CRC/C/15/Add.56
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non-registration of new-born girls is a major factor contributing to the
imbalance in the ratio of boys to girls. The Committee, while noting that
the State party has adopted measures to reduce the under-reporting of girl
children, recommends that urgent measures be taken to develop more widespread
awareness of the importance of registration. In the light of recent
developments such as population movements within the country, the Committee
also recommends that the State party consider the possibility of reviewing the
effectiveness of the existing system of registration.
38.
It is the opinion of the Committee that further measures should be taken
by the State party to promote the possibilities for children, particularly
those who have been abandoned, to grow up in a home-like environment through,
inter alia, fostering and adoption. The Committee also suggests that the
State party review the present legislation on adoption, in the light of the
principles and provisions of the Convention, notably those of its articles 20
and 21, so as to evaluate the effectiveness of national legislation in
facilitating domestic adoption.
39.
The State party is urged to take further action to improve the situation
of children in welfare institutions. In this regard, the Committee wishes to
draw the particular attention of the State party to the principles and
provisions of the Convention, notably those of its articles 3 (3) and 25. The
Committee recommends that a further review of the training provided to the
staff of such institutions be undertaken. The training should be reviewed
from the perspective of securing the most effective pedagogical, professional
and child-oriented approach to the provision of care. Measures are also
required to ensure the effective supervision of staff and the periodic review
of the treatment provided to children in such institutions. In the light of
other issues raised during the dialogue with the State party, the Committee
also suggests that further consideration be given to reviewing the systems in
place for monitoring welfare institutions and for providing such institutions
with adequate financing. Within the framework of facilitating access to
knowledge and the sharing of expertise and experiences on these matters,
including in the light of the provisions of articles 4, 23, 24, 28 and 45 of
the Convention, the Committee suggests that consideration be given to the
possibility of inviting the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health
Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization to cooperate with the State party in this regard.
40.
The Committee suggests that a review be undertaken of measures to ensure
that children in the Tibet Autonomous Region and other minority areas are
guaranteed full opportunities to develop knowledge about their own language
and culture as well as to learn the Chinese language. Steps should be taken
to protect these children from discrimination and to ensure their access to
higher education on an equal footing.
41.
The Committee recommends that the State party seek a constructive
response to the concerns expressed in paragraph 20 above.
42.
The Committee concurs with the contents of the observations adopted by
the Committee against Torture where the points raised are relevant to the
situation of children below the age of 18. The Committee recommends that a
thorough review of the legislative and administrative measures and procedures