The Committee acknowledges the establishment of the Child Rights Advancement Fund and also the budget allocated to child clubs and civil society organizations working on child rights by the Ministry of Gender and Development. But, the Committee is concerned that the Child Rights Advancement Fund is not yet established and the budget allocated for child clubs and civil societies is not properly utilized as a result of unaccountability. The Committee suggests that the State Party may expedite the launching of the Child Rights Advancement and also develop a transparent and efficient system for the utilization of the fund allocated for child clubs and civil societies. B. Definition of child The Committee applauds the definition of the child provided under the Children’s Law. However it has two concerns in this issue. The first is regarding the implementation of this definition in areas of marriage and labour especially in rural areas. The second issue is in relation to laws which contradict the Charter. The Inheritance and Customary Marriages Law and the Revised Rules and Regulations governing the Hinterland set the minimum age of marriage to be 16 and 15 respectively. The Committee recommends that the State Party harmonize its laws with the provisions of the Charter. C. General principles On non-discrimination The Committee notes with concern the traditional and customary laws which discriminate between men and women when it comes to inheritance and property rights. Girls and children with disabilities are discriminated in schools and other places where social services are delivered because of the unsuitable facilities. In addition there exists discrimination of children living in Monrovia and rural areas due to the economic imbalance. Thus, the Committee recommends to the State Party to promote women equality and avoid cultural practices which discriminate against women. In addition, the Committee recommends that the state party may provide for facilities and build rumps in schools and other social service environments to ensure the inclusion of women and children with disabilities. The State Party may also distribute social services in rural areas. On the best interest of the child The Committee recommends for the integration of the principle of the best interest of the child in the policies and plans of the State Party. The State Party shall promote and create awareness on this principle. It shall give training for professionals in government offices on the meaning of the best interest of the child as it is provided in the Charter. 5