CRC/C/15/Add.154
page 5
Convention into the curricula at all levels of the educational system. It is suggested that the
State party seek technical assistance from, among others, UNICEF, UNESCO and
OHCHR.
Civil society
20.
The Committee, while noticing examples of collaboration between governmental
institutions and non-governmental organizations, such as within PRODEN, it nevertheless notes
that cooperation with non-governmental organizations should be further promoted and
reinforced. Concern is also expressed that some non-governmental organizations working with
children have lately been subjected to threats and assaults.
21.
The Committee reiterates its recommendation (ibid., para. 27) to encourage the
promotion of closer cooperation with non-governmental organizations for the coordination
and implementation of the Convention at the national and local levels and in urban and
rural areas. It strongly recommends that the State party effectively investigate and
prosecute cases of threats and assaults against non-governmental organizations working
with and for children and take the necessary measures to prevent such actions.
2. Definition of the child
22.
The Committee reiterates its concern about the disparity between the legal minimum age
for admission to employment (14 years) and the age for the end of compulsory education
(15 years). Further, it notes that, in line with its recommendation (ibid., para. 26), a proposal to
set the minimum legal age for marriage for both boys and girls at 16 was introduced in Congress
but was never considered.
23.
In light of articles 1 and 2 and other related provisions of the Convention, the
Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party pursue its efforts to review
its legislation with a view to increasing the minimum age of marriage for girls to that for
boys in order to bring it into full conformity with the provisions and principles of the
Convention. It further recommends that the State party redefine the minimum age for
admission to employment so that it corresponds to the age at which compulsory education
ends.
3. General principles
24.
The Committee is concerned that the principles of non-discrimination (art. 2 of the
Convention), best interests of the child (art. 3) and respect for the views of the child (art. 12) are
not fully reflected in the State party’s legislation and administrative and judicial decisions, as
well as in policies and programmes relevant to children at both national and local levels.
25.
The Committee recommends that the State party appropriately integrate the
general principles of the Convention, in particular the provisions of articles 2, 3 and 12, in
all relevant legislation concerning children and apply them in all political, judicial and
administrative decisions, as well as in projects, programmes and services which have an