CHILD RIGHT SERIES 2

CHILD RIGHTS- WEEKLY LEGAL POINT

In the spirit of the back to school season I will be dealing with our domesticated Child Rights Act in Nigeria and key issues in the Act. I will highlight the rights and issues in a bid to enlighten everyone about the Child’s Rights Act (2003). The African Charter on the Rights abd Welfare of the Child of which Nigeria is a signatory defines a child as every human being below the age of 18 years.

 

Part 1 of the  Child’s Rights Act (2003) hinges of the fact that the Best interest of the child is paramount in all actions. It specifically provides that:

“1.     Best interest of a Child to be of paramount consideration in all actions

In every action concerning a child, whether undertaken by an individual, public or private body, institutions or service, court of law, or administrative or legislative authority, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration.

2.     A child to be given protection and care necessary for his well‐being

(1)    A child shall be given such protection and care as is necessary for the well‐being of the child, taking into account the rights and duties of the child’s parents, legal guardians, or other individuals, institutions, services, agencies, organisations or bodies legally responsible for the child.

(2)    Every person, institution, service, agency, organization and body responsible for the care or protection of children shall conform with the standards established by the appropriate authorities, particularly in the areas of safety, health, welfare, number and suitability of their staff and competent supervision.”

             Thus the take home here is that somehow everybody has a responsibility to a child. The responsibility to provide care and protection as is necessary. It is also expected that institutions, organisations and agencies should conform in the areas of safety, health welfare etc to ensure the protection of the children in their care.

           PS: if confused as to the point when the interest of a child is in conflict with yours or aspects of the duties and responsibilities of stakeholders mentioned in the Act, please talk to your lawyer.

One love.