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Summary: A compilation of extracts featuring child-rights issues from the reports submitted to the second Universal Periodic Review. There are extracts from the 'National Report', the 'Compilation of UN Information' and the 'Summary of Stakeholders' Information'. Also included is the list of accepted and rejected recommendations. Philippines - 2nd Session – 2012 Scroll to: Summary of Stakeholders' Information Accepted and Rejected Recommendations (Read about the first review cycle) 2. Updated data was gathered from government bodies concerned, and drafts of the report were subjected to a series of consultations involving the Commission on Human Rights, a broad range of civil society organizations and non-government organizations, and sectors such as the youth and academe. 5. This segment of the report contains the most recent updates of policies, programs, projects, and related actions of the Philippine Government along the major strategic tracks of its human rights advocacy which include: • Mainstreaming of human rights as a tool in good and effective governance; • Deepening and broadening the Government’s commitment to human rights; • Aggressive advancement of economic, social, and cultural rights; • Sustainability of efforts in promoting sectoral rights, with special attention given to women’s and children’s rights; • Establishment of complementary mechanisms to further the protection of civil and political rights. 10. Administrative Order 249, signed on 13 December 2008, to highlight the State’s observance of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, directed Executive agencies to address relevant human rights issues, such as the need for the Philippine justice system to swiftly resolve human rights violations, observance of human rights in peace and order and internal security operations, conduct of education campaign on people’s rights under the Philippine justice system, enhancing people’s access to lawyers and paralegals, human rights constituency-building in the security sector and among students and youth, improvements in the education system, and establishment of centers for human rights education. 11. The Order also required that the overall formulation of the country’s development policies, plans, and programs be in accordance with the human rights-based approach to development. It stressed that special attention be given to vulnerable groups such as women, indigenous peoples, children in armed conflict and in conflict with the law, returning overseas workers, and to the fight against poverty, provision of adequate housing, and local government accountability in human rights information dissemination. 18. In November 2011, the Philippines hosted the visiting Myanmar Human Rights Commission. This newly formed human rights institution of Myanmar sought to learn from the Philippine experience in human rights. Its visit provided an opportunity to interact with the Commission on Human Rights, Presidential Human Rights Committee, the Philippine Commission on Women, the Council for the Welfare of Children, as well as non- government and civil society organizations (e.g., the Ateneo Human Rights Center, the Coalition on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, CEDAW Watch, and the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation). 24. The following are relevant laws, aside from the Magna Carta of Women, enacted during the reporting period that significantly bear on women’s and children’s rights: • Anti-Pornography Act of 2009; • Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2010; • Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act; • Amended Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act; • Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law; • Legitimization of Children Born to Underage Parents; • Anti-Torture Act; • Requiring the Certification of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to declare a “Child legally available for Adoption”. 25. The Philippine Government is currently undertaking a review of various cases of alleged human rights violations, particularly those that deal with extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture, and whose primary suspects are members of the security sector. The military, apart from its own internal monitoring, has been actively participating in mechanisms such as: • The National Monitoring Mechanism for the prevention of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance and torture; • Monitoring and Response System for the Prevention of Grave Child Rights Violations; • Complaint and Monitoring Working Group of the Government of the Philippines-Monitoring Committee of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), a peace agenda agreement signed by the Government with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines; • Monitoring Mechanism for the Prevention of Violations of Workers’ Rights for the prevention of violations of International Labor Organization Conventions Numbers 87 and 98, and; • Procedures of Reporting and Monitoring of Human Rights Violations in coordination with the Philippine Association of Human Rights Advocates. 67. The Philippine Government continued its regular reporting to the UN human rights treaty bodies to which it is a State Party. Since the first Universal Periodic Review, the Philippines submitted five periodic reports under the following treaties: International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (11–12 November 2008), International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW) (23–24 April 2009), Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) (28–29 April 2009), International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (18–19 August 2009), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (15 September 2009). 71. Recent Government measures to combat trafficking in persons include the following: • Department of Justice Circular No. 49 issued on 25 June 2010, and No. 57 on 29 July 2010, directing Prosecutors to prioritize and fast-track the resolution and trial of trafficking in persons cases, with further instruction to oppose Motions designed to delay the prosecution, and with the prohibition to dismiss cases on grounds of affidavits of desistance executed by the victims or his/her guardians; • Department of Interior and Local Government-Department of Justice-Department of Social Welfare and Development Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2010-1 issued on 18 October 2010, on the creation of Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children to establish and strengthen local structures to collaboratively address the problems of trafficking in persons and violence against women and children, through policies and legislations; • Memorandum of Agreement on 18 October 2010 by the Department of Interior and Local Government with the Blas Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, to better coordinate anti- trafficking in persons efforts of the government with that of civil society and private groups. 74. The Philippines pursues the following lead efforts to combat trafficking in persons at the international level: • Expansion of anti-trafficking training programs for Foreign Service Officers and other personnel of Philippine embassies and consulates abroad; • Active involvement in the United Nations and the ASEAN. The Philippines chairs the ASEAN-Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crimes (SOMTC) Working Group on TIP. The SOMTC, as the implementing arm of policies and plans adopted by the ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Transnational Crime, has the primary responsibility for implementing the ASEAN Declaration on Trafficking in Persons, which was adopted in 2004; • Sustained cooperation through information-exchange with other countries; • Hosting of two Expert Meetings on the development of an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP). The Philippine Government has consistently called for the early adoption of the ACTIP at the ASEAN; • Presentation of thematic resolutions in the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council, in partnership with Germany, on combating trafficking in persons, especially women and children. 75. The Philippine Government further strengthens the implementation of laws against violence against women and children through individual agency and inter-agency initiatives such as the following: • The Department of Interior and Local Government directed the Philippine National Police to set up Women’s and Children’s Desks at police stations and at all levels in the country. As of February 2011, 1,829 desks, staffed by 2,977 police officers, 2,957 of which are well-trained female officers, have been made operational in these stations. • A Joint Memorandum Circular issued on 9 December 2010, by the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Philippine Commission on Women, in line with provisions of the Magna Carta of Women provided for the creation of Violence against Women (VAW) Desks in barangays, or villages. The Circular also provides for Barangay Protection Orders for VAW victims and calls for local governments to allocate funds to sustain the VAW Desks. As of 31 October 2011, 26,981 barangays have VAW Desks. • The Philippine Commission on Women spearheaded the inter-agency development of the Performance Standards and Assessment Tools for Services Addressing VAW, which benchmarks the quality and effectiveness of services provided to VAW victim-survivors, including trafficked victims, ensuring gender-sensitiveness and needs responsiveness. The agencies involved are the Philippine National Police for investigatory services or procedures; Department of Health for medical or hospital- based services; Department of Social Welfare and Development for psychosocial services; Department of Justice for legal/ prosecution services; Department of Interior and Local Government and local government units for anti-VAW services at the barangay, municipal, city and provincial levels. • The Inter-Agency Committee on the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, led by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process, harmonizes national efforts and aligns the same to ensure responsiveness of the national programs to the needs of women in armed conflict. 78. The Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary, the over-all committee in charge of the GAD Program of the Supreme Court, spearheaded in March 2010 the National Summit on Family Courts, in partnership with the Philippine Judicial Academy and the Philippine Judges Association, with the theme “Strengthening the Multi-Sectorial Framework for the Protection of Family, Women and Children.” Participants in the Summit included selected family court judges, clerks of court, interpreters, social workers, prosecutors, representatives from the Public Attorney’s Office, the Senate and the House of Representatives, other government agencies, civil society and media. Three areas of concern were addressed, namely: regularization of family courts, codification of rules on women and children, and law reform. 80. The Supreme Court also promulgated the Rule on Juveniles in Conflict with the Law (Administrative Matter No. 02-1-18-SC, November 24, 2009). 81. The Philippine Commission on Women is closely coordinating with the House Committee on Basic Education as it undertakes means by which the 2005 CRC Concluding Observations can be made to relate to proposed legislation on the basic education of children. 82. The following are priority bills in the House of Representatives on child development and protection: • House Bill (HB) No.13 providing for the safety and protection of the unborn child; • HB No. 4244 providing for a comprehensive policy on responsible parenthood, reproductive health, and population and development; • HB 166 “An Act Amending Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as the ‘Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act’ by penalizing any act that prevents the child to learn and use the language of his family in his Basic Education, and for other purposes”; • HB No. 4481 on the institutionalization of foster care in the Philippines; • HB No. 4480 on the special protection of children in situations of armed conflict • HB No. 4455 on the promotion of positive discipline in lieu of corporal punishment; • Anti-Prostitution Bill pending in both Houses of Congress; • Seven consolidated bills on “An Act Establishing at least one (1) Special Education Center for Each School Division and at least three (3) Special Education Centers in Big School Divisions for Children with special needs, guidelines for government financial assistance and other incentives and support” which are currently filed in the 15th Congress. 87. From 2009 to 2011, National Human Right Forums discussed critical human rights issues, such as the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, Degrading Treatment or Punishment in March 2009; review of cases of some 30 alleged political detainees in April 2009; enforced disappearances and the anti-disappearance bill in May 2009; enhancing the rights of migrant workers in July 2009; children in armed conflict in August 2009; national human rights action plan in December 2009; human rights and IHL in March 2009; promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in April 2009; informal settlers in September 2009; advancing people’s right to health in March 2010; claiming and defending women’s rights in December 2011; and rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders, also in December 2011. 4. In 2011, UNICEF stated that in the period since the first UPR, the Philippines had passed a number of laws for the protection of women and children, such as Republic Act 9710 Magna Carta for Women (2009) and Republic Act 9775 Anti Child Pornography Law (2009). However, those laws were not yet consistently nor effectively enforced. 13. In 2008, CESCR noted with concern that the Philippines had not made sufficient progress in reviewing and repealing discriminatory provisions against women still existing in national legislation. It urged the Philippines to undertake a comprehensive review of its legislation with a view to ensuring de jure and de facto equality between men and women. In particular, it urged the Philippines to adopt the Marital Infidelity Bill, which sought to remove the discriminatory provisions in the Revised Criminal Code pertaining to “concubinage” and “adultery”, and to review the interpretation of the Code of Muslim Personal Laws which permitted polygamy and the marriage of girls under the age of 18. 15. In 2009, CRC reiterated its concern at discrimination faced by many children as regards their access to social and health services and education. It also remained concerned at the de facto discrimination still affecting the girl child, and that the Philippines has not yet addressed the situation of children born out of wedlock. CRC recommended that the Philippines inter alia mainstream the Girl Child Plan and strengthen its implementation; and revise its domestic legislation, so as to give children born out of wedlock the right to equal treatment, including their right to inheritance 21. CRC welcomed the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act. However, it expressed concern at the increasing number of cases of domestic violence, and at the fact that they went mostly unreported. CRC also reiterated its concern at the alleged cases of sexual abuse of children in religious institutions. 22. CRC urged the Philippines to intensify its awareness-raising campaign against corporal punishment. It also recommended that the Philippines take all necessary measures to implement the United Nations Study on violence against children. 23. CRC reiterated its concern at the high number of children living in the streets and their special vulnerability to various forms of violence and abuse. UNCT and UNICEF expressed similar concerns. CRC recommended that the Philippines inter alia place emphasis on ensuring the right of children to education, among other measures by linking it to the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme. 24. CAT expressed concern about allegations of continued abduction and military recruitment of child soldiers by non-State armed groups. CRC and the ILO Committee of Experts expressed similar concerns. CRC recommended that the Philippines inter alia take all feasible measures to eliminate the root causes and prevent recruitment and use of children by those groups. It also called on the Philippines to take the necessary legislative measures to address the ambiguity of Republic Act 7610, article 10, prohibiting the recruitment of children, to ensure that the perpetrators of violations of the Act are punished. The ILO Committee requested the Philippines inter alia to pursue its efforts to rehabilitate and integrate children affected by the armed conflict. On the same issue, the Special representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict stated that during her visit to the Philippines in April 2011, she advocated inter alia for the implementation of the specific recommendations of the Secretary-General and the Working Group of the Security Council on Children and Armed Conflict. 25. While noting various efforts to combat child labour, CESCR and CRC were concerned at the large number of child workers between the ages of 5 and 14, as well as the large number of women and children who continued to be trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour. The ILO Committee of Experts, UNCT and UNICEF expressed similar concerns. CRC urged the Philippines to intensify its efforts to combat child labour and protect children from all forms of sexual and economic exploitation, including the worst forms of child labour. 30. CRC urged the Philippines to ensure that juvenile justice standards are fully implemented, and take all necessary measures to ensure that the age of criminal responsibility is not lowered. 32. CRC noted with concern that there are many unregistered children in the country. It urged the Philippines inter alia to ensure allocation of adequate resources to registration centres; take further measures to ensure easy access to registration by the population, including in the most remote areas of the country; and put in place a mechanism to encourage and provide for late registration free of charge. It also encouraged the Philippines to further facilitate registration for parents, irrespective of their residence status, for children born abroad. 37. The ILO Committee of Experts urged the Philippines to take the necessary measures to ensure that children under the minimum age specified by the Government, i.e. 15 years, working in the agricultural sector enjoy the protection afforded by ILO Convention No. 138 (1973) concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment. 41. UNDAF 2012-2018 indicated that there had been no notable decrease in maternal or neonatal mortality during the last several years. The inability to achieve notable reductions was due to a combination of factors that included high fertility, difficult access to modern and more effective contraception, increasing teenage pregnancies, poor maternal education and nutrition, and limited access to a continuum of services by skilled health personnel especially during emergency obstetrics care. 42. CRC noted with concern the increasing number of children who did not attend school. It also reiterated its concern at poor schooling facilities, particularly in the remote areas. It urged the Philippines to allocate the necessary financial, human and technical resources to education. 43. UNESCO stated that extreme economic inequalities fuelled education inequalities, notably by pushing many children out of school and into employment. The ILO Committee of Experts requested the Philippines to take the necessary measures to raise the age of completion of compulsory schooling from 12 years to 15 years in order to combat child labour. The Committee of Experts also requested the Philippines to continue taking measures to improve the functioning of the education system, in particular by increasing school enrolment and attendance rates among children under 15 years of age at the primary as well as the secondary level. 45. CRC expressed concern at the lack of a comprehensive policy to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access to social, educational, health and other services, and at the high prevalence of disability among Philippine children, due to a number of causes, including malnutrition and unsanitary living conditions. It recommended that the Philippines strengthen its measures to protect and promote their rights. 49. UNCT stated that protracted ethnic and political conflict in Mindanao has resulted in widespread poverty. UNICEF stated that, in many parts of Mindanao, the child health and nutrition situation was worse than in other parts of the Philippines. 50. While acknowledging the inclusion for the first time of indigenous people’s concerns in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan 2004-2010 (MTPDP), CRC reiterated its concern at the widespread poverty among minorities and indigenous peoples and the limited access to social and health services and education. It recommended that the Philippines strengthen its efforts to implement IPRA, and raise awareness in communities and schools of the multicultural nature of Filipino society and the need for education to be sensitive to the traditions, languages and views of different ethnic groups. CRC also recommended that indigenous children are not recruited by armed forces. 53. CMW also expressed concern over the situation of children whose parents have migrated abroad, and inter alia encouraged the Philippines to support a comprehensive study with the aim of developing adequate strategies to ensure protection and full enjoyment of the rights of those children. 56. CRC expressed concern at the continuing and increasing displacement of children and urged the Philippines to ensure their access to social and health services, education and development. 59. CRC also recommended that the Philippines continue to strengthen its efforts to reduce pollution and environmental degradation by strengthening the implementation of domestic environmental laws; introduce environmental health education programmes in schools; take effective measures to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, particularly in the rural areas and slums; and develop and implement an action plan or strategy on assistance and protection of children affected by natural disasters. Summary of Stakeholders' Information 3. CHRP referred to Recommendation 1 on inter alia a gender-responsive approach within the judicial system and stated that some judges refrained from applying the Anti- Violence against Women and their Children Act and other legislation including 1997 special law on rape. As pronounced by the Court of Appeals, women needed to satisfy a high threshold to prove rape and the lack of consent; the Magna Carta of Women did not make provision for the prosecution of alleged perpetrators; and rehabilitation and post- conflict care of women and children remained a challenge. 6. CHRP referred to Recommendation 9 on the legislative gaps in relation to the rights of children and expressed concern over the attempt to suspend the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act; and to enact a law to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 9 years. 19. Joint Submission 10 (JS 10) stated that domestic legislation should be reviewed to ensure that the legal framework for child protection was consistent with CRC. 20. JS 10 stated that legislation did not specifically address the rights of children with disabilities. It made recommendations which included the enactment of House Bill 4631 that made provision for sign language interpretation in court proceedings. 29. Joint Submission 15 (JS 15) recommended: revision to the Anti-Child Abuse Act of 1992 to ensure that a child who is a victim of prostitution will not be prosecuted; the enactment of extraterritorial legislation to prosecute Filipino citizens who allegedly sexually exploit children abroad; and the implementation of the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 which should include sufficiently trained and well equipped law enforcement personnel . 31. Children’s Rehabilitation Centre (CR) stated that House Bill 4480 on the protection of children in armed conflict, broadened the definition of a child soldier, and increased the vulnerability of children to human rights violations. 61. Joint Submission 9 (JS 9) stated that torture of children was widespread and that the awareness of torture of children was low and rarely reported due to the lack of differentiation between child abuse and child torture. Children were most at risk of torture in places of detention and torture was mainly perpetrated by the police and security forces. 62. Joint Submission 6 (JS 6) referred to the Philippines’ acceptance of the recommendation to address legislative gaps in the protection of children’s rights, and stated that one such gap was the absence of law that prohibited corporal punishment. JS 6 made recommendations including the prohibition in law of all forms of corporal punishment. 63. Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children (GIEACPC) stated that corporal punishment was lawful in the home; prohibited in schools; in the penal system, was unlawful as a sentence for a crime; and prohibited in alternative care settings. 64. JS 11 stated that there was an increase in violence against women. EnGendeRights (ER) stated that incidence of gender-based violence, including rape, remained high, with an average of eight women and nine children raped daily. 65. Jubilee Campaign (JC) stated that the Philippines served as a major hub of sex tourism, particularly in relation to sexual acts with minors. The plight of child sex slaves was exacerbated by corruption and impunity which favoured the foreign sex tourists. JC made recommendations, including the taking of urgent measures to combat the sex slave trade . 66. JS 15 recommended regular training on child trafficking and on commercial sexual exploitation of children for law enforcement personnel, judges, prosecutors and social workers, amongst others; and the availability of adequate support services for victims. 69. JS 10 reported large numbers of street children in 22 major cities across the Philippines, lived mainly in “squatter” areas; and were exposed to a variety of dangers including trafficking.94 It made recommendations which included the adoption of measures to provide specific attention to children living in the streets. 70. JS 10 estimated that over 25 million children between the ages of 5 to 17 were child labours, the majority of whom worked to support the economic needs of their household. It recommended that the Philippines ensure families the minimum standards of living so that children may not be forced to work. 80. JS 10 expressed concern about the 2.6 million children who remained unregistered and made recommendations which included ensuring free birth registration. 82. JS 13 stated despite acceptance of Recommendation 9, the Philippines failed to implement laws that will ensure equal protection and security of all children regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. It made recommendations which included implementing Recommendation 1 in compliance with the obligations under CRC. 99. IBON Foundation (IF) stated that women and children were the worst affected by the lack of access to adequate and nutritious food supplies. 100. BAM stated that infant mortality remained one of the highest in the Southeast Asia region, at 23.2 per 1,000 births in 2010. The under-5 mortality rate was at 29.4 in 2010. 101. Joint Submission 12 (JS 12) stated that the failure of the Philippines to provide sexual and reproductive health information, supplies and services has resulted in unnecessary and highly preventable maternal deaths, unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions; the lack of age-appropriate sexual rights education and information coupled with the inability to access information, services, or supplies necessary for safer sex predisposed the youth to unplanned and unwanted pregnancy; and the criminalization of abortion put the lives of women at risk as it was unlawful to terminate a pregnancy if the life of the woman was at risk. JS 12 made recommendations which included the amending the Revised Penal Code of 1930 on Abortion. 102. JS 2 stated that there was an urgent need to reform laws and policies on pregnancy and child birth and made recommendations which included revocation of the Executive Order that denied women in Manila contraceptive information and services and the enactment of legislation obliging Government bodies to make these services available.1 105. JS 4 called for measures to ensure inter alia equal access to education for all children; the elimination of teacher shortages and underpayment of teachers; the building of more schools for indigenous children; and a curriculum that is culturally responsive and appropriate for indigenous children. 106. JS 10 stated although primary education was free, costs of transportation and extra school supplies represented an extra cost for families. Moreover, teachers were known to ask children for money when they for instance broke a rule 107. JS 10 stated that the public education system did not provide enough psychological and educational support, tool and specialized teachers for children with disabilities; and human rights education was not sufficiently disseminated in school programs. 110. JS 5 stated that deaf children have been denied recognition and support for their cultural and linguistic identity. It made recommendations, including the creation of a fully accessible learning environment for those children. 114. JS 5 stated that there was a longstanding problem of gender-based violence against women and children with disabilities. 119. Joint Submission 7 (JS 7) called on Philippines to comply with its obligation to promote and protect the human rights of its IPs. JS 7 referred to accepted Recommendation 1 and stated that sexual violence and sexual exploitation of indigenous women and girls by the military persisted amidst State sanctioned counter insurgency campaigns. It recommended stronger protective complaints mechanisms, and effective and speedy investigations, prosecutions and verdicts. Accepted and Rejected Recommendations The following recommendations were accepted by the Phillipines:
Tuesday 29 May 2012 - 9.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m
A - 129.5. Endorse a closer cooperation with national and international human rights institutions, and work for the full and effective participation of young people and youth-led organizations at all levels (from local to international) (Norway);
A - 129.9. Ensure free and effective birth registration for all children (Portugal);
A - 129.10. Maintain the momentum in actively pursuing efforts to further protect the rights of women and children, especially through the enactment of legislation (Brunei Darussalam); Continue to intensify its efforts in addressing all the remaining challenges of human rights, in particular, in the fields of promotion of economic growth, social protection and equity with special attention given to women’s and children’s rights through ongoing programs and plans of action (Cambodia);
A - 129.22. Recognize victims of trafficking, often young people, as such and provide them with protection and assistance (Norway);
A - 129.24. Extend the prohibition of corporal punishment to the home and the family (Portugal); Ensure compliance with the rights of children and women, in prohibiting in particular corporal punishment and in implementing a plan of action against domestic violence (France); Explicitly prohibit all corporal punishment when raising children, at home, at school, institutions, the penal system and in all other areas, in accordance with Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Uruguay); Carry out education and awareness raising campaigns to inform parents and other actors of non-violent methods of disciplining and educating children (and the right of children to protection) (Uruguay); Intensify its awareness-raising campaign on the harmful effect of corporal punishment and on the use of alternative and non-violent forms of discipline in a manner consistent with the child’s dignity (Liechtenstein);
A - 129.25. Continue the promotion of measures to disarm and dismantle private armed groups as well as to impede the utilization of child soldiers (Chile);
A - 129.33. Take immediate measures to effectively implement the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (Norway);
A - 129.34. Continue improving the conditions of detention centres and ensure that juvenile offenders do not share spaces of detention with adult offenders (Ecuador); Improve prison conditions in line with the BJMP Modernization Act and with special regard to assuring the separation of the child and juvenile from adult prisoners (Germany);
A - 129.36. Continue its efforts to fight against poverty (Bangladesh); Continue implementing the current policies to reduce poverty (Cuba); Continue its efforts to work against poverty and to try to link the fight against poverty and education (Saudi Arabia); Continue to increase its social programmes which are essential for the eradication of poverty and social marginalization (Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of); Continue social-economic reforms directed towards the creation of new jobs, fighting poverty, increasing the quality of education and medical care (Russian Federation);
A - 129.37. Continue devising strategies and programmes to put an end to poverty for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and implement them (Bahrain); maintain the efforts to meet the basic needs of the poor and other vulnerable groups with the view to achieving an adequate standard of living for all (Brunei Darussalam); redouble its efforts in the area of wealth distribution and poverty eradication, including by allocating adequate human and financial resources and providing support and material assistance to the vulnerable groups in the rural areas (Malaysia); redouble its efforts, in assisting poor sections of the population, by endowing the Working Human Development Group with both the human and financial resources required to operate effectively and carry out its calling to ensure a decent living standard for all Filipinos (United Arab Emirates);
A - 129.41. Increase its efforts, as a matter of urgency, in addressing high infant and maternal mortality rates, including providing an access to sexual and reproductive health information (Slovakia); Take steps to increase efforts to ensure the rights of individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so, and the right to the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health (New Zealand)
A - 129.42. Continue efforts to ensure access to education for all (Saudi Arabia); Increase measures on the right to education to ensure equal access to education for all children (Holy See);
A - 129.43. Continue implementing the work to promote the right to education and the rights of the child, through strengthening interagency coordination on the activities of the law enforcement bodies (Uzbekistan);
A - 130.3. Fight against human trafficking, especially in women and children (Spain);Continue stepping up efforts in the area of combating trafficking in human beings, including continuing the practice of implementing national plans of actions and other strategies in this area (Belarus);Continue in the successful policy of combating the trafficking of persons at the national level and participate in such efforts at the international level (Holy See);Keep up the fight against human trafficking, illegal recruitment and labour exploitation, including the exploitation of domestic workers, especially of women (Netherlands); Prosecute and punish traffickers and those who exploit the prostitution of women; and also protect victims of trafficking (Uruguay);Further strengthen the measures to combat human trafficking and provide the necessary assistance to the victims of trafficking (Latvia);
A - 131.5. Intensify its efforts to combat, in particular, the worst forms of child labour in line with Philippine’s obligations under the ILO Convention No. 182 on the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour as well as No. 138 on Minimum Age for Admission to Employment (Slovakia)
A - 131.28. With reference to the situation of children in detention, follow-up the recommendations in chapter VI of the Human Rights Council resolution on the Rights of the Child adopted in March 2012 (Hungary);
The following recommendations were left pending:
P - 131.7. Consider an early ratification of the newest international human rights instrument – the third OP to CRC on a communication procedure (Slovakia);
P - 131.17. Enact legislation to address the status of children born out of wedlock (Liechtenstein);
P - 131.25. Dismantle and disarm the paramilitary forces, militias and armies through the revocation of Executive Order 546 that protects their existence, putting an end to the use of child soldiers (Spain);
P - 131.29. Ensure that the age of criminal responsibility is not lowered (Germany);
P - 131.33. Amend the abortion law to allow for safe abortion in cases of rape, incest or when the health and life of the pregnant woman is at risk (Sweden);
No recommendations were rejected.