On survival and development The Committee notes with appreciation the effort of the State Party in reducing child mortality. Yet, the Committee regrets that many children still die from preventable disease such as malaria and typhoid. Furthermore, the Committee has concern on the death penalty applicable on children of age 16 and 17. The Committee recommends the State Party to take preventive measures on diseases which cause child mortality. It is also recommended to prohibit death penalty on children. On child participation The Committee has concern on the implementation of child participation. Even though the law provides for child participation in child clubs, there are no mechanisms put in place to ensure the establishment and regulation of child clubs. Moreover, there is no fund allocated for child clubs by the government. The Committee recommends the State Party to provide resources and budget to support activities of child rights clubs to allow children engage in peer education campaigns and advocacy with decision makers and public institutions. It is also recommended to provide structure for the child clubs for their functionality. D. Political rights and freedoms The Committee appreciates the State party on its work in relation to name, nationality and registration of children. However, the fact that many children don’t have birth certificate is a concern for the Committee as it hinders children from claiming nationality outside Liberia. Birth registration rates are still law and this is somewhat attributable to the sparsely distributed health care service especially in rural areas. In addition, there are constitutional provisions which deny Liberian citizenship on the basis of colour or racial origin. The Committee recommends to the State Party to repeal the constitutional provisions which deny Liberian citizenship. The State Party may also increase its effort to increase birth registration by raising public awareness on the advantages of birth registration and adopting a free and compulsory birth registration. It is also important to make health care services available in rural areas to enhance birth registration. E. Family environment and alternative care On Abuse and Torture The Committee acknowledges Liberia’s effort in putting legislative ban on corporeal punishment in corrective facilities. But corporeal punishment remains legal and common 6

Select target paragraph3