CRC/C/ROM/CO/4
page 9
especially in cases concerning children born at home or of parents who themselves lack a birth
certificate.
36.
The Committee recommends that the State party raise awareness of hospital staff,
administrators and other health professionals, of their responsibilities to register births
and to facilitate the issuing of birth certificates.
Protection of privacy
37.
The Committee is concerned that children from the age of 14 accused of committing a
crime and children victims of physical, psychological or sexual abuse, can participate in talk
shows or audio-visual reportages, providing that certain conditions are met. In particular, the
Committee is concerned over reports indicating that the media have, on numerous occasions,
disclosed information that might lead to the identification of children victims of sexual abuse or
sexually active children. The Committee is further concerned that despite legal provisions, there
have been violations of the non-public character of judicial reviews of cases concerning children
in conflict with the law, as well as breaches of confidentiality by teachers, school administrators
and doctors working with children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
38.
The Committee recommends that the State party take necessary measures to
strengthen implementation of existing legislation, as well as awareness-raising and
educational campaigns, to improve understanding of and respect for the child's right to
privacy among professionals working for and with children. The Committee recommends
that the State party intensify its efforts, in cooperation with the media, to respect the
privacy of children in the media, particularly their participation in TV programmes and
reality shows.
Access to appropriate information
39.
The Committee welcomes the fact that article 23(2) of Law 272 affirms the child’s right
to seek, receive and impart information in accordance with the Convention. The Committee
further notes the progress achieved in addressing the shortage of appropriate information for
children and the low access to information throughout the country. The Committee, however, is
concerned that because of the socio-economic realities of the country, not all children have equal
access to information and the media, particularly children living in poverty and marginalized
children.
40.
The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to fully
guarantee equitable access to appropriate information for all children, especially for those
children who live in remote and rural areas, and in conformity with their age and maturity.
41.
The Committee is deeply concerned that Internet service providers, radio and satellite
television channels operate with minimum regulations to protect children against harmful
information, materials, also it is concerned at harmful marketing practices, including the
exposure of children in urban areas to digital pornography.
42.
The Committee recommends that the State party consider adopting specific
legislation and develop appropriate guidelines to protect children from harmful