CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE ii. Findings of the CRM 351. The CRM noted that Algeria has allocated considerable resources and put a great deal of effort into improving the plight of children through the adoption of legislative, regulatory, administrative and social measures (see Chapter Six on socio-economic development). Programmes and plans of action aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality, improving the nutritional status of children and pregnant and lactating women, promoting universal access to basic education, and giving aid to children living in difficult circumstances were implemented with outstanding results. The CRM noted that the infant mortality rate had been reduced by one fifth compared with levels recorded at the end of the 1960s. Moreover, schooling up to and over the age of 16 is mandatory, with an attendance rate of 93.85 per cent being achieved, of which 92.35 per cent pertains to girls. 352. A significant institutional mechanism has been implemented for taking care of children in the family in the event of divorce and abandonment. Particular attention is paid to children in danger and to juvenile delinquency with the execution of numerous reforms. A policy aimed at promoting the youth has also been developed. For three years, the Algerian government has adopted a set of social measures for combating poverty and social exclusion in respect of children. Among these measures are the school allowance to assist destitute families in meeting the expenses associated with the new school year; the reintroduction of the school canteen to ensure that nutritional minima are met; and free school transport in remote rural areas or areas that are difficult to access. 353. Despite the convincing results recorded in the various domains, the situation of children and the youth in Algeria poses numerous problems. The CSAR, the stakeholders interviewed in Algiers and in the wilayas, and the media recorded numerous inadequacies relating particularly to problems of children born out of wedlock, abuse, poverty and its associated consequences, school drop-outs, juvenile delinquency, children in moral and physical danger, as well as the youth and their participation in governance. 354. The protection of children. On the issue of infancy, the CRM noted the dire situation of children born out of wedlock, who make up the large majority of abandoned children. The media reports that support to these children is limited and poorly adapted to their needs. Owing to inadequate specialised institutes, many children remain in hospital maternity or paediatric services without receiving specific care. Many of these children do not survive abandonment. Unmarried mothers, whose legal status is problematic, are rejected by their family and by society as a whole. They have no psychological and financial support, except for that provided by a few civil society associations. The CRM had the opportunity to visit a welcome centre for children without families in Algiers and applauds all efforts being made in this regard, notably those of the civil society associations that have undertaken various initiatives to relieve the distress of abandoned children and heighten the awareness of the authorities and society in this regard. 116