in schools. The Committee notes that such acts constitute discrimination based on
nationality that hinders the enjoyment of the right to education. The Committee further
notes that primary education should be universal, compulsory and free, it should be
granted to all children in the State Party irrespective of their nationality and status as
an irregular/undocumented migrant. The Committee urges the State Party to review
its Free Primary Education Act and relevant policy to enable all children in the country
to have equal access to free primary education.
43. The Committee notes with concern that attendance rate in secondary education is
low. The Committee recommends the State Party to address the causes of low
attendance and improve the overall quality of education delivery in secondary
education.
44. The Committee encourages the State Party to ensure that all children have equal
opportunities for cultural and leisure activity and that schools have safe and adequate
play grounds.
H. Special Protection Measures
Child labour
45. The Committee notes with appreciation that the minimum age of employment is set at
the age of 15 years, which is in line with international standards. The Committee,
however, notes with concern the lack of official statistics on incident of child labour in
the State Party. The Committee recommends the State Party to gather data and
undertake assessment of the prevalence of child labour for an informed intervention.
The Committee further recommends the State Party to expedite the adoption of The
National Plan of Action for the Elimination of Child labour.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
46. The Committee notes with appreciation the enactment of the Sexual Offences and
Domestic Violence Act 2018 and the establishment of Domestic Violence, Child
welfare, and Sexual Offences (DCS) units in all Police stations. The Committee
encourages the State Party to establish the necessary mechanisms and allocate
adequate resources for its effective implementation, and to undertake trainings on the
Act for personnel in the justice system. The Committee further recommends the State
Party to take special measures towards decreasing the vulnerability of children with
disabilities to sexual abuse and exploitation.
47. The Committee is concerned about the findings of the National Study on Violence
Against Children, which confirms that 1 in 3 females experience some form of sexual
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