CRC/C/BGD/CO/4 page 8 2. Definition of the child (art. 1 of the Convention) 30. The Committee welcomes the establishment of a high-level Committee to review the definition of the child and the minimum ages of children for various situations. Nevertheless, the Committee reiterates its concern that there is no uniform definition of the child in the laws and policies of the State party and that understandings and legal provisions vary according to civil law, the Convention, and sharia, as reflected in conflicting legal minimum ages of children for marriage. 31. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party: (a) Take necessary measures to define the child as any person below 18 years old in accordance with article 1 of the Convention; (b) Empower the newly established Committee to expedite its review of the various legislations and policies on the definition of the child, including for marriage, in the 1974 Children’s Act, the Penal Code, the Children’s Policy and NPA to ensure that the State party can take a clear position to define the child in compliance with the Convention. 3. General principles (arts. 2, 3, 6 and 12 of the Convention) Non-discrimination 32. While noting the commitment taken by the State party in its Constitution and “Vision 2021” to create an equitable, just and non-discriminatory society, the Committee is nevertheless concerned that the principle of non-discrimination contained in article 2 of the Convention is not fully respected in practice. Girls continue to face discrimination and disparities, particularly with regard to health care, nutrition and early marriage, as do particular groups of children, including refugee children, children with disabilities, children in slums and rural areas and children of ethnic and religious minorities. The Committee is also concerned that children face discrimination on the basis of social origin, or other status of their parents. 33. The Committee strongly recommends that the principle of non-discrimination, as provided for under article 2 of the Convention, be fully and vigorously applied by the State party and integrated into the implementation of all other articles to guarantee, without discrimination, the rights set out in the Convention. The Committee further recommends that the State party take the necessary measures to ensure that efforts to address persistent discrimination and reduce disparities are adequate and effective in the family, schools and other settings, and in particular among marginalized and excluded children, including girls, children of ethnic minorities and refugee children. Best interests of the child 34. The Committee appreciates the efforts of the State party to increasingly incorporate the best interests of the child in national policies and programmes that affect children. At the same