Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: The violations highlighted are those issues raised with the State by more than one international mechanism. This is done with the intention of identifying children's rights which have been repeatedly violated, as well as gaps in the issues covered by NGOs in their alternative reports to the various human rights monitoring bodies. These violations are listed in no particular order.
Scroll to: _________________________________________________________________________ UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) While welcoming the adoption of a new law on female genital mutilation (1998), the Committee is concerned at the widespread nature of this practice in the State party. The Committee urges the State party to continue its efforts to end the practice of female genital mutilation, inter alia through enforcement of legislation and implementation of programmes sensitising the population about its harmful effects. The Committee recommends that the State party take advantage of the efforts in this regard made by other States in the region. (Paragraphs 44 and 45) UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women While noting the efforts made by the State party to eliminate discriminatory attitudes and traditional harmful practices affecting women and the existence of legal provisions prohibiting most of these practices, the Committee reiterates its concern at the persistence of adverse cultural norms, practices and traditions as well as patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted stereotypes regarding the roles, responsibilities and identities of women and men in the family and society. It notes that stereotypes are aggravated in periods of conflict and that they contribute to the persistence of violence against women as well as harmful traditional practices, including female genital mutilation, forced and early marriages, levirate, sororate, polygamy and granting of all decision-making power to men within the family. The Committee expresses its concern that the State party has not taken sufficient sustained and systematic action to modify or eliminate stereotypes and negative cultural values and harmful traditional practices. The Committee recommends that the State party, with the assistance of civil society organisations: (b) Address harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, forced and early marriage, levirate, sororate, polygamy and the granting of all decision-making power to men within the family, by expanding public education programmes and effectively enforcing the laws prohibiting such practices, in particular in rural areas; and (c) Undertake an assessment of the impact of those measures in order to identify shortcomings, and improve them accordingly. (Paragraphs 26 and 27) Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 46. Strengthen measures to combat violence against women, particularly that related to female genital mutilation (Angola); (accepted) 47. Continue its efforts to end female genital mutilation, inter alia through enforcement of legislation and implementation of programmes sensitising the population about its harmful effects (Egypt); (accepted) 48. Elaborate and implement a law and programmes to draw attention to the harmful effects of excision (Luxembourg); (accepted) 49. Take all measures to ensure the effective prohibition of female genital mutilation, including, among others, the implementation of awareness-raising programmes for the population about its terrible effects (Argentina); (accepted) 50. Intensify ongoing sensitisation activities, carried out together with members of civil society, towards the reduction, or even the eradication in the future, of female genital mutilation (Senegal); (accepted) _________________________________________________________________________ Sexual violence against, and abuse of, children UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) While noting the establishment of a national committee to combat violence against women and children, the Committee is concerned at the incidence of abuse, including sexual abuse, and neglect of children in the State party, and that insufficient efforts have been made to protect children. The Committee is also particularly concerned at the high level of domestic violence and at sexual abuse of girls in schools, which leads to a high rate of primary and secondary school drop-out. In addition, the Committee is concerned at the lack of appropriate financial and human resources and the lack of adequately trained personnel to prevent and combat physical and sexual abuse. In light of article 19 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and child abuse, including sexual abuse, in order to understand the scope and nature of these practices, to adopt effective measures and policies, and to contribute to changing attitudes. The Committee also recommends that cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse at schools be properly investigated through a child-sensitive judicial procedure, and that the perpetrators be sanctioned, with due regard for the right to privacy of the child. The Committee also recommends that appropriate weight be given to children’s views in legal proceedings; that support services be provided to child witnesses in legal proceedings; that provision be made for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of victims of rape, abuse, neglect, ill-treatment, violence or exploitation, in accordance with article 39 of the Convention; and that measures be taken to prevent the criminalisation and stigmatisation of victims. The Committee recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF. (Paragraphs 36 and 37) Representative of the Secretary-general on the human rights of internally displaced persons The Representative of the Secretary-General recommends that the government authorities should: Pay particular attention to the situation of women and children, who are a particularly vulnerable group within the displaced population, on the basis of, among other things, the UNHCR May 2003 guidelines for the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence against refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons; (Paragraph 67j) Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 30. Continue to reform its policies and programmes with a view to improving the status of women, girls and children, including those with disabilities, and protecting them against violence and sexual abuse, as well as strengthening measures and mechanisms on administration of justice (Nigeria); (accepted) 34.Strengthen measures conducive to responding to the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in 2007, directed to the prevention and elimination of all types of violence, especially sexual violence, against women and girls (Mexico); (accepted) 35. In view of the Secretary-General's reports, elaborate a national action plan that addresses the prevalence of sexual violence, especially towards girls (Argentina); 36. Continue ongoing efforts and adopt effective measures and policies to stop and prevent sexual violence against women and girls (Sweden); (accepted) 40. Investigate cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse at schools and sanction the perpetrators (Holy See); (accepted) 44. Further strengthen law enforcement and the judicial system in the effort to address impunity and reduce the incidence of domestic violence as well as physical and sexual abuse of women and girls (Malaysia); (accepted) 105. Recommend that the international community help Côte d'Ivoire in its firm will to fight crime, sexual violence and trafficking of children through the establishment of adequate mechanisms in line with international standards (Niger); (accepted) P - 19. Take effective measures on sexual violence against children and consider the ratification of 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 (Azerbaijan); (pending) NC - 30. Reinforce policies to tackle domestic and sexual violence against women and girls in accordance with international human rights standards (Chile); (No clear position) _________________________________________________________________________ Use of, and conditions in, detention for children UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) While welcoming the inclusion of a provision in the new Constitution prohibiting torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, the Committee is concerned at the extremely poor conditions of detention for children, amounting in many instances to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment as spelled out in article 37 (a) of the Convention. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to improve the conditions of detention of children in prisons and to ensure that each case of violence and abuse is duly investigated in order to avoid impunity being enjoyed by the perpetrators. (Paragraphs 30 and 31) In addition, the Committee is deeply concerned about the poor conditions of detention, due notably to overcrowding, the overuse of pre-trial detention, the low minimum age of criminal responsibility (10 years), the lengthy periods before juvenile cases can be heard and, the absence of assistance towards the rehabilitation and reintegration of juveniles following judicial proceedings. The Committee recommends that the State party take additional steps to reform the system of juvenile justice in the spirit of the Convention, in particular articles 37, 40 and 39, and other United Nations standards in the field of juvenile justice, including 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. In addition, the Committee recommends that the State party: (b) Consider deprivation of liberty only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest possible period of time; protect the rights of children deprived of their liberty and monitor their conditions of detention; and ensure that children remain in regular contact with their families while in the juvenile justice system; Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 55. Pay special attention to protection of children of persons in detention or prison (Czech Republic); (accepted) 56. Provide separate prison and detention facilities for minors, male and female inmates and improve access of inmates to adequate food and medical care (Czech Republic); (accepted) _________________________________________________________________________ UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) While noting the establishment of a national committee to combat violence against women and children, the Committee is concerned at the incidence of abuse, including sexual abuse, and neglect of children in the State party, and that insufficient efforts have been made to protect children. The Committee is also particularly concerned at the high level of domestic violence and at sexual abuse of girls in schools, which leads to a high rate of primary and secondary school drop-out. In addition, the Committee is concerned at the lack of appropriate financial and human resources and the lack of adequately trained personnel to prevent and combat physical and sexual abuse. In light of article 19 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and child abuse, including sexual abuse, in order to understand the scope and nature of these practices, to adopt effective measures and policies, and to contribute to changing attitudes. The Committee also recommends that cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse at schools be properly investigated through a child-sensitive judicial procedure, and that the perpetrators be sanctioned, with due regard for the right to privacy of the child. The Committee also recommends that appropriate weight be given to children’s views in legal proceedings; that support services be provided to child witnesses in legal proceedings; that provision be made for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of victims of rape, abuse, neglect, ill-treatment, violence or exploitation, in accordance with article 39 of the Convention; and that measures be taken to prevent the criminalisation and stigmatisation of victims. The Committee recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF. (Paragraphs 36 ad 37) Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 40. Investigate cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse at schools and sanction the perpetrators (Holy See); (accepted) 51. Within the context of incorporating the values of the culture of peace in public and private education, include actions to eliminate violence in schools and to address the special needs of children affected by conflict (Ghana); (accepted) NC - 38. Adopt efficient educational policies, notably through enforcing full accountability for school violence, human rights training programmes for teachers, and continuous expansion of the school network and its resources to guarantee a truly obligatory and accessible primary education (Slovakia); (accepted) _________________________________________________________________________ Barriers to access to education UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) While noting the adoption of the Education Act (1995) and of a national programme for the development of education (2000), as well as the current project to make education free and compulsory for all up to the age of 16 years, the Committee remains deeply concerned that primary education is not compulsory and free for all in the State party. The Committee is also concerned at the low education levels among children in the State party, gender and rural-urban disparities in school attendance, the limited access of children with disabilities to formal or vocational educational opportunities, the number of children who are several years behind in their primary education, and the high drop-out rate of children who do attend school. The Committee also expresses concerns at the fact that Koranic schools are placed under the authority and administration of the Ministry of the Interior. The Committee urges the State party to adopt and implement the project to make primary education free to all and compulsory. The Committee also recommends raising 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 Committee urges the State party to seek international assistance in this regard, including from UNICEF. The Committee recommends in addition that the State party ensure that children with disabilities have access to formal and vocational educational opportunities and that every effort be made to ensure that girls and boys, as well as children from urban and rural areas, have equal access to educational opportunities. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the State party seek assistance from UNICEF and UNESCO. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the State party take appropriate measures to ensure that Koranic schools respect national school curricula and aims of education and are placed under the authority of the Ministry for Education. (Paragraphs 50 and 51) Representative of the Secretary-general on the human rights of internally displaced persons Moreover, the lack of identity papers limits displaced persons' access to social and educational services. For example, mothers describe how difficult it is to enrol their children in school without a birth certificate. Their lack of identity papers also makes them particularly vulnerable to racketeering and corruption. (Paragraph 42) The Representative of the Secretary-General recommends that the government authorities should: Ensure that displaced persons have access to humanitarian assistance, particularly health care and education services, without discrimination. The authorities are encouraged to give priority, as far as possible, to displaced persons when allocating budget resources, to guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers and to consider adopting provisional measures, particularly for individuals without identity papers and children without birth certificates (Paragraph 67f) Universal Periodic Review (December 2001) 86. Continue to provide assistance and care for children and ensure that they have access to education and health (Saudi Arabia); (accepted) (accepted) 91. Promote education for all without discrimination (Bangladesh); (accepted) 92. Take all measures that it thinks are appropriate to expand primary education for all children, in rural as well as in urban areas, and make sure that it benefits equally girls and boys. (Algeria); (accepted) 93. Strengthen the free and compulsory primary education system and to reduce the gender and rural-urban disparities (Holy See); (accepted) NC - 35. Take concrete measures to make primary education effectively compulsory and free (Ireland); (no clear position) NC - 36. Take all necessary measures towards the achievement of the objective of universal primary education for all by 2015 (Slovenia); (no clear position) NC - 38. Adopt efficient educational policies, notably through enforcing full accountability for school violence, human rights training programmes for teachers, and continuous expansion of the school network and its resources to guarantee a truly obligatory and accessible primary education (Slovakia); (no clear position) _________________________________________________________________________ Children involved in violence or affected by armed conflict Representative of the Secretary-general on the human rights of internally displaced persons The Representative of the Secretary-General is nevertheless concerned about certain points, particularly the simultaneous organisation of the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process and the identification process, on which positions are firmly entrenched. In addition, the proliferation of weapons - especially weapons of war - the growing number of militias, especially in the west, and the gangs of youths espousing hate speech and violence pose challenges that must be met if a lasting solution is to be found. (Paragraph 25) The particularly volatile political situation in Côte d'Ivoire makes it difficult for the humanitarian organisations in the field to work effectively. The events of January 2006, when United Nations agencies were attacked by young patriots demonstrating against what they saw as a decision by the International Working Group on Côte d'Ivoire to "dissolve" the National Assembly, clearly demonstrate the unsafe environment in which humanitarian agencies have to work. The Representative of the Secretary-General notes with satisfaction, therefore, President Gbagbo's announcement that he intends to take the necessary steps to enable humanitarian organisations to do their job of providing assistance to the population, particularly in the Guiglo region, which was hardest hit by the events in January. The Representative of the Secretary-General is concerned, however, that the authorities do not seem to be taking adequate measures to prosecute those responsible for the above-mentioned attacks and to compensate the organisations concerned for the damage suffered. (Paragraph 36) The Representative of the Secretary-General is also concerned about the persistence of problems related to the physical protection of displaced persons, particularly in regions in the west and south of Côte d'Ivoire. Throughout the crisis, in fact, displaced persons who have had to flee their regions of origin for, basically, security reasons have been the victims of serious human rights violations committed both by the defence and security forces and by rebel or youth groups, who often go unpunished. According to the information received by the Representative of the Secretary-General, displaced persons continue to be the victims of numerous violations, and cases of targeted assassination, torture and sexual abuse have also been reported. There have also been reports of atrocities during the coffee and cocoa harvest. It is alleged that displaced persons are frequently the victims of extortion and racketeering. (Paragraph 47) Special Rapproteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance On 7 October 2002, a young man in Bouaké was allegedly stopped by a group of youths on his way home and burned alive because he belonged to the Dioula ethnic group. (Paragraph 30) On 5 May 2003, a girl was allegedly killed in Yamoussoukro after having been beaten and raped by members of the forces of law and order, for carrying a photograph of a rebel around with her. (Paragraph 32) Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression In late October 2002, several hundred West African immigrants and Ivorians of the Baoulé ethnic group were chased off their lands around Gagnoa, in southern Côte d'Ivoire, reportedly by groups of Bété youths, the same ethnic group as President Laurent Gbagbo. Moreover, in the West and Southwest of the country, militia gangs known as Bees, Gazelles, Panthers or Ninjas harassed and assaulted peasant farmers, many of whom are migrants from other West African countries, especially Burkina Faso. As a result, at least 250,000 people left Côte d'Ivoire, including Ivorians who took refuge in Liberia, and Guinea nationals from Liberia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and other West African countries. Members of the national armed forces allegedly provided militia members, particularly those of Bété ethnicity, with technical training and light weapons. (Paragraph 11) At the beginning of his visit, the Special Rapporteur had the opportunity of participating in the weekly human rights briefing held at the headquarters of MINUCI in order to acquire first-hand information regarding human rights and the humanitarian situation. Inter-ethnic confrontation, often originating in land property disputes, was still a major concern especially in the West of the country. Various patterns of human rights violations were repeated in those regions: attacks against civilians, notably women, who were often subject to sexual harassment, and the abduction of children, who were often forcibly recruited as soldiers. With regard to the humanitarian emergencies, several participants at the briefing evoked the lack of medical supplies and the dire situation of refugees of Liberian origin. (Paragraph 13) Reducing the intensity of the conflict is the conditio sine qua non of rebuilding confidence and trust between the population, political parties, associations and groups. The implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement should swiftly be achieved: this means the achievement of the process of disarmament and demobilisation, the disbanding of militia and the return to legality regarding the action of the police and the army. The seriousness of human rights violations, including violence against women, children and migrants, reached an intolerable level. (Paragraph 55) Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 51. Within the context of incorporating the values of the culture of peace in public and private education, include actions to eliminate violence in schools and to address the special needs of children affected by conflict (Ghana); (accepted) P - 14. Ratify the Optional Protocol to CRC on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Mauritius); (pending) P - 19. Take effective measures on sexual violence against children and consider the ratification of 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 (Azerbaijan); (pending) _________________________________________________________________________ UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) While noting the efforts undertaken by the State party within its Plan of Action to fight child trafficking, the Committee remains deeply concerned at 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. The Committee strongly encourages the State party to pursue its efforts in implementing the bilateral agreement with the Government of Mali and in extending this experience to other concerned countries. In addition, the Committee recommends that measures such as a comprehensive programme to prevent and combat the trafficking and sale of children be taken on an urgent basis, including an awareness raising campaign and educational programmes. (Paragraphs 55 and 56) Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 58. Continue and deepen the positive ongoing actions to protect children, including from trafficking and exploitation of minors (Cuba); (accepted) 59. Continue efforts to eliminate trafficking in children and address the problem of street children and child labour (Belarus); (accepted) 60. Strengthen policies aimed at protecting children from trafficking and forced labour (Angola); (accepted) 61. With the support of the international community, pursue its efforts to reduce crime and combat smuggling and trafficking of children and strengthen this with awareness-raising actions and training on the rights of the child (Algeria); (accepted) 105. Recommend that the international community help Côte d'Ivoire in its firm will to fight crime, sexual violence and trafficking of children through the establishment of adequate mechanisms in line with international standards (Niger); (accepted) _________________________________________________________________________ Discrimination or inadequate provision for children with disabilities UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) While noting that discrimination is prohibited under the Constitution, the Committee is concerned at the persistence of discrimination in the State party. In particular, the Committee is concerned at the occurrence of discrimination against non-citizen children, children with disabilities, children born out of wedlock, children from ethnic minorities, Muslim children and girls; the Committee is particularly concerned about the low participation rate of girls in education. Moreover, the Committee is concerned at the discrepancies in the enjoyment of rights by certain vulnerable groups: children living in rural areas, refugee children, children from poor families, and children living and/or working on the streets. In light of article 2 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party make concerted efforts at all levels to address discrimination, notably discrimination based on gender, disability, religion, and national, ethnic or social origin, through a review and reorientation of policies, including increased budgetary allocations for programmes targeting the most vulnerable groups. The Committee encourages the State party to ensure effective law enforcement, undertake studies and launch comprehensive public information campaigns to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination, where needed within the framework of international cooperation. (Paragraphs 22 and 23) Noting the current efforts by the State party (in particular Act No. 98-594 of 10 November 1998), the Committee is concerned at the situation of children with physical and mental disabilities, and in particular at the limited specialised health care and educational and employment possibilities available for them. The Committee is further concerned that poor health and poverty are leading to an increase in the number of children with disabilities. The Committee recommends that the State party review the situation of children with disabilities in terms of their access to suitable health care, educational services and employment opportunities, and that the State party establish a programme of action to address all areas of concern through an inclusive policy. The Committee recommends in addition that the State party take note of the Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the Committee’s recommendations adopted at its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities (see CRC/C/69). The Committee further recommends that the State party sensitise the population to the human rights of children with disabilities. The Committee also suggests that the State Party seek assistance from, among others, UNICEF and WHO. (Paragraphs 46 and 47) The Committee is also concerned at the low education levels among children in the State party, gender and rural-urban disparities in school attendance, the limited access of children with disabilities to formal or vocational educational opportunities, (Paragraph 50) Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 20. Step up efforts to protect the human rights and improve the lives of children, including orphans and children with disabilities, through, inter alia, reviewing related policies and increasing in the budget allocation for specific programmes for vulnerable groups (Malaysia) ; (accepted) 30. Continue to reform its policies and programmes with a view to improving the status of women, girls and children, including those with disabilities, and protecting them against violence and sexual abuse, as well as strengthening measures and mechanisms on administration of justice (Nigeria); (accepted) _________________________________________________________________________ UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) The Committee is deeply concerned at the fact that child labour in the State party is widespread and that children may be working long hours at young ages, which has a negative effect on their development and school attendance. The Committee recommends that the State party make every effort to ratify and implement ILO Convention (No. 138) on the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and ILO Convention (No. 182) concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour. The Committee recommends that the State party seek assistance from ILO/IPEC in this regard. (Paragraphs 53 and 54) Representative of the Secretary-general on the human rights of internally displaced persons With regard to children, over and above the difficulties related to the lack of birth certificates, the Representative of the Secretary-General was informed about the problems caused by the closure of schools and overcrowding in classes in reception areas. Cases in which displaced children are exploited both for their labour (agriculture, domestic work, night work, portering, etc.) and for sexual purposes have been reported. There have also been reports that some of them have been enlisted in armed groups. In this connection, the Representative of the Secretary-General would like to draw the attention of all parties involved in the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire to the fact that displaced children may in no circumstances be recruited into an armed force (Principle 13). (Paragraph 45) Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 59. Continue efforts to eliminate trafficking in children and address the problem of street children and child labour (Belarus); (accepted) 60. Strengthen policies aimed at protecting children from trafficking and forced labour (Angola); (accepted) _________________________________________________________________________ Representative of the Secretary-general on the human rights of internally displaced persons Having completed his mission, the Representative of the Secretary-General notes that the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire is not a classic humanitarian crisis, although some groups of displaced persons are in urgent need of assistance. According to the information he has collected, displaced persons are mainly suffering from problems related to the exercise of their economic and social rights. Everyone he met highlighted the dire poverty in which most of them were living. Although there is little information on the true situation of the 98 per cent of displaced persons living in host families, it is clear that these persons and the families that have taken them in are bound to have been affected disproportionately by the problems affecting the Ivorian population as a whole. The information received on the difficulties faced by displaced persons with regard to the full enjoyment of their rights to food, health care and education is particularly alarming. Representatives of displaced persons also mentioned that they have already been living off their host families in overcrowded houses for several years and that this situation has impoverished the families and led to tension between individuals, and is having a negative effect on the psychological and social development of children. Without an adequate government policy, the dire circumstances in which a large proportion of displaced persons find themselves could get even worse, especially as the host families begin to show signs of fatigue after three years of living in this way. (Paragraph 40) Moreover, the lack of identity papers limits displaced persons' access to social and educational services. For example, mothers describe how difficult it is to enrol their children in school without a birth certificate. Their lack of identity papers also makes them particularly vulnerable to racketeering and corruption. (Paragraph 42) The Representative of the Secretary-General recommends that the government authorities should: Ensure that displaced persons have access to humanitarian assistance, particularly health care and education services, without discrimination. The authorities are encouraged to give priority, as far as possible, to displaced persons when allocating budget resources, to guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers and to consider adopting provisional measures, particularly for individuals without identity papers and children without birth certificates (Paragraph 67f) Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 15. Attach greater priority to protection and aid programmes for victims of the crisis and vulnerable social groups, especially orphans, abandoned children and displaced persons (Viet Nam); (accepted) _________________________________________________________________________ Inadequate health care facilities UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) While taking note of the 1996 National Plan for Health Development, the Committee is deeply concerned at the extremely high and increasing infant mortality rates and low life expectancy in the State party, as well as at the low rates of breastfeeding. The Committee also remains concerned that health services in the districts and local areas continue to lack adequate resources (both financial and human). In addition, the Committee is concerned that the survival and development of children within the State party continue to be threatened by early childhood diseases such as acute respiratory infections and diarrhoea. Concern is also raised by the poor situation of sanitation and the insufficient access to safe drinking water, especially in rural communities. The Committee recommends that the State party reinforce its efforts to allocate appropriate resources and develop comprehensive policies and programmes to improve the health situation of children, particularly in rural areas. In this context, the Committee recommends that the State party facilitate greater access to primary health services; reduce the incidence of maternal, child and infant mortality; prevent and combat malnutrition, especially in vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of children; promote proper breastfeeding practices; and increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Additionally, the Committee encourages the State party to pursue additional avenues of cooperation and assistance for child health improvement with, among others, WHO and UNICEF. (Paragraphs 38 and 39) Representative to the Secretary-general on the human rights of internally displaced persons Having completed his mission, the Representative of the Secretary-General notes that the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire is not a classic humanitarian crisis, although some groups of displaced persons are in urgent need of assistance. According to the information he has collected, displaced persons are mainly suffering from problems related to the exercise of their economic and social rights. Everyone he met highlighted the dire poverty in which most of them were living. Although there is little information on the true situation of the 98 per cent of displaced persons living in host families, it is clear that these persons and the families that have taken them in are bound to have been affected disproportionately by the problems affecting the Ivorian population as a whole. The information received on the difficulties faced by displaced persons with regard to the full enjoyment of their rights to food, health care and education is particularly alarming. Representatives of displaced persons also mentioned that they have already been living off their host families in overcrowded houses for several years and that this situation has impoverished the families and led to tension between individuals, and is having a negative effect on the psychological and social development of children. Without an adequate government policy, the dire circumstances in which a large proportion of displaced persons find themselves could get even worse, especially as the host families begin to show signs of fatigue after three years of living in this way. (Paragraph 40) Moreover, the lack of identity papers limits displaced persons' access to social and educational services. For example, mothers describe how difficult it is to enrol their children in school without a birth certificate. Their lack of identity papers also makes them particularly vulnerable to racketeering and corruption. (Paragraph 42) The Representative of the Secretary-General recommends that the government authorities should: Ensure that displaced persons have access to humanitarian assistance, particularly health care and education services, without discrimination. The authorities are encouraged to give priority, as far as possible, to displaced persons when allocating budget resources, to guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers and to consider adopting provisional measures, particularly for individuals without identity papers and children without birth certificates (Paragraph 67f) Universal Periodic Review (December 2009) 86. Continue to provide assistance and care for children and ensure that they have access to education and health (Saudi Arabia); (accepted) _________________________________________________________________________ Children living on the streets UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, July 2001) While welcoming the establishment of a national programme for the social settlement and resettlement of street children, the Committee remains concerned at the increase in the number of children living in the streets. The Committee recommends that the State party make operational the inter-ministerial committee and the multidisciplinary national commission to ensure that children living in the streets are provided with adequate nutrition, clothing, housing, health care and educational opportunities, including vocational and life-skills training, in order to support their full development. Moreover, the State party should ensure that these children are provided with rehabilitation services for physical, sexual and substance abuse, protection from police brutality, and services for reconciliation with their families. (Paragraphs 57 and 58) Universal Periodic Review (December 2001) 59. Continue efforts to eliminate trafficking in children and address the problem of street children and child labour (Belarus); (accepted) _________________________________________________________________________
Last reported: 14 October 2011
Concluding Observations adopted: 21st October 2011
Country visit: 17 to 24 April 2006
Report published: 18 October 2006
Country visit: 17 – 24 April 2006
Report published: 18 October 2006
Country visit: 17 to 24 April 2006
Report published: 18 October 2006
Country visit: 28 January to 5 February 2004
Report published: 1 November 2004
Country visit: 17 to 24 April 2006
Report published: 18 October 2006
Country visit: 17 to 24 April 2006
Report published: 18 October 2006
Country visit: 17 to 24 April 2006
Report published: 18 October 2006