Describe the salient features of child rights act 2005

Discussed in

this chapter.

3.2 Salient Features of Child Rights

Child rights are discussed and debated intensely across the globe over a period of

time. A child is regarded as belong into or even being the property of the family in many

societies. A child is also defined as an infant, a minor or an adolescent by some persons.

The child is understood to have certain rights and duties in modern society. Usually, all

persons who do not have full legal capacity until a certain age are regarded as children.

The age of full legal capacity varies from state to state. Many national legal systems

recognize the limited legal capacity of children relating to various activities. The states

have adopted special codes or laws on the legal status of the child. Practically, the states

have many common futures reflecting the contents of the United Nations Convention on

the Rights of the Child (1989:370).

Childhood is the most sensitive stage of life of every human being. It is in this period

of life that every individual is brought up, educated and adjusted to realities of life. The

identity of individual is formed during the childhood. The children comprise about 50%of the world’s population and they depend on adults for everything. The children

normally encounter various difficult circumstances. The child has the right to be protected

by law from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent

treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse. Such protection also

covers the relationship of a child with his or her parents, legal guardians or any other

person who has the care of the child.

Article 2 of the Child rights Protection Law defines: “A child is a person who has

not reached the age of 18 years, except these to whom, in accordance with the law, reach

earlier maturity by being declared emancipated minors, or who become married before

reaching the age of 18 years”. Franklin (1986:146) states: “Child rights’ as a concept encompasses both

protection and liberation aspects”. A clear distinction may be made between child rights

to have their welfare safeguarded by adults and other stakeholders of child rights

protection.