CRC UNITED NATIONS Convention on the Rights of the Child Distr. GENERAL CRC/C/15/Add.204 2 July 2003 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD Thirty-third session CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations: Eritrea 1. The Committee considered the initial report of Eritrea (CRC/C/41/Add.12) at its 865th and 866th meetings (CRC/C/SR.865 and 856), held on 20 May 2003 and adopted, at the 889th meeting (CRC/C/SR.889), held on 6 June 2003, the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s comprehensive and well-written initial report, as well as the detailed written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/Q/ERI/1), which gave a clearer understanding of the situation of children in the State party. It further notes with appreciation the high-level delegation sent by the State party and welcomes the frank dialogue and the positive reactions to the suggestions and recommendations made during the discussion. B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee notes with appreciation the State party’s successful efforts, following its independence in 1993: (a) To reduce child mortality by over 50 per cent and increase immunization coverage from 10 to 60 per cent; GE.03-42743 (E) 010903