CRC/C/15/Add.222 page 6 25. The Committee recommends that the State party continue to promote and facilitate, within the family, schools, institutions, as well as in judicial and administrative procedures, respect for the views of children and their participation in all matters affecting them, in accordance with article 12 of the Convention. It further encourages the State party to provide educational information to parents, teachers, government administrative officials, the judiciary, children themselves and society at large in this respect. 3. Civil rights and freedoms Birth registration 26. While noting the high level of birth registration, the Committee is concerned at the information that some groups of children, in particular children abandoned at maternity wards, children whose parents cannot afford the registration (related) fee, refugee children and children of internally displaced persons still do have difficulties with proper birth registration. 27. The Committee recommends that the State party take the necessary measures to facilitate birth registration of children in difficult circumstances and make all birth registration free. Freedom of expression 28. The Committee is concerned at the lack of legal guarantees for the freedom of expression for children below 18 years of age. It is also concerned at the inadequate attention being given to the promotion of and respect for the right of the child to freedom of expression and that prevailing traditional societal attitudes, in the family and in other settings regarding the role of children, appear to make it difficult for children to seek and impart information freely. 29. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including amendments to legislation, to promote and guarantee the right of the child to freedom of expression within the family, in the school and other institutions and in society. Freedom of association and peaceful assembly 30. The Committee welcomes the information provided in the State party’s report on the Children’s Parliament, the Children’s Forum and the Georgian Children’s Federation, as well as on the provisions of the Children’s and Youth Associations Act, and notes the resolution of the Children’s Parliament recommending representation of children with disabilities and children in institutions among its membership. 31. The Committee recommends that the State party continue and strengthen its efforts to promote and support these and other activities of children and in particular facilitate and support participation of children with disabilities and children in institutions.

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