CRC/C/SLV/CO/3-4
account the Committee’s general comment No 4. (2003) on adolescent health and
development in the context of the Convention on the Rights of the Child;
(c)
Raise further awareness among adolescents of the importance of
preventing early pregnancies;
(d)
Consider revising the provisions in the penal code criminalizing
termination of pregnancy in all circumstances;
(e)
Allocate additional resources for preventive and rehabilitation measures
in order to combat substance abuse among adolescents;
(f)
UNICEF.
Seek, in this respect, technical cooperation from, inter alia, WHO and
Breastfeeding
62.
While noting the efforts made by the State party to encourage breastfeeding,
including the elaboration of a draft law on the promotion, protection and support for
breastfeeding, the Committee reiterates its concern about the low practice of exclusive
breastfeeding of children under six months of age.
63.
The Committee recommends that the State party approve and implement as
soon as possible the draft law on the promotion, protection and support for
breastfeeding which is currently under review and provide support to mothers in this
respect.
HIV/AIDS
64.
Noting the efforts made by the State party to develop prevention campaigns to tackle
the spread of the AIDS, the Committee is concerned that adequate knowledge and
education about HIV/AIDS and preventive measures are still at a low level. The Committee
is also concerned at the increasingly young age of the children with HIV/AIDS.
65.
The Committee recommends that the State party continue to enhance quality
education related to sexual and reproductive health as a fundamental tool to prevent
HIV/AIDS, including to indigenous adolescents in a culturally sensitive way. The State
party should also intensify its efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Standard of living
66.
The Committee notes the efforts undertaken by the State party to reduce poverty and
socio-economic disparities, such as the programme “Urban and Rural Communities in
Solidarity”. However, the Committee is concerned that, although poverty has been
decreasing since 1991, six out of ten children still live in poverty with devastating effects
on their standard of living and the enjoyment of their rights. The Committee is also
concerned that disparities between urban and rural areas remain substantial.
67.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Take additional measures to guarantee to all children in the State party
an adequate standard of living, including by providing additional and better managed
resources;
(b)
Expand the capacity of local services to improve access to basic goods,
education, health and other services, especially in the rural areas;
(c)
Pay special attention to children’s rights in the development and
implementation of poverty reduction strategies;
16