UNICEF Representative in Morocco, Speciose Hakizimana, on Monday hailed the active cooperation between the Kingdom’s judicial and executive authorities as a model for advancing children’s rights in the country.
“This multi-sectoral mobilization and the complementarity of actions between executive and judicial powers, as well as between judicial and social protection systems, are key to promote and ensure the optimal protection of children’s rights,” Hakizimana underlined at the opening of a national meeting in Fez on the implementation of the results of the National Conference on the Protection of Children in Contact with the Law.
The UN official praised the “consistent commitment” of the public prosecutor’s office to child welfare in Morocco, adding that this dedication has facilitated a comprehensive process involving all stakeholders.
Highlighting the regular efforts of government authorities and civil society stakeholders, Hakizimana pointed out the strengthened collaboration with international partners, including the European Union, is a significant factor in the effective protection ecosystem in Morocco.
“Child welfare is an ongoing and continuous effort in all countries, including Morocco,” Hakizimana said, underlining that the Fez 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.
Hakizimana also called for “political and operational responses” to promote child welfare in Morocco.
Hosted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office 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 welfare in Morocco.