Freedom of Expression, Conscience, Thought and Religion 24. The Committee recommends the State Party to continue its efforts in promoting children’s freedom of expression, conscience, thought and religion and create awareness among parents or caregivers and in schools. Protection of Privacy 25. The Committee recommends the Government of Gabon to safeguard that the privacy of children in the juvenile justice system, child witnesses and child victims is protected. Furthermore, the Committee recommends the State Party to ensure that remedies are available whenever children’s privacy is intruded. Protection from abuse and torture 26. The Committee welcomes the enactment of the 2008 Law on Sexual Violence and Female Gentile Mutilation. However, it is noted that violence and abuse against children is predominant within the family. Therefore, the Committee recommends the State Party to ban corporeal punishment in all settings. Moreover, the Committee recommends the State Party to put in place a child friendly and accessible reporting and rehabilitation mechanism for child victims. E. Family Environment Parental Guidance and Responsibilities 27. While commending the legislative measure taken by the State Party to protect the family, the Committee recommends the State Party to set in place a mechanism to support single parents and child headed households. In addition, the Committee recommends the State Party to ensure the enforcement of maintenance orders for all children in general and particularly to children born out of wedlock. 28. The Committee noted that the polygamy is not a prohibited act in Gabon. Therefore, the Committee recommends the State Party to ensure that the practice of polygamy does not affect the upbringing and development of children in a polygamous family. Family reunification and children deprived of the family environment 29. The Committee recommends the State Party to set in place child tracking and reunification system for children separated from their families. 30. The Committee recommends the State Party to ensure that alternative care in a family setting is exhausted before placing a child in an institutional care. 31. The State Party report indicates the existence of a child care facility in Libreville for children deprived of family environment while being silent on the availability of child care facilities in other parts of the country. Henceforth, the Committee recommends the State Party to establish child care facilities in all regions, to improve the service

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