CRC/C/KIR/CO/1 page 8 Adoption 42. The Committee notes the practice of “informal adoption,” but is concerned that in some cases, the best interests of the child are not fully respected. The Committee is also concerned that the absence of monitoring and regulations may result in illegal domestic or intercountry adoption. 43. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Take appropriate measures to ensure that the best interests of the child are fully respected in the practice of so-called “informal adoption”; (b) Strengthen its efforts to prevent illegal adoptions and ensure that its legislation and practice on both national and intercountry adoptions is brought into line with the Convention, and ratify the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption of 1993; and (c) Establish effective mechanisms to review, monitor and follow up the adoption of children. 6. Basic health and welfare (arts. 6, 18 (3), 23, 24, 26, 27 (1-3)) Children with disabilities 44. While noting that children with mental and physical disabilities are protected from discrimination under section 15 of the Constitution, the Committee notes with concern that the resources available for these children are inadequate. The Committee is concerned, in particular, that schooling is not possible for all children with disabilities, especially in remote areas, and that possibilities for inclusion of children with disabilities have not been explored. 45. The Committee recommends that, taking into account the recommendations adopted by the Committee on its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities held on 6 October 1997 (see CRC/C/69), the State party take all necessary measures to: (a) Address all forms of discrimination, including social discrimination and discrimination against children with disabilities in remote areas, giving due consideration to implementation of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96, annex); and (b) Pursue its efforts to provide equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities, including by providing the necessary support and ensuring that teachers are trained to educate children with disabilities within regular schools. Basic health and welfare 46. The Committee notes that the State party has taken steps to adopt national health plans and to ensure broad-based immunization for all children in Kiribati. The Committee welcomes the efforts made by the State party in the areas of maternal and child health, and

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