CRC/C/15/Add.154
page 4
15.
In light of article 4 of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to
strengthen its efforts to reduce poverty among children and to identify clearly its priorities
with respect to child rights issues in order to ensure that funds are allocated “to the
maximum extent of … available resources and, where needed, within the framework of
international cooperation” for the full implementation of the economic, social and cultural
rights of children, in particular with respect to local governments and for children
belonging to the most vulnerable groups in society. It further recommends that the State
party identify the amount and proportion of the budget spent on children at the national
and local levels in order to evaluate the impact and effect of the expenditures on children.
The State party is encouraged to seek international cooperation and technical assistance in
this regard.
Data collection
16.
The Committee notes that measures were taken by the State party in line with its
recommendation (ibid., para. 28), such as the establishment of a social indicator system in the
National Statistical Institute and the conducting of the National Survey on Maternal and Child
Health in 1999. It nevertheless expresses its concern that the collection of data is still focused on
health and education and does not include all areas covered by the Convention.
17.
The Committee recommends that the State party continue to develop a system to
collect data and indicators reflecting the provisions of the Convention, disaggregated by
gender, age, indigenous and minority groups, urban or rural area. This system should
cover all children up to the age of 18 years, with specific emphasis on those who are
particularly vulnerable, including children belonging to indigenous groups; child victims of
abuse, neglect, or ill-treatment; children with disabilities; children who are displaced;
children in conflict with the law; children who work; children who are sexually exploited
for commercial purposes; adopted children and children living in the streets and in rural
areas. It further encourages the State party to use these indicators and data for the
formulation of policies and programmes for the effective implementation of the
Convention.
Dissemination and training
18.
The Committee recognizes that material on the promotion of human rights was
disseminated by both governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations, but it notes
that these measures need to be strengthened, in particular in rural areas and among indigenous
children.
19.
The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to translate
informative material into the main indigenous languages and that it develop more creative
methods to promote the Convention, including through audio-visual aids such as picture
books and posters, in particular at the local level. The Committee also recommends
adequate and systematic training and/or sensitization of professional groups working with
and for children, such as judges, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, teachers, school
administrators and health personnel. The State party is encouraged to fully integrate the