Algerian women seek changes in family code

The Nour Association for Women and Children has demanded the Algerian People's National Assembly to amend Article 66 of the country's family code.

RABİA XARÊS

Algeria - The Nour Association for Women and Children has released a statement demanding the Algerian People’s National Assembly to put the draft law aiming to amend Article 66 of the Algerian Family Code on its agenda. Article 66 states that a mother automatically will lose custody if she remarries a man who is not a close relative of the child. The association demands the amendment of the article.

“Women have to make a choice”

“Algerian families face problems and obstacles that jeopardize their safety. According to Article 66 of the Family Code, women have the right to get child custody and rebuild their lives after divorce. But they lose custody if they remarry. This article forces divorced women to make a choice,” the statement says.

In the statement, the association also demands that the concept of divorce should be revised and says, “A legal and social way should be formed to build a balance between the best interests of the child and parents’ right to care and the protection of their children.” The association also demands the suffering of women who could not get the custody of their children be ended.