A/HRC/42/8
55.
Tajikistan noted the measures taken to accelerate the promotion of human rights
through policy and legislative measures, and the implementation of those measures at the
grass-roots level.
56.
Thailand acknowledged the gross national happiness philosophy of Bhutan, and
commended it for its commitment to providing free health services, reducing poverty and
advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
57.
Timor-Leste appreciated the important steps taken for environmental protection and
the establishment of the green bench to protect children’s rights.
58.
Tunisia commended Bhutan for actions to strengthen the institutional and legislative
framework, and for the adoption of a plan to graduate from the category of least developed
countries.
59.
Turkey welcomed the efforts undertaken to reduce poverty, raise literacy rates and
life expectancy, and increase the number of schools and childcare centres. It also welcomed
the steps taken by the Government to control corruption.
60.
Turkmenistan commended Bhutan for developing the National Education Policy and
the Bhutan Education Blueprint (2014–2024).
61.
Regarding the issues of child marriage and exploitation of children, the Constitution
of Bhutan and the Penal Code ensured the necessary protection of children against all forms
of discrimination and exploitation. The Penal Code criminalized the rape of a child. In
addition, the Child Care and Protection Act 2011 specified children as being all persons
below 18 years of age.
62.
The Ministry of Health’s Adolescent Health Programme and education on
adolescent sexual and reproductive health contained additional measures preventing child
marriage.
63.
A study on violence against children had allowed the gathering of more information
regarding the prevalence of physical, sexual and emotional violence, their drivers, and
access to services.
64.
In regard to child labour, the Labour and Employment Act prohibited the
employment of children under 13. It also specified 16 categories of risky occupations for
children aged between 13 and 17.
65.
A handbook for labour inspectors had been elaborated to assist labour inspectors in
effectively addressing the issue of child labour. Additionally, the Government had been
working towards empowering law enforcement agencies to effectively monitor and inspect
private and domestic settings.
66.
The Government had launched several projects to protect the rights of children,
particularly the online Central Management Information System which served as a
repository of disaggregated data on women and children in difficult circumstances, and the
Children in Conflict with the Law initiative to ensure proper coordination and case
management.
67.
Furthermore, instruments such as the National Plan of Action for Child Well-being
and Protection and the National Child Policy had been developed to prevent and respond to
violence and abuse of children.
68.
The Government had created sensitization and media advocacy programmes on
adolescent issues and matters pertaining to violence, and would continue to work in that
area.
69.
Concerning the rights of women, Bhutan continued to carry out advocacy and
awareness-raising programmes on the rights of and services available for entertainment
centre (drayang) workers. A survey to better understand the situation of drayang employees
was being conducted. In addition, the Ministry of Economic Affairs was revising and would
be implementing the Rules Governing Places of Entertainment.
70.
A number of initiatives had been taken to prevent domestic violence, including the
development of the Domestic Violence Prevention Rules and Regulations in 2015, and the
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