A lot of progress that’s been made in terms of realising and promoting children’s rights. Here’s a reminder of some of the rights South African children are entitled to: 

• Family. Children have the right to be part of a family and to be taken care of by that family. Being part of a family is therefore not a privilege only given to some, but a basic right for every child.  
• To refuse forced labour. Children should not be forced to work or beg from other people. 
• Shelter. Every child should have somewhere to live. They have the right to sleep in a place that’s dry and comfortable.
• To be safeguarded. Children have the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect or degradation.
• Education. All children have the right to an education. Where possible, everyone has the right to be taught in the language of their choice.
• In addition, the Constitutional Court has recently ruled that children may not be hit at home. Applying corporal punishment at home could have legal consequences for parents.  

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Header photo by Senjuti Kundu on Unsplash