5. GENERAL PRINCIPLES Non-Discrimination The Child Forum consensus was that that all children have equal rights without discrimination based on ethnicity, colour, sex, language, religion, politics or any other status. They however identified stereotyping and discrimination within their communities based on gender. The girl child has less educational opportunities due to early and forced marriages. She is given more chores at home than boys and therefore less leisure or time to play. The Forum was also of the view that handicapped children in their communities were discriminated against and stigmatized. Right to life, survival and development. Majority of the children were of the view that children have a right to life, which the family, communities and the Government should ensure for their survival, protection and well-being against all harmful acts and situations. They identified the following as harmful to children life, survival and development: · Poor and inaccessible health services · Pregnant mothers delivering at home without any aid from professional birth attendant · Harmful child labour e.g. sex workers, working in mines and house-workers · Child abuse ( by parents and others) · Poverty (lack of adequate shelter or poor hygiene) · Mother to child transmission of HIV & AIDS · Separation of parents endanger children’s lives · Environmental pollution e.g. poor drainage · Lack of water and poor sanitation · Drug abuse · Child labour (working in mines and heavy work load at home) Respecting the views of the child and promotion of their participation The Forum was aware that it is the duty of the Government and the community to ensure children views are respected and they participate on issues affecting children them. There was consensus that children are now involved in some decisions affecting them in various levels. 89