Rights of children, parents and guardians

43 | Rights of children

Law Society of Zimbabwe: Model Constitution of Zimbabwe (2010)

Every child, that is to say every person under the age of eighteen years, is entitled—
1. to equal treatment before the law, including the right to be heard;
2. to be given a name, family name, immediate birth registration and the right to a nationality;
3. to family or parental care, or to appropriate alternative care when removed from the family environment;
4. to be protected from economic and sexual exploitation, from child labour, and from maltreatment, neglect, abuse and degradation;
5. to education, health care services, basic nutrition and shelter; and
6. not to be detained except as a measure of last resort and, if detained—
  1. to be detained for the shortest appropriate period;
  2. to be kept separately from detained persons over the age of eighteen years; and
  3. to be treated in a manner, and kept in conditions, that take account of the child’s age.
A child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.

54 | Rights of children, their parents and guardians

Kariba Draft Constitution

In this section– "child" means a human being under the age of eighteen years.
Every child has the right to a name from birth.
A child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.
Children under the age of ten years lack criminal capacity and are exempt from criminal liability for anything done by them at that age.
Trials of children accused of committing offences must be conducted according to procedures that take account of the children's age and the desirability of promoting their rehabilitation.
Parents and guardians have the right to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.
Parents and guardians have the right, at their own expense, to send their children to educational institutions of their choice.

National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) Draft Constitution (2001)

Every child is entitled to-

1. equal treatment before the law, including the right to be heard;
2. be given a name, a family name, immediate birth registration and the right to a nationality;
3. know, and to be raised by, their parents;
4. be protected from economic exploitation, from child labour, and from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation;
5. education, health care services, basic nutrition and shelter.