CRC/C/THA/CO/2 page 2 children for crimes committed below the age of 18. In addition, the Committee notes with appreciation the establishment of mechanisms that enhance the promotion and protection of children’s rights in the country, including the National Human Rights Commission and the Sub-Committee on Child, Youth and Families, the National Child Protection Committee and Provincial Child Protection Committees. 4. The Committee welcomes the ratification of or accession to a number of international human rights instruments: (a) 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on 5 September 1999; (b) 1999 ILO Convention No. 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour on 16 February 2001; (c) 1980 Hague Convention No. 28 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction on 14 August 2002; (d) 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination on 28 January 2003; (e) 1993 Hague Convention No. 33 on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption on 29 April 2004; and (f) 1973 ILO Convention No. 138 concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment on 11 May 2004. C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention 5. The Committee acknowledges that an exceptional natural disaster caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004 has largely devastated the south-western coast of Thailand - giving rise to a number of economic and social difficulties and affecting the lives of many children. It also acknowledges the challenges faced by the State party as a result of the civil unrest in the southernmost provinces of Thailand, which have adversely impacted overall human rights development in the country. D. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations 1. General measures of implementation (arts. 4, 42 and 44, para. 6 of the Convention) The Committee’s previous recommendations 6. The Committee notes with satisfaction that various concerns and recommendations in its concluding observations (CRC/C/15/Add.97) adopted following its consideration of the State party’s initial report (CRC/C/11/Add.13) have been addressed through legislative measures and policies. However, some of the concerns it expressed and recommendations it made regarding, inter alia, the minimum legal age of criminal responsibility, birth registration, statelessness, refugee and asylum-seeking children have not been sufficiently addressed.