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This article participates on the following special index pages:
Inclusive government - Index of articles
New Constitution-making process - Index of articles
A
petition by junior parliamentarians on behalf of Zimbabwean children on
issues to be considered in the Constitution making process
Justice
for Children Trust
June 16, 2009
In commemoration
of the Day of the African Child, Junior Members of Parliament in Harare,
urge the Parliament of Zimbabwe, to be mindful of its obligations towards
children, recognizing the need to ensure children's participation
in the constitutional making process so that their views are taken into
consideration.
Harare Junior Parliamentarians,
advocate for the inclusion of a separate section in the new constitution
that specifically caters for children's rights similar to section
28 of the South African constitution. They have identified the following
priority issues for consideration:
1. Birth registration
for all
The government is obliged to ensure that every child is not only entitled
to a name, identity and nationality, but to immediate registration upon
birth.
2. A functional
health delivery system
The government should recognise children's right to health, including
reproductive health and work towards combating disease and malnutrition
through the provision of adequate food, drugs and timeous treatment.
3 Education
for all children
The government has an obligation to urgently put in place measures that
enable children to enjoy constant and consistent access to education.
Basic primary education should be for free.
4 Child participation
The government should ensure child participation. The views of children
should be taken into account, where possible, on all issues affecting
them,
5 Food security
The government should ensure that every child has access to food as a
basic right.
6 Adoption
of social security measures
The government has to take the necessary measures to ensure that all children,
especially the orphaned, vulnerable and all children in difficult circumstances,
access the necessary services for their survival and development.
7 A safe and
healthy environment
The government should prioritise the existence of a healthy and safe environment
for children to curb the outbreaks of diseases.
8 Access to
clean water
The government should ensure that every institution, home and sector has
a consistent and constant supply of clean water.
9 Access to
information
The government should recognise the need for information dissemination
throughout the country so that children are aware of issues affecting
them such as HIV and AIDS and children's rights.
10 Protection
from all forms of abuse
The government should ensure protection of children from all forms of
abuse by implementing laws that protect all children.
11 Protection
from child trafficking, slavery and labour
The government should put in place measures that ensure the protection
of children from exploitative and harmful labour practices as well as
protect children from child trafficking and child slavery.
12 Access
to non-harmful recreation
Recreational facilities that promote child development should
be put in place for the benefit of all children.
13 The state's
obligation to ensure implementation of child protection laws
The constitution should have clear and specific obligations by
all duty bearers, from parents, caregivers and the state to ensure compliance
with the law and to ensure the respect, protection and promotion of children's
rights.
Visit the Justice
for Children Trust fact
sheet
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