GAMBIA: Persistent violations of children's rights

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.

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Female genital mutilation

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

While the Committee notes the launch in March 1997 of the First National Action Plan for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation, it remains concerned that female genital mutilation (FGM) is not prohibited by law and is still widely practised in the State party. Concern is also expressed about the persistent use of other harmful traditional practices, including early, consanguine and forced marriages.

The Committee recommends that the State party take legislative and awareness-raising measures to combat and eradicate the persistent practice of FGM and other traditional practices harmful to the health, survival and development of children, especially girls. The Committee urges the State party to introduce sensitisation programmes for practitioners and the general public to encourage change in traditional attitudes and discourage harmful practices. (Paragraphs 48 and 49)

UN Human Rights Committee
Concluding Observations issued: 12 August 2004

The Committee expresses its concern over the fact that female genital mutilation continues to be practised widely in the State party's territory, notwithstanding the adoption of the First National Action Plan for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in March 1997. The Committee reaffirms that the practice of FGM is contrary to article 7 of the Covenant.

The State party should take prompt legal and educational measures to combat the practice of female genital mutilation. Rather than censoring radio and television broadcasts designed to combat the practice of FGM, such broadcasts should be reinstated and encouraged. (Paragraph 10).

UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Last reported: 18 May 1994
Concluding Observations issued: 31 May 1994

The Committee deplores the practice of female genital mutilation which is still prevalent in the Gambia. Independent experts report that more than half of the female population in the Gambia have undergone this procedure. (Paragraph 16)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 15 July 2005
Concluding Observations adopted: 22 July 2005

The Committee expresses concern at the high incidence of female genital mutilation in the country and at the lack of legislation, policies and programmes aimed at eradicating that practice.

The Committee urges the State party to adopt and adequately implement legislation prohibiting female genital mutilation, and to ensure that offenders are adequately prosecuted and punished. It also recommends that the State party develop a plan of action, including public awareness-raising campaigns, targeted at both women and men, with the support of civil society, to eliminate the practice of female genital mutilation. (Paragraphs 195 and 196)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

A - 29. Continue to promote efforts to fight FGM (Angola); (accepted)

A - 30. Step up measures to comprehensively address the problem of violence against women, including FGM, by expediting the enactment of the Women's Bill, and by implementing social, educational and legal safeguards and increasing public awareness campaigns to sensitise the community on the issue (Malaysia); (accepted)

NC - 14. Adopt and implement legislation prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and ensure that offenders are prosecuted and punished, and take legal and education measures to combat this practice (Slovenia); (no clear position)

NC - 41. Strengthen its laws to effectively combat FGM (Cote d'Ivoire); (no clear position)

NC - 42. Take all necessary social, educational and legal measures to eliminate the practise of FGM (Italy); (no clear position)

NC - 44. Enforce Gambia's Children's Act of 2005 on issues such as corporal punishment, early marriages, FGM and sexual exploitation of children, as well as the Child Trafficking Law of 2007 (Norway); (no clear position)

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Early and forced marriage, and discrimination between girls and boys in marriage laws

UN Committee on the rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

With reference to paragraph 60 of the State party's initial report, the Committee encourages the State party to take the necessary legislative measures:

(b) To set the legal minimum age for marriage of girls and boys at 18 years; (Paragraph 24)

The Committee expresses its concern with respect to the limited availability of programmes and services and the lack of adequate data in the area of adolescent health, violence, suicides, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, and, especially, early and forced marriage and early pregnancy and STDs.

The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen adolescent health policies, including reproductive health education. Further, the Committee suggests that a comprehensive and multidisciplinary study be undertaken to assess the scope of adolescent health problems. It also recommends that the State party undertake awareness-raising campaigns to discourage early and forced marriages. Additionally, it recommends that the State party allocate adequate human and financial resources to increase the number of social workers and psychologists and to develop youth-sensitive care, counselling and rehabilitation facilities for adolescents. It is further recommended that the State party seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF and WHO. (Paragraphs 44 and 45)

Concern is also expressed about the persistent use of other harmful traditional practices, including early, consanguine and forced marriages.

The Committee recommends that the State party take legislative and awareness-raising measures to combat and eradicate the persistent practice of FGM and other traditional practices harmful to the health, survival and development of children, especially girls. The Committee urges the State party to introduce sensitisation programmes for practitioners and the general public to encourage change in traditional attitudes and discourage harmful practices. (Paragraphs 48 and 49)

UN Human Rights Committee
Concluding Observations issued: 12 August 2004

The Committee remains concerned about the persistence and the extent of the practice of polygamy, and the different ages for marriage between boys and girls.

The State party should ensure that the practice of polygamy is discouraged. It should amend its laws that permit early marriages of boys and girls, at different ages. (Paragraph 18).

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 15 July 2005
Concluding Observations issued: 22 July 2005

While welcoming the adoption of the Children's Act, which includes provisions against child marriage and child betrothal, the Committee expresses concern about the high incidence of early marriage in the country.

The Committee urges the State party to ensure the implementation of the Children's Act and to undertake awareness-raising measures throughout the country on the negative effects of early marriage on women's enjoyment of their human rights, especially the rights to health and education. (Paragraph 209 and 210)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

NC - 43. Take further steps to address human rights abuses against women and children, especially domestic violence, forced and early marriages (Sudan); (no clear position)

NC - 44. Enforce Gambia's Children's Act of 2005 on issues such as corporal punishment, early marriages, FGM and sexual exploitation of children, as well as the Child Trafficking Law of 2007 (Norway); (no clear position)

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Violence against children, particularly domestic violence

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

The Committee is concerned about the high and increasing incidence of physical and sexual abuse of children, including in schools, care institutions and at home. Concern is also expressed about the lack of awareness of and information on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse (sexual, physical and psychological) of children and the insufficient financial and human resources allocated for programmes to combat abuse against children.

In light of article 19, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse (including sexual abuse within the family) in order to adopt policies which will help to change attitudes and improve the prevention and treatment of cases of violence against children. The Committee encourages the State party to consider introducing an effective system for reporting cases of abuse, including sexual abuse, of children. It also recommends that cases of domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse of children be properly investigated within a child-sensitive judicial procedure and that sanctions be applied to perpetrators, with due regard given to protecting the right to privacy of the child. In accordance with article 39 of the Convention, measures should be taken to ensure the rehabilitation of victims as well as perpetrators. Efforts should also be made to prevent the criminalisation and stigmatisation of child victims of abuse. The Committee recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF and UNDP. (Paragraphs 40 and 41)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 15 July 2005
Concluding Observations issued; 22 July 2005

The Committee expresses concern about the lack of legislation, policies and programmes to address violence against women, including domestic violence. The Committee also expresses its concern about the paucity of information and sex-disaggregated data in the report on violence against women. The Committee is further concerned about the lack of social awareness on the issue of violence against women and girls in the country.

The Committee requests the State party to adopt comprehensive measures to address violence against women and girls in accordance with its general recommendation 19. The Committee urges the State party to enact legislation on violence against women, including domestic violence, as soon as possible and to ensure that women and girls who are victims of any form of violence have access to immediate means of redress and protection, as well as access to counselling services, and that perpetrators are prosecuted and punished. The Committee calls upon the State party to collect sex-disaggregated data on all forms of violence against women and undertake research into the extent of violence against women and girls, including domestic violence. The Committee requests the State party to provide information in its next report on the laws and policies put in place to address violence against women and the impact of such measures. The Committee recommends the implementation of training for law enforcement officials, the judiciary, health providers, social workers and the general public so as to ensure that they are sensitised to all forms of violence against women and can adequately respond to it. It also recommends the implementation of awareness-raising campaigns, through the media and public education programmes, and working towards a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of violence against women. (Paragraphs 193 and 194)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

A - 30. Step up measures to comprehensively address the problem of violence against women, including FGM, by expediting the enactment of the Women's Bill, and by implementing social, educational and legal safeguards and increasing public awareness campaigns to sensitise the community on the issue (Malaysia); (accepted)

NC - 15. Take legal measures to prohibit all forms of physical and mental violence against children in all settings and to arrange an adequate juvenile justice system (Slovenia); (no clear position)

NC - 43. Take further steps to address human rights abuses against women and children, especially domestic violence, forced and early marriages (Sudan); (no clear position)

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Corporal punishment

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

The Committee expresses grave concern that corporal punishment is still practised and accepted in schools, families, and care and juvenile detention institutions, and as a punishment in the penal system.

The Committee recommends that the State party take legislative measures to prohibit all forms of physical and mental violence, including corporal punishment as a penal sanction within the juvenile justice system, in schools and care institutions, as well as in families. The Committee encourages the State party to reinforce its public awareness campaigns to promote positive, participatory, non-violent forms of discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment at all levels of society. (Paragraphs 32 and 33)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

NC - 44. Enforce Gambia's Children's Act of 2005 on issues such as corporal punishment, early marriages, FGM and sexual exploitation of children, as well as the Child Trafficking Law of 2007 (Norway); (no clear position)

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Low minimum age of criminal responsibility

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

The Committee is also concerned at the low age of criminal responsibility (seven years), the absence of juvenile courts and juvenile judges, and the lack of social workers and teachers to work in this field.

In addition, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(b) Raise the age of criminal responsibility (Paragraphs 66 and 67)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

A - 3. To raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility (Brazil); (accepted) [note, when this recommendation was made, the minimum age had been raised to 12 years)

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Inadequate and inappropriate juvenile justice system

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

The Committee notes that a National Committee on Juvenile Justice was established in 1998 to consider measures to strengthen preventive and reintegrative processes in the juvenile justice system. The Committee also notes that a separate prison wing for juvenile offenders was opened in March 2000, to ensure that juveniles are separated from adults in detention. However, the Committee is deeply concerned at the possibility that a child may be sentenced to the death penalty. The Committee is also concerned at the low age of criminal responsibility (seven years), the absence of juvenile courts and juvenile judges, and the lack of social workers and teachers to work in this field.

The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to implement a juvenile justice system in conformity with the Convention, in particular articles 37, 39 and 40, 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), the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty, and the Vienna Guidelines for Action on Children in the Criminal Justice System.

In addition, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(b) Raise the age of criminal responsibility;

(c) Undertake all necessary measures to ensure the establishment of juvenile courts and the appointment of trained juvenile judges;

(d) Use deprivation of liberty (institutionalisation) only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest possible period of time;

(e) Guarantee separation from adults in prison and in pre-trail detention places all over the country;

(f) Ensure that children remain in contact with their families while in the juvenile justice system;

(h) Strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration programmes;

(i) Consider seeking technical assistance from, among others, OHCHR, the Centre for International Crime Prevention, the International Network on Juvenile Justice and UNICEF, through the Coordination Panel on Technical Advice in Juvenile Justice. (paragraphs 67to 68)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

NC - 15. Take legal measures to prohibit all forms of physical and mental violence against children in all settings and to arrange an adequate juvenile justice system (Slovenia); (no clear position)

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Inadequate health provision for children

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

The Committee notes the efforts of the State party to improve health care for children through, inter alia, the National Nutrition Policy and the Participatory Health, Population and Nutrition Project. However, the Committee is concerned at the insufficient number of trained medical personnel; the lack of medicines, equipment and support for health workers; the high maternal, child and infant mortality rates; the high rate of malnutrition; the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS; the high incidence of malaria and acute respiratory infections; poor sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water, especially in rural areas.

The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Allocate sufficient resources to reinforce its policies and programmes to improve health care for children;

(b) Take all effective measures to increase the number of trained medical and other health personnel, including traditional healers; facilitate cooperation between trained medical personnel and traditional healers, especially midwives; reduce the incidence of maternal, child and infant mortality; increase access to safe drinking water; improve sanitation; prevent and combat malnutrition; and reduce the incidence of malaria and acute respiratory infections;

(c) Take all effective measures to facilitate greater access to health services by, inter alia, abolishing or rationalising cost-sharing in primary health care to reduce the burden on poor families;

(d) Continue its cooperation, through the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses and other measures for child health improvement, with, among others, WHO and UNICEF. (Paragraphs 42 and 43)

UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Last reported: 18 May 1994
Concluding Observations issued: 31 May 1994

With regard to the right to an adequate standard of living recognised in article 11 of the Covenant, the Committee is concerned about the reported inadequacy of food supply in the country. UNDP figures for 1992 show that 68.8 per cent of urban families did not have enough food and that the diet of 64 per cent of rural families was insufficient to withstand the rainy season. There are indications that chronic malnutrition among children could be as high as 40 per cent. The Committee regrets that it has no information on the right to housing in the Gambia.

Regarding the right to health in article 12 of the Covenant, the Committee expresses its deep concern over the extremely high maternal mortality rate of 1,050 per 100,000 live births. UNICEF identifies the main causes to be haemorrhage and infection related to the lack of access to and poor services. The Committee is equally concerned over the alarming UNDP figures of infant mortality and fertility rates of the Gambia, which are among the highest in Africa: 145.1 per 1,000 live births in 1986-87 and a 6.5 fertility rate during the same period. The Committee deplores the practice of female genital mutilation which is still prevalent in the Gambia. Independent experts report that more than half of the female population in the Gambia have undergone this procedure. (Paragraphs 15 and 16)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

A - 7. Elaborate a development plan with a view, inter alia, to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger as the most daunting challenge of the country, and to provide access to education, health care for all its citizens, particularly women and children (Iran) (accepted)

A - 37. Take measures to reduce infant mortality rates (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya); (accepted)

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Inadequate reproductive health care and education

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

The Committee expresses its concern with respect to the limited availability of programmes and services and the lack of adequate data in the area of adolescent health, violence, suicides, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, and, especially, early and forced marriage and early pregnancy and STDs.

The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen adolescent health policies, including reproductive health education. Further, the Committee suggests that a comprehensive and multidisciplinary study be undertaken to assess the scope of adolescent health problems. It also recommends that the State party undertake awareness-raising campaigns to discourage early and forced marriages. Additionally, it recommends that the State party allocate adequate human and financial resources to increase the number of social workers and psychologists and to develop youth-sensitive care, counselling and rehabilitation facilities for adolescents. It is further recommended that the State party seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF and WHO. (Paragraphs 44 and 45)

While noting the launch of the HIV/AIDS Rapid Response Programme, the Committee remains extremely concerned at the high incidence and increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst adults and children and the resulting number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. In this regard, the Committee is concerned at the lack of alternative care for these children.

The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Increase its efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS and take into consideration the recommendations the Committee adopted at its day of general discussion on children living in a world with HIV/AIDS (CRC/C/80, para. 243);

(b) Urgently consider ways of minimising the impact upon children of the HIV/AIDS-related deaths of parents, teachers and others, in terms of children’s reduced access to a family life, adoption, emotional care and education;

(c) Involve children in formulating and implementing preventive policies and programmes; and

(d) Seek further technical assistance from, among others, UNAIDS. (Paragraphs 46 and 47)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 15 July 2005
Concluding Observations issued: 22 July 2005

The Committee expresses concern about the high rates of malnutrition, malaria and HIV/AIDS affecting women and girls in the country. The Committee is further concerned that women lack access to information and services related to reproductive health and that, although contraceptive use increased from 6.7 per cent in 1990 to 13.4 per cent in 2001, it continues to remain low. The Committee regrets that women's access to family planning services is, in general, dependent on several social and cultural factors.

The Committee recommends the implementation of comprehensive policies and programmes to prevent and combat malnutrition, malaria and HIV/AIDS. The Committee calls upon the State party to implement measures to guarantee effective access for women, including young women, to reproductive health-care information and services. It further recommends that programmes and policies be adopted to increase knowledge about, and access to, affordable contraceptive methods and to increase the understanding that family planning is the responsibility of both partners. It also encourages the State party to ensure that women have easy access to family planning services. The Committee also recommends that sex education be widely promoted and provided, targeting men and women, and adolescent boys and girls, and including information on the prevention of HIV/AIDS. (Paragraph 205 and 206)

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Inadequate education provision and barriers to access to education for girls

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2009)

The Committee notes the efforts of the State party to improve the situation of education in the country, including the recent launching of the Third Education Sector Programme. Nevertheless, the Committee expresses concern that primary education is not free in practice, which further limits access to education, especially for girls, children from economically disadvantaged families and those living in remote rural communities. Concern is also expressed regarding low enrolment and high drop-out and repetition rates, insufficient numbers of trained teachers, an insufficient number of schools and classrooms, lack of relevant learning material, and geographical disparity in enrolment rates and access to education. The Committee is particularly concerned about the high rate of illiteracy within the State party, especially in relation to girls. In light of article 29 (1) of the Convention, the Committee is also concerned about the quality of education within the State party.

The Committee urges the State party to take legal and other measures to guarantee the right to education for all children within its territory. The Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures, including the allocation and distribution of adequate financial, human and technical resources, to make primary education free, train teachers, including female teachers effectively, enhance the quality of education and improve the literacy rate. It is further recommended that the State party reinforce its efforts to increase enrolment in schools by, inter alia, abolishing and/or rationalising user fees at all levels of the educational system. The State party should pay particular attention to the quality of education, in light of article 29 (1) and the Committee’s general comment No. 1 on the aims of education. It is recommended that the State party seek to strengthen its educational system through closer cooperation with UNICEF and UNESCO. (Paragraphs 54 and 55)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 15 July 2005
Concluding Observations issued: 22 July 2005

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

The Committee urges the State party to take measures on the importance of realising women's and girls' right to education as a fundamental human right, including for the empowerment of women. It also calls upon the State party to strengthen measures to create an environment that increases the enrolment and retention rates of girls in school at all levels, including through the development of gender-sensitive educational material. The Committee calls upon the State party to step up its efforts to eradicate female illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, including through comprehensive education programmes at the formal and non-formal levels, as well as programmes specifically targeting adult women. The Committee encourages the State party to use temporary special measures, in accordance with article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee's general recommendation 25, in order to accelerate the improvement of women's and girls' education. (Paragraph 297 and 298)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

A - 50. Continue efforts to promote education for the good of all (Kuwait); (accepted)

A - 51. Strengthen national education programmes in favour of girls and persons with disabilities (Niger); (accepted)

98 A - 1. Consolidate efforts to improve educational infrastructure at secondary, tertiary and higher education levels to ensure equitable access and quality education for all (Pakistan); (accepted)

A - 7. Elaborate a development plan with a view, inter alia, to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger as the most daunting challenge of the country, and to provide access to education, health care for all its citizens, particularly women and children (Iran). (accepted)

NC - 50. Take effective measures to make primary education free, enhance the quality of education, improve the literacy rate and increase enrolment in schools by abolishing or rationalising tuition fees at all levels of the educational system as recommended by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (Turkey). (no clear position)

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Discrimination against girls and children born out of wedlock

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

While noting that the 1997 Constitution sets out to eliminate all forms of discrimination, the Committee is concerned that section 33 (5) of the Constitution excludes matters of personal law such as marriage, divorce and inheritance, and matters ruled by customary law, and that the principle of non-discrimination is not adequately implemented with respect to certain vulnerable groups of children, especially girls, children born out of wedlock and children with disabilities. The Committee is particularly concerned about the limited access of these children to adequate health, education and other social services.

The Committee, with reference to paragraph 70 of the State Party’s initial report, encourages the State party to amend its Constitution to exclude all forms of discrimination and to take all effective measures to implement laws, policies and programmes in order to guarantee the principle of non-discrimination and full compliance with article 2 of the Convention, particularly as it relates to vulnerable groups of children.

The Committee requests that specific information be included in the next periodic report on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention undertaken by the State party to follow up on the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and taking account of the Committee’s general comment No. 1 on article 29 (1) of the Convention on the aims of education. (Paragraphs 25 to 27)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

A - 16. Continue work in areas of discrimination against women and children (Kyrgyzstan); (accepted)

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Sexual abuse, exploitation and the trafficking of children

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

The Committee is concerned about the large and increasing number of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including for prostitution and pornography, especially among child labourers and street children. Concern is also expressed at the insufficient programmes for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of child victims of such abuse and exploitation.

In light of article 34 and other related articles of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies with a view to assessing the scope of commercial sexual exploitation of children, including for prostitution and pornography, and implementing appropriate preventive and rehabilitative policies and programmes for child victims. The Committee also encourages the State party to pursue its efforts to adopt a national plan of action against commercial sexual exploitation of children, taking into account the recommendations formulated in the Agenda for Action adopted at the 1996 World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. (Paragraphs 64 and 65)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 15 July 2005
Concluding Observations issued: 22 July 2005

The Committee expresses concern at the limited information provided in the report on the sexual exploitation and trafficking of women and girls in the Gambia, and on measures taken to combat these phenomena effectively. The Committee is particularly concerned about the phenomenon of sex tourism in the country.

The Committee requests the State party to introduce legislation on the prohibition of trafficking, to implement effectively legislation on the exploitation of the prostitution of women and to prosecute offenders. It recommends that the State party put in place programmes for promoting women's economic independence so as to eliminate their vulnerability to exploitation, and measures for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of women and girls who are victims of exploitation and trafficking. The Committee calls upon the State party to ensure the implementation of the 2003 Tourism Offence Act and to enhance cooperation with tourists' countries of origin aimed at preventing and combating sex tourism. The Committee requests the State party to provide, in its next report, comprehensive information and data on sexual exploitation and trafficking of women and girls, and on measures taken to prevent and combat such activities, including sex tourism.(Paragraphs 197 and 198)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

A - 31. Intensify measures to effectively combat child sexual abuse and exploitation (Azerbaijan); (accepted)

A - 5. To toughen liability for sexual abuse, exploitation and child trafficking (Belarus); (accepted)

NC - 44. Enforce Gambia's Children's Act of 2005 on issues such as corporal punishment, early marriages, FGM and sexual exploitation of children, as well as the Child Trafficking Law of 2007 (Norway); (no clear position)

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Discrimination against, and inadequate services for, children with disabilities

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observation, November 2001)

The Committee is concerned about the inadequate legal protection and the insufficient facilities and services for children with disabilities. Concern is also expressed at the limited number of trained teachers available to work with children with disabilities, as well as the insufficient efforts made to facilitate their inclusion into the educational system and generally within society. The Committee also notes with concern the inadequate resources allocated to special education programmes for children with disabilities.

In light of the Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the recommendations adopted by the Committee at its day of general discussion on “The rights of children with disabilities” (CRC/C/69, paras. 310-339), it is recommended that the State party:

(a) Take effective measures to collect adequate statistical data on children with disabilities and to ensure the use of such data in the development of policies and programmes for these children;

(b) Reinforce its efforts to develop early detection programmes to prevent disabilities;

(c) Implement alternatives to the institutionalisation of children with disabilities;

(d) Establish special education programmes for them and, where feasible, integrate them into mainstream schools and public life;

(e) Undertake awareness-raising campaigns to sensitise the public about the rights and special needs of children with disabilities as well as children with mental health concerns;

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

(g) Seek technical cooperation for the training of professional staff, including teachers, working with and for children with disabilities from, among others, WHO and UNESCO (Paragraphs 50 and 51)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

A - 47. Multiply efforts to expand the coverage of education and expand services to include the disabled (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya); (accepted)

A - 48. Increase level of education to cover disabled children (Kyrgyzstan); (accepted)

A - 51. Strengthen national education programmes in favour of girls and persons with disabilities (Niger); (accepted)

A - 54. Request technical assistance from the various United Nations bodies, responsible in particular for the protection of children's rights and of persons with disabilities so that in order to ensure the effectiveness of the rights of these vulnerable persons (Burkina Faso) (accepted)

P - 31. Adopt measures to protect the rights of certain vulnerable groups of children, in particular, girls, children born out of wedlock, and children with disabilities (Chile); (pending)

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Inadequate response to poverty and low standard of living affecting children

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, November 2001)

The Committee is concerned about widespread poverty and the increasingly high numbers of children who do not enjoy the right to an adequate standard of living, including children belonging to poor families, street children, child beggars, refugee and asylum-seeking children, and children living in remote rural communities.

The Committee recommends that in accordance with article 27 of the Convention, the State party reinforce its efforts to provide support and material assistance to economically disadvantaged families and to guarantee the right of children to an adequate standard of living. In this connection, the Committee recommends that the State party pay particular attention to the rights and needs of children when introducing its Poverty Reduction Strategy and all other programmes intended to improve the standard of living in the country. In this regard, the Committee encourages the State party to coordinate its efforts with civil society and local communities. (Paragraphs 52 and 53)

Universal Periodic Review (February 2009)

A - 7. Elaborate a development plan with a view, inter alia, to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger as the most daunting challenge of the country, and to provide access to education, health care for all its citizens, particularly women and children (Iran). (accepted)

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Countries

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