CRC/C/GAB/CO/2

Gabon (CRC 08-07-2016)

The Committee considered the second periodic report of Gabon (CRC/C/GAB/2) at its 2120th and 2121st meetings (see CRC/C/SR.2120 and 2121), held on 26 and 27 May 2016, and adopted the present concluding observations at its 2132nd meeting, held on 3 June 2016.

Concluding observations

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

Non-discrimination

22. The Committee is seriously concerned about the continuing de facto discrimination in access to basic services, such as health, education and social services, against children from poor communities, children from pygmy communities, orphans, children in street situations, children with HIV/AIDS, children with disabilities, child victims of trafficking and asylum-seeking and refugee children. The Committee is also concerned about discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex children.

23. The Committee recommends that the State party prioritize investment in education, health and social services, taking into account the rights of children in vulnerable situations, including those living in remote and indigenous areas, and pay particular attention to guaranteeing effective access to health, education and social services to children from poor communities, children from indigenous pygmy communities, orphans, children in street situations, children infected with HIV/AIDS, children with disabilities, child victims of trafficking and asylum-seeking and refugee children. The Committee also recommends that the State party raise awareness of equality and non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity to foster a culture of tolerance and mutual respect.