29. Moreover, the Committee observes that traditional authorities play a tremendous
role in supporting the family. The Committee appreciates this and further
encourages the State Party to provide the necessary training and knowledge to the
traditional leaders in order to sensitize them about child rights issues and the best
interest of the child.
Separation of children and family reunification
30. The State Party is exerting efforts to prevent separation of the child and for the
placement of the child in extended families or foster families if the need to separate
children from their parents is in their best interest. While this is appreciated, the
Committee notes that the reasons for separation of child are mostly related to
poverty. There are a number of parents who send away their children for labour to
other regions unaccompanied. Accordingly, the Committee urges the State Party to
identify and address the root causes of separation of children. The Committee
furthermore recommends that the State Party works towards reunification of
separated children with their parents.
Alternative care and adoption
31. The Committee appreciates the fact that the State Party gives priority to alternative
care in the home country such as domestic adoption or placing children in extended
families. The Committee also commends the monitoring mechanism that is available
to follow-up the living conditions of children in cases of inter-country adoption and
encourages the State Party to continue its efforts in this regard through capacity
building of the Central Authority and enforcing the reporting system every six month
as required.
Exploitation, neglect and abuse
32. The Committee recommends that the State Party takes measures against parents
who economically exploit their children for their livelihood in the house as well as by
subjecting children to labour in urban cities. There are reports that indicate that
parents sale their children for commercial sexual and economic exploitation due to
poverty.The Committee calls upon the State Party to urgently take measures against
such practice and prosecute perpetrators.
F. Basic health and welfare
33. The Committee appreciates the measures that are being taken by the State Party to
improve the health care services among others, the formulation of the National
Policy on Communal Health, the National Policy of Nutrition, the Expanded Program
on Immunization; family allowance for vulnerable children; and the establishment of
Basic Health Centers.
8