Africa-Press – Angola. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Adão de Almeida, acknowledged on Tuesday the urgent need to review the Family Code, which has been in effect since 1988, considering that it no longer reflects the current social landscape, which has changed significantly since the 1980s.
The politician made the statement during the opening of the International Congress on Family Law, which was organized to celebrate the centenary of jurist Maria do Carmo Medina. Medina left an indelible mark on the Angolan legal system and is recognized as the driving force behind the current Family Code.
Addressing academics, magistrates, students, and family members, de Almeida explained that the new Constitution and profound societal changes in Angola make revising the legislation imperative.
According to the parliamentary leader, new cultural phenomena, human behaviors, and social views pose challenges that the 1988 code no longer adequately addresses.
De Almeida acknowledged the advances introduced by the 1988 Code, which repealed the Family Book of the 1966 Civil Code; affirmed equality between men and women; recognized de facto unions; eliminated discrimination between children; and simplified divorce and guardianship processes.
However, he noted that 37 years have passed and that Angolan society today faces challenges the 1988 legislature could not have foreseen.
“It is necessary to ensure that the Family Code continues to reflect the letter and spirit of the Constitution while keeping pace with an increasingly dynamic society,” he stated.
De Almeida identified several phenomena that continue to jeopardize the stability of Angolan families and require comprehensive, updated solutions.
Among these phenomena, he pointed to child marriage as a persistent practice that must be combated more vigorously. He also mentioned domestic violence, especially violence against children, as another issue that requires attention.
He also referred to the abandonment of paternity and the violation of the duty to provide alimony. In his view, these situations require innovative approaches to guarantee the full protection of children.
The lawmaker criticized the continued existence of bureaucratic requirements that delay the adoption process for many children and warned of the growing influence of spiritual practices and certain religious rituals, which often destabilize families and violate human dignity.
“Accusing a child of being a witch endangers that child’s future, their family’s future, and society’s future. If society does not react, it will be complicit,” he said.
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