children, bearing in mind that CSO are critical to the fulfilment of children’s rights in all African countries.. B. Definition of a child 11. The Committee appreciates that definition of the child in the State Party Report as it is in line with the Charter. However, the Committee notes with concern the emancipation provision which is provided under the Revised Federal Family Code for marriage at the age of 16 by the approval of the Ministry of Justice. This is in clear contradiction with articles 2 and 21 of the Charter, and hence the Committee strongly urges the Government of Ethiopia to revise this provision. 12. The age of criminal responsibility is anotherconcern for the Committee as it is set at the age of 9 and children of ages 15-18 are treated as adults. The Committee recommends for the revision of this criminal law provision and raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12. Children between the age of 15 and 18 should also not be treated as adults since they fall within the definition of the Child under the Charter. C. General principles On non-discrimination 13. The Committee notes that there is disparity in the services available in urban and rural areas to children. The health care and education services in rural areas are not accessible and well equipped. The Committee urges the government of Ethiopia to address this disparity by giving differentiated treatment to rural areas. Furthermore, children with disabilities are discriminated in accessing these services as the services are not provided in a manner suitable to the particular needs to children with disabilities. Thus the Committee encourages the State Party to fulfil the special needs of children with disabilities to ensure that they are not discriminated. 14. The Committee remains concerned about the position of the girl child and gender disparity in accessing education and other services. The State Party is recommended to intensify efforts to reduce discrimination on account of gender. On best interest of the child 15. The Committee applauds that the Constitution and the Revised Family Code of the State Party ensure the best interest of the child. The Committee encourages the government to consider the best interest of the child in all circumstances by implementing these laws. Particularly, the best interest of the child should be given due consideration in the case of adoption and intercountry- adoption. 4