E/C.12/1/Add.107 page 15 C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Covenant 107. The Committee notes the absence of any significant factors or difficulties preventing the effective implementation of the Covenant in MSAR. D. Principal subjects of concern 108. The Committee expresses its concern that women continue to be in a disadvantaged position in society in MSAR, especially with regard to employment and equal pay for work of equal value and participation in decision-making. 109. The Committee is concerned about the differences in the criteria for entitlement to maternity leave for workers in the public and private sectors, and that the entitlement of male workers to five days of paternity leave is only applicable in the public sector. 110. The Committee is concerned that no legislation exists to criminalize sexual harassment in the workplace. 111. The Committee expresses its concern that persons with disabilities are not sufficiently integrated in the labour market. 112. The Committee is concerned about the increasing incidence of domestic violence in MSAR and the irregular protection given to victims of domestic violence under existing legislation. 113. The Committee notes with concern that trafficking in women and children for sexual exploitation is a serious problem in MSAR and that prosecution of traffickers generally has not been effective. 114. The Committee is seriously concerned that migrant workers, who account for a significant proportion of the working population of MSAR, are excluded from the social welfare system. 115. The Committee is concerned about the high incidence of consumption of illicit drugs and the ineffective enforcement of the law prohibiting it. 116. While welcoming efforts made by MSAR to enable the integration of children of migrants in the school system, the Committee notes with regret that education provided to children of migrant workers is not free of charge. 117. The Committee notes the lack of sufficient information on efforts made by MSAR to involve non-governmental organizations in the preparation of the report. E. Suggestions and recommendations 118. The Committee recommends that MSAR establish a State institution responsible for the promotion and protection of gender equality and engage in sensitization campaigns to raise awareness on gender equality, particularly in employment, and to report, in its next periodic report, on the results achieved in this regard.