CRC/C/15/Add.120 page 5 Best interests of the child (art. 3) 17. The Committee takes note of the efforts made by the State party for the implementation of the principle of “best interests of the child” (art. 3) in the judicial and other administrative procedures. The Committee is of the opinion that these measures need to be strengthened. The Committee recommends that further efforts be made to ensure the implementation of the principle of “best interests of the child”. This principle should also be reflected in all policies and programmes relating to children. Awareness-raising among the public at large, including community leaders, as well as educational programmes on the implementation of these principles should be reinforced in order to change traditional perceptions of children who are too often regarded as objects (Doctrina de la Situación Irregular) rather than subjects of rights. Right to life, survival and development (art. 6) 18. While the Committee notes with appreciation the establishment of special programmes for children belonging to families who have been displaced as a result of political violence and terrorism, the Committee remains concerned about the short- and long-term consequences of the decreasing but still prevailing climate of violence in several regions of the State party’s territory (emergency zones), which threatens the development and right to life of children. The Committee reiterates its recommendation (ibid., para. 160) that the State party continue taking effective measures to protect children against the negative impact of internal violence, including the establishment of rehabilitation measures for child victims of this violence. 4. Civil rights and freedoms Birth registration (art. 7) 19. With regard to the Committee’s recommendation (ibid., para. 161) to ensure birth registration in areas affected by internal violence, the Committee welcomes the State party’s efforts in this area but is of the opinion that greater efforts are needed to ensure that all children are registered, especially those belonging to the most vulnerable groups. In light of article 7 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party continue with its measures to ensure the immediate registration of the birth of all children, especially of those living in rural and remote areas and belonging to indigenous groups. Respect for the views of the child (art. 12) and other participatory rights of children 20. Although the Committee welcomes the establishment of initiatives to promote children’s participatory rights, such as PROMUDEH’s Network of Adolescent Leaders, it is of the opinion that these efforts need to be improved and strengthened. In light of articles 12 to 17 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that further measures be undertaken to promote the participation of children in the family, at school and in other social institutions, as well as to guarantee the effective enjoyment of their fundamental freedoms, including those of opinion, expression and association.