The National Assembly has passed the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment), Bill 2023, aiming to strengthen the legal framework for safeguarding the rights and welfare of children.
The proposed law addresses critical issues affecting children, such as protecting them from harmful cultural practices and ensuring their social development.
It also seeks to advance children’s rights and welfare by overhauling the existing child protections laws, which have remained stagnant since 2011.
The Bill further places an emphasis on the role of parents and guardians in ensuring the survival, protection, and development of children. It mandates parents or guardians to take full responsibility for their children’s welfare, including education, health, and overall well-being. It prohibits the neglect of these duties and establishes penalties for failing to provide necessary care and protection, ensuring that children grow up in a safe and supportive environment.
According to the Bill, offences such as neglecting a child’s education, health, or general welfare are punishable by fines not exceeding M10 000 – or 10 years’ imprisonment, or both. Those involved in child trafficking or exploitation face severe penalties, including life imprisonment for the gravest offences.
The Bill emphasises safeguarding children’s rights within educational settings to promote equal access to education for all. It makes it a punishable offence for schools to expel or deny education to pregnant girls, ensuring that their right to education is protected.
The Bill awaits approval by the Senate before it can be enacted into law.
