CRC/C/CHN/CO/2 page 8 43. The Committee recommends that the State party continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure that all children, in particular girls and children with disabilities, are registered immediately after birth and to provide flexible measures to allow older children who have not been registered to do so throughout mainland China, with a particular emphasis on rural areas. It further suggests that the State party consider revising the Hukou system of registration in order to reinforce such initiatives. Freedom of religion 44. While noting the adoption of the Regional Ethnic Autonomy Act in 2001, which guarantees freedom of religion for ethnic minorities in mainland China, the Committee is concerned about reports that children, in particular Tibetan Buddhist, Uighur and Hui children, have been restricted in studying and practising their religion, and some cases have been detained for participating in religious activities. It is also concerned at reports that children of families practising their religion, notably the Falun Gong, are subject to harassment, threats and other negative actions, including re-education through labour. The Committee notes the information provided about the Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, but remains concerned that it has not yet been possible to have this information confirmed by an independent expert. 45. The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary measures to ensure the full implementation of the Regional Ethnic Autonomy Act. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Enact legislation explicitly guaranteeing freedom of religion for those under 18 that is not tied to a limited number of recognized faiths, and which respects the rights and duties of parents to give guidance to their children in the exercise of their rights in this regard in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child; (b) Repeal any ban instituted by local authorities on children of any age from participating in Tibetan religious festivals or receiving religious education; (c) Repeal any ban instituted by local authorities on children of any age from attending mosques or receiving religious education throughout the mainland; (d) Take all necessary measures to ensure that children may choose whether to participate in classes on religion or atheism; (e) Allow an independent expert to visit and confirm the well-being of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima while respecting his right to privacy, and that of his parents. Corporal punishment 46. The Committee is concerned that in mainland China the existing regulations banning corporal punishment in schools are unevenly implemented. It is also concerned that corporal punishment in the home is not banned and continues to be socially acceptable. 47. The Committee is concerned that corporal punishment within the family is not prohibited by law and continues to be practised in the home in the Hong Kong and Macau SARs.