special assistance measures to be taken for the benefit of the harassed child (Articles 17 and 21). 57 Finally, the Child Code voted by the National Assembly on January 26th and awaiting promulgation provides in its Article 8 paragraph 2 that: "... the child's best interests refers to the primacy of safeguarding and privileging above all the rights of the child for its development, welfare, growth, and preparation to active, mature, and responsible citizenship " Right to life, survival and development: 58 - This principle in Beninese law provides for following constitutional guarantees: The right of mothers and children to special protection measures (Article 8 of the Constitution); - the right to development and self-fulfillment of the person in its various dimensions (Art.9 of the constitution); - the right to be protected against torture, abuse or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. (Art.18 of the Constitution); - the right to be absolved of the duty of obedience when the order received shall constitute a serious and manifest infringement with respect to human rights and public liberties Finally the right to a healthy environment (Art 27 of the Constitution) ; 59 Death penalty is abolished in Benin. Article 679 of Law No. 2012-15 of March 18, 2013 on the Code of Criminal Procedure provides that: "If a minor over fifteen (15) years is convicted, the court may either take one of the custody or rehabilitation measures provided for in articles 688, 690 and 692 to 694 of this Code or pronounce a criminal sentence with this reservation that the punishment cannot exceed the half of the sentence to which it could have been condemned if it had been eighteen (18) years ". Respect for children's views 60 It is observed in guardianship. The law entitles a 16 year-old minor to call a family council meeting (article 478 of the CPF) And the minor that completed 16 years of age may on a consultative basis, participate in a family council meeting (Article 481 of the Personal and Family Code). Informing children and promoting their participation 61 62 The "new" educational programs introduced since 1999 helped develop interactive teaching practices, leading children to work in mixed groups at school and thus seeking information in their home and community environments. These approaches promote children's active participation and strengthen their capacity to protect themselves. Under the Benin-UNICEF cooperation program, there are various initiatives aimed at facilitating the participation of children, including peer educators, adolescent clubs for teenagers, Girls' initiatives for girls etc..: