Practitioner reference
Legal frameworks.
A working reference to family law, child rights, and ADR legislation across Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, plus international instruments. Summaries are orientation-only — always verify against the current official text.
International instruments
1989
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Article 12 — the right of the child to be heard in matters affecting them. Foundation for all CIM practice.
Read source ↗1990
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC)
Africa-specific expression of children's rights including the right to express views.
Read source ↗2009
UNCRC General Comment No. 12
Authoritative guidance on implementing Article 12 (child's right to be heard) in judicial and administrative proceedings.
Read source ↗By jurisdiction
Children Act (Cap 62, as amended 2016)
1997Scope: Principal statute on children's welfare, custody, maintenance, care orders.
Relevance to CIM: Defines best-interests principle; Family and Children Court jurisdiction; welfare principle in custody decisions.
Official source ↗Divorce Act (Cap 249)
1904Scope: Grounds and procedure for divorce; custody at divorce.
Relevance to CIM: Requires the court to consider arrangements for minor children before granting divorce.
Official source ↗Family and Children Court (established under Children Act)
1997Scope: Specialised magistrate court for matters involving children.
Relevance to CIM: The primary forum in which a child's voice is received in family proceedings.
Official source ↗Last reviewed 2026-04-13. Summaries are orientation only — verify against current official text before citing.