The provisions in this Part and the following Parts can be part of a Childs Code or be enacted as a stand-alone law on child marriage or an amendment to existing laws on marriage or related laws, drafted with the necessary adaptations to bring them in line with the form and style of national legislation) 3. Principles and general rights (1) The best interest of the child shall be a paramount consideration in any matter, decision or action concerning the child, whether undertaken by the Government, judicial institution, appropriate authority, service provider, a body in the private sector or parent to the extent that a child’s – (a) rights are safeguarded and promoted; and (b) welfare is promoted and the child is given adequate guidance in matters relating to the child. (2) A child is entitled to know of decisions affecting the child. (3) A child who is capable of forming an own opinion shall be accorded an opportunity to express that child’s opinion in any matter, decision, action or procedure affecting the child and that opinion shall be taken into account, as may be appropriate, having regard to the age and maturity of the child and nature of the matter, decision, action or procedure. (4) A child shall have the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of the child's choice, subject to restrictions provided by law. (5) The Minister shall put into place measures to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, development of the child. Page 34 of 78 the survival, protection and