2.2 Measures to Promote Positive Cultural Values and Traditions Despite outlawing harmful cultural practices, some cultures which contravene the provisions of the ACRWC, are still practiced in some communities. These included female genital mutilation (FGM) practiced in some parts of the country especially among the Sabiny people in Kapchorwa and Bukwa districts in North-eastern Uganda; the emerging challenge of child sacrifice, child trafficking, and discrimination of girls in education. Government in collaboration with its partners such as UNFPA has intensified effort to sensitize the general public about the dangers of such practices. Studies are being done to understand child sacrifice and child trafficking. The immigration department is also very strict on issues of migration with children. The liberalization of the media has helped to unearth practices and customs which impinge upon child rights. The media has also been used by Government and other stakeholders to sensitize the masses on child rights issues. 2.3 Mechanisms for Coordinating Policies Relating to Children 2.3.1 The Creation of National Council for Children (NCC) NCC is the lead agency mandated to oversee the implementation of the national and local instruments on the rights and welfare of the child. In order to make operational and ensure the effective implementation of Uganda National Programme of Action on Children (UNPAC), which is multi-sectoral by design, Government of Uganda established the National Council for Children, first as an interim body in 1993 and later by Statute No. 16 of 1996. NCC provides structure mechanism for proper coordination, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes relating to the survival, development and protection of children in Uganda. It identifies the needs and problems of children and communicates them to government for action. The establishment of the NCC was intended to have an independent body to monitor all issues relating to children, within government ministries as well as the civil society. 2.3.2 The Civil Society and Development Partners Civil society organisations play a very important role in ensuring implementation of the Charter. International NGOs such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) promotes International Humanitarian Law in order to protect and deliver services to survivors of disaster including armed conflict, floods, earth quakes and land slides. Others such as Save the Children in Uganda, ANPPCAN, UCRNN among others implement various interventions including training children and stakeholders; initiating child participation in school and at project level and participating in lobbying of policies, legislations and budgets favourable for children. Development partners and donors provide financial and technical support to implement government and civil society programmes. In providing technical expertise, they influence policies, laws, actions and budgets. They also participate in sector working groups to influence plans and actions emanating from the plans. Each agency, say within the UN works along its mandate. UNICEF‟s major focus is emergency for children looking at water, education, health and protection; WFP provides food, WHO is charged with health especially setting health standards, UNAIDS focus is HIV/AIDs and UNFPA with adolescent reproductive health. 2.4 Mechanisms for Monitoring the Implementation of the Charter There are both government and non-government mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of the provision of the Charter and its enabling laws in Uganda. In preparation of this report, all stakeholders were engaged, each highlighting areas where they have contributed and concerns regarding performance in their 10