Convention on the Rights of the Child

Distr.GENERAL CRC/C/LIE/Q/2/Add.18 December 2005 Original: ENGLISH

COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

Forty-first session9-27 January 2006

WRITTEN REPLIES BY THE GOVERNMENT OF LIECHTENSTEIN

CONCERNING THE LIST OF ISSUES (CRC/C/LIE/Q/2/Add.1) RECEIVED

BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD RELATING

TO THE CONSIDERATION OF THE SECOND PERIODIC REPORT OF

(CRC/C/136/Add.2 )

[Replies received 7 December 2005]

to the list of issues (crc/c/q/lie/2) raised by the

committee on the rights of the child

in connection with the Second periodic report ( CRC/C/136/Add.2 )

PART I

A) Data and statistics

1. Please provide disaggregated data (by gender, age groups, ethnic groups, urban, rural and remote areas) covering the years of 2004 and 2005:

1a) on the number and proportion of children under 18 living in Liechtenstein

As of 31 December 2004, 7772 children under 18 lived in Liechtenstein, i.e., 22.5% of the total population. 28.4% of the children under 18 are of foreign nationality.

Permanent population under the age of 18	As of: 31 Dec 2004
Age groups	Nationality	TOTAL
Liechtenstein	foreign
male	female	total	male	female	total
0 – 18 years	2807	2755	5562	1136	1074	2210	7772
13 – 18 years	827	827	1654	369	304	673	2327
7 – 12 years	912	897	1809	339	360	699	2508
0 – 6 years	1068	1031	2099	428	410	838	2937

1b) on the number and proportion of children belonging to minority groups, refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants

Asylum-seekers under the age of 18	1998 to 31 Oct 2005
Nation	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	TOTAL
Armenia	3	1							4
Azerbaijan				1					1
Bosnia&Herzegovina		4		1		3			8
Bulgaria						1			1
China							1		1
Czech Republic		2							2
Iran							1		1
Israel							2		2
Kazakhstan					1	2		1	4
Macedonia				12	3	2			17
Mongolia						1			1
Morocco		1							1
Poland						1			1
Russia					3	4	1	2	10
Serbia&Montenegro	66	183	18	10	1	4			282
Somalia								1	1
Turkey	1	8							9
Ukraine		1			2		1	1	5
TOTAL	70	200	18	24	10	18	6	5	351

2. In light of article 4 of the Convention, please provide additional u p dated disaggregated data covering the years of 2004 and 2005 on budget allocations and trends (in percentages of the national and r e gional budgets or GDP) allocated to the implementation of the Co n vention in the following areas:

The national budget (NB) is used as a basis for comparison. The total national budget amounted to about CHF 794 million in 2003 and about CHF 781 million in 2004.

2a) education (different types of education, i.e. pre-primary, primary and secondary education)

The total expenditures for education amounted to about CHF 121 million in 2003 and about CHF 129 million in 2004. This corresponds to 15% and 16%, respectively, of the total annual State expenditures. This budget item includes, inter alia, the contributions to kindergarten and primary schools, secondary schools, the Therapeutic-Pedagogical Center, vocational training, universities and universities of applied science, stipends and educational support, career counseling, and cultural promotion through the Music School and the School of Fine Arts. Private schools located in Liechtenstein also receive a subsidy. The following table enumerates the most important types of education.

2003
Type of education	Contribution in CHF	Percentage of 2003 NB
Kindergarten	1,819,345	0.23%
Primary school	22,578,782	2.84%
Secondary schools (Oberschule, Realschule, Gy m nasium)	33,066,558	4.16%
Vocational training	9,170,923	1.16%
Schools of higher education (contributions to universities and universities of applied science)	13,841,860	1.74%
International programs (Socrates, etc.)	780,382	0.10%
Stipends and loans	4,420,296	0.56%
School of Fine Arts	205,133	0.03%
Music School	3,684,725	0.46%
other schools (incl. private schools)	633,220	0.08%
2004
Type of education	Contribution in CHF	Percentage of 2004 NB
Kindergarten	5,334,792	0.67%
Primary school	23,445,202	2.95%
Secondary schools (Oberschule, Realschule, Gy m nasium)	35,399,025	4.46%
Vocational training	9,229,067	1.16%
Schools of higher education (contributions to universities and universities of applied science)	14,381,701	1.81%
International programs (Socrates, etc.)	737,765	0.09%
Stipends and loans	4,286,492	0.54%
School of Fine Arts	259,499	0.03%
Music School	3,734,706	0.47%
other schools (incl. private schools)	806,335	0.10%

Note: The difference from 2003 to 2004 in the expenditures for kindergartens is due to the fact that the distribution between the State and the municipalities of salary expenditures for kindergarten teachers was changed as of 1 August 2004. The municipalities contribute 50% to the personnel expenses for kindergartens and primary schools.

2b) childcare services, including day-care centers and crèches

Total public expenditures for childcare amount to CHF 2.24 million. This amount is borne jointly by the State and the municipalities. It is composed of individual case contributions and general contributions to institutions. The institutional contribution by the State for the year 2004 amounted to about CHF 1.2 million, individual case contributions to about CHF 140,000. This results in State expenditures totaling CHF 1.34 million, which corresponds to 0.17% of the 2004 national budget.

2004
	Individual case contrib u tions in CHF	Institutional contrib u tions in CHF
Day-care outside the home	Day-care centers	86,077.30	1,680,760
Parent-Child Forum	14,991.70	275,871
Private childminders	126,065.15	---
Care arrangements	56,291.65	---
Total	283,425.80	1,956,631

2c) health care (different types of health services, i.e. primary health care, vaccination programs, adolescent health care and other health-care services for children)

The State provides various support benefits relating to health promotion and health care. It makes contributions to the various hospitals under contract in neighboring countries. An annual contribution of approx. CHF 300,000 is made to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Switzerland in St. Gallen. Preventive medical checkups are mandatory and are coordinated by the Office of Public Health. The checkups are undertaken by the family physician, and the costs are covered by the private, State-subsidized health insurance schemes. However, the State entirely covers the costs for children’s dental health, which amount to about CHF 540,000 yearly. Mandatory vaccinations and drug prevention also fall within the scope of State responsibility.

In total, the State paid about CHF 21 million for health care in 2004 (2003: about CHF 19 million). This corresponds to approximately 3% of the 2004 national budget. In addition, the State contributed a total of CHF 56 million to health insurance in 2004 (2003: about CHF 51 million).

2d) programs and services for children with disabilities

In 2003, the State of Liechtenstein paid about CHF 5.6 million for the care, treatment, and education of children with disabilities. In 2004, the total expenditures amounted to slightly more than in the previous year, namely CHF 5.7 million. This total amount also encompasses the contributions of Disability Insurance to special education and integrative education and the municipal contributions to special education. The largest share of the total amount goes to the Therapeutic-Pedagogical Center (Heilpädagogisches Zentrum, HPZ), which is the main provider of services to children with disabilities. Additionally, special education homes are supported that are located nearby in the neighboring countries.

2003
Type of support	Contribution in CHF	Percentage of 2003 NB
Special school at Therapeutic-Pedagogical Center (HPZ)	1,943,303	0.24%
Therapeutic-pedagogical measures (HPZ)	2,854,019	0.36%
Special education homes	783,088	0.10%
Total	5,580,410	0.70%
2004
Type of support	Contribution in CHF	Percentage of 2004 NB
Special school at Therapeutic-Pedagogical Center (HPZ)	2,036,194	0.26%
Therapeutic-pedagogical measures (HPZ)	2,838,151	0.36%
Special education homes	805,180	0.10%
Total	5,679,525	0.72%

2e) support programs for families

Child allowances, birth allowances, and single-parent allowances are paid by the Family Allowance Office (AHV-IV-FAK institutions). Family Allowance benefits are funded by personal contributions and employer contributions. 75% of rental subsidies for families are funded by the State and 25% by the municipalities. Family assistance is organized at the municipal level but is subsidized by the State. In 2003 and 2004, the following expenditures were made to support families (State and municipalities):

2003
Type of support	Contribution in CHF	Percentage of 2003 NB
Child allowances	44,097,342	5.55%
Birth allowances	1,717,404	0.22%
Single-parent allowances	1,202,097	0.15%
Rental subsidies for families	1,510,484	0.19%
Family assistance (State subsidies to municipal family assistance)	1,248,507	0.16%
Total	48,655,834	6.13%

2004
Type of support	Contribution in CHF	Percentage of 2004 NB
Child allowances	43,936,268	5.63%
Birth allowances	1,739,400	0.22%
Single-parent allowances	1,281,580	0.16%
Rental subsidies for families	1,737,232	0.22%
Family assistance (State subsidies to municipal family assistance)	1,349,866	0.17%
Total	50,044,346	6.41%

2f) support for children living below the poverty line (please also specify the criteria for “poverty” and indicate the number of children living below the poverty line)

Absolute poverty as such does not exist in Liechtenstein, although there are individuals who are relatively disadvantaged and who require State support. No specific definition of “poverty” is used. In 2003, 477 households received economic social assistance from the Office of Social Affairs, i.e., State subsidies to which a legal claim exists. In total, 1001 persons were supported in these households, including 317 children under 18. In 2003, total expenditures for economic social assistance amounted to CHF 3.8 million (50% of which by the State and 50% by the municipalities).

Additional State support exists, such as child and birth allowances, single-parent allowances, and rental subsidies (see question 2e). The State also provides reduction of health insurance premiums for persons with low income. The expenditures amounted to about CHF 3 million in 2003 and about CHF 4.1 million in 2004.

2g) the protection of children who are in need of alternative care including the support of care institutions

Total public expenditures for alternative care amount to CHF 1.15 million. This corresponds to about 0.15% of the 2004 national budget. This amount is borne jointly by the State and the municipalities. The contributions are composed of individual case contributions and general contributions to institutions. The institutional contributions for 2004 amounted to CHF 473,000, individual case contributions to CHF 677,315.

2004
	Individual case contrib u tions in CHF	Institutional contrib u tions in CHF
Special assistance	23,243
In-patient facilities abroad	Socio-Pedagogical Home	194,960
Psychiatric ward, Detoxification center	19,161
Boarding schools	154,937
In-patient facilities in Liechtenstein	Living Group for Young People	206,549	473,000
Therapeutic Living Group	78,465
Total	677,315	473,000

2h) programs and activities for the prevention of and protection from child abuse and child sexual exploitation and child labor

The Expert Group against Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents received a State contribution of CHF 18,000 in 2005. In 2004, its budget was CHF 21,000. The Expert Group primarily uses the funds for public outreach, educational events, support of (preventive) projects, and networking abroad.

2i) juvenile justice

Juvenile justice is exercised by the Liechtenstein Court of Justice: in criminal cases, by the Juvenile Court, and in civil cases by the individual judge or judicial officer responsible for the subject matter in question.

Juvenile justice is not covered by a special budget item, but rather by the general budget of the Court of Justice. Data on specific expenditures is therefore not available.

2j) the protection and support of refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant children, in particular non-accompanied children

Like all asylum-seekers, children are covered by health insurance in Liechtenstein from the day of their arrival. Without restrictions, all necessary medical treatment is given. Access to all levels of general education is guaranteed, and German language courses are offered from the first day of enrollment. The funds allocated cannot be listed separately, since they are encompassed by the general expenditures in the national budget.

Unaccompanied minors enjoy special protection. As a rule, they are housed in the Living Group for Young People. The expenditures for housing of unaccompanied minors (3 persons) amounted to CHF 33,605.85 in 2004; additional costs for secondary school were CHF 7,450.00.

3. With reference to children deprived of a family environment and separated from parents, please provide disaggregated data (by sex, age groups, minority and ethnic groups, urban and rural areas), esp e cially among refugees, asylum-seeking and migrant children, for the years 2004 and 2005 on the number of children who have been:

3a) separated from their parents

In 2004, a total of 35 persons under 18 lived separate from their parents, 11 of whom lived with foster families, 15 in the Living Group for Young People, and 9 abroad (home for young people, clinic).

3b) placed in institutions

Children and adolescents with speech difficulties or mental disabilities generally attend the Special Pedagogical Day School of the Therapeutic-Pedagogical Center. However, this center is conceptually not oriented toward students whose primary problem is a very serious disability or multiple disabilities. Liechtenstein also does not have an educational home for young people with extreme behavioral disorders that offers a relatively closed context or a boarding school with integrated education or job training. In such cases, Liechtenstein works closely with institutions near the border in Switzerland and Austria. These clients cannot be served within the country. Placements abroad are generally undertaken by the Board of Education, a body consisting of the Director of the Office of Education and four other members and appointed by the Government for a term of four years. In the case of special problems in the family or if the parents do not agree to an institutional placement and a court is appealed to, then the Office of Social Affairs may also order an institutional placement.

Placements by the Office of Social Affairs in 2004
Institution	Number	Age
Socio-Pedagogical Living Group for Young People	15 (10 male / 5 female)	8 – 17 years (average: 14 years)
Placements abroad	Home for young people, Boarding school	7	---
Psychiatric ward, Detoxification center	2	---
Total	24	---

Placements abroad approved by the Board of Education – School year 2004/05
Type of disability	Switzerland	Austria	Total
male	female	male	female
Behavioral disorder	2	1		1	4
Mental disability	1		1	1	3
Hearing disability			2		2
Speech disability	2				2
Multiple disabilities	1		1		2
Total	6	1	4	2	13

Placements abroad approved by the Board of Education – School year 2005/06
Type of disability	Switzerland	Austria	Total
male	female	male	female
Behavioral disorder	6	2			8
Mental disability	1		1	1	3
Hearing disability	1	1	1		3
Speech disability	4				4
Multiple disabilities	2			1	3
Total	14	3	2	2	21

3c) placed with foster families

In 2004, a total of 11 children and adolescents were placed in foster families in Liechtenstein. Six were male, five female. The average age was 14.5 years.

3d) adopted domestically or through intercountry adoptions

In 2003, one minor was adopted. Citizenship: Colombia.

In 2004, 5 minors were adopted. Citizenship: 1 each from Austria, Russia, Germany, Liechtenstein, South Africa.

In 2005 (as of: 10 Nov 2005), 1 minor was adopted. Citizenship: Austria.

One other procedure for adopting a minor of Philippine nationality is pending.

3e) migrant unaccompanied minors

There were three male unaccompanied adolescents in 2004. So far, no unaccompanied minors have been registered in 2005.

Unaccompanied minors – 2004
Nation	Tajikistan	China	Kazakhstan
Ethnicity	unknown	Uighur	unknown
Gender	male	male	male
Age	16 years	16 years	17 years
Duration of stay in days	302	62	105

3f) street children

There are no children or adolescents living on the street in Liechtenstein.

3g) reported missing

In 2004 and 2005, no Liechtenstein children were reported missing for an extended period.

4. Please specify the number of children with disabilities, disaggregated by sex, age, ethnic and minority group, for the years 2004 and 2005 if available:

There are no exact statistics in Liechtenstein concerning the number of children with disabilities. Data is available, however, on the number of children and adolescents who receive specific benefits for people with disabilities.

4a) living with their families

Of all the children attending a special school in 2004 and 2005, 74 and 78 children, respectively, lived with their families.

4b) in institutions

In 2004, 6 children with disabilities lived in institutions. As of 2005, 9 children with disabilities are living in institutions.

4c) attending regular schools

In the 2004/2005 school year, 39 children with disabilities attended regular schools (integrative education). In the current 2005/2006 school year, 46 children are attending regular schools.

4d) attending special school

In 2004, 85 children with disabilities attended special schools. In 2005, 87 children with disabilities are attending special schools.

4e) not attending any school

In 2004, all children with disabilities attended a school, either through integrative education or special education. In 2005, 2 children are not attending any school. Fundamentally, however, schooling is mandatory for all children in Liechtenstein.

5. With reference to child abuse please provide disaggregated data (by age, sex, minority and ethnic group and types of violations reported) for the years 2004 and 2005 if available, on the

5a) number of reports received per year in the last three years

From 2003 to 2005, a total of four cases of sexual abuse against a total of eight children and adolescents were reported to the National Police, including under §205 (grave sexual abuse of underage children), §206 (sexual abuse of underage children), and §208 (sexual abuse of persons under the age of 16) of the Penal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB). Offenses against the morals of underage children (such as exhibitionism) are not included in these figures. From 2003 to 2005, there were 25 such cases.

Of the four cases mentioned, two each occurred in the years 2003 and 2005. In 2004, no cases of sexual abuse were reported to the National Police:

In 2003, the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old Liechtenstein girl and sexual acts with four Swiss children between the ages of 5 and 10 were reported.

In 2005, the sexual abuse of two Swiss girls aged 14 and 16 (no intercourse) was reported and a case of sexual acts with a 10-year-old Liechtenstein child (no intercourse).

The Expert Group against Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents, an interdisciplinary counseling body appointed by the Government, also registers the cases it receives. The Expert Group points out that its statistics differ from criminal statistics or from the number of annual sentences. This is due to several reasons: First, the Expert Group conducts counseling that may never lead to an investigation by the prosecution authorities. For instance, the Expert Group may deal with conspicuous behavior of children and adolescents where the suspicion of sexual abuse is not substantiated. Second, not every judicial proceeding necessarily leads to counseling by the Expert Group nor ends in a sentence. As a rule, every case dealt with by the Expert Group, regardless of the number of victims affected, appears only once in the statistics. If counseling extends across several calendar years, however, the case is listed for each year.

2003 Expert Group against Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents
Cases	10
Affected children and adolescents	14; also 1 case of 18 children and adolescents harassed by an exhibitionist
Age	between 5 and 17 years of age
Gender	24 girls (15 of whom in the case of harassment by an exhibitionist), 8 boys (3 of whom in the case of harassment by an exhibitionist)

2004 Expert Group against Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents
Cases	12
Affected children and adolescents	12
Age	between 5 and 18 years of age
Gender	8 girls, 4 boys

2005 Expert Group against Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents
Cases	8
Affected children and adolescents	7; plus 1 case with several affected children
Age	between 6 and 17 years of age
Gender	only girls

5b) number and percentage of reports which have resulted in either a court decision or other types of follow-up

Cases of sexual abuse affecting children/adolescents under 18 before the Liechtenstein Court of Justice (2004/2005)

Year	Offense	# of victims	Age of victims	Gender of victims	Nationality of victims	Res i dence of victims	Status of proceedings or judgment
2004	Sexual harassment (§203 StGB) Endangerment of the morals of underage children/adolescents (§207 StGB)	2	10/15	female	Lie	Lie	proceedings discontinued, since perp e trator < 14 years of age
2004	Endangerment of the morals of underage children/adolescents (§207 StGB)	1	16/17	female	??	Lie	acquittal
2004	Grave sexual abuse of underage children (§205 StGB)	undet.	undet.	female	undet.	undet.	proceedings discontinued
2004	Sexual harassment (§203 StGB)	undet.	undet.	female	undet.	undet.	proceedings discontinued
2004	Sexual harassment (§203 StGB) Endangerment of the morals of underage children/adolescents (§207 StGB)	1	17	female	Lie	Lie	proceedings discontinued
2004	Sexual abuse of persons under 16 (§208 StGB)	undet.	approx. 14	female	undet.	undet.	proceedings discontinued
2005	Sexual harassment (§203 StGB) Endangerment of the morals of underage children/adolescents (§207 StGB)	1	8	female	Lie	Lie	proceedings discontinued
2005	Sexual harassment (§203 StGB) Endangerment of the morals of underage children/adolescents (§207 StGB)	2	13/14	female	Lie	Lie	proceedings discontinued after indic t ment (b e cause of foreign judgment)
2005	Endangerment of the morals of underage children/adolescents (§207 StGB)	1	14	female	Lie	Lie	proceedings discontinued
2005	Sexual abuse of underage chi l dren (§§205 and 206 StGB) Endangerment of the morals of underage children/adolescents (§207 StGB) Sexual abuse of persons under 16 (§208 StGB)	> 10	13 – 15	female	foreign	foreign	proceedings pending
2005	Defilement (§204 StGB) Coercion (§105 StGB)	1	14	female	foreign	Lie	indictment issued
2005	Rape (§200 StGB) Sexual coercion (§201 StGB)	1	15	female	foreign	foreign	proceedings discontinued
2005	Sexual harassment (§203 StGB) Sexual abuse of underage chi l dren (§206 StGB) Endangerment of the morals of underage children/adolescents (§207 StGB)	1	10	female	Lie	Lie	investigation pending
2005	Sexual harassment (§ 203 StGB) Endangerment of the morals of underage children/adolescents (§207 StGB)	2	14/17	female	Lie	Lie	investigation pending

5c) number of reports received about female genital mutilation and honor killings

So far, no cases of genital mutilation or honor killings have been reported or investigated by the National Police.

6. Please provide disaggregated data (by sex, age groups, minority and ethnic groups, urban and rural areas) for the years 2004 and 2005 if available, on:

6a) the enrolment and completion rates in percentages of the relevant group in pre-primary schools, in primary schools and in secondary schools

Fundamentally, primary and secondary education is universal and compulsory in Liechtenstein. Two years of kindergarten are voluntary. The second year is mandatory, however, for children of foreign-language parents. Despite its voluntary nature, almost 100% of parents enroll their children in kindergartens. All children attending primary and secondary school complete nine years of compulsory education.

6b) number and percentage of dropouts and repetitions

No cases are known of dropouts. All children fulfill nine years of compulsory education. Some repeat one or sometimes two grades over the course of their school career. In the three-tiered secondary level, relegation to the next lower tier is possible, in addition to repetition of grades.

6c) ratio of teachers to students

The target size for classes is 20 students. There are many separate provisions for special subjects and subject areas. The average class size for normal classes is below 20, sometimes significantly. The ratio of students to teachers is 9.7. This calculation includes small class models, instruction in special subjects, integrated special schools, therapeutic-pedagogical education, and special instruction for children with German as a second language.

7. Please provide disaggregated statistical data (by sex, age groups, m i nority and ethnic groups, urban, and rural areas) on infant and child mortality, early pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), youth suicide, drug, alcohol and tobacco use for the years 2004 and 2005 if available. Also, please provide numbers of health professionals working in the health-care services for children.

Infant and child mortality

347 children were born in 2003. One child died at birth. Three persons under 18 died of disease, one in a traffic accident, and one by suicide.

Drug, alcohol and tobacco use

The most recent survey on drug, alcohol and tobacco use in Liechtenstein was conducted from the beginning of September to the beginning of November 2005 on the basis of the ESPAD questionnaire (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs). Some results of this study:

Illegal drugs

Compared to legal drugs, the consumption of illegal drugs is minor. About one half of teenagers aged 17-19 have consumed cannabis. The proportion of regular cannabis smokers is significantly lower, however. Approximately 2% of young people between 16 and 19 indicated that they have tried cocaine. Other drugs were not mentioned in the survey.

Percentage of young people who have consumed marijuana	Percentage of young people who have consumed mar i juana in the last 30 days
Year of birth	m	f	Year of birth	m	f
1986	53%	50%	1986	13%	0%
1987	50%	27%	1987	22%	0%
1988	60%	28%	1988	48%	7%
1989	34%	35%	1989	16%	14%
1990	22%	22%	1990	8%	10%
1991	7%	8%	1991	4%	4%
1992	3%	4%	1992	1%	2%
1993	2%	0%	1993	2%	0%
1994	0%	3%	1994	0%	3%

Alcohol

The threshold for regular alcohol consumption is approximately 15 years of age. Only a small number of younger children consume alcohol regularly. Young people primarily drink beer. Alcopops play only a minor role. Binge drinking is very widespread among young people, especially boys.

Percentage of young people who have consumed alc o hol in the last 30 days
Year of birth	m	f
1986	81%	100%
1987	91%	92%
1988	91%	93%
1989	68%	73%
1990	63%	64%
1991	43%	44%
1992	17%	28%
1993	7%	8%
1994	4%	5%

Tobacco

About 40% of 19-year-olds regularly smoke cigarettes. Young women tend to smoke more than young men. The first experiences with cigarettes are generally made at the age of 13.

Percentage of young people who smoke 6 or more cig a rettes per day
Year of birth	m	f
1986	31%	50%
1987	39%	39%
1988	48%	45%
1989	29%	27%
1990	15%	20%
1991	6%	9%
1992	1%	5%
1993	0%	0%
1994	0%	0%

Health professionals in the health care sector

With 78 physicians licensed in Liechtenstein, there is currently one physician for about 435 inhabitants. There are also 27 dentists, 11 midwives, and 16 registered nurses. Of the 78 physicians, four work as pediatricians. In Liechtenstein psychotherapy is included in the primary health care. There are currently six registered psychotherapists.

8. Please provide disaggregated statistical data (including by sex, age groups, minority and ethnic groups, urban and rural areas) on chi l dren infected or affected by HIV/AIDS as well as information on pr o grams implemented to address the problems of these children.

There is no reliable data on the number of persons with HIV/AIDS in Liechtenstein. Neither the Chief Public Health Officer nor the Bureau for Sexual Matters and HIV Prevention know of any cases of infected children or adolescents. For this reason, no special programs are offered for minors.

Please provide appropriate disaggregated data (including by sex, age, minority and ethnic groups, and type of crime) for the years 2004 and 2005 if available, in particular on the number of:

9a) persons below 18 who have allegedly committed a crime, reported to the police

Most offenses committed by children and adolescents are traffic violations. Far less frequent are offenses under the Penal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB) and the Narcotics Act (Betäubungsmittelgesetz, BMG). No capital crimes were committed in recent years involving young people.

Juvenile offenses have so far not been disaggregated by age, gender, and nationality. The following data provides information on the number of juvenile offenses in 2003 and 2004 (without traffic violations):

In 2003, a total of 114 minor perpetrators were investigated by the National Police (about 20% of all perpetrators investigated by the National Police).

In 2004, a total of 87 minor perpetrators were investigated by the National Police (about 15% of all perpetrators investigated by the National Police).

The average distribution of investigated juvenile offenders per offense category (without traffic violations) in Liechtenstein is as follows:

20-30% for narcotics offenses (especially consumption or possession of marijuana)

40-50% for offenses against property (vandalism, theft)

approx. 15% for bodily injury (brawls)

10-20% for other offenses (threats, offenses against morality, weapons law, etc.)

no capital crimes involving young people (robbery, etc.)

9b) persons below 18 who have been sentenced and type of punishment or sanctions related to offences including length of deprivation of liberty

Consolidated report	Juvenile matters Juvenile Court	Reporting year 2003
Pending from the previous year (2002)	3
New charges brought by the Public Prosecutor	78
New charges brought by private persons or by proxy	0
Total	81
Cases completed:
Penal orders	42
Sentences by an individual judge	19
Sentences by the full panel	3
Suspensions under §22 StPO (Code of Criminal Procedure)	2
Terminations under §§283, 294, 296 StPO	0
Other cases completed	8
Total cases completed	74
Pending as of 31 Dec 2003	7

Consolidated report	Juvenile matters Juvenile Court	Reporting year 2004
Pending from the previous year (2003)	7
New charges brought by the Public Prosecutor	77
New charges brought by private persons or by proxy	0
Total	84
Cases completed:
Penal orders	29
Sentences by an individual judge	26
Sentences by the full panel	2
Suspensions under §22 StPO (Code of Criminal Procedure)	4
Terminations under §§283, 294, 296 StPO	2
Other cases completed	14
Total cases completed	77
Pending as of 31 Dec 2004	7

9c) persons below 18 who have been tried as adults

Persons under 18 are not tried as adults under Liechtenstein law, but are treated separately in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act (LGBl. 1988 No. 39); in addition to the demands of criminal justice, the concerns of youth development, the legal protection of minors, and youth welfare must be taken into account.

9d) persons below 18 detained in these facilities and persons below 18 detained in adult facilities

In 2004 and 2005, three minors were briefly detained in the police jail. One of the detainees was 17 years and 9 months old, a male person from the former Yugoslavia who was illegally present in Liechtenstein and was held by the police for two days in preparation for his transfer back to Austria. The other two detainees were Liechtenstein citizens aged 16 and 17 who were detained one night in the police jail on suspicion of launching an attack with explosives. The Court of Justice did not impose pretrial detention on the two Liechtenstein teenagers, so they were released after one night.

9e) persons below 18 kept in pretrial detention and the average length of their detention

No children or adolescents were in pretrial detention in 2004.

9f) reported cases of abuse and maltreatment of persons below 18 during their arrest and detention

The National Police does not know of any cases of abuse or maltreatment of minor detainees under 18 in Liechtenstein.

With reference to special protection measures, please provide statist i cal data (including by sex, age, urban/rural areas) for the years 2004 and 2005 on:

10a) the number of children involved in sexual exploitation, including prostitution, pornography and trafficking

No cases of (commercial) sexual exploitation such as prostitution, pornography, and trafficking were registered in Liechtenstein. There were cases of consumption of child pornography in Liechtenstein, where the pornographic material was produced abroad.

10b) the number of children involved in sexual exploitation who received assistance in recovery and counseling

There were no cases of affected children or adolescents in Liechtenstein (see question 10a), which is why no special rehabilitation measures were necessary.

10c) the number of unaccompanied minors and asylum-seeking and refugee children, as well as the number of children awaiting expulsion

There were three male unaccompanied minors in 2004. No unaccompanied minors have been registered so far in 2005.

Unaccompanied minors – 2004
Nation	Tajikistan	China	Kazakhstan
Ethnicity	unknown	Uighur	unknown
Gender	male	male	male
Age	16 years	16 years	17 years
Duration of stay in days	302	62	105

B) General measures of implementation

1. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on intended or planned activities related to recommendations contained in the Committee’s previous concluding observations on the initial report of Liechtenstein (CRC/C/15/Add.143) which have not yet been impl e mented, in particular those regarding data collection (§15), particip a tion of civil society (§17), family reunification (§9), independent mon i toring (§13), and non-discrimination (§21).

§15 Data collection

So far, Liechtenstein has refrained from introducing uniform and comprehensive data collection. The administrative effort for the uniform compilation of statistics would be too high, especially in view of the generally very small number of cases. However, the individual Offices of the National Administration are increasingly converting to a system of electronic data collection, which has made it possible to provide far more statistical information in the second country report on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in response to the list of issues raised by the Committee than had been possible six years ago in the context of the initial report.

§17 Participation of civil society

A new Youth Act is under development with which the essential basic ideas and rights concerning children, as specified in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, will be implemented at the national level. The new Youth Act was developed in a broad participatory process with a low threshold, with the input of children, young people, and adults. The draft law will soon be circulated for consultations and is expected to be submitted to Parliament in 2006.

The draft of the new Youth Act enshrines a fundamental right of co-determination and participation for children and young people, along with other interest representations for children and young people, i.e., bodies that represent the rights of children and young people (Children and Youth Advisory Council). The draft law also specifies that forms of democratic youth representation (e.g., Youth Parliament) should be supported and promoted. Municipalities should also ensure appropriate and regular participation of children and young people. The implementation of a pilot project on “Youth Participation” (students’ parliament) is planned for the 2007/2008 school year at the national level.

§9 Family reunification

The reservation to article 10, paragraph 2 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child concerning the personal relations and direct contacts between the child and both parents was withdrawn as of 10 December 2003.

§13 Independent monitoring

The draft of a new Youth Act provides for the establishment of an ombuds office for chi l dren and adolescents (ombudsperson).

§21 Non-discrimination

Office of Equal Opportunity

On 22 February 2005, the Government decided to expand the Office of Gender Equality into an Office of Equal Opportunity. As before, the Office will fulfill responsibilities in connection with the equality of women and men in accordance with the Gender Equality Act (corresponding to the existing scope of responsibilities of the Office of Gender Equality under the Gender Equality Act). In addition, it is now the contact, coordination, and counseling office for general questions of equal treatment and equal opportunity, and it acts as the administrative office of the Equal Opportunity Commission. The responsibilities of the Office include the following: immigration and integration of foreigners; school and education; work; health; social security; disability; age; religion; and sexual orientation. As before, these responsibilities will continue to be substantially administered by the other competent Government Offices. However, the Office of Equal Opportunity will ensure better coordination in the future and will dedicate itself to important cross-cutting issues and areas of responsibility that could not be optimally administered in the past.

Projects of the Office of Equal Opportunity on raising the awareness of children and adults for the equality of men and women:

1) 2002: Impulse conference for kindergarten and primary school teachers

In collaboration with the Office of Education, the Office of Equal Opportunity organized the expert conference on “Girls’ Dreams – Boys’ Dreams”. The goal of the conference was to call into question stereotypical roles and to generate impulses for gender-sensitive pedagogy.

2) 2003: Lecture series for men and women

The successor project in collaboration with the Office of Education was the lecture series “Neither Macho nor Wimp”. The focus was on the needs, topics, and difficulties experienced by boys of all ages.

3) 2004: Media briefcases for schools

Through their behavior, teachers are an important role model for young people. As part of the 20th anniversary of the women’s franchise, media briefcases were updated for gender-appropriate teaching and presented to the teachers. The media briefcases offer concrete course materials and materials allowing for reflection on one’s own behavioral roles and role expectations.

4) 2005: Workshop series for teachers and fathers

Since the 2003 lecture series was a full success and the participants expressed their desire for a more in-depth treatment, the workshop series “Neither Rambo nor Softy” was organized. The workshop topics were: role models, role images, aggression, sexuality and competition, and the role of fathers after divorce.

5) 2005: Einstein Evening

In collaboration with the Liechtenstein Gymnasium (high school) and in the context of the exhibition “Albert and Mileva Einstein in Time and Space” presented there, a joint event was conducted in November. The content of this event was an impulse speech on the topic of women and technology and a film portrait entitled “Einstein’s Wife” by the Australian director Nicoletta Woolmington.

People with disabilities

A Disability Equality Act is being prepared to eliminate discrimination of people with di s abilities. It is expected to be considered by Parliament in March 2006. The goals of the Act are to eliminate and prevent discrimination of people with disabilities, to ensure equal participation in society, and to enable a self-determined life. Improvements will be made with respect to access to buildings, public transportation and services, and with respect to work, education, and communication.

Measures to combat racism

Liechtenstein has recognized the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) to accept and consider communications of individuals or groups of persons subject to Liechtenstein jurisdiction who believe they are victims of a violation by Liechtenstein of a right guaranteed by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (pursuant to article 14 of the convention). The relevant declaration was deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 18 March 2004. The declaration entered into force for the Principality of Liechtenstein on the same day.

The Working Group against Racism, Anti-Semitism and Xenophobia, which was created in 2002, is a coordination and guidance group that acts primarily in a preventive manner, initiating anti-racism measures and, where necessary, coordinating and supporting them. However, it is not directly involved in implementation itself. It assists implementation of a five-year National Action Plan (NAP) approved by the Government on 4 February 2003. The Working Group focuses on the two topic areas of “Awareness-Raising” and “Integration”. As part of its public outreach, the Working Group will adopt the media and awareness-raising campaign “No Exclusion” of the Swiss Federal Commission against Racism (FCR). This campaign consists of posters on the topic of discrimination that provide an impetus to think about the topic. The focus of the Working Group in 2006 will be to raise the awareness of young people. A workshop for apprentices has already been conducted twice within the National Administration. Another project supported by the Working Group is “Mother-Child German”, German language courses for foreign-language women and their children. This project is based on the conviction that foreign women with good German skills and knowledge of local customs are better able to guide their children through school.

The Working Group has determined that data is largely lacking that would enable conclusions to be drawn concerning racial discrimination in Liechtenstein. For this reason, it has compiled existing data over the last few years which, while not representative, provide information on the particularly sensitive areas of education, housing, work, health, and social security. In April 2004, a two-year research mandate was awarded to the Liechtenstein Institute. On the basis of the 2000 census, other available data pools, and the data compiled by the Working Group, the Liechtenstein

Institute will identify existing deficits in the data situation, formulate recommendations for future systematic surveys and evaluations, and in this way establish the foundation for targeted countermeasures. The data pools will be analyzed with respect to possible discrimination of individuals or groups on the basis of their skin color, origin, nationality, religion, language, or other cultural characteristics.

2. Please provide updated information on efforts to coordinate policies for children and the implementation of the Convention

The Office of Social Affairs (OSA) fulfills a central coordination function. In accordance with its mandate under the Social Assistance Act and the Youth Act, it ensures that the basic psychosocial needs of the population are met. It is a universally accessible, public contact point for personal and economic problems of children, young people, and adults. It offers individual assistance in the form of counseling, guidance and treatment, financial support, and other forms of aid. Its services are free of charge. The Office observes and analyzes developments in the psychosocial field. It gives recommendations to the Government and informs the population on important topics in the psychosocial field. It also develops programs for the prevention of dependency on aid and programs for people in need. The Office of Social Affairs is also responsible for supervising the non-governmental organizations working with young people who have concluded a performance contract with the State.

Fundamentally, offerings and measures for children and young people are coordinated with the respective partners. Alongside the Office of Social Affairs, these partners include the parents, schools, courts, the Association for Probation Assistance, and other groups working with young people. Some current examples:

On the suggestion of a commission composed of experts and key figures of civil society and NGO representatives, and under the guidance and coordination of the Office of Education and the Office of Social Affairs, a study was developed on the need for care and support structures outside the home for children and young people at school (lunch table, homework and study assistance, afternoon and vacation care).

The introduction of “Social Work in Schools” (2004, three-year project) has facilitated low-threshold access for students. The Youth Welfare Bureau takes part in a coordination group which, among other responsibilities, clarifies relevant interfaces. The networking between the Social Work in Schools project and the Youth Welfare Bureau has been successful; all school social workers regularly exchange experiences with the Youth Welfare Bureau.

The Office of Social Affairs and the Office of Education have jointly developed a “Guideline for Temporary Suspension from School”. The Office of Social Affairs now assumes responsibility for young people who have been suspended from school (for at most 12 weeks). During this period of suspension, the Children and Youth Division is responsible for the young people and, prior to initiation of the suspension, determines the proper activities to be undertaken. The goal is not simply to punish young people during this borderline situation, but primarily to offer a pedagogical environment that ensures achievement of the relevant goals. A central objective is to ensure successful reintegration. The guideline has been in use since May 2005 and will soon be evaluated.

3. Please provide additional information on the individual complaints mechanisms available and accessible to children in Liechtenstein

No institutionalized complaints mechanism currently exists. However, the draft of the new Youth Act provides for the establishment of an ombuds office for children and young pe o ple (ombudsperson).

4. Please provide information on cases where the Convention has been directly invoked in courts, and if so, please provide examples of such cases

In one case, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was invoked before the Administrative Court. A 28-year-old man with Bosnia and Herzegovina citizenship filed a complaint with the Administrative Court against revocation of his residence permit. The man was the father of a 3-year-old daughter who lived separated from the father with her foreign mother (wife of the complainant). The complainant was granted a residence permit in Liechtenstein on 16 August 2000 for purposes of joining his wife. Since they now were factually separated, the original purpose of the grant of the residence permit to the complainant was no longer fulfilled, so that the Liechtenstein Government revoked the residence permit. The Administrative Court, as the next instance, decided that revocation of the complainant’s residence permit was disproportionate and reversed it.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child was invoked with respect to protection of the interests of the child. According to article 9, paragraph 3 of the CRC, States Parties are required to respect the right of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child’s best interests (see also article 10, paragraph 2 of the CRC and the withdrawal of the reservation made by Liechtenstein; LGBl. 2004 No. 49). Moreover, article 18, paragraph 1 of the CRC provides that preferably both parents should have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child. This principle also spoke in favor of not revoking the residence permit of the foreign father if possible.

In another case before the Liechtenstein Supreme Court in 2004, article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child was cited. The case concerned granting of parental custody. The lawyer for the child's mother argued that, pursuant to the Convention on the Rights of the Child ratified by Liechtenstein, the child must have the right to express views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.

5 . Please provide updated information on dissemination of the Conve n tion, particularly among schoolchildren, teachers, medical profe s sionals and the judiciary

The Convention has been published in the Liechtenstein Law Gazette (LGBl. 1996 No. 163). The compendium of Liechtenstein laws is also available on the Internet (www.gesetze.li). Explanations on the Convention are also accessible at www.bua.llv.li.

Every year on 20 November, the Office of Social Affairs provides information on the rights of the child and announces in the national newspapers that the text may be obtained free of charge from the Office of Social Affairs. The text is available in electronic form on the school network (www.schulen.li) and on the website of the Youth Act (www.jugendgesetz.li). All schools and kindergartens, parents’ associations, youth meets and other institutions concerned with child and youth issues have been provided with the text (also in a child-friendly form).

On Universal Children’s Day on 20 November 2004, a Liechtenstein-wide campaign was conducted for the second time that gave children the opportunity to express their opinions. In almost every municipality, a “Listening Bench” was set up. These benches were staffed by adults who listened to children, wrote down what they heard, and collected the children’s’ concerns, wishes, and worries. Over 600 children and representatives of parents’ associations, primary schools, youth commissions and youth workers participated. As part of this campaign, the children were informed on their rights in a manner appropriate to their age. The event shall take place every two years.

The Office for Foreign Affairs runs a separate page on human rights on the Liechtenstein Internet portal www.liechtenstein.li. Under the heading “Children’s Rights”, all submitted reports and the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child are available online, in addition to a link to the text of the Convention.

6. Please indicate the issues affecting children that the State party co n siders to be priorities requiring the most urgent attention with regard to the implementation of the Convention

Youth unemployment

Youth unemployment and the difficult placement of young adults have been recognized as a problem in Liechtenstein. The Government has invited Government Offices (such as the Office of Social Affairs and the Office of Vocational Training) and private organizations to a meeting to coordinate further steps.

Comprehensive three-part project: Revision of sexual criminal law, revision of the Vi c tims Protection Act, and adoption of the Victims Assistance Act

The revised sexual criminal law has been in force since 1 February 2001. The amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, with substantial improvements in the area of victims protection, entered into force on 1 January 2005. The creation of a Victims Assistance Act (Law on Assistance to Victims of Criminal Acts) is currently underway. The goal of the new Act is the best possible assistance to victims. The Act will provide for appropriate care for victims and their relatives (counseling) and financial assistance, i.e., extensive legal aid and compensation claims. The consultation process was concluded in 2004. An implementation concept for the organization of a Victims Assistance Office is currently being developed.

Youth development

The priority topics in this area are youth participation, support of young people’s own initiatives (Youth Project Contest), and support of equal opportunity (participation in the youth campaign of the Council of Europe entitled “All Different, All Equal”).

Protection of minors

The current Youth Act provides for criminal prosecution for infringements of minors’ pr o tection provisions by young people (article 52 of the Youth Act, LGBl. 1980/38). However, article 54 of the Youth Act provides the option of conducting talks with a youth advisor and agreeing on effective educational measures in lieu of punishment. Pursuant to a clarifying Government resolution (RB1999/3418 and 2003/2129), this approach has now become standard. Instead of “criminalizing” young people, they and their parents are offered counseling and assistance. Starting the end of 2005, Liechtenstein will further develop this paradigm by treating analogously all juvenile violations of the Narcotics Act and, in selected cases, other juvenile criminal offenses such as bodily harm, damage to property, and theft. If possible immediately after the violation or criminal offense, the young people and their parents will be invited to a pedagogical talk with the Minors’ Protection Officer. Jointly, the participants will reflect upon the causes of the offense and agree on appropriate measures, reaching from purely parental measures to participation in anti-aggression training (in the case of bodily harm) and charitable work (e.g., in the case of damage to property), participation in an “addiction group” (in the case of evident symptoms of addiction), etc. The agreements will be voluntary. As a rule, however, the agreements will be reported to the Office of the Public Prosecutor, so that this information can be taken into account when reviewing the case.

The described procedure is still conducted praeter legem, so to speak, but it can give valuable impulses to the ongoing and upcoming revisions of the Youth Act, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Juvenile Court Act (alternative measures in criminal proceedings). The establishment of the Association for Probation Assistance provides an important resource for this alternative procedure (see part III).

PART II

Please provide copies of the text of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in all official languages of the State party as well as in other la n guages or dialects, when available. If possible, please submit these texts in electronic form.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child has been included in German (the official language of Liechtenstein) in the compendium of Liechtenstein laws (LGBl. 1996 No. 163) and is accessible online at www.gesetze.li.

PART III

Under this section, the State party is to briefly (3 pages maximum) update the information provided in its report with regard to:

New bills or enacted legislation

The Optional Protocol of 25 May 2000 to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflicts was ratified by Liechtenstein and entered into force in Liechtenstein on 4 March 2005 (LGBl. 2005 No. 26).

Liechtenstein has recognized the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of R a cial Discrimination (CERD) to accept and consider communications of individuals or groups of persons subject to Liechtenstein jurisdiction who believe they are victims of a violation by Liechtenstein of a right guaranteed by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (pursuant to article 14 of the convention). The relevant declaration was deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 18 March 2004. The declaration entered into force for the Principality of Liechtenstein on the same day (LGBl. 2004 No. 133).

The revised Code of Criminal Procedure has been in force since 1 January 2005. The amendments give victims more rights and establish safeguards ensuring that the victims of a criminal act will not be traumatized (again) by the procedural requirements. The core of the revision is the sensitive questioning of witnesses (new §115(a)). By using technical means of conveying words and images, victims can be questioned separately from the suspect/perpetrator. Such questioning is mandatory in the case of minors who have not reached the age of 14 by the time of questioning (i.e., underage victims). In addition, the investigating judge has the option of delegating the questioning to an expert (e.g., a child psychologist), which has already frequently been done. A further important amendment is the extension of the possibility of dispensation from testimony (§107). This ensures, inter alia, that victims in need of special protection will only have to testify once in court on the criminal act (LGBl. 2004 Nr. 236; 2005 Nr.33).

A new development in the area of education is the enactment of a new Stipend Act (LGBl. 2004 No. 262) and its amendment that entered into force on 1 August 2005(LGBl. 2005 No. 41). The State benefits in the area of educational subsidies have been expanded. In return, through a general combination of educational support consisting of stipends and loans and a general limit on the duration of the benefits, the self-responsibility of recipients is also being increased. The new system decreases the burden on parents whose children are in school, especially single parents with modest financial means.

The Youth Act is currently under revision. A new Victims Assistance Act and a Disability Equality Act are also being prepared.

New institutions

In the area of public health, the Office of Social and Preventive Medicine was converted into an Office of Public Health in 2004, to which the Chief Public Health Officer is also assigned.

In April 2003, the Association for Probation Assistance began operations. The Association is a counseling and care organization offering help to young people and adults who have committed a crime. It becomes active in the event of a suspended sentence or upon release from prison and acts on the order of a court. In 2004 and 2005, the Association assisted 2 young people under the age of 18. The Association also assists young adults who were sentenced under the Juvenile Justice Act but who had already reached the age of 18 by the time probation assistance was ordered.

On 22 February 2005, the Government decided to expand the Office of Gender Equality into an Office of Equal Opportunity (see question IB 1).

In November 2004, the position of an Addictive Drug Officer was created.

Newly implemented policies

Protection of minors: On the initiative of the Minors’ Protection Officer and the Commission on Addiction, the criminal prosecution of violations of the Narcotics Act by young people has been expanded by a pedagogical element in 2004. As has already been the case for violations of the minors’ protection provisions in the Youth Act (alcohol and tobacco consumption), Narcotics Act violations will now also be reported to the Children and Youth Division, and the affected young people and their guardians will be invited to a pedagogical talk, the purpose of which is to agree on appropriate preventive educational measures. The Office of the Public Prosecutor, which receives a report on the results of the talk, will now apply article 21/2 of the Narcotics Act (LGBl. 1983/38), pursuant to which penalties can be waived in non-serious cases. As is the case for Youth Act violations, this procedure can protect young people from criminalization in the case of Narcotics Act violations and can support them by means of pedagogical measures. The goal is to introduce similar standards in the case of all juvenile crimes, but the requisite legal foundations must still be developed (e.g., introduction of alternative measures in criminal proceedings), without which accompanying pedagogical measures can at best be implemented praeter legem and on a voluntary basis.

A specific procedure has been specified for the care of unaccompanied minors, ensuring professional behavior in the acceptance, housing, and guidance of minors. Care is now assigned to two people. A pedagogically/psychologically-trained expert is responsible for the personal concerns of the minor, and a legal expert is responsible for legal matters. Within the Administration, notification of the presence of the unaccompanied minor will be forwarded from the Immigration and Passport Office to the Children and Youth Division. The Children and Youth Division will submit the appropriate applications to the Liechtenstein Court of Justice. Until a decision has been made, the Children and Youth Division will take care of the minor, which is of particular importance with respect to appropriate placement in a youth facility or a foster family.

Newly implemented programs and projects and their scope

Youth violence: Pursuant to a Government mandate, the Violence Protection Commission is preparing a campaign on the prevention of youth violence. The cornerstone is a documentary film on youth violence produced under the patronage of the Swiss canton of St. Gallen and the Principality of Liechtenstein; the film is intended to provide the foundation for discussing this topic in the context of schools, parents’ associations, public youth work, and voluntary youth work (Scouts, sports associations, etc.). The campaign is planned for 2006/07. In collaboration with the municipalities, the Violence Protection Commission is also aiming to develop measures for organizing events (Mardi Gras, annual fairs, etc.) and to make them mandatory for event organizers, for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the protection of minors and reducing youth violence in the space and time surrounding these events. Experiences in neighboring countries show that consistent protection of minors leads to a marked decrease in youth violence and juvenile crime – at least in rural social systems.

Jupi - a CD for early recognition of danger (2004): Jupi (“Jugendprävention International”, Youth Prevention International) is a program of computer-animated, secondary prevention of addiction for people working with adolescents. It aims to help identify conspicuous behavior among young people in a club or group and react appropriately. In addition to options for early recognition and intervention, Jupi also encompasses other preventive measures. The CD was subsidized by the EU Interreg II program “Alpine Rhine – Lake Constance – Upper Rhine” and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. Liechtenstein was represented as a project partner through the Commission on Addiction.

Interregional Youth Project Contest Vorarlberg, Canton of St. Gallen, and Liechtenstein (2005): Young people between 14 and 25 are called upon to submit a realized project for national evaluation. The projects are evaluated by a jury (adults and young people up to about 20 years of age), and the best projects are awarded cash prizes. Two projects per region can take part in the international contest. These projects are again evaluated, this time by a jury consisting of young people, which primarily considers the stage presentation and the idea/implementation.

Vaduz, 6 December 2005

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