CRC/C/ALB/CO/2-4
although enrolment in preschool education would provide them with opportunities for early
language skills, socialization with other children and preparation for primary school;
(f)
The educational system continues to be seriously affected by corruption; and
(g)
Contrary to the law, minority children, and in particular Roma children, have
limited possibility to be taught in their own language and learn their history and culture
within the framework of the national teaching curricula.
71.
In the light of its general comment No. 1 (CRC/GC/2001/1), the Committee
urges the State party to significantly increase its budgetary allocations to the
education sector. The Committee also urges the State party to take all necessary
measures to:
(a)
Assess whether the “Second Chance” programme is effective and
sustainable in attracting students who drop out of school to resume their education;
(b)
Invest in teacher training and the maintenance and renovation of the
educational infrastructure, in particular in rural areas, and ensure that adequate
facilities are available for quality education;
(c)
Ensure that compulsory education is free throughout the years of
compulsory schooling for all children, including with regard to textbooks and
transportation to school for disadvantaged children and families living in rural areas;
(d)
Ensure effective access to education to children with disabilities children,
children infected by HIV/AIDS, Roma children and pregnant girls;
(e)
Ensure that Roma children, children with disabilities, children of single
mothers and households classified as poor have priority access to comprehensive
preschool programmes to facilitate early learning and socialization and ensure
adequate funding for an effective implementation of policies which encourage their
enrolment in preschool education;
(f)
Prosecute perpetrators of corruption in schools; and
(g)
Train educators and develop curricula, textbooks and other aids in order
to provide minority-language education, particularly for Roma children, and develop
curricula units for children at school level, including in relation to Roma history and
culture, in order to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for the rights of
Roma in Albanian society and consider ratifying the European Charter for Regional
and Minority Languages.
I.
Special protection measures (arts. 22, 30, 38, 39, 40, 37 (b)–(d), 32–36 of
the Convention)
Asylum-seeking and refugee children
72.
The Committee expresses concern that children migrating to Albania, including
unaccompanied children, are generally considered as irregular migrants, detained in the
National Detention Centre for Irregular Migrants in Karec and deported back without
having had access to legal procedures to determine their best interests or specialized
services and the assistance of a legal guardian. The Committee is further concerned that
asylum-seeking and refugee children with no proof of educational background may not
have access to education.
73.
The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that children are
properly identified and registered during pre-screening procedures at border points
18