Fez – UNICEF Representative in Morocco Speciose Hakizimana lauded, on Monday, the cooperation between the Kingdom’s judicial and executive authorities as a model for advancing children’s rights in the country. Her remarks were made during the opening of a national meeting in Fez focused on reviewing the implementation of the results from the National Conference on the Protection of Children in Contact with the Law.

“This multi-sectoral mobilization and the complementarity of actions between the executive and judicial powers, as well as between judicial and social protection, are crucial for promoting and ensuring the optimal protection of children’s rights,” Hakizimana stated.

She commended the “consistent commitment” of the public prosecutor’s office to child protection in Morocco, noting that this dedication has facilitated a comprehensive process involving all stakeholders. The meeting, marking the first anniversary of the initial conference held last June, serves as a platform to celebrate progress and
assess milestones achieved over the past year in the realm of child protection.

Highlighting the regular efforts of government authorities and civil society actors, Hakizimana pointed out the strengthened collaboration with international partners, including the European Union, as a significant factor in the effective protection ecosystem in Morocco.

“Child protection is an ongoing and continuous effort in all countries, including Morocco,” Hakizimana said. She emphasized that the Fès meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on and identify mechanisms to enhance protection measures for the most vulnerable children and those in conflict with the law, who are placed in penitentiary and child protection centers.

The meeting aims to ensure the follow-up of recommendations made last year and to review the progress and challenges faced over the past twelve months. Hakizimana called for “political and operational responses” to reinforce the achievements and advance towards the full realization of children’s righ
ts in Morocco.

In her remarks, she also celebrated the recent signing of a protocol for the care of vulnerable children, including those in conflict with the law, as a significant accomplishment.

Organized by the Office of the Public Prosecutor in collaboration with UNICEF and supported by the European Union, the two-day meeting features plenary sessions addressing the status, key issues, and challenges related to child protection in Morocco.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse