CRC/C/15/Add.259
page 8
34.
In order to secure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms
by children and to achieve 100 per cent birth registration, the Committee recommends that
the State party strengthen its efforts to develop an efficient and at all stages free of charge
birth registration system, which covers its territory fully, including through using more
effectively mobile birth registration units to reach the most remote areas of its territory.
The Committee requests the State party to pay particular attention to improved access
to an early birth registration for parents whose children were born out of wedlock and
parents belonging to religious or other minorities or indigenous peoples.
35.
The Committee recommends to the State party that it introduce awareness-raising
campaigns aimed at changing public attitudes and sensitizing parents, maternity clinics
and hospitals, midwives and traditional birth attendants, in order to achieve better birth
registration coverage in the country. In addition, the Committee recommends that the
State party deepen its cooperation with the international agencies and non-governmental
institutions in this respect. The Committee recommends that the State party take effective
measures against simulation of birth certificates, inter alia, by assigning a governmental
body, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to monitor the
implementation of relevant provisions and file all simulation cases. The Committee also
recommends to the State party that it launch an information campaign, particularly at the
local level, on the child’s right to identity at birth and on growing up in a family.
Name, nationality and identity
36.
With reference to the high number of overseas Philippine workers, the Committee is
concerned about children born abroad to Philippine migrant workers. Due to the non-registration
of these children, they are deprived of their right to name, nationality and identity as well as
basic services.
37.
The Committee recommends to the State party that it encourage and facilitate
parents, irrespective of their residence status, to register their children born abroad. The
Committee also recommends that the State party ensure that unregistered children without
official documentation are allowed access to basic services, such as health and education,
while waiting to be properly registered. In addition, the Committee recommends to the
State party that it raise awareness among parents about the need and value of birth
registration.
Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
38.
The Committee notes that the Constitution of the Philippines prohibits torture and that the
provisions of the Child and Youth Welfare Code (Presidential Decree No. 603) provide
protection for children against torture and ill-treatment and that all hospitals, clinics, related
institutions and private physicians are obliged to report in writing all cases of torture and
ill-treatment of children. Nevertheless, the Committee is deeply concerned at a number of
reported cases of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment of children, particularly for children
in detention. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation on prohibiting and
criminalizing torture by law and it is of the view that existing legislation does not provide
children with an adequate level of protection against torture and ill-treatment.