E/C.12/MAR/CO/3 page 4 24. The Committee observes that sexual harassment in the workplace is regarded as serious misconduct under the State party’s Labour Code, but remains concerned that such conduct is not an offence under the Criminal Code. 25. The Committee takes note with concern of the situation of unaccompanied migrant children who are repatriated. 26. The Committee takes note with concern of the privatization of public services such as water and electricity in urban centres in Morocco, the effect of which is to impose an additional economic burden on families living in shantytowns and thus aggravate their poverty. 27. The Committee is particularly concerned at reports of poor housing conditions in Morocco for displaced persons, minorities and, particularly, people dwelling in shantytowns, where the population density is said to hamper the effective enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. The Committee notes with concern that the State party has not done enough to counter the adverse effects of earthquakes in regions such as Al-Hoceima on the right to housing. 28. The Committee reiterates its concern at the fact that, despite the State party’s efforts to reduce poverty, 17 per cent of the population is still living in poverty and 70 per cent of the poor live in rural areas. 29. The Committee is concerned at the possible adverse effects of free-trade agreements which entered into force in 2006. It appears that these agreements, which raise the costs of medical supplies and drugs, could impinge on the rights enshrined in the Covenant, particularly the right to health. 30. The Committee notes with concern that the State party has a two-speed education system with a striking difference in level between public and private education which denies equal opportunities to low-income sectors of society. It is also concerned at the disparities in school enrolment rates between girls and boys and between rural and urban areas. It is also concerned that primary and secondary education is given in Arabic whereas higher education in scientific subjects is available only in French, making it difficult for pupils from the public sector to enrol. 31. The Committee takes note of the State party’s efforts to implement literacy programmes. It regrets, however, that such programmes are conducted only in Arabic, thereby preventing adult, non-Arabic-speaking Amazigh people from becoming literate in their mother tongue. 32. The Committee takes note of the action taken by the State party to promote Amazigh culture. It is nevertheless concerned that Amazigh names are not accepted by municipal registry offices. It also observes that, since Arabic is the only official language in the State party, the Amazigh population, which makes up a large part of the Moroccan population, is denied the right to use its mother tongue in official business, and that the right of the Amazigh people to their cultural identity is not fully respected. E. Suggestions and recommendations 33. The Committee recommends that the State party follow up the specific concerns raised in connection with its initial report and its second periodic report, and urges it to act on the Committee’s suggestions and recommendations in that regard.