The Committee recommends to the Government of the Republic of The Sudan to support the organizations operating in the health domain thus enabling them to play their role and contribute to reducing the rate of maternal and infantile mortality. Article 15: CHILD LABOUR The Committee notes with concern that child labour is widespread in The Sudan. Besides, the Child Act proscribes only the labour of children less than 14 years of age, and excludes labour in pastures and agricultural work which do not pose any danger and are not hazardous to their health, whereas such labour is equally dangerous and prevents the child from attending school. The Committee recommends to the Government of the Republic of The Sudan to undertake measures to protect children subjected to the worst forms of labour and align the legal age for work with the obligation to attend school. It recommends to the Government of the Republic of The Sudan to take measures to remedy the economic reasons which give rise to the worst forms of child labour and enhance the financial and human capacities of the competent institutions to ensure that child labour is banned in keeping with international standards, thus allowing the children to continue with their education. Article 16: PROTECTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE AND TORTURE The Committee notes with satisfaction that the Child Act incriminates cases of violence against children such as rape, abduction, sale and human organ trafficking. However, many aspects of violence against children persist. It also commends the Government of the Republic of The Sudan for proscribing sanctions inflicted on children in educational institutions and for the adoption of the National Action Plan 2008-2012 for combating violence against children. The Committee is, however, concerned at the huge number of reports of sex abuse, physical aggression and negligence. Flogging is still practised in certain schools. The Committee recommends to the Government of the Republic of The Sudan to undertake measures to effectively punish the authors of violence against children. It also recommends to the Government of the Republic of The Sudan to enact laws banning all forms of corporal punishment at school and to opt for non-violent and educative sanctions. 5

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