CNDH SG: PROTECTION OF CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AT CHILD PROTECTION CENTERS AT THE HEART OF THE COUNCIL’S CONCERNS
Secretary General of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) Mr. Mohamed Essabbar asserted in a meeting organized by the Association of Child Protection Centers’ Friends, on the outcome and perspective of the Association, on 1st March 2011, that the protection of the rights of the child at child protection centers, is one of the main concerns of the Council.
Mr. Essabbar shed light on the mandate of the National Council. He explained that Article 11 of the Council’s founding Dahir (Royal Decree) stipulates that the Council can visit child protection and rehabilitation centers and draft relevant reports on its visits, including its observations and recommendations. These reports shall be submitted to the competent authorities.
Mr. Essabbar indicated that the Council will improve the approach that was adopted by the Advisory Council on Human Rights in the field of protection and intervention. He added that Advisory Council prepared a visit guideline of detention centers and organized several international meetings and seminars on the protection of prisoners, juvenile delinquent and children in harsh situations, in cooperation with national and international civil society associations.
The National Human Rights Council, Mr. Essabbar said, will urge the competent authorities to apply, at least, the minimum standards relative to prisoners’ treatment and ensure that their rights are respected without any discrimination and in full respect of human dignity… The success of the Council depends on the cooperation and positive response of civil society associations, particularly at the national level, he concluded.
In addition to the Secretary General of the National Human Rights Council, the Minister of Social Development, Family and Solidarity, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, the representative of the Directorate General of Prison Administration and Reintegration and the Director of Childhood, Youth and Family Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development attended the meeting.