CRC/C/15/Add.180 page 3 Legislation 12. The Committee, while noting the various legislative measures taken with respect to child rights, reiterates its concern (CRC/C/15/Add.17, para. 6) as to the full compatibility of the national legislation with the provisions and principles of the Convention. It is also concerned that the legislation does not sufficiently reflect the comprehensive rights-based approach of the Convention. 13. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Continue its comprehensive review of existing legislation from a rights-based perspective, in order to ensure its full conformity with the principles and provisions of the Convention; (b) In this regard, consider seeking assistance from, among others, UNICEF. Coordination 14. The Committee, while acknowledging the efforts made by the State party in improving coordination by establishing the National Commission on the Rights of the Child in 1996, notes with concern that the National Commission has basically a consultative status. It further notes that the implementation process of the presidential programme “Children of Belarus” for 2001-2005 is monitored and reviewed. 15. The Committee reiterates its recommendation (ibid., para. 11) that the State party ensure the establishment of a permanent body to coordinate the implementation and monitoring of the rights of the child at national and local levels, including by effectively coordinating activities between central and local authorities and cooperating with NGOs and other sectors of civil society. Independent monitoring 16. The Committee, while taking note of the ongoing discussions on the establishment of an independent monitoring body, expresses its concern at the absence of an overall national mechanism with a mandate regularly to monitor and evaluate progress in the implementation of the Convention and which is empowered to receive and address complaints by children. 17. The Committee encourages the State party to establish an independent and effective mechanism in accordance with the Principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (General Assembly resolution 48/134), either as a part of a national institution on human rights or as a separate body, such as a children’s ombudsman, which should be provided with adequate human and financial resources and easily accessible to children, that: