 It takes into account the principle of universality of human rights and presents some specificities that reflect the particularities of the African Continent (traditions and positive values)  It reaffirms the attachment of African States to the freedoms and human rights included in the declarations, conventions, and other instruments adopted within the frame of the AU and UN.  Article 2: Right to Freedom from Discrimination Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or any status.  Article 3: Right to Equality before the Law and Equal Protection of the Law 1. Every individual shall be equal before the law 2. Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law  Article 18: Protection of the Family and Vulnerable Groups The State shall ensure the elimination of every discrimination against women and also ensure the protection of the rights of women and the child as stipulated in international declarations and conventions. B. The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women (Maputo Protocol)  Entry into force in November 2005  To date, 30 countries ratified it and 20 countries signed it.  It guarantees all fundamental rights of women and tries to bring responses to the problems and quetions that are specific to African women  Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Article 2): States are committed to prohibit and sanction all forms of discrimination and harmful practices which endanger the health and general well-being of women.  Violences against women (Article 4): States are committed to actively promote peace education through curricula and social communication in order to eradicate elements in traditional and cultural beliefs and practices.  Elimination of harmful practices (Article 5): States are committed to: prohibit and sanction all forms of female genital mutilation; provide necessary support to victims of harmful practices (health services, legal and judicialsupport); protect women and