awareness about the multifaceted effects of female gentile mutilation and virginity testing on children and to prosecute those who practice the acts. Protection against abuse and torture 26. While appreciating the State Party for taking various legislative and administrative measures to protect children from abuse and torture, the Committee is concerned of the fact that children could still be sentenced by courts for whipping. The Committee, therefore, recommends the State Party to expedite the adoption of the General Amendment Bill as it has the effect of prohibiting child whipping and to abolish corporeal punishment in all settings and to promote alternative positive disciplining measures. 27. Furthermore, Committee recommends the State Party to set in place a child friendly reporting mechanism for victims of abuse and torture, to increase the work pool of psychologists and social workers in the criminal justice system, to build the capacity of the police to adequately respond to rape cases, to improve the conviction rate of offenders, establish victim support programs, and to promote community outreach efforts with the view of raising awareness. E. Family Environment and alternative care Parental Guidance and responsibilities 28. Appreciating the State Party for providing social transfers and psychosocial support to child headed households, the Committee recommends the State Party to conduct a formal public supervision of child headed households and to consider increasing the 20 USD grant. 29. In addition, the Committee recommends the State Party to respect the commitment it made under article 20(2) of the African Children's Charter and to make arrangements for parents to play integral role in the learning process of their children, and to ensure children of working parents are provided with basic services. 30. Furthermore, the Committee recommends the State Party to ensure that parents are discharging their duty of providing maintenance for their children by taking various actions including the enforcement of maintenance claims Family reunification and children deprived of the family environment 31. While appreciating the State Party for putting in place family tracing, reunification, and reintegration system for children deprived of the family environment, the Committee recommends the State Party to continue and strengthen its efforts of family reunification