Goa Children's Act, 2003 (Goa Act No. 18 of 2003). Country/Territory India Territorial subdivision Goa Document type Legislation Date 2003 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to protect, promote and preserve the best interests of Children in Goa and to create a society that is proud to be child friendly. Subject Agricultural & rural development, Food & nutrition Keyword Human rights Nutrition Social protection Gender Geographical area Asia, Asia and the Pacific, Indian Ocean, South Asian Seas, Southern Asia Entry into force notes This Act enters into force immediately. Abstract The Act provides for the protection of children and children's rights, as well as to promote and preserve their best interests within the State of Goa. The State shall ensure that children are protected from child abuse, sexual offences, child trafficking, child prostitution and violation of their rights against exploitation, including child labour and that they are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity. The State shall promote with special care the educational interests of children from the weaker sections of society including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living as well as the improvement of public health as among its primary duties. The provisions of the Convention of the Rights of the Child as by the Government of India are hereby declared to be part of the law of the land and it shall be the duty and responsibility of the State Government to respect and ensure that the Rights of the Child as well as discrimination against gender issues, declared and enumerated in the Convention, are protected and guaranteed to every child within the territory of Goa. In addition, for a proper implementation of the Rights of the Child included in the Convention and to prevent any discrimination, exploitation or abuse of the child on any ground, the government shall take adequate measures. Full text English Website www.lawsofindia.org