A/HRC/23/59 the child’s best interests. She explained that violence against children could lead to depression and low self-esteem, and was associated with eating and sleeping disorders, aggressive and risky behaviours such as drug abuse, involvement in sex work and early pregnancies. Every three seconds a girl under the age of 18 got married, usually in a forced marriage to a much older man, and these early marriages exacerbated the problem of early pregnancies. The Special Representative pointed out that the risk of maternal mortality for girls who became pregnant before the age of 15 was five times higher than among women married in their twenties. She noted that accountability had several aspects, and that legislation was a key component. A ban on all forms of violence against children was required in legislation, accompanied by the removal of any justification that might legitimize practices that propagated violence against children. More data and evidence were also needed, and funds should be invested in medical staff and ethical standards. Cooperating with and empowering young persons were an important part of the fight against child abuse. 35. According to Ms. de la Mata, it was important to concentrate on deprived populations by implementing comprehensive policies covering education, health and nutrition issues in order to provide vulnerable groups with assistance. The European Commission was also addressing issues such as unhealthy lifestyles and the situation of children with disabilities and mental health problems. The European Union had several financial instruments, including the European Social Fund and the Fund for European Aid for the Most Deprived. A set of specific indicators on health issues, such as infant mortality and child mortality, had been designed to monitor progress, and Member States were given specific targets to reach and measures to implement. During the economic crisis, the value of health had to be demonstrated even further and a case had to be made for investing in young people, including their health. The European Union had strategies in place to promote specific health programmes and activities, and to address social inequalities. 36. With regard to the role of civil society and that of community accountability mechanisms, Mr. Chandy stated that the State was not solely responsible for accountability; working together with civil society and the community was necessary in order to be effective. The framework for accountability should be based on filling the gaps in information and equality. With regard to inequalities, he noted the close correlation of poverty and discrimination. To address the issue of the gap in information, awarenessraising at the ground level was needed on entitlements and rights. In addition, it was essential that the voices of the community and their leaders be heard. Children should also be given a voice in the discussion and be given the opportunity to participate, as they were the most effective advocates for their needs. He reiterated that partnerships with the Government, civil society and the community were needed to achieve accountability, and noted the importance of working as a coalition, not as competitors. 37. Mr. Parra referred to relevant judicial decisions in Latin America related to the right of the child to health. The Constitutional Court of Colombia had addressed a case brought by parents whose children had been denied access to vaccination against meningitis, as they were not eligible to benefit from plans for these families. The Constitutional Court had noted that, since the children lacked the ability to participate in the legislative process and there was a lack of protection from the executive, it was the judiciary’s role to protect their rights. He also referred to a case in Argentina in which a child had been refused medication owing to budget restrictions. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that the State could not interrupt ongoing treatment on the grounds of lack of resources. Mr. Parra also referred to a case with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights involving Argentina, where a child with a mental impairment had sought appropriate compensation for rehabilitation, and the judicial trial at the domestic level had taken too long. The Court ruled that the delay in the case had had a deleterious impact on the rights of the child, including the right of the child to health, and that an interdisciplinary team should be set up to address the child’s situation. 11