CRC/C/15/Add.191
page 6
26.
The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation that the State party rectify
disparities in the age of marriage between boys and girls by raising the minimum age of
marriage for girls to 18. It also recommends that the minimum legal age for medical
advice and counselling without parental consent be lowered and a clear legal minimum age
for sexual consent be established.
3. General principles
27.
The Committee is concerned that the principles of non-discrimination, the best interests
of the child, life, survival and development and the right to respect for the views of the child
according to age and maturity are not fully reflected in the State party’s legislation, policies and
programmes at the national and local levels.
28.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Appropriately integrate the general principles of the Convention, namely
articles 2, 3, 6 and 12, in all relevant legislation concerning children;
(b)
Apply them in all political, judicial and administrative decisions, as well as in
projects, programmes and services which have an impact on all children;
(c)
Apply these principles in planning and policy-making at every level, as well
as in actions taken by social and health welfare and educational institutions, courts of law
and administrative authorities.
Non-discrimination
29.
The Committee remains concerned that the principle of non-discrimination is not fully
implemented for children of economically disadvantaged households, children living in rural
areas, children in institutions, children with disabilities, Roma children and children affected
with HIV/AIDS, especially regarding health care, social welfare and education.
30.
The Committee recommends that the State party monitor the situation of children
of economically disadvantaged households, children living in rural areas, children in
institutions, children with disabilities, children belonging to national minorities such as
Roma children, and children affected with HIV/AIDS. On the basis of the results of this
monitoring, comprehensive proactive strategies containing specific and well-targeted
actions aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination, including in particular access to
education and health care, should be elaborated.
31.
The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation (ibid., para. 22) that
measures be taken to prevent a rise in discriminatory attitudes or prejudices, in particular
against children belonging to the above-mentioned vulnerable groups.
32.
The Committee requests that specific information be included in the next periodic
report on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention undertaken by the
State party to follow up on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at