E/C.12/IRQ/CO/4 Right to health 53. The Committee notes the information provided by the delegation that in 2014 the health budget was increased from 5 per cent to 6 per cent of the public budget. However, it is concerned that this allocation remains unsatisfactory. The Committee is also concerned at the limited access to basic health services, in particular in areas hosting large numbers of internally displaced persons, and the shortage of health facilities, medical doctors and other skilled health professionals, as well as of medicines and medical supplies (art. 12). 54. The Committee recommends that the State party take steps to gradually increase the health budget. It also recommends that the State party prioritize interventions to restore emergency and essential primary and secondary health services, including in newly liberated areas, and ensure the availability of life-saving emergency services for the affected populations. In this regard, the Committee draws the State party’s attention to general comment No. 14 (2000) on the right to the highest attainable standard of health. The Committee further recommends that the State party continue to seek technical cooperation, in particular, with the World Health Organization. Right to education 55. The Committee is concerned about the decrease in school enrolment and attendance and the increase in school drop-out and illiteracy rates, especially among girls. It is also concerned about the limited availability of schools, and the fact that many of them are in poor physical condition and lack essential facilities. The Committee is further concerned that children with disabilities and internally displaced children face particular barriers in access to education (arts. 13 and 14). 56. The Committee recommends that the State party effectively implement the national education and higher education strategy for the period 2011-2020. It also recommends that the State party take all measures necessary to reintegrate children affected by the armed conflict into the educational system, including through nonformal educational programmes and by prioritizing the restoration of school buildings and facilities. The Committee further recommends that the State party take specific measures to ensure that internally displaced children and children with disabilities enjoy equal access to education. Cultural heritage 57. The Committee commends the State party on measures taken to address the destruction of cultural heritage sites and looting of objects with cultural heritage significance. However, it remains concerned that such acts continue to be carried out by ISIL and affiliated armed groups on a large scale. Furthermore, the Committee expresses its concern that educational textbooks do not reflect the rich composition of Iraqi society in an inclusive and balanced manner (art. 15). 58. The Committee recommends that the State party further strengthen its measures, including through technical cooperation with and international assistance from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and other organizations, to stop destruction and looting of sites and objects with cultural heritage significance, and take steps to bring perpetrators to justice. It also calls on the State party to revise its educational curricula, with a view to reflecting the culture and heritage of all minorities in Iraqi society. 10