Children's Rights and Responsibilities

Children’s Rights

• Children have the right to education and access to schooling.
• Children have the right to care and support from adults.
• Children have the right to safety and protection.
• Children have the right to have a name and nationality, documented with a full birth certificate.
• Children under 14 years old are prohibited from working in factories or mines.
• Forced labor, including on farms or at other workplaces, is not allowed for children.
• Children under 16 years old cannot be detained.

Children's Responsibilities

• Children have the responsibility to study and learn.
• Children have the responsibility to complete homework assignments.
• Children have the responsibility to attend school.
• Children have the responsibility to obey school and class rules.
• Children have the responsibility to help and care for each other.
• Children have the responsibility to take precautions to ensure their safety.
• Children have the responsibility to take care of their birth certificate. It is important to never lie about their age.
• Children should not apply for work in factories or mines.
• Children should report any employer who forces them to work.
• Children should never commit any crimes.

Organizations That Protect Children's Rights

• Hospitals (Nurses)
• Lifeline/Childline organization (Social workers)
• Centers for the abused (Social workers)
• Police stations (Police men/women)
• Schools (Principals/teachers/teacher counsellors)
• Churches (Pastors)
• Foster homes (Community members)

Gender-Based Violence

• Harmful actions directed towards individuals due to their gender.
• Examples include: beating, forced marriage, bullying, rape, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and molestation.

Namibia's Government Structure

• Composed of three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary.

Legislative Branch: Parliament

• Consists of the National Assembly and National Council.

National Assembly

• 104 members: 96 elected, 8 appointed by the President.
• Members represent political parties and serve five-year terms.

National Council

• 42 members: three elected from each of the 14 Regional Councils.
• Members serve six-year terms.

Functions of the National Assembly (Parliament)

• Lawmaking for the country.
• Budget approval.
• Advising the President.

Functions of the National Council

• Reviewing bills passed by Parliament.
• Recommending regional needs.
• Advising Parliament.

Importance of Laws

• Ensuring safety and protection of individuals.
• Protecting natural resources.
• Maintaining peace within the country.

Consequences of Breaking Laws

• Fines (monetary payment).
• Prison sentences.

President's Responsibilities

• Head of state and government.
• Head of the army.
• Appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors.
• Signing agreements with other countries.
• Overseeing cabinet meetings.

Prime Minister's Responsibilities

• Leader of the government in Parliament.
• Head of all ministries and oversees their work.
• Advising and assisting the President.