CRC/C/CYP/CO/3-4
(b)
Ensure that specialized shelters for victims or those at risk of violence
are made available in order to fully provide for their security as well as their physical
and mental well-being;
(c)
Include specific information in its next periodic report on follow-up to
cases of abuse reported to the social welfare services, as well as information on the
announced second research project on the extent of child abuse in Cyprus, with reemphasis on its previous recommendation (CRC/C/15/Add.205, para. 46);
(d)
Establish an accessible and effective mechanism for the prompt
investigation and remedy of cases of domestic violence.
Furthermore, the Committee also urges the State party to expeditiously ratify the
Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual
Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.
37.
With reference to the United Nations study on violence against children
(A/61/299) and the Committee’s general comment no. 13 (2011) on the right of the
child to freedom from all forms of violence, the Committee further encourages the
State party:
(a)
To prioritize the elimination of all forms of violence against children,
including by ensuring the implementation of the recommendations of the United
Nations study on violence against children, while paying particular attention to
gender;
(b)
To provide information concerning the implementation by the State
party of the recommendations of the study in its next periodic report, particularly
those highlighted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence
against Children, in particular:
(i)
The development in each State of a national comprehensive strategy to
prevent and address all forms of violence against children;
(ii)
The introduction of an explicit national legal ban on all forms of violence
against children in all settings;
(iii) The consolidation of a national system of data collection, analysis and
dissemination, and a research agenda on violence against children.
E.
Disability, basic health and welfare (arts. 6, 18 (para. 3), 23, 24, 26, 27
(paras. 1–3) of the Convention)
Children with disabilities
38.
The Committee welcomes the State party’s Ministry of Education and Culture
establishing a mechanism for identification and support of children with learning
difficulties, emotional and other problems. However, it is concerned that the State party has
no definition of inclusive education incorporated into its law. It is further concerned that
there are insufficient measures to ensure that mainstream schools are accessible to all
children with disabilities.
39.
The Committee recommends that the State party establish a clear legislative
definition of inclusive education. It further recommends that the State party adopt
measures, including reasonable accommodation in all schools, to ensure that children
with disabilities are able to exercise their right to education, and provide for their
inclusion in the mainstream education system.
8