‘Family values’ African charter condemned by rights groups as regressive and dangerous
Summary
African governments met in Ghana to discuss a draft charter aimed at promoting traditional family values across the continent. The charter opposes some international human rights agreements, including those protecting women's reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and has been criticized by experts and activists as harmful and regressive.Key Facts
- The draft African charter promotes African cultural and family values and rejects what it calls "foreign ideologies."
- It calls for countries to withdraw from agreements like the 2003 Maputo protocol, which supports gender equality and protects women’s reproductive health.
- The charter opposes sexual and reproductive health rights policies, claiming they promote abortion on demand, which experts say is false.
- It rejects comprehensive sex education and states that gender is only male or female.
- Parental rights are prioritized over a child’s rights regarding sexuality and discipline decisions.
- The draft was prepared by African lawmakers, led by Ugandan ministers, at a conference known for supporting anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
- Critics argue the charter ignores diverse family types and risks harming women, children, and LGBTQ+ people by limiting their rights.
- The charter’s language reflects influence from conservative Christian groups in the US and Europe, which oppose abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
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