Children’s rights and the environment

51. The Committee welcomes the positive steps taken to address deforestation, but remains concerned about the State party’s policy to increase mono-cropping and that the land laws do not reflect the nomadic lifestyle of pygmy communities, including children, who rely on the forests for their livelihood.

52. The Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Review its existing policies regarding mono-cropping, with the full and effective participation of pygmy communities, including children; (b) Ensure a transparent and human rights due diligence process, with the full participation of pygmy communities, including children, before demarcating lands for commercial purposes or turning them into national parks