction.

•          Russian Federation, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 25 at para. 144.

Reports concerning the situation in the so-called filtration camps give rise to grave concern. It is deplorable that representatives of humanitarian organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, have not been permitted to visit such camps.

•          Bolivia, CERD, A/51/18 (1996) 41 at para. 284.

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

•          Iraq, CERD, A/52/18 (1997) 37 at para. 268.

The State party should comply with the relevant Security Council resolutions calling for the release of all Kuwaiti nationals and nationals of other States who might still be held in detention, and to provide all available information on missing individuals of such States.

•          Burundi, CERD, A/52/18 (1997) 73 at para. 591.

Being aware that the resolution of the ethnic conflict in Burundi cannot be achieved without a resolution of the conflict in the Great Lakes region, the authorities are urged to take all necessary measures, in cooperation with neighbouring countries, to find ways and means to restore peace and security in Burundi.

•          Ukraine, CERD, A/53/18 (1998) 39 at para. 153.

The State party should continue to take all necessary steps to fully restore the rights of repatriated members of minorities, including the Crimean Tatars, and to afford them just and adequate reparation where appropriate. In regard to the citizenship of the repatriated members of minorities, including the Crimean Tatars, it is suggested that the State party consider the possibility of acceding to the international instruments on statelessness.

•          Nepal, CERD, A/53/18 (1998) 73 at para. 441.

The State party should fully observe the human rights of refugees and displaced persons of Bhutan and should negotiate with the Government of Bhutan towards a peaceful solution of this important issue.

•          Azerbaijan, CERD, A/54/18 (1999) 46 at para. 497.

The State party should utilize all available means, including international cooperation, to ameliorate the situation of displaced persons and refugees, especially regarding their access to education, employment and housing, pending their return to their houses under conditions of safety.

•          Australia, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 17 at para. 40.

Taking note of some recent statements from the State party in relation to asylum-seekers, it is recommended that the State party implement faithfully the provisions of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, as well as the 1967 Protocol thereto, with a view to continuing its cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and in accordance with the guidelines in UNHCR’s “Handbook on Refugee Determination Procedures”.

•          Rwanda, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 31 at paras. 139 and 148.

Paragraph 139

It is noted that State financial and material resources were reduced to a minimum by acts of destruction and theft during the armed conflicts in 1994. While noting the progress made by the State party in addressing some of the economic problems facing the country, the Committee is aware that the continuing economic difficulties in the State party, its heavy dependence upon scarce international assistance, and the limited resources available to the State party are significant obstacles to the full implementation of the Convention.

Paragraph 148

It is noted with satisfaction that the State party has resumed its cooperation with the International Tribunal for Rwanda. It is recommended that the State party assist and cooperate fully with the Tribunal.

•          Holy See, CERD, A/55/18 (2000) 66 at para. 398.

The clarification concerning the involvement of ecclesiastics, against the precepts of the Catholic Church, in the genocide in Rwanda is noted. The State party should cooperate fully with the national and international judicial authorities in connection with prosecutions relating to the Rwanda genocide.

•          Italy, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 53 at para. 316.

The State party should intensify its efforts and its cooperation with other countries, including countries of origin, in order to reduce illegal immigration, criminal trafficking and commercial exploitation of human beings...

•          Sri Lanka, CERD, A/56/18 (2001) 56 at para. 325.

The establishment on 20 November 2000 of the Permanent Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on Human Rights entrusted with the mandate of monitoring and reviewing action taken by government agencies concerning allegations of human rights violations as well as follow up recommendations made by United Nations human rights mechanisms is welcomed.

ICCPR

•          Bosnia and Herzegovina, ICCPR, A/48/40 vol. I (1993) 69 at para. 332.

The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina should formalize its succession to the Covenant by submitting the appropriate notification to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The measures already taken by the Republic should be further intensified and systematically monitored so as to ensure that ethnic cleansing does not take place, whether as a matter of revenge or otherwise; that prisoners are not taken for the purpose of eventual exchange of prisoners; that all places of detention are officially proclaimed; that records of all people detained are kept and made public; and that such places of detention are open to visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the families of the people detained.

•          Mexico, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 33 at para. 180.

Article 25 of the Covenant, particularly with regard to elections, should be fully implemented by taking legal and practical measures to ensure equitable representation of the entire electorate and to ensure that the balloting is free from fraud and takes place in an atmosphere of calm essential to the voters' exercise of free choice. To that end, the willingness of the authorities to accept international observers during the balloting would contribute to the transparency of the elections.

•          Togo, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 44 at para. 270.

The Government of Togo should avail itself of the advisory and technical assistance services of the Centre for Human Rights in order to overcome some technical difficulties in implementing the Covenant, including the preparation of the third periodic report in accordance with the Committee's guidelines.

•          Burundi, ICCPR, A/49/40 vol. I (1994) 58 at paras. 367-370.

Paragraph 367

In view of the considerable difficulties encountered by the State party in implementing the Covenant, the gross violations of human rights that occurred in autumn 1993 and the serious danger of a recurrence of such violations, Burundi should receive the resolute support of the international community in its efforts at internal pacification and national reconciliation.

Paragraph 368

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights should continue to make strenuous efforts to help Burundi avoid any future recurrence of gross violations of human rights, for example, by encouraging the establishment of international investigation machinery.

Paragraph 369

The High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Centre for Human Rights are encouraged in their efforts to provide advisory services and technical assistance in the field of human rights.

Paragraph 370

The Committee, for its part, is ready to respond constructively to any appropriate request for assistance by the Government of Burundi, provided that it is clear and accompanied by a firm resolve on the part of the Government to adopt the measures necessary for the effective implementation of the Covenant.

•          Yemen, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 49 at paras. 258 and 265.

Paragraph 258

A thorough review should be undertaken of the legal framework for the protection of human rights in the State party to ensure full conformity with the Covenant. Note is taken of the indication by the delegation of the lack of technical expertise in the legal field in the State party and its appeal for assistance in this area. Accordingly, the State party should avail itself of the technical cooperation services of the Centre for Human Rights and address, through the Centre's programmes, the question of the status of the Covenant in relation to the Constitution.

Paragraph 265

The appropriate mechanisms should be established to revise the relevant legal codes, to provide human rights training for personnel involved in the administration of justice, to draft the State party's reports to various human rights treaty bodies, and to collect and analyse data on human rights issues. In this regard, the Government should draw on the assistance available through the Centre for Human Rights technical cooperation services.

•          Ukraine, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 57 at paras. 323 and 331.

Paragraph 323

The constitutional reform presently under way should be accelerated in order to ensure the adoption and implementation of the new Constitution. In this regard, the text of the Covenant should be taken into account. In drafting new legislation affecting human rights, attention should systematically be paid to the establishment of effective guarantees for the safeguard of civil and political rights. In that regard, the authorities may avail themselves of the advisory services and technical cooperation programmes developed by the United Nations Centre for Human Rights.

Paragraph 331

The Ukraine should undertake to implement its domestic refugee law of December 1993 and, in this connection, it is recommended that it seek assistance and advice from relevant international organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

•          Latvia, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 62 at paras. 359 and 361.

Paragraph 359

Steps should be taken to adopt domestic legislation governing the treatment of refugees and asylum-seekers in compliance with the Covenant and international refugee law. In this regard, the Committee further recommends that the Government of Latvia seek assistance from relevant international organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The Latvian Government should consider acceding to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.

Paragraph 361

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

•          Russian Federation, ICCPR, A/50/40 vol. I (1995) 65 at paras. 404 and 405.

Paragraph 404

While noting with appreciation the Government's assurances that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will be granted access to all detention camps, such access should be granted immediately in the region of Chechnya and neighbouring republics, to allow ICRC not only to monitor the treatment of detainees but also to provide supplies and services.

Paragraph 405

In order to address the lack of confidence in the local government authorities, the Government should consider inviting a greater international presence, including from the Centre for Human Rights, to assist the Special Multilateral Commission established to investigate recent events in Chechnya in improving the effectiveness of human rights investigations and ensuring fairness of trials until such time as the judiciary is functioning properly. Such a measure would make clear that the Government is committed to ending human rights violations both by submitting itself to international scrutiny and by drawing on international expertise toward this end.

•          Estonia, ICCPR, A/51/40 vol. I (1996) 19 at para. 133.

Domestic legislation governing the treatment of asylum seekers in compliance with the Covenant should be adopted. Assistance from international organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees should be sought, and consideration should be given to acceding to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.

•          Guatemala, ICCPR, A/51/40 vol. I (1996) 33 at para. 253.

The United Nations Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) should continue its activities in the country until it certifies that it has fully discharged its mandate relating to human rights.

•          France, ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 62 at para. 409.

The UNHCR should have access to the various places where persons applying for asylum or waiting deportation are kept, whenever it thinks fit, without any obstruction or hindrance.

•          India, ICCPR, A/52/40 vol. I (1997) 67 at para. 439.

It is recommended, at the very least, that a central register of detainees under preventive detention laws be maintained and that the State party accept the admission of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to all types of detention facilities, particularly in areas of conflict.

•          Sudan, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 22 at paras. 123 and 126.

Paragraph 123

The number of reports of extrajudicial executions, torture, slavery, disappearances, abductions and other human rights violations from United Nations and NGO sources, and the delegation's assertions that such human rights violations are relatively infrequent, is troubling. In this connection, concern is extended to reports of abduction by security forces of children, particularly in the South. It is therefore recommended that the Government of the Sudan should continue to cooperate with United Nations bodies and non-governmental organizations on these matters.

Paragraph 126

Concern is expressed over the inadequate prison conditions and "ghost house" detention centres. Therefore, the Government of the Sudan should bring all places of detention under the control of the Prison Service, take the necessary measures to bring prison conditions into line with article 10 of the Covenant and with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and cooperate with the international community and NGOs in this regard, as appropriate.

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

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

•          Algeria, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 52 at para. 355.

With regard to innumerable reports of arbitrary or extrajudicial executions of individuals, some while in custody, others under suspicion of being associated in one way or another with terrorist groups, the State party should urgently ensure that access be given as soon as possible to the International Committee of the Red Cross and other independent observers.

•          The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, ICCPR, A/53/40 vol. I (1998) 55 at para. 378.

The persons responsible for reported cases of abuse of police authority, including unlawful arrest and detention, excessive use of force - especially against members of minority groups - and physical ill-treatment of detainees, should be subjected to appropriate disciplinary or penal sanctions. Training programmes on human rights for the police should be strengthened and permanent mechanisms should be established for ongoing instruction with the participation of international agencies and experts in the field.

•          Kuwait, ICCPR, A/55/40 vol. I (2000) 65 at para. 473.

Reported cases of abuses by the Kuwaiti police, in contravention of articles 7 and 10 of the Covenant, are of concern. The State party’s increased cooperation with international institutions such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which facilitate international monitoring of prison conditions, is noted.

•          Venezuela, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 49 at para. 77(15).

The treatment of persons seeking asylum or refuge, especially those entering the country from Colombia, is of great concern, chiefly because of the lack of national legislation establishing selection criteria for asylum seekers even though there are bilateral arrangements between Colombia and Venezuela on such matters. The possible breach of the principle of non-refoulement is also of concern. The State party should ensure compliance with articles 7 and 13 of the Covenant and with the norms of general international law, adhere to or implement the relevant international conventions, provide access to the relevant specialized agencies in the areas concerned, and seek the assistance, if necessary, of the international bodies dealing with the matter.

•          Uzbekistan, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 59 at para. 79(4).

Satisfaction is expressed at the fact that an agreement has been reached between the State party and the International Committee of the Red Cross, by which the Red Cross is authorised to visit Uzbek prisons and to examine conditions existing in detention facilities.

•          Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, ICCPR, A/56/40 vol. I (2001) 98 at para. 86(11).

Concern is expressed at the limited number of human rights organizations in the State party, and the limited access to the State party’s territory that is accorded to human rights organizations, as reflected in the small number of international human rights non-governmental organizations that have been granted permission to visit the State party over the last decade. The State party should grant access to its territory to international human rights organizations and other international bodies on a regular basis at their request and ensure accessibility to indispensable information about the promotion and protection of human rights.

ICESCR

•          Viet Nam, ICESCR, E/1994/23 (1993) 34 at para. 142.

The State party should intensify its efforts to find a better and more effective solution to the problem of the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights through internal measures and international cooperation, wherever such cooperation might be appropriate. Particular efforts should be made to solve the problem of school absenteeism and the concentration of child labour at the expense of school attendance, as well as the problem of overwork by married women. Effective measures should also be adopted to reduce levels of malnutrition, especially among children; to improve the services of the social security system; to ensure the more rapid implementation of the new Labour Code; and, in general, to compensate for the effects on minorities and less privileged social groups of economic adjustments to promote the change to a free market society.

•          Uruguay, ICESCR, E/1995/22 (1994) 23 at para. 78.

The State party should consider the possibility of ratifying the Protocol of San Salvador additional to the American Convention on Human Rights.

•          Philippines, ICESCR, E/1996/22 (1995) 30 at para. 124.

Greater emphasis should be placed, within the framework of official development assistance provided by donor countries, on support for social adjustment programmes for purposes such as the financing of low-interest credit for the poorest farmers, slum-upgrading and other programmes for housing the poor.

•          Ukraine, ICESCR, E/1996/22 (1995) 50 at paras. 271 and 275.

Paragraph 271

The civil status of repatriated members of minorities, especially the Crimean Tatars, should be regularized as soon as possible. Steps should be taken immediately to reintegrate them fully into the region and to guarantee their rights to work and to an adequate standard of living, as defined in articles 6 and 11 of the Covenant. Every effort should be made in order to obtain international assistance towards this end.

Paragraph 275

The Government should continue to make full use of international assistance in the collection and analysis of data in general, including data regarding the most vulnerable groups of persons, and in addressing their needs. Such categories of persons include pensioners, the unemployed, children with disabilities and children assigned to homes or institutions, members of repatriated minority groups and victims of the Chernobyl accident. With regard to the latter group, it is urged that special assistance and medical care be further granted to the persons concerned and that special measures continue to be taken to clean the environment and to dispose of contaminated objects and consumable items with which people may come into contact.

•          Paraguay, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 22 at para. 92.

The State party is encouraged to ratify the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Protocol of San Salvador).

•          Guatemala, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 29 at paras. 137-139 and 143.

Paragraph 137

The issue of land ownership and redistribution should be closely monitored, in the light of the implementation both of article 14 of the Constitution, which provides for the expropriation of fallow land on private estates, and of the Agreement on Social and Economic Aspects and Agrarian Situation. The establishment of national benchmarks is essential to ensure a systematic review of the progress made towards implementation of these provisions and should be viewed as an essential element for ensuring international cooperation and domestic change. It is therefore recommended that international cooperation be devoted to the goal of implementation of economic, social and cultural rights.

Paragraph 138

The intention of the Government to reform its fiscal and monetary policy as a means of promoting social and economic development is noted. The international community should support the measures taken in this regard and ensure the regular and close monitoring and review of projects undertaken pursuant to various agreements entered into with a view to securing a lasting peace.

Paragraph 139

The importance of the role being undertaken by the United Nations mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) in monitoring the peace process and the progress of efforts to improve respect for human rights, which should include economic, social and cultural rights is emphasized.

Paragraph 143

While taking note of the various measures undertaken to reintegrate returning refugees and internally displaced persons, the need for continued international cooperation in this field is highlighted. Moreover, the careful scrutiny and involvement of the international community in all these efforts will be all the more indispensable in the event of the peace agreement being signed and of the consequent need to reintegrate the demobilized army and guerrilla forces into society and the economy.

•          El Salvador, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 34 at para. 171.

It is noted that the technical cooperation project submitted by the Centre for Human Rights of the United Nations to the Government of El Salvador, which would enable the latter to receive the assistance necessary to implement the international human rights conventions to which El Salvador is a party and to develop greater familiarity with and respect for human rights among the members of its administration, has not yet been approved by the authorities.

•          Guinea, ICESCR, E/1997/22 (1996) 39 at para. 211.

The Centre for Human Rights, through its programme of advisory services and technical cooperation, should make expert assistance available to States for the purpose of formulating policies on economic, social and cultural rights and developing the implementation of coherent and comprehensive plans of action for the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as for developing adequate means of evaluating and monitoring their realization.

•          Iraq, ICESCR, E/1998/22 (1997) 50 at para. 261.

Concern is expressed that the payment of benefits abroad to a citizen of another country is ensured only if he returns to his country of origin at the end of his insured period of service. This precludes workers who leave the State party before their contract period has expired or who settle in a country other than their country of origin from receiving their benefits. Furthermore, payment of benefits is made outside the State party only under reciprocity agreements or international labour conventions, and is subject to authorization. It is noted with concern that, due to the current situation in the State party, all such payments have been suspended.

•          Azerbaijan, ICESCR, E/1998/22 (1997) 61 at para. 357.

The proposal for technical cooperation (for strengthening capacities and infrastructure for the promotion and protection of human rights) which is currently under review should fully take into consideration the need to strengthen the protection of economic, social and cultural rights. The State party is encouraged to continue seeking international assistance, including that offered by non-governmental organizations, in all areas where assistance is needed.

•          Sri Lanka, ICESCR, E/1999/22 (1998) 22 at paras. 86 and 90.

Paragraph 86

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

Paragraph 90

In relation to the exploitation of children, authorities should renew their efforts to seek out those who are responsible for the sexual exploitation of children and to prosecute them to the full extent of the law. The Government should seek the cooperation of other Governments in bringing to justice all those who engage in the sexual exploitation of children, and international assistance to establish rehabilitation programmes to facilitate the reintegration into society of children who have been victimized.

•          Bulgaria, ICESCR, E/2000/22 (1999) 46 at para. 240.

The State party should establish a plan of action to improve the housing situation, particularly the social housing situation, and if necessary, international assistance in this regard should be requested.

•          Cameroon, ICESCR, E/2000/22 (1999) 56 at para. 352.

The State party should review its macroeconomic reform programmes with respect to their impact on the standard of living of vulnerable groups, particularly in the rural areas, and make efforts to adjust these reforms in a way that better responds to the current needs of such groups. When in negotiations with international financial institutions, the State party should take into account its international legal obligations to protect, promote and fulfil economic, social and cultural rights.

See also:

•          Mexico, ICESCR, E/2000/22 (1999) 62 at para. 396.

•          Georgia, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 30 at paras. 78, 95, 96 and 104.

Paragraph 78

It is noted with satisfaction that the Government of Georgia is willing to cooperate with various international organizations, such as the United National Development Programme, ILO, World Health Organization, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as with regional organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in order to realize the rights set forth in the Covenant, and in particular to address the problem of poverty.

Paragraph 95

The State party should continue to seek international technical assistance, as provided for in article 23 of the Covenant, in its efforts to improve the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights in the country.

Paragraph 96

The State party should ensure that its international human rights obligations are fully taken into account when it enters into technical cooperation and other arrangements with international organizations. Also, the State party is urged to take into account the different approaches taken by various international organizations, such as the human development approach of UNDP.

Paragraph 104

The State party should take steps to improve the awareness and knowledge of the public about reproductive health issues. In this regard, the Government might seek the advice and assistance of international organizations such as WHO, UNAIDS and the United Nations Population Fund.

•          Egypt, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 38 at paras. 152 and 173.

Paragraph 152

The Committee is of the view that some aspects of structural adjustment programmes and economic liberalization policies introduced by the Government of Egypt, in concert with international financial institutions, have impeded the implementation of the Covenant's provisions, particularly with regard to the most vulnerable groups of Egyptian society.

Paragraph 173

The State party is strongly urged to seek assistance, including international cooperation, in order to collect the statistics and information necessary to formulate effective strategies to address problem areas such as unemployment, poverty, housing and forced evictions.

•          Congo, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 43 at paras. 210, 213 and 217.

Paragraph 210

The State party should take appropriate measures, to guarantee, inter alia, the prohibition of discrimination, the elimination of forced or bonded labour, particularly of children under 16 years of age, and conditions for the enjoyment of the right to work, such as equal pay for equal work for men and women. These issues should be brought to the attention of ILO, with which the Government of the Congo is presently negotiating concerning follow-up measures to recently ratified ILO Conventions and possible technical cooperation programmes.

Paragraph 213

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

Paragraph 217

The Committee supports the request by the Government addressed to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for a Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) to facilitate access to food through small-scale low-cost agricultural projects. The Committee notes that a new project formulation mission is planned for the near future to support the national team in the initial preparations for such a programme. The Republic of the Congo can also take advantage of the FAO South-South Cooperation Initiative, which involves the exchange of knowledge, expertise and experience between developing countries.

•          Jordan, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 49 at para. 247.

It is strongly recommended that obligations under the Covenant should be taken into account in all aspects of the State party's negotiations with international financial institutions, to ensure that economic, social and cultural rights, particularly of the most vulnerable groups, are not undermined.

•          Mongolia, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 53 at paras. 265, 279, 282 and 284.

Paragraph 265

The Committee notes with appreciation that the State party is developing international cooperation with a view to resolving the social and economic problems of its population. In particular the "Poverty Partnership Agreement" signed by the State party with the Asian Development Bank is noted. This agreement allows Mongolia to draw US$ 40 million per year for poverty reduction, the achievement of full primary education and the reduction of infant mortality rates by 50 per cent by 2005.

Paragraph 279

It is recommended that the State party continue to seek international cooperation and assistance, as provided for in articles 2.1 and 23 of the Covenant, to enhance its efforts to improve the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights in Mongolia.

Paragraph 282

The State party is urged to continue to address, as a matter of urgency, the immediate nutritional needs of its population, including through international humanitarian assistance. The attention of the State party is drawn to General Comment No. 12, paragraph 14.

Paragraph 284

The State party should address, independently and through international cooperation, the problems it is facing in enhancing the quality of school curricula, and in addressing the educational difficulties confronting Mongolia, such as its high drop-out rate.

See also:

•          Kyrgyzstan, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 62 at para. 357.

•          Australia, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 66 at para. 372.

The State party's leadership role in maintaining peace and stability in the region is appreciated, inter alia by providing economic and humanitarian assistance, particularly in East Timor.

•          Finland, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 73 at paras. 439, 449 and 450.

Paragraph 439

It is noted with concern that in 1999 Finland devoted only 0.32 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to international cooperation, while the United Nations recommendation in this regard is 0.7 per cent of GDP for industrialized countries.

Paragraph 449

The State party should review its budget allocation for international cooperation with a view to increasing its contribution in accordance with the United Nations recommendation.

Paragraph 450

The State party is encouraged to do all it can to ensure that the policies and decisions of international financial institutions are in conformity with the obligations of States parties to the Covenant, in particular the obligations contained in article 2.1 concerning international assistance and cooperation.

See also:

•          Italy, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 34 at para. 126.

•          Belgium, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 77 at paras. 478, 492 and 493.

•          Belgium, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 77 at para. 487.

The State party is urged to take effective measures to combat paedophilia, child prostitution, child pornography and violence against children, and to seek international cooperation in this regard.

•          Yugoslavia (preliminary), ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 80 at paras. 497 and 499.

Paragraph 497

Several provisions of the Covenant, including article 2, paragraph 1 and article 11, anticipate that the State party will seek international assistance and cooperation in relation to the full realization of the rights recognized in the Covenant.

Paragraph 499

The State party is urged to seek technical advice and assistance from United Nations specialized agencies and programmes in relation to its obligations under the Covenant. For example, the State party has an obligation to ensure that educational curricula conform to article 13, paragraph 1, of the Covenant. The State party is encouraged to invite UNESCO to assist in its development of curricula which meets its obligations under article 13, paragraph 1.

•          Morocco, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 82 at paras. 526, 546 and 549.

Paragraph 526

It is regretted that the State party does not take its obligations under the Covenant into consideration in its negotiations with international financial institutions.

Paragraph 546

The State party is urged to seek a solution, in cooperation with the United Nations, to the problems impeding the realization of the referendum on the issue of self-determination in Western Sahara.

Paragraph 549

It is strongly recommended that Morocco's obligations under the Covenant be taken into account in all aspects of its negotiations with international financial institutions, like the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization, to ensure that economic, social and cultural rights, particularly of the most vulnerable groups of society, are not undermined.

See also:

•          Egypt, ICESCR, E/2001/22 (2000) 34 at paras. 156 and 170.

•          Republic of Korea, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 45 at para. 222.

•          Venezuela, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 29 at paras. 101 and 103.

Paragraph 101

The State party is urged to seek international technical assistance in the implementation of its anti-poverty programme.

Paragraph 103

It is recommended that the State party implement, with the assistance of UNESCO, a comprehensive National Education for All Plan as required by the UNESCO Dakar Framework for Action: Education for All. It is also recommended that the State party reflect in the Plan articles 13 and 14 of the Covenant and General Comments 11 and 13.

•          Honduras, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 33 at paras. 154 and 157.

Paragraph 154

The State party is urged to undertake effective measures to address the high rate of persons living with HIV/AIDS, and in particular to facilitate access to essential drugs, and to seek international cooperation to this effect.

Paragraph 157

The State party is urged to adopt a comprehensive National Education for All Plan (EFA), as anticipated by paragraph 16 of the Dakar Framework of Action. When formulating and implementing its EFA Plan, the State party is urged to take into account the Committee's General Comments 11 and 13 and to establish an effective monitoring system for the Plan. The State party is also encouraged to seek technical advice and assistance from UNESCO in relation to both the formulation and implementation of its EFA Plan.

•          Senegal, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 61 at para. 386.

The State party’s obligations under the Covenant should be taken into account in all aspects of its negotiations with international financial institutions, such as the IMF and the World Bank, to ensure that the economic, social and cultural rights of Senegalese people and, in particular, of the most vulnerable groups of society, are duly protected.

See also:

•          Syrian Arab Republic, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 67 at para. 419.

•          Ukraine, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 78 at para. 501.

•          Nepal, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 83 at para. 554.

•          Syrian Arab Republic, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 67 at paras. 395, 426 and 436.

Paragraph 395

It is noted with appreciation that the State party is cooperating with international organizations and relevant specialized agencies to reduce poverty and work towards further realization of the right to food and the right to health.

Paragraph 426

The State party should request technical assistance from the ILO for the training of labour inspectors in order to ensure better implementation of labour legislation.

Paragraph 436

The State party should avail itself more actively of technical assistance and cooperation from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the relevant United Nations specialized agencies and programmes, such as UNDP and UNESCO, particularly in relation to the preparation of the fourth periodic report on the Covenant, a national human rights plan of action, the creation of a national human rights institution, and the preparation and implementation of the National Education For All Plan in accordance with the Dakar Framework for Action.

•          Ukraine, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 78 at paras. 487 and 510.

Paragraph 487

The State party's willingness to cooperate with specialized agencies and other international organizations in such areas as poverty reduction, gender equality, integration of the Crimean Tartars, women and children's health, the review of human rights legislation, support for the Authorized Human Rights Representative of the Parliament, and the fight against trafficking of persons, is welcomed.

Paragraph 510

The State party is encouraged to strengthen its efforts to combat the trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of women and children. It is recommended that the State party vigorously pursue the enforcement of criminal laws in this regard; ensure that victims are not penalized and are provided with rehabilitation; ensure that the National Coordination Council against Trafficking in Human Beings is adequately resourced and staffed; and reinforce its cooperation with international and regional organizations, as well as on a bilateral basis.

•          Japan, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 90 at para. 616.

The State party is urged to increase its efforts to provide international assistance to developing countries and to establish a time frame within which the internationally accepted goal of 0.7 per cent of GNP, set by the United Nations, will be achieved. As a member of international financial institutions, in particular IMF and the World Bank, the State party is also encouraged to do all it can to ensure that the policies and decisions of those organizations are in conformity with the obligations of States parties to the Covenant, in particular the obligations contained in articles 2 (1), 11, 15, 22 and 23 concerning international assistance and cooperation.

See also:

•          Germany, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 97 at para. 673.

•          Germany, ICESCR, E/2002/22 (2001) 97 at paras. 649 and 657.

Paragraph 649

It is noted with appreciation that the State party is committed to international cooperation and the provision of development aid, in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, to combat poverty and promote economic, social and cultural rights.

Paragraph 657

It is regretted that, according to UNDP, the State party devoted 0.26 per cent of its GNP to official development assistance in 1998, well below the goal of 0.7 per cent set by the United Nations.

CEDAW

•          Guyana, CEDAW, A/50/38 (1995) 119 at para. 625.

A comprehensive approach of legal reform relating to the family should be pursued. Further assistance should be sought from international agencies or on a bilateral level to improve women's material situation in Guyana. In that context, priority should be assigned to enhancing women's economic situation.

•          Cyprus, CEDAW, A/51/38 (1996) 9 at para. 61.

Additional measures should be taken through local and international law-enforcement authorities to combat the international trafficking and sexual exploitation of women. The Government should persist in its efforts to regulate the employment of foreign artists and entertainers, and to prosecute in cases of criminal offences.

•          Rwanda, CEDAW, A/51/38 (1996) 36 at paras. 322, 324 and 331.

Paragraph 322

The international community, including all United Nations agencies and Governments, must give massive support for poverty alleviation and education programmes aimed at eliminating human rights violations and rehabilitating Rwanda.

Paragraph 324

Women and men should be equally represented on the International Tribunal for Rwanda; it must also have a focus on women's rights.

Paragraph 331

It is necessary to organize a consensus-building discussion concerning the repatriation of Rwandan refugees and internally displaced persons. The international community should only encourage repatriation of refugees when there are clear signs from inside Rwanda that suggest such action.

•          Denmark, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part I (1997) 34 at para. 272.

Denmark should continue to include among the objectives of its development assistance programmes, the promotion of the rights of women and the elimination of discrimination against women and, in particular, the implementation of the Convention in beneficiary countries.

•          Australia, CEDAW, A/52/38/Rev.1 part II (1997) 111 at para. 406.

The Government should strengthen its support for women's studies, provide funding for research and teaching, and facilitate international academic exchange and cooperation in that field.

•          Azerbaijan, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 7 at para. 68.

While understanding the difficult economic situation and the difficulty of reaching durable solutions to the refugee problem, the precarious material and psychological conditions of women refugees is a concern. Insufficient attention has been paid to refugee women, including through failure to seek the support of relevant international agencies.

•          Bulgaria, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 19 at paras. 256 and 260.

Paragraph 256

The Government should implement its intention to cooperate at the regional and international levels with regard to the problem of trafficking in women and their exploitation through prostitution. In order to tackle the problem of trafficking in women, it is essential to address women’s economic vulnerability, which is the root cause of the problem.

Paragraph 260

The Government is urged to facilitate consultations between Bulgarian women's non-governmental organizations and other European women's non-governmental organizations, in order to discuss Bulgarian women's issues and receive any necessary assistance.

•          Dominican Republic, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 28 at para. 346.

The Government is urged to pursue bilateral agreements and to cooperate in multilateral efforts to reduce and eradicate traffic in women, and to protect women migrant workers, such as domestic workers, from exploitation, including sexual exploitation. Such agreements should be concluded, in particular with those countries that are a primary destination for Dominican women workers.

•          Slovakia, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part II (1998) 55 at para. 82.

Particular attention should be paid to safeguarding the human rights of women and all necessary measures should be taken to monitor and eradicate trafficking in women in Slovakia, including the sensitization of police, border officials and non-governmental organizations working in that area. Cooperative efforts with border States to eliminate trafficking across national borders should be continued.

•          United Republic of Tanzania, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part II (1998) 66 at para. 238.

Concern is expressed over the high infant and maternal mortality rate. Vigorous efforts should be undertaken to address this serious problem and seek assistance of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other relevant United Nations agencies.

•          Kyrgyzstan, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 15 at paras. 130 and 135.

Paragraph 130

Increased efforts in cooperation with other countries should be taken to arrest and punish perpetrators of trafficking.

Paragraph 135

International cooperation should be sought to promote the economic position of women.

•          Greece, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 20 at para. 210.

The Government is urged to develop a general policy to address the particular needs of immigrant and migrant women with regard to their protection, health, employment and educational needs. The Government is also urged to ensure that repatriation efforts are consistent with women's safety and protection needs. The Government should also consider entering into bilateral agreements with women migrants' countries of origin to ensure adequate protection of women's rights and safety.

•          Georgia, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part II (1999) 53 at para. 112.

The enhancement of family planning programmes and the dissemination of various forms of contraceptives are recommended. Georgia should take advantage of assistance available from international agencies in this regard.

•          Nepal, CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part II (1999) 57 at para. 150.

The Government is urged to take effective steps to review existing legislative provisions on prostitution and trafficking in women and their compatibility with the Convention, and to ensure their full implementation and compliance. The Government should also initiate regional and bilateral cooperation, taking into account subregional, regional and international agreements and standards on this issue. The Government is urged to review its criminal code, to punish persons who procure women for prostitution or for trafficking, to establish repatriation and rehabilitation programmes, and to support services for victims of trafficking.

•          India, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 7 at para. 77.

Existing legislation on trafficking and forced prostitution should be reviewed and law enforcement should be strengthened. The development of bilateral and inter-state controls and reintegration and advocacy programmes to prevent the exploitation of women and girls in forced prostitution and trafficking is recommended.

•          Burkina Faso, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 25 at para. 268.

It is recommended that the Government accord priority to the education of girls and women, including through seeking international assistance, to ensure and promote universal enrolment of girls and preclude drop-out.

•          Germany, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 29 at para. 322.

Trafficked women should be recognized as victims of human rights violations in need of protection and, accordingly, assistance should be provided to them. The Government should increase efforts of cross-border and international cooperation, especially with countries of origin and transit, to reduce the incidence of trafficking and to prosecute traffickers.

•          Belarus, CEDAW, A/55/38 part I (2000) 34 at paras. 372 and 375.

Paragraph 372

The Government is encouraged to increase its efforts, including through international and cross-border cooperation with recipient and transit countries, to prevent trafficking in women, attack its root causes through poverty alleviation and assist its victims through efforts of counselling and reintegration.

Paragraph 374

Further efforts should be made by the Government to address the effects on women and children of the Chernobyl disaster, availing itself of international humanitarian assistance.

•          Republic of Moldova, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 56 at paras. 104 and 110.

Paragraph 104

The Government isurged to increase international and cross-border cooperation, especially with receiving countries, to reduce the incidence of trafficking and prosecute traffickers, as well as to ensure the protection of the human rights of trafficked women.

Paragraph 110

The Government is encouraged to continue its cooperation with international organizations to improve the general health situation of women and girls in the State party.

See also:

•          Romania, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2ooo) at para. 315.

•          Lithuania, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 61 at para. 153.

The Government should increase its collaboration with other countries of origin, transit and destination of trafficked women and girls.

•          Austria, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 70 at paras. 222 and 228.

Paragraph 222

The various measures taken by the Government to combat trafficking in women, including the apprehension, prosecution and punishment of perpetrators, are noted with satisfaction. Austria’s efforts to increase international cooperation in order to address this transnational issue are also appreciated.

Paragraph 228

The situation of trafficked women is of concern. The Government should take responsibility in caring for the human rights of all trafficked women and girls. It should also increase its cooperation with countries of origin and other countries of destination so as to prevent trafficking and penalize those who facilitate trafficking.

•          Romania, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 77 at para. 309.

Urgent further steps should be taken to prevent and eliminate trafficking in women, especially through a firm anchoring of this crime in legislation. This should include increased cross-border and international cooperation, especially with recipient countries, to eliminate the incidence of trafficking and to prosecute traffickers.

•          Burundi, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 7 at paras. 53, 58 and 60.

Paragraph 53

The importance of mainstreaming a gender perspective in all policies and programmes of national and international assistance for displaced people is stressed.

Paragraph 58

The Government is urged to continue its efforts to improve the access of girls to all levels of education and to prevent their dropping out of school. The Government is also encouraged to introduce corrective measures that address all stakeholders involved, including incentives for parents, and to consider requesting international assistance to improve women's and girls' education.

Paragraph 60

The Government is urged to take a multifaceted and holistic approach to combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic, one which not only incorporates broad-based educational strategies but also includes practical prevention efforts, such as increased access to both male and female condoms. International assistance should be considered for this purpose. The fact that the collection of reliable data on the incidence of HIV/AIDS is critical to gaining an understanding of the pandemic and to informing policies and programmes is emphasized.

•          Kazakhstan, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 10 at paras. 98 and 108.

Paragraph 98

A comprehensive strategy to combat trafficking in women should be formulated, which should include the prosecution and punishment of offenders and increased international, regional and bilateral cooperation.

Paragraph 108 

The work of women’s non-governmental organizations should be supported by, encouraging greater cooperation between them and the specialized agencies of the United Nations system and by increasing the awareness of the private sector and individuals regarding possible donations to women’s organizations.

•          Jamaica, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 22 at para. 206.

The State party is complimented on its work with the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in defining national and international plans of action on women. The State party’s consistent political will in national and regional implementation programmes to strengthen action plans to improve the status of women is also welcomed.

•          Mongolia, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 26 at para. 246.

Efforts to undertake a situation analysis of women in Mongolia and to develop a national programme of action for the advancement of women, with technical support from international organizations, are welcomed.

•          Finland, CEDAW, A/56/38 part I (2001) 29 at para. 304.

Efforts to increase cooperation between national and international authorities should be intensified in order to encourage common action to prevent and combat trafficking. The Internet should be used to disseminate information on the Government’s actions against trafficking.

•          Guinea, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 55 at para. 141.

It is recommended that the Government continue to give assistance to refugees and displaced women and girls and to carry out rehabilitative efforts directed at them. Further assistance should be sought from, and work in close cooperation should be continued with, international agencies qualified in the field of refugee protection.

•          The Netherlands, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 63 at para. 198.

The Government is commended on its programme to combat trafficking, in particular the appointment of the National Rapporteur on Traffic of Persons, whose aim is to provide the Government with recommendations on how best to tackle the problem of trafficking, and for its commitment to combat this phenomenon at the level of the European Union.

•          Viet Nam, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 68 at para. 261.

The State party should collaborate in regional and international strategies to confront trafficking and monitor, and where appropriate apply, the positive experience of other countries in this context.

•          Nicaragua, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 72 at para. 310.

The establishment of the national machinery for women, the Nicaraguan Institute for Women, is welcomed, but there is concern about the lack of institutional support for the Institute and its dependence on international cooperation.

•          Sweden, CEDAW, A/56/38 part II (2001) 76 at para. 355.

The effect of the current policy of criminalizing the purchase of sexual services should be evaluated, especially in view of the complete lack of data on clandestine prostitution which may have incidental effects on the trafficking of women and girls. Action is encouraged and, through the Government, continued efforts are encouraged within the European Union to combat the trafficking of women, including measures to prevent trafficking, the collection of data, the provision of services for trafficked women and measures to penalize those who facilitate such trafficking.

CAT

•          Chile, CAT, A/46/46 (1991) 44 at para. 262.

In accordance with article 6 of the Convention, a person accused of an act of torture abroad should

be detained in order to give other states time to submit a request for extradition.

•          Norway, CAT, A/48/44 (1993) 13 at para. 87.

The State party should include a definition of torture in domestic law and explicitly characterize torture as a crime that would make it possible to solve problems relating to universal jurisdiction. Another solution, equally acceptable, would be to make the Convention part of domestic law.

•          Colombia, CAT, A/51/44 (1996) 15 at para. 81.

The State party should bring domestic legislation into line with the obligations of the Convention with regard to the non-return or expulsion of anyone who fears being subjected to torture, the extraterritorial and universal application of the law, extradition and the express invalidity of evidence obtained under torture.

•          Senegal, CAT, A/51/44 (1996) 19 at para. 117.

The precedence of international treaty law over internal law should be implemented unreservedly. The amnesty laws in force are inadequate to ensure proper implementation of certain provisions of the Convention.

•          Croatia, CAT, A/51/44 (1996) 25 at para. 162.

Croatia should continue to cooperate with the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 to ensure that alleged war criminals within its jurisdiction are brought to justice pursuant to the Dayton peace accord.

•          Russian Federation, CAT, A/52/44 (1997) 9 at para. 42.

The following are of concern:

Lack of appropriate measures to give comprehensive effect to the provisions of article 3 of the Convention and to ensure its applicability in all relevant circumstances, including in relation to extradition;

Absence of extraterritorial jurisdiction makes difficult or impossible the implementation, of article 5, paragraph 1 (b), of the Convention.

•          Paraguay, CAT, A/52/44 (1997) 30 at paras. 205 and 206.

Paragraph 205

The fact that domestic law contains no provisions on the universal prosecution of torture or on judicial cooperation, for that purpose, is of concern.

Paragraph 206

The provisions on torture should be separated from the new Penal Code, and all matters related to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment should be included in a special act containing the provisions necessary to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. In particular:

Torture should be defined in terms consistent with article 1 of the Convention and, since Paraguay is also a party to the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture, the definition should include a specific statement that: "Torture shall also be understood to be the use of methods upon a person intended to obliterate the personality of the victim or to diminish his physical or mental capacities, even if they do not cause physical pain or mental anguish", as established by article 2 of that Convention, which the Committee has taken into consideration in accordance with article 1, paragraph 2, of the United Nations Convention against Torture;

Provisions to facilitate the prosecution of the use of torture at the international level should be included in accordance with the Convention, which includes recognition of international law and the international protection of human rights among the guiding principles of Paraguay's international relations.

•          Cuba, CAT, A/53/44 (1998) 12 at para. 105.

Cuba acknowledges the universal jurisdiction for the trial of crimes against humanity, to which category, many would argue, torture belongs.

•          Brazil, CAT, A/56/44 (2001) 49 at para. 118.

The political will expressed by the State party to combat the practice of torture, and its eagerness to cooperate with United Nations bodies and regional organizations to this end us noted with satisfaction.

•          Costa Rica, CAT, A/56/44 (2001) 55 at para. 134.

The following is noted with satisfaction:

The State party’s accession to and ratification of most of the international human rights instruments, in both the global and inter-American systems, and its recognition of the self-executing effect of their provisions;

The inclusion in domestic law of provisions that permit the extraterritorial enforcement of criminal law in order to prosecute and punish persons responsible for torture.

CRC

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

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

•          Russian Federation, CRC, CRC/C/16 (1993) 21 at para. 88.

As regards to the problems relating specifically to the immunization programme, the Government should look to international cooperation for support in the procurement and manufacturing of vaccines.

See also:

•          Latvia, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 9 at para. 63.

•          Namibia, CRC, CRC/C/24 (1994) 15 at para. 56.

Consideration should be given to the possibility of the State party becoming a party to all the major international human rights instruments, and the State party may wish to request assistance from the United Nations Centre for Human Rights in this regard.

•          Colombia (preliminary), CRC, CRC/C/24 (1994) 18 at para. 82.

To assess the implementation of the Convention and to narrow the gap between the law and its practice, a mechanism should be established to monitor the actual situation of children, particularly those from vulnerable groups. Given the seriousness of the problem, closer cooperation with international agencies should be sought which may be able to provide assistance and expertise and to embark upon major reform in the problem areas identified by the Committee.

•          Belarus, CRC, CRC/C/24 (1994) 24 at para. 123.

The international community is encouraged to provide technical assistance and advice to the State party in its efforts, inter alia, to harmonize national legislation and measures with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to develop a coordinating body on children's rights and to determine the targeting of programmes, the major thrust of policies and the mobilization of resources for the rights of the child. It is suggested that technical assistance be sought from UNICEF, WHO, the Centre for Human Rights and other interested organizations. The Committee also encourages international support for measures to cope with the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

•          Pakistan, CRC, CRC/C/29 (1994) 10 at para. 56.

The system of the administration of juvenile justice should be reviewed to ensure its compatibility with the provisions and principles of the Convention. Technical advice and assistance in this regard could be sought from the programme of advisory services and technical assistance of the Centre for Human Rights.

•          France, CRC, CRC/C/29 (1994) 17 at para. 99.

Attention should be given to the recommendations of United Nations organs and specialized agencies which emphasize the prioritization of social programmes within the framework of development assistance. The State party should also consider these aspects of the promotion of social development within its international cooperation programme.

•          Honduras, CRC, CRC/C/34 (1994) 11 at para. 49.

The Government should consider the possibility of organizing a meeting to discuss the matter of the availability of resources for the implementation of the rights recognized in the Convention, including within the framework of international cooperation. Participants in such a meeting could include members of the Committee, the donor community, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), other intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations.

•          Jamaica, CRC, CRC/C/38 (1995) 25 at para. 158.

All appropriate efforts should be undertaken to ensure, to the maximum extent of available resources and within the framework of international cooperation, that sufficient resources are allocated to children. In this regard, due attention should be given to the needs of particularly vulnerable and poverty-stricken children so as to provide adequate safety nets for such children and their families in order to avoid a further deterioration of their rights.

•          Tunisia, CRC, CRC/C/43 (1995) 24 at para. 131.

Further thought should be given to possible ratification of ILO Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for admission to employment. Campaigns to prevent entry of adolescents into the labour force, including in the informal sector and agriculture, should be reinforced. In this regard, technical assistance should be considered from the International Labour Organization.

•          Sri Lanka, CRC, CRC/C/43 (1995) 26 at para. 167.

To avoid the abandonment of children by mothers working abroad, the State party should engage in dialogue with receiving countries to ensure an international agreement that permits migrant workers to take their children abroad. Ratification of the International Convention on the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families should be considered.

•          Ukraine, CRC, CRC/C/46 (1995) 11 at para. 70.

International support for measures to cope with the negative consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster is encouraged, particularly in the social, health and environmental areas.

•          Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 17 at para. 83.

The large influx of refugees has placed a further strain on resources in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, especially as the State party appears to have received less international support in sharing the refugee burden than other countries in the region.

•          Iceland, CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 23 at para. 146.

The State party should consider strengthening international cooperation and assistance, with a view to enhancing the promotion and protection of the rights of the child.

•          Croatia, CRC, CRC/C/50 (1996) 31 at paras. 188 and 207.

Paragraph 188

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

Paragraph 207

Special efforts should be made to resolve the problem of property owners returning to their homes before their occupiers have been able to find alternative shelter in the light of the best interests of the child and, when necessary, in the framework of international cooperation.

•          Lebanon, CRC, CRC/C/54 (1996) 7 at paras. 64 and 69.

Paragraph 64

The State party, in cooperation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, should seek ways of addressing the socio-economic problems among Palestinian refugees that affect children negatively.

Paragraph 69

The relevant international agencies and institutions, as well as other Governments, should develop cooperation with Lebanese authorities and voluntary organizations, in the reconstruction effort after the many years of war devastation. Displaced persons and refugees should be given priority in such international cooperation.

•          Nepal, CRC, CRC/C/54 (1996) 25 at paras. 175, 179, 186, 188 and 189.

Paragraph 175

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

Paragraph 179

International cooperation resources should be channelled towards the realization of children's rights and efforts should be pursued to reduce the negative impact of foreign debt and debt servicing on children.

Paragraph 186

In order to effectively combat intercountry trafficking and sale of children, it is strongly suggested that all appropriate measures be taken, including legislative, administrative and bilateral measures, to prevent and eliminate such phenomena. Awareness campaigns should be developed at the community level and a thorough monitoring system should be established.

Paragraph 188

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

Paragraph 189

The Government should consider seeking technical assistance from relevant international organizations, including the International Labour Organization, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization. Consideration may be given to the establishment of a task force of the international organizations present in the country with a view to promoting and protecting the rights set forth in the Convention. The international community is also encouraged to assist the State party in its current efforts.

•          Guatemala, CRC, CRC/C/54 (1996) 31 at para. 225.

The State party should consider requesting international cooperation from relevant international organizations to address issues relating to the reproductive health of women.

•          Mauritius, CRC, CRC/C/57 (1996) 29 at para. 188.

A comprehensive study should be undertaken on the impact of malnutrition on child development in connection with school drop-out and child labour, and all appropriate measures should be taken to address this problem. International cooperation could be requested to achieve this task and consideration should be given to the strengthening of cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

•          Bulgaria, CRC, CRC/C/62 (1997) 7 at para. 55.

With regard to adoption, the appropriate legal and institutional steps should be taken to fully harmonize law and procedures, both on national and international levels. In this regard, ratification of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption of 1993 should be considered.

•          Ethiopia, CRC, CRC/C/62 (1997) 12 at para. 95.

A meeting should be organized, gathering international organizations working in the country, including agencies and organizations of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations, and competent national authorities, with the aim of assessing the needs for further international assistance with regard to the promotion and protection of the rights of the child.

•          Panama, CRC, CRC/C/62 (1997) 19 at para. 124.

Children's rights should be included in the school curricula as a measure of enhancing respect for indigenous culture, promoting multiculturalism and combating the paternalistic attitudes prevailing in society. In this regard, technical cooperation should be sought from appropriate international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, including the High Commissioner/Centre for Human Rights and UNICEF.

•          Myanmar, CRC, CRC/C/62 (1997) 25 at paras. 173, 178 and 181.

Paragraph 173

All appropriate measures, including by reinforcing existing international cooperation programmes, should be taken to reduce the rates of school drop-out and repetition.

Paragraph 178

All appropriate measures should be taken to prevent and combat child abuse, including sexual abuse, and the sale and trafficking of children, child prostitution and child pornography. The establishment of bilateral agreements between concerned parties are encouraged to prevent and combat transnational trafficking and sale of children for sexual exploitation.

Paragraph 181

In the spirit of international cooperation in the area of human rights, including children's rights, all the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar should be implemented.

•          Ghana, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 15 at para. 114.

All appropriate measures, including through international cooperation, should be taken to prevent and combat malnutrition.

•          Bangladesh, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 22 at para. 169.

With regard to the administration of juvenile justice, legal reform should be pursued in connection with the very young age of criminal responsibility (7 years), the lack of adequate protection for children aged 16-18, grounds for arrest and detention of children that can include prostitution, "vagrancy" or "uncontrollable behaviour", the possibility of imposing heavy sentences on children, and the solitary confinement and ill-treatment of children by the police. In this reform, the provisions of the Convention, particularly articles 37, 39 and 40, as well as other relevant international standards in this area, such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty, should be fully accounted for. The technical assistance programmes of the High Commissioner/Centre for Human Rights and the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division of the Secretariat should be sought.

•          Paraguay, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 29 at paras. 218 and 219.

Paragraph 218

With a view to preventing and combating sexual abuse and exploitation of children, particularly prostitution, all appropriate measures, including the adoption of relevant legislation and the formulation of a national policy, should be taken and international assistance should be sought in this regard.

Paragraph 219

A comprehensive review of the juvenile justice system is recommended. Particular attention should be paid to protecting the rights of children deprived of their liberty, improving alternative measures to imprisonment and guaranteeing due process of law. Training on the relevant international standards should be provided for all professionals involved with the juvenile justice system. For this purpose, technical assistance should be sought from the High Commissioner/Centre for Human Rights and the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division of the United Nations.

•          Azerbaijan, CRC, CRC/C/66 (1997) 41 at para. 307.

A comprehensive national policy to promote and advance the health of children and mothers should be adopted. Particular attention should be given to the impact of environmental pollution and a study should be undertaken on this subject. International cooperation in this field should be a priority.

•          Lao People’s Democratic Republic, CRC, CRC/C/69 (1997) 8 at paras. 57, 58, 62 and 78- 80.

Paragraph 57

The adoption of a specific code or legislation for children, with a separate section on children who need special protection should be envisaged. International cooperation with, among others, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Children's Fund can be sought to this effect.

Paragraph 58

Accession to other international human rights instruments, including the two International Covenants on Human Rights should be envisaged.

Paragraph 62

The capacity of the National Commission for Mothers and Children in its role of coordinator, in particular between the central, provincial and local levels needs to be strengthened. The Committee encourages the State party to seek assistance from, among others, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in this regard.

Paragraph 78

Concerning the trafficking of boys and girls into neighbouring countries for work or prostitution, efforts should be strengthened to raise awareness in communities and establish vocational training for young people, particularly in rural areas. Cooperation with neighbouring countries is strongly encouraged.

Paragraph 79

All appropriate measures should be taken to prevent and combat drug and substance abuse among children, such as public information campaigns, including in schools. Rehabilitation programmes dealing with children victims of drug and substance abuse should be supported. In this regard, technical assistance from competent international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) should be considered.

Paragraph 80

Reform of the juvenile justice system is recommended. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention of juvenile delinquency, the protection of the rights of children deprived of their liberty, respect for fundamental rights and legal safeguards in all aspects of the juvenile justice system and full independence and impartiality of the judiciary dealing with juveniles. Alternatives to institutional care as well as traditional mechanisms of conciliation, as long as the principles and guarantees of the Convention are respected, should be explored. The State party should avail itself of the technical assistance programmes of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division of the United Nations.

See also:

•          Togo, CRC, CRC/C/69 (1997) 39 at para. 291.

•          Uganda, CRC, CRC/C/69 (1997) 21 at para. 149.

All appropriate measures, including through international cooperation, should be taken to prevent and combat infant and child mortality and malnutrition.

•          Togo, CRC, CRC/C/69 (1997) 39 at para. 285.

All appropriate measures, including through international cooperation, should be taken to prevent and combat under-five mortality, malnutrition, malaria and iodine deficiency, and to improve access to clean water and safe sanitation.

•          Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, CRC, CRC/C/73 (1998) 9 at para. 47.

Further steps should be taken to strengthen coordination between the various government bodies involved in children's rights at both national and local levels as well as between the ministries, and greater efforts should be made to ensure closer cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the field of human and children's rights.

•          Maldives, CRC, CRC/C/79 (1998) 31 at paras. 235 and 236.

Paragraph 235

Technical cooperation for the training of professional staff working with and for children with disabilities is recommended. International cooperation from, inter alia, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) can be sought to this effect.

Paragraph 236

Primary education should be made compulsory and free to all. The training of school teachers and the access to education of the most vulnerable groups of children, including girl children and children living on remote islands, should be improved. International assistance should be sought from, inter alia, UNICEF and UNESCO.

See also:

•          Guinea, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 21 at para. 119.

•          Luxembourg, CRC, CRC/C/79 (1998) 38 at para. 271.

All appropriate legal and other measures should be taken to protect children from being exposed to violence and pornography through video movies and other modern technologies, including the Internet. Efforts should be pursued to adopt legislation to effectively prohibit the possession of pornographic material involving children. Bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries should be engaged to this effect.

•          Ecuador, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 9 at paras. 45 and 47.

Paragraph 45

The appropriate resources should be allocated and technical assistance should be considered, when needed, to reinforce efforts to make basic health-care accessible to all children. Concerted efforts are required to combat malnutrition and ensure the adoption and implementation of a national nutritional policy for children. International cooperation for the establishment of programmes such as the WHO/UNICEF "Integrated Management of Childhood Illness" is recommended.

Paragraph 47

All appropriate measures, including seeking international cooperation, should be taken to prevent and combat the damaging effects of environmental degradation, including pollution, on children.

See also:

•          Guinea, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 21 at para. 114.

•          Armenia, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 53 at para. 335.

•          Kyrgyzstan, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 51 at para. 315.

•          Iraq, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 15 at paras. 79, 85 and 86.

Paragraph 79

Technical assistance should be considered for the integrated management of childhood illnesses and other measures for child health improvement from, inter alia, UNICEF and WHO.

Paragraph 85

The importance of educating parents, children and the general public about the dangers of landmines and of implementing rehabilitation programmes for victims of landmines is stressed. The situation with respect to landmines should be reviewed within a framework of international cooperation, including from United Nations agencies. The State party should consider becoming a party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and of Their Destruction (1997).

Paragraph 86

Additional steps should be taken to reform the system of juvenile justice. Particular attention should be paid to considering deprivation of liberty only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest possible period of time, to the protection of the rights of children deprived of their liberty, to due process of law and to the full independence and impartiality of the judiciary. Training programmes on relevant international standards should be organized for professionals involved with the system of juvenile justice. Technical assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Centre for International Crime Prevention, the International Network on Juvenile Justice and UNICEF, through the Coordination Panel on Technical Advice and Assistance in Juvenile Justice, should be considered.

See also:

•          Kuwait, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 28 at para. 148.

•          Nicaragua, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 54 at para. 248.

•          Grenada, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 72 at para. 412

•          South Africa, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 81 at para. 455.

•          Bolivia, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 22 at paras. 102 and 114.

Paragraph 102

All appropriate measures should continue to be taken to the maximum extent of available resources, including international cooperation, to continue ensuring that sufficient budgetary allocation is provided to social services for children and that particular attention is paid to the protection of children belonging to vulnerable and marginalized groups. Children's rights should be taken into consideration in designing its social policies and programmes. Furthermore, the continuation of efforts taken to reduce the burden of its external debt, including the measures taken within the framework of the World Bank/ International Monetary Fund's initiative "Highly Indebted Poor Countries" is encouraged.

Paragraph 114

All necessary measures, including awareness-raising programmes on landmines and training for the population at large, should be taken for the protection of children living in towns on the border with Chile, whose lives are threatened by planted landmines. In this regard, international cooperation, as well as conducting bilateral consultations for the clearance of landmines, should be considered.

See also:

•          Yemen, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 33 at para. 165.

•          Thailand, CRC, CRC/C/80 (1998) 35 at paras. 177 and 181.

Paragraph 177

Technical cooperation for the training of professional staff working with and for children with disabilities should be sought. International cooperation from, inter alia, UNICEF and WHO can be sought to this effect.

Paragraph 181

The recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the 1996 Stockholm World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children should continue to be implemented and the ratification of the 1949 Convention for Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others should be envisaged.

See also:

•          Saint Kitts and Nevis, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 17 at para. 88.

•          Vanuatu, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 29 at para. 154.

•          Georgia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 18 at para. 125.September 10, 2002

•          Austria, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 7 at para. 47.

The conclusion of bilateral agreements with States that are not parties to the 1980 European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children and to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction should be promoted. Maximum assistance should be provided through diplomatic and consular channels, in order to solve cases of illicit transfer and non-return of children arising in such States, in the best interest of the children involved.

•          Belize, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 12 at paras. 83 and 86.

Paragraph 83

Comprehensive policies and programmes should be developed to reduce the incidence of child and infant mortality, to promote and improve breastfeeding practices, to prevent and combat malnutrition, especially in vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of children. Technical assistance for the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses and other measures for child health improvement from, inter alia, UNICEF and WHO should be considered.

Paragraph 86

All appropriate measures should be taken to improve the quality of education and to provide access for all children. In this regard, the educational system should be strengthened through closer cooperation with UNICEF and UNESCO.

See also:

•          Georgia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 18 at para. 129.

•          Comoros, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 110 at para. 641.

•          Guinea, CRC, CRC/C/84 (1999) 21 at paras. 115, 120, 123, 125 and 126.

Paragraph 115

Programmes relating to the incidence and treatment of children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS should be reinforced and international cooperation from UNICEF, WHO and UNAIDS encouraged.

Paragraph 120

The absence of a legal and administrative framework to protect refugee children’s rights; the fact that most refugee births are not registered; the lack of alternative care measures for unaccompanied refugee children; and the arbitrary detention of refugee children are matters of concern. A legislative framework should be developed for the protection of refugee children and unaccompanied children, to establish alternative care for unaccompanied refugee children, to ensure that all refugee births are registered, and to ensure that refugee children are not subject to arbitrary detention. To this effect, the State party should continue working in close cooperation with international agencies active in the field of refugee protection such as UNHCR and UNICEF.

Paragraph 123

The high and increasing incidence of drug and substance abuse among youth; the lack of legal provisions in relation to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; and the limited social and medical programmes and services available in this regard are matters of concern. All appropriate measures, including legislative, administrative, social and educational measures, should be taken to protect children from being used in the illicit production and trafficking of such substances. The support of rehabilitation programmes dealing with children victims of drug and substance abuse is encouraged. In this regard, technical assistance from UNICEF and WHO should be considered.

Paragraph 125

The increasing phenomenon of trafficking and sale of children into neighbouring countries for work or prostitution and the insufficient measures to prevent and combat this phenomenon is of concern. The legal framework should be reviewed, law enforcement reinforced, and efforts strengthened to raise awareness in communities, particularly in rural areas. Cooperation with neighbouring countries through bilateral agreements to this effect to prevent cross-border trafficking is strongly encouraged.

Paragraph 126

The insufficient number of facilities for the detention of juveniles and the fact that juveniles are detained with adults are matters of concern. Furthermore, the insufficiency of facilities and programmes for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of juveniles is also of concern. All measures should be taken to fully integrate the relevant international standards in this area, such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty, in its legislation, policies and programmes. Furthermore, seeking international assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Centre for International Crime Prevention, the International Network on Juvenile Justice and UNICEF through the Coordination Panel on Juvenile Justice should be considered.

See also:

•          Chad, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 45 at para. 193.

•          Barbados, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 9 at para. 42.

Every effort should be made, including requesting international technical assistance, to avoid economic restructuring policies to have a real negative effect on the realization of the rights of the child.

•          Saint Kitts and Nevis, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 17 at paras. 72, 82, 83 and 89.

Paragraph 72

A data collection system should be introduced to cover all children up to the age of 18 years, with specific emphasis on those who are particularly vulnerable, including children with disabilities, children living in poverty, children in the juvenile justice system, children of single-parent families, children born out of wedlock, sexually abused children and institutionalized children. Technical assistance should be sought from UNICEF.

Paragraph 82

All necessary measures should be taken, including those of a legal nature, to ensure that the rights of children born of “visiting” and common law relationships are protected. Technical assistance should be sought from UNICEF and WHO.

Paragraph 83

The absence of bilateral agreements for reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders remains of concern. Efforts should be made to put in place the necessary measures to ensure the recovery of maintenance for children from parents who emigrate.

Paragraph 89

The implementation of the Caribbean Community Multi-agency Health and Family Life Education Project, which facilitates the retraining of teachers as well as the development of appropriate curricula and public education campaigns, should be accelerated. The educational system should also be strengthened through closer cooperation with UNICEF and UNESCO.

•          Honduras, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 26 at para. 108.

Further measures should be taken to reinforce the existing coordinating mechanisms (e.g. the National Commissioner for Human Rights, Honduran Institute of Children and the Family (IHNFA), etc.), including at the municipal level, in order to strengthen coordination between the various governmental bodies involved in children's rights. Furthermore, all necessary steps should be taken, including international cooperation, to provide IHNFA with adequate financial and human resources in order that it may carry out its mandate in an effective manner. Greater efforts should be made to ensure closer cooperation with non-governmental organizations working in the field of children's rights.

•          Chad, CRC, CRC/C/87 (1999) 45 at paras. 190, 199 and 200.

Paragraph 190

International assistance and advice should be sought to overcome traditional social and religious attitudes regarding corporal punishment.

Paragraph 199

Efforts should be increased to provide adequate protection to refugee children by working in close cooperation with international agencies active in the field, such as UNHCR and UNICEF.

Paragraph 200

The enforcement of legislation banning the recruitment of children under 18 years as soldiers should be ensured. Efforts should be redoubled to allocate the necessary resources, if necessary with international assistance, to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of former child soldiers, and particularly to provide compensation and support services to traumatized or permanently disabled former child soldiers.

•          Venezuela, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 10 at paras. 60 and 61.

Paragraph 60

In an effort to combat intercountry trafficking and the sale of children, measures should be taken, on an urgent basis, to strengthen law enforcement, implement a national programme of prevention and to increase efforts in the area of regional agreements with neighboring countries. Rehabilitation measures for the child victims of trafficking and sale should be established.

Paragraph 61

Additional measures should be taken to reform the juvenile justice system in accordance with the Convention, particularly articles 37, 40 and 39, and with other United Nations standards in this field, such as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules), the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (the Riyadh Guidelines) and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty. The deprivation of liberty should only be used as a last resort and for the shortest period of time and the continued contact with their families while in the juvenile justice system should be ensured. Training programmes on relevant international standards for all professionals involved with the juvenile justice system should be introduced and technical assistance in the area of juvenile justice and police training should be sought from, inter alia, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNICEF and the International Network on Juvenile Justice, through the Coordination Panel on Technical Advice and Assistance in Juvenile Justice.

See also:

•          Vanuatu, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 29 at para. 158.

•          Russian Federation, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 18 at paras. 77, 101, 104, 122 and 134.

Paragraph 77

Additional solutions to budgetary problems, such as retargeting expenditure or prioritizing programmes and increasing the proportion of international assistance, should be used to further the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Paragraph 101

The appropriate procedures should be adopted to provide for the periodic review of all types of placements. Reform, including legal reform, of the institutional system by the establishment of standards for conditions in institutions and their regular inspection, particularly by reinforcing the role and powers of independent inspection mechanisms and ensuring their right to inspect foster homes and public institutions without warning, is recommended. In this regard, technical assistance should be sought from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization.

Paragraph 104

Efforts to benefit from international cooperation should be strengthened, with a view to enhancing policies on integrating children with disabilities into society.

Paragraph 122

Technical assistance should be sought from the ILO-IPEC when developing a comprehensive policy to prevent and combat the growing problem of child labour. Efforts to implement the provisions of ILO Convention (No. 138) concerning the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment (1973) should be strengthened and consideration should be given to the ratification of the ILO Convention No 182 Concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour (1999).

Paragraph 134

International cooperation and technical assistance with regard to juvenile justice should be considered from, inter alia, the United Nations Centre for International Crime Prevention, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF and the International Network on Juvenile Justice through the United Nations Coordination Panel on Juvenile Justice.

See also:

•          Central African Republic, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 77 at para. 476.

•          Vanuatu, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 29 at paras. 142, 147 and 152.

Paragraph 142

A comprehensive children’s code should be enacted. To this end, technical assistance should be sought from, inter alia, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF.

Paragraph 147

The Convention should be integrated into the curricula at all levels of the educational system. To this end, technical assistance should be sought from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF and UNESCO.

Paragraph 152

Measures should be taken to ensure the provision of support services to children in legal proceedings, the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of the victims of rape, abuse, neglect, ill-treatment, violence or exploitation, and the prevention of criminalization and stigmatization of victims. In this connection, technical assistance should be sought from UNICEF and WHO.

•          Mexico, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 34 at paras. 173 and 191.

Paragraph 173

Systematic education and training programmes should be implemented on the provisions of the Convention for parliamentarians and all professional groups working for and with children, such as judges, lawyers, law enforcement officials, civil servants, municipal workers, personnel working in institutions and places of detention for children, teachers, health personnel, including psychologists, and social workers. Technical assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF could be requested in this regard.

Paragraph 191

A great number of “repatriated children” are victims of trafficking networks, which use them for sexual or economic exploitation. Effective measures should continue to be taken on an urgent basis to protect Mexican migrant children and to strengthen law enforcement in this area. To effectively combat intercountry trafficking and sale of children, efforts in the area of bilateral and regional agreements with neighbouring countries should be increased to facilitate the repatriation of trafficked children and to encourage their rehabilitation.

See also:

•          Cambodia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 64 at para. 352.

•          Mali, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 43 at paras. 217, 221, 227 and 229.

Paragraph 217

Cases of domestic violence and ill-treatment and abuse of children, including sexual abuse within the family, should be properly investigated within a child-friendly judicial procedure and sanctions should be applied to perpetrators, with due regard being given to protecting the right to privacy of the child. Measures should also be taken to ensure the provision of support services to children in legal proceedings, the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of the victims of rape, abuse, neglect, ill- treatment, violence or exploitation, and the prevention of criminalization and stigmatization of victims. Technical assistance should be sought from UNICEF and WHO.

Paragraph 221

Continued collaboration with neighbouring States to identify good practices undertaken in the campaign to combat and eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices affecting the health of girls is encouraged.

Paragraph 227

The high and increasing incidence of drug and substance abuse among youth and the limited psycho-social and medical programmes and services available in this regard are of concern. All appropriate measures, including educational measures, to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and to prevent the use of children in the illicit production and trafficking of such substances, should be taken. Technical assistance should be sought from UNICEF and WHO.

Paragraph 229

The increasing incidence of sale and trafficking of children, particularly girls, and the lack of adequate legal and other measures to prevent and combat this phenomenon, are of concern. The legal framework should be reviewed, law enforcement should be strengthened and efforts should be intensified to raise awareness in communities, generally in rural areas and particularly in the Sikasso region. Cooperation with neighbouring countries to eradicate cross-border trafficking in children is encouraged.

•          The Netherlands, CRC, CRC/C/90 (1999) 53 at para. 246.

Concluding bilateral agreements with States that are not parties to the Hague Convention of 1993, on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption and to the Hague Convention of 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction should be considered.

•          India, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 10 at paras. 53, 75 and 79.

Paragraph 53

The State party should develop ways to establish a systematic assessment of the impact of budgetary allocations on the implementation of child rights and to collect and disseminate information in this regard. The State party should ensure the appropriate distribution of resources at the central, state and local levels, and where needed, within the framework of international cooperation.

Paragraph 75

The State party should become a party to the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.

Paragraph 79

The State party should increase the capacity of institutions for the rehabilitation of children with disabilities and improve access to services for such children living in rural areas. Awareness campaigns which focus on prevention, inclusive education, family care and the promotion of the rights of children with disabilities need to be undertaken. Adequate training should also be made available to persons working with these children. The State party is encouraged to undertake greater efforts to make available the necessary resources and to seek assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF, WHO and relevant NGOs.

See also:

•          Armenia, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 53 at paras. 311 and 325.

•          Islamic Republic of Iran, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 8 at para. 35.

•          Jordan, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 31 at para. 169.

•          Malta, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 75 at para. 429.

•          Sierra Leone, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 24 at paras. 130, 132-134, 168, 170, 173, 175, 189, 190, 194, 196, 197, 199 and 209.

Paragraph 130

In light of articles 2, 3, and 6 of the Convention, the State party is encouraged to pay particular attention to the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention by prioritizing budgetary allocations to ensure implementation of the rights of children, to the maximum extent of available resources and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation. The State party is urged to establish a clear policy on the allocation of resources in favour of children.

Paragraph 132

It is strongly recommended that the State party seek extensive international cooperation towards the implementation of the principles and provisions of the Convention, bearing in mind the need to strengthen national capacity.

Paragraph 133

The very significant cooperation developed between the State party and national NGOs in favour of children is recognized. Concern is expressed that a disproportionate level of resources are used through international NGOs, to the detriment of national organizations and structures.

Paragraph 134

The State party is strongly urged to maintain the important progress made so far and to continue to work closely with national NGOs. The State party is urged to strengthen national NGOs by encouraging international partners to favour these national structures in their funding and implementation programmes.

Paragraph 168

The State party should ratify the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption with a view to providing additional legal protection.

Paragraph 170

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

Paragraph 173

The State party is encouraged to make every effort to benefit from international cooperation in favour of children with disabilities, in accordance with article 23, paragraph 4 of the Convention.

Paragraph 175

It is recommended that the State party urgently develop mechanisms to effectively monitor the incidence and spread of HIV/AIDS. The State party should rapidly develop and implement a strategy for prevention, including through the use of information campaigns, and for care of people who are victims of HIV/AIDS, including for alternative care of their children. The State party is urged to seek assistance from the World Health Organization.

Paragraph 189

The State party is urged to take all necessary measures in cooperation with national and international NGOs and United Nations bodies, such as UNICEF, to address the physical needs of children victims of the armed conflict, in particular child amputees, and the psychological needs of all children affected directly or indirectly by the traumatic experiences of the war. The State party should develop as quickly as possible a long-term and comprehensive programme of assistance, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Paragraph 190

The State party is urged to make every effort to assist children who have been displaced from their homes to return as soon as possible, including through assistance in the reconstruction of homes and other essential infrastructure, within the framework of international cooperation.

Paragraph 194

The State party is urged to make every effort to create conditions conducive to the return of child refugees and their families, including through international cooperation, inter alia, that of UNHCR.

Paragraph 196

The State party is urged to monitor and address the situation of child labour, including the causes of child labour. The State party should seek international cooperation, including, for example, through the International Labour Organization’s International Programme for the Eradication of Child Labour (IPEC).

Paragraph 197

The State party should consider ratifying International Labour Organization Convention No. 138, concerning the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment, 1973, and No. 182, concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999.

Paragraph 199

Recognizing the State party’s efforts in Freetown to combat drug use, the State party is urged to establish similar activities in other towns and in internally displaced persons camps. The State party should seek international cooperation in this domain, including for the provision of psycho-social assistance for addicts.

Paragraph 209

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

See also:

•          Djibouti, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 96 at paras. 531 and 563.

•          Burundi, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 17 at paras. 153 and 164.

•          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Isle of Man), CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 31 at para. 201.

•          Central African Republic, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 77 at para. 483.

•          Comoros, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 110 at paras. 615 and 646.

•          Costa Rica, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 37 at paras. 228 and 235.

Paragraph 228

Current legislation on adoption does not seem to fully comply with the requirements of the 1993 Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, to which Costa Rica is a party. The State party should take further measures to reform its legislation, in accordance with the requirements of the above-mentioned Hague Convention.

Paragraph 235

Economic exploitation remains one of the major problems affecting children in the State party. The insufficient law enforcement and the inadequate monitoring mechanisms to address this situation is a concern. In the light of, inter alia, articles 3, 6 and 32 of the Convention, it is recommended that the State party continue working in cooperation with ILO/IPEC to implement the national plan for the elimination of child labour and that it undertake all the actions envisaged in the memorandum of understanding signed between the State party and ILO/IPEC. The situation of children involved in hazardous labour, especially in the informal sector where the majority of working children are found, deserves special attention. The State party is encouraged to ratify ILO Convention No. 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999.

See also:

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at para. 366.

•          Dominican Republic, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 91 at para. 525.

•          The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 45 at paras. 249 and 273.

Paragraph 249

The State party is urged to adopt a holistic child rights approach to implementing the Convention and to consider seeking technical assistance from UNICEF in this domain.

Paragraph 273

With reference to article 23, paragraph 3, of the Convention, the State party is encouraged to strengthen its efforts to benefit from international cooperation, including from UNICEF, in favour of children with disabilities, with a view to improving State policy and action.

•          Armenia, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 53 at paras. 345 and 349.

Paragraph 345

A national mechanism to monitor the implementation of standards at State and local levels should be established and empowered to receive and address complaints of violations. The State party should undertake a national survey on the nature and extent of child labour. It is recommended that the State party carry out campaigns to inform and sensitize the general public, especially parents and children, of work hazards; and to involve and train employers’, workers’ and civic organizations; government officials, such as labour inspectors and law-enforcement officials, and other relevant professionals. The State party should seek cooperation with relevant United Nations agencies, such as ILO and UNICEF, and NGOs in this regard.

Paragraph 349

The State party should review its legislation and ensure that it criminalizes the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and penalizes all offenders, whether local or foreign, while ensuring that the child victims of these practices are not penalized. Bilateral and regional cooperation should be reinforced, involving cooperation with neighbouring countries.

See also:

•          Kyrgyzstan, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 51 at paras. 323 and 327.

•          Cambodia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 64 at para. 394.

•          Egypt, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 36 at para. 245.

•          Grenada, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 72 at para. 393.

Concerns remain that, in the light of article 4 of the Convention, not enough attention has been paid to allocating budgetary resources in favour of children “to the maximum extent of … available resources”. In the light of articles 2, 3, and 6 of the Convention, the State party is encouraged to pay particular attention to the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention by prioritizing budgetary allocations to ensure implementation of the economic, social and cultural rights of children, to the maximum extent of available resources and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation.

See also:

•          South Africa, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 81 at para. 428.

•          Suriname, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 84 at paras. 463 and 464.

•          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Overseas Territories), CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 40 at para. 226.

•          South Africa, CRC, CRC/C/94 (2000) 81 at para. 453.

The increasing incidence of sale and trafficking of children, particularly girls, and the lack of adequate measures to enforce legislative guarantees and to prevent and combat this phenomenon are of concern. In the light of article 35 and other related provisions of the Convention, it is recommended that the State party take effective measures to strengthen law enforcement, and intensify efforts to raise awareness in communities about the sale, trafficking and abduction of children. The State party should seek to establish bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries to prevent the sale, trafficking and abduction of children and to facilitate their protection and safe return to their families.

•          Islamic Republic of Iran, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 8 at paras. 26, 69 and 71.

Paragraph 26

It is noted that the State party hosts the largest refugee population in the world, around 2.1 million people, including a large percentage of children, and has provided assistance, generally with speed and effectiveness and with only limited help from the international community.

Paragraph 69

The State party should take due regard of the aims of education laid down in article 29 and consider introducing human rights, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, into the school curricula, including at the primary school level. The State party is encouraged to seek assistance from UNICEF, UNESCO and relevant NGOs, among others.

Paragraph 71

It is recommended that the State party ratify the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness; set up a central system of registration and monitoring of refugees in order to provide accurate statistics, and clarify the status of refugees; adopt special measures to deal with unaccompanied children; entertain requests for family reunification in view of its impact on the possibility of resettlement in third countries of asylum; and review discriminatory employment policies (i.e. issuance of work permits) which affect the capacity of refugee families, particularly Afghan refugees, to support themselves. The State party is encouraged to continue and expand its cooperation with international agencies, including UNHCR and UNICEF.

•          Georgia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 18 at paras. 97, 127, 132, 133, 135, 137 and 145.

Paragraph 97

Greater efforts should be made to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are widely known and understood by adults and children alike. The Committee further recommends the reinforcement of adequate and systematic training and/or sensitization of professional groups working with and for children, such as judges, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, teachers and school administrators, especially outside of the capital; health personnel, including psychologists, and social workers; and personnel of childcare institutions. The State party should seek to ensure that the Convention is fully integrated into the curricula in all regions of the State party and at all levels of the educational system. The State party is encouraged to continue its technical cooperation programmes with OHCHR and UNICEF, among others.

Paragraph 127

In accordance with article 27 of the Convention, efforts should be increased to provide material assistance and support to economically disadvantaged families and guarantee the right of children to an adequate standard of living. The State party is encouraged to proceed with the programme, in cooperation with the World Bank, to eradicate poverty, especially among children.

Paragraph 132

Note is taken of the State party’s efforts, in cooperation with UNHCR, to provide humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons, including free health care and education for children. However, their situation remains a concern.

Paragraph 133

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

Paragraph 135

In light of articles 38 and 39 of the Convention, appropriate measures should be taken to ensure the protection and care of children affected by armed conflict, including their physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration. It is strongly recommended that the State party take all appropriate measures to locate and clear the landmines in its territory, and promote awareness about the potential dangers. A study should be undertaken to determine the impact of landmines in its territory, particularly as this affects children living in the western regions along the border. The State party should reinforce its efforts to accede to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Transfer and Stockpiling of Anti-Personnel Landmines and on Their Destruction, which it signed in December 1997. Additionally, the State party is encouraged to seek technical cooperation with the United Nations Mine Action Service, among others.

Paragraph 137

The introduction of monitoring mechanisms to ensure the enforcement of labour laws and protect children from economic exploitation, particularly in the informal sector, is encouraged. The State party is encouraged to continue its cooperation with IPEC to finalize, by the end of 2000, a child labour survey to assess the situation of children in this regard. The State party is encouraged to consider ratifying the ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, No. 182.

•          Jordan, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 31 at paras. 178, 196, 198, 202 and 204.

Paragraph 178

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

Paragraph 196

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

Paragraph 198

Mechanisms should be established to ensure that street children are provided with identity documents, food, clothing and shelter. Moreover, the State party should ensure that these children have access to health care; rehabilitation services for physical, sexual and substance abuse; services for reconciliation with their families; comprehensive education, including vocational and life-skills training; and legal aid. The State party should cooperate and coordinate its efforts with civil society in this regard. The State party should seek assistance from UNICEF, among others.

Paragraph 202

The State party should accede to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and should adopt legislation in conformity with these instruments, taking into account the Guidelines on the protection and care of refugee children of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Paragraph 204

The Labour Law should be amended to ensure that children working in family enterprises, agricultural activities and as domestic labour are protected and that inspections extend to these areas. Employers should be required to have, and produce on demand, proof of age of all children working on their premises and the State party should vigorously pursue enforcement of minimum-age standards. The State party should continue to implement the 1998 plan of action on child labour. Assistance should be sought from the International Labour Organization (ILO), among others.

•          Kyrgyzstan, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 51 at para. 311.

It should be ensured that the commitment to primary health care, including implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses strategy, is met by adequate allocation of resources, both human and financial, and that all children, especially from the most vulnerable groups, have access to health care. Comprehensive family planning programmes, as well as measures to ensure that abortion is not perceived as a method of contraception should be established. The State party is encouraged to continue cooperation with and seek assistance from, among others, UNICEF and WHO.

•          Cambodia, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 64 at paras. 348, 374, 375, 377 and 390.

Paragraph 348

Priority should be given to ensuring that the maximum available resources are allocated to health, education and social services for children and that particular attention is paid to the protection of children belonging to vulnerable and marginalized groups. In this regard, the State party is encouraged to continue and foster open cooperation with the international community, in particular within the coordinated framework of the donors’ Consultative Group on Cambodia.

Paragraph 374

The international cooperation initiative “Strengthening Health Systems” between the Ministry of Health and several United Nations agencies (WHO, UNICEF, UNDP and UNFPA) is welcomed. This initiative aims at rebuilding the Government’s capacity in the development of a national programme for immunization, in particular against polio. Nevertheless, concern is expressed that the State party’s infant mortality and under-five mortality rates remain among the highest in the region. Child malnutrition is also an area of concern.

Paragraph 375

It is recommended that the State party address the issue of childhood morbidity and mortality by taking a multisectoral approach recognizing the critical role of illiteracy, lack of clean water supplies and food insecurity in the current pattern of childhood illnesses. Priority areas must be identified on the basis of baseline data collected by careful and comprehensive research. Such a strategy must take into account that most health care takes place outside health facilities and outside State control. It must also recognize the needs of particularly isolated communities. In addition, it is recommended that measures be put in place for establishing an efficient primary health care sector, including strategies to encourage care-seeking for childhood illnesses. The State party is encouraged to continue working in cooperation with international agencies.

Paragraph 377

The State party should continue to take effective measures for the prevention of HIV/AIDS, including awareness-raising and educational campaigns. The State party should take into consideration the Committee’s recommendations adopted on its day of general discussion on children living in a world with HIV/AIDS (CRC/C/80). International technical assistance from UNICEF, WHO and UNAIDS, among others, should continue to be requested in this regard.

Paragraph 390

Budget allocations should be increased for demining in post-conflict areas and awareness-raising campaigns should be conducted to prevent mine-related accidents. Furthermore, the State party should continue to work in cooperation with international agencies for the elimination of landmines.

See also:

•          Comoros, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 110 at para. 632.

•          Malta, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 75 at para. 443.

Child labour laws should be fully enforced and labour inspectorates should be strengthened and penalties imposed in cases of violation. The State party is encouraged to ratify the ILO Convention Concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999 (No. 182).

See also:

•          Suriname, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 84 at para. 502.

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at para. 386.

•          Lesotho, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 57 at para. 366.

•          Djibouti, CRC, CRC/C/97 (2000) 96 at paras. 516, 520, 521, 529, 541, 551, 559-561, 565 and 567.

Paragraph 516

It is noted that Djibouti has not ratified most of the international human rights treaties, which impedes the development of a human rights culture that would facilitate the implementation of the human rights of children.

Paragraph 520

While acknowledging the State party’s ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Committee is of the opinion that the ratification of other human rights instruments, and in particular of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its two Optional Protocols, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, would strengthen the efforts of the State party to meet its obligations in guaranteeing the rights of all children under its jurisdiction.

Paragraph 521

The State party is encouraged to consider the possibility of ratifying the other major international human rights instruments.

Paragraph 529

In light of articles 2, 3 and 6 of the Convention, the State party is encouraged to pay particular attention to the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention by prioritizing budgetary allocations to ensure implementation of the economic, social and cultural rights of children, to the maximum extent of available resources and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation. The State party is urged to establish a policy on the allocation of resources in favour of children, including resources allocated by international agencies or bilateral assistance, and to determine how these resources will be used in future, ensuring that priority is given to the alleviation of poverty.

Paragraph 541

The State party is encouraged to consider ratifying the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, and to adopt national legislation that is in conformity with these international instruments.

Paragraph 551

The State party is encouraged to increase its efforts in the health sector, including through the strengthening of data collection and disease surveillance mechanisms, the allocation of adequate resources and the reinforcement of training and support for health sector staff. The State party should ensure equitable access to existing health-care services, make every effort to increase vaccination coverage, including by ensuring the maintenance of a cold chain, and undertake effective collection and recording of data in this respect. Effective measures should be taken to provide information and support to HIV-infected mothers to prevent HIV transmission, in particular by providing safe alternatives to breastfeeding. It is recommended that the State party address the social factors preventing vulnerable groups (including women and children) from seeking health care, and that particular efforts be made to reach refugee and displaced children and those living on the streets. The State party is urged to develop effective partnerships with NGOs and civil society groups, and to seek the technical assistance of United Nations agencies such as WHO and UNICEF in this respect.

Paragraph 559

The State party is urged to make every effort to implement the rights of refugee children, in accordance with article 22 of the Convention and of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. It is recommended that the State party adopt national legislation for the determination of refugee status, making suitable provision for the special procedures required for child refugees. In light of the provisions of articles 2, 10, 24 and 28 of the Convention, it is recommended that the State party develop an appropriate legislative and administrative framework to facilitate family reunification and adequate access to all social services and to schools for refugee children outside the camps.

Paragraph 560

The adoption in Paris on 7 February 2000 of an agreement to end the violence in the north of the country is welcomed. Concern is expressed that insufficient efforts have been made to introduce adequate programmes to facilitate the rehabilitation of children affected by armed conflict during the civil war and subsequent violence.

Paragraph 561

Every effort should be made to conclude negotiations and obtain international assistance allowing the launching of activities to demine areas affected by the conflict. The State party should take all appropriate measures to introduce programmes to facilitate the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of children affected by armed conflict.

Paragraph 565

In view of articles 33 and 39 of the Convention, the State party is urged to take all appropriate measures to prevent the involvement of children in the production, trafficking and consumption of khat and other psychotropic drugs as well as to provide care and rehabilitation, and to pay particular attention in this regard to vulnerable groups, including children who drop out of school, live on the streets, or work in the port area. The State party is encouraged to seek technical assistance from UNICEF and WHO, among others, and to involve children in the design, implementation and evaluation of relevant strategies, and to continue its cooperation with the United Nations Drug Control Programme in this regard.

Paragraph 567

In the light of article 34 and other related articles of the Convention, the State party should undertake studies with a view to designing and implementing appropriate policies and measures, including to promote the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims of sexual exploitation, and to preventing and combating the sexual exploitation of children while avoiding the criminalization of child victims. The State party is encouraged to take into account the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, held in Stockholm in 1996.

See also:

•          Comoros, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 110 at paras. 612 and 613.

•          Finland, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 8 at paras. 81 and 82.

Paragraph 81

The phenomenon of Finnish child sex tourists travelling to the nearby countries of the former Soviet Union seeking child prostitutes is noted with deep concern.

Paragraph 82

The State party is urged to undertake adequate measures to combat this phenomenon and to pursue international cooperation for the investigation and the prosecution of cases of sexual abuse and exploitation of children by Finnish citizens abroad.

•          Burundi, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 17 at paras. 96, 116, 140, 151 and 161.

Paragraph 96

A children’s rights policy and a new national plan of action based upon the principles and provisions of the Convention should be established and implemented in consultation and coordination with all relevant ministries and with civil society. Efforts to establish provincial and communal child rights committees should be pursued and these bodies should be used to effectively implement the children’s rights policy and programmes related to the national plan of action at the local level. The State party should seek assistance from UNICEF in this regard. The protection of child rights and the implementation of programmes to address priority child rights concerns should be included in peace agreements.

Paragraph 116

The State party is strongly urged to make every effort to reinforce protection of the right to life, survival and development of all children within the State party through policies, programmes and services that target and guarantee protection of this right. The State party is urged to seek as much international assistance as possible in this regard.

Paragraph 140

The State party is urged to make significant increases in the health budget, to make every effort to improve public health, including primary health care, and to ensure adequate access for all children to health services, with particular regard to those living in rural communities and in camps. It is recommended that the State party implement integrated policies and programmes for the management of childhood illnesses and measures to improve child and maternal health. The State party should seek the assistance of UNICEF and WHO in this regard.

Paragraph 151

It is recommended that the State party pursue its efforts to include “education for peace”, children’s rights and other human rights subjects in the curricula of primary and secondary schools, and that assistance be requested from UNICEF and UNESCO in this regard.

Paragraph 161

The State party is encouraged to address commercial sexual exploitation and to take into account the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the World Congress Against Commercial Exploitation of Children, held in Stockholm in 1996. Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography should be considered.

See also:

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at para. 390.

•          Marshall Islands, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 89 at para. 542.

•          Comoros, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 110 at para. 648.

•          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Overseas Territories), CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 40 at para. 256.

It is strongly recommended that all appropriate measures be taken to locate and clear the landmines in the Falkland Islands, promote awareness about the potential dangers and prevent accidents involving children and landmines. The State party is encouraged to consider extending the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Transfer and Stockpiling of Anti-Personnel Landmines and on Their Destruction to the Overseas Territories, in particular the Falkland Islands.

•          Tajikistan, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 53 at paras. 278, 284, and 321.

Paragraph 278

The State party should develop ways to assess systematically the impact of budgetary allocations on the implementation of child rights. An adequate distribution of resources should be ensured at the national and local levels - where needed, within the framework of international cooperation. The State party’s obligations under the Convention should be taken into account in all aspects of its negotiations with international financial institutions and other donors, to ensure that the economic, social and cultural rights of children, particularly children belonging to the most vulnerable groups, are not undermined.

Paragraph 284

The State party is encouraged to continue its discussions relating to the establishment, in accordance with the Paris Principles relating to the status of national institutions (General Assembly resolution 48/134), of a national human rights institution to monitor and evaluate progress in the implementation of the Convention. The State party is encouraged to seek technical assistance from, inter alia, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF.

Paragraph 321

The State party is encouraged to ratify and implement the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, and on the involvement of children in armed conflict.

See also:

•          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Overseas Territories), CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 40 at para. 266.

•          Slovakia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 100 at para. 596.

•          Ethiopia, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 24 at para. 194.

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at paras. 347, 379, 380, 383 and 388.

Paragraph 347

An independent and effective system for monitoring the Convention should be established, with a view to assessing progress achieved in the realization of children’s rights and evaluating policies for better implementation of the provisions of the Convention. In this regard, the Committee encourages the State party to seek international assistance from UNICEF.

Paragraph 379

All effective measures should be taken, in cooperation with United Nations agencies and bodies such as UNICEF, to address the physical needs of child victims of the armed conflict, in particular child amputees, and the psychological needs of all children affected directly or indirectly by the traumatic experiences of war. A long-term and comprehensive programme of assistance, care, rehabilitation and reintegration should be developed as quickly as possible.

Paragraph 380

The Committee endorses the recommendations made to the State party by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (see A/54/430, paras. 122-127 and E/CN.4/2000/71, paras. 60-71) and recommends that the State party, in cooperation with the international community, urgently implement these recommendations in order to give the highest priority to the protection of children from the negative effects of the armed conflict.

Paragraph 383

The highest priority should be given to the protection of the rights of children belonging to internally displaced groups. In this regard, the Committee endorses the recommendations made in the reports of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Internally Displaced Persons to the Commission on Human Rights on the situation in the State party (see E/CN.4/2000/83/Add.1 and Add. 2), and recommends that the State party, in cooperation with the international community, urgently follow up these recommendations, in particular that on the incorporation of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (E/CN.4/1998/53/Add.2) in the State party’s legislation and policies on internally displaced persons.

Paragraph 388

In the light of article 33 of the Convention, it is recommended that the State party continue taking effective measures, including legislative, administrative, social and educational measures, to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and to prevent the use of children in the illicit production and trafficking of such substances. The State party is encouraged to support rehabilitation programmes for child victims of drug and substance abuse. In this regard, the State party is encouraged to consider seeking technical assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the International Narcotics Control Board.

Paragraph 393

The State party’s signature of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography is welcomed. The State party is encouraged to ratify and implement it as soon as possible.

•          Central African Republic, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 77 at paras. 468 and 472.

Paragraph 468

The State party should make every effort to raise the level of educational achievement among children through, inter alia, increasing the number of available schools and classes, providing for the initial and ongoing training of more teachers and school inspectors, developing standard national textbooks, increasing the rates of enrolment and providing assistance with school fees, uniforms and other equipment for poor families. The State party is urged to seek international assistance in this regard, including from UNICEF and UNESCO. The State party should continue to make every effort, including through the allocation of relevant material and other resources, to standardize the use of the Sango language in schools.

Paragraph 472

The State party’s considerable efforts to welcome refugees from neighbouring countries are noted. The State party should continue to assist child refugees and their families and maintain its cooperation with UNHCR, making particular efforts to assist refugee children who are living or working on the streets.

•          Marshall Islands, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 89 at paras. 493 and 494.

Paragraph 493

It is noted with concern that the State party has not yet ratified the major United Nations human rights treaties, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, or other relevant international conventions, like the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction of 1980 and the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoptions of 1993.

Paragraph 494

The State party should consider ratifying at least the major human rights treaties and relevant conventions adopted at The Hague with a view to strengthening the human rights culture in the country.

•          Slovakia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 100 at paras. 572 and 573.

Paragraph 572

Noting that the State party has signed and is in the process of acceding to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption of 1993, concern is expressed about the absence of clear legislative measures in this area.

Paragraph 573

The State party is encouraged to expedite its accession to and implementation of this Convention.

•          Comoros, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 110 at paras. 604, 605, 631, 639 and 643.

Paragraph 604

It is of concern that the Government has not acceded to the other main international human rights instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Similar concern is expressed with regard to regional human rights instruments, such as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

Paragraph 605

The Government is encouraged to accede to the above-mentioned international and regional human rights instruments in order to strengthen the protection of human rights. The State party is encouraged to seek technical assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in implementing this recommendation.

Paragraph 631

Efforts should be increased in the health sector, including through the strengthening of data collection and disease surveillance mechanisms, the allocation of adequate resources and the reinforcement of training and support for health sector staff. The State party should ensure equitable access to existing health-care services and make every effort to increase vaccination coverage. The State party is urged to adopt, in cooperation with international agencies, effective plans to combat childhood and maternal mortality, such as the WHO/UNICEF Integrated Management of Childhood Illness scheme.

Paragraph 639

In the light of article 24 (c) of the Convention, all appropriate measures should be taken, including through international cooperation, to prevent and combat the damaging effects of environmental degradation on children, including pollution and contamination of water supplies. The State party should take effective measures, including through international cooperation, to improve housing facilities for families.

Paragraph 643

The State party is urged to take every feasible measure, including through international mediation, to have all child abductees and combatants released and demobilized and to rehabilitate and reintegrate them in society. The State party is urged to take all necessary measures in cooperation with national and international NGOs and United Nations bodies, such as UNICEF, to address the physical needs of child victims of the armed conflict, in particular child amputees, and the psychological needs of all children affected directly or indirectly by the traumatic experiences of the war.

•          Latvia, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 9 at paras. 80 and 81.

Paragraph 80

It is noted that the Government has started the internal procedure of accession to the Optional Protocols on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and on the involvement of children in armed conflicts.

Paragraph 81

The State party is invited to continue this process and to ratify the two Optional Protocols to the Convention.

•          Liechtenstein, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 19 at paras. 114 and 115.

Paragraph 114

The State party has signed the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

Paragraph 115

The State party is encouraged to reinforce its efforts to ratify these instruments.

See also:

•          Colombia, CRC, CRC/C/100 (2000) 64 at paras. 381 and 393.

•          Ethiopia, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 24 at paras. 159 and 191.

Paragraph 159

The State party should continue and strengthen its efforts to ensure family reunification. Assistance should be sought from UNICEF and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in this regard.

Paragraph 191

Efforts should be made to address the incidence of child labour and to respect and implement the provisions of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 182 Concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour (1999). Assistance should be sought from the ILO in this regard.

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

Paragraph 235

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

Paragraph 237

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

•          Lithuania, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 47 at para. 285.

In light of article 21 and other related provisions of the Convention, the State party should fully implement the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption of 1993.

•          Lesotho, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 57 at paras. 329 and 330.

Paragraph 329

The Committee joins with the State party in expressing concern at the need for additional technical assistance and international cooperation. Civil society, including NGOs, have insufficient opportunities to influence children’s rights policy making and implementation. Further, concern is expressed that children do not have sufficient opportunities to participate in this process.

Paragraph 330

The State party should continue and strengthen its efforts to seek technical assistance and other forms of international cooperation, including from international NGOs, towards implementation of the Convention. The State party should continue and strengthen its support to national NGOs. Children should be provided with more opportunities to participate in the work of NGOs.

•          Palau, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 79 at paras. 432, 433, 442, 443 and 480.

Paragraph 432

It is regretted that the State party has not yet acceded to the six main international human rights instruments, including the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. These international human rights instruments would reinforce a culture of human rights and strengthen the efforts of the State party to meet its obligations in guaranteeing the rights of all children under its jurisdiction.

Paragraph 433

The possibility of acceding to the international human rights instruments to which it is not yet a party should be considered.

Paragraph 442

It is noted with concern that budgetary allocations for education and social services have been gradually reduced since independence (1994) and that there is a scarcity of resources for welfare and social services. There is no social welfare system in the State party. Additionally, concern is expressed that in the light of article 4 of the Convention, not enough attention has been paid to allocating budgetary resources, at both the national and community levels, in favour of children “to the maximum extent of … available resources”. Insufficient efforts have been made to ensure that an adequate proportion of financing gained through international cooperation is allocated to children’s programmes.

Paragraph 443

In the light of articles 2, 3 and 6 of the Convention, the State party is encouraged to pay particular attention to the full implementation of article 4 of the Convention by prioritizing budgetary allocations to ensure implementation of the economic, social and cultural rights of children, to the maximum extent of available resources, and where possible with international cooperation. In allocating resources, the State party should pay particular attention not only to education and health, but also to social services, especially in the outer islands and among non-Palauan children, to redress

the gradual reduction in allocation to these areas. A social welfare system should be established to protect vulnerable children, particularly in the light of the recent trend towards charging fees for social services. Adequate resources should be allocated to strengthen the infrastructure of professionals working with and for children. The State party is encouraged to reinforce its efforts in preparation for the eventual phasing out of the Compact of Free Association by allocating adequate financial and human resources. In this connection greater protection should be guaranteed for the most vulnerable groups of children against the adverse effects of these economic changes.

Paragraph 480

While noting that the State party does not have an army or military service, the State party should consider signing and ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. The State party should also consider signing and ratifying the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

•          Dominican Republic, CRC, CRC/C/103 (2001) 91 at para. 510.

In the light of article 37 and other related articles of the Convention, the State party should effectively use its judicial mechanisms to deal with complaints of police brutality, ill-treatment and abuse of children, and cases of violence against and abuse of children should be duly investigated in order to avoid impunity for the perpetrators. Ratification of the 1984 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment should be considered.

•          Denmark, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 10 at para. 36.

The State party’s outstanding commitment in the area of international cooperation and development assistance is noted with appreciation. In this regard, it is also noted that the State party allocates a significant percentage of its gross domestic product to foreign aid, mainly in support of the least developed countries.

•          Turkey, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 18 at paras. 100, 132 and 147.

Paragraph 100

The State party should develop and establish an independent and effective mechanism, easily accessible for children and in accordance with the Paris Principles, to monitor the implementation of the Convention, to deal with complaints from children in a child-sensitive and expeditious manner and to provide remedies for violations of their rights under the Convention. Technical assistance should be considered from, UNICEF and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Paragraph 132

The State party is encouraged to look to international cooperation for the full and efficient implementation of the immunization programme.

Paragraph 147

With reference to children deprived of their liberty, it is recommended that the State party incorporate into its legislation and practices the provisions of the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of Their Liberty, in particular guaranteeing them access to effective complaints procedures covering all aspects of their treatment, and taking appropriate rehabilitative measures to promote the social reintegration of the children involved with the juvenile justice system. Assistance should be sought from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Centre for International Crime Prevention, the International Network on Juvenile Justice and UNICEF through the United Nations Coordination Panel on Technical Advice and Assistance of Juvenile Justice.

See also:

•          Guatemala, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 47 at para. 268.

•          Democratic Republic of the Congo, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 31 at paras. 160, 162, 211 and 212.

Paragraph 160

An independent monitoring mechanism should be introduced for the implementation of the Convention, and it should be accessible to children. It is also recommended that the State party seek technical assistance from UNICEF, WHO, ILO and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

Paragraph 162

The State party should raise the proportion of its spending on health, education, social welfare and other priority areas, to the maximum of available resources, with a view to ensuring access of these services for all children and, where needed, within the framework of international cooperation.

Paragraph 211

Deep concern is expressed over the grave violations of the rights of refugee children and their families and, in particular, at allegations of widespread massacres of tens of thousands of refugees and the State party’s lack of cooperation with, and obstruction of, efforts by the United Nations investigative mission mandated to clarify such allegations. Also of concern is the fact that the situation of refugee children and their families is poor. In addition, the very high number of children and their families internally displaced within the State party as a result of the armed conflict is a matter deep concern. Concern is also expressed at the separation of children from their families and the very limited access of displaced children to adequate food and to health and education services.

Paragraph 212

The State party should strengthen its efforts to provide adequate assistance to refugees and every effort should be made to prevent all forms of violence against refugee and internally displaced children and investigate and seek justice with regard to allegations of massacres of refugee children and their families. Urgent measures should be implemented to protect civilian populations from further internal displacement, to ensure that those children and their families who have already been displaced have access to food, education and health assistance, and to support the return home of internally displaced populations and their reintegration into their communities. Noting the ongoing efforts, the State party is further urged to continue to give particular attention to strengthening family reunification efforts. It is recommended that the State party work closely with UNHCR and UNICEF in this regard.

•          Guatemala, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 47 at paras. 270, 274 and 276-278.

Paragraph 270

The Committee reiterates its prior recommendation that the State party develop a comprehensive nutritional programme in order to prevent and combat malnutrition, particularly among children under five, and assess the impact of the programme on those affected, with a view eventually to improving its effectiveness. It is recommended that the State party seek international cooperation from, among others, UNICEF and WHO.

Paragraph 274

Appropriate measures should be taken to increase budgetary allocations for education, ensure regular attendance at schools and the reduction of drop-out rates, and strengthen the quality of education. The State party should continue to strengthen the teacher training programme in order to increase the number of trained teachers and improve the quality of teaching and the bilingual education programme is reiterated. In this respect, the State party is encouraged to seek additional technical cooperation from, among others, UNESCO and UNICEF.

Paragraph 276

In light of article 39 of the Convention, the State party should consider complying with the recommendations of the Truth Commission regarding a national reparation programme that would also include children affected by the internal armed conflict, and it should effectively investigate all cases of children who were forcibly disappeared by allocating human and financial resources to and cooperating with the National Commission for Searching for Disappeared Children. Further, it is recommended efforts be strengthened to implement the Programme to Support Resettlement of Displaced Groups and to ensure adequate protection to internally displaced children, paying special attention to the problem of lack of identification papers. The State party is encouraged to continue its international cooperation programmes with, among others, UNDP, UNHCR and UNCHS (Habitat).

Paragraph 277

With regard to child labour, measures taken by the State party are noted, such as the signing in 1996 of a memorandum of understanding with ILO for the adoption of the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC). However, deep concern is expressed at the large number of children who are still exploited economically, particularly those under 14 years of age.

Paragraph 278

The State party should continue to enforce and strengthen its legislation protecting working children and to combat and eradicate, as effectively as possible, all forms of child labour, in cooperation with ILO/IPEC.

•          Côte d’Ivoire, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 59 at paras. 291, 339, 342, 343 and 350.

Paragraph 291

The conclusion of a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Mali prohibiting trafficking of children between these two States parties is welcomed.

Paragraph 339

The State party should pursue its efforts to include “education for peace and tolerance”, children’s rights and other human rights subjects in the curricula of primary and secondary schools, and assistance should be requested from UNICEF and UNESCO in this regard.

Paragraph 342

While noting the efforts undertaken by the State party within its Plan of Action to fight child trafficking, deep concern remains about the large number of child victims of trafficking for the purpose of exploitation in the State party’s agricultural, mining and domestic service sectors and other forms of exploitation.

Paragraph 343

The State party is strongly encouraged to pursue its efforts in implementing the bilateral agreement with the Government of Mali and in extending this experience to other concerned countries.

Paragraph 350

The State party should request technical assistance in the area of juvenile justice and police training from, among others, OHCHR, the United Nations Centre for International Crime Prevention, the International Network on Juvenile Justice and UNICEF, through the United Nations Coordination Panel on Technical Advice and Assistance on Juvenile Justice.

•          United Republic of Tanzania, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 71 at paras. 383 and 397.

Paragraph 383

The State party is encouraged to take all effective measures to provide greater protection and support to children whose right to life, survival and development is unduly threatened by the difficult socio-economic realities of the State. In this connection, the State party should take all effective measures to strengthen its technical cooperation with, among others, UNICEF.

Paragraph 397

The State party is encouraged to continue its regional cooperation in combating all forms of violence against women and children. Technical assistance should be sought from, among others, UNICEF and UNDP.

•          Bhutan, CRC, CRC/C/108 (2001) 85 at para. 445

The State party should consider its obligations under the Convention in all aspects of its negotiations with international financial institutions and other donors, to ensure that the economic, social and cultural rights of children, particularly children belonging to the most vulnerable groups, are well observed.

See also:

•          Cape Verde, CRC, CRC/C/111 (2001) 135 at para. 614.