At the end of last week, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) released a memorandum concerning the establishment of a National Child Protection Agency, Child Protection Centers, and Social Welfare Institutions. The document had been submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on March 9, within the legally prescribed 60-day timeframe, unless an urgent procedure is invoked. The Council had originally received the request for its opinion on January 8, 2026.
In presenting the memorandum, the Council’s Chairperson, Ms. Amina Bouayach, explained that its objective is to help shape Morocco’s child protection system in line with international human rights standards, both generally and with specific regard to children’s rights. She highlighted the central importance of the principle of the best interests of the child, which should serve as a binding foundation and a guiding reference for all decisions concerning the placement and care of children.
The memorandum underscores the importance of carefully assessing the legal and institutional safeguards needed to ensure that placement does not become a process that reproduces or even exacerbates the vulnerabilities that initially led to the child being placed under protection.
Child Protection: 7 Guiding Human Rights Principles
The best interests of the child
Non-discrimination and equal enjoyment of rights
The right to life, survival, and development
Prevention and early intervention
The child’s right to participation and to be heard
Protection from all forms of violence and abuse
Independent oversight and accountability
It is worth noting that the CNDH issues its opinions under Article 25 of Law No. 76.15 on its reorganization, either on its own initiative or at the request of the government or either chamber of Parliament. These opinions must be delivered within a two-month legal timeframe (as stipulated in Article 28), unless an urgent procedure applies.
The publication of the law in the Official Gazette on February 23, 2026, meant that members of Parliament were unable to review the memorandum’s content, discuss its recommendations, or take them into consideration.
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