Every person over the age of 18 has the right to marry and start a family. No person may be forced to marry or be married against their will. Persons of the same sex may not marry each other. Elaboration of Certain Rights This particular section in the Constitution gives more details about certain rights and freedoms to make it easier to understand how they apply. Rights of women • Women have full and equal dignity of the person with men. They have the same rights as men and such rights include equal opportunities in political, economic and social activities. • Women also have the same rights as men regarding custody and guardianship of children. An Act of Parliament may regulate how these rights are to be exercised. • All laws, customs, tradition and cultural practices that violate women’s constitutional rights are invalid with regard to the violation. Rights of children Every child (anyone under 18 years) has the following rights: • to equal treatment before the law; • to be given a name and family name; • to a birth certificate without delay; • to parental care or appropriate alternative care; • to be protected from economic and sexual exploitation, child labour, maltreatment, neglect and other forms of abuse; • to education, health care services, nutrition and shelter; • not to be recruited into a militia force or take part in armed conflicts; • not to be forced to take part in any political activity; • not to be detained except as a measure of last resort; and • if so detained, it should be for a short period, separately from adult persons, with appropriate treatment and conditions. In every matter concerning the child, a child’s best interests are paramount. Children are entitled to adequate protection by the courts in particular by the 11