13. The Committee commends the legislative measures the State Party has taken to
ensure the implementation of the principle of equality and non-discrimination
applicable to children. The Committee however is concerned about reports that
indicate that there are still discriminatory practices, which are committed against
children in vulnerable situations; such as girls living in rural communities, pregnant
adolescents and children with disabilities. The Committee, therefore urges the State
Party to take the necessary measure to ensure that these group of children are not
discriminated, through sensitisation programs, particularly focusing on people living
in rural areas. The Committee further recommends the State Party to repeal all laws,
which discriminate against children. The Committee especially recommends for the
State Party to address the challenges of discrimination that pregnant girls who are
attending schools are facing with a view to ensuring that they are not stigmatised
and can be able to exercise their right to continue their education after they give
birth.
Best interests of the child
14. The Committee notes with appreciation the express incorporation of the principle of
the best interest of the child into the Child Rights Act. However, the Committee is
concerned about the low level of application of the principle in actions and decisions
of authorities. The Committee recommends that the State Party take measure to
create awareness among government officials in decision-making positions in all
branches of government about the paramount importance of the principle of the best
interest of the child and ensure that they always give consideration to the best
interest of the child in all their actions and decisions affecting children.
Right to life, survival and development
15. The Committee appreciates the key policies and legislative instruments which
include provisions on the right to life, survival and development.. The Committee,
however; notes that the Sate Party is among the countries with the highest infant
and maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the world. The Committee is concerned
at reports that indicate that Child survival is threatened by nutritional deficiencies
and illnesses, particularly malaria, diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections (ARI) such
as pneumonia, and vaccine-preventable diseases. The Committee recommends the
State Party to:
a) Increase investment in child nutrition and health care system;
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