I’ve been reading the Afghanistan Constitution that was adopted in the last few years. Granted, I don’t think they are adhering to many of the responsibilites that should be accruing to the government, but I found these two articles interesting.
Article 53
The state guarantees the rights and privileges of pensioners and disabled and handicapped individuals and as well renders necessary assistance to needy elders, women without caretakers, and needy orphans in accordance with the law.
Article 54
Family is a fundamental unit of society and is supported by the state.
The state adopts necessary measures to ensure physical and psychological well being of family, especially of child and mother, upbringing of children and the elimination of traditions contrary to the principles of sacred religion of Islam.
I may not know my own consititution very well, but I don’t think there is anything like these two articles in there. That’s the result of a religious-based law system I guess, and I don’t know how much that article 54 would even benefit people if the sacred religion of Islam didn’t protect the rights of women, minorities, etc.
Article 53 is interesting in the way they treat the families of people who were killed in war. There are entire communities set aside where the handicapped and their families are allowed to live, along with the families of those martyred in the war with the Soviet Union.
I’m sure there are no lessons for America to learn from the Afghans, but maybe a look at the practices here might just freshen our perspective on Veteran’s affairs; caring for widows, orphans and the elderly; and child care.
I’m still reading . . .