CRC/C/15/Add.111 page 4 D.2. Definition of the Child 13. The Committee expresses concern regarding the low minimum age for criminal responsibility (10 years). The Committee is also concerned about the disparity between the minimum legal age for the marriage of boys (18 years) and that of girls (16 years). The Committee recommends that the State party review its legislation in order to bring it into full conformity with the provisions and principles of the Convention. D.3. General principles 14. The Committee is concerned that the State party does not appear to have fully taken into account the provisions of the Convention, especially its general principles as reflected in its articles 2 (non-discrimination), 3 (best interests of the child), 6 (right to life, survival and development) and 12 (respect for the views of the child), in its legislation, its administrative and judicial decisions, and its policies and programmes relevant to children. It is the Committee’s view that further efforts must be undertaken to ensure that the general principles of the Convention not only guide policy discussion and decision-making, but are also appropriately integrated in all legal revisions, as well as in judicial and administrative decisions and in projects, programmes and services which have an impact on children. 15. The Committee is concerned that traditional practices and attitudes still limit the full implementation of the Convention, in particular article 12. The Committee recommends that the State party seek to develop a systematic approach, with the involvement of community chiefs, religious leaders and civil society, to increase public awareness of the participatory rights of children and encourage respect for the views of the child within the family, in school and generally in society. D.4. Civil rights and freedoms 16. While the Committee is aware that corporal punishment is prohibited by law in schools, it remains concerned that traditional societal attitudes continue to encourage the use of such punishment within the family, in schools, care and juvenile justice systems and generally in society. The Committee recommends that the State party reinforce measures to raise awareness on the negative effects of corporal punishment and ensure that alternative forms of discipline are administered in families, schools, and care and other institutions, in a manner consistent with the child’s dignity and in conformity with the Convention. In this connection, the Committee recommends that the State party provide counselling and other programmes for parents, teachers and professionals working in institutions to encourage their use of alternative forms of punishment. In addition, the Committee strongly recommends that all necessary measures be taken to ensure the full and effective implementation of the ban on corporal punishment in schools. D.5. Family environment and alternative care 17. The lack of data, appropriate measures, mechanisms and resources to prevent and combat domestic violence, including child sexual abuse, are matters of grave concern to the Committee. In the light of article 19, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies