CRC/C/RWA/CO/3-4 continuity and sustainability. The Committee is also concerned about the absence of mechanisms to assess the impact of budgetary allocations for children. 16. In the light of its Day of General Discussion on “Resources for the Rights of the Child – Responsibility of States” in 2007 and with emphasis on articles 2, 3, 4 and 6 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Effectively increase budgetary allocations for policies, plans and structures concerning the implementation of children’s rights, particularly the ICRP and NCC, and adopt strategies towards achieving sustainability; (b) Establish a budgeting process with a child-rights perspective to adequately take into account child rights and areas of need and concern, which has clear allocations for children in the relevant ministries and agencies, as well as specific indicators and a tracking system; (c) Define strategic budgetary lines for children in disadvantaged or vulnerable situations that may require affirmative social measures (for example, children living in poverty, children with disabilities, Batwa and other minorities, refugee children) and make sure that those budgetary lines are protected even in situations of economic crisis, natural disasters or other emergencies; and (d) Establish mechanisms to monitor, assess and evaluate the adequacy, efficacy and equitability of the distribution of resources allocated for the implementation of the Convention and disseminate information in this regard. Independent monitoring 17. The Committee notes the existence of the Child Rights Observatory under the National Commission for Human Rights; however, it is seriously concerned that this body lacks adequate human and financial resources. The Committee is further concerned that due to the lack of professional capacity, the Observatory depends on volunteers at the district and sector levels to carry out its core functions, which could compromise its professionalism as well as accountability to the National Commission. Furthermore, it is concerned that there is no mechanism to facilitate children’s access to the Observatory or ensure that their complaints are heard. 18. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to provide the Child Rights Observatory with adequate human, technical and financial resources in order to secure its independence and ability to effectively monitor children’s rights in sectoral ministries and among all provinces, districts and sectors. Furthermore, the Committee encourages the State party to raise awareness among children concerning the Observatory in their respective provinces, districts and sectors, and ensure that children can easily access the Observatory, and have their complaints addressed in a child-sensitive manner. Cooperation with civil society 19. The Committee expresses deep concern over reported threats, harassment, intimidation and arrests of human rights defenders, including journalists in the State party, which has greatly reduced the scope for Rwandan organizations to report, inter alia, on children’s rights violations and thereby contribute to the realization of children’s rights in the State party. The Committee also notes with concern that some relevant nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in the field of children’s rights do not have the opportunity to participate in the development of laws, policies and strategies on children. 4