Central African Republic Constitution: 2004

The 2004 constitution of Central African Republic was adopted via constitutional referendum on December 5, 2004. Two articles hold particular relevance to children those being:

• Article 6: Marriage and the family constitute the natural and moral basis of the human community. They are placed under the protection of the State. The State and other public authorities have, together, the duty to ensure the physical and moral health of the family and to encourage it socially through appropriate institutions. The protection of women and children against violence and insecurity, exploitation and moral, intellectual and physical abandonment is an obligation for the State and other public authorities. This protection is ensured by appropriate measures and institutions of the State and other public authorities. Parents have the natural right and the primary duty to raise and educate their children in order to develop in them good physical, intellectual and moral abilities. They are supported in this task by the State and other public authorities. Children born out of wedlock have the same rights to public assistance as legitimate children. Natural children, legally recognized, have the same rights as legitimate children. The State and other public authorities have the duty to create preconditions and public institutions that guarantee the education of children.
• Article 7: Everyone has the right to access the sources of knowledge. The State guarantees children and adults access to education, culture and vocational training. The education and instruction of young people must be provided for by public or private institutions. Private institutions may be opened with the authorization of the State, under the conditions set by law. They are placed under the control of the State. Parents have the obligation to provide for the education and instruction of their children until at least the age of sixteen (16). The State and other public authorities have the obligation to create and ensure the proper functioning of public institutions for the education and instruction of young people. Education is free in public institutions for the various levels of education.