CRC/C/15/Add.56 page 2 B. Positive factors 4. The Committee takes note of the considerable improvement in the general standard of living which has been recorded in recent years. The Committee further notes the programme outline which has been devised at the national level and which is in the process of being developed in all 30 provinces and autonomous regions and implemented as a follow-up to the goals set in the Declaration and Plan of Action adopted by the World Summit for Children in 1990. Note is also taken that an outline is being prepared as a follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing. 5. The considerable progress achieved by the State party in reducing the infant and under-five mortality rates, especially through the extensive efforts focused on sustaining immunization coverage, increasing immunization rates and reducing the incidence of child malnutrition, is to be commended. The State party’s commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting breast-feeding as well as to establishing children’s hospitals is also welcomed. 6. Noteworthy also are the various activities undertaken and supported by the State party to increase school enrolment. The State party’s recognition of the importance of supporting education as a tool for fostering social and economic development is noted. Special mention is accorded to Project Hope which is designed to assist children in poor districts, as well as to the Spring Buds Scheme, to promote girls’ enrolment or return to school to complete their primary education. 7. The Committee also notes the information contained in the report that various laws and administrative regulations relevant to the rights of the child have been developed and introduced. The Compulsory Education Act, the Protection of Minors Act and the Protection of the Disabled Act and the work undertaken by the Help the Disabled Movement are noted. C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention 8. Taking into account the fact that the number of children in China represents one fifth of the child population of the world and that the population is spread throughout the vast territory of the country, the Committee notes that the task facing China in meeting the needs of all children under its jurisdiction presents enormous challenges, not least in the economic and social fields. 9. As was stated by the State party, the legacy of certain historical feudal traditions in parts of the country and the persistence of other harmful attitudes are adversely affecting children’s lives and healthy growth. D. Principal subjects of concern 10. The Committee notes the establishment of various structures for the promotion and coordination of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child though it remains concerned at the insufficient measures taken to ensure their effectiveness with regard to monitoring the Convention’s implementation at the national, provincial and local levels.