CRC/C/THA/CO/2 page 7 28. The Committee urges the State party to make every effort to reinforce protection of the right to life, survival and development of all children within the State party, particularly with respect to former child soldiers and to children in the southernmost provinces of the country, through targeted policies, programmes and services. The Committee also urges the State party to protect all children from the consequences of the civil unrest and to ensure their reintegration in society. It also urges the State party to develop, in collaboration with non-governmental and international organizations, a comprehensive system of psychosocial support and assistance for children affected by violence and conflict. Respect for the views of the child 29. The Committee is encouraged by the State party’s actions to promote and respect children’s right to freely express their views and to participate in society, inter alia, through the organization of an annual Child Rights Forum and through the establishment of youth councils and networks. Despite these positive steps, the Committee is of the view that children’s right to free expression and to participation is still limited in the State party, partly due to traditional attitudes in society. It is also concerned that respect for the views of the child may not be fully taken into account in court processes involving children either as victims, witnesses, or alleged offenders. 30. The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to ensure the active participation and involvement of children in all decisions affecting them in the family, school and community, in accordance with articles 12, 13 and 15 of the Convention. It also recommends that the State party undertake a regular review of the extent to which children’s views are taken into consideration and of their impact on policy-making, court decisions, and programme implementation. It further recommends that the State party improve child-sensitive court procedures in accordance with the United Nations Guidelines on Justice in Matters involving Child Victims and Witnesses of Crime (annexed to Economic and Social Council resolution 2005/20 of 22 July 2005). 3. Civil rights and freedoms (arts. 7, 8, 13-17, 19 and 37 (a) of the Convention) Birth registration 31. Despite the State’s party efforts in this area, including legislative initiatives by the Sub-Committee on the Revision of Child-Related Laws and the adoption of a Strategy to Address the Problem of Legal Status and Right to Identity in January 2005, the Committee is nevertheless concerned about the high number of children that remain without birth registration, particularly in the most remote areas of the country and in tsunami-affected areas. The Committee is also concerned about persisting difficulties in ensuring the registration of children of migrant workers, refugees and asylum-seekers as well as of indigenous and minority communities, particularly those born outside of hospitals. The Committee is further concerned about weak law enforcement and limited public awareness of the significance and benefits of birth registration.

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