Laws and Policies for Children Under SixLessons to Learn From-Alliance for the Right to Early Childhood DevelopmentCOUNTRIESLAWS AND POLICIESEXPLANATION

ArmeniaLaw on PreschoolEducation, 2005Children have an equal right to receive preprimary education which can be implemented in a preschool institution, in the family, or through private pedagogical activity (Article 23). The scope of this law includes early learning and health and protection of children. The Law commits to: preserve and improve the childs physical and mental health; provide harmonious development and education for preschool children; and prepare children for formal schooling.

ArmeniaLaw on Social Protection of Children Deprived of Parental Care, 2002Mandates the provision of social guarantees for the main indicators of quality of life for children including: mainstream education, free medical care and services, provision of nutritious food, psychosocial rehabilitation, the right to housing, and provision of free legal assistance. This law applies to children deprived of parental care, and covers all children from birth.

ArmeniaThe Law on Medical Services for thePopulation, 1996 (Article 8 and 10)By law, all health services to young children and pregnant women are provided free of charge in polyclinics within the scope of the state programs targeted to mother and child health protection. Additionally, all hospital services are free of charge for children up to 7 years old. The national immune preventive program of Armenia provides a full package of mandatory vaccination for all children.

ArmeniaThe LabourCode of Armenia, 2004 (Article 172 Pregnancy and MaternityLeave)Mandates that women receive maternity leave before and after giving birth at their full gross tax exempt salary. The exact number of days depends upon the womans particular situation:-most women are entitled to 140 calendar days(split evenly before and after childbirth);- women who had complicated deliveries are entitled to 155 calendar days (70 days before childbirth and 85 days after childbirth); - women who gave birth to more than one childcare entitled to 180 calendar days (70 days before delivery and 110 after childbirth Unpaid parental leave to take care of children younger than three years old is also granted to parents, grandparents or other relatives or a guardian who are actively raising a child. During the period of this leave, employees jobs are guaranteed to be maintained.

ArmeniaTen Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (1993)In 1993, the Ministry of Health endorsed a national program, Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, based on the UNICEF/WHO Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).

ArmeniaNational Program onthe Protection of Children's Rights for 2004-2015Health: exclusively breastfed from 35 percent to 60 percent by 2018. -Reduce anaemia from 39 percent to 20 percent by 2018. -Reduce stunting from 19 percent to below 10 percent by 2018. - Increase access to healthcare from 57 percent to above 80 percent by 2018. Education: Expansion of National School readiness programme to achieve 90% enrolment rate by 2017.

ArmeniaMandatory iodization of salt for human consumption (2004) Flour fortification, 2011. In 2004, the Government of Armenia (GoA) passed a decree that required mandatory iodization of salt for human consumption. -The Concept and action plan on flour fortification were approved by the Government in February 2011.

ArgentinaThe Integral Protection of Children and Adolescents, 2005The General Protection System created by Law 26061 is a set of public policies that consider girls, and boys as subjects with rights. Its purpose is the comprehensive protection of children in order to guarantee the full exercise and enjoyment of the rights granted under the national legal system and the international treaties to which the country is a party. This is the first comprehensive statute for the protection of children in the country, with a clear definition of the responsibilities of the family, society, and the government with regard to the universal rights of the children. These rights cover education, health, culture, recreation, and other matters. It lays the basis for a juvenile justice system and calls for institutionalized children to be integrated back into society. Each province will create mechanisms to protect children from abuse and exploitation.Law 26061 requires that the government and its entities have to provide: a) access to health services while respecting cultural and family standards recognized by the family and society that do not pose a threat to their health and safety; b) comprehensive health, rehabilitation, and integration programs; c) assistance and orientation programs for families; and d) informational campaigns to promote the rights of the child through the media.

ArgentinaThe Integral Protection of Children and Adolescents, 2005It provides for the right of children to public and free education to all children, to help them reach their full development as human beings and citizens. The right to education must be exercised respecting the childrens creativity, culture, and language of origin. The law also secures the right to access to and permanent attendance at an educational facility close to their residence. In case a child is missing his or her identification documents, the child will be provisionally registered in the educational institution, while the competent authorities proceed to expeditiously provide the child with such documentation. Children with special needs or with disabilities are granted all the rights under the law to a comprehensive education, in addition to the special rights derived from their condition. It is specifically provided that public education is free at all levels, including education for children with special needs.

ArgentinaNational Law on Education, 2006Initial Education: consisting of kindergartens for children between three and five years of age, and being obligatory for the latter.Education is a personal and social right to be guaranteed by the State.

Argentina

Plan Nacer: The Program of Maternal and Infant Health CareThe Program of Maternal and Infant Health Care protects women and children in populations at risk. It emphasizes prenatal care, care during delivery, and control of the health and development of children.Plan Nacers RBF mechanisms created two levels of incentives: one between the national and provincial governments, and the other between the provincial governments and health facilities. Provincial governments received capitation payments from the National Ministry of Health based on the number of beneficiaries enrolled in Plan Nacer, and on the achievement of specified health indicator targets. Health facilities received fee-for-service payments from the provincial government according to the number and quality of services they provided.The Government launched phase I of Plan Nacer in nine of Argentinas poorest provinces in 2005, and brought the program to the 14 remaining provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aries in phase II in 2007. Plan Nacer has since provided 4.7 million pregnant women and children with health coverage, and has facilitated the delivery of 37 million maternal and child health services.

ArgentinaNational Plan of Action against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children , 2000The National Plan was developed with six action areas: awareness raising and prevention; information and training; strengthening of networks; strengthening children; legislation and legal practices; and research. There are specific objectives and activities assigned to each action area.

BhutanChild Care and Protection Act of Bhutan, 2011Aspires to meet the needs of children in difficult circumstances, to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation and abuse against children through provision of services provided in the form of rehabilitation and reintegration into the society along with prevention services to protect children at risk of violence, abuse and exploitation and to address the welfare of the entire children and youth of Bhutan. The Central and Local Government shall create awareness on relevant child law. (Sec. 24), shall provide community based services responding to special needs of children (sec. 25). Education institution shall care for and protect the child (Sec. 26). The community may provide or strengthen a wide range of community based support measures for children to respond to the needs of children. (sec. 31). The government shall endeavour to take measures and develop programs to provide families with the opportunity to learn about parental roles and obligations with regard to child development and child care, promoting positive parent-child relationships, sensitizing parents about the problems of children and encouraging their involvement and promote community based activities. (Sec. 35).

BhutanThe National Plan of Action for Child Protection, 2012Areas identified as requiring attention: Integration of childrens concerns into legislations; A comprehensive rules and regulations to enact CCPA 2011, Requirement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Birth and civil registration, Specific regulations to protect discrimination of children Lack of data on abuse and neglect of children in Bhutan, Lack of understanding of kinship care in urban centres and monastic schools, No specific guides related to child trafficking and mobility, More understanding on the child sexual exploitation The Disaster Management Bill makes no reference to child protection during emergencies.

BulgariaChild Protection Act (2000)Defines violence as any act of physical, psychological or sexual abuse, neglect, commercial or other exploitation at family, school, or social environment, which harms or brings potential harm to the childs health, life, and development. Places child protection in the focus of the states policy and regulates the rights, principles and measures for child protection; A new philosophy is at the foundation of this Act the child regarded as a legal entity and not as a passive subject of state and society care.Younger children (0-3 and 3-6 years old) and care-leavers seem to be the focus of the reform according to the reform documents.

BulgariaThe Public EducationAct(1991)Registers preprimary education as the first level of preparatory education. The Act further mandates the provision of a two year compulsory free preprimary preparatory education for children of 5-7 years of age in preparation for formal schooling.Parents or guardians may choose whether the preschooling shall take place in a preparatory group at the kindergarten or at school.

BulgariaLaw on Integration ofPeople with Disabilities, 2004Promote inclusive education for children with disabilities.

BulgariaHealth Act(2005)Guarantees the provision of free public health services for young children and pregnant women. In addition, Ordinance 40 determines the basic package of health services guaranteed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Ordinance 38 further specifies the list of diseases for home treatment of which the NHIF pays drugs, medical devices, and dietary foods for special medical purposes wholly or partially. Under the Ordinance for Immunizations in Bulgaria (Ordinance 15, 2005), young children are required to receive a complete course of immunizations. Similarly, Ordinance 39 (2004) for preventive examinations and dispensary activities regulates the conduct of regular checkups for children.

BulgariaThe Social Assistance Act, 1999Promotes the social inclusion of children with disabilities. Community based services including social rehabilitation and special day care centres are established to integrate children with disabilities. These centres are expected to provide a range of complex social services rehabilitation, social and legal counselling, educational and vocational training and guidance, preparation and implementation of individual programs for social inclusion, and other services.

BulgariaCivil Registration Act(1999)Requires that each municipality maintains two sets of register--The Register of Population contains information about every person name, registration number, address, civil status data, and information about closer relatives. The Register of Acts of Civil Status contains information about birth, marriage, and death of the population.

BulgariaSocial Security Code(2000)Guarantees 48 weeks of maternity leave for biological or adopting mothers. Compensation for pregnancy and child birth (Article 49) include: daily cash benefit at 90 percent of average daily gross salary or the average daily income. The Code further guarantees support for self employed mothers, and contributions include financial assistance provided for sickness and maternity leave for the period of 18 calendar months preceding the month of occurrence of temporary disability due to pregnancy and child birth. Leave is paid by the employer and the National Social Security Institute. In addition, supplementary paid leave is provided after the expiration of the benefit for pregnancy and childbirth. Child raising mothers are compensated with a monthly cash benefit determined by the Law on the Budget of the State Social Security. Fathers are also guaranteed paid paternity leave. Article 50 of the Social Security Code stipulates that fathers, including adopting fathers, are entitled to a cash benefit for their child birth and for 410 calendar days after the child turns 6 months old.

BulgariaLabor Code(1987) 410-day maternity leave, 45 days of which are used before the childbirth. In addition, the father has the rightto use the rest of the maternity leave once the child is 6 months old, subject to the mothers consent. Moreover the father of a new-born child is entitled to use 15 days leave upon the birth of a child.

BulgariaNational Child Strategy (2008-2018)To create learning opportunities for children who have special educational needs which are not integrated into the mainstream pre-primary education system. Based upon an assessment of a child, families are offered with possible education services targeting children with special needs. Special education services could be provided in special environments such as special kindergartens, special schools, or special health kindergartens for children with chronic disease only after opportunities for inclusive education are mainstreamed.

BulgariaVision for deinstitutionalization of children in Bulgaria(2010-2025)The strategy aims at creating new opportunities for family support and community based services, and providing support for the establishment of ECD programs and services.

BrazilThe Child andAdolescent Statute , 1990Pre and post-natal assistance through the Single System of Health. Health institutions must keep records for eighteen years; identify the newborn child for identification; perform exams aimed at the diagnosis and remediation of abnormalities of the newborns metabolism, orient the parents; provide a declaration of birth; and keep accommodations so that mother and child to stay together. Article 11 guarantees medical assistance to children by the Single System of Health and universal and equal access to actions and services for the promotion, protection and recovery of health. A handicapped child is entitled to specialized treatment; the government shall provide free medicines, prostheses, or any other treatment. Health institutions must provide the necessary conditions for one parent or guardian to the stay at any time when a child is hospitalized. Single System of Health must promote medical and dental assistance programs for the prevention of illnesses that ordinarily affect the young and campaigns of health education for parents, educators, and students. The statute also requires the vaccination of children, as recommended by public health authorities.

BrazilThe Child and Adolescent Statute, 1990In article 53, it says that children have the right to education, with a view to the full development of the person and his preparation for the exercise of citizenship and qualification for work. It also assures equal access to school; the right to be respected by their educators; the right to contest evaluation criteria; the right to be organized and to participate in student entities; and access to public and free schools near their residences. Moreover, parents and guardians have the right to be informed of the pedagogic process, as well as to participate in the development of educational policy proposals.

BrazilThe Child and Adolescent Statute, 1990No child must be the object of any form of negligence, discrimination, exploitation, violence, cruelty, or oppression, and any attempt, by action or omission, to violate the fundamental rights of a child. The presentation, production, sale, supply, disclosure, or publication, by any means of communication, including the Internet, of photographs or images of pornography or sex scenes involving a child is punishable.

BrazilLaw No. 9,39470 (Lei de Diretrizes e Bases), 1993The term education includes the formative processes that take place in life in the family, in human associations, at work, at institutions of education and research, within social movements, in the organizations of civil society, and at cultural events. Law No. 9,394 directs school education, developed predominantly through teaching at the appropriate institutions, and states that school education must be linked to the job market and the social experience.

BrazilNational Program for the Full Attention to the Child and the Adolescent, 1994The priority areas of the program are the mobilization for community participation; full attention to children between zero and six years of age; basic education; protection to the health and safety of the child; assistance to handicapped children; culture, sports, and leisure for children; and training of professionals specializing in the development of children.

CambodiaEducation Law, 2007The Government shall support ECCE from age zero to before preschool generally provided at childcare centre in communities or at home.

CambodiaNational Policy on Early Childhood Care and Development, 2014To ensure that all women are provided with care, health education services and nutrition during pregnancy; all children have their births registered, are provided with regular care and health checkup, have immunization and nutrition and early learning; school readiness of children at age six; appropriate knowledge to all staff, caregivers, parents and guardians; convergence in the working of various ministries; children will enjoy holistic development at both home and centres providing quality and sustainable health services, nutrition and education.

ChinaMinors Protection Law, 1992This law sets up responsibilities of the families, the schools, and the government with regard to the protection of childrens rights, and judicial protection, as well.Infanticide and Infant abandoning is forbidden.

ChinaThe PRC Law on Maternal and Infant Health, 1995According to Article 2 of the Maternal and Infant Health Law, [t]he State shall develop maternal and infant health care projects and provide the necessary environments and material aids so as to ensure that mothers and infants receive medical and health care services.

ChinaImplementation Rules of the Maternal and Infant Health Law in 2001The law covers pre-marital healthcare, pre-natal and post-natal healthcare, administrative provisions for medical assistance and facilities for treatment and health. The law requires medical institutions to offer pre-marital healthcare service, including health instruction, consultation, and medical examination. In cases of certain serious genetic disease found through the examination, long-term contraceptive measures or performance of tubal ligation operations shall be taken upon the agreement of the marrying couple. Medical institutions are also required to provide pre-natal and post-natal healthcare, including instructions, healthcare services for pregnant women, lying-in women, feuses, and newborns.

ColumbiaDecree on Comprehensive ECD for SISBEN 1, 2, and 3 (Law N 1295, 2009)States that children ages 0 to 6 years with special needs who cannot attend traditional ECCE centers should receive specialized attention in alternative locations. The GoC states that department, municipal, and district governments should develop ECCE intersectoral plans based on the needs of the local population

ColumbiaCode of Childhood and Adolescence (Law N 1098, 2006)Guarantees all children below 18 years old the right to healthy development. It states that protection of these rights is the joint obligation of family, society, and the State of Colombia. Article 29 of the Code emphasizes the importance of the early childhood years, stating that rights recognized in international treaties and in the Constitution of Colombia are guaranteed for children from 0 to 6 years of age. Under Article 96 of the Code, specialized family advocates in municipalities and commissaries (Defensores de Familia) are responsible for protecting the rights of children.

ColumbiaDecree for Families in Action (Law N 1532, 2012)Families in Action is a comprehensive social protection initiative that provides health and education interventions for all children below 18 years of age who live in poverty.

ColumbiaLabor Code,2011The GoC guarantees 14 weeks of publically financed maternity leave. Maternity leave is partially financed by the GoC and partially paid by the employer. New fathers are also protected under this law, with 10 days of paid paternity leave. The GoC allots the greatest number of days for paternity leave and has comparable maternity leave policies, compared to other Latin American countries.

ColumbiaStatute of the Civil Registry,1970Mandates that all births be registered. Civil registration should occur within the first month of life (Article 29, Law N 1098, 2006). In addition to national policies, municipal and district ministries also have local decrees to regulate birth registration.

ColumbiaDecree for Comprehensive Social Security System,1993Women are guaranteed the right to subsidized healthcare in the Social Security Health System (Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud). The MoSP guarantees prenatal care and essential interventions for pregnant women. Resolution 412 (2000), which outlines activities and interventions for prevention and early detection in public health, mandates standard health screenings for HIV and STDs for pregnant women.

ColumbiaThe Health and Sanitary Conditions Decree, 1975Children are guaranteed the right to receive free care, regardless of ability to pay. It also sets requirements that salt contain 50-100 parts per million of iodine.

ColumbiaTen -year plan for Breastfeeding 2010-2020Outlines a plan for district authorities to promote breastfeeding and regulate the marketing of infant formula and other products used as breast milk substitutes.

ColumbiaFrom Zero to Forever (FZTF)Includes a set of national and district-level actions to promote intersectoral work to promote comprehensive early childhood interventions.

ColumbiaThe Regulations of Flour Fortification Decree,1966Mandates that the production of flour follows guidelines established by the National Institute of Medicine and Food Surveillance. Flour that is produced within Colombia should be fortified with Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Folic Acid, and iron.

CubaWorking Womens Maternity Law, 1974Every pregnant working woman, regardless of type of work will be obliged to stop working on the 34th week of pregnancy, and will have the right to a leave of absence of 18 weeks, which will include 6 weeks before delivery and 12 weeks after delivery. This leave will be paid as determined by this Law, provided that the working woman meets the requirements stated in Article 11. In cases of multiple pregnancies, the working woman will be obliged to stop working on the 32nd week of pregnancy, extending to eight weeks the period of her paid leave before delivery.

CubaCuban Constitution of 1976 with reforms made in 1992, Article 40The state and society shall give special protection to children. It is the duty of the family, the schools, the state agencies and the social and mass organizations to pay special attention to development of children.

CubaFamily Code, Article 85Parents have the responsibility to: 1) to keep their children under protection and care; to give them a stable home and adequate nourishment; to care for their health and personal hygiene; appropriate recreation; to give them proper protection; to ensure good conduct, and to cooperate with authorities to overcome situations that unfavourably influences their development; to pay attention to the education of their children, to inculcate love and respect for the country, the international spirit, the norms of coexistence, and socialist morals, and capital assets of the society, and for the property and the personal rights of the rest; to inspire them with their attitudes and with by treating them with the respect that they deserve, and to show them to respect the authorities; 4) to care for the property of their children; to ensure that they adequately use and enjoy the property that pertains to them; 5) to represent their children in all legal proceedings and transactions.

CubaFamily Code, Article 94. Parental authority may be suspended on account of parental incapacity or absence, as declared judicially.

CubaThe Child and Youth Code, 1978Every child must receive communist formation so that he develops a communist personality. Article 8 of that code requires that the state protect him from other influences. The parents shortly after the birth of the child are given a "Minor's Identification Card" which the child must carry at all times until he or she reaches 16 when an adult ID card is issued.

Cuba Educate Your Child programme The Cuban preschool education system encompasses children from birth to their entry into school (zero to age five-six). It constitutes a first subsystem in the national education system and it is non-compulsory. The Ministry of Education is responsible for supervision, through the Preschool Education Bureau and the national technical group of the Educate Your Child programme, in which all the agencies and organizations involved in the programmes are represented. This structure of coordinating groups is found in each province and municipality and in popular councils. Popular councils are the form of government organization within the community.

JamaicaEarly Childhood Commission Act (2003)An act to establish a commission to govern the administration of early childhood care, education and development in Jamaica, and to make provision for connected matters. The ECCE Council is given legal mandate via this Act.

JamaicaEarly Childhood Act and Regulations (2005)Promotes inclusive education for children with disabilities. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of ECIs and parents. The GoJ supports non-governmental community based programmes that cater to disabled children who cannot access mainstream preprimary education.

JamaicaNational Parenting Support Commission Act (2012)Established an official coordinating body to ensure effective streamlining of GoJ activities related to parenting. The National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) is responsible for monitoring and evaluating. The Parenting Strategy promotes the establishment of Parents Places, centers that provide parenting information, support, and training for both parents and practitioners.

JamaicaChild Care and Protection Act (2004)Guarantees all children, including orphans and vulnerable children and children with special needs, a range of ECD services. The Act is designed to protect the best interests of all children, including each childs right to safety, continuity of care, development of physical and emotional needs, quality relationships, and education. The CDA and several non-governmental agencies provide services to orphans and vulnerable children, including those affected by HIV/AIDS.

JamaicaNational Health Services Act,2009Abolished user fees for public health services. Both antenatal visits and skilled delivery are guaranteed in Jamaica.

JamaicaThe Maternity Leave Act (1979)Guarantees 12 weeks of maternity leave with guaranteed pay of 8 weeks.

JamaicaRegistration of Births and Deaths Act (1981)States that parents or caregivers of children are required to report a childs birth within five days to local district registrars. Since 2007, Civil Bedside Registrars work in public and private hospitals to facilitate this registration process.

JamaicaNational Policy for Persons with Disabilities (2000)Provides a framework for the GoJ to provide equal opportunities for people, including young children, with disabilities.

JamaicaNational Infant and Young Child Feeding (NIYCF) Policy,2013Provides an operational framework and guidelines for programs and services that will promote adequate nutritional practices for young children. The policy also promotes complementary feeding with iron-rich foods for children 6-24 months, including fortified cereals.

JamaicaNational Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Development (2008-2013)The NSP includes strategies for internal processes, including effective parenting, healthcare, screening and early identification and referral for at-risk children, quality early childhood facilities, and curriculum delivery. It also includes strategies for working environment processes, including a result-oriented framework for relevant sector agencies and timely and appropriate information availability.

JamaicaNational Parenting Support Policy (2012)The Government recognized that parents should serve an important role to promote and coordinate organizational efforts and resources for positive parenting practices and optimal opportunities for young children.

JamaicaCharter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, 2011The charter declares that every child has a right to publically funded tuition at preprimary (and primary) level.

JamaicaNational Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS in Jamaica (2007-2012)Health screenings for HIV and STDs for pregnant women are free and standard follow-up and referral procedures are provided. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has operational guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child transmission and antenatal care

JamaicaFamily Health Manual (2007)Includes detailed objectives and strategies for health service provision for infants and young children. The goal of the ECD section of the manual is to ensure holistic child development through promoting and protecting child wellness in the family, health center, and community settings.

MalaysiaChild Care Centres Act 1984The Act (including the regulations issued under it) and the policies of the Department of Social Welfare have specific requirements outlining the minimum standard of care at childcare centres which may be home based or institution based.

MalaysiaThe Child Act, 2001Children should be accorded special care and their welfare given paramount importance. The Child Act 2001 affords protection for children and tackles the problems of juvenile delinquency, child prostitutions and children out of control. It imposes severe punishments for child trafficking, abuse, molestation, neglect, and abandonment. It also mandates the formation of children's courts.

MexicoThe Law on the Protection of the Rights of Children and Adolescents, 2000Recognizes the right of children to be protected against any acts or omissions affecting their physical or mental health, their normal development, or their right to education, including neglect; negligent treatment; abandonment; emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; exploitation; the use of drugs and narcotics; abduction; and trafficking.This law also provides that mothers, fathers, and anyone having custody of children must protect them against any form of ill treatment, prejudice, harm, aggression, abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.

The Federal Criminal Code and the Federal Law on Organized Crime provide that corruption of minors, child prostitution, and child pornography are Felonies.

MexicoThe Law on the Protection of the Rights of Children and Adolescents, 2000Children shall be protected against any act that violates their constitutional guarantees or the rights recognized by law or by international treaties subscribed to by Mexico

MexicoGeneral Law on HealthProvides 1) health education and the promotion of sanitation; 2) prevention and control of priority communicable diseases, the most frequent non-communicable diseases, and accidents; 3) medical care, including preventive measures, rehabilitation, and emergency treatment; 4) maternal and child care; 5) family planning; 6) mental health care; 7) the prevention and control of oral diseases; 8) the availability of medicaments and other essential supplies; 9) promotion of improved nutrition; and 10) social welfare for at-risk groups. The provisions in chapter 5 of the GLH prioritize and define maternal and child care and call for the protection of minors, activities to support families and contribute to maternal and child health, appropriate standards of school hygiene, and health services for school children. Health care for children includes pre- and post-natal care, nutrition advice, immunization, and eye and ear care. Public health care services are provided by the federal Department of Health, with support from social security institutions and state and local authorities.

MexicoLaw on Social WelfareThe LSW states that social welfare services are provided by the federal Department of Health, with support from social security institutions, such as the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF), state and local authorities, and private institutions

MexicoArticle 3 of the Mexican ConstitutionThe State federation, states, Federal District, and municipalities shall provide preschool education which is free.

MexicoThe Law on the Protection of the Rights of Children and Adolescents, 2000Teachers must avoid any form of harm, injury, aggression, abuse, or exploitation of children or adolescents.

MexicoNational Parenting Support Policy (2012)The Government recognized that parents should serve an important role to promote and coordinate organizational efforts and resources for positive parenting practices and optimal opportunities for young children.

NepalChildren Act,1992Ensures the protection of children within the national judicial system. This includes specific child protection training for judges, lawyers, and law enforcement officers, and the creation of a specialized body to advocate for child protection.

NepalThe Labor Act(1992)All mothers working in the public or private sector are entitled to 52 days of paid maternity leave at 100 percent of their salary. This is paid by the employer. However, there is no policy that penalizes or prevents the dismissal of pregnant women nor obligates employers to give employees the same job when they return from maternity leave.

NepalThe Local Self Governance Act(1999)The Act states that Village Development Committees and municipalities are to establish and manage preschools with their own resources. Preprimary education is part of the formal education system

NepalThe Education Act(2028)Identifies two forms of early childhood care and education (ECCE): preprimary classes based in schools are targeted primarily for children ages 4 and 5. The second type of ECCE is child development centers, which are community based and are primarily targeted towards children below 4 years. The centers are free of charge and receive technical support from the Department of Education (DoE)

NepalNational Child Policy, 2012Guarantees orphans and vulnerable children with access to ECD services and children with disabilities and special needs are provided support and access to crosssectoral services.

NepalSchool Sector Reform Plan(2009-2015)The DoE set forth its plans to expand Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) program in collaboration with community-based organizations and international NGOs. The Plan states that the government will fund one year of ECED programming for 4 year old children. Communities can mobilize their own resources to provide ECED services for children below the specified age group. It sets a target of 87 percent of 4 year olds enrolled in ECED.

NepalSecond Long term Health Plan(1997-2017)The government outlines goals to reduce child and mother mortality rates. Nepals Safe Motherhood Program, coordinated by the Ministry of Health (MoH), is designed to reduce maternal mortality by increasing access to family planning, essential obstetric and neonatal care, and access to skilled birth attendants.Currently, there are no laws, regulations, or policies encouraging pregnant women to have standard health screenings for HIV and STDs.

NepalSecond Long term Health Plan(1997-2017Health: exclusively breastfed from 35 percent to 60 percent by 2018. -Reduce anemia from 39 percent to 20 percent by 2018. -Reduce stunting from 19 percent to below 10 percent by 2018. - Increase access to healthcare from 57 percent to above 80 percent by 2018. Education: Expansion of National School readiness programme to achieve 90% enrolment rate by 2017.

PhillipinesEarly Years Act, 2013The state recognises 0-8 years as the first crucial stage of educational development of which the age from 0-4 years shall be the responsibility of the ECCD Council. The education of the children in the age 5-8 years will be with the Dept. Of education. The state shall institutionalize a National system for ECCD that is comprehensive, integrative and sustainable, involving multisectoral and interagency collaboration at national and local levels, family and communities, public and private sectors, NGOs, professional associations and academic institutions. Children with special needs will be accommodated reasonably and accessible environments for them shall be created.

PhillipinesChild and Youth Welfare CodeArt.3: (1) Right to be born well; (2) Right to have a family with love, care, moral and material security. Abandoned child will be provided a substitute for a home; (3) Right to well-rounded development of personality, a gifted child will be given special opportunities, maladjusted child will be given adequate treatments and care, handicapped child will be given treatment, education and care; (4) right to balanced diet, clothing, shelter, medical attention, all physical requirements; (5) moral and rectitute atmosphere; (6) right to education; (7) recreation; (8) protection against exploitation and abuse; (9) right to live in a community and society; (10) right to care, assistance and protection of the State; (11) right to grow as a free individual in a peaceful environment.

PhillipinesECCD Act, 2000An act promulgating a comprehensive policy and a national system for early childhood care and development (ECCD), providing funds therefore. ECCD is the full range of health, nutrition, early education and social services that provide for the holistic needs of 0-6 children.

PhillipinesExecutive Order No. 778 (January 13, 2009)Transformed the CWC into the ECCD Council, attached to the Office of the President. The functions and staff of CWC which are not part of ECCD are transferred to DSWD.

PhillipinesExecutive Order No. 806 (June 9, 2009)Affirmed that CWC shall continue to function and exercise the same powers pursuant to the provisions of PD 603 and EO 233 and attached to DSWD.

PhillipinesGovernance of BasicEducation Act of 2000Defines basic education as the education intended to meet basic learning needs and encompasses early education.

VietnamLaw on Child Protection, Care and Education, 2004The right to have birth registered and acquire nationality; the right to be cared for and brought up; the right to live with parents; the right to be respected and have their life, body, dignity and honour protected; the right to health care; the right to study; the right to join recreational, entertainment, cultural, art, physical, sport and tourist activities; the right to develop aptitudes; the right to have assets; the right to access information and participate in social activities.

VietnamLaw on Child Protection, Care and Education, 2004Article 7 prohibits acts of torturing, maltreating, affronting, or infringing upon the life, body, dignity or honour of others, or applying measures that offend or lower the honour or dignity of, or applying corporal punishments to, juvenile offenders.Article 14 stipulates childrens right to be respected and have their life, body, dignity and honour protected.

VietnamLaw on marriage and family (2006)Article 34 stipulates that parents must not discriminate between, illtreat or persecute their children, or hurt their honour. Doing so would amount to penal liability or compensation.

VietnamRegulations on Penal Examination (Penal Code 2000)Prescribes punishment for causing harm to the health of children, pregnant women, for ill-treatment of children, for corporal punishment, for causing forced suicide, for infringing upon the honour or dignity of a person.

VietnamRegulations on Administrative examination (Decree 114/ND-CP, 2006)Punishment for physically or psychologically injuring a child.