Luanda Hosts First International Family Law Congress

Luanda: Angola’s capital city, Luanda, is currently hosting the inaugural International Congress on Family Law. Organized by the Angolan branch of the Brazilian Institute of Family Law, the event aims to facilitate discussions on Family Law and offer comparative insights into various legal systems, especially Brazil’s.

According to Angola Press News Agency, this congress is a first in Angola, particularly focusing on family law. Throughout the event, participants are delving into topics such as the formation and legal protection of families, the role of custom as a source of family law, and the reform of the Angolan Family Code.

The congress, which began on Thursday, has attracted more than 270 participants, including 18 local and foreign speakers and eight moderators. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of the First Lady of the Republic, Ana Dias Lourenço, judicial magistrates, and members of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

José Van-Dúnem, a university lecturer, addressed the dynamics of families in Angola from a sociological perspective. He urged specialists to conduct in-depth studies on the subject and highlighted the state’s critical role in ensuring social stability, which is fundamental to considering the family as society’s engine.

Van-Dúnem emphasized the need for Angolan society to work towards rescuing degraded values to maintain family cohesion. Arlindo Castro, president of the Angolan branch of the Brazilian Institute of Family Law, advocated for greater reflection on the role of families in society, aiming for more love and tranquility within familial structures. Castro noted that the congress would facilitate experience exchange to enhance family lives.

The two-day congress features discussions on a range of pertinent topics, including birth registration as a fundamental right, mediation and collaborative practices in resolving family conflicts, and the psychological and legal preparation of the family. Other significant topics include divorce rights, de facto unions in Angola, socio-affectivity in multi-parenthood, child and youth adoption, international adoption in Angola, and the impact of parental alienation.

Participants will also explore the legal regulation of medically assisted reproduction techniques and the challenges of family law in the digital age, highlighting the congress’s comprehensive approach to addressing various aspects of family law.