CRC/C/15/Add.259
page 21
high incidence of drug and substance abuse, including glue and solvent sniffing among street
children. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned about the fact that children, who voluntarily
seek treatment in drug recovery and reintegration centres, are often asked to pay for treatment
causing insurmountable obstacles to children of limited means and denying their access to
treatment and reintegration.
82.
The Committee recommends that the State party continue to strengthen its
efforts to:
(a)
Combat drug and substance abuse among children and adolescents, for
example by effectively implementing the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
and secure due process of the law;
(b)
Provide children and adolescents with accurate and objective information
about drug and substance use, including hard drugs, glue and solvent sniffing, through
public school programmes and media campaigns and protect children from harmful
misinformation and models;
(c)
Develop free and easily accessible drug abuse treatment and social
reintegration services for children who are victims of drug and substance abuse;
(d)
Tailor specific drug abuse, including glue and solvent sniffing, recovery
and social reintegration programmes and centres for street children and cooperate with
non-governmental organizations in this respect;
(e)
Allocate adequate budgetary funds to existing drug recovery and
reintegration centres;
(f)
Seek technical assistance from, among others, the United Nations Office
on Drugs and Crime and WHO.
Street children
83.
The Committee reiterates its grave concern at the high number of children living in the
streets and their special vulnerability to various forms of violence and abuse, including sexual
abuse and exploitation, economic exploitation and substance abuse. The Committee notes
the lack of a systematic and comprehensive strategy to address the situation and protect
children living in the streets. The Committee emphasizes that unlawful arrest and detention
of street children are serious violations of the provisions and principles of the Convention.
Notwithstanding the efforts taken by the State party and, in particular, many non-governmental
organizations working with and for street children, for example ChildHope Asia Philippines,
the Committee is concerned about street children’s limited access to adequate nutrition, clothing,
housing, social and health services and education. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned
about health risks faced by street children, including environmental health risks, such as toxic
and hazardous wastes and air pollution.