CRC/C/LVA/CO/2 page 6 (c) Include information in the next periodic report on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention on the Rights of the Child undertaken by the State party to follow up on the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and taking account of the Committee’s general comment No. 1 on the aims of education (2001). Best interests of the child 22. The Committee welcomes the assertion of the State party that priority is given to the implementation of children’s rights, but is concerned that the best interests of the child are insufficiently addressed under the pressure of the economic transformation and the consequences of an aging population. 23. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Ensure that the general principle of the best interests of the child is a primary consideration and is fully integrated into all legislation relevant to children; and (b) Ensure that this principle is applied in all political, judicial and administrative decisions, as well as projects, programmes and services that have an impact on children. Respect for the views of the child 24. The Committee notes with appreciation the measures undertaken to promote respect for the views of the child, including through active participation in student government, on school boards and in the recently established children’s council. It is concerned, however, that children from a disadvantaged background are not included to the same extent in these structures. The Committee regrets that little information was provided on the attitudes towards children’s views and proposals, as well as information on the extent to which their views have been sought, expressed or integrated in all institutions attended by children at the local level and in the family. 25. In the light of article 12 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Strengthen its efforts to ensure that children have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them and to have those views be given due weight in schools and other educational institutions, as well as in the family, and reduce the discrepancies in the opportunities for the participation of students from different social and regional backgrounds; (b) Develop community-based skills-training programmes for parents, teachers and other professionals working with and for children, to encourage children to express their informed views and opinions by providing them with proper information and guidance;