E/C.12/LIE/CO/2-3
security without fear of losing their residency status due to their dependence on social
assistance. To that end, the Committee recommends that the State party introduce the
necessary amendments to articles 49 and 69 of the Foreigners Act. The Committee
refers the State party to its general comment No. 19 (2007) on the right to social
security.
Family reunification
26.
The Committee is concerned that decisions to approve requests for family
reunification by third country nationals (who are neither from Switzerland or the European
Economic Area) are subject to a spouse who wishes to move to Liechtenstein providing
evidence of a basic knowledge of the German language, which may have a disproportionate
impact on applicants whose spouses or dependent adults are non-German-speaking and are
unable to access German language training because of financial or other constraints. The
Committee notes the current case-by-case approach of the migration authority, opening
space for flexibility (arts. 2 and 10).
27.
The Committee recommends that the State party review the requirements for
family reunifications by all non-nationals, repeal any requirement that may have the
effect of indirect discrimination based on ethnicity, nationality or language, prioritize
family reunification over knowledge of the German language prior to arriving in the
State party, and continue exploring ways to facilitate the integration of non-nationals
and their families, once reunified, in the State party.
Drug use
28.
While noting with appreciation the State party’s efforts to combat abuse of drugs,
tobacco and alcohol and despite the positive results of various measures taken, the
Committee remains concerned that the consumption of illicit drugs has increased (art. 12).
29.
The Committee recommends that the State party continue conducting
awareness-raising programmes about the serious health risks associated with drug
abuse, strengthen its efforts to reduce the risks associated with drug consumption and
provide appropriate health care, psychological support services and rehabilitation to
drug users in need of such services. The Committee refers the State party to its
general comment No. 14 (2000) on the right to the highest attainable standard of
health.
Right to education
30.
The Committee takes note of the efforts made by the State party towards integrating
migrant children into the mainstream education system. However, the Committee remains
concerned at the underrepresentation of pupils of migrant background at the higher levels of
secondary school (Gymnasium). While noting that the State party has started inclusive
schooling for children with disabilities, the Committee is concerned that some children with
disabilities remain in special schools (arts. 13 and 14).
31.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Address the underrepresentation of children of migrant background in
the higher levels of secondary school (Gymnasium) and review the classification
criteria for assigning pupils to different education tracks, including by raising the cutoff age for pupils;
(b)
Continue strengthening existing education programmes aimed at
integrating children of migrant background;
(c)
Promote inclusive education for all children with disabilities, including
by allocating resources for the provision of reasonable accommodation and additional
professional training for teachers.
32.
The Committee refers the State party to its general comment No. 13 (1999) on
the right to education.
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