In its Concluding Observations on Bulgaria, the Committee noted its concern about the increase in rates of children being psychologically, physically, and sexually abused, the fact that only a tiny number of these cases reach the judicial system, and the pervasiveness of trafficking both domestically and internationally, especially of Roma children. The Concluding Observations on Georgia highlighted the lack of information on key issues such as the extent of violence, sexual abuse and neglect within the family and the sexual exploitation and prostitution of children. The Committee also recommended changes to Georgian law to ensure that child victims and witnesses of crimes like domestic violence, sexual exploitation and trafficking are adequately protected, and that victims of trafficking are not criminalized. In its Concluding Observations on Serbia, the Committee expressed concerns that new domestic violence laws are not being effectively implemented, that there is no comprehensive national strategy to combat sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and provide services to victims, and that early marriage is common among Roma girls.

For the full text of the State reports considered during the session and the Committee’s Concluding Observations, click here.

Compiled from: Women’s U.N. Report Network; “Committee on the Rights of the Child – 48^th Session,” Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, last accessed 6 June 2008; Concluding Observations: Bulgaria, Committee on the Rights of the Child, 6 June 2008; Concluding Observations: Georgia, Committee on the Rights of the Child, 6 June 2008; Concluding Observations: Republic of Serbia, Committee on the Rights of the Child, 6 June 2008.