Africa-Press – Angola. The Presiding Judge of the Constitutional Court, Laurinda Prazeres, defended on Tuesday (24) in the municipality of Gambos, southern province of Huíla, the predominance of children’s interest in family conflicts, to guarantee their protection.
The magistrate was speaking during a mock traditional trial about a case of adultery, which involves the payment of a fine that in the local language is called “Ukoi,” held on the second day of the court official’s visit to the province.
The “Ukoi” is a traditional fine applied in cases of adultery and in Huíla it is a predominantly ritual practice, where betrayal in a romantic relationship results in penalties with the payment of cattle, the quality of which is determined by the offended party.
The initiative is part of the Constitutional Court’s activities to bring the Constitution closer to communities and promote a culture of legality.
During the session, the judge emphasized the importance of coexistence between customary law and positive law, noting that traditional practices can coexist with the legal system without compromising constitutional principles.
Laurinda Prazeres stressed that any sanction applied must observe the principle of proportionality, avoiding excessive measures that could harm the family unit and compromise social stability.
She also emphasized that judicial decisions should always seek to harmonize the application of customary law with the fundamental rights, freedoms, and guarantees ensured by the Republic of Angola’s Constitution.
The trial simulated a marital conflict in which the conciliation of the parties and family pacification were prioritized, with special attention to the protection of the interests of children, considered the most vulnerable in situations of family disagreement.
The initiative also helped to clarify the limits of action between formal courts and traditional authorities, promoting greater cooperation between community leaders, police and magistrates, with a view to the efficient resolution of conflicts.
The Constitutional Court has intensified the availability of the Constitution of the Republic translated into national languages, such as Kimbundu, Umbundu and Nyaneka, allowing greater access to information and understanding of rights and duties by communities.
The delegation that accompanied the visit included all the judges of the court, magistrates of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and representatives of different entities in the province, reinforcing the institutional commitment to the promotion of citizenship and the protection of children’s protection.
In addition to the mock trial, the work agenda included meetings with municipal authorities and the holding of the “Constitutional Ondjango”, an educational activity that brings the Fundamental Law closer to the communities and promotes a culture of conciliation and respect for children’s rights.
