CRC/C/ARG/CO/3-4 means to allegedly “protect” children, instead of increasing guarantees for child rights. Respect for the views of the child 36. The Committee welcomes the introduction in Act No. 26061 of the right of the child to be heard and the obligation of the authorities to guarantee that right in all proceedings that concern a child. Nevertheless, the Committee expresses concern that making the hearing subject to the child’s own request may give rise to discrimination and inconsistencies in practice. It further expresses concern at the absence of formal procedures to ensure the participation of children in issues that affect them and at the perception by children that their voices are not adequately heard. 37. The Committee recommends that the State party, in accordance with article 12 of the Convention and taking into account general comment No. 12 (2009) on the right of the child to be heard, ensure that the right to a hearing in all proceedings concerning a child is respected, even without previous request by the child. It further recommends that information on the right of the child to be heard be widely disseminated to parents, teachers, public officials, judges, lawyers, journalists and children themselves, with a view to increasing opportunities for children’s meaningful participation. Right to life, survival and development 38. The Committee welcomes that the State party has ratified, in 2008, the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Committee is concerned at the occurrence of suicides and self-inflicted injuries of children in detention, notably in the province of Buenos Aires. Moreover, the Committee, while noting the 2005 Supreme Court decision overturning a life sentence of an adolescent, is deeply concerned that, of the 12 children given life sentences during the period 1997 to 2002, three still face life imprisonment, and notes that their cases have been brought to the attention of the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights. 39. The Committee urges the State party to take effective measures to prevent child suicides in detention. It should furthermore carry out an extensive study on the causes of self-inflicted injuries and suicides. While welcoming the fact that no life sentences have been handed down since 2002, the Committee urges the State party to refrain from sentencing children to life imprisonment or to terms that may amount to life imprisonment. 3. Civil rights and freedoms (arts. 7, 8, 13-17, 19 and 37(a) of the Convention) Birth registration 40. The Committee welcomes the new legislation that guarantees free, universal and ex officio birth registration. However, it expresses concern at the insufficient implementation at the provincial level, which leaves many children without adequate access to birth registration. The Committee is further concerned that children who are born outside of health-care facilities, including indigenous children or children from disadvantaged families, such as those living in remote areas or in social exclusion, do not have access to birth registration. 41. The Committee recommends that the State party continue to take all necessary measures, including retroactively, to ensure the access by all children, including 8