Key Laws and Policies
National Child Protection Authority Act (No. 50 of 1998): This is the primary legislation establishing the NCPA and outlining its functions, including policy formulation, coordination, monitoring, and enforcement of child protection measures.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): Sri Lanka is a signatory to the CRC, which outlines the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children.
Optional Protocols to the CRC: Sri Lanka has ratified the Optional Protocols on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography, as well as the involvement of children in armed conflict.
Penal Code: Various provisions within the Penal Code address crimes against children, such as rape, sexual abuse, and child trafficking.
Juvenile Justice Act: This law provides for the care, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children in conflict with the law.
Other Relevant Laws and Policies
Education Act: Ensures access to free education for all children.
Labour Laws: Protect children from exploitation and hazardous work.
Marriage Registration Act: Sets the minimum age for marriage at 18.
Focus Areas of Child Protection
Prevention of Child Abuse: This includes physical, emotional, sexual, and neglectful abuse.
Child Trafficking: Prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficked children.
Child Labour: Eradication of child labor and protection of children from hazardous work.
Juvenile Justice: Ensuring the rights and well-being of children in conflict with the law.
Child Marriage: Prevention of child marriage and protection of child brides.
Challenges and Gaps
Despite these laws and policies, challenges persist in effectively protecting children. These include:
· Lack of awareness about child rights and protection laws.
· Inadequate resources and personnel for implementing child protection measures.
· Weak coordination among different government agencies.
· Persisting cultural and social norms that undermine child protection efforts.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following resources:
National Child Protection Authority:
[https://childprotection.gov.lk/](https://childprotection.gov.lk/)
The Royal College:
[https://royalcollege.lk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Laws-related-to-Children-in-Sri-Lanka.pdf]
(https://royalcollege.lk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Laws-related-to-Children-in-Sri-Lanka.pdf)
Child Trafficking in Sri Lanka - Legal Framework and Efforts
Anti-Trafficking Law: Sri Lanka has enacted the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act No. 31 of 2003, which provides a legal framework for combating trafficking.
NCPA's Role: The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) plays a pivotal role in preventing and responding to child trafficking cases.
International Cooperation: Sri Lanka collaborates with international organizations and neighboring countries to combat transnational child trafficking.