On protection of the family 24. The Committee notes with appreciation that family rights and family protection are provided under the Constitution. The Committee insists the Government take further measures to practically and effectively protect the family since it is the basic unit in which children can be protected. The government should protect the family by reducing family poverty, extending the reach of cash transfer schemes, and prevent separation of children from their families. On family reunification and adoption 25. The Committee appreciates the effort of the State in facilitating an increase in domestic adoption. It calls on the State Party to adopt monitoring mechanisms to ensure that adoption is on the best interest of the child. The Committee recommends for a continued reduction of international adoption and for sensitising society on inter-country adoption. The Committee notes that the State Party is in the process of ratifying the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption and encourages the government to accelerate the ratification of this international instrument. The State Party is further encouraged to take the measures necessary to combat illicit practice in inter-country adoption, including through appropriate regulation of private actors involved in inter-country adoption. 26. The Committee welcomes the adoption of National Plan of Action on Orphans and Vulnerable Children (2004-2006). The Committee encourages the implementation of this action plan to protect orphans. The Committee recommends for a strong family reunification program as a priority and when this is not possible to provide them with the necessary care until an alternative family environment is found for such children. On maintenance of the child 27. The Committee has concerns about the prolonged court proceedings to get maintenance orders and the small amount of maintenance granted to children. The Committee recommends for the State Party to fast-track the court proceeding for maintenance orders and to increase the amount granted by taking into account the basic needs of the child. On abuse, neglect and exploitation 28. The Committee is concerned by the high level of child abuses in the family setting. Children are mostly sexually abused and exposed to exploitation by their family members. Families in the rural area send their children to urban cities 7