Article 2 DEFINITION OF A CHILD For the purposes of this Charter, a child means every human being below the age of 18 years. Article 3 NON-DISCRIMINATION Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status. Article 4 BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD 1. In all actions concerning the child undertaken by any person or authority the best interests of the child shall be the primary consideration. 2. In all judicial or administrative proceedings affecting a child who is capable of communicating his/her own views, and opportunity shall be provided for the views of the child to be heard either directly or through an impartial representative as a party to the proceedings, and those views shall be taken into consideration by the relevant authority in accordance with the provisions of appropriate law. Article 5 SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT 1. Every child has an inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. 2. States Parties to the present Charter shall ensure, to the maximum extent possible, the survival, protection and development of the child. 3. Death sentence shall not be pronounced for crimes committed by children. AFRICAN CHARTER on the Rights and Welfare of the Child 9