To celebrate Universal Children’s Day we are raising awareness of the unalienable rights all children have.
These are outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In Tanzania, we also have the Law of the Child Act which further promotes and protects the welfare of children and their rights.
By definition, a child is a person under the age of eighteen years old. Children's rights are the fundamental rights of children regardless of race, age, sex, religion, disability, or any other distinction.
The Law of the Child Act affirms a child's right to:
An education: From age 7 every child must be enrolled in primary school.
An opinion: A child’s views and opinions must be considered when dealing with matters that directly affect him or her
Be maintained: A child must be provided with food, shelter, clothing, medical care, education and guidance, liberty, and time for leisure and play.
Be protected: This includes from torture or other cruel or degrading treatment and includes cutting or Female Genital Mutilation.
Be registered: Every child must be registered with the Registrar-General, and have a name and nationality.
We work in school to educate children on their rights. Child rights is also a curriculum in our adult’s program human rights. There are also avenues children can pursue if their rights have been violated including the Social Welfare and Gender and Children Desk at Police Stations around Tanzania.
Safeguarding the rights of children is also a core area of our work. Inherit Your Rights can provide advice and support to children who are facing any abuses. Contact us today for more information.