Ratification of the third Optional Protocol

The Committee welcomes the new policy framework with the aim of ensuring a best interests assessment in the process of law-making as well as guaranteeing children´s involvement in the process, and the reforms included in the new Children´s Act which will be enacted later this year. However, the Committee deeply regrets that the Parliament decided to vote against the ratification of the third Optional Protocol on communication procedures and urges the State Party to consider the matter as soon as possible with the support of the Committee. The Committee recommends that measures are taken to ensure that children´s rights are explicitly incorporated into all legislation, including the Public Administration Act, the Social Service Act, the Integration Act and the appropriate health related laws designed to ensure the well-being of the population.