CRC UNITED NATIONS Convention on the Rights of the Child Distr. GENERAL CRC/C/15/Add.233 30 June 2004 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD Thirty-sixth session CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations: Panama 1. The Committee considered the second periodic report of PANAMA (CRC/C/70/Add.20), submitted on 27 March 2002, at its 951st and 952nd meetings (see CRC/C/SR.951 and 952), held on 19 May 2004, and adopted, at the 971st meeting (CRC/C/SR.971), held on 4 June 2004, the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s second periodic report, as well as the detailed written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/Q/PAN/2) which, although submitted late, permitted a clearer understanding of the situation of children in the State party. It further notes with appreciation the high-level delegation sent by the State party and welcomes the frank dialogue. B. Follow-up measures undertaken and progress achieved by the State party 3. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of laws and the establishment of various mechanisms aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of children such as: (a) The creation of the Ministry of Youth, Women, Children and Family Affairs (1997); (b) The establishment of the Committee for the Elimination of Child Labour and the Protection of Child Workers (1997); GE.04-42414 (E) 030804