A/HRC/45/8/Add.1 time, the Special Rapporteur notes that as this initiative is focused primarily on trafficking in persons, it does not sufficiently address issues related to child labour and child marriage. 90. The Government informed the Special Rapporteur about another awareness-raising initiative focused on engaging religious leaders. In June 2013, traditional and religious chiefs and priests from the Christian and Muslim communities signed the Declaration of Notsé, which is a commitment to eliminate harmful practices against children, such as worst forms of child labour and child marriage, and to ensure that children do not withdraw from school. Furthermore, the Declaration addresses harmful traditional practices that affect children such as placing girls in voodoo houses (also known as fetish houses), which increases their vulnerability to child marriage, child labour and various harmful practices. At the time of the visit, the Declaration had not yet been translated into legislation at the national level, and therefore its implementation was limited as it was not legally binding. 91. The Declaration of Togblekope, adopted in March 2016, complements the Declaration of Notsé by focusing specifically on child marriage. The Special Rapporteur was informed about a lack of ownership by religious leaders of the provisions of the Declaration of Togblekope, as reportedly not all key stakeholders had participated in this process effectively and with genuine commitment. 92. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that, although the Declaration of Notsé remains symbolically important, it has not effectively deterred religious leaders from continuing to engage in practices that may result in domestic servitude and other forms of child labour. Civil society organizations were also concerned about the non-binding nature of the Declaration, as well as its limited geographic applicability. 93. Furthermore, in the Declaration of Notsé, traditional and religious chiefs committed to no longer supporting child marriage in their respective communities. In practice, however, this commitment made is not always translated into practice, as some chiefs reportedly continue to condone child marriage. Access to education 94. The Special Rapporteur recognizes the Government’s commitment to improving access to education. The Government abolished fees for primary education and reduced costs for secondary education, which resulted in a significant rise in preschool and primary school enrolment rates.40 However, about 50 per cent of children do not complete the basic cycle (primary and lower secondary education).41 The Special Rapporteur was informed that this situation was largely a result of the significant indirect costs related to schooling, which represented a major obstacle for poor families. Other barriers included the fact that many parents did not consider education a priority, and a lack of adequate infrastructure and teaching materials. 95. Children from poor families living in rural areas are more likely to drop out of school. In addition, girls are more affected, with only 28.3 per cent of girls completing basic education, compared to 51.1 per cent of boys.42 This situation increases the risk of children being put to work, instead of ensuring their access to education. 96. The Government informed the Special Rapporteur that it planned to increase investments in vocational training and rehabilitation, which could serve as an important component in ensuring the permanent removal of children from situations of exploitation, abuse, and in some instances, slavery. The Special Rapporteur looks forward to receiving information about the impact of these initiatives. Poverty alleviation 97. The Government has reportedly integrated the Sustainable Development Goals in its National Development Plan. The Plan’s overall objective is to “structurally transform the 40 41 42 E/ICEF/2018/P/L.21, para. 5. Ibid. Ibid., para. 3. 15