Section 19: Children
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) The State must adopt policies and measures to ensure that in matters relating to children, the best interests of the children concerned are paramount.
(2) The State must adopt reasonable policies and measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to ensure that children—
(a) enjoy family or parental care, or appropriate care when removed from the family
environment;
(b) have shelter and basic nutrition, health care and social services;
(c) are protected from maltreatment, neglect or any form of abuse; and
(d) have access to appropriate education and training.
(3) The State must take appropriate legislative and other measures—
(a) to protect children from exploitative labour practices; and
(b) to ensure that children are not required or permitted to perform work or provide
services that—
(i) are inappropriate for the children’s age; or
(ii) place at risk the children’s well-being, education, physical or mental health or
spiritual, moral or social development.
Key Insight: Child-Centric Governance
This section establishes the "best interests of the child" as a constitutional principle in Zimbabwe, aligning with international standards like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It creates a framework of state responsibility for child welfare while acknowledging resource limitations. The provision notably balances aspirational rights with practical implementation constraints, requiring the government to protect children from exploitation while ensuring their holistic development.