E/C.12/1/Add.85 page 3 D. Principal subjects of concern 12. The Committee expresses its concern that unemployment rates are higher in certain regions of the State party than in others and that the unemployment rate for ethnic minorities is around 16.6 per cent, which is well above the national average of around 9.9 per cent. The Committee also notes with concern the high rate of unemployment among older women and single mothers. 13. The Committee expresses its concern that convicted prisoners in the State party are required to perform forced or compulsory work and that they face “penalties” in the form of loss of privileges, such as early release, if they refuse to do so. 14. The Committee is also concerned about the marked difference in the wages of men and women. The Committee takes notes that, although it is possible to seek legal redress in cases of discrimination in employment and remuneration, few woman have as yet sought such relief. 15. While taking note that the minimum wage has increased over the past years compared with the consumer price index, the Committee is concerned that the minimum wage is still insufficient to provide a worker and his/her family with a decent standard of living. 16. The Committee expresses its concern that the State party’s legislation on the right to strike for civil servants contains restrictions which are not in conformity with international norms. 17. The Committee also expresses its concern that unemployment benefits, which are calculated at 50 per cent of the amount earned in a previous job, may in some cases be insufficient to secure a decent standard of living for a worker and his/her family. 18. The Committee further expresses its concern that recent studies suggest that many cases of domestic violence still go unreported. 19. The Committee is concerned about the continually rising incidence of trafficking in women. 20. The Committee is also concerned about the extent of the problem of street children in Estonia. 21. The Committee is further concerned that the law allows the work of children between 13 and 15 with the written consent of one parent or a guardian and the labour inspector, and that the list of permissible work includes that of an industrial nature. 22. The Committee is concerned that the improved economic situation in the State party has not yet resulted in the reduction of the poverty level and economic inequalities between its populations. In this regard, the Committee notes with regret that it did not receive adequate information on how the national poverty line is defined and on the number of people living below the poverty line.