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The constitution should ensure respect, protection and promotion of children's rights!
Justice for Children Trust
August 07, 2009

Article 7 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child provides that, "Every child who is capable of communicating his or her own views shall be assured the rights to express his opinions freely in all matters and to disseminate his opinions subject to such restrictions as are prescribed by laws." This is what motivated Justice for Children Trust to provide a platform for children to be involved in the constitutional making process. Children from Harare, Chitungwiza, Bindura, Chegutu and Chinhoyi, who participated at JCT Children's Summit on the 4th of August 2009 held in Harare, demanded that the Bill of rights in the constitution has the following provisions:

The right to identity

• Birth registration for all children should be provided free of charge. A birth certificate should be provided to all children regardless of their parent's citizenship status, gender and race.
• Children born out of wedlock or without parents should be registered without any hassles.

The right to education

• Education should be provided for free.
• The Basic Education Assistance Model should be under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare instead of Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture so that all orphaned and vulnerable children access it.
• The state should ensure that children's examinations are marked and results produced on time.
• The Ministry of Education should ensure that ZIMSEC is recognised not only in Zimbabwe but also regionally and internationally.
• The issuing of presidential scholarships should be transparent in order to allow every child eligible to benefit.

The right to health

• Health facilities e.g. hospitals and clinics should have adequate resources in order to constantly provide quality services to all children.
• The state should provide free access to Anti-retroviral medication e.g. prevention, treatment and care tool kits to all children infected by HIV and AIDS.
• The state should also ensure the provision of basic nutritious food to children living with HIV and AIDS.

The right to adequate shelter

• Shelter and accommodation that are in an environment that is clean, safe and conducive for the development of all children should be a priority.

The right to participate in issues that affect children

• Child participation on issues that affect children should be ensured so that children are not left out of processes that affect their wellbeing.
• Children's responsibilities should be clearly spelt out to children from primary education level so that all children appreciate their roles and responsibilities in society.

The right to protection from all forms of abuse and exploitation

• Children should be protected from human trafficking.
• All children should not be involved in child labour.
• The Zimbabwean marriage laws should be in harmony with international law. No child should be allowed to marry before the age of 18 years.

The right to protection from abuse by the state

• The state's obligation to protect children from political violence should be clearly provided for.
• The state, through the Ministry of Education, should ensure that no child is involved in any way in politics.

The right to parental care and guidance or alternative care where a child does not have parents

• The state should provide for all orphans and vulnerable children.
• Children's choice of religion should be guided to avoid exploitation.
• Children on the streets should be the primary responsibility of the state.

The right to protective legal and policy provisions by the state

• Children's rights should not be set as national objectives but as human rights in the Bill of Rights in order for them to be enforceable in the courts of law.

The right to non- discrimination

• Children with disabilities should be afforded the necessary support in order to reach their full potential.

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