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1.  Article 1 of the Convention.  The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s reports. In earlier reports, the Government had indicated that most of the Bedouin population is now settled. The Committee recalls that, in its 1995 report, the Government stated that it would provide information on the size of the Bedouin population as soon as the Central Office for Statistics had completed its statistical bulletin for 1994. The Committee therefore repeats its request for this information, with special attention to those Bedouins who continue to lead a nomadic way of life.

2.  The Committee notes from the Government’s report the measures taken by the State to provide social, cultural, educational and health services to the Bedouin population with a view to integrating them into society. The Committee notes the projects concerning the development of pastoral lands which are aimed at, inter alia, securing loans for shepherds to help them invest and raise the incomes of Bedouin families and providing sessions for the development and promotion of Bedouin women. The Committee would appreciate receiving information in the Government’s next report on the number of Bedouin families benefiting from the loan programme mentioned, as well as information on the nature and extent of the sessions intended for Bedouin women. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on general and special measures taken to improve the living conditions of the Bedouin population.

3.  The Committee requests the Government to supply copies of any studies that may have been conducted regarding the characteristics of the Bedouin population, including their languages, customary laws, cultural and religious values and their economic and social situation.