CRC/C/KHM/CO/2-3
international adoptions, and to prosecute those involved in illegal adoptions and sale
of children for adoption purposes.
Abuse and neglect
49.
The Committee expresses deep concern that domestic violence against women and
children, including sexual violence remains an acute problem in the State party. While
noting the adoption of the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection of
the Victims in October 2005, the Committee is concerned that Prakas enabling commune
and village officials to act to protect victims of domestic violence have not yet been issued
and that there is no child protection system in the State party. The Committee is further
concerned that domestic and gender-based violence continues to be socially accepted and
widely tolerated by law enforcement authorities.
50.
The Committee urges the State party to take immediate and effective measures
to combat domestic violence and in particular to:
(a)
Take all the necessary measures for the full implementation of the Law
on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection of the Victims, including the
prompt adoption of the Prakas enabling commune and village officials to act to
protect victims of domestic violence;
(b)
Set up a child protection system with clear responsibilities assigned to
specific local authorities, including a system for reporting child abuse, dealing with
such reports and the development of supportive and other measures to prevent
further violence;
(c)
Collect reliable data on domestic violence, including sexual abuse of
children and undertake studies on the root causes and scope of the problem of
violence against children;
(d)
Coordinate nationwide awareness-raising programmes, including
campaigns about the problem of domestic violence, with a view to changing public
attitudes and traditions that inhibit victims, particularly women and girls, from
reporting;
(e)
Investigate cases of domestic violence through child-sensitive judicial
procedures, and ensure that sanctions are applied to perpetrators with due regard
given to guaranteeing the rights of the child, including the right to privacy.
E.
Basic health and welfare (arts. 6, 18, para. 3, 23, 24, 26, 27, paras. 1-3,
of the Convention)
Children with disabilities
51.
The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Law on Promotion and Protection of
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in July 2009 and the 2008 Policy on Education for
Children with Disabilities. The Committee is however concerned that:
(a)
Accurate disaggregated statistical data on children with disabilities and the
types of disabilities is lacking;
(b)
The State party does not have a system for early screening, identification,
early intervention and prevention of disabilities;
(c)
Children with disabilities, especially those living in remote areas (e.g. the
North Eastern provinces) and children with mental disabilities remain extremely
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