29. The Committee recognises the policy measures undertaken to advance the implementation of the principle of non-discrimination, in particular in the area of health services, however remains concerned that certain vulnerable groups, including indigenous, migrant and refugee children, children with disabilities, as well as children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and those living in rural areas, continue to be victims of discrimination, particularly in their reduced access to education. The Committee further notes the prevalence of gender based discrimination and that pregnancy continues to result in the exclusion of girls from educational establishments, despite an explicit prohibition of discrimination on this ground. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that homosexual relations, including those of persons under 18 years old, continue to be criminalized, indicating discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

30. The Committee recommends that the State party increase its efforts to review, monitor and ensure implementation of legislation guaranteeing the principle of nondiscrimination and full compliance with article 2 of the Convention, and adopt a proactive and comprehensive strategy to eliminate discrimination on gender, ethnic, religious or any other grounds and against all vulnerable groups throughout the country.

31. The Committee also requests that specific information be included in the next periodic report on the measures and programmes relevant to the Convention on the Rights of the Child undertaken by the State party, to provide special protection to vulnerable groups and to follow up on the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, also taking into account General Comment No. 1 on article 29, paragraph 1 of the Convention (aims of education).

Link to full text of the report: Concluding Observations-CRC-Chile-2007-eng