Constitution of the Portuguese Republic

Country
Portugal

Article 69 (Childhood) (1) With a view to their integral development, children shall possess the right to protection by society and the state, especially from all forms of abandonment, discrimination and oppression and from the abusive exercise of authority in the family or any other institution. (2) The state shall ensure special protection for children who are orphaned, abandoned or deprived of a normal family environment in any way. (3) Labour by minors of school age shall be prohibited as laid down by law. Article 70 (Youth) (1) In order to ensure the effective enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights, young people shall receive special protection, particularly: (a) In education, vocational training and culture; (b) In access to their first job, at work and in relation to social security; (c) In access to housing; (d) In physical education and sport; (e) In the use of their free time. (2) The priority objectives of the youth policy shall be the development of young people’s personality, the creation of the conditions needed for their effective integration into the active life, a love of free creativity and a sense of community service. (3) Acting in cooperation with families, schools, businesses, residents’ organisations, cultural associations and foundations and cultural and recreational groups, the state shall foster and support youth organisations in the pursuit of the said objectives, as well as international youth exchanges. Article 36 (Family, marriage and filiation) (4) Children born outside marriage shall not be discriminated against on that ground; terms describing filiation that are discriminatory shall not be used by the law or by government departments. (6) Children shall not be separated from their parents unless the parents fail to perform their fundamental duties towards the children, and in that case only by judicial decision.