UNITED NATIONS CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child Distr. GENERAL CRC/C/15/Add.201 18 March 2003 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD Thirty-second session CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding Observations: Czech Republic 1. The Committee considered the second periodic report of the Czech Republic (CRC/C/83/Add.4) at its 852nd and 853rd meetings (see CRC/C/SR.852 and 853), held on 24 January 2003, and at its 862nd meeting, held on 31 January 2003, adopted the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the timely submission of the State party’s second periodic report, which was at times self-critical, as well as the written replies to the list of issues (CRC/C/Q/CZE/2) providing updated information complementing the State party’s report. It further notes with appreciation the high-level delegation sent by the State party and welcomes the frank dialogue and the positive reactions to the suggestions and recommendations made during the discussion. B. Follow-up measures undertaken and progress achieved by the State party 3. The Committee welcomes amendments to existing legislation and the enactment of new legislation, as indicated in the written replies to the list of issues, inter alia, regarding strengthening the protection against trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children and the integration of children with special needs in regular schools. The Committee notes the very good maternal protection, including satisfactory maternity leave, and the excellent health indicators, including infant mortality, under-5 mortality and vaccination intake. Furthermore, the GE.03-40862 (E) 090403