CRC/C/CHN/CO/2 page 5 manner in all parts of the State party. It further recommends that the State party explore the possibility of developing central databanks for statistics on children for the mainland and the SARs, so as to ensure that statistical data are used for the development, implementation and monitoring of appropriate policies and programmes for children. Dissemination of the Convention 24. The Committee notes that the Convention has been translated into the main minority languages used in the State party. However, it is concerned that professionals working with and for children, as well as children and parents themselves, have limited awareness and understanding of the Convention in the Hong Kong SAR and on the mainland. 25. The Committee recommends that the State party, in all areas under its jurisdiction: (a) Further strengthen its efforts to disseminate the Convention in all languages, and also through the use of child-friendly materials and school curricula; (b) Expand its programmes to sensitize parents and children about the Convention; and (c) Increase its efforts to provide adequate and systematic training on children’s rights for professional groups working with and for children. Cooperation with civil society 26. The Committee notes the information that non-governmental organizations are becoming increasingly active in mainland China, but it is concerned that the space in which they may operate and the scope of their activities remain very limited. 27. The Committee recommends that in mainland China, the State party facilitate and encourage the independence and expansion of activities by non-governmental organizations, in particular those working for the promotion and protection of child rights, inter alia by ensuring their free and active involvement in the implementation of the Convention, including in the preparation of reports and the implementation of the Committee’s concluding observations and recommendations. 2. General principles Right to life 28. The Committee notes with satisfaction the legal measures enacted to prohibit selective abortions and infanticide in mainland China. Nevertheless it remains concerned that selective abortions and infanticide as well as the abandonment of children, in particular girls and children with disabilities, continue as negative consequences of existing family planning policies and societal attitudes. 29. The Committee urges the State party to continue and strengthen its efforts to guarantee the right to life, survival and development of all children in its territory. It recommends that the State party strengthen its implementation of existing laws against