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(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
27.
The Committee is concerned that de facto discrimination persists, in particular, for
children with disabilities, children in institutions, children of single parents, children living in
rural areas, children living in ecologically hazardous areas, children born at home, children
belonging to minority groups and girls.
28.
The Committee recommends that the State party closely monitor the situation of
these groups of children and develop comprehensive proactive strategies containing
specific and well-targeted actions aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of
discrimination, including access to education, health care and employment.
29.
The Committee requests that specific information be included 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 general comment No. 1 on
article 29 (1) of the Convention (aims of education).
Respect for the views of the child
30.
The Committee welcomes legislative provisions for measures designed to guarantee the
right of children to express their views freely and to have those views taken into account.
However, the Committee remains concerned that the age limit set in this regard may hinder
opportunities for children below this age to be heard, and that traditional attitudes towards
children in society may limit the exercise of the rights contained in article 12 of the Convention.
31.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Promote and facilitate, within the family and the school as well as in judicial
and administrative procedures, listening to children and giving their views due weight,
including children who are below the legal age limit of 10 years if they are considered to be
mature enough in this regard, so that children can participate in all matters affecting them,
in accordance with article 12 of the Convention;
(b)
Provide educational information to, among others, parents, teachers,
government administrative officials, the judiciary, children themselves and society at large,
on children’s right to participate and to have their views taken into account;
(c)
Undertake a regular review of the extent to which children’s views are taken
into consideration and of the impact this has on policy, programme implementation and on
children themselves.