CAP. 141 Children [Rev. 2012] 4. Survival and best interests of the child (1) Every child shall have an inherent right to life and it shall be the responsibility of the Government and the family to ensure the survival and development of the child. (2) In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. (3) All judicial and administrative institutions, and all persons acting in the name of these institutions, where they are exercising any powers conferred by this Act shall treat the interests of the child as the first and paramount consideration to the extent that this is consistent with adopting a course of action calculated to— (a) safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of the child; (b) conserve and promote the welfare of the child; (c) secure for the child such guidance and correction as is necessary for the welfare of the child and in the public interest. (4) In any matters of procedure affecting a child, the child shall be accorded an opportunity to express his opinion, and that opinion shall be taken into account as may be appropriate taking into account the child’s age and the degree of maturity. 5. Non-discrimination No child shall be subjected to discrimination on the ground of origin, sex, religion, creed, custom, language, opinion, conscience, colour, birth, social, political, economic or other status, race, disability, tribe, residence or local connection. 6. Right to parental care (1) A child shall have a right to live with and to be cared for by his parents. (2) Subject to subsection (1), where the court or the Director determines in accordance with the law that it is in the best interests of the child to separate him from his parent, the best alternative care available shall be provided for the child. (3) Where a child is separated from his family without the leave of the court, the Government shall provide assistance for reunification of the child with his family. 7. Right to education (1) Every child shall be entitled to education the provision of which shall be the responsibility of the Government and the parents. (2) Every child shall be entitled to free basic education which shall be compulsory in accordance with Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. [Issue 1] C15 - 14