Publication date: 29.05.2024
Legal status of minors and protection of childhood
Introduction
Protecting the rights of minors and ensuring decent conditions for their development is one of the main tasks of the state. The legal status of minors determines their rights, obligations and protection from possible threats. This article discusses the main aspects of legal regulation of minors in Ukraine, international standards and mechanisms for protecting childhood. You may be interested in the following articles: Analysis, consultation, evaluation. legal analysis of the situation, lawyer's consultation, lawyer's consultation, analysis of documents, legal analysis of the situation, written consultation, verification of documents by a lawyer, lawyers' documents, lawyer's help online, lawyer online, legal opinion, legal opinion of a lawyer, lawyer online.
National legislation
Constitution of Ukraine
The Constitution of Ukraine enshrines fundamental human and civil rights and freedoms, including the rights of children. Article 52 stipulates that children are equal in their rights regardless of their origin, and that the state shall ensure the protection of the rights of orphans and children deprived of parental care.
Family Code of Ukraine
The Family Code of Ukraine regulates issues related to family relations, including the rights and obligations of parents and children. The main provisions include:
- -The rights of the child: the right to life, to a name, to citizenship, to preserve their individuality.
- -Parents' responsibilities include providing conditions for the child's comprehensive development, upbringing, education, and protection of the child's rights and interests.
- -Guardianship and custody: procedures for establishing guardianship or custody of children left without parental care.
The Law of Ukraine "On Protection of Childhood"
This law defines the basic principles of state policy in the field of child protection. It is aimed at ensuring:
- -Social protection of children: including children with disabilities, orphans and children deprived of parental care.
- -Education and upbringing: access to free education, development of educational programmes.
- -Protection from violence: measures to prevent and combat violence against children;
Criminal Code of Ukraine
The Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for liability for crimes against children, including:
- -Violence against children: physical, psychological or sexual abuse.
- -Exploitation of children: use of child labour, trafficking in children.
- -Neglect of duties towards children: leaving a child in danger, failure to provide necessary assistance.
International regulation
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Ukraine is a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is the main international document defining the rights of children. The main principles include:
- -Non-discrimination: all children have equal rights regardless of any circumstances.
- -The best interests of the child: the best interests of the child are paramount in all actions concerning children.
- -The right to life and development: every child has the right to survival and full development.
- -Respect for the child's opinion: children have the right to express their views on all matters affecting them.
European Convention on the Exercise of Children's Rights
This document aims to ensure the effective implementation of children's rights in Europe. It covers:
- -Procedures for children's participation in judicial and administrative proceedings.
- -Mechanisms for protecting children in case of conflicts between parents.
- -Ensuring children's rights to education, healthcare and social protection.
