CRC/C/15/Add.204 page 6 30. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to ensure that these rights are fully respected for all children, as stipulated in the Convention, and that violations of the freedoms of expression and religion are prevented. Violence, including ill-treatment 31. The Committee is concerned at the lack of data on ill-treatment of children, including child abuse and corporal punishment. It also notes with concern that corporal punishment is not expressly prohibited by law and is widely practised in the home and in institutions. 32. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Establish a mechanism to collect data on the victims and perpetrators of abuse, disaggregated by gender and age, in order to assess properly the extent of the problem and to design policies and programmes to address it; (b) Carry out public education campaigns about the negative consequences of ill-treatment of children and, in collaboration with community leaders and others, promote positive, non-violent forms of discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment; (c) Expressly prohibit by law corporal punishment in the home, schools and other institutions; (d) Establish effective procedures and mechanisms to receive, monitor and investigate complaints of abuse, including intervening where necessary, and ensure that victims have access to assistance for their recovery. (e) Seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF in this regard. 5. Family environment and alternative care Parental responsibilities 33. The Committee notes with appreciation that the Constitution accords both parents equal rights and duties within the family, yet it is concerned that the Transitional Civil Code and customary laws do not generally recognize the principle enshrined in article 18 of the Convention “that both parents have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child”, particularly with regard to the custody of children in divorce. 34. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that when judicial proceedings or family councils decide to grant one parent custody of the child, the decision is taken on the basis of the best interest and with the participation of the child. The State party should also ensure that both parents are adequately informed of their rights and responsibilities, particularly in the case of divorce.