CNDH HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE TO PRESENT ITS REPORT ON SITUATION IN CHILD PROTECTION CENTRES

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) will organize a press conference to present its thematic report on the situation in Child Protection Centers entitled “Children in Protection Centers: Childhood at Risk… for an Integrated Policy to Protect Children Rights”, on Thursday, May 20, 2013 at 9:30 a.m., at the headquarters of the Council in Rabat.

Upon its own initiative and in fulfillment of its mandate and powers, the national Human Rights Council analyzed the situation of children institutionalized, by virtue of court rulings, in Child Protection Centers. It conducted this analysis to assess the degree of compliance of the institutionalization conditions with the terms and standards of the international Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Fruit of this analysis, the Council’s thematic report was drafted in follow-up of the implementation of the relevant national and international recommendations, within a national context characterized by numerous reforms designed to guarantee the promotion and protection of human rights, in general, and children's rights in particular.

To prepare its report, the Council visited 17 child protection centers and adopted a participatory approach involving all state actors (at the central and local levels), civil society associations, children and families, taking into account the gender dimension.

In addition to the international framework related to the institutionalization of children and the relevant national legislations, the report includes a set of recommendations to the different stakeholders. These recommendations addressed public policies, law enforcement, facilities, training and capacity building and the adoption of grievance redress mechanisms for children...

Child protection centers are socio-educational institutions affiliated to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Children in conflict with law and children in difficult circumstances are institutionalized in these institutions by virtue of a court ruling. They are mandated to ensure children’s rehabilitation and reintegration.

It is to be noted that this is the third thematic report published by the National Human Rights Council, after its reports on the situation in psychiatric hospitals and prison conditions.

Summary:

Activity: Press conference to present CNDH’s thematic report on child protection centers

Date and time: Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 9:30 a.m.

Venue: CNDH headquarters (Place Achouhada), in Rabat.

Contact: CNDH communication Department (05 37 73 29 13)