CRC/C/ECU/CO/4-5

Ecuador (CRC 26-10-2017)

The Committee considered the combined fifth and sixth periodic reports of Ecuador (CRC/C/ECU/5-6) at its 2222nd and 2223rd meetings (see CRC/C/SR.2222 and 2223), held on 11 and 12 September 2017, and adopted the present concluding observations at its 2251st meeting, held on 29 September 2017.

Concluding observations

A. General measures of implementation (arts. 4, 42 and 44 (6))

Cooperation with civil society

14. The Committee strongly recommends that the State party:

(a) Give legitimate recognition to human rights defenders and their work, and build a climate of trust and cooperation with civil society;

(b) Systematically and meaningfully involve non-governmental organizations working in the field of children’s rights, including children’s organizations, organizations representing indigenous peoples and other nationalities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex children, in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of laws, policies and programmes relating to children’s rights.  

B. General principles (arts. 2, 3, 6 and 12)

Non-discrimination

16. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure full protection against discrimination on all grounds and in coordination with a wide range of stakeholders, including girls, and:                                        

(a) Adopt strategies, including affirmative action programmes, to address disparities in access to education, health services and a minimum standard of living by children belonging to indigenous peoples and nationalities, Montubio, Afro-Ecuadorian children, children with disabilities and children of families living in poverty, with measurable outcomes and goals to be met in the short and long term;                                       

(b) Design and implement a strategy with a clear definition of targets and a monitoring mechanism aimed at eliminating patriarchal attitudes and gender stereotypes that discriminate against girls in all areas of life, paying special attention to education. In the context of such strategy, the State party should adopt measures to combat prejudices and de facto discrimination against pregnant girls and adolescent mothers;

(c) Adopt a strategy, specific legal provisions and clear guidelines for public authorities aimed at upholding non-discrimination against children on any grounds and combating stigma against children of single-parent families, children born to persons deprived of their liberty, children in families composed of same-sex couples and lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex children;

(d) Ensure that all cases of discrimination against children are addressed effectively, including by disseminating information in accessible formats about what constitutes discrimination, and establishing disciplinary, administrative or, if necessary, penal sanctions, and that children can access psychosocial and legal counselling in cases of discrimination;

(e) Monitor strategies and measures to combat discrimination and include an assessment of the results achieved in its next report.