CRC/C/CRI/CO/4
recommends that the State party consider concluding bilateral agreements with
neighbouring States, with a view to granting dual citizenship to migrant children.
Freedom of association
37.
While noting that adolescents may establish community development associations,
in which children between 12 and 18 have the right to speak and to vote and, with certain
limitations, to be members of the directing bodies, the Committee remains concerned that
article 18 of the Children and Adolescents Code precludes children and adolescents from
the right to form and join political associations.
38.
The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party take
appropriate measures to ensure the coherence of article 18 of the Children and
Adolescents Code with the right of persons below the age of 18 to be involved in
political activities, taking into account the views expressed by public institutions
promoting rights-based alternative ways to encourage institutional participation by
children and adolescents.
Protection of privacy
39.
The Committee welcomes the announcement by the delegation that the
Constitutional Chamber reversed its earlier decision to allow partial depiction of children’s
images and reveal personal information, which was openly contrary to the Convention.
However, it remains concerned about the use by the media of child images and personal
information, which is in contradiction with their right to privacy.
40.
While taking into account the need to ensure respect for freedom of expression,
the Committee urges the State party to:
(a)
Continue its efforts to ensure that the media are aware of and respect the
rights of the child;
(b)
Develop, in consultation with the media, appropriate guidelines for the
protection of children from information and material injurious to their well-being and
encourage voluntary codes of conduct by the media; and
(c)
In cooperation with the media, take the necessary measures to ensure
respect for the privacy of children in the media by strengthening the implementation
of existing legislation as well as awareness-raising and educational programmes.
Access to appropriate information
41.
The Committee remains concerned about the potentially negative role of the media
and mass communications in shaping public opinion and disseminating knowledge on child
rights regarding such key aspects as public security and crime, sexual and reproductive
rights, food, alcohol and other consumption patterns.
42.
The Committee urges the State party to:
(a)
Ensure that children have access to information and material from a
diversity of national and international sources, especially those aimed at the
promotion of their physical, psychological and moral well-being; and
(b)
Encourage mass media to give special consideration to the linguistic
needs of children who belong to indigenous group.
8