Morocco's Human Rights Watchdog Condemns Exploitation of Children Amid Earthquake Aftermath

In a poignant report released on National Children's Rights Day, the Moroccan National Human Rights Council (CNDH) shed light on the harrowing plight of children in the aftermath of the devastating Al Haouz earthquake that struck on September 8th of the previous year. Amidst the rubble and despair, the council decried the insensitive exploitation of vulnerable children, sounding the alarm on disturbing instances of harassment, abuse, and the unauthorized dissemination of their images and stories.

The earthquake, a catastrophic event that left an indelible mark on the nation, claimed the lives of at least 3,000 individuals and injured countless others. Remote areas, already grappling with vulnerabilities, were particularly ravaged, leaving children in these regions susceptible not only to the immediate disastrous effects but also to the harrowing aftermath.

The CNDH's report painted a grim picture, documenting instances of children being subjected to harassment, exploitation, and even having their plight publicized without their consent. The council's human rights committee acknowledged the presence of publications, including videos, images, and social media comments containing content that targeted children in earthquake-affected areas, especially girls.

"Some of these publications imply sexual connotations and incite sexual assaults on children," the report acknowledged, noting that the committee also identified other content aiming to exploit children in their most vulnerable state.

Moreover, the report recalled the arrest of a university student last year for publishing content that incited sexual assaults on minors in earthquake-affected areas. While a Moroccan court initially sentenced the individual to three months in prison, the appeals court in Errachidia, southern Morocco, overturned the verdict and declared the same person innocent, citing a lack of essential context and invalidating the claims.

The CNDH condemned reports on sexual harassment in the affected areas for failing to adequately protect the identities of the affected girls, warning that such behavior in the digital space, especially concerning allegations of harassment and sexual assault against children, may lead to severe stigmatization and potential adverse effects on the children involved.

Furthermore, the council cautioned against disseminating unverified claims of harassment and sexual assault against children without sufficient caution or taking necessary actions to verify, as this may cause significant harm to individuals who may later be proven innocent.

The report also highlighted videos and content by influencers and other social media users containing calls for "helping" the earthquake victims by employing them as domestic workers, a practice that directly violates Moroccan labor laws setting the minimum age for work at 18. The council stressed that such insensitive calls to "help" earthquake-affected children by employing them as domestic workers amounted to a brazen violation of the law.

"Several similar posts contained calls for marrying girls from earthquake victims, some of which hinted at the intention to exploit the girls and exploit the situation of the earthquake," the CNDH said, reaffirming its ongoing advocacy against underage marriage.

The council further detailed the challenges posed by the constant violation of children's rights and right to privacy, warning that sharing or displaying images of children on the internet "may have negative consequences, possibly affecting them even in later stages of their lives." In some cases, "coverage of certain children's situations may lead to their stigmatization," it further warned, underlining that the UN convention on the rights of the child guarantees the need to obtain consent when dealing with children's data and images.

CNDH President Amina Bouayach commented on the report's findings, saying that the council's recommendations were the result of field visits and meetings with children, NGOs, and relevant local authorities, especially those related to the September 8 earthquake and its consequences.

"The council aims to enhance preparedness and resilience in facing disasters, promote the principle of children's participation, and improve the conditions for a safe digital environment for children," she added, renewing her condolences and the nation's solidarity with all victims of the earthquake.

In a world where digital spaces can amplify both empathy and exploitation, the CNDH's report serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical imperative to safeguard the rights and dignity of children, especially in the wake of disasters. As Morocco grapples with the lingering scars of the Al Haouz earthquake, the council's advocacy for a safe and nurturing environment for its most vulnerable citizens resonates as a clarion call for compassion and accountability.