Examples: - in 2003, the theme was birth registration; in 2005, orphans of Africa : our collective responsibility. With regard to the promotion of traditional values and cultural practices, Niger has institutionalized the traditional wrestling championship, the youth festival and the Soukabé children‟s festival. Also worthy of note is the existence of an association of traditional artists which is striving to protect and perpetuate traditional values. II. DEFINITION OF THE CHILD In general, the child is defined as: "Every human being below the age of 18". The age of minority varies in the Niger legislation: A) In civil matters: According to the Civil Code: "a minor is any individual of either sex who has yet reached the age of 21". Section 388: He may not carry out certain civil acts such as engage in a trade or conclude a contract. b) Custom: The courts apply the customs of the parties, subject to respect of duly ratified international conventions, legal provisions and basic rules governing public order or individual freedoms, the capacity of individuals to enter into business contracts and appear in judicial proceedings, personal status, the family, marriage, divorce, parentage, succession and wills (Section 63 of Law No. 2004-50 of 22 July 2004 laying down the organization and jurisdiction of courts in the Republic of Niger). In marriage, the Mandel Decree of 13 July 1939 sets the minimum age of marriage at 14 for girls and 16 for boys. Customary law, for its part, sets no age for marriage. It is the stage of puberty that is considered. On the other hand, the Constitution, the electoral code and the Penal Code are aligned to international legal instruments ratified by Niger. These national enactments set the age of majority at 18. III. GENERAL PRINCIPLES a) Non discrimination (article 3) a1 Legislative, administrative and judicial measures: In the preamble of the Constitution of 9 August 1999, Niger reaffirms its “attachment to the principles of pluralist democracy and human rights as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and the African Charter of Human and People‟s Rights”. These international legal instruments ratified by Niger form an integral part of its written law. The principle of non-discrimination is enshrined in article 8 of the Constitution of 9 August 1999. The Penal Code in its section 102 describes discrimination as a misdemeanour which is punishable by imprisonment. 11