CASABLANCA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR: CHILDREN DISCUSS THEIR RIGHTS AND ROLE OF CNDH WITH CNDH CHAIRMAN
Children were invited on Saturday, 22 Feb. 2014, to participate and debate their rights and “question” the Chairman of the national Human Rights Council (CNDH) on the protection and promotion of the rights of the child in Morocco. This meeting was held within the framework of the daily activities of the Council’s exhibition stall in Casablanca international book fair.
Mr. El Yazami highlighted that human rights are, of course the responsibility of the State, but also the responsibility of society itself and the different stakeholders concerned. It’s also about our perspective and how each of us sees, understands and owns human rights.
Choosing the rights of the child as a focus of our daily activities during the 10 day fair is not arbitrary. We are aware of the importance and centrality of children’s participation in debate and creation spaces, he said. No doubt, children need to participate and freely express their opinions and views. They are the future, Mr. El Yazami concluded.
This meeting was also an opportunity for children to learn about the missions of the National Human Rights Council and its role in protecting and promoting human rights, in general. Children were very attentive and provocative. In addition to their rights, they raised critical issues related to prison conditions and reintegration of prisoners, women’s rights, disability, capital punishment, schooling, etc.