COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILDForty‑sixth session 17 September‑5 October 2007
WRITTEN REPLIES BY THE GOVERNMENT OF VENEZUELA CONCERNING THE LIST OF ISSUES (CRC/C/VEN/Q/2) PREPARED BY THE COMMITTEE RELATING TO THE CONSIDERATION OF THE SECOND PERIODIC REPORT OF VENEZUELA (CRC/C/VEN/2) *
[Received on 3 August 2007]
I. Data and statistics
1. Children and adolescents aged under 18 living in Venezuela
Venezuela sets out below the data disaggregated by federal district, sex and urban and rural population for 2004, 2005 and 2006, for children and adolescents aged under 18 living in the country.
Table 1
Urban‑rural population aged under 19 by sex and federal district2004
Federal district/sex |
Total population |
Urban population |
Rural population |
||||||
Total |
Boys |
Girls |
Total |
Boys |
Girls |
Total |
Boys |
Girls |
|
Distrito Capital |
677 054 |
342 683 |
334 371 |
676 948 |
342 632 |
334 316 |
106 |
51 |
55 |
Amazonas |
64 188 |
32 911 |
31 277 |
38 737 |
20 008 |
18 729 |
25 451 |
12 903 |
12 548 |
Anzoátegui |
572 280 |
291 336 |
280 944 |
502 942 |
255 593 |
247 349 |
69 338 |
35 743 |
33 595 |
Apure |
218 204 |
112 069 |
106 135 |
140 631 |
71 834 |
68 797 |
77 573 |
40 235 |
37 338 |
Aragua |
587 865 |
298 561 |
289 304 |
551 778 |
280 263 |
271 515 |
36 087 |
18 298 |
17 789 |
Barinas |
323 891 |
165 397 |
158 494 |
217 346 |
110 183 |
107 163 |
106 545 |
55 214 |
51 331 |
Bolívar |
611 974 |
311 434 |
300 540 |
541 746 |
274 593 |
267 153 |
70 228 |
36 841 |
33 387 |
Carabobo |
804 003 |
409 596 |
394 407 |
790 417 |
402 659 |
387 758 |
13 586 |
6 937 |
6 649 |
Cojedes |
122 873 |
63 027 |
59 846 |
97 804 |
50 129 |
47 675 |
25 069 |
12 898 |
12 171 |
Delta Amacuro |
71 342 |
36 413 |
34 929 |
45 306 |
23 135 |
22 171 |
26 036 |
13 278 |
12 758 |
Falcón |
350 020 |
178 398 |
171 622 |
258 979 |
131 990 |
126 989 |
91 041 |
46 408 |
44 633 |
Guarico |
305 985 |
156 762 |
149 223 |
233 398 |
119 071 |
114 327 |
72 587 |
37 691 |
34 896 |
Lara |
677 098 |
346 477 |
330 621 |
558 824 |
285 310 |
273 514 |
118 274 |
61 167 |
57 107 |
Mérida |
324 752 |
165 516 |
159 236 |
255 633 |
129 547 |
126 086 |
69 119 |
35 969 |
33 150 |
Miranda |
949 780 |
482 983 |
466 797 |
902 744 |
459 194 |
443 550 |
47 036 |
23 789 |
23 247 |
Monagas |
350 095 |
178 155 |
171 940 |
292 341 |
148 429 |
143 912 |
57 754 |
29 726 |
28 028 |
Nueva Esparta |
157 097 |
80 366 |
76 731 |
151 210 |
77 325 |
73 885 |
5 887 |
3 041 |
2 846 |
Portuguesa |
368 963 |
189 050 |
179 913 |
267 430 |
137 012 |
130 418 |
101 533 |
52 038 |
49 495 |
Sucre |
377 557 |
194 818 |
182 739 |
298 685 |
153 884 |
144 801 |
78 872 |
40 934 |
37 938 |
Táchira |
445 804 |
228 430 |
217 374 |
359 669 |
183 715 |
175 954 |
86 135 |
44 715 |
41 420 |
Trujillo |
277 352 |
141 989 |
135 363 |
208 716 |
106 830 |
101 886 |
68 636 |
35 159 |
33 477 |
Vargas |
117 047 |
59 804 |
57 243 |
104 569 |
53 527 |
51 042 |
12 478 |
6 277 |
6 201 |
Yaracuy |
242 423 |
124 871 |
117 552 |
193 380 |
99 967 |
93 413 |
49 043 |
24 904 |
24 139 |
Zulia |
1 423 623 |
727 460 |
696 163 |
1 284 957 |
656 052 |
628 905 |
138 666 |
71 408 |
67 258 |
Total |
10 421 270 |
5 318 506 |
5 102 764 |
8 974 190 |
4 572 882 |
4 401 308 |
1 447 080 |
745 624 |
701 456 |
Table 2
Urban‑rural population aged under 19 by sex and federal district2005
Federal district/ sex |
Total population |
Urban population |
Rural population |
||||||
Total |
Boys |
Girls |
Total |
Boys |
Girls |
Total |
Boys |
Girls |
|
Distrito Capital |
668 008 |
338 416 |
329 592 |
667 903 |
338 366 |
329 537 |
105 |
50 |
55 |
Amazonas |
65 343 |
33 518 |
31 825 |
39 850 |
20 588 |
19 262 |
25 493 |
12 930 |
12 563 |
Anzoátegui |
574 108 |
292 373 |
281 735 |
503 023 |
255 729 |
247 294 |
71 085 |
36 644 |
34 441 |
Apure |
221 518 |
113 634 |
107 884 |
143 498 |
73 268 |
70 230 |
78 020 |
40 366 |
37 654 |
Aragua |
586 208 |
297 758 |
288 450 |
550 042 |
279 440 |
270 602 |
36 166 |
18 318 |
17 848 |
Barinas |
328 596 |
167 603 |
160 993 |
220 872 |
111 912 |
108 960 |
107 724 |
55 691 |
52 033 |
Bolívar |
613 797 |
312 472 |
301 325 |
543 500 |
275 594 |
267 906 |
70 297 |
36 878 |
33 419 |
Carabobo |
803 306 |
409 562 |
393 744 |
790 088 |
402 815 |
387 273 |
13 218 |
6 747 |
6 471 |
Cojedes |
124 649 |
63 922 |
60 727 |
99 397 |
50 940 |
48 457 |
25 252 |
12 982 |
12 270 |
Delta Amacuro |
73 041 |
37 280 |
35 761 |
46 778 |
23 888 |
22 890 |
26 263 |
13 392 |
12 871 |
Falcón |
352 950 |
179 813 |
173 137 |
261 784 |
133 399 |
128 385 |
91 166 |
46 414 |
44 752 |
Guarico |
309 447 |
158 371 |
151 076 |
236 246 |
120 456 |
115 790 |
73 201 |
37 915 |
35 286 |
Lara |
679 141 |
347 704 |
331 437 |
561 195 |
286 700 |
274 495 |
117 946 |
61 004 |
56 942 |
Mérida |
328 993 |
167 763 |
161 230 |
259 353 |
131 503 |
127 850 |
69 640 |
36 260 |
33 380 |
Miranda |
949 743 |
483 774 |
465 969 |
902 493 |
459 846 |
442 647 |
47 250 |
23 928 |
23 322 |
Monagas |
355 826 |
181 023 |
174 803 |
297 580 |
151 072 |
146 508 |
58 246 |
29 951 |
28 295 |
Nueva Esparta |
157 333 |
80 487 |
76 846 |
151 460 |
77 455 |
74 005 |
5 873 |
3 032 |
2 841 |
Portuguesa |
372 999 |
191 060 |
181 939 |
270 977 |
138 821 |
132 156 |
102 022 |
52 239 |
49 783 |
Sucre |
380 651 |
196 066 |
184 585 |
301 525 |
155 151 |
146 374 |
79 126 |
40 915 |
38 211 |
Táchira |
450 919 |
230 958 |
219 961 |
364 474 |
186 139 |
178 335 |
86 445 |
44 819 |
41 626 |
Trujillo |
280 689 |
143 601 |
137 088 |
211 953 |
108 453 |
103 500 |
68 736 |
35 148 |
33 588 |
Vargas |
116 138 |
59 284 |
56 854 |
103 746 |
53 067 |
50 679 |
12 392 |
6 217 |
6 175 |
Yaracuy |
245 530 |
126 341 |
119 189 |
196 024 |
101 266 |
94 758 |
49 506 |
25 075 |
24 431 |
Zulia |
1 436 158 |
733 766 |
702 392 |
1 296 752 |
662 087 |
634 665 |
139 406 |
71 679 |
67 727 |
Total |
10 475 091 |
5 346 549 |
5 128 542 |
9 020 513 |
4 597 955 |
4 422 558 |
1 454 578 |
748 594 |
705 984 |
The figures provided in the above table and in those for 2005 and 2006 have been established on the basis of an official population forecast using as a basis the census held in 2001, as evaluated and corrected, and the geographical trends as recorded and evaluated.
The component method was applied to these data, in which, in addition to the assumption relating to the evolution of mortality and migration, three assumptions were made for fertility, producing different estimates of the total population for each of the years in the forecast.
Table 3
Urban‑rural population aged under 19 by sex and federal district2006
Federal district/sex |
Total population |
Urban population |
Rural population |
||||||
Total |
Boys |
Girls |
Total |
Boys |
Girls |
Total |
Boys |
Girls |
|
Distrito Capital |
659 733 |
334 476 |
325 257 |
659 628 |
334 427 |
325 201 |
105 |
49 |
56 |
Amazonas |
66 292 |
34 005 |
32 287 |
40 838 |
21 104 |
19 734 |
25 454 |
12 901 |
12 553 |
Anzoátegui |
575 613 |
293 243 |
282 370 |
502 803 |
255 727 |
247 076 |
72 810 |
37 516 |
35 294 |
Apure |
223 907 |
114 784 |
109 123 |
145 781 |
74 435 |
71 346 |
78 126 |
40 349 |
37 777 |
Aragua |
583 698 |
296 538 |
287 160 |
547 497 |
278 227 |
269 270 |
36 201 |
18 311 |
17 890 |
Barinas |
332 117 |
169 422 |
162 695 |
223 572 |
113 308 |
110 264 |
108 545 |
56 114 |
52 431 |
Bolívar |
613 499 |
312 476 |
301 023 |
543 335 |
275 672 |
267 663 |
70 164 |
36 804 |
33 360 |
Carabobo |
800 714 |
408 365 |
392 349 |
787 879 |
401 825 |
386 054 |
12 835 |
6 540 |
6 295 |
Cojedes |
125 978 |
64 575 |
61 403 |
100 634 |
51 565 |
49 069 |
25 344 |
13 010 |
12 334 |
Delta Amacuro |
74 558 |
38 052 |
36 506 |
48 127 |
24 577 |
23 550 |
26 431 |
13 475 |
12 956 |
Falcón |
355 059 |
180 938 |
174 121 |
263 947 |
134 555 |
129 392 |
91 112 |
46 383 |
44 729 |
Guarico |
312 106 |
159 629 |
152 477 |
238 461 |
121 557 |
116 904 |
73 645 |
38 072 |
35 573 |
Lara |
680 693 |
348 525 |
332 168 |
563 131 |
287 774 |
275 357 |
117 562 |
60 751 |
56 811 |
Mérida |
332 848 |
169 750 |
163 098 |
262 762 |
133 268 |
129 494 |
70 086 |
36 482 |
33 604 |
Miranda |
945 682 |
482 025 |
463 657 |
898 389 |
458 094 |
440 295 |
47 293 |
23 931 |
23 362 |
Monagas |
361 101 |
183 766 |
177 335 |
302 436 |
153 606 |
148 830 |
58 665 |
30 160 |
28 505 |
Nueva Esparta |
157 055 |
80 366 |
76 689 |
151 216 |
77 352 |
73 864 |
5 839 |
3 014 |
2 825 |
Portuguesa |
375 571 |
192 369 |
183 202 |
273 403 |
140 088 |
133 315 |
102 168 |
52 281 |
49 887 |
Sucre |
383 474 |
197 363 |
186 111 |
304 123 |
156 411 |
147 712 |
79 351 |
40 952 |
38 399 |
Táchira |
455 416 |
233 129 |
222 287 |
368 749 |
188 281 |
180 468 |
86 667 |
44 848 |
41 819 |
Trujillo |
283 593 |
145 099 |
138 494 |
214 830 |
109 947 |
104 883 |
68 763 |
35 152 |
33 611 |
Vargas |
115 336 |
58 863 |
56 473 |
103 013 |
52 693 |
50 320 |
12 323 |
6 170 |
6 153 |
Yaracuy |
247 838 |
127 428 |
120 410 |
198 017 |
102 249 |
95 768 |
49 821 |
25 179 |
24 642 |
Zulia |
1 446 317 |
738 830 |
707 487 |
1 306 383 |
667 024 |
639 359 |
139 934 |
71 806 |
68 128 |
Total |
10 508 198 |
5 364 016 |
5 144 182 |
9 048 954 |
4 613 766 |
4 435 188 |
1 459 244 |
750 250 |
708 994 |
2. Budget allocations for children and adolescents
The comprehensive protection of children and adolescents is assigned absolute priority in the Constitution. The Protection of Children and Adolescents (Organization) Act lays down the absolute obligation of the State to take all necessary and appropriate administrative, legislative, judicial and other steps to ensure that all children and adolescents fully and effectively enjoy their rights and safeguards.
In the light of this guidance, substantial amounts are earmarked under the national budget for the formulation of policies and the implementation of programmes and projects which promote the progressive development of, and care for, children and adolescents.
Public investment for the child and adolescent sector in the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 is indicated below.
Table 4
Total investment for children and adolescents, 2002‑2005
Year |
Amount (Bs) |
2002 |
507 700 000 |
2003 |
500 562 400 000 |
2004 |
300 504 620 000 |
2005 |
200 217 000 000 |
Total |
1 001 791 720 000 |
(a)Budget allocations for education of children and adolescents
The table and figure below show the total of and trend in national public investment designed to guarantee the right of children and adolescents to education in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Table 5
National public investment in education, 2005‑2007 (millions of bolivares)
2005 |
% |
2006 |
% |
2007 |
% |
|
Education |
12 449 396 . 1 |
14 . 4 |
19 900 203 . 8 |
15 . 5 |
21 869 802 . 6 |
17 . 8 |
Figure A
Trend in national public investment in education
The table and figure below reflect the total of and trend in investment by federal districts in fulfilling the right to education.
Figure B
Trend in regional public investment in education
Table 6
Regional public investment in education, 2005‑2006(millions of bolivares)
Federal districts |
2005 |
% |
2006 |
% |
Amazonas |
52 996 576.2 |
19.4 |
80 033 102.6 |
22.3 |
Anzoátegui |
65 440 832.5 |
9.6 |
93 890 957.8 |
9.6 |
Apure |
37 247 518.3 |
14.7 |
68 357 615.9 |
14.9 |
Aragua |
92 806 030.5 |
16.5 |
124 857 485.9 |
16.4 |
Barinas |
73 139 583.5 |
21.8 |
103 445 542.1 |
22.2 |
Bolívar |
99 579 646.3 |
15.5 |
126 858 659.3 |
13.9 |
Carabobo |
153 050 369.5 |
15.5 |
193 183 171.3 |
13.2 |
Cojedes |
44 414 143.0 |
20.7 |
59 222 544.0 |
19.8 |
Delta Amacuro |
37 063 448.0 |
19.1 |
45 879 006.6 |
16.7 |
Falcón |
79 549 628.0 |
20.7 |
148 291 067.0 |
19.0 |
Guárico |
48 697 443.2 |
14.6 |
55 145 024.6 |
11.8 |
Lara |
90 095 666.6 |
25.5 |
232 686 001.5 |
24.3 |
Mérida |
38 844 745.4 |
11.3 |
47 976 192.0 |
10.0 |
Miranda |
147 953 915.3 |
12.5 |
211 374 517.0 |
13.8 |
Monagas |
42 085 727.2 |
6.6 |
42 481 236.7 |
4.0 |
Nueva Esparta |
70 129 512.1 |
25.5 |
88 716 436.0 |
25.8 |
Portuguesa |
38 478 354.7 |
10.1 |
Not available |
Not available |
Sucre |
69 728 276.0 |
19.6 |
108 185 899.8 |
22.1 |
Táchira |
60 451 156.8 |
12.1 |
60 409 186.1 |
8.6 |
Trujillo |
69 625 065.5 |
20.2 |
83 287 036.8 |
19.1 |
Yaracuy |
45 622 637.8 |
13.9 |
22 613 872.7 |
4.9 |
Zulia |
79 162 942.2 |
5.8 |
95 554 204.2 |
5.0 |
Vargas |
27 452 892.5 |
10.7 |
39 972 914.0 |
13.0 |
District Capital |
63 519 169.3 |
5.5 |
88 702 427.0 |
4.9 |
District de l’Alto Apure |
2 740 290.6 |
2.9 |
4 566 429.6 |
4.3 |
Total |
1 629 875 571.0 |
14.8 |
2 225 690 530.5 |
14.1 |
(b)Budget allocations for health care
It is vital to point out that most of the projects and programmes implemented by Venezuela in the health sector include and encompass all strata of the population, so that it is not possible to give a sectoral breakdown of the budget allocations for children and adolescents.
The table and figure below indicate the total of and trend in national public investment designed to guarantee the right of Venezuelans to health in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Table 7
National public investment in health 2005‑2007(millions of bolivares)
2005 |
% |
2006 |
% |
2007 |
% |
|
Health |
4 966 347.5 |
5.8 |
7 245 023.1 |
5.6 |
8 080 172.2 |
6.6 |
Figure C
National public investment in healthTrend, 2005‑2007
The table and figure below reflect the total of and trend in investment by the various federal bodies to fulfil the right to health in 2005 and 2006. Also shown are the percentages of each body’s budget earmarked for the health sector.
Figure D
Regional public investment in healthTrend, 2005‑2006
Table 8
Regional public investment in health, 2005‑2006(millions of bolivares)
Federal district |
2005 |
% |
2006 |
% |
Amazonas |
3 429 858.6 |
1.2 |
4 191 575.3 |
1.1 |
Anzoátegui |
30 357 642.7 |
4.8 |
45 857 387.7 |
4.7 |
Apure |
64 910 386.2 |
25.7 |
92 441 227.1 |
20.2 |
Aragua |
22 540 000.0 |
4.0 |
32 136 295.2 |
4.2 |
Barinas |
9 981 703.3 |
2.9 |
15 097 641.2 |
3.2 |
Bolívar |
132 315 531.9 |
20.6 |
169 358 113.8 |
18.5 |
Carabobo |
175 219 582.7 |
17.7 |
263 286 748.4 |
18.0 |
Cojedes |
7 519 824.0 |
3.3 |
8 840 748.0 |
2.9 |
Delta Amacuro |
5 949 887.0 |
3.0 |
8 306 298.2 |
3.0 |
Falcón |
30 939 712.0 |
8.0 |
44 842 550.0 |
5.7 |
Guárico |
15 366 502.4 |
4.6 |
21 985 483.5 |
4.6 |
Lara |
96 588 096.8 |
27.4 |
211 642 737.5 |
22.1 |
Mérida |
34 148 458.9 |
10.0 |
45 323 871.9 |
9.5 |
Miranda |
128 644 796.3 |
10.9 |
210 529 597.1 |
13.8 |
Monagas |
93 344 511.2 |
14.8 |
137 703 580.8 |
13.1 |
Nueva Esparta |
9 280 258.0 |
3.3 |
13 821 542.0 |
4.0 |
Portuguesa |
16 878 198.3 |
4.4 |
Not available |
Not available |
Sucre |
27 660 858.8 |
7.8 |
36 197 486.4 |
7.4 |
Táchira |
101 756 508.4 |
20.3 |
135 811 981.4 |
19.3 |
Trujillo |
12 389 446.6 |
3.6 |
13 212 613.8 |
3.0 |
Yaracuy |
72 878 781.5 |
22.2 |
Not available |
Not available |
Zulia |
36 476 481.4 |
2.7 |
52 271 419.5 |
2.7 |
Vargas |
30 367 721.4 |
11.8 |
37 606 498.9 |
12.3 |
Distrito Capital |
319 803 148.7 |
28.0 |
427 095 039.8 |
24.0 |
District de l’Alto Apure |
2 486 908.3 |
2.6 |
297 206.1 |
0.2 |
Total |
1 481 234 805.4 |
10.6 |
2 027 857 643.6 |
9.4 |
(c) Budget allocations for programmes and services for children with disabilities, indigenous children and afrodescendants, children in need of alternative care, children in institutions and children living on the streets
Care for children and adolescents in special circumstances is a priority for Venezuela, which devotes specific plans and resources to this area so as to ensure that these citizens effectively enjoy their rights.
In order to deal with these cases, the National Council for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights has implemented various programmes and services which ensure protection for children and adolescents with disabilities, those in need of alternative care and street children and adolescents.
The table below reflects the number of programmes and services provided in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 for these children and adolescents in special circumstances.
Table 9
Programmes and services for children with disabilities, children in need of alternative care and street children,2002‑2006
Programmes or services |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
Total per programme |
Shelter |
24 |
25 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
51 |
Placement in foster families |
1 |
6 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
Street children and adolescents |
2 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
Disability |
3 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
12 |
Overall total |
30 |
44 |
11 |
2 |
0 |
87 |
Where children with disabilities are concerned, the programmes and services provided benefited 3,607 children and adolescents at a total cost of 182,474,741.56 bolivares.
As for street children or children suffering from exclusion, the programmes and services covered 2,793 children and adolescents by means of 11 programmes involving total investment of 205,864,895.88 bolivares.
The following tables show investment effected and numbers covered by programmes and services destined for street children and adolescents in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
These tables indicate investment by the National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund and the different governors’ offices and local authorities in the country.
Table 11
Programmes to protect and care for street children and adolescents2003
Year 2003 programmes |
|||||
Programme or project title |
Target population |
Total cost |
Total |
||
Children and adolescents |
National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund |
Local authorities |
Governors ’ offices |
||
Assistance to provide care for children and adolescents experiencing poverty |
30 |
572 550.00 |
0 00 |
0.00 |
572 550.00 |
Help a Street Child |
25 |
6 051 683.54 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
6 051 683.54 |
Meeting the needs of children and adolescents experiencing poverty |
200 |
8 600 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
8 600 000.00 |
Programme of care for abandoned children and adolescents aged under 15 |
30 |
52 800 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
52 800 000.00 |
Dealing with street children and adolescents, including their families |
175 |
4 000 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4 000 000.00 |
Links with street children at risk |
35 |
11 735 845.48 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
11 735 845.48 |
Programme of training and reconstruction of life projects for adolescents suffering from exclusion |
50 |
15 000 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
15 000 000.00 |
Children and adolescents in need of protection |
74 |
47 229 452.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
47 229 452.00 |
Comprehensive care for street children and adolescents |
40 |
20 296 377.66 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
20 296 377.66 |
Total |
659 |
166 285 908.68 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
166 285 908.68 |
Table 12
Programmes to protect and care for street children and adolescents2004
Programmes/year 2004 |
|||||
Programme or project title |
Target population |
Total cost |
Total |
||
Children and adolescents |
National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund |
Local authorities |
Governors ’ offices |
||
Programme of comprehensive care for children and adolescents at risk |
1 954 |
8 638 464.38 |
25 915 393.00 |
0.00 |
34 553 857.38 |
Total |
1 954 |
8 638 464.38 |
25 915 393.00 |
0.00 |
34 553 857.38 |
Table 13
Programmes to protect and care for street children and adolescents2005
Programmes/year 2005 |
||||||
Programme or project title |
Target population |
Total cost |
Total |
|||
Children and adolescents |
National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund |
Local authorities |
Governors ’ offices |
|||
Programme of comprehensive care for children and adolescents at risk |
180 |
5 025 129.82 |
0.00 |
0 00 |
5 025 129.82 |
|
Total |
180 |
5 025 129.82 |
0.00 |
0 00 |
5 025 129.82 |
The Constitution acknowledges the right of all persons with disabilities or special needs to enjoy the full and independent exercise of their capabilities and to be integrated in the family and the community.
On the basis of this principle, Venezuela, with the assistance and solidarity of families and society, has an obligation to guarantee respect for their human dignity, equal opportunity and satisfactory working conditions, and to foster their training and access to employment in accordance with their circumstances.
Reflecting this commitment by the State, the following tables show the investment effected and numbers covered by programmes and services destined for children and adolescents with disabilities in 2003 and 2004.
Table 14
Programmes to protect and care for children and adolescents with disabilities2003
Programmes/year 2003 |
|||||
Programme or project title |
Target population |
Total cost |
Total |
||
Children and adolescents |
National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund |
Local authorities |
Governors ’ offices |
||
Programme of training and special care |
300 |
6 000 000.00 |
1 200 000.00 |
0.00 |
7 200 000.00 |
Strengthening of food and comprehensive education programmes for children and adolescents with disabilities in the municipality of Guanipa |
89 |
4 945 230.00 |
4 596 378.40 |
0.00 |
9 541 608.40 |
Table 14 (continued)
Programmes/year 2003 |
|||||
Programme or project title |
Target population |
Total cost |
Total |
||
Children and adolescents |
National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund |
Local authorities |
Governors ’ offices |
||
Assistance and rehabilitation programmes for children and adolescents with special needs |
120 |
26 400 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
26 400 000.00 |
Provision of multidisciplinary equipment for care for special children |
755 |
9 553 960.36 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
9 553 960.36 |
Activities involving motor skills |
1 065 |
14 772 172.80 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
14 772 172.80 |
Total |
2 329 |
61 671 363.16 |
5 796 378.40 |
0.00 |
67 467 741.56 |
Table 15
Programmes to protect and care for children and adolescents with disabilities2004
Programmes/year 2004 |
|||||
Programme or project title |
Target population |
Total cost |
Total |
||
Children and adolescents |
National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund |
Local authorities |
Governors ’ offices |
||
Strengthening of interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for persons with disabilities |
380 |
27 007 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
27 007 000.00 |
Care for and stimulation of children with disabilities |
20 |
5 000 000.00 |
0.00 |
5 000 000.00 |
10 000 000.00 |
Comprehensive training programme aimed at parents and representatives of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs |
390 |
14 250 000.00 |
0.00 |
10 750 000.00 |
25 000 000.00 |
Programme of care for children and adolescents with disabilities |
123 |
14 250 000.00 |
0.00 |
10 750 000.00 |
25 000 000.00 |
Total |
913 |
60 507 000.00 |
0.00 |
26 500 000.00 |
87 007 000.00 |
(d)Budget allocations for programmes and activities for the prevention of and protection from sexual exploitation and child pornography
During the period 2003‑2004, care was provided for a total of 7,297 children and adolescents by means of 11 programmes aimed at providing care for children and adolescents and protecting them from sexual exploitation and child pornography, involving budgetary investment of 96,684,363.44 bolivares.
The tables below show the investment effected, the programme or project implemented and the target population for activities carried out in 2003 and 2004 to provide care for children and adolescents and protect them from sexual abuse, with funding from the National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund.
Table 16
Programmes to provide care for children and adolescents and protect them from sexualabuse with funding from the National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund,2003
Programmes/year 2003 |
|||||
Programme or project title |
Target population |
Total cost |
Total |
||
Children and adolescents |
National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund |
Local authorities |
Governors’ offices |
||
Funding of programmes to provide care for children and adolescents involved in prostitution |
15 |
1 895 323.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1 895 323.00 |
Education for sexual and reproductive health |
200 |
2 000 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2 000 000.00 |
Psycho‑sexual and reproductive guidance |
3 000 |
2 500 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2 500 000.00 |
Sexual and reproductive education |
1 500 |
6 650 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
6 650 000.00 |
Programme of sexual abuse and ill‑treatment in children and adolescents |
521 |
4 899 063.44 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4 899 063.44 |
Total |
5 236 |
17 944 386.44 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
17 944 386.44 |
Table 17
Programmes to provide care for children and adolescents and protect them from sexual abuse with funding from the National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund
Programmes/year 2004 |
|||||
Programme or project title |
Target population |
Total cost |
Total |
||
Children and adolescents |
National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund |
Local authorities |
Governors ’ offices |
||
Creation of awareness and provision of information on prevention of sexual abuse among children and adolescents |
10 |
3 000 000.00 |
3 000 000.00 |
3 000 000.00 |
9 000 000.00 |
Programme of sexual and reproductive health education |
715 |
8 000 000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
8 000 000.00 |
Comprehensive training of communities with a view to healthy and responsible sexuality |
11 |
11 407 353.00 |
4 124 543.00 |
1 072 381.00 |
16 604 277.00 |
Programme of sexual prevention and guidance and reproductive health aimed at adolescents |
1 110 |
17 100 000.00 |
0.00 |
12 900 000.00 |
30 000 000.00 |
Sexual and reproductive health education ‑ “ Learning the values governing my sexuality in adolescence ” |
170 |
8 985 700.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
8 985 700.00 |
Comprehensive care for victims of sexual abuse among children and adolescents |
45 |
2 050 000.00 |
2 050 000.00 |
2 050 000.00 |
6 150 000.00 |
Total |
2 061 |
50 543 053.00 |
9 174 543.00 |
19 022 381.00 |
78 739 977.00 |
In addition to these programmes, the National Council for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights has carried out a number of actions aimed at providing care for children and adolescents and protecting them from sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation. They include:
Coordination of the Commission against Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CICAES);
Preparation of the National Plan of Action against Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation, published in Official Gazette No. 38.631 of 23 February 2007;
Drafting of the General Guidelines for the Protection of Children and Adolescents from Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation, published in Official Gazette No. 37815 of 11 November 2003;
Preparation of a training course for care and prevention of sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence and development of educational software for the prevention of sexual abuse among adolescents, under the Cuba‑Venezuela cooperation agreement;
Development of the Binational Plan of Action for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and the Family on the Colombia‑Venezuela border and of the Binational Programme for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents on the Colombia‑Venezuela border, in pursuance of the commitments made by the Presidential Commissions on Integration and Border Matters (COPIAF);
Inclusion of care and protection from sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation in the proposal for an inter‑agency plan of action aimed at the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents against violence;
Preparation and approval of guidelines for the protection of children and adolescents who are victims of child pornography, as a form of commercial sexual exploitation;
Consultations between the agencies in the Protection System relating to the “Rights Violation Recording Form” in pursuance of the above‑mentioned Plan against Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation, with cooperation from the National Statistical Institute and UNICEF.
(e)Budget allocations for the administration of justice and programmes of alternative measures
The table and figure below show the total of and trend in national public investment for the administration of justice in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Table 18
National public investment in the administration of justice,2005‑2007 (millions of bolivares)
2005 |
% |
2006 |
% |
2007 |
% |
|
Administration of justice |
1 666 072.5 |
1.9 |
2 369 490.7 |
1.8 |
2 744 553.6 |
2.2 |
Figure E
National public investment in the administration of justiceTrend, 2005‑2007
(f)Use of budgetary resources and mechanisms for monitoring expenditure
The budgetary resources allocated for education, health, care for children with special needs and the administration of justice have been spent by the various institutions and administrative units at the national, regional and municipal level, in keeping with their specific areas of competence.
Concerning the spending of budgetary resources from the National Treasury, the National Budget Office exercised advance monitoring through the Integrated System for the Management and Monitoring of the Public Finances. This system guarantees the use of financial resources for the approved budgetary objectives, in accordance with the applicable laws.
In addition, the Office of the Controller‑General of the Republic, an integral part of the national monitoring system, monitors, supervises and inspects income, expenditure, public and national assets and related operations.
3. Funding of the “missions” and their impact on children and adolescents
Through its missions, the Government of Venezuela ensures the all‑round development and protection of children and adolescents.
The Madres del Barrio mission makes it possible, by involving mothers in productive activities and temporary economic opportunities, to increase family incomes and thereby meet the needs of families in terms of services and consumption, raising the standard of living of children and adolescents.
Through the Negra Hipólita mission direct care is provided for children and adolescents who have been abandoned and those living in extreme poverty. The goals of this mission include relocating children and adolescents who live in the streets in their family nuclei or in foster families.
The Barrio Adentro mission makes it possible to raise the quality of life of children and adolescents in less well‑off communities, ensuring free medical care is available close to their homes. This mission guarantees primary care through a comprehensive system which is linked to social security.
With the Alimentación mission the State guarantees the exercise of children’s and adolescents’ right to food. The Casas de Alimentación, which are a key part of this mission, are houses equipped for the preparation of food which are made available free of charge to the less well‑off. The Suplemento Nutricional is an entirely free programme by means of which food supplements are provided to those experiencing extreme poverty.
The Identidad mission makes it possible to give practical effect to the right of children and adolescents to possess a document which facilitates their identification. Issuing identity documents rapidly, securely and free of charge is the principal goal of this mission.
Table 19
Financial resources allocated to the missions
Mission |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
Mission Robinson |
325 000.0 |
412 716.3 |
462 424.3 |
Mission Sucre |
128 802.3 |
663 158.3 |
744 850.9 |
Mission Barrio Adentro |
667 564.2 |
341 774.2 |
105 420.0 |
Mission Piar |
1 589.7 |
5 187.9 |
2 058.8 |
Mission Identitad |
49 679.7 |
27 232.3 |
14 004.0 |
Mission Alimentac í on |
439 036.3 |
778 472.9 |
1 196 997.0 |
Mission Negra Hipólita |
Not available |
41 657.1 |
116 881.1 |
Mission Madres del Barrio |
Not available |
548 989.3 |
394 531.7 |
Total |
1 611 672.2 |
2 855 688.3 |
3 073 167.8 |
4.Children deprived of a family environment andseparated from their parents
The Constitution recognizes and protects the right of children and adolescents to life, to an upbringing and to develop within their original family. However, when they are unable to live in the family group, owing to exceptional circumstances, the State, in their best interests, organizes comprehensive protection for them by placing them in special care institutions or foster families (family placement) or arranging domestic or intercountry adoption.
(a)Children and adolescents placed in institutions
Data on children deprived of a family environment who were placed in institutions in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, broken down by federal district and age group, are set out below.
Table 20
Children and adolescents in care institutions(2002‑2006)
Federal District |
2002 ‑ 2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
||||||
Care institutions |
Children |
Adolescents |
Care institutions |
Children |
Adolescents |
Care institutions |
Children |
Adolescents |
|
Anzoátegui |
6 |
58 |
25 |
8 |
77 |
57 |
8 |
77 |
57 |
Amazonas |
|||||||||
Aragua |
55 |
41 |
55 |
41 |
|||||
Barinas |
4 |
24 |
22 |
5 |
5 |
41 |
13 |
||
Lara |
5 |
52 |
|||||||
Bolívar |
8 |
45 |
25 |
8 |
69 |
36 |
8 |
207 |
51 |
Carabobo |
13 |
152 |
59 |
15 |
115 |
32 |
15 |
83 |
32 |
Cojedes |
3 |
4 |
13 |
2 |
15 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
13 |
Delta Amacuro |
1 |
6 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
|||
Distri to metropolitano |
3 |
170 |
11 |
540 |
|||||
Guárico |
|||||||||
Falcón |
7 |
26 |
3 |
19 |
5 |
2 |
22 |
||
Monagas |
3 |
55 |
12 |
4 |
43 |
64 |
|||
Nueva Esparta |
6 |
72 |
31 |
4 |
4 |
||||
Sucre |
4 |
24 |
15 |
4 |
31 |
26 |
|||
Táchira |
7 |
30 |
0 |
30 |
|||||
Trujillo |
1 |
85 |
70 |
1 |
49 |
68 |
1 |
25 |
46 |
Vargas |
1 |
3 |
|||||||
Yaracuy |
3 |
11 |
21 |
3 |
11 |
21 |
|||
Zulia |
6 |
156 |
78 |
7 |
59 |
16 |
9 |
201 |
|
Total |
68 |
853 |
335 |
61 |
528 |
294 |
84 |
1 544 |
364 |
(b)Children and adolescents placed with foster families
Data for 2004, 2005 and 2006 on children and adolescents placed with foster families, broken down by sex, are given below.
Table 21
Family placements2004‑2006
Year |
Family placement |
|
Boys |
Girls |
|
2004 |
111 |
|
2005 |
92 |
|
2006 |
61 |
70 |
T otal |
264 |
316 |
(c)Children and adolescents adopted domestically or through intercountry adoptions
The tables below show the number of cases of domestic and intercountry adoptions processed.
Table 22
Cases of adoption handled and adoption orders2002‑2006
Year |
Total number of cases |
Total number of cases with adoption orders |
Total |
2002-2004 |
2 093 |
1 852 |
3 945 |
2005 |
907 |
697 |
1 604 |
2006 |
983 |
249 |
1 232 |
Total |
3 983 |
2 798 |
6 781 |
Table 23
Intercountry adoptions2004-2006
Year |
Intercountry adoption |
|
Boys |
Girls |
|
2004 |
1 |
1 |
2005 |
1 |
3 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
Total |
2 |
4 |
5. Children and adolescents with disabilities
Under the Protection of Children and Adolescents (Organization) Act, children and adolescents with special needs are acknowledged to have all the rights and safeguards set out in the Act, as well as those inherent in their specific circumstances.
(a)Children and adolescents with disabilities living in Venezuela
The following table shows the total number of children and adolescents living in Venezuela.
Table 24
Persons aged 0‑17 with disabilities, broken down by sex and type of disability
Disability |
Boys |
Girls |
Total |
Totally blind |
848 |
693 |
1 541 |
Totally deaf |
2 833 |
2 447 |
5 280 |
Mentally retarded |
14 205 |
10 383 |
24 588 |
Upper limb |
2 044 |
1 281 |
3 325 |
Lower limb |
3 111 |
2 404 |
5 515 |
Other |
57 875 |
47 455 |
105 330 |
Total |
80 916 |
64 663 |
145 579 |
(b)Children and adolescents with disabilities placed in institutions and foster homes
Table 25
Children and adolescents with disabilities placed in care institutions and foster homes, broken down by sex, age group and federal district
Federal district |
Boys |
Girls |
Adolescents |
Total |
Anzoátegui |
7 |
2 |
1 |
10 |
Barinas |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Carabobo |
5 |
7 |
0 |
12 |
Cojedes |
2 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
Delta Amacuro |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Falcón |
2 |
1 |
3 |
6 |
Lara |
5 |
4 |
0 |
9 |
Monagas |
5 |
3 |
0 |
8 |
Total |
28 |
19 |
4 |
51 |
(c)Children and adolescents with disabilities attending special schools
The tables below show figures for enrolment in public and private institutions of special education, broken down by sex and federal district.
Table 26
Fixed enrolment in special education
School year 2004‑2005
Federal district |
Sex |
Official establishments |
Private establishments |
||||
Boys |
Girls |
National |
State |
Municipal |
Independent |
||
Amazonas |
83 |
65 |
148 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Anzoátegui |
979 |
697 |
1 676 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Apure |
430 |
329 |
759 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Aragua |
1 299 |
950 |
2 074 |
145 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
Barinas |
397 |
288 |
645 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Bolívar |
566 |
371 |
797 |
140 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Carabobo |
1 386 |
880 |
1 556 |
0 |
0 |
185 |
525 |
Cojedes |
368 |
295 |
663 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Delta Amacuro |
83 |
68 |
151 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Distrito Capital |
1 988 |
1 245 |
1 861 |
0 |
0 |
218 |
1 154 |
Falcón |
427 |
327 |
611 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
143 |
Guárico |
488 |
399 |
812 |
75 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Lara |
796 |
530 |
1326 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Mérida |
507 |
380 |
819 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
50 |
Miranda |
1 632 |
1 188 |
1 595 |
309 |
44 |
0 |
872 |
Monagas |
234 |
195 |
429 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Nueva Esparta |
228 |
194 |
422 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Portuguesa |
453 |
378 |
670 |
161 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Sucre |
745 |
506 |
1 077 |
0 |
0 |
39 |
135 |
Táchira |
918 |
655 |
1 573 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Trujillo |
437 |
279 |
716 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Vargas |
215 |
149 |
364 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Yaracuy |
585 |
389 |
974 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Zulia |
1 896 |
1 341 |
2 487 |
593 |
0 |
71 |
86 |
Total |
17 140 |
12 098 |
24 205 |
1 481 |
44 |
543 |
2 965 |
Table 27
Overall enrolment in special education2004‑2006
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
Overall enrolment in special education |
140 797 |
167 267 |
174 300 |
6. The right of children and adolescents to health
(a)Rates of infant and child mortality
Table 28
Infant, neonatal and post‑neonatal mortality rates(per 1,000 live births)
Year |
Infant mortality |
Neonatal mortality |
Post‑neonatal mortality |
|||
Deaths |
Rate |
Deaths |
Rate |
Deaths |
Rate |
|
2000 |
9 649 |
17.7 |
6 269 |
11.5 |
3 380 |
6.2 |
2001 |
9 353 |
17.7 |
5 846 |
11.0 |
3 507 |
6.6 |
2002 |
8 949 |
18.2 |
5 871 |
11.9 |
3 078 |
6.2 |
2003 |
10 276 |
18.5 |
6 242 |
11.2 |
4 034 |
7.3 |
2004 |
9 272 |
15.9 |
6 163 |
10.6 |
3 109 |
5.3 |
2005 |
9 093 |
15.5 |
6 319 |
10.8 |
2 774 |
4.7 |
Table 29
Infant mortality rates by federal district(per 1,000 live births)
Federal district |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
||||||
Deaths |
Rate |
% |
Deaths |
Rate |
% |
Deaths |
Rate |
% |
|
Amazonas |
82 |
11.66 |
0.88 |
80 |
7.91 |
0.88 |
50 |
8.33 |
8.00 |
Anzoátegui |
146 |
2.78 |
1.57 |
437 |
8.61 |
4.81 |
481 |
17.22 |
0.61 |
Apure |
247 |
10.36 |
2.66 |
220 |
8.06 |
2.42 |
170 |
10.46 |
5.89 |
Aragua |
462 |
8.78 |
4.98 |
323 |
5.50 |
3.55 |
430 |
14.05 |
2.08 |
Barinas |
291 |
10.20 |
3.14 |
272 |
8.75 |
2.99 |
243 |
13.67 |
5.27 |
Bolívar |
823 |
15.08 |
8.88 |
732 |
12.30 |
8.05 |
704 |
20.53 |
2.98 |
Carabobo |
624 |
8.72 |
6.73 |
581 |
7.93 |
6.39 |
130 |
2.88 |
8.63 |
Cojedes |
116 |
9.51 |
1.25 |
91 |
8.62 |
1.00 |
90 |
13.80 |
1.59 |
Delta Amacuro |
91 |
11.17 |
0.98 |
116 |
9.86 |
1.28 |
116 |
16.02 |
1.10 |
Falcón |
272 |
9.34 |
2.93 |
270 |
7.43 |
2.97 |
263 |
12.84 |
1.42 |
Guárico |
298 |
11.25 |
3.21 |
269 |
7.21 |
2.96 |
240 |
12.20 |
3.22 |
Lara |
647 |
11.11 |
6.98 |
610 |
9.88 |
6.71 |
559 |
16.57 |
2.94 |
Mérida |
326 |
10.41 |
3.52 |
270 |
8.54 |
2.97 |
246 |
13.55 |
6.85 |
Miranda |
519 |
6.45 |
5.60 |
546 |
6.12 |
6.00 |
412 |
8.07 |
3.01 |
Monagas |
335 |
13.33 |
3.61 |
327 |
10.14 |
3.60 |
273 |
13.29 |
5.05 |
Nueva Esparta |
174 |
11.35 |
1.88 |
226 |
16.38 |
2.49 |
157 |
20.24 |
3.35 |
Portuguesa |
387 |
11.31 |
4.17 |
345 |
9.96 |
3.79 |
302 |
14.80 |
1.92 |
Sucre |
339 |
10.03 |
3.66 |
320 |
6.64 |
3.52 |
241 |
8.48 |
3.70 |
Táchira |
405 |
13.13 |
4.37 |
407 |
8.81 |
4.48 |
330 |
12.68 |
2.95 |
Trujillo |
309 |
11.81 |
3.33 |
262 |
8.95 |
2.88 |
229 |
13.12 |
4.04 |
Vargas |
67 |
6.05 |
0.72 |
47 |
4.64 |
0.52 |
74 |
11.50 |
2.81 |
Yaracuy |
247 |
12.29 |
2.66 |
215 |
9.39 |
2.36 |
208 |
15.48 |
0.91 |
Zulia |
1 551 |
11.47 |
16.73 |
1 502 |
11.44 |
16.52 |
1 559 |
20.92 |
2.55 |
Distrito Capital |
514 |
8.91 |
5.54 |
625 |
9.42 |
6.87 |
653 |
16.91 |
19.11 |
Total |
9 272 |
100 |
9 093 |
100 |
8 160 |
100 |
(b)Rates of immunization
Table 30
Immunization coverage2004‑2006
Year |
Polio |
Measles |
DPT |
BCG |
||||
Dose |
Coverage |
Dose |
Coverage |
Dose |
Coverage |
Dose |
Coverage |
|
2004 |
423 493 |
82.73 |
455 931 |
94.43 |
439 030 |
85.76 |
493 643 |
96.43 |
2005 |
433 535 |
80.47 |
408 121 |
75.88 |
408 121 |
75.88 |
510 881 |
94.83 |
2006 |
428 981 |
73.03 |
315 665 |
54.70 |
315 665 |
54.70 |
488 787 |
83.21 |
Total |
1 286 009 |
1 179 717 |
1 162 816 |
1 493 311 |
(c)Rates of malnutrition
Table 31
Rates of infant malnutrition by federal district2003‑2005
Federal district |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Rate |
Rate |
Rate |
|
Amazonas |
12.37 |
13.62 |
14.17 |
Anzoátegui |
17.63 |
17.45 |
15.32 |
Apure |
17.45 |
19.06 |
17.58 |
Aragua |
14.38 |
13.18 |
12.76 |
Barinas |
16.28 |
13.35 |
14.28 |
Bolívar |
17.51 |
17.10 |
17.58 |
Carabobo |
10.57 |
14.39 |
12.68 |
Cojedes |
15.37 |
13.82 |
13.18 |
Delta Amacuro |
17.59 |
17.48 |
16.16 |
Falcón |
13.08 |
13.34 |
12.22 |
Guárico |
18.25 |
17.60 |
15.71 |
Lara |
11.59 |
14.21 |
12.00 |
Mérida |
10.79 |
11.08 |
10.66 |
Miranda |
14.47 |
20.04 |
14.74 |
Monagas |
11.75 |
12.68 |
15.45 |
Nueva Esparta |
11.83 |
10.80 |
10.61 |
Portuguesa |
16.82 |
15.80 |
15.09 |
Sucre |
16.24 |
15.42 |
13.90 |
Táchira |
10.06 |
11.07 |
10.81 |
Trujillo |
10.24 |
9.64 |
10.32 |
Vargas |
12.34 |
12.73 |
10.50 |
Yaracuy |
15.20 |
15.07 |
14.26 |
Zulia |
14.34 |
13.27 |
12.08 |
Distrito Capital |
9.22 |
9.20 |
8.23 |
Total |
13.97 |
14.20 |
13.34 |
(d)Cases of children infected with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS
Table 32
HIV/AIDS cases (B20‑B24) among children by age group2005‑2006
Age |
2005 |
2006 |
Cases |
Cases |
|
Under 1 |
37 |
24 |
1 to 4 |
27 |
32 |
5 to 9 |
13 |
18 |
10 to 14 |
16 |
10 |
Total |
93 |
84 |
(e)Cases of children infected with dengue
Table 33
Cases of dengue among children by age group2005‑2006
Age |
2005 |
2006 |
Cases |
Cases |
|
Under 1 |
5 564 |
1 096 |
1 to 4 |
7 774 |
3 686 |
5 to 9 |
8 095 |
6 436 |
10 to 14 |
694 |
6 517 |
Total |
22 127 |
17 735 |
(f)Rates of early pregnancy
The Protection of Children and Adolescents (Organization) Act lays down the right of children and adolescents to be informed and educated, in keeping with their stage of development, in matters of sexual and reproductive health with a view to sexual behaviour and parenthood which are responsible, healthy, freely chosen and risk‑free.
With the active involvement of society, the State must provide sexual and reproductive health‑care services and programmes for all children and adolescents.
The tables below provide information on the total number of births between 2000 and 2006 to mothers aged under 20, broken down by federal district, and estimated numbers of teenage pregnancies in 2005.
Table 34
Live births registered to mothers aged under 20, by federal district
Federal district |
Year of registration |
||||||
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
Distrito Capital |
7 017 |
5 805 |
5 370 |
7 173 |
8 308 |
8 428 |
8 752 |
Amazonas |
739 |
996 |
1 017 |
831 |
840 |
1 200 |
1 256 |
Anzoátegui |
7 076 |
6 316 |
6 261 |
7 095 |
7 328 |
9 025 |
8 468 |
Apure |
3 330 |
3 842 |
3 183 |
3 841 |
4 150 |
5 221 |
4 550 |
Aragua |
5 191 |
5 520 |
5 770 |
6 034 |
6 376 |
6 328 |
6 720 |
Barinas |
4 392 |
4 137 |
4 334 |
4 420 |
6 050 |
5 621 |
5 454 |
Bolívar |
7 831 |
6 756 |
6 148 |
7 331 |
8 675 |
9 611 |
9 745 |
Carabobo |
8 279 |
9 241 |
7 682 |
9 437 |
11 005 |
10 503 |
10 983 |
Cojedes |
1 819 |
1 583 |
1 573 |
1 494 |
1 794 |
1 199 |
1 014 |
Delta Amacuro |
938 |
866 |
853 |
1 512 |
1 579 |
1 811 |
1 416 |
Falcón |
3 430 |
3 200 |
2 947 |
3 375 |
3 930 |
3 971 |
3 553 |
Guarico |
3 859 |
3 631 |
3 843 |
4 112 |
5 400 |
5 333 |
4 927 |
Lara |
7 066 |
6 902 |
4 947 |
8 992 |
8 598 |
8 088 |
7 772 |
Mérida |
4 275 |
3 382 |
3 335 |
3 545 |
3 900 |
3 956 |
3 722 |
Miranda |
9 875 |
8 724 |
8 143 |
9 184 |
8 794 |
10 552 |
12 595 |
Monagas |
3 973 |
3 875 |
3 680 |
4 163 |
5 541 |
5 210 |
5 088 |
Nueva Esparta |
1 609 |
1 498 |
1 606 |
1 703 |
2 069 |
2 375 |
1 943 |
Portuguesa |
4 640 |
3 794 |
4 884 |
5 032 |
6 019 |
7 117 |
5 837 |
Sucre |
5 500 |
4 380 |
4 098 |
4 344 |
4 869 |
5 500 |
4 635 |
Táchira |
4 609 |
4 168 |
2 833 |
3 442 |
4 550 |
4 419 |
4 667 |
Trujillo |
3 013 |
3 059 |
2 869 |
2 413 |
2 690 |
4 431 |
3 349 |
Vargas |
1 386 |
1 583 |
1 536 |
1 530 |
1 340 |
1 591 |
1 650 |
Yaracuy |
2 774 |
2 692 |
2 536 |
2 939 |
3 151 |
3 788 |
3 386 |
Zulia |
13 895 |
15 819 |
15 762 |
16 279 |
21 480 |
24 815 |
24 905 |
Total |
116 516 |
111 769 |
105 210 |
120 221 |
138 436 |
150 093 |
146 387 |
Table 35
Teenage pregnancies
Estimates for 2005
2005 |
|
Live births registered |
547 628 |
Fertility rate, age 15‑19 |
91.30 |
Estimated population aged 15‑19 |
1 324 442 |
Estimated number of pregnancies |
117 875 |
Percentage of total number of live births registered |
21.52 |
(g)Cases of suicide among adolescents
Table 36
Suicide rate among adolescents by federal district, 2004‑2005
Federal district |
2004 |
2005 |
||||
Cases |
Rate |
% |
Cases |
Rate |
% |
|
Amazonas |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Anzoátegui |
5 |
0.110 |
13.16 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Apure |
1 |
0.056 |
2.63 |
1 |
0.011 |
3.13 |
Aragua |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
1 |
0.006 |
3.13 |
Barinas |
1 |
0.038 |
2.63 |
2 |
0.004 |
6.25 |
Bolívar |
2 |
0.041 |
5.26 |
2 |
0.004 |
6.25 |
Carabobo |
2 |
0.032 |
5.26 |
3 |
0.003 |
9.38 |
Cojedes |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Delta Amacuro |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Falcón |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Guárico |
2 |
0.081 |
5.26 |
5 |
0.008 |
15.63 |
Lara |
2 |
0.037 |
5.26 |
2 |
0.004 |
6.25 |
Mérida |
4 |
0.154 |
10.53 |
1 |
0.015 |
3.13 |
Miranda |
1 |
0.013 |
2.63 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Monagas |
1 |
0.035 |
2.63 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Nueva Esparta |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
1 |
0.001 |
3.13 |
Portuguesa |
4 |
0.134 |
10.53 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Sucre |
1 |
0.033 |
2.63 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Táchira |
1 |
0.028 |
2.63 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Trujillo |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Vargas |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
1 |
0.003 |
3.13 |
Yaracuy |
1 |
0.051 |
2.63 |
1 |
0.005 |
3.13 |
Zulia |
10 |
0.088 |
26.32 |
12 |
0.009 |
37.50 |
Distrito Capital |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
0 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
Total |
38 |
100 |
32 |
100 |
7. Abuse and sexual exploitation of children and adolescents
Reports of abuse of children and adolescents
Table 37
Reports of abuse of children and adolescents 2004‑2006
Offence |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|||
Boys |
Girls |
Boys |
Girls |
Boys |
Girls |
|
Child abuse |
26 |
26 |
106 |
79 |
138 |
137 |
8.Criteria for “poverty” and number of children and adolescents living below the poverty line
Measuring the “poverty line” highlights the effect of household income on the acquisition of goods and services which indicate a minimum standard of living, namely food, clothing, footwear, health care and education.
For the purposes of measurement, per capita household income is compared with two poverty lines ‑ the per capita value of the food basket, and the per capita value of the basic basket (food plus services). After this comparison, the following definitions are adopted:
Non‑poor household: any household whose per capita income is equal to or greater than the cost of the per capita basic basket;
Poor household: any household whose per capita income is lower than the cost of the per capita basic basket;
Household in extreme poverty: any household whose per capita income is lower than the cost of the per capita food basket.
Table 38
Number of children living below the poverty line
Age |
Number of children living in poverty |
Percentage of children living in poverty |
0 |
247 927 |
5.27 |
1 |
278 814 |
5.93 |
2 |
279 993 |
5.95 |
3 |
293 127 |
6.23 |
4 |
289 423 |
6.15 |
5 |
275 656 |
5.86 |
6 |
275 178 |
5.85 |
7 |
273 792 |
5.82 |
8 |
273 646 |
5.82 |
9 |
288 072 |
6.12 |
10 |
245 536 |
5.22 |
11 |
254 820 |
5.42 |
12 |
262 708 |
5.58 |
13 |
251 936 |
5.36 |
14 |
240 848 |
5.12 |
15 |
235 858 |
5.01 |
16 |
224 808 |
4.78 |
17 |
212 318 |
4.51 |
Total |
4 704 460 |
100.00 |
9. The right of children and adolescents to education
(a)Rates of literacy, below and over 18 years
Table 39
Literacy by age group
Age range |
Literate |
||
Yes |
No |
Total |
|
3 to 10 |
2 378 061 |
1 789 420 |
4 167 481 |
11 to 30 |
8 459 545 |
255 362 |
8 714 907 |
31 to 50 |
5 435 836 |
309 918 |
5 745 754 |
51 to 80 |
2 251 805 |
492 308 |
2 744 113 |
Over 80 |
122 251 |
76 450 |
198 701 |
Total |
18 647 498 |
2 923 458 |
21 570 956 |
(b) Enrolment in pre ‑ primary, primary , secondary and general schools and in vocational training
Table 40
Enrolment in pre‑primary schools, by federal district
Federal district |
School year |
||
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|
Distrito Capital |
74 742 |
78 989 |
82 082 |
Amazonas |
6 341 |
6 741 |
7 023 |
Anzoátegui |
45 771 |
49 752 |
55 055 |
Apure |
15 834 |
16 873 |
17 569 |
Aragua |
44 809 |
46 974 |
47 218 |
Barinas |
23 531 |
27 215 |
26 155 |
Bolívar |
49 123 |
50 845 |
49 740 |
Carabobo |
57 762 |
64 510 |
69 608 |
Cojedes |
13 045 |
13 655 |
13 644 |
Delta Amacuro |
9 582 |
10 052 |
10 039 |
Falcón |
41 844 |
44 227 |
44 022 |
Guárico |
23 729 |
25 402 |
25 563 |
Lara |
62 832 |
65 337 |
70 945 |
Mérida |
25 480 |
26 319 |
26 060 |
Miranda |
92 910 |
96 061 |
100 835 |
Monagas |
27 444 |
28 674 |
31 842 |
Nueva Esparta |
19 707 |
20 733 |
21 452 |
Portuguesa |
31 415 |
33 266 |
33 211 |
Sucre |
30 643 |
32 402 |
33 135 |
Táchira |
32 648 |
34 989 |
36 332 |
Trujillo |
25 074 |
27 378 |
26 899 |
Vargas |
11 059 |
11 828 |
12 172 |
Yaracuy |
24 721 |
24 858 |
25 608 |
Zulia |
124 874 |
137 878 |
144 737 |
Total |
914 920 |
974 958 |
1 010 946 |
Table 41
Enrolment in primary and secondary schools, by federal district2003‑2006
Federal district |
School year |
||
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|
Distrito Capital |
310 124 |
309 843 |
310 729 |
Amazonas |
28 232 |
28 589 |
29 783 |
Anzoátegui |
265 909 |
267 084 |
269 895 |
Apure |
106 500 |
105 584 |
107 220 |
Aragua |
292 583 |
289 385 |
284 798 |
Barinas |
153 943 |
156 203 |
158 287 |
Bolívar |
283 394 |
286 304 |
290 717 |
Carabobo |
379 705 |
378 861 |
380 111 |
Cojedes |
58 241 |
58 309 |
58 347 |
Delta Amacuro |
31 889 |
32 554 |
33 516 |
Falcón |
169 271 |
168 738 |
169 058 |
Guárico |
139 144 |
140 650 |
139 010 |
Lara |
312 061 |
313 161 |
312 716 |
Mérida |
152 703 |
151 785 |
150 477 |
Miranda |
433 244 |
432 295 |
444 654 |
Monagas |
160 214 |
160 077 |
163 728 |
Nueva Esparta |
76 639 |
76 894 |
76 650 |
Portuguesa |
169 459 |
171 128 |
171 716 |
Sucre |
180 701 |
182 949 |
183 867 |
Táchira |
210 575 |
207 636 |
205 671 |
Trujillo |
125 206 |
132 230 |
131 376 |
Vargas |
58 529 |
58 822 |
58 315 |
Yaracuy |
111 255 |
114 115 |
115 232 |
Zulia |
623 949 |
634 584 |
639 906 |
Total |
4 833 470 |
4 857 780 |
4 885 779 |
Figure F
Enrolment in primary and secondary schools
Table 42
Enrolment in secondary, general and vocational education,by federal district
Federal district |
School year |
||
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|
Distrito Capital |
38 053 |
42 399 |
48 035 |
Amazonas |
3 041 |
3 022 |
3 283 |
Anzoátegui |
27 375 |
31 099 |
33 300 |
Apure |
9 548 |
10 756 |
11 780 |
Aragua |
40 651 |
43 724 |
47 207 |
Barinas |
14 875 |
16 250 |
18 195 |
Bolívar |
32 311 |
35 399 |
38 525 |
Carabobo |
50 231 |
54 028 |
57 784 |
Cojedes |
6 671 |
6 809 |
7 444 |
Delta Amacuro |
2 412 |
2 654 |
2 899 |
Falcón |
20 740 |
22 544 |
23 814 |
Guárico |
14 884 |
15 911 |
17 789 |
Lara |
38 310 |
41 440 |
43 602 |
Mérida |
21 354 |
22 641 |
23 901 |
Miranda |
52 481 |
56 280 |
62 338 |
Monagas |
17 741 |
19 494 |
21 049 |
Nueva Esparta |
8 461 |
9 429 |
10 347 |
Portuguesa |
16 722 |
18 921 |
19 729 |
Sucre |
19 923 |
21 639 |
22 993 |
Táchira |
28 158 |
30 531 |
33 009 |
Trujillo |
14 753 |
17 151 |
18 241 |
Vargas |
7 529 |
7 424 |
7 901 |
Yaracuy |
12 493 |
13 538 |
14 799 |
Zulia |
70 898 |
76 815 |
83 176 |
Total |
569 615 |
619 898 |
1 189 513 |
(c)Attendance in primary, secondary and general schools
Table 43
Primary school attendance from first to ninth grade,by grade and school year
Schoolyear |
Total |
School grade |
||||||||
First |
Second |
Third |
Fourth |
Fifth |
Sixth |
Seventh |
Eighth |
Ninth |
||
2002/03 |
4 179 610 |
542 724 |
549 502 |
544 336 |
512 361 |
490 752 |
489 900 |
406 538 |
348 006 |
295 491 |
2003/04 |
4 261 168 |
545 876 |
543 594 |
543 922 |
531 887 |
500 572 |
493 772 |
412 773 |
366 835 |
321 937 |
2004/05 |
4 331 737 |
539 584 |
545 293 |
538 449 |
533 655 |
522 535 |
503 718 |
428 888 |
377 629 |
341 986 |
Table 44
Attendance during the first year of secondary school, by type of education and years of study
School year |
Total |
Type of education |
||||
General |
Vocational |
|||||
Year of study |
Year of study |
|||||
First |
% |
First |
% |
First |
% |
|
2002/03 |
238 082 |
85.7 |
216 125 |
85.6 |
21 957 |
87.3 |
2003/04 |
259 512 |
83.4 |
234 601 |
83.9 |
24 911 |
79.5 |
2004/05 |
287 132 |
85.1 |
258 599 |
85.4 |
28 533 |
82.9 |
(d)Dropouts and repetitions among pupils
Table 45
Repetition rate in primary education from firstto ninth grade
Schoolyear |
Total |
School grade |
||||||||
First |
Second |
Third |
Fourth |
Fifth |
Sixth |
Seventh |
Eighth |
Ninth |
||
2003/04 |
393 214 |
75 145 |
56 449 |
52 560 |
36 607 |
23 589 |
9 417 |
75 332 |
37 913 |
26 202 |
2004/05 |
368 810 |
68 968 |
50 929 |
48 842 |
34 196 |
21 985 |
8 780 |
70 557 |
38 322 |
26 231 |
2005/06 |
334 589 |
61 912 |
46 263 |
44 155 |
31 487 |
19 898 |
7 392 |
63 139 |
35 270 |
25 073 |
Table 46
Repetition rates in secondary, general and vocational education, by year of study
School year |
Type of education |
|||||||
General |
Vocational |
|||||||
Total |
Years of study |
Total |
Years of study |
|||||
First |
Second |
Third |
First |
Second |
Third |
|||
2003/04 |
18 398 |
14 195 |
4 190 |
13 |
2 291 |
1 329 |
748 |
214 |
2004/05 |
17 830 |
13 874 |
3 948 |
8 |
2 560 |
1 462 |
792 |
306 |
2005/06 |
17 225 |
13 078 |
4 141 |
6 |
2 732 |
1 688 |
789 |
255 |
Table 47
Dropout rate in primary education from first to ninth grade,by grade and school year
School year |
Total |
School grade |
||||||||
First |
Second |
Third |
Fourth |
Fifth |
Sixth |
Seventh |
Eighth |
Ninth |
||
2002/03 |
213 621 |
21 339 |
5 550 |
9 851 |
13 807 |
11 053 |
‑ 1 095 |
86 119 |
39 913 |
27 084 |
2003/04 |
203 492 |
16 438 |
4 650 |
9 298 |
14 860 |
13 393 |
‑ 2 383 |
81 902 |
39 294 |
26 040 |
2004/05 |
191 454 |
17 211 |
5 249 |
9 832 |
12 976 |
11 439 |
‑ 1 758 |
72 302 |
38 196 |
26 007 |
Table 48
Dropout rate in the first year of secondary school, by federal district
Federal district |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
Distrito Capital |
2 317 |
1 843 |
1 727 |
Amazonas |
361 |
526 |
331 |
Anzoátegui |
1 759 |
1 724 |
2 784 |
Apure |
329 |
693 |
631 |
Aragua |
2 545 |
2 107 |
2 371 |
Barinas |
614 |
1 020 |
695 |
Bolívar |
2 115 |
1 829 |
2 014 |
Carabobo |
3 005 |
3 448 |
2 914 |
Cojedes |
‑ 87 |
531 |
304 |
Delta Amacuro |
312 |
291 |
286 |
Falcón |
878 |
1 001 |
961 |
Guárico |
626 |
1 995 |
2 136 |
Lara |
‑ 1 236 |
2 035 |
2 183 |
Mérida |
589 |
1 024 |
985 |
Miranda |
‑ 2 630 |
4 238 |
2 404 |
Monagas |
1 252 |
1 252 |
1 461 |
Nueva Esparta |
468 |
575 |
636 |
Portuguesa |
586 |
1 171 |
1 433 |
Sucre |
1 221 |
1 286 |
1 513 |
Táchira |
1 520 |
1 417 |
1 097 |
Trujillo |
1 714 |
918 |
1 569 |
Vargas |
192 |
523 |
237 |
Yaracuy |
859 |
439 |
647 |
Zulia |
4 795 |
4 281 |
4 056 |
Total |
24 104 |
36 167 |
35 375 |
(e)Ratio of teachers to children and number of children per class
Table 49
Primary education: Current facilities in the subsystem
Type of establishment |
Number of centres |
Number of classrooms |
Teachers |
Average number of pupils per classroom |
Average number of teachers per pupil |
National |
7 963 |
21 027 |
29 236 |
27 |
19 |
State |
4 750 |
9 048 |
12 407 |
24 |
18 |
Municipal |
214 |
518 |
761 |
25 |
17 |
Independent |
798 |
1 480 |
1 487 |
28 |
27 |
Private |
3 177 |
8 286 |
17 192 |
24 |
12 |
Total |
16 902 |
40 359 |
61 083 |
10. Administration of justice for children and adolescents
(a)Persons below 18 who have allegedly committed a crime reported to the police
Table 50
Offences allegedly committed by persons aged under 18
Offences |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|||
Boys |
Girls |
Boys |
Girls |
Boys |
Girls |
|
Against the person |
183 |
19 |
197 |
16 |
241 |
22 |
Against property |
653 |
27 |
548 |
43 |
764 |
35 |
Against decency |
144 |
13 |
173 |
15 |
282 |
15 |
Against children and adolescents |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Against the public interest |
17 |
1 |
25 |
5 |
47 |
1 |
Fraud |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
5 |
Against public order |
179 |
5 |
183 |
7 |
320 |
9 |
Against the administration of justice |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
0 |
Other offences |
2 |
0 |
5 |
1 |
33 |
0 |
Total |
1 183 |
66 |
1 134 |
90 |
1 700 |
87 |
(b)Persons below 18 who have been convicted, and type of punishment or sanction
Table 51
Adolescents convicted and type of punishment imposed2004
Type of offence |
2004 |
||||
Cases |
Boys |
Girls |
Type of punishment |
Cases |
|
Against the person |
469 |
1 290 |
208 |
Deprivation of liberty |
198 |
Against property |
615 |
Probation |
809 |
||
Against the community |
252 |
Partial release |
129 |
||
Against the administration of justice |
14 |
Binding over |
307 |
||
Against public order |
62 |
Warning |
5 |
||
Fraud |
5 |
Community service |
50 |
||
Computer‑related offences |
0 |
||||
Against decency |
81 |
||||
Total |
1 498 |
1 498 |
Table 52
Adolescents convicted and type of punishment imposed2005
Type of offence |
2005 |
||||
Cases |
Boys |
Girls |
Type of punishment |
Cases |
|
Against the person |
334 |
1 066 |
162 |
Deprivation of liberty |
97 |
Against property |
569 |
Probation |
514 |
||
Against the community |
179 |
Partial release |
217 |
||
Against the administration of justice |
12 |
Binding over |
256 |
||
Against public order |
71 |
Warning |
5 |
||
Fraud |
4 |
Community service |
139 |
||
Computer‑related offences |
0 |
||||
Against decency |
59 |
||||
Total |
1 228 |
1 228 |
Table 53
Adolescents convicted and type of punishment imposed2006
Type of offence |
2006 |
||||
Cases |
Boys |
Girls |
Type of punishment |
Cases |
|
Against the person |
308 |
1 059 |
41 |
Deprivation of liberty |
85 |
Against property |
461 |
Probation |
652 |
||
Against the community |
173 |
Partial release |
181 |
||
Against the administration of justice |
5 |
Binding over |
64 |
||
Against public order |
82 |
Warning |
3 |
||
Fraud |
5 |
Community service |
115 |
||
Computer ‑ related offences |
0 |
||||
Against decency |
66 |
||||
Total |
1 100 |
1 100 |
(c)Persons below 18 kept in pretrial detention and the average length of this detention
Table 54
Persons below 18 kept in pretrial detention and the average length of this detention
Year |
Persons aged under 18 |
Length of detention |
2004 |
27 |
2 months |
2005 |
15 |
2 months |
2006 |
11 |
2 months |
(d)Persons under 18 with social educational measures applied as an alternative to deprivation of liberty
Table 55
Adolescents sentenced to alternative punishments
Year |
Persons aged under 18 |
||
Boys |
Girls |
||
2004 |
179 |
4 |
|
2005 |
204 |
18 |
|
2006 |
155 |
9 |
|
Total |
538 |
31 |
(e)Persons under 18 deprived of liberty including length of this deprivation of liberty
Table 56
Adolescents deprived of liberty and maximum length of detention
Year |
Persons aged under 18 |
Length of detention |
|
Boys |
Girls |
||
2004 |
43 |
2 |
Up to 5 years |
2005 |
34 |
2 |
Up to 5 years |
2006 |
42 |
1 |
Up to 5 years |
Total |
119 |
5 |
(f)Detention facilities for persons below 18 in conflict with the law and their capacity
Table 57
Detention centres and capacity for persons aged under 18 Caracas Metropolitan Area
Centre |
Capacity |
|
Boys |
Girls |
|
Carolina Uslar |
28 |
0 |
José Gregorio Hernández |
0 |
20 |
Ciudad Caracas |
60 |
0 |
Coche |
34 |
0 |
Total |
122 |
20 |
(g) Persons under 18 detained in facilities alongside adults
No children or adolescents are detained alongside adults in Venezuela.
The Protection of Children and Adolescents (Organization) Act provides that adolescents must always be kept separate from adults when in pretrial detention or serving custodial sentences.
(h)Persons under 18 tried and sentenced as adults
No children or adolescents are tried and sentenced as adults in Venezuela.
In accordance with the Protection of Children and Adolescents (Organization) Act, the minimum age of criminal responsibility is 12. The Adolescent Criminal Responsibility System established under the Act applies to all persons aged between 12 and 18 at the time the offence is committed, even if they reach the age of 18 during the proceedings or are adult at the time they are indicted.
(i)Number of children under 16 involved in labour, indicating the type of work
Table 58
Population aged between 10 and 16 involved in labour, by sex and branch of economic activity
Branch of economic activity |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|||
First half` |
Second half |
First half |
Second half |
First half |
Second half |
|
Boys |
222 488 |
241 799 |
173 311 |
203 827 |
176 362 |
201 280 |
Farming |
80 172 |
85 112 |
77 454 |
69 701 |
62 314 |
69 588 |
Non ‑ farming activities |
141 871 |
154 566 |
94 598 |
132 106 |
114 048 |
131 511 |
Manufacturing |
19 017 |
22 798 |
18 202 |
20 129 |
16 261 |
17 511 |
Construction |
14 105 |
14 229 |
12 647 |
18 484 |
14 844 |
21 262 |
Trade |
60 994 |
63 929 |
49 013 |
48 564 |
44 108 |
41 603 |
Services |
32 904 |
39 514 |
2 257 |
35 517 |
28 383 |
35 935 |
Other non ‑ farming activities |
14 851 |
14 096 |
12 479 |
9 412 |
10 452 |
15 200 |
Non ‑ specified activities |
445 |
2 121 |
1 259 |
2 020 |
0 |
181 |
Girls |
84 829 |
92 965 |
72 282 |
75 411 |
60 059 |
68 321 |
Farming |
5 104 |
7 825 |
7 837 |
6 312 |
4 470 |
5 726 |
Non ‑ farming activities |
79 525 |
83 578 |
64 004 |
68 675 |
55 589 |
62 595 |
Manufacturing |
7 310 |
8 198 |
6 235 |
6 215 |
3 985 |
6 200 |
Construction |
161 |
0 |
111 |
634 |
112 |
634 |
Trade |
42 861 |
46 207 |
33 093 |
34 294 |
30 114 |
31 791 |
Services |
27 219 |
25 575 |
22 683 |
25 893 |
19 208 |
22 440 |
Other non ‑ farming activities |
1 974 |
3 598 |
1 882 |
1 639 |
2 170 |
1 530 |
Non ‑ specified activities |
200 |
1 562 |
441 |
424 |
0 |
0 |
II.General measures of implementation
1.Coordination of the implementation of the Convention and steps taken to elaborate a national plan for children
The National Council for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights, as the highest authority in the national umbrella system for the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents, is drawing up and articulating the national plan and policy for the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents for 2000‑2006. This plan directs action towards:
The role of the State in public administration and in the institutional changes required by the new regulatory framework.
The role of citizens in their proactive steps to determine, demand and watch over approaches involving joint responsibility for the rights of children and adolescents.
The role of families as natural contexts for growth and human development.
The channelling of physical and financial investment in order to guarantee rights.
The regions of protection as an instrument for development which is conducive to work, education, science and technology for the new territorial equilibrium formulated as a development policy for the country.
Nevertheless, there are other government bodies which are competent in this area, in particular the Ministry for Participation and Social Welfare.
2.Programmes developed by the National Council for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights
Under the provisions of articles 133 and 137 of the Protection of Children and Adolescents (Organization) Act, the National Council for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights is a consultative, deliberative and umbrella body whose functions are, on the one hand, to draw up policies, national plans, guidelines and principles, to acquaint itself with and follow up national intersectoral plans, policies and national public actions relating to children and adolescents, the registration of programmes of collective coverage implemented by national and international organizations, and, on the other, to receive complaints of violations or threatened violations of collective and individual rights of children and adolescents, to take protective action on its own initiative or following a complaint, to seek the setting aside of administrative acts which violate or threaten the rights of children and adolescents and to report the failure to provide or improper provision of public services when they threaten the rights of children and adolescents.
In this context, it is not the Council’s function to implement plans of action and implementation submitted by the State and Municipal Councils for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights, or national programmes or projects of collective coverage.
3. Coordination of sectoral and local plans of action, specifically with regard to children
In accordance with article 143 of the Protection of Children and Adolescents (Organization) Act, the State Councils formulate at the State level, in coordination with the Municipal Councils operating within their areas, the State policy and plans of action for the protection of children and adolescents, in keeping with the national policies and the general guidelines of the National Council. In addition, this same article lays down that the State Councils shall bring these plans before the National Council, so as to integrate them in the national policy for children and adolescents.
It is important to point out that the plans of action drawn up by the State and Municipal Councils for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights are coordinated through their communities, i.e. by all those in the community who are involved with the situation of children and adolescents, in order to respond to an identified problem area, based on the analysis or diagnosis of the situation.
4.Role of non‑governmental organizations in the implementation of the Convention and the national protection system for children
In pursuance of the constitutional principles of joint responsibility, participation and intersectorality in relation to the rights of children, adolescents and the family, the Councils for Rights at the different national, State and municipal levels may be regarded as one of the first experiments in forging an alliance between State and society. Articles 140 and 141 of the Protection of Children and Adolescents (Organization) Act stipulate joint representation of the executive (representatives of the Minister’s office, appointed by the Minister in question) and society, where its members are elected by their own forum, represented by private or joint organizations providing direct care for children and adolescents, individuals or organizations responsible for agencies or programmes which are devoted to protecting, promoting, investigating or upholding children’s and adolescents’ rights and guarantees or which participate within their communities in providing care for and protection of children, adolescents or families.
In addition, there exists in the country a network of non‑governmental organizations which contribute to the comprehensive protection of children, notable among which is the Community Apprenticeship Centre (CECODAP), the Federation of Private Child Welfare Agencies (FIPAN), the Red de Apoyo por la Justicia y la Paz, Acción Ciudadana contra el SIDA, Banco del Libro, Caritas, Fundación Luz y Vida and, in particular, the Venezuelan Association for Alternative Sex Education (AVESA), which was granted funding of 46,635,646 bolivares through the National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund for the preparation of the Programme of Psychological Care for Victims of Sexual Abuse and the Venezuelan Association of Catholic Education (AVEC), which have been receiving advice and technical assistance for the preparation of protection and care programmes for children and adolescents.
5. Results of the efforts made at all levels of the National System for the Protection and Integral Development of Children and Adolescents
Among the results of efforts made at all levels we can mention the establishment of the National Protection System composed of a National Council for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights (CNDNA), an inter‑country adoption office, a National Child and Adolescent Protection Fund, 24 State Councils for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights, 2 Metropolitan Councils for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights, 299 Municipal Councils for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights, 316 Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights Protection Councils, 240 Children’s and Adolescents’ Ombudsmen’s offices, 24 domestic adoption offices, 23 State Funds for the Protection of Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights, 228 Municipal Funds for the Protection of Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights, 71 prosecutors’ offices for the protection of the rights of children, adolescents and the family, 35 prosecutors’ offices in the Adolescent Criminal Responsibility System at the national level, 125 Courts of Protection and 145 Adolescent Criminal Responsibility Courts.
Another major achievement to be highlighted was the preparation and presentation of the State and municipal plans of action, based on the situational analysis or diagnosis which threw light on the problem area which should be tackled at the State and municipal level by the plans of action, the programmes and projects, in order to guarantee or restore the violated rights of children and adolescents.
In the process of training on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the doctrine of comprehensive protection, the Protection System provided a substantial amount of training, as follows:
Table 59
Training provided in the doctrine of protection
Year |
Number of bodies trained |
Number of persons trained |
Workshops held |
2001 |
279 |
2 130 |
42 |
2002 |
781 |
3 000 |
111 |
2003 |
120 |
90 |
1 500 |
2004 |
1 053 |
1 053 |
38 |
2005 |
2 000 |
2 000 |
54 |
2006 |
543 |
543 |
10 |
Total |
4 776 |
8 816 |
1 755 |
6.Results of efforts and programmes to combat economic and sexual exploitation
The National Council for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights has drawn up various plans of action, guidelines and guiding principles designed to provide care for children and adolescents and protect them against violence, as follows:
Proposed inter‑agency plan of action for the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents against violence, in keeping with the Grand National Agreement against Crime and Violence being promoted by the National Assembly;
National Plan of Action against Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation, published in Official Gazette No. 38.631 of 23 February 2007;
The Binational Plan of Action for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and the Family on the Colombia‑Venezuela border and a Binational Programme for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents on the Colombia‑Venezuela border were drawn up;
Participation in the drafting of the National Plan of Action to Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children;
Drafting of the “General Guidelines for the Protection of Children and Adolescents from Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation”, published in Official Gazette No. 37815 of 11 November 2003, and the “Guidelines for the Protection of Children and Adolescents Who are Victims of Child Pornography, as a Form of Commercial Sexual Exploitation”, which will shortly be published in the Official Gazette;
Drafting of the “Rights Violation Recording Form” in pursuance of the above‑mentioned Plan against Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.
7.Reform of the Organic Law for the Protection of Children and Adolescents (LOPNA)
The partial reform of the Protection of Children and Adolescents (Organization) Act (LOPNA) is a response to the need to bring this Act, which was adopted in October 1998, into line with the 1999 Constitution, which expressly grants constitutional status to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the doctrine of comprehensive protection. From this standpoint, the reform of this Act focuses on four areas: the rights of children and adolescents; family relations and institutions; the national umbrella system for the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents; and judicial processes and the system of justice.
The process of reforming the Act, which is in its fourth year, has stretched over a series of different legislative periods, under the responsibility of the National Assembly’s Standing Commission on the Family, Women and Youth. The proposed reform incorporates three separate initiatives ‑ one presented by the deputies in the National Assembly, one by the representatives of the executive, and one by the Supreme Court.
During this time, the reform has been extensively discussed in public. The National Assembly created forums for periodic consultation and participation, in which the members of the System for the Protection of Children and Adolescents, as well as interested citizens, made major contributions. Also invited to participate directly were academic institutions, public and private, care agencies, organizations promoting and upholding the rights of children and adolescents, the Councils for Rights, the National Association of Protection Advisers and UNICEF. On some occasions, these stakeholders exercised their right to speak in meetings of the Commission entrusted with the reform.
The Supreme Court also set up forums for participation and consultation for the reform of procedural aspects and of the system of justice. In this way, consultations were held with judges, the Public Prosecutor’s office, the Independent Public Defender’s Service, the office of the Procurator‑General, the National Council for Rights and the organizations promoting and upholding the rights of children and adolescents which play a role in judicial proceedings. The Supreme Court also benefited from technical cooperation from UNICEF in this process of drafting its proposed reform.
As can be seen, this is a proposed reform which, in addition to being designed to bring the Act into line with the new Constitution, is a response to a broad process of participation and consultation, in which obstacles and gaps in this Act were studied thoroughly, while a variety of alternatives, which in many cases were clearly irreconcilable, were explored. In this way, the LOPNA Partial Reform (Organization) Actis the result of a long‑term effort in which the deputies in the National Assembly pursued a comprehensive vision, from different viewpoints, interests and paradigms, in order to adopt the sovereign decisions incumbent on them as legitimate representatives of the people.
Some general considerations on the fundamental aspects of the reform of the Act are set out below.
Children’s and adolescents’ rights
In this area guarantees of the right of children and adolescents to life, to an upbringing and to develop within their original family or among blood relatives are being broadened and strengthened. It has been laid down that action taken to separate children or adolescents from their original family is exceptional and must be of the shortest possible duration, with a view to reintegrating them in their original families, whether nuclear or extended. Along the same lines, there is an explicit ban on separation of children and adolescents on grounds of poverty or the social exclusion of their families.
In addition, the right of children and adolescents to be well treated is recognized, and the right to respect on the part of those raising them is being extended, to complement the right to personal integrity. In this regard, emphasis should be placed on plans to explicitly ban the disciplining of children and adolescents by means of methods involving the use of physical violence of any kind, nature of degree.
In addition, the manner in which the right to health is expressed is being modified in order to eliminate the abhorrent discrimination prescribed in the existing Act, which provides that the State should guarantee free medicines and prostheses only to children and adolescents who have no economic resources, ignoring the fact that the right to health must be guaranteed free of charge irrespective of a person’s social or economic situation. Similarly, the rights of indigenous peoples and communities are recognized, laying down that their traditional medicine should be taken into account, valued and safeguarded.
Family institutions and relations
In this area a number of modifications are incorporated which are designed to guarantee equality among children and adolescents, particularly with respect to the principle of equal treatment of all children in a family. It is laid down that the manner in which parental authority is attributed and exercised is the same for sons and daughters born within the marriage as for those born outside it or in stable de facto unions, since the existing Act establishes differentiated regulations which affect the equal treatment of children and adolescents depending on the civil status of their mothers or fathers.
In addition, new rules are included to guarantee equal rights and duties between the father and mother, with the aim of elaborating on the principle of joint parenthood in raising children and adolescents, which forms part of the right of children and adolescents to be raised by both parents, i.e. by their father and mother. In this regard, explicit mention is made of the joint exercise of responsibility for upbringing (custody) in the event of divorce, separation or separate residence by the father and mother, which in the existing Act is granted exclusively to one of the parents in these cases.
Our legislation also recognizes for the first time that work in the home is an activity which generates wealth and social welfare, and hence should be taken into account when setting the level of the father’s and mother’s contributions to meeting the maintenance obligation.
The National Umbrella System for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents
The Constitution explicitly provides for the establishment of a National Umbrella System for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents, for which governance is provided by the authorities at the national level and services at the municipal level.
From this standpoint, the reform lays down that the governance of this System is a matter for the national executive branch in the shape of the Ministry which has competence for the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents, that its management at the national level is a matter for the National Council for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights, as the agency for the implementation of government policies in this sector, and that at the municipal level it is a matter for the Municipal Councils for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights. Under this proposal the State Councils for Rights are eliminated, on the grounds that they were not in keeping with constitutional guidelines, and their functions were taken on by the National Council for Rights.
In addition, with the aim of boosting the functions of the municipal authorities in this area, an explicit obligation was conferred on all local authorities to appoint an ombudsman for children and adolescents as the primary unit in the System of Protection.
Similarly, the Councils of Protection are being strengthened as local bodies with competence to order protection measures in cases where the rights of individual children and adolescents are breached or threatened. In this regard, it should be emphasized that scope has been established for broadening the number of their members in the light of the number of inhabitants in the municipality, the establishment of a multidisciplinary team is planned to support them in the performance of their duties, the rights of their members arising from their public office are guaranteed, and their powers to order immediate protection measures have been extended.
Judicial processes and the system of justice
In this area, the reform brings judicial processes into line with the new principles laid down in the Constitution in relation to the right to due process and to an effective judicial remedy, as well as the new structure of the system of justice. In this way, oral proceedings are established which observe the principles of concentration, free and universal access, simplicity, expeditiousness and uniformity and the strengthening of alternative means of conflict resolution.
The reform assigns special importance to mediation as an appropriate means of settling family conflicts. In this regard, it prescribes the holding of a hearing, under the responsibility of a judge, with the mandatory personal presence of the parties, to address the most important aspects of family relations, i.e. responsibility for raising the children, arrangements for living together (visits) and the obligation to provide maintenance.
Another aspect to be highlighted is that in the court hearing, where the real procedural debate takes place, the judge has an obligation to hand down an oral judgement immediately, and then make it public within five days, except in especially complex cases. Failure to comply with this obligation constitutes serious misconduct by the judge, warranting dismissal. This is a rule which already has positive precedents in our country in the employment field, and has enabled proceedings to be speeded up.
Lastly, it is necessary to highlight the fact that the reform regulates with precision the organization and operation of the multidisciplinary teams of the Courts of Protection for Children and Adolescents as auxiliary services of the system of justice, which are of fundamental importance in the field of family relations. In this regard, it is stipulated that these teams must be composed of professionals in psychology, psychiatry and social work and, when appropriate, specialists in indigenous languages and culture. At the same time, their functions have been broadened by authorizing them to support the judges in the process of mediation and in the implementation of their decisions.
8.Indicators for monitoring the implementation of policies and programmes for children
Following the evaluation of the plans of action and implementation drawn up by the State and Municipal Councils for Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights, based on the situational diagnoses or analyses on which these plans were based, the National Council for Rights drew up for 2005 a preliminary list of simple indicators citing the most frequent violations of rights in each State, such as undernutrition, ill‑treatment, teenage pregnancy, consumption of psychotropic drugs, disability and street children.
9.Issues affecting children that the State party considers to be priorities requiring the most urgent attention with regard to the implementation of the Convention
The studies and diagnoses prepared by the State and Municipal Councils for Rights and the reports drawn up by CNDNA indicate that the issues requiring most attention are:
Malnutrition/undernutrition
Ill‑treatment of children
Teenage pregnancy
Consumption of psychotropic drugs
Disability
Street children
Strengthening of the family.
‑‑‑‑‑