11th Consultation Meeting with Children: CRDH of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region Advocates for institutionalizing the Principle of Participation

The regional consultation meeting with children in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region was held on Friday, November 24, 2023, as part of a series of consultations launched by Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), at the beginning of this year under the theme "I decide my destiny".

These consultations represent a pioneering effort within the Arab and African contexts, whereby the CNDH actively engage with children to gather their insights and aspirations regarding the protection and promotion of their rights. The outcomes of these meetings will contribute to a special report on children’s rights to be submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in parallel with the national report.

This meeting provided a platform for dialogue and interaction between the CNDH and over 30 children from different backgrounds, including students, children with disabilities, youth in contact with the law, foreign children, etc.

The program focused on three key axes: “Protection and Preventive Measures", "Public Policies (Health, Education, Justice…)", and "Access to Information and Participation." Through workshops, children expressed their opinions, concerns and visions regarding public policies related to the implementation of their rights.

At this meeting, Ms. Maimouna Essayed, President of the Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region, emphasized the CNDH’s advocacy efforts aiming to institutionalize children's participation. She highlighted the CRDH’s initiatives to enhance this unprecedented momentum, reflecting the CNDH’s commitment to recognize children as essential partners and key voices in expressing their concerns and aspirations.