159. Article 52 (1) of the CRGB provides for the inviolability of freedom of conscience
and religion and paragraph 2 recognizes freedom of religion, as long as it does not
breach the fundamental principles of the constitution. In the international legal
instruments applicable in the country, freedom of worship, conscience and religion
are guaranteed. In this context, children, according to their abilities and guidance of
their parents and guardians, are guaranteed the exercise of these rights.
160. It should also be noted that the last parliamentary session in 2007 ratified the
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), an important legal
instrument that enshrines all civil rights and freedoms adopted at the CRC. This is
provided for in Article 9 of the Charter and in Article 14 of the CRC. Paragraph 3 of
this article establishes restrictions on religious freedom for children in the following
cases: Restrictions are provided for by law and are also necessary for the attainment
of security, order and public health, morals or freedom and fundamental rights.
161. The above Articles of the Constitution of the Republic, show that the child is not
only a member of society but an active member, which also highlights, the
harmonization between the Charter, the CRC and the Constitution. However, in
practice there are many challenges in its application, due to the social cultural values,
under which the behaviors of the majority of the inhabitants of the country are
oriented. For instance, in the tradition of almost all ethnicities in Guinea-Bissau,
children should not express opinions when adults address matters, even those that
concern them.
162. There are also rare occasions when children can choose the religion they wish
to profess, since there is a trend for children to automatically adopt the religion of
their parents, except for a few exceptions (cases of children adopting a Christian
religion whose parents are animists). The difficulty in the religious freedom of
children, sometimes occurs especially in relation to children of Christian parents who
want to adopt the Muslim religion and vice versa. In fact, in spite of the difficulties
identified in the examples shown, the effort of families in adopting the norms set out
in the constitution is verified. There is awareness that the child is no longer just a
member of society with duties to fulfill, but also has their rights.
163. State institutions in coordination with NGOs and families, are increasingly
working to create conditions for children to exercise these rights, and the attitude of
adults towards children is progressive and positive. This position is justified by the
existence of a set of associations made up of children in different cities and villages.
Alongside these associations of Guinean children, currently have a parliament where
they have the opportunity to express their thoughts and defend their interests.
6.5. Access to appropriate information or right to privacy
164. Children should be provided with information that does not jeopardize their
development. In this context and in accordance with the press law, social media,
especially the public ones, must take into account, in their programming, the
appropriate contents for the children. The same happens in the inspection of
children's access to films and shows, where they have to limit entry according to age.
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