22. The Committee further recommends that the State Party makes reference to its General Comment No 2 on the right to name, birth registration, and nationality of children for additional guidance on implementation strategies of these rights. Freedom of expression, conscience, thought, religion, assembly, and protection of privacy 23. The Committee commends the State Party with regard to article 47 of the Constitution of Angola that guarantees fundamental freedoms including the freedom to assembly. Nevertheless, the Committee’s sources indicate that there are incidents of excessive use of force in cases of demonstrations which involve children, such as in the recent demonstration of students and teachers against school fees. If such occurrences do take place, the Committee recommends that law enforcement officials who have employed excessive use of force against children are held accountable. In addition, the Committee encourages the State Party to undertake training and sensitization of police and law enforcement personnel on the right to freedom of expression and assembly as it relates to children to prevent any kind of violence against children in the context of assembly and demonstration. 24. The Committee also recommends that the State Party ensures that children’s privacy is protected in court proceedings by holding a closed hearing for cases that involve and concern children. Protection against abuse and torture 25. The Committee appreciates the efforts undertaken by the State Party in terms of research and awareness raising in relation to the practice of witchcraft accusation of children, which is a common practice mainly in the northern parts even though it does exist in other parts of the country. However, the Committee finds that the number of children abused and tortured due to witchcraft accusations is alarming and accounts for the highest rate of the total number of abuses reported. The Committee therefore recommends that the State Party takes preventive measures by addressing the identified causes of such accusations which include orphan hood, sickness, and separation of children. Moreover, the Committee recommends that the State Party sensitizes communities to change their attitudes towards witchcraft accusations to prevent further abuse of children perceived to be practising witchcraft. The Committee strongly recommends that the State Party conducts investigation of cases of abuse as a result of witchcraft accusations and effectively prosecute perpetrators to ensure accountability. 26. The Committee also notes that corporal punishment is highly practiced at various settings; including at schools and home. The Committee encourages the State Party to craft legislation which bans corporal punishment in all settings and to also take administrative measures to train teachers and parents on positive disciplining. 8

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