(d) To family or parental care, or to appropriate care when
removed from the family environment;
(e) To be protected from economic and sexual exploitation, from
child labour, and from maltreatment, neglect or any form of
abuse;
(f) To education, health care services, nutrition and shelter;
(g) Not to be recruited into a militia force or take part in armed
conflict or hostilities;
(h) Not to be compelled to take part in any political activity;
and
(i) Not to be detained except as a measure of last resort and, if
detained(i)
to be detained for the shortest appropriate period;
(ii)
to be kept separately from detained persons over the
age of eighteen years; and
(iv)
To be treated in a manner, and kept in conditions,
that take account of the child's age.
(2)A child's best interests are paramount in every matter
concerning the child.
(3) Children are entitled to adequate protection by the courts, m
particular by the High Court as their upper guardian."
2 7.
It is my contention that the marriage of any child, boy or girl below the
age of eighteen (18) years, amounts to child abuse but more
importantly, is a breach of Section 81 of the Constitution.
28.
In any event to the extent that under the Marriage Act boys only can
marry at eighteen (18) years, therefore subjecting girls whether under
any law, Customary Law, the Marriage Act or any other religious law
7