CRC/C/MEX/CO/3 page 6 3. General principles (arts. 2, 3, 6 and 12 of the Convention) Non-discrimination 23. The Committee is deeply concerned about the significant disparities in the State party in the implementation of the rights enshrined in the Convention, reflected in a range of social indicators such as enrolment in and completion of education, infant mortality rates and access to health care, indicating persistent discrimination against indigenous children, girls, children with disabilities, children living in rural and remote areas and children from economically disadvantaged families. 24. In light of article 2 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts including through awareness-raising campaigns to prevent and eliminate all forms of de facto discrimination against indigenous children, children with disabilities, girls, children living in rural and remote areas and children from economically disadvantaged families. Best interests of the child 25. The Committee is concerned that the principle of the best interests of the child is not given adequate attention in national legislation and policies and that awareness of its significance is low among the population. 26. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to raise awareness of the meaning and practical application of the principle of the best interests of the child, and to ensure that article 3 of the Convention is duly reflected in its legislation, judicial proceedings and administrative measures, such as the allocation of public resources. Respect for the views of the child 27. The Committee welcomes the efforts of the State party to promote and implement the right of children to express their views and actively participate at various levels of society. In particular it notes with interest the 2003 and 2004 sessions of the Children’s Parliament and the holding of the Children’s and Young People’s Survey 2003. However, it remains concerned at the persistence of traditional attitudes in the State party which, among other things, limit children’s right to participate and to express their views. It notes with concern the limited possibilities available to children to participate in and express their views in decision-making procedures affecting them, particularly in courts, schools and communities. 28. In light of article 12 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Strengthen its efforts to promote, within the family, schools, and other institutions, respect for the views of children, especially girls, and to facilitate their participation in all matters affecting them; (b) Amend the procedural civil codes to ensure that children are heard in judicial proceedings affecting them;