Know your Constitution

15 May, 2022 - 00:05 0 Views
Know your Constitution Constitution

The Sunday News

What the Constitution of Zimbabwe says about our Children’s right and the rights of our Youths

Section 19. Children

In terms of section 19 of the Constitution, the State is required to adopt policies and measures to ensure that in matters relating to children, the best interests of the children concerned are paramount.

The State must further adopt policies and measures, within the limits of its resources available to it, do what it can for the protection of children to ensure that children enjoy family or parental care, or appropriate care when removed from the family environment.

Children must have shelter and basic nutrition, health care and social services.

They must be protected from maltreatment, neglect or any form of abuse; and have access to appropriate education and training. So education is a right every child in Zimbabwe has.

The employment of children is prohibited so as to protect children from exploitative labour practices.

Children are not required or permitted to perform work or provide services that are inappropriate for their age; or risk their well-being, education, physical or mental health or spiritual, moral or social development. 

Section 20. Youths

The State and all institutions and agencies of Government at every level are obliged to take reasonable measures, including affirmative action programmes, to ensure that youths, that is to say people between the ages of 15 and 35 years-have access to education and training.

These measures must ensure that youths have opportunities to associate and to be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life.

Opportunities for employment and other avenues to economic empowerment should be availed.

They should have opportunities for recreational activities as well as access to recreational facilities.

Youths are to be protected from harmful cultural practices, like forced marriage,and exploitation and all forms of abuse. 

An Act of Parliament may be put in place to provide for one or more national youth programmes and the measures and programmes must be inclusive, nonpartisan and national in character.

Section 27. Education

The State must take all practical measures to promote free and compulsory basic education for children, as well as higher and tertiary education.

The State also has the mandate to take measures to ensure that girls are afforded the same opportunities as boys to obtain education at all levels. 

From the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

“We uphold, develop and provide accessible, efficient and effective justice delivery.”

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