implementation of family protection programmes. Due to new challenges, measures were taken to consolidate the family unit. §1: Implementation of Family Protection Programmes 465- Different programmes devoted to family support were made available to target families. In this regard, the Prenuptial, Matrimonial and Family Education Programme implemented since 2013 with the aim of consolidating the social role of the family and maintaining family balance continued. In a bid to prepare future spouses for marriage, didactic materials on family education were distributed to 6,326 persons in 2016. In 2017, prenuptial, matrimonial and family education involved 19,377 persons and for the year 2018, 62,976 persons as at 30 September. The State supported the celebration of 5,141 collective marriages in 2017 and for 2018, 1,559 as at 30 September. In addition, capacity development actions were carried out for social stakeholders and regional officials of MINPROFF on family support. The actions were aimed at better structuring the support of couples and families within the framework of matrimonial mediation and therapy. 466- Besides, a National Plan to reduce domestic violence was drawn up to promote peace in families and combat violence. The awareness of many families and communities was raised on harmful socio-cultural practices, especially child marriage. Meanwhile, as part of the Family Education Programme on Human Rights, sessions were organised to disseminate legal instruments on the protection of family rights. 467- Furthermore, within the framework of the campaign dubbed “16 days of action on violence against women” organised from 25 November to 10 December 2015, the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family published a letter on awareness-raising of families on the “dehumanising and inadmissible nature of the many forms of violence against women and the girl child in families and the socio-professional environment”. 468- Assistance and relief were given to poor and needy families as part of the Programme on assistance and poverty reduction for poor and needy persons and families. A total of 2,424 of such families were given assistance and relief in 2017 and 2,227 persons as at 30 September 2018. Support mechanisms set up for rural women or in Women’s Promotion Centres continued to operate. 469- With regard to the mobilization of communities for health and essential family practices, actions taken included the mobilization of parents and families on mother and child health that involved 86,017 persons, and community mobilization on the immunization of women and children that involved 5,131 persons in 2017. In addition, from January to September 2018, the awareness of 91,488 families and persons was raised on the promotion of family health. §2: Family Protection against Neighbouring Hazards 470- New strategies were drawn up to address the hazards threatening family stability. The hazards are due especially to the decline in moral and cultural values, poverty, lack of basic social services to support families and children, persistent sociocultural bottlenecks, exploitation and trafficking in persons, influx of refugees and displaced persons that increases family vulnerability and the influence of social networks and the media that reduce communication in families and increase the risk of violence and conflicts. 471- The following strategies were designed:  education, information and training of families and communities;  mobilization of key stakeholders with the aim of involving the community in development;  psychosocial support to persons and families involved in violence;  assistance to poor and needy persons and families; and 80