A/HRC/17/41 52. The Housing Code, which was adopted in 1983, requires urgent review as it fails to meet international standards and safeguards. 53. The situation on adequate housing remains of concern due to the lack of State funding and investments, the overall difficulties of economic development and the low standard of living, the challenges of rapid urban development and internal migration, corruption and the recent political instability. The June 2010 inter-ethnic violence in Osh and Jalal-Abad exacerbated the situation as it resulted in large-scale destruction of properties and businesses. 54. Many victims of the June 2010 violence face obstacles with regard to the technical acceptance and registration of transitional shelters, which were built with the support of international donors. The construction of these houses was undertaken upon the agreement of the central Government without prior obtainment of the construction permits required under non-emergency situations and with the understanding that the registration of the new houses would be undertaken simultaneously with or upon completion of the construction. This was done to allow the immediate construction of the transitional shelters and ensure completion before winter. 55. The local authorities, particularly in Osh, do not support this agreement and have indicated that the victims of the violence should not be allowed to reconstruct their traditional housing. They believe that those whose properties were destroyed should be relocated to new apartment buildings under the Master Plan, which envisages the redevelopment of areas primarily inhabited by Uzbek minorities.3 This raises concerns with land and property rights not being respected, particularly if evictions that do not meet internationally recognized standards are undertaken by the authorities. (b) Education 56. The June 2010 violence had a direct impact on children, including with regard to their access to education. In the aftermath of the violence, 94 per cent of children surveyed in focus groups (368 persons) were suffering from various academic problems. Reasons cited included lack of textbooks, fear of going to school, lack of teachers, loss of interest in studying and/or inability to concentrate on studies, tiredness, humiliation at school and inadequate conditions for completing homework.4 Focus groups with parents revealed that many children feared threats, shots, loud sounds and fireworks and were anxious about the possibility of renewed violence. 57. Winter 2010 was marked by a series of strikes by school teachers demanding a salary increase. In February 2011, the Government adopted a decision for a twofold increase in the salary of teachers. This decision is expected to be implemented in May 2011. (c) Employment 58. The June 2010 violence affected trade and agriculture. The destruction of trade facilities, damage to equipment and premises particularly hit small enterprises in Osh and Jalal-Abad.5 Companies in Osh, Jalal-Abad and Kara Suu reported a decrease in the number 3 4 5 The Master Plan, which was adopted by the Government in 1999, contains a long-term development plan for the city and envisages its reconstruction. UNICEF and Save the Children, “In-depth assessment of needs and current situation of children and women in post-conflict area in the south of Kyrgyzstan”, p. 25. ILO, “Impact of June 2010 events on the enterprise sector in Osh and Jalal-Abad” (July, 2010). 11