CRC UNITED NATIONS Convention on the Rights of the Child Distr. GENERAL CRC/C/LVA/CO/2 28 June 2006 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD Forty-second session CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations: Latvia 1. The Committee considered the second periodic report of Latvia (CRC/C/83/Add.16) at its 1124th and 1126th meetings (see CRC/C/SR.1124 and CRC/C/SR.1126), held on 16 May 2006, and adopted at its 1157th meeting, held on 2 June 2006, the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s comprehensive periodic report, as well as the detailed written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/LVA/Q/2), which provided a better understanding of the situation of children in the State party. It further notes with appreciation the frank and open dialogue with the delegation of the State party, which included experts from relevant State institutions. B. Follow-up measures undertaken and progress achieved by the State party 3. The Committee notes with appreciation the ratification of international treaties relevant to the protection of children’s rights, including: (a) The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict on 19 December 2005; (b) The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography on 22 February 2006; and (c) The Hague Convention No. 33 on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption on 9 August 2002. GE.06-42894 (E) 100706