CRC/C/15/Add.269 page 16 woman, that curricula were said to have conveyed a distorted notion of Algerian history and a degrading image of women, and that pupils were encouraged to spurn other religions, which were presented merely as those of colonial settlers. At the same time, concerns were expressed that children could not speak out freely in class and ask questions about Islam for fear of being labelled as troublemakers. 69. In light of the Committee’s general comment No. 1 (2001) on the aims of education and the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, the Committee recommends that the State party review school curricula with a view to instilling in pupils and students tolerance and respect for others. The Committee urges the State party to give priority to building the capacity of teachers and to raise their awareness and responsibility in this regard. In addition, the Committee recommends that the promotion of religious tolerance and dialogue between different religions and beliefs be included in the reform of the educational system. 7. Special protection measures Children in armed conflict 70. The Committee notes with deep concern that internal hostilities in which civilians, including children, are killed persist in the State party and that many children are not able to fully enjoy their right to life, survival and development owing to the hostilities and their effects. The Committee regrets that the State party has neither signed nor ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the involvement of children in armed conflict. While noting with appreciation that the minimum age of compulsory recruitment is 19 years, the Committee notes with concern that the minimum age of voluntary recruitment, both in regular armed forces and in unregulated paramilitary forces, is unclear. The alleged cases of persons under 18 years of age being used by Government-allied paramilitary forces and armed political groups are cause for serious concern. 71. In light of articles 38, 39 and other relevant articles of the Convention, the Committee urges the State party to ensure that all children who have been directly or indirectly involved in armed conflict are protected and to provide children involved in and traumatized by armed conflict with adequate assistance and counselling for their rehabilitation, physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration, in cooperation with national and international non-governmental organizations and United Nations bodies such as UNICEF. Refugee children 72. The Committee is deeply concerned about the difficult situation and living conditions of Western Saharan refugee children living in refugee camps in the State party. As regards food and water distribution and other basic services, the Committee notes with concern that these refugee children are completely dependent upon aid agencies and that despite the continuous efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP) and other agencies, there have been difficulties in providing them with adequate assistance. The Committee welcomes the joint programme of family visits