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Uganda - UN's Committee on the Rights of the Child recommends government action to improve living conditions for Batwa children

October 2005 Following the submission of a shadow report by FPP and UOBDU (United Organisation for Batwa Development in Uganda) to the UN's Committee on the Rights of the Child, which outlined the deplorable situation of Batwa children in Uganda, the Committee expressed its concern at the situation of Batwa children, in particular with regard to their limited access to basic social services, including health care and education, and the violation of their rights to survival and development, to enjoy their own culture and to be protected from discrimination. Furthermore, the Committee recommended that the Ugandan government undertake a study to assess the situation and the needs of Batwa children and to elaborate a plan of action involving leaders of the Batwa community to protect the rights of those children and ensure access to their social services; and seek adequate means and measures to ensure that Batwa communities, including children, are provided with information regarding birth registration procedures, access to health care facilities and education.