CRC/C/CHN/CO/2
page 12
(b)
The narrow definition of disability;
(c)
The significant discrepancy in the number of children with disabilities in urban
and rural areas;
(d)
The exception made to the one-child policy whereby families who have a child
with disabilities are allowed to have a second child, which promotes de facto discrimination
against children with disabilities.
61.
The Committee recommends that the State party take into account the
United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with
Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96) and the recommendations adopted by
the Committee on its day of general discussion on the rights of children with disabilities
(see CRC/C/69) to ensure the implementation of all the principles and provisions of the
Convention for children with disabilities within its jurisdiction. It further recommends
that in mainland China, the State party:
(a)
Strengthen its system of data collection to ensure the availability of precise
data on children with disabilities, disaggregated by sex, age, rural or urban area, living
arrangements and type of disability;
(b)
Establish a definition that adheres to internationally accepted standards;
(c)
Take all necessary measures to eliminate de facto discrimination against
children with disabilities, in particular the abandonment of such children.
Health and health services
62.
While noting the marked improvement in health-care indicators, the Committee reiterates
its previous concern with regard to existing disparities on the mainland between rural and urban
areas, eastern and western provinces, and Han and ethnic minorities relating to infant and child
mortality, nutrition, and other child health indicators. It is also concerned at the persistence of
malnutrition as well as the emergence of child obesity and inadequate breastfeeding policies
throughout the State party.
63.
The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to
provide universal access to maternal and child health services for all children in its
jurisdiction, including non-registered children. It further urges the State party to develop
policies and programmes to adequately address the problems of malnutrition and obesity
in children and to promote breastfeeding through strengthening the implementation of the
International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes in all parts of the State party,
including the China Code for Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, and through the
promotion of baby friendly hospitals in the Hong Kong SAR.
Adolescent health
64.
The Committee is concerned at the lack of information on adolescent health services
available in mainland China and the Macau SAR, as well as the high incidence of teenage
pregnancies and abortions in the Hong Kong SAR.