Know the laws that protect children in Zimbabwe and use them

Comment by Anonymous user 9 years ago
I have a question here my sister passed away and she was married and she was the one taking care of her son's needs be it school fees everything, the husband works in South Africa, now the husband claimed all the benefits for my sister from ministry of education since he is the surviving spouse but now the problem is he is not paying fees for his son not even buying food or clothes for the child, how best can this child be assisted? Read Full Discussion
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Know the laws that protect children in Zimbabwe and use them

13 years ago | 58309 Views

LAWS THAT PROCTECT CHILDREN

 

If you are under 18 years old, you are considered a child. Children are special members of our community so they are protected by a number of special laws. In order for these laws to work properly, it is important that children understand what these laws say. Below is a list of the most important laws that exist to protect children.

 

Zimbabwe’s Children`s  Laws

 

THE CHILDREN’S ACT

 

When can these laws protect me?

         If you are not being taken care of by your parents /guardians or have no one to look after you.

 

What does this law say?

         This law says that children have a legal right to food, shelter, clothing, medical care and supervision.

         The Children’s Act says that if you are not being taken care of by your parents(i.e. you being physically ,emotionally  abused, living on the street or orphaned), the government’s Department of Social Welfare Services can arrange for you to be taken away from your parents/guardians to someone else who will look after you better.

 

How can I use this Law?

         If you or someone you know is not being properly taken care of by their family approach the police or your  school headmaster. Tell them you would like the Department of Social Welfare Services to visit your home or your child’s home to see if they can help.

 

THE MAINTENANCE ACT

 

When can law help protect me?

         If one or both parents(it docs not matter if your parents are married or divorced or living with you) has the money or resources to pay for your basic needs (ie school, food, shelter, ) and they are not doing so, they are liable to maintain you.

 

What does this law say?

         This law says that parents must provide for their children’s financial needs including food, school fees, clothing, etc if one or both of your parents are not providing for your basic needs, the court can order them to do so.

 

How can I use this law?

         You can go to the police or call Justice for Children at 04-797723. Explain that your parent(s) are not providing for your basic needs

 

THE BIRTH AND DEATH REGISTRATION

 

When can this law help protect me?

         If you do not have a birth certificate. “A birth certificate provides a record of a person’s birth, identity and age. It is very important to have a birth certificate so that , you can enrol for school, write important examinations or apply for a National identity card, driver’s license, passport  etc.

 

What does this law say?

         This law says that all children have the right to a birth certificate.

         Only an adult can get you a birth certificate. So if your parents have died, you can ask an adult relative to obtain the birth Certificate for you.

 

How Can I use this law?

         If you don’t have a birth certificate, ask your parents, relatives, school headmaster or the police for help in getting you a birth certificate. Tell them that you have a legal right to a birth certificate in terms of the Birth and Death Registration Act.

 

THE EDUCATION ACT

 

When can this law help protect me

         If your parents/ guardians are refusing to send you to primary school.

What does this law say?

         Parents are required by this law to make sure that their children attain basic primary education.

 

How can I use this law?

         Tell your parents that you are required by law to go to school. If they will not help you, visit the nearest school or police station and tell them about your situation.

 

Deceased person’s family Maintenance act

 

When does this law say?

         No one has the right to remove a child /family from the house left to them by their parents. They are allowed to continue using the house and all of their parents’ household property which they were using at the time of their parents death.

         Orphaned children have the greatest right  to inherit their parents’ property. No uncle, aunt, grandparents can claim a better right to their parents property. Any person who wants to try to claim property from orphans must bring their case to court.

How can I use this Law

         If one or both of your parents have died and someone (including another relative) is threatening to force you out of your parents home or take some of your property away from you, you should immediately contact the police* if possible, children should encourage their parents to write wills and leave them with someone responsible (i.e. lawyer, priest, bank, register it at the High court) so that they can make sure their property will go to their children.

 

The guardianship of minors Act

 

When can this law help me?

         If someone is trying to take you away from living with your parents.

 

What does this law say?

         If one of your parents is still alive no one else can take you away from your parents, unless the court decides that it is in your best interest.

 

How can I use this law?

         Tell the person who wants you to live with them that you have a legal right to stay with your parents. If this does not work, notify the police.

 

THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT

 

Please take note that this is still a Bill

 

How the Bill is going to protect everyone in the home

 

         Women ,girls ,boys and men will be protected against any form of abuse which includes the following-

         Physical abuse;

         Sexual abuse;

         Emotional, verbal and psychological abuse;

         Intimidation;

         Harassment;

         Stalking;

         Economic abuse

           

      

CONTACT DETAILS

 

The Girl Child Network

Head Office

131 Duri Road, Unit F, Seke, Chitungwiza,

Website: www.gcn.org.zw

Zengeza Girls Empowerment Centre

Stand No 16352, Zengeza 4, Chitungwia

 Branches

Hwange (Matabeleland South)

592 Empumalanga, Hwange

 Cellphone  :                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Telephone (081)30311

Rusape

Chitsotso Girls Empowerment Village

 P.O Box 253, Rusape

Phone 077288251


 

 

14 bettymakoni
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Comments

Comment as Anonymous Submit
Mzwazwa 13 years
I think you are doing a good job Betty this is exactly what people do not know
iNdabaNdaba 13 years
"Orphaned children have the greatest right to inherit their parents’ property. No uncle, aunt, grandparents can claim a better right to their parents property. Any person who wants to try to claim property from orphans must bring their case to court."

Not so many people know about the Zim children's, most of the times the relatives are the ones who end up with most of the deceased's property and the children are left with nothing. If its in the urban area the children will be sent to the rural areas while the relative and his/her family take over.
Anonymous user 10 years
At what age is a child from a divided home allowed to choose whom she/he prefers to live with.
Anonymous user 10 years
cheq cheq zvekurohwa nawoksuit ma1
Anonymous user 9 years
Wonderful job BETTY . Please help me my friends at school think I am a bully but I am not so they no longer want to play with me.
Anonymous user 9 years
Wonderful job BETTY . Please help me my friends at school think I am a bully but I am not so they no longer want to play with me. What do I do ? I've tried to tell and show them i'm not a bully.
Anonymous user 9 years
I have a question here my sister passed away and she was married and she was the one taking care of her son's needs be it school fees everything, the husband works in South Africa, now the husband claimed all the benefits for my sister from ministry of education since he is the surviving spouse but now the problem is he is not paying fees for his son not even buying food or clothes for the child, how best can this child be assisted?
Anonymous user 8 years
if a man is paying maintenance for his sons child, and this childs father is able bodied to take care of his own child. He has neglected his own child, what can i do?
Anonymous user 8 years
plz can I have yo email address
Anonymous user 8 years
I need to knw what I must do to protect my children frm their mom as she threatening to kill thn after she dump t hn and villagers find thn plz help me plz
Anonymous user 6 years
Is a school head allowed to deny primary school going child from attending school before fees are paid on the first day of opening when the parent hasn't denied or receives money at a later dater?How does the law protect the child?
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