The Example of Cape Verde

A Powerful Constitutional Commitment to the Family

Families have the fundamental right to educate their children according to the ethical and social principles resulting from their philosophical, religious, ideological, aesthetic, political, or other convictions.

All young people shall have the right to special protection by the family, the society, and the state, permitting the development of their personality, their physical and intellectual capacities, and their full integration in social, cultural, political and economic life.

The family is the fundamental element and the basis of all society.

The family must be protected by society and by the State to create conditions for the accomplishment of its social function and for the personal fulfillment of its members.

The State and social institutions must create conditions to assure the unity and stability of the family.

For the protection of the family, the State shall have the following duties:

• To assist the family in its mission of guarding the social values recognized by the community;
• To promote the social and economic independence of family units;
• To cooperate with parents in the education of their children;
• To define and execute, in consultation with associations representing families, a family policy of general, national scope.

Fathers and mothers shall have the right to the protection of society and the State to accomplish these duties in regard to their children.

Fatherhood and motherhood constitute the highest social values.

All children shall have the right to the special protection of the family, society, and the State to guarantee conditions necessary for the whole development of their physical and intellectual capacities, and special care in case of orphans, abandoned children, or the emotionally deprived.