CRC/C/15/Add.124 page 6 Best interests of the child 26. The Committee is concerned that the general principle of the best interests of the child has not been taken fully into account in the State party’s legislative, administrative and judicial decisions, as well as in policies and programmes relevant to children. 27. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to ensure that the general principle of the best interests of the child is appropriately integrated in all legal provisions as well as in judicial and administrative decisions and in projects, programmes and services which have an impact on children. Respect for the views of the child 28. The Committee notes the efforts of the State party to encourage respect for the views of the child in court and administrative proceedings as well as within the school environment through, inter alia, the establishment of school councils where students are represented and allowed to promote the views of their peers. It is concerned, however, that the views of children are still not adequately respected within the family and in society generally. 29. The Committee recommends that the State party develop a systematic approach to increasing public awareness of the participatory rights of children and encourage respect for the views of the child within the family, communities, and care and other institutions. 4. Civil rights and freedoms Freedom of association 30. The Committee notes with concern that the law prohibits youth from becoming members of political parties and that this prohibition limits the opportunity for youth to learn about the political process, delays their preparation for political leadership, and denies their full right to freedom of association. 31. In light of article 15 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party amend its legislation to ensure that youth are allowed to join political parties and that they fully enjoy their right to freedom of association. Access to appropriate information 32. The Committee notes with concern that despite existing prohibitions, including the enactment of legislation banning abuse of the naivety and inexperience of minors in advertising, children are still not adequately protected from harmful information, including violence and pornography. 33. In light of article 17 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to protect children from harmful information.