CRC UNITED NATIONS Convention on the Rights of the Child Distr. GENERAL CRC/C/BTN/CO/2 8 October 2008 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD Forty-ninth session CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations: BHUTAN 1. The Committee considered the second periodic report of Bhutan (CRC/C/BTN/2) at its 1353rd and 1354th meeting (CRC/C/SR.1353 and 1354) held on 22 September 2008, and adopted at the 1369th meting (CRC/C/SR.1369), held on 3 October 2008, the following concluding observations: A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s second report, the written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/BTN/Q/2/Add.1) and the constructive dialogue with a high-level, cross-sectoral delegation. The Committee however regrets the delay in the submission of the second report. B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of several legislative and programmatic measures taken with a view to implementing the Convention, including: (a) The adoption of the Constitution on 18 July 2008 and the inclusion of child rights specific provisions therein; (b) The inclusion of child-related provisions in the Penal Code, 2004 and the Civil and Criminal Procedure Code, 2001; (c) The adoption of the Labour and Employment Act of 2007, which establishes 18 years as the minimum age for employment and prohibits the worst forms of child labour; GE.08-44374