WUNRN
The
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the body of 18
Independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention
on the Rights of the Child by its State parties.
The
Committee on the Rights of the Child also publishes its interpretation of the
content of human rights provisions, known as general
comments on thematic issues.
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CONSIDER COMMITTEE ON RIGHTS OF THE
CHILD GENERAL COMMENT NO. 15 FULL TEXT & EXCERPTS BELOW, FOR HEALTH OF
THE GIRL CHILD.
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Convention on the |
Distr.: General 17 April 2013 Original: English |
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
General Comment No. 15 (2013) on the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health (art. 24)*
9. Gender-based discrimination is particularly pervasive, affecting a wide range of outcomes, from female infanticide/foeticide to discriminatory infant and young child feeding practices, gender stereotyping and access to services. Attention should be given to the differing needs of girls and boys, and the impact of gender-related social norms and values on the health and development of boys and girls. Attention also needs to be given to harmful gender-based practices and norms of behaviour that are ingrained in traditions and customs and undermine the right to health of girls and boys.
10. All policies and programmes affecting children’s health should be grounded in a broad approach to gender equality that ensures young women’s full political participation; social and economic empowerment; recognition of equal rights related to sexual and reproductive health; and equal access to information, education, justice and security, including the elimination of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
31. In accordance with their evolving capacities, children should have access to confidential counselling and advice without parental or legal guardian consent, where this is assessed by the professionals working with the child to be in the child’s best interests. States should clarify the legislative procedures for the designation of appropriate caregivers for children without parents or legal guardians, who can consent on the child’s behalf or assist the child in consenting, depending on the child’s age and maturity. States should review and consider allowing children to consent to certain medical treatments and interventions without the permission of a parent, caregiver, or guardian, such as HIV testing and sexual and reproductive health services, including education and guidance on sexual health, contraception and safe abortion.
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