CRC/C/MUS/CO/2
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61.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Ensure that the proposed reforms secure access to free and compulsory
secondary education for all children regardless of their social status and ethnic
background;
(b)
Develop a policy regarding the use of Creole in the Early Childhood
Development (ECD) stage and at primary levels; and
(c)
Introduce human rights education, including the principles and provisions of
the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in the school curriculum.
7.
Special protection measures (arts. 22, 30, 38, 39, 40,
37 (b)-(d), 32-36 of the Convention)
Drug abuse
62.
While noting the establishment of the Natreasa (National Agency for the Treatment and
Rehabilitation of Substance Abusers) to coordinate all actions by the various NGOs to prevent
and combat drug abuse by children, the Committee remains nevertheless concerned that a high
number of children are still victims of drug abuse.
63.
The Committee recommends that the State party continue and strengthen its efforts
in combating drug abuse by children and in particular to strengthen its awareness
campaigns, prevention measures and programmes for recovery and social reintegration.
Sexual exploitation
64.
The Committee welcomes the adoption of the National Plan of Action on the Protection
of Children against Sexual Abuse including Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
(2003-2004). It is also encouraged by the information that a Drop-in Centre will finally become
operational on a residential basis to cater for rehabilitative needs of child victims of commercial
sexual exploitation. However, the Committee remains alarmed at the high number of children
involved in commercial sexual exploitation.
65.
In light of article 34 and other related articles of the Convention, the Committee
recommends that the State party further strengthen the implementation of policies and
programmes for the prevention, recovery and reintegration of child victims in accordance
with the Declaration and Agenda for Action and the Global Commitment adopted at
the 1996 and 2001 World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.
Juvenile justice
66.
The Committee welcomes the information that the juvenile justice system will be
reviewed, but remains concerned about the lack of a clear legal provision for the minimum age
of criminal responsibility. The Committee is furthermore concerned about the limited use of
alternative socio-educational measures and the frequent use of deprivation of liberty.