CRC/C/15/Add.191
page 19
received in the written replies according to which disorderly conduct has been defined as a
serious crime constituting a danger to society and leading to the criminalization of behavioural
problems. The Committee is further concerned at the severe penalties imposed on minors under
the Criminal Code 2001.
73.
The Committee recommends that the State party review its classification of serious
crimes in order to minimize the scope of criminal responsibility for 14 to 16-year-old
children. The Committee further recommends, in light of articles 37, 39 and 40 of the
Convention, that the State party review the Criminal Code 2001, so that penalties for
children are conducive to the realization of the goals of juvenile justice, as spelled out in
article 40, paragraph 1, of the Convention, and are at least not more severe than under the
previous Criminal Code.
Children belonging to minority groups
74.
The Committee is concerned that, despite pilot programmes aimed at improving the
situation of the Roma in certain provinces, they still suffer from widespread discrimination,
which has in some instances impeded their children’s right to education, health and social
welfare.
75.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Initiate campaigns at all levels and in all provinces aimed at addressing the
negative attitudes towards the Roma in society at large and in particular amongst
authorities and professionals providing health, education and other social services;
(b)
Develop and implement a plan aimed at integrating all Roma children into
mainstream education and prohibiting their segregation in special classes and which
includes pre-school programmes for them to learn the primary language of schooling in
their community;
(c)
Develop curriculum resources for all schools that include Romani history
and culture in order to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for Roma in
Ukrainian society.
9. Optional Protocols
76.
The Committee welcomes the signing by the State party of the Optional Protocols to
the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and
child pornography, and on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and encourages
the State party to ratify them.
10. Dissemination of the report
77.
In light of article 44, paragraph 6, of the Convention, the Committee recommends
that the second periodic report and the written replies submitted by the State party be
made widely available to the public at large and that the publication of the report be