A/HRC/20/4 C. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 41. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination adopted a general recommendation on racial discrimination against people of African descent on 3 October 2011.11 The general recommendation urges States parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination to “take steps to remove all obstacles that prevent the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by people of African descent, especially in the areas of education, housing, employment and health”. 12 D. Committee on the Rights of the Child 42. In 2011, the Committee on the Rights of the Child examined 20 reports during its three sessions under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and 8 reports under its two Optional Protocols. The Committee, in its concluding observations under the Convention, continued to systematically make recommendations on the realization of children’s economic, social and cultural rights. In particular, with reference to the principle of nondiscrimination contained in article 2 of the Convention, the Committee highlighted to reporting States the need for special measures to ensure that children in disadvantaged situations are able to access health and education services. 43. The Committee adopted a new general comment on the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence.13 The general comment aims, in part, to “promote a holistic approach to implementing article 19 based on the Convention’s overall perspective on securing children’s rights to survival, dignity, well-being, health, development, participation and non-discrimination – the fulfilment of which are threatened by violence”. E. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women 44. On 10 August 2011, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women issued a landmark decision for women around the world, with its Views on the case of Alyne Pimentel v. Brazil (Communication No. 17/2008) - the first case decided on maternal mortality, concerning the death of an Afro-descendant poor woman for lack of adequate maternal health care. The Committee found violations of the rights to health and judicial protection, referring to the State party's obligation to regulate the activities of private health service providers. The Views also include considerations on why lack of access to adequate maternal health services constitutes discrimination against women, and some references to multiple discrimination (gender and race). IV. Activities of special procedures 45. In accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 10/23, the Independent Expert in the field of cultural rights submitted a report to the Human Rights Council on the right of access to and enjoyment of cultural heritage (A/HRC/17/38). Taking into consideration international instruments and the practice of relevant monitoring bodies, the report investigates the extent to which the right of access to and enjoyment of cultural heritage forms part of international human rights law. The Independent Expert notes that it includes 11 12 13 12 General recommendation No. 34 (2011). General recommendation No. 34 (2011), para.50. General comment No. 13 (2011).