- 38 - Programme being implemented since 1993. It notes with appreciation that the programme contains a social safety component developed to protect the most economically vulnerable groups. C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Covenant 155. The Committee notes with deep concern the economic crisis faced by the State party due in part to the deterioration of the terms of trade for its principal export, bauxite, and the ensuing phenomena of inflation and recession. The Committee is concerned that the prolonged economic crisis has given rise to high levels of structural unemployment and is limiting the Government’s ability to implement programmes that ensure the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights in the State party, especially its ability to implement fully those provisions of the 1992 Peace Accord concerning the development of the interior of the country. The Committee acknowledges that such financial constraints may create difficulties with respect to the consolidation of democracy following the signing of the Peace Accord. The Committee notes that some important external assistance, such as vaccination services from PAHO/WHO, have been suspended due to the State party’s inability to pay its contributions to international organizations that provide such services. 156. The Committee notes with concern that women in Suriname still do not fully enjoy their economic, social and cultural rights, due in part to traditional customs and attitudes towards women. This situation manifests itself, among other ways, in the form of violence against women and discrimination in employment. 157. The Committee is further concerned about the Government’s inability to collect relevant data on the level of enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights in the State party. In this regard, the Committee regrets the lack of statistics on the standards of living enjoyed by various sectors and especially the most vulnerable groups identified by the Government in its report, the lack of information on working or abandoned children and homeless persons, and the lack of information on the nature and volume of activity in the informal sector. D. Principal subjects of concern 158. The Committee notes with concern the inconsistent protection of the rights of workers, depending on their membership in trade unions. It notes in this regard that workers who are not covered by collective bargaining agreements are not guaranteed a minimum wage, are not covered by occupational safety clauses and receive little or no protection in the event of illness. In the case of women workers, the Committee notes that women who are not members of trade unions receive little or no maternity benefits and may be dismissed if they become pregnant. The Committee is further concerned about the inadequate protection of immigrant workers. 159. The Committee notes the inconsistency in the fact that, while young persons in Suriname attain majority at the age of 21, men may marry from the age of 15 and women from the age of 13. The Committee notes with concern that the difference in the marriageable ages for men and women does not appear to