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.
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