21. The Committee notes that significant number of children are still suffering from severe malnourishment and stunting; reports show that 1 in every 4 children under age five are chronically malnourished, or stunted. The Committee urges the State Party to take an urgent measure to combat this worrying trend of stunting and malnourishment of children in the Country. 22. The Committee further notes that, despite the decline over the last decade, under-five mortality still remains high in the State Party, which stands at 70 deaths per 1,000 live births. The Committee urges the State Party to strengthen the ongoing efforts in decreasing under-five mortality rate and address with priority any challenges in this regard. 23. The Committee notes with concern that drought and the associated lack of food security unfavorably affect the rights and welfare of children. The Committee recommends the State Party to undertake the necessary measures to mitigate the impact of drought and food insecurity on the rights and welfare of the child. Child participation 24. The Committee notes with appreciation the inclusion of the right to participation of the child in the CPWA. However, the Committee is concerned about the lack of forums for child participation and the existence of a culture that does not promote the participation of children in matters that affect them. The Committee recommends the State Party to undertake the following measures. i. Adopt national guidelines or strategy on child participation; ii. Create forums for child participation starting from family setting up to community and national levels; iii. Establish a children’s parliaments at district/sub-national and national levels that are inclusive of children from rural and urban centres; ensures equal participation of the girl and boy child and includes vulnerable children such as children with disabilities, children affected by HIV/AIDS and children in alternative family environments. iv. Ensure that the participation of children is meaningful by taking in to account the views of children in decisions and actions that affect them; and v. Undertake sensitization about the importance of participation of children in matters that affect them. 7