Article 18 PROTECTION OF THE FAMILY 1. The family shall be the natural unit and basis of society. It shall enjoy the protection and support of the State for its establishment and development. 2. States Parties to the present Charter shall take appropriate steps to ensure equality of rights and responsibilities of spouses with regard to children during marriage and in the event of its dissolution. In case the dissolution, provision shall be made for the necessary protection of the child. 3. No child shall be deprived of maintenance by reference to the parents’ marital status. Article 19 PARENTAL CARE AND PROTECTION 1. Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of parental care and protection and shall, whenever possible, have the right to reside with his or her parents. No child shall be separated from his parents against his will, except when a judicial authority determines in accordance with the appropriate law, that such separation is in the best interest of the child. 2. Every child who is separated from one or both parents shall have the right to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis. 3. Where separation results from the action of a State Party, the State Party shall provide the child, or if appropriate, another member of the family with essential information concerning the whereabouts of the. absent member or members of the family. States Parties shall also ensure that the submission of such a request shall not entail any adverse consequences for the person or persons in whose respect it is made. 4. Where a child is apprehended by a State Party, his parents or guardians shall, as soon as possible, be notified of such apprehension by that State Party. AFRICAN CHARTER on the Rights and Welfare of the Child 17