c. Core values
JCT is driven by child centeredness, teamwork, dedication, sensitivity, professionalism, transparency,
accountability, confidentiality and innovation.
1.3. Legal framework
The protection of the rights of children is provided for firstly in international and regional instruments on
the rights of children namely the UNCRC and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
(ACRWC). Articles 19, 34 and 39 provide for the protection of children from all forms of abuse. In
particular Article 19 requires:
“… legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of
physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or
exploitation…”
Zimbabwe ratified the UNCRC in 1990 and the ACRWC in 1995 and by ratifying the instruments,
Zimbabwe undertook to recognize and uphold the rights in the instruments. Measures have been taken to
domesticate some provisions of the instruments in domestic law that is in the Constitution and subsidiary
legislation. The instruments are a moral and legal foundation for JCT’s work and ensure the protection of
children in the scope of its work. The instruments therefore serve as a legally building frame of reference
for this Child Protection Policy.
1.3.1. The Constitution of Zimbabwe
In 2013, Zimbabwe adopted a new Constitution (Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act
2013) which provides for the protection of children’s rights as National Objectives and in the Bill of
rights. Section 81 defines a child as a boy or girl below the age of 18 and further provides for children’s
rights which include the protection of children from abuse by stating in Section 81 (1) (e) that every child
has a right:
“to be protected from economic and sexual exploitation, from child labour, and from maltreatment,
neglect or any form of abuse;”
Section 81 (2) of the Constitution states that the paramount consideration in every matter concerning the
child is the best interests of the child. The Constitution also recognizes in section 78 the rights of every
person who has attained 18 years to found a family. It therefore means that a child cannot enter into a
marriage.
1.3.1.1. Supremacy of the Constitution
The Constitution is the supreme law of the law as provided for in Section 2 of the Constitution which
states that: