   c) Ensuring the implementation of civic, social, economic and cultural rights of children, and that the country’s laws are in harmony with international human rights standards. This means that laws which have been approved, relating to child protection, namely the Law Protecting Children and the Law on the Prevention and Suppression Against Human Trafficking, Especially Women and Children ought to be regulated. The implementation of compulsory and free education for every children should be guaranteed; Ensure the protection of children by curbing negative cultural practices which violate the human rights of children under the guise of culture and tradition; Design a National Strategy for the Fight Against Child Trafficking. The Rights of Older Persons 296.In terms of Article 124 of the CRM, “1. Older persons shall have the right to special protection by their families, society and the State, namely with regard to the creation of housing conditions, relations within families and communities, and the commitment by public and private institutions aimed at preventing the marginalization of older persons; 2. The State shall promote an old-age policy embracing economic, social and cultural measures with a view to creating opportunities for personal fulfillment through the involvement of older persons in community life.” 297.Article 95 of the CRM guarantees that older persons shall have the right to assistance if they become incapacitated: “1. Every citizen shall have the right to be assisted when incapacitated or during old age; 2. The State shall promote and encourage the creation of conditions for the fulfillment of this right”. 298.In Mozambique, older persons are regarded as a depository of knowledge, capable of projecting social and cultural values. Older persons are the guardians of Mozambique’s history, traditions and culture. This historic and social legacy entails the responsibility to educate and to convey moral and social values to younger generations. 299.The government has been making efforts with a view to ensuring the rights of older persons by assisting them socially. Communities have been sensitized about the need for either families or communities to assist older persons so that they do not live in isolation. 300.In order to make older people less vulnerable, the government has implemented social protection programs aimed at improving their living conditions. The Basic Social Allowance Program, which provides financial assistance to families living in absolute poverty throughout the country, in 2006 helped 100,751 people, of whom 89.819, of whom 59.069 are women and 30.750 elderly people. 301.Given that the majority of elderly people consist of women, most of those who benefit from the Basic Social Allowance Program include elderly women. The program contributes to ease poverty. Combined Report from the Republic of Mozambique to the ACHPR, 1999-2010 53

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