CRC/C/MMR/CO/3-4 Standard of living 69. While noting the development of the Poverty Alleviation Plan for 2011–2015, the Committee is concerned about the persistently high rate of poverty among children and the lack of information received on the resources allocated to implement this plan. The Committee is further concerned about the significant income disparities between urban and rural areas, which affect the standard of living of children, as well as regional disparities in poverty which result, for example, in the Eastern Shan State having 20 per cent and the Chin State having 40 per cent, respectively, food poverty compared to the national average of 10 per cent. In addition, the Committee expresses concern about serious gaps in the supply of safe drinking water, especially in schools and rural areas, and inadequate sanitation facilities, which affect the health of and the ability to retain children in school. 70. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Ensure that adequate resources are allocated to the fight against poverty, especially child poverty, including by increasing resources to the most disadvantaged families and areas; (b) Take necessary measures to improve the standard of living for all children within its territory, with particular focus on remote and border areas, and address income disparities between urban and rural areas, which also affect children; (c) Study and address the root causes of child poverty; and (d) Develop and implement policies relating to safe drinking water and sanitation, especially in rural areas, and ensure that children in schools have equitable access. Children in prison with their mothers 71. The Committee is deeply concerned that children detained in jails and prisons with their mothers are denied adequate health care and nutritious food, and their mothers are often denied assistance during childbirth. The Committee is also concerned about the absence, for these children, of everyday stimuli and educational material, which hampers their social and emotional development. The Committee is further concerned about numerous cases of lack of contact between detainees and their families, including their children. 72. The Committee urges the State party to ensure that: (a) Detained children are provided with enough food and access to health and education services; (b) The living conditions in detention meet the needs of the children, including access to water and sanitation facilities and access to education, and are compatible with the rights under the Convention; and (c) G. Detainees are allowed to see their children on a regular basis. Education, leisure and cultural activities (arts. 28, 29 and 31 of the Convention) Early childhood development 73. While noting that the National Plan of Action “Education for All” contains a strategy for children aged 0–5 to develop to their fullest potential, the Committee is 15