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PERSISTENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST AND VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHTS OF THE GIRL CHILD

The G-77/China proposed adding a section to Chapter IV (Strategic Objectives and Actions) on the girl child and distributed a copy of their initial position. Other delegates' amendments are due to the Secretariat Tuesday morning, and discussion of the compiled version is scheduled to begin once the discussion of Chapter IV, Section H (mechanisms) is completed. The following is a brief description of the G-77/China draft.

The introduction to the section notes the challenges that the girl child faces, including lack of access to primary schooling, nutrition and health care services, and notes that all barriers must be eliminated. The nine strategic objectives call on actors to: eliminate discrimination against the girl child; ensure elimination of negative cultural attitudes and practices against girls; increase public awareness on the value of the girl child; eliminate discrimination against girls in the areas of education, skill development and training; eliminate discrimination in the areas of health and nutrition; discourage child labor and protect young girls on the job; eradicate violence against the girl child; sensitize the girl child about social, economic and political issues and problems; and strengthen the role of the family in improving the status of the girl child.

Governments are to: implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; support NGOs' efforts to promote changes in negative attitudes and practices towards girls; promote human rights education in all educational programmes; and adhere to international instruments regarding child labor. Governments, international and non-governmental organizations are called on to: conduct research on the situation of girls; establish special programmes to discourage harmful attitudes and practices; generate awareness by decision-makers of the disadvantaged situation of girls; promote full participation of girls in extracurricular activities; establish peer education and outreach programmes; take action to protect girls from all forms of violence; enable girls to articulate their views; and provide an environment conducive to the strengthening of the family.