CRC/C/CHN/CO/3-4
practical implementation of article 2, namely, that no complaints related to discrimination
have been recorded in its jurisdiction.
30.
The Committee recommends that Hong Kong, China intensify measures,
including awareness-raising, identification of discriminatory policies and timely
implementation of relevant programmes, to combat discrimination against children
with disabilities, undocumented children of migrant workers, and refugee and
asylum-seeking children, and to ensure that these children have equal access to basic
services, including health, education and other social services. The Committee
reminds Macao, China that the absence of formal complaints does not imply that
children are not discriminated against in its jurisdiction and recommends that it
actively seek information on discrimination, especially with respect to children who
are vulnerable to discrimination, and pursue all legislative and policy measures to
eliminate all forms of discrimination against children.
Best interests
31.
The Committee is concerned that the best interests of the child is not always fully
reflected and incorporated in key child-related acts and policies in mainland China, Hong
Kong, China and Macao, China. While welcoming the statement that in Hong Kong, China
the best interests of the child are necessary considerations which are paramount in all
relevant decision-making (CRC/C/CHN-HKG/2, para. 105), the Committee is concerned
about the lack of general legislation providing for the best interests of the child.
32.
The Committee recommends that Hong Kong, China uphold its commitment to
apply the best interests of the child and that the State party strengthen its efforts to
ensure that the best interests of the child is appropriately integrated and consistently
applied in all legislative, administrative and judicial proceedings, as well as in all
policies, programmes and projects that have an impact on children.
Right to life, survival and development
Infanticide
33.
The Committee notes as positive the “Care for Girls” campaign to change traditional
preferences for boys and promote greater recognition of the value of girls in mainland
China. However, it is seriously concerned that despite such programmes, infanticide,
particularly of girls and children with disabilities, remains pervasive, a problem which is
exacerbated by the one-child policy in mainland China.
34.
In light of article 6 of the Convention, the Committee urges the State party to
consider revising its stringent family planning policy in an effort to combat
infanticide, in particular of girls and children with disabilities and to ensure that
every child’s inalienable rights to life and survival are protected. It specifically
recommends that the State party:
(a)
Adopt comprehensive legal and policy measures to address the
underlying factors for infanticide, including the one-child policy;
(b)
Ensure more effective and consistent application and enforcement of
laws against infanticide in all provinces and prefectures;
(c)
Improve ways to count, verify and register every birth.
Self- immolations by Tibetan children
35.
The Committee is deeply disturbed by an alarming escalation of self-immolations by
Tibetan children and the State party’s failure to prevent such loss of life by addressing the
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