Safeguarding Children's Rights: CNDH's Post-Quake Assessment and Recommendations

Friday 24 May 2024 - 09:05

In anticipation of the National Day of the Rights of the Child, the Moroccan National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) is poised to unveil a comprehensive assessment and recommendations on the situation of children affected by last September's earthquake. The Council's forthcoming report promises an in-depth examination of the impact on the mental and physical well-being of these vulnerable young lives.

On Friday, the CNDH will convene a pivotal meeting at its headquarters in Rabat, titled "Protection of Child Rights in the Context of the September 8, 2023 Earthquake: Council's Observations and Preliminary Recommendations through Digital Monitoring and Field Visits." This session underscores the Council's commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by children in the wake of the natural disaster.

Under the leadership of CNDH President Amina Bouayach, a dedicated working group was formed to monitor the human rights situation in the earthquake-affected regions. Employing a dual approach of field visits and digital surveillance, the Council has implemented a specialized monitoring mechanism to assess the impact on children's rights in the affected areas.

Bouayach emphasized the Council's holistic approach, stating, "These recommendations encompass legal, procedural, and integrative elements within public policies aimed at children. They address bolstering proactive measures and resilience during crises, alongside advocating for children's active participation and fostering a digital environment that counters deceit."

The forthcoming assessment and recommendations will delve into children's rights issues across both digital and non-digital realms, underscoring the paramount importance of protecting children's rights in normative, procedural, and moral dimensions.

In a powerful display of inclusivity and empowerment, the Council's session will be attended by numerous children, one of whom will preside over the opening segment, reflecting the CNDH's commitment to amplifying young voices and fostering meaningful participation.

As Morocco prepares to commemorate the National Day of the Rights of the Child, the CNDH's comprehensive assessment and recommendations promise to shed light on the pressing challenges faced by children in the aftermath of the earthquake, paving the way for targeted policies and initiatives to safeguard their rights and well-being.