CRC UNITED NATIONS Convention on the Rights of the Child Distr. GENERAL CRC/C/ERI/CO/3 23 June 2008 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD Forty-eighth session CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 44 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations: ERITREA 1. The Committee considered the consolidated second and third periodic report of Eritrea (CRC/C/ERI/3) at its 1334th and 1335th meetings (CRC/C/SR.1034 and 1035), held on 2 June 2008, and adopted, at the 1342nd meeting, held on 6 June 2008, the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the report, the written replies to its list of issues (CRC/C/ERI/Q/3 and Add.1) and legal documentation as well as the constructive dialogue with a high-level, cross-sectional delegation. The Committee would have appreciated the presence of a representative of the inter-ministerial Committee responsible for coordination of policies on the rights of children. B. Follow-up measures undertaken and progress achieved by the State party 3. The Committee welcomes a number of positive developments in the reporting period, inter alia: (a) Proclamation No. 158 of 2007 aimed at abolishing female genital mutilation; (b) The efforts made to reduce the number of infant and under five mortality rates. 4. The Committee also welcomes the accession to the following international human rights instruments: GE.08-42671