UNITED NATIONS CRC Distr. GENERAL Convention on the Rights of the Child CRC/C/15/Add.99 10 May 1999 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD Twentieth session CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION 2. Concluding observations: BELIZE 1. The Committee considered the initial report of Belize (CRC/C/3/Add.46) at its 511th to 513th meetings (CRC/C/SR.511-513) on 14 and 15 January 1999, and adopted* the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report and the written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/Q/BELI.1). The Committee is encouraged by the constructive, open and frank dialogue it had with the State party and welcomes the positive reactions to the suggestions and recommendations made during the discussion. The Committee acknowledges that the presence of a high-ranking delegation directly involved in the implementation of the Convention allowed for a fuller assessment of the situation of the rights of children in the State party. B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee notes the recent efforts undertaken by the State party in the field of law reform. In this regard, it takes note of the enactment of the Families and Children's Act of 1998 which aimed at reforming and consolidating the law relating to families and children and providing for the care, protection and maintenance of children. The Act also makes provisions with respect to the fostering and adoption of children. * At the 531st meeting, held on 29 January 1999. GE.99-41696 (E)