E/C.12/BIH/CO/2
and other relevant criteria, and that effective monitoring mechanisms be adopted and
implemented to that effect;
(d)
Develop strategies to address the regional disparities that affect the equal
enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights; and
(e)
Allocate sufficient funds for the implementation of these strategies,
drawing attention to the Committee’s statement on poverty and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/2001/10), adopted by the
Committee on 4 May 2001.
30.
The Committee notes with deep concern that, 18 years after the war and signing of
the Dayton Peace Agreement, many returnees and displaced persons in the State party are
still out of their pre-war homes. In this context, the Committee is also concerned about the
continued existence of collective housing despite the fact that these collective housing
centres were designed as a temporary solution to address the acute housing situation (art.
11).
The Committee recommends that the State party continue its efforts to ensure the
sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their pre-war
houses by facilitating the reconstruction of housing units, infrastructure and
continued clearance of mines. The Committee urges the State party to duly implement
the Joint Declaration on Resolving Protracted Displacement in Bosnia and
Herzegovina which addresses, inter alia, the issue of collective centre residents and
according to which all collective centres are expected to be closed by the end of 2014
and current occupants placed in adequate housing units with significantly improved
living conditions.
31.
The Committee is deeply concerned that access to safe drinking water is not ensured
in all parts of the State party (art. 11).
The Committee recommends that the State party take the necessary steps to
implement the Water Management Strategy of the Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina. It also urges the State party to promote the speedy adoption of the
Framework Plan for the Development of Water Resources in Republika Srpska by the
National Assembly of Republika Srpska. In this regard, the Committee invites the
State party to take into account its general comment No. 15 (2002) on the right to
water.
32.
The Committee is concerned that access to adequate health-care services is not
sufficiently ensured for marginalized groups, especially returnees, asylum seekers, Roma
and persons with disabilities. The Committee is also concerned at the high number of
teenage pregnancies in the State party (art. 12)
The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its efforts to ensure that
disadvantaged and marginalized groups have equal access to health-care services and
adequate health insurance throughout the State party, including through harmonizing
its health-care system. The Committee also recommends that the State party raise
awareness of contraceptive methods, with age appropriate education on sexual and
reproductive health and rights, in the school curricula, with the aim of preventing
early pregnancies.
33.
The Committee is concerned about the continued existence of “two schools under
one roof” in some parts of the State party. The Committee is also concerned that the
Criteria on Names and Symbols of Schools has not been implemented at all levels of the
State party, thereby creating an environment that impedes access to education by children
belonging to a minority in a particular area (arts. 13-14).
7