CRC/C/15/Add.213 page 7 3. Civil rights and freedoms Birth registration 32. The Committee takes note of efforts made to ensure registration at birth; however, it remains concerned that some children, particularly children born in families of Kazakh repatriates, do not acquire nationality at birth which may have negative consequences on the full enjoyment of their rights. 33. The Committee recommends that the State party take further measures in accordance with article 7 of the Convention, including measures to facilitate applications for citizenship, so as to resolve the situation of stateless children. The Committee also suggests that the State party consider ratifying the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Access to appropriate information 34. In light of articles 13 and 17 of the Convention, the Committee is concerned that the quality and quantity of printed information, including children’s books, available to children has decreased in recent years, while at the same time there is a lack of mechanisms to protect children from information and material injurious to their well-being. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that the amendments to the Media Law may limit access to information. 35. The Committee recommends that the State party take all effective measures, including enacting or reviewing legislation where necessary, to ensure that the child’s freedom of expression and the right of access to information is guaranteed and implemented. Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment 36. The Committee concurs with the content of the recommendations adopted by the Committee against Torture which are relevant to the situation of children below the age of 18. The Committee further notes that the Head of State expressed his concern that torture and ill-treatment of suspects and detainees by law enforcement officers were becoming widespread and common practices, and welcomes the recent efforts to broaden the scope of punishment for offences committed against children. However, the Committee remains deeply concerned by continuing allegations that the torture of persons under 18, including for purposes of extorting confessions, is widespread, and that the existing procedure for investigating such allegations is ineffective and does not provide for the protection of the victims. 37. The Committee also notes that corporal punishment is forbidden in educational institutions but remains concerned that inappropriate methods of discipline, including corporal punishment, continue to be used in such institutions. The Committee is further concerned that appropriate measures have not been taken to effectively prevent and combat any form of ill-treatment and corporal punishment of children within the family.