A proposed African Charter on Family Values, Rights and Freedoms currently under discussion within the African Union is raising alarm among human rights advocates, legal scholars, and civil society groups across the continent. The draft charter, championed by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights alongside conservative advocacy groups, aims to promote what it describes as “traditional family values” rooted in African culture and morality.

Supporters say the proposal is necessary to protect African identity, preserve cultural norms, and strengthen the institution of the family. Critics, however, warn that some of its provisions could be used to justify discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, limit reproductive and women’s rights, and weaken existing constitutional and human rights protections under the guise of protecting culture and tradition.

We examined why critics believe the proposed charter could have far-reaching implications for rights and freedoms across the continent with Dr. Nicola Jearey-Graham, Senior Researcher of Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction at Rhodes University.