Protection of Life of the Child

Right to life is the most fundamental right of human beings. It hasbeen noted and emphasized in some human rights instruments.Although we do not see the term "right to life" in Islamic literature,we can infer this basic right from Islamic sources because it has beenstrictly protected in the holy Quran and other texts. The holy Quranprohibited killing of children. The Committee on the Rights of theChild has identified four general principles as the object and purposeof the Convention on the Rights of the Child. One of thesefundamental principles is "the right to life, survival and developmentof the child" (art. 6). This right relates to immunity from executionand the prohibition of abortion. Article 37 of the CRC provides thatcapital punishment shall not be imposed for offences committed bypersons below 18 years old. States shall pursue the fullimplementation of this right and take appropriate measures to protectthe life of children.