CRC/C/15/Add.190
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Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance and taking account of the
Committee’s General Comment No. 1 on article 29, paragraph 1, of the Convention (aims
of education).
Best interests of the child
29.
The Committee is concerned that in actions concerning children, the general principle of
the best interests of the child contained in article 3 of the Convention is not always a primary
consideration, such as in matters relating to family law.
30.
The Committee recommends that the State party review its legislation and
administrative measures to ensure that article 3 of the Convention is duly reflected therein
and that this principle is taken into account when administrative, policy, court or other
decisions are made.
Child participation and respect for the views of the child
31.
While welcoming efforts to establish children’s parliaments, the Committee remains
concerned that the views of the child, especially girls, are not often respected and may be seen as
contrary to traditional concepts of the role of the family, clan and tribe.
32.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Ensure full respect for the views of the child and consider ways of ensuring
that a child’s views are given due consideration in accordance with the age and maturity of
the child within the family, clan and tribe;
(b)
Give particular attention to ensuring respect for the views of girls.
4. Civil rights and freedoms
Name and nationality
33.
Noting the efforts made by the State party to establish a civil registry, the Committee is
nevertheless extremely concerned that large numbers of children, as high as 70 per cent in some
parts of the country, are not registered.
34.
The Committee recommends that ongoing efforts be continued and strengthened to
improve birth registration throughout the country with a view to ensuring that all children
are registered at birth, or as soon as possible afterwards, and are provided with birth
certificates.
Ill-treatment and violence
35.
The Committee is concerned that corporal punishment is widely practiced in the State
party, including within the family, schools and other institutions; that children have been the