Laws and Policies for Children Under SixLessons to Learn
From-Alliance for the Right to Early Childhood
DevelopmentCOUNTRIESLAWS AND POLICIESEXPLANATION
ArmeniaLaw on PreschoolEducation, 2005Children have an equal
right to receive preprimary education which can be implemented in a
preschool institution, in the family, or through private
pedagogical activity (Article 23). The scope of this law includes
early learning and health and protection of children. The Law
commits to: preserve and improve the childs physical and mental
health; provide harmonious development and education for preschool
children; and prepare children for formal schooling.
ArmeniaLaw on Social Protection of Children Deprived of Parental
Care, 2002Mandates the provision of social guarantees for the main
indicators of quality of life for children including: mainstream
education, free medical care and services, provision of nutritious
food, psychosocial rehabilitation, the right to housing, and
provision of free legal assistance. This law applies to children
deprived of parental care, and covers all children from birth.
ArmeniaThe Law on Medical Services for thePopulation, 1996
(Article 8 and 10)By law, all health services to young children and
pregnant women are provided free of charge in polyclinics within
the scope of the state programs targeted to mother and child health
protection. Additionally, all hospital services are free of charge
for children up to 7 years old. The national immune preventive
program of Armenia provides a full package of mandatory vaccination
for all children.
ArmeniaThe LabourCode of Armenia, 2004 (Article 172 Pregnancy
and MaternityLeave)Mandates that women receive maternity leave
before and after giving birth at their full gross tax exempt
salary. The exact number of days depends upon the womans particular
situation:-most women are entitled to 140 calendar days(split
evenly before and after childbirth);- women who had complicated
deliveries are entitled to 155 calendar days (70 days before
childbirth and 85 days after childbirth); - women who gave birth to
more than one childcare entitled to 180 calendar days (70 days
before delivery and 110 after childbirth Unpaid parental leave to
take care of children younger than three years old is also granted
to parents, grandparents or other relatives or a guardian who are
actively raising a child. During the period of this leave,
employees jobs are guaranteed to be maintained.
ArmeniaTen Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (1993)In 1993, the
Ministry of Health endorsed a national program, Ten Steps to
Successful Breastfeeding, based on the UNICEF/WHO Baby Friendly
Hospital Initiative (BFHI).
ArmeniaNational Program onthe Protection of Children's Rights
for 2004-2015Health: exclusively breastfed from 35 percent to 60
percent by 2018. -Reduce anaemia from 39 percent to 20 percent by
2018. -Reduce stunting from 19 percent to below 10 percent by 2018.
- Increase access to healthcare from 57 percent to above 80 percent
by 2018. Education: Expansion of National School readiness
programme to achieve 90% enrolment rate by 2017.
ArmeniaMandatory iodization of salt for human consumption (2004)
Flour fortification, 2011. In 2004, the Government of Armenia (GoA)
passed a decree that required mandatory iodization of salt for
human consumption. -The Concept and action plan on flour
fortification were approved by the Government in February 2011.
ArgentinaThe Integral Protection of Children and Adolescents,
2005The General Protection System created by Law 26061 is a set of
public policies that consider girls, and boys as subjects with
rights. Its purpose is the comprehensive protection of children in
order to guarantee the full exercise and enjoyment of the rights
granted under the national legal system and the international
treaties to which the country is a party. This is the first
comprehensive statute for the protection of children in the
country, with a clear definition of the responsibilities of the
family, society, and the government with regard to the universal
rights of the children. These rights cover education, health,
culture, recreation, and other matters. It lays the basis for a
juvenile justice system and calls for institutionalized children to
be integrated back into society. Each province will create
mechanisms to protect children from abuse and exploitation.Law
26061 requires that the government and its entities have to
provide: a) access to health services while respecting cultural and
family standards recognized by the family and society that do not
pose a threat to their health and safety; b) comprehensive health,
rehabilitation, and integration programs; c) assistance and
orientation programs for families; and d) informational campaigns
to promote the rights of the child through the media.
ArgentinaThe Integral Protection of Children and Adolescents,
2005It provides for the right of children to public and free
education to all children, to help them reach their full
development as human beings and citizens. The right to education
must be exercised respecting the childrens creativity, culture, and
language of origin. The law also secures the right to access to and
permanent attendance at an educational facility close to their
residence. In case a child is missing his or her identification
documents, the child will be provisionally registered in the
educational institution, while the competent authorities proceed to
expeditiously provide the child with such documentation. Children
with special needs or with disabilities are granted all the rights
under the law to a comprehensive education, in addition to the
special rights derived from their condition. It is specifically
provided that public education is free at all levels, including
education for children with special needs.
ArgentinaNational Law on Education, 2006Initial Education:
consisting of kindergartens for children between three and five
years of age, and being obligatory for the latter.Education is a
personal and social right to be guaranteed by the State.
Argentina
Plan Nacer: The Program of Maternal and Infant Health CareThe
Program of Maternal and Infant Health Care protects women and
children in populations at risk. It emphasizes prenatal care, care
during delivery, and control of the health and development of
children.Plan Nacers RBF mechanisms created two levels of
incentives: one between the national and provincial governments,
and the other between the provincial governments and health
facilities. Provincial governments received capitation payments
from the National Ministry of Health based on the number of
beneficiaries enrolled in Plan Nacer, and on the achievement of
specified health indicator targets. Health facilities received
fee-for-service payments from the provincial government according
to the number and quality of services they provided.The Government
launched phase I of Plan Nacer in nine of Argentinas poorest
provinces in 2005, and brought the program to the 14 remaining
provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aries in phase II in
2007. Plan Nacer has since provided 4.7 million pregnant women and
children with health coverage, and has facilitated the delivery of
37 million maternal and child health services.
ArgentinaNational Plan of Action against the Commercial Sexual
Exploitation of Children , 2000The National Plan was developed with
six action areas: awareness raising and prevention; information and
training; strengthening of networks; strengthening children;
legislation and legal practices; and research. There are specific
objectives and activities assigned to each action area.
BhutanChild Care and Protection Act of Bhutan, 2011Aspires to
meet the needs of children in difficult circumstances, to prevent
and respond to violence, exploitation and abuse against children
through provision of services provided in the form of
rehabilitation and reintegration into the society along with
prevention services to protect children at risk of violence, abuse
and exploitation and to address the welfare of the entire children
and youth of Bhutan. The Central and Local Government shall create
awareness on relevant child law. (Sec. 24), shall provide community
based services responding to special needs of children (sec. 25).
Education institution shall care for and protect the child (Sec.
26). The community may provide or strengthen a wide range of
community based support measures for children to respond to the
needs of children. (sec. 31). The government shall endeavour to
take measures and develop programs to provide families with the
opportunity to learn about parental roles and obligations with
regard to child development and child care, promoting positive
parent-child relationships, sensitizing parents about the problems
of children and encouraging their involvement and promote community
based activities. (Sec. 35).
BhutanThe National Plan of Action for Child Protection,
2012Areas identified as requiring attention: Integration of
childrens concerns into legislations; A comprehensive rules and
regulations to enact CCPA 2011, Requirement of Standard Operating
Procedures (SOP) for Birth and civil registration, Specific
regulations to protect discrimination of children Lack of data on
abuse and neglect of children in Bhutan, Lack of understanding of
kinship care in urban centres and monastic schools, No specific
guides related to child trafficking and mobility, More
understanding on the child sexual exploitation The Disaster
Management Bill makes no reference to child protection during
emergencies.
BulgariaChild Protection Act (2000)Defines violence as any act
of physical, psychological or sexual abuse, neglect, commercial or
other exploitation at family, school, or social environment, which
harms or brings potential harm to the childs health, life, and
development. Places child protection in the focus of the states
policy and regulates the rights, principles and measures for child
protection; A new philosophy is at the foundation of this Act the
child regarded as a legal entity and not as a passive subject of
state and society care.Younger children (0-3 and 3-6 years old) and
care-leavers seem to be the focus of the reform according to the
reform documents.
BulgariaThe Public EducationAct(1991)Registers preprimary
education as the first level of preparatory education. The Act
further mandates the provision of a two year compulsory free
preprimary preparatory education for children of 5-7 years of age
in preparation for formal schooling.Parents or guardians may choose
whether the preschooling shall take place in a preparatory group at
the kindergarten or at school.
BulgariaLaw on Integration ofPeople with Disabilities,
2004Promote inclusive education for children with disabilities.
BulgariaHealth Act(2005)Guarantees the provision of free public
health services for young children and pregnant women. In addition,
Ordinance 40 determines the basic package of health services
guaranteed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Ordinance
38 further specifies the list of diseases for home treatment of
which the NHIF pays drugs, medical devices, and dietary foods for
special medical purposes wholly or partially. Under the Ordinance
for Immunizations in Bulgaria (Ordinance 15, 2005), young children
are required to receive a complete course of immunizations.
Similarly, Ordinance 39 (2004) for preventive examinations and
dispensary activities regulates the conduct of regular checkups for
children.
BulgariaThe Social Assistance Act, 1999Promotes the social
inclusion of children with disabilities. Community based services
including social rehabilitation and special day care centres are
established to integrate children with disabilities. These centres
are expected to provide a range of complex social services
rehabilitation, social and legal counselling, educational and
vocational training and guidance, preparation and implementation of
individual programs for social inclusion, and other services.
BulgariaCivil Registration Act(1999)Requires that each
municipality maintains two sets of register--The Register of
Population contains information about every person name,
registration number, address, civil status data, and information
about closer relatives. The Register of Acts of Civil Status
contains information about birth, marriage, and death of the
population.
BulgariaSocial Security Code(2000)Guarantees 48 weeks of
maternity leave for biological or adopting mothers. Compensation
for pregnancy and child birth (Article 49) include: daily cash
benefit at 90 percent of average daily gross salary or the average
daily income. The Code further guarantees support for self employed
mothers, and contributions include financial assistance provided
for sickness and maternity leave for the period of 18 calendar
months preceding the month of occurrence of temporary disability
due to pregnancy and child birth. Leave is paid by the employer and
the National Social Security Institute. In addition, supplementary
paid leave is provided after the expiration of the benefit for
pregnancy and childbirth. Child raising mothers are compensated
with a monthly cash benefit determined by the Law on the Budget of
the State Social Security. Fathers are also guaranteed paid
paternity leave. Article 50 of the Social Security Code stipulates
that fathers, including adopting fathers, are entitled to a cash
benefit for their child birth and for 410 calendar days after the
child turns 6 months old.
BulgariaLabor Code(1987) 410-day maternity leave, 45 days of
which are used before the childbirth. In addition, the father has
the rightto use the rest of the maternity leave once the child is 6
months old, subject to the mothers consent. Moreover the father of
a new-born child is entitled to use 15 days leave upon the birth of
a child.
BulgariaNational Child Strategy (2008-2018)To create learning
opportunities for children who have special educational needs which
are not integrated into the mainstream pre-primary education
system. Based upon an assessment of a child, families are offered
with possible education services targeting children with special
needs. Special education services could be provided in special
environments such as special kindergartens, special schools, or
special health kindergartens for children with chronic disease only
after opportunities for inclusive education are mainstreamed.
BulgariaVision for deinstitutionalization of children in
Bulgaria(2010-2025)The strategy aims at creating new opportunities
for family support and community based services, and providing
support for the establishment of ECD programs and services.
BrazilThe Child andAdolescent Statute , 1990Pre and post-natal
assistance through the Single System of Health. Health institutions
must keep records for eighteen years; identify the newborn child
for identification; perform exams aimed at the diagnosis and
remediation of abnormalities of the newborns metabolism, orient the
parents; provide a declaration of birth; and keep accommodations so
that mother and child to stay together. Article 11 guarantees
medical assistance to children by the Single System of Health and
universal and equal access to actions and services for the
promotion, protection and recovery of health. A handicapped child
is entitled to specialized treatment; the government shall provide
free medicines, prostheses, or any other treatment. Health
institutions must provide the necessary conditions for one parent
or guardian to the stay at any time when a child is hospitalized.
Single System of Health must promote medical and dental assistance
programs for the prevention of illnesses that ordinarily affect the
young and campaigns of health education for parents, educators, and
students. The statute also requires the vaccination of children, as
recommended by public health authorities.
BrazilThe Child and Adolescent Statute, 1990In article 53, it
says that children have the right to education, with a view to the
full development of the person and his preparation for the exercise
of citizenship and qualification for work. It also assures equal
access to school; the right to be respected by their educators; the
right to contest evaluation criteria; the right to be organized and
to participate in student entities; and access to public and free
schools near their residences. Moreover, parents and guardians have
the right to be informed of the pedagogic process, as well as to
participate in the development of educational policy proposals.
BrazilThe Child and Adolescent Statute, 1990No child must be the
object of any form of negligence, discrimination, exploitation,
violence, cruelty, or oppression, and any attempt, by action or
omission, to violate the fundamental rights of a child. The
presentation, production, sale, supply, disclosure, or publication,
by any means of communication, including the Internet, of
photographs or images of pornography or sex scenes involving a
child is punishable.
BrazilLaw No. 9,39470 (Lei de Diretrizes e Bases), 1993The term
education includes the formative processes that take place in life
in the family, in human associations, at work, at institutions of
education and research, within social movements, in the
organizations of civil society, and at cultural events. Law No.
9,394 directs school education, developed predominantly through
teaching at the appropriate institutions, and states that school
education must be linked to the job market and the social
experience.
BrazilNational Program for the Full Attention to the Child and
the Adolescent, 1994The priority areas of the program are the
mobilization for community participation; full attention to
children between zero and six years of age; basic education;
protection to the health and safety of the child; assistance to
handicapped children; culture, sports, and leisure for children;
and training of professionals specializing in the development of
children.
CambodiaEducation Law, 2007The Government shall support ECCE
from age zero to before preschool generally provided at childcare
centre in communities or at home.
CambodiaNational Policy on Early Childhood Care and Development,
2014To ensure that all women are provided with care, health
education services and nutrition during pregnancy; all children
have their births registered, are provided with regular care and
health checkup, have immunization and nutrition and early learning;
school readiness of children at age six; appropriate knowledge to
all staff, caregivers, parents and guardians; convergence in the
working of various ministries; children will enjoy holistic
development at both home and centres providing quality and
sustainable health services, nutrition and education.
ChinaMinors Protection Law, 1992This law sets up
responsibilities of the families, the schools, and the government
with regard to the protection of childrens rights, and judicial
protection, as well.Infanticide and Infant abandoning is
forbidden.
ChinaThe PRC Law on Maternal and Infant Health, 1995According to
Article 2 of the Maternal and Infant Health Law, [t]he State shall
develop maternal and infant health care projects and provide the
necessary environments and material aids so as to ensure that
mothers and infants receive medical and health care services.
ChinaImplementation Rules of the Maternal and Infant Health Law
in 2001The law covers pre-marital healthcare, pre-natal and
post-natal healthcare, administrative provisions for medical
assistance and facilities for treatment and health. The law
requires medical institutions to offer pre-marital healthcare
service, including health instruction, consultation, and medical
examination. In cases of certain serious genetic disease found
through the examination, long-term contraceptive measures or
performance of tubal ligation operations shall be taken upon the
agreement of the marrying couple. Medical institutions are also
required to provide pre-natal and post-natal healthcare, including
instructions, healthcare services for pregnant women, lying-in
women, feuses, and newborns.
ColumbiaDecree on Comprehensive ECD for SISBEN 1, 2, and 3 (Law
N 1295, 2009)States that children ages 0 to 6 years with special
needs who cannot attend traditional ECCE centers should receive
specialized attention in alternative locations. The GoC states that
department, municipal, and district governments should develop ECCE
intersectoral plans based on the needs of the local population
ColumbiaCode of Childhood and Adolescence (Law N 1098,
2006)Guarantees all children below 18 years old the right to
healthy development. It states that protection of these rights is
the joint obligation of family, society, and the State of Colombia.
Article 29 of the Code emphasizes the importance of the early
childhood years, stating that rights recognized in international
treaties and in the Constitution of Colombia are guaranteed for
children from 0 to 6 years of age. Under Article 96 of the Code,
specialized family advocates in municipalities and commissaries
(Defensores de Familia) are responsible for protecting the rights
of children.
ColumbiaDecree for Families in Action (Law N 1532, 2012)Families
in Action is a comprehensive social protection initiative that
provides health and education interventions for all children below
18 years of age who live in poverty.
ColumbiaLabor Code,2011The GoC guarantees 14 weeks of publically
financed maternity leave. Maternity leave is partially financed by
the GoC and partially paid by the employer. New fathers are also
protected under this law, with 10 days of paid paternity leave. The
GoC allots the greatest number of days for paternity leave and has
comparable maternity leave policies, compared to other Latin
American countries.
ColumbiaStatute of the Civil Registry,1970Mandates that all
births be registered. Civil registration should occur within the
first month of life (Article 29, Law N 1098, 2006). In addition to
national policies, municipal and district ministries also have
local decrees to regulate birth registration.
ColumbiaDecree for Comprehensive Social Security
System,1993Women are guaranteed the right to subsidized healthcare
in the Social Security Health System (Sistema General de Seguridad
Social en Salud). The MoSP guarantees prenatal care and essential
interventions for pregnant women. Resolution 412 (2000), which
outlines activities and interventions for prevention and early
detection in public health, mandates standard health screenings for
HIV and STDs for pregnant women.
ColumbiaThe Health and Sanitary Conditions Decree, 1975Children
are guaranteed the right to receive free care, regardless of
ability to pay. It also sets requirements that salt contain 50-100
parts per million of iodine.
ColumbiaTen -year plan for Breastfeeding 2010-2020Outlines a
plan for district authorities to promote breastfeeding and regulate
the marketing of infant formula and other products used as breast
milk substitutes.
ColumbiaFrom Zero to Forever (FZTF)Includes a set of national
and district-level actions to promote intersectoral work to promote
comprehensive early childhood interventions.
ColumbiaThe Regulations of Flour Fortification
Decree,1966Mandates that the production of flour follows guidelines
established by the National Institute of Medicine and Food
Surveillance. Flour that is produced within Colombia should be
fortified with Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Folic Acid, and iron.
CubaWorking Womens Maternity Law, 1974Every pregnant working
woman, regardless of type of work will be obliged to stop working
on the 34th week of pregnancy, and will have the right to a leave
of absence of 18 weeks, which will include 6 weeks before delivery
and 12 weeks after delivery. This leave will be paid as determined
by this Law, provided that the working woman meets the requirements
stated in Article 11. In cases of multiple pregnancies, the working
woman will be obliged to stop working on the 32nd week of
pregnancy, extending to eight weeks the period of her paid leave
before delivery.
CubaCuban Constitution of 1976 with reforms made in 1992,
Article 40The state and society shall give special protection to
children. It is the duty of the family, the schools, the state
agencies and the social and mass organizations to pay special
attention to development of children.
CubaFamily Code, Article 85Parents have the responsibility to:
1) to keep their children under protection and care; to give them a
stable home and adequate nourishment; to care for their health and
personal hygiene; appropriate recreation; to give them proper
protection; to ensure good conduct, and to cooperate with
authorities to overcome situations that unfavourably influences
their development; to pay attention to the education of their
children, to inculcate love and respect for the country, the
international spirit, the norms of coexistence, and socialist
morals, and capital assets of the society, and for the property and
the personal rights of the rest; to inspire them with their
attitudes and with by treating them with the respect that they
deserve, and to show them to respect the authorities; 4) to care
for the property of their children; to ensure that they adequately
use and enjoy the property that pertains to them; 5) to represent
their children in all legal proceedings and transactions.
CubaFamily Code, Article 94. Parental authority may be suspended
on account of parental incapacity or absence, as declared
judicially.
CubaThe Child and Youth Code, 1978Every child must receive
communist formation so that he develops a communist personality.
Article 8 of that code requires that the state protect him from
other influences. The parents shortly after the birth of the child
are given a "Minor's Identification Card" which the child must
carry at all times until he or she reaches 16 when an adult ID card
is issued.
Cuba Educate Your Child programme The Cuban preschool education
system encompasses children from birth to their entry into school
(zero to age five-six). It constitutes a first subsystem in the
national education system and it is non-compulsory. The Ministry of
Education is responsible for supervision, through the Preschool
Education Bureau and the national technical group of the Educate
Your Child programme, in which all the agencies and organizations
involved in the programmes are represented. This structure of
coordinating groups is found in each province and municipality and
in popular councils. Popular councils are the form of government
organization within the community.
JamaicaEarly Childhood Commission Act (2003)An act to establish
a commission to govern the administration of early childhood care,
education and development in Jamaica, and to make provision for
connected matters. The ECCE Council is given legal mandate via this
Act.
JamaicaEarly Childhood Act and Regulations (2005)Promotes
inclusive education for children with disabilities. It also
outlines the roles and responsibilities of ECIs and parents. The
GoJ supports non-governmental community based programmes that cater
to disabled children who cannot access mainstream preprimary
education.
JamaicaNational Parenting Support Commission Act
(2012)Established an official coordinating body to ensure effective
streamlining of GoJ activities related to parenting. The National
Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) is responsible for monitoring
and evaluating. The Parenting Strategy promotes the establishment
of Parents Places, centers that provide parenting information,
support, and training for both parents and practitioners.
JamaicaChild Care and Protection Act (2004)Guarantees all
children, including orphans and vulnerable children and children
with special needs, a range of ECD services. The Act is designed to
protect the best interests of all children, including each childs
right to safety, continuity of care, development of physical and
emotional needs, quality relationships, and education. The CDA and
several non-governmental agencies provide services to orphans and
vulnerable children, including those affected by HIV/AIDS.
JamaicaNational Health Services Act,2009Abolished user fees for
public health services. Both antenatal visits and skilled delivery
are guaranteed in Jamaica.
JamaicaThe Maternity Leave Act (1979)Guarantees 12 weeks of
maternity leave with guaranteed pay of 8 weeks.
JamaicaRegistration of Births and Deaths Act (1981)States that
parents or caregivers of children are required to report a childs
birth within five days to local district registrars. Since 2007,
Civil Bedside Registrars work in public and private hospitals to
facilitate this registration process.
JamaicaNational Policy for Persons with Disabilities
(2000)Provides a framework for the GoJ to provide equal
opportunities for people, including young children, with
disabilities.
JamaicaNational Infant and Young Child Feeding (NIYCF)
Policy,2013Provides an operational framework and guidelines for
programs and services that will promote adequate nutritional
practices for young children. The policy also promotes
complementary feeding with iron-rich foods for children 6-24
months, including fortified cereals.
JamaicaNational Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Development
(2008-2013)The NSP includes strategies for internal processes,
including effective parenting, healthcare, screening and early
identification and referral for at-risk children, quality early
childhood facilities, and curriculum delivery. It also includes
strategies for working environment processes, including a
result-oriented framework for relevant sector agencies and timely
and appropriate information availability.
JamaicaNational Parenting Support Policy (2012)The Government
recognized that parents should serve an important role to promote
and coordinate organizational efforts and resources for positive
parenting practices and optimal opportunities for young
children.
JamaicaCharter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, 2011The
charter declares that every child has a right to publically funded
tuition at preprimary (and primary) level.
JamaicaNational Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS in Jamaica
(2007-2012)Health screenings for HIV and STDs for pregnant women
are free and standard follow-up and referral procedures are
provided. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has operational guidelines
for prevention of mother-to-child transmission and antenatal
care
JamaicaFamily Health Manual (2007)Includes detailed objectives
and strategies for health service provision for infants and young
children. The goal of the ECD section of the manual is to ensure
holistic child development through promoting and protecting child
wellness in the family, health center, and community settings.
MalaysiaChild Care Centres Act 1984The Act (including the
regulations issued under it) and the policies of the Department of
Social Welfare have specific requirements outlining the minimum
standard of care at childcare centres which may be home based or
institution based.
MalaysiaThe Child Act, 2001Children should be accorded special
care and their welfare given paramount importance. The Child Act
2001 affords protection for children and tackles the problems of
juvenile delinquency, child prostitutions and children out of
control. It imposes severe punishments for child trafficking,
abuse, molestation, neglect, and abandonment. It also mandates the
formation of children's courts.
MexicoThe Law on the Protection of the Rights of Children and
Adolescents, 2000Recognizes the right of children to be protected
against any acts or omissions affecting their physical or mental
health, their normal development, or their right to education,
including neglect; negligent treatment; abandonment; emotional,
physical, or sexual abuse; exploitation; the use of drugs and
narcotics; abduction; and trafficking.This law also provides that
mothers, fathers, and anyone having custody of children must
protect them against any form of ill treatment, prejudice, harm,
aggression, abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.
The Federal Criminal Code and the Federal Law on Organized Crime
provide that corruption of minors, child prostitution, and child
pornography are Felonies.
MexicoThe Law on the Protection of the Rights of Children and
Adolescents, 2000Children shall be protected against any act that
violates their constitutional guarantees or the rights recognized
by law or by international treaties subscribed to by Mexico
MexicoGeneral Law on HealthProvides 1) health education and the
promotion of sanitation; 2) prevention and control of priority
communicable diseases, the most frequent non-communicable diseases,
and accidents; 3) medical care, including preventive measures,
rehabilitation, and emergency treatment; 4) maternal and child
care; 5) family planning; 6) mental health care; 7) the prevention
and control of oral diseases; 8) the availability of medicaments
and other essential supplies; 9) promotion of improved nutrition;
and 10) social welfare for at-risk groups. The provisions in
chapter 5 of the GLH prioritize and define maternal and child care
and call for the protection of minors, activities to support
families and contribute to maternal and child health, appropriate
standards of school hygiene, and health services for school
children. Health care for children includes pre- and post-natal
care, nutrition advice, immunization, and eye and ear care. Public
health care services are provided by the federal Department of
Health, with support from social security institutions and state
and local authorities.
MexicoLaw on Social WelfareThe LSW states that social welfare
services are provided by the federal Department of Health, with
support from social security institutions, such as the National
System for Integral Family Development (DIF), state and local
authorities, and private institutions
MexicoArticle 3 of the Mexican ConstitutionThe State federation,
states, Federal District, and municipalities shall provide
preschool education which is free.
MexicoThe Law on the Protection of the Rights of Children and
Adolescents, 2000Teachers must avoid any form of harm, injury,
aggression, abuse, or exploitation of children or adolescents.
MexicoNational Parenting Support Policy (2012)The Government
recognized that parents should serve an important role to promote
and coordinate organizational efforts and resources for positive
parenting practices and optimal opportunities for young
children.
NepalChildren Act,1992Ensures the protection of children within
the national judicial system. This includes specific child
protection training for judges, lawyers, and law enforcement
officers, and the creation of a specialized body to advocate for
child protection.
NepalThe Labor Act(1992)All mothers working in the public or
private sector are entitled to 52 days of paid maternity leave at
100 percent of their salary. This is paid by the employer. However,
there is no policy that penalizes or prevents the dismissal of
pregnant women nor obligates employers to give employees the same
job when they return from maternity leave.
NepalThe Local Self Governance Act(1999)The Act states that
Village Development Committees and municipalities are to establish
and manage preschools with their own resources. Preprimary
education is part of the formal education system
NepalThe Education Act(2028)Identifies two forms of early
childhood care and education (ECCE): preprimary classes based in
schools are targeted primarily for children ages 4 and 5. The
second type of ECCE is child development centers, which are
community based and are primarily targeted towards children below 4
years. The centers are free of charge and receive technical support
from the Department of Education (DoE)
NepalNational Child Policy, 2012Guarantees orphans and
vulnerable children with access to ECD services and children with
disabilities and special needs are provided support and access to
crosssectoral services.
NepalSchool Sector Reform Plan(2009-2015)The DoE set forth its
plans to expand Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED)
program in collaboration with community-based organizations and
international NGOs. The Plan states that the government will fund
one year of ECED programming for 4 year old children. Communities
can mobilize their own resources to provide ECED services for
children below the specified age group. It sets a target of 87
percent of 4 year olds enrolled in ECED.
NepalSecond Long term Health Plan(1997-2017)The government
outlines goals to reduce child and mother mortality rates. Nepals
Safe Motherhood Program, coordinated by the Ministry of Health
(MoH), is designed to reduce maternal mortality by increasing
access to family planning, essential obstetric and neonatal care,
and access to skilled birth attendants.Currently, there are no
laws, regulations, or policies encouraging pregnant women to have
standard health screenings for HIV and STDs.
NepalSecond Long term Health Plan(1997-2017Health: exclusively
breastfed from 35 percent to 60 percent by 2018. -Reduce anemia
from 39 percent to 20 percent by 2018. -Reduce stunting from 19
percent to below 10 percent by 2018. - Increase access to
healthcare from 57 percent to above 80 percent by 2018. Education:
Expansion of National School readiness programme to achieve 90%
enrolment rate by 2017.
PhillipinesEarly Years Act, 2013The state recognises 0-8 years
as the first crucial stage of educational development of which the
age from 0-4 years shall be the responsibility of the ECCD Council.
The education of the children in the age 5-8 years will be with the
Dept. Of education. The state shall institutionalize a National
system for ECCD that is comprehensive, integrative and sustainable,
involving multisectoral and interagency collaboration at national
and local levels, family and communities, public and private
sectors, NGOs, professional associations and academic institutions.
Children with special needs will be accommodated reasonably and
accessible environments for them shall be created.
PhillipinesChild and Youth Welfare CodeArt.3: (1) Right to be
born well; (2) Right to have a family with love, care, moral and
material security. Abandoned child will be provided a substitute
for a home; (3) Right to well-rounded development of personality, a
gifted child will be given special opportunities, maladjusted child
will be given adequate treatments and care, handicapped child will
be given treatment, education and care; (4) right to balanced diet,
clothing, shelter, medical attention, all physical requirements;
(5) moral and rectitute atmosphere; (6) right to education; (7)
recreation; (8) protection against exploitation and abuse; (9)
right to live in a community and society; (10) right to care,
assistance and protection of the State; (11) right to grow as a
free individual in a peaceful environment.
PhillipinesECCD Act, 2000An act promulgating a comprehensive
policy and a national system for early childhood care and
development (ECCD), providing funds therefore. ECCD is the full
range of health, nutrition, early education and social services
that provide for the holistic needs of 0-6 children.
PhillipinesExecutive Order No. 778 (January 13, 2009)Transformed
the CWC into the ECCD Council, attached to the Office of the
President. The functions and staff of CWC which are not part of
ECCD are transferred to DSWD.
PhillipinesExecutive Order No. 806 (June 9, 2009)Affirmed that
CWC shall continue to function and exercise the same powers
pursuant to the provisions of PD 603 and EO 233 and attached to
DSWD.
PhillipinesGovernance of BasicEducation Act of 2000Defines basic
education as the education intended to meet basic learning needs
and encompasses early education.
VietnamLaw on Child Protection, Care and Education, 2004The
right to have birth registered and acquire nationality; the right
to be cared for and brought up; the right to live with parents; the
right to be respected and have their life, body, dignity and honour
protected; the right to health care; the right to study; the right
to join recreational, entertainment, cultural, art, physical, sport
and tourist activities; the right to develop aptitudes; the right
to have assets; the right to access information and participate in
social activities.
VietnamLaw on Child Protection, Care and Education, 2004Article
7 prohibits acts of torturing, maltreating, affronting, or
infringing upon the life, body, dignity or honour of others, or
applying measures that offend or lower the honour or dignity of, or
applying corporal punishments to, juvenile offenders.Article 14
stipulates childrens right to be respected and have their life,
body, dignity and honour protected.
VietnamLaw on marriage and family (2006)Article 34 stipulates
that parents must not discriminate between, illtreat or persecute
their children, or hurt their honour. Doing so would amount to
penal liability or compensation.
VietnamRegulations on Penal Examination (Penal Code
2000)Prescribes punishment for causing harm to the health of
children, pregnant women, for ill-treatment of children, for
corporal punishment, for causing forced suicide, for infringing
upon the honour or dignity of a person.
VietnamRegulations on Administrative examination (Decree
114/ND-CP, 2006)Punishment for physically or psychologically
injuring a child.