CRC/C/15/Add.113
page 10
33.
The Committee notes that a national forum on child begging was held in 1998 and
resulted in the elaboration of a plan to include marabouts and other Koranic teachers in the
campaign to eradicate child begging. The Committee further notes that a vocational training
programme has been established for garibou children in Mopti to discourage their continued
involvement in begging. The Committee remains concerned, however, that children, particularly
garibous, continue to be exploited and encouraged to beg. The Committee recommends that
the State party continue to promote programmes to discourage and prevent child begging
and to ensure that such programmes are implemented in all areas where child begging is a
concern.
34.
The Committee is concerned at the high and increasing incidence of drug and substance
abuse among youth and the limited psycho-social and medical programmes and services
available in this regard. In the light of article 33 of the Convention, the Committee
recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures, including educational
measures, to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances and to prevent the use of children in the illicit production and trafficking of
such substances. In this context, it is further recommended that programmes be
introduced within the school environment to educate children about the harmful effects of
narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The Committee also encourages the State
party to support rehabilitation programmes for child victims of drug and substance abuse.
The Committee encourages the State party to seek technical assistance from, inter alia,
UNICEF and WHO.
35.
The absence of adequate information, including disaggregated statistical data, on the
situation with regard to the sexual exploitation of children, is a matter of concern for the
Committee. In the light of article 34 and other related articles of the Convention, the
Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies with a view to designing
and implementing appropriate policies and measures, including care and rehabilitation, to
prevent and combat the sexual exploitation of children. It also recommends that the State
party reinforce its legislative framework to protect children fully from all forms of sexual
abuse or exploitation.
36.
While the Committee notes the efforts of the State party, it remains concerned at the
increasing incidence of sale and trafficking of children, particularly girls, and the lack of
adequate legal and other measures to prevent and combat this phenomenon. In the light of
article 35 and other related articles of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the
State party review its legal framework, strengthen law enforcement and intensify its efforts
to raise awareness in communities, generally in rural areas and particularly in the Sikasso
region. The State party is further encouraged to continue its cooperation with
neighbouring countries to eradicate cross-border trafficking in children.
37.
While the Committee notes the recent efforts in the area of juvenile justice, it is
concerned that the juvenile justice system does not cover all areas of the State party. The
Committee is further concerned about:
(a)
The general situation of the administration of juvenile justice and in particular its
compatibility with the Convention and other recognized international standards;