Africa’s Christian Professionals Laud Namibia’s 5th Family Conference as Dedication to Family as “cornerstone of society

Referring to Namibia’s constitution, Africa’s Christian professionals say it “explicitly recognizes the family’s importance, emphasizing its role as the natural and fundamental unit of society.”

They cite Article 14 of the constitution which they say guarantees the right to marry and start a family, ensuring equal rights within marriage and its dissolution. In addition, they say that the article stipulates that “the family is entitled to protection by society and the State.”

In their statement, ACPF members further refer to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Banjul Charter) which they say reinforces the principle of the right to marry and to establish a family.

They go on to explain that Article 18 of the African Charter declares that “‘the family shall be the natural unit and basis of society,’ urging governments to protect its physical and moral well-being.”

Africa's Christian professionals say that the article further “calls on states to assist families as custodians of moral and traditional values, ensuring their centrality in preserving societal cohesion.”

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On an international scale, ACPF members say that “the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) echoes these sentiments, asserting in Article 16 that the family is ‘the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.’”

They go on to explain that the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) also “emphasize the family’s pivotal role in nurturing children and maintaining societal balance.”

ACPF members say that both the national and international legal frameworks as outlined “collectively reinforce the need for strong policies that support and sustain families.”

In the statement that ACI Africa obtained on December 9, Africa’s Christian professionals laud their representative in the Southern African nation for the “remarkable leadership”.

They say, “His tireless efforts have been central to organizing this year’s conference, ensuring it serves as a platform to celebrate the family while addressing challenges and opportunities for its growth and resilience.”

To show solidarity with Namibia, ACPF members invite their colleagues across the world to participate in the conference describing it as “a unique opportunity to celebrate the family’s role as the bedrock of society, reflect on its importance, and collectively advocate for its protection.”

“Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting family values and ensuring they remain a cornerstone of our legal, cultural, and social systems,” they say.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.