COMMITTEE ON CHILD RIGHTS CONTINUES EXAMINATION OF UKRAINE'S REPORT
Press Release
HR/4206
COMMITTEE ON CHILD RIGHTS CONTINUES EXAMINATION OF UKRAINE'S REPORT
19951107 GENEVA, 2 November (UN Information Service) -- The Committee on the Rights of the Child continued its examination of the initial report of Ukraine this afternoon, taking under review the application of the measures relative to such issues as civil rights and liberties, or the familial environment.The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Liliya Grygorovytch, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Subcommission on Health Care of Children and Mothers, and Deputy Head of the Committee of Women, Maternity and Childhood gave additional information on the situation of Ukrainian children regarding civil rights and liberties.
She said that Ukrainian legislation guaranteed the freedom of conscience and religion. She drew attention to the activities of sects that had appeared since Ukraine's independence in 1991, and that have taken advantage of the situation, and "morally kidnapped" teenagers brought up in atheism. Those sects had been banned due to their harmful influence on the Ukrainian youth.
Ms. Grygorovytch stressed that the Ukrainian Legislation also guaranteed freedom of the press. Nevertheless, some dispositions did prohibit propaganda calling for violence and defamation. Some newspapers and sections in the daily press were specifically addressed to children and efforts had been made within the press corps to heighten the awareness of readers and parents of the problems of women and children. Much remained to be done in that area and it was one of the objectives of the Children of Ukraine programme. Asked by members of the Committee about the sale of toys that imitated weapons, she answered that the authorities should consider the problem and limit the import of such toys.
Answering other questions, the Ukraine's representatives affirmed that the legislation made provisions for severe sentences against parents responsible for child abuse. The abandonment of children was also severely punished. The Ukrainian authorities had enacted the Penal Code, until the adoption of new legislation regulating adoption.
In the area of children's health protection, the government was leading campaigns and a programme of vaccination in the schools, to meet the increasing number of illnesses present in the period of transition. It had also expended great effort to ensure a balanced diet, with free meals in elementary schools and orphanages. Moreover, food was also provided to underprivileged families.
* *** *