b3. Limitations:
The implementation of this right raises a number of difficulties due to the diverse
interpretations of this concept. In both rural and urban areas, it is perceived as inducing
children to rebel against their parents and question customary values that require a child to
remain silent before an adult.
c) Freedom of thought, conscience and religion (article 3)
c1. Administrative, legislative and judicial measures:
Article 23 of the Constitution provides that: "Every person shall have the right to
freedom of thought, opinion, conscience, religion and worship". It is the bounden duty
of the State to guarantee the exercise of this right which is subject to respect of public
order, national unity and social peace.
Article 14 of the CRC guarantees this right for children. While the State guarantees the
exercise of this right through enactments and infrastructure, the family environment, for its
part, constitutes a blocking factor, inasmuch as it is the duty of parents to ensure the
religious, philosophical and civic education of their offspring.
Consequently, it would be quite hard for the child to act outside the context in which he
has lived. Such an act would be construed as rebellion. The religious education of children
from moslem background cannot be done outside the Quranic schools. Thus, the child has
no choice and is bound to follow the religion of his forebears.
d) Freedom of association and peaceful assembly
d1. Administrative, legislative and judicial measures (article 8):
The Constitution in its Article 24: "recognizes and guarantees the freedom from
restraint and the freedoms of association, reunion, procession and demonstration
under conditions defined by law".
The regulation and conditions for the exercise of these rights are stated in Ordinance No.
84-06 of 1 March 1984 laying down the regime of associations. It allows youths to regroup
themselves for the purpose of defending their vested and moral interests. Also, there are
youth associations for the promotion of sports and cultural activities. Lastly, neighbourhood
youth associations can be formed to contribute to works of public utility (sanitation,
clearing of cemeteries, etc).
d2. Limitations:
The importance of these informal associations is undeniable. Yet, the lack of supervision
often leads to problems (drug abuse, social deviants) for which civil responsibility should
be attributed either to parents or the State.
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