Children's rights issues

For ease of reference we have made categories of topics and issues related to children’s rights.  But the wellbeing of children may be challenged by many factors at the same time, such as poverty, ill-health, violence, and orphanhood. Please remember that a holistic approach is needed to remedy such compounded and cumulative violations of children’s rights.

The South African Constitution, states “A child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child”. Children have the right to a name, family care, basic nutrition, shelter, health-care and education. They also have the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation, and from exploitative labour practices. Children who break the law should be jailed only as a last resort.

Click on the links below to read more on children's rights: