III. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS

ICESCR

•          Australia, ICESCR, E/1994/23 (1993) 36 at para. 159.

The appropriateness of the efforts being undertaken by the Government to identify the needs of disadvantaged groups and to continue to draw on the results of studies and reviews in the development of policy initiatives to respond to the needs of such groups is emphasized. The importance attached to the economic, social and cultural rights of persons with disabilities and of the elderly is emphasized and therefore it is urged that the Government direct major efforts towards assessing and addressing the needs of these groups in relation to their rights under articles 13 and 15 of the Covenant.

•          Germany, ICESCR, E/1999/22 (1998) 54 at para. 315.

It is also noted with alarm that only 12 per cent of public servants in the science and technology sector of the former German Democratic Republic, including teachers, scientists and professionals, have been re-employed and the rest remain without employment or adequate compensation or a satisfactory pension plan. It is feared that the majority of the affected people may have been dismissed from their positions for political rather than for professional or economic reasons. It is noted in this connection that the issue of discrimination in the employment of teachers in the new Läänder was raised in 1993 by the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations. Similar concerns have been raised by German non-governmental organizations.

CEDAW

•          Tunisia, CEDAW, A/50/38 (1995) 52 at paras. 268 and 276.

Paragraph 268

In higher education women are concentrated in specific areas of studies and therefore in professions which have low return or less job opportunities. Women need to be encouraged to join scientific fields in order to have better chances of employment.

Paragraph 276

Ways and means should be envisaged to encourage women and girls to enrol in science fields.

•          Czech Republic, CEDAW, A/53/38/Rev.1 part I (1998) 16 at para. 194.

Concern is expressed over the fact that the Government appeared reluctant to direct girls to scientific and technological fields of study.

•          China (Hong Kong), CEDAW, A/54/38/Rev.1 part I (1999) 26 at para. 330.

Temporary special measures that are aimed at increasing de facto equality between women and men should be adopted to increase the number of women in non-traditional areas of education, especially in science, technology and engineering, and to promote women from junior and auxiliary positions in teaching and academia to senior positions. The Government is urged to address the perpetuation of gender stereotypes and to allocate adequate resources for gender studies programmes.

•          Austria, CEDAW, A/55/38 part II (2000) 70 at para. 232.

Measures should be taken to encourage girls to continue their education beyond the compulsory level and particularly in the areas of science and technology.