‘Family values’ African charter condemned by rights groups as regressive and dangerous

A new plan, called an African charter, is now closer to becoming law. This plan talks about family and culture in Africa. Many human rights groups do not like this new plan. They say it is bad and dangerous.

The plan says that certain health and reproductive choices are a big problem for African families. It calls them a 'threat'. The plan also says that ideas from outside Africa are attacking African culture and values. It wants countries to stop following old agreements that do not match these new ideas.

One old agreement is the Maputo Protocol from 2003. This protocol helps women and girls. It says they have rights to equality and good health. But the new charter wants countries to leave this protocol. This means women's health and equality may face challenges. African governments met in Ghana to discuss this new charter.