Right to marry and protection of family life
Marriage requires free consent and family life deserves protection.
What does this right mean?
Marriage requires free consent and family life deserves protection. Parental responsibilities must be considered alongside children’s rights.
Why does it matter?
Parental responsibilities must be considered alongside children’s rights.
Everyday examples
A person refuses a forced marriage or seeks protection from domestic violence.
Legal basis
Universal Declaration of Human Rights — provisions 16. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — provisions 23. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights — provisions 10. European Convention on Human Rights — provisions 8, 12. Constitution of the Republic of Serbia — provisions 62, 63, 66.
Serbia framework
Constitution of the Republic of Serbia — provisions 62, 63, 66.
Law regulates marriage eligibility and family relations. Family protection never justifies violence or neglect of a child’s best interests.
Checked 22 October 2026.
International framework
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights — provisions 16.
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — provisions 23.
- International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights — provisions 10.
- European Convention on Human Rights — provisions 8, 12.
The Declaration is a common international standard; the Covenants, Convention and Constitution have different protection mechanisms.
Checked 22 October 2026.