African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights



Article 18: Protection of the Family and Vulnerable Groups

  • Paragraph 1
    The family shall be the natural unit and basis of society. It shall be protected by the State which shall take care of its physical health and moral.

  • Paragraph 2
    The State shall have the duty to assist the family which is the custodian of morals and traditional values recognised by the community.

  • Paragraph 3
    The State shall ensure the elimination of every discrimination against women and also ensure the protection of the rights of women and the child as stipulated in international declarations and conventions.

  • Paragraph 4
    The aged and the disabled shall also have the right to special measures of protection in keeping with their physical or moral needs.

Most cited cases in the context of Article 18

   

212/98 Amnesty International / Zambia

Country: Zambia | Articles: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, 56, 61, 62
Outcome: Provisional measures, Decided on merits | Citations: 8
Contextual citations: 1 out of 4
   

143/95-150/96 Constitutional Rights Project and Civil Liberties Organisation / Nigeria

Country: Nigeria | Articles: 5, 6, 7, 18, 26, 56
Outcome: Decided on merits | Citations: 4
Contextual citations: 1 out of 4
   

97/93_14AR John K. Modise / Botswana

Country: Botswana | Articles: 3, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18
Outcome: Decided on merits | Citations: 2
Contextual citations: 1 out of 1