CRC/C/15/Add.196
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(b)
The system of family benefits and child allowances supporting parents and
children in general and providing extra support for especially vulnerable families such as single
parent families, and families with many children and/or with unemployed parents;
(c)
The programme called “Integration in Estonian Society, 2000-2007”;
(d)
The introduction of a comprehensive health-care insurance;
(e)
The school meal programme and school milk campaign;
(f)
The ratification of international treaties relevant to the protection of children’s
rights (including the ILO Convention No. 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action
for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour; the Hague Conventions on Intercountry
Adoption and on International Child Abduction; and the European Convention on Recognition
and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of
Children).
C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention
4.
The Committee acknowledges that the State party continues to face socio-economic
difficulties with the prolonged period of economic transition having led to a deterioration of
living standards, high unemployment rates, poverty and regional disparities, thereby affecting
negatively the welfare and living standards of vulnerable families with children.
D. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
Legislation
5.
While noting the adoption of various legislative measures with respect to child rights, the
Committee is concerned at the weak implementation of legislation in some instances. Noting
that the 1992 Child Protection Act reflects some principles and provisions of the Convention, it
remains concerned that many of the provisions have not been fully implemented through detailed
regulations, in accordance with article 68 of the Act, and with adequate budgetary allocation.
The Committee is concerned that there is no process of harmonization between the existing
legislation and the Convention and between the various legislative acts.
6.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Establish a process of harmonization and bring laws into conformity with the
Convention;