CRC/C/15/Add.140 page 5 vulnerable groups of children, especially Roma. The Committee notes that the Roma children need more help and support from the State party in order to enjoy the right to development on an equitable basis with other children. 22. The Committee recommends that the State party review the implementation of article 2 of the Convention in this respect. The Committee also recommends that the State party monitor and react to cases of discrimination against children in all sectors of society in a more effective manner. 23. The Committee notes that the 1999 Strategy envisages an analysis of the existing situation concerning discrimination on ethnic grounds against the Roma including, if necessary, amendments to relevant laws or the drafting of new laws. 24. The Committee recommends that the State party consider as an affirmative action the review of its legislation on a provisional basis with the aim of including the right of the Roma and their children to benefit from the development policies mentioned in the Strategy. 3. Civil rights and freedoms Protection from torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment 25. Noting the relevant provisions of the Penal Code, the Committee is concerned at the persistence of acts of violence by groups, particularly skinheads, directed towards Roma and their children and other ethnic minorities, and at continuous allegations that the police and prosecutors have failed to investigate acts of racially motivated violence promptly and effectively, and have been reluctant to identify a racial motive behind such attacks. The Committee is also concerned that the numbers of indictments and convictions are low relative to the number of incidents reported, and that perpetrators of racial crimes often receive light sentences. 26. The Committee recommends that the State party continue carrying out timely and thorough investigations and effective prosecutions against racist organizations. The Committee encourages the State party to continue to expand throughout the State preventive programmes to curb racially motivated violence directed towards Roma and their children and other ethnic minorities. The State party should develop clear guidelines and instructions for police and prosecuting authorities to assist them in identifying such crimes, and ensure timely and effective investigation, and prosecution of racially motivated attacks, including cases of police misconduct. 4. Family environment and alternative care Children deprived of a family environment 27. The Committee is concerned at the existing practice of placing children outside the parental home and into institutional care, the limited periodic review of placement, and insufficient follow-up of children who leave institutional care.