The concept of “family” encompasses different family models. Spouses, parents with their children or other close relatives are recognized as families by law. However, human rights also protect some forms of family that may not be recognized by national law.

Remember that human rights protect not only your right to marry or have a child, but also your right to found a family that may not necessarily be recognized by law. For example, if you live together with your partner and have a common household.

Human rights also protect your right to choose not to found a family.

About this section

In this section, you can read about marriage, factual partnership, adoption and also your right not to found a family by abortion, sterilization and giving a child up for adoption.

Human Rights Guide

A European platform for human rights education