Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and need special protection.
They’re dependent on their parents, families and the government for their protection and well-being. Their best interests are always the main consideration when it comes to any matter affecting them.
Child protection is everybody’s responsibility and we want a South Africa where all children are free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Children’s rights are an important part of our Constitution, and have been included in Section 28 of the Bill of Rights. On National Children’s Day, which is celebrated on the first Saturday in November every year, we celebrate and highlight the progress being made towards the realisation and promotion of children’s rights.
Children’s Rights
The South African Constitution’s Bill of Rights (Section 28) talks about the rights that children have:
• You should be given a name when you are born and you should be looked after and become part of a family.
• You should not have to work whilst you are small as this could make you tired and sick (this includes being made to beg on the side of the road).
• Even if you have done something very bad and the police need to arrest you, you should not be put in jail. If you are put in a jail, it should be for a very short while and it should not be with people that are older than 18.
• You must have shelter (somewhere dry and comfortable to sleep).
• If you are sick, you must be able to see a doctor and get medicine that will make you better.
• You must have food to eat so that you aren’t hungry.
There are other rights that are for everybody (adults and children),
which you can read about at www.childlinesa.org.za.