(f) (g) (h) to be free from corporal punishment and cruel and inhuman treatment by any person including parents, school administrations and other institutions; not to be subjected to negative and harmful cultural practices which affect his or her health, welfare or dignity; and to be protected from abduction and trafficking. (2) In all actions concerning children undertaken by public and private welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the paramount consideration shall be the best interest of the child. (3) All levels of government shall accord special protection to orphans and other vulnerable children; child adoption shall be regulated by law. (4) For the purposes of this Constitution, a child is any person under the age of eighteen years. Freedom from Torture 18. No person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Fair Trial 19. (1) An accused person is presumed to be innocent until his or her guilt is proved according to the law. (2) Any person who is arrested shall be informed, at the time of arrest, of the reasons for his or her arrest and shall be promptly informed of any charges against him or her. (3) In all civil and criminal proceedings, every person shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent court of law in accordance with procedures prescribed by law. (4) No person shall be charged with any act or omission which did not constitute an offence at the time of its commission. (5) Every accused person shall be entitled to be tried in his or her presence in any criminal trial without undue delay; the law shall regulate trial in absentia. (6) Any accused person has the right to defend himself or herself in person or through a lawyer of his or her own choice or to have legal aid assigned to him or her by the government where he or she cannot afford a lawyer to defend him or her in any serious offence. 6