Article 53 of the Constitution provides for the rights of children, including the right t…

Motion text

THAT, aware that Article 53 of the Constitution provides for the rights of children, including the right to free and compulsory basic education; further aware that section 22 of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act and the Childcare Policy provides for the care of a child whose mother is deprived of liberty, until the child attains the age of four years; recognizing that children above the age of four years still require parental support; further recognizing that majority of these children often suffer from emotional distress, social stigma and economic hardships; cognizant of the fact that all children should be accorded a means of maintaining their relationship with their incarcerated parents; noting that children have restricted economic resources available for their support which in turn negatively impacts their lives; this House therefore urges the Government, through the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, to develop and implement a programme for the care of children above the age of four years whose parents are under lawful custody.