The Minister of Solidarity Puts Child Protection at the Heart of a New National Initiative
National Survey on Violence Against Children Launched in Salé
On Monday, a national survey addressing violence against children was officially launched in Salé, organized by the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family. This initiative aims to gather updated and precise data on the phenomenon of child violence in Morocco.
Conducted in partnership with the National Observatory for Human Development (ONDH), the High Commission for Planning (HCP), the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the survey seeks to measure the extent of various forms of violence and their impact on children’s physical and psychological health.
Additionally, it aims to identify the determinants of violence based on gender and age, analyze emerging forms of violence, and outline the contexts in which such violence occurs, including within families, schools, public spaces, and digital environments.
The study will further assess economic, social, psychological, and educational factors of vulnerability, evaluate the effects of violence on children’s health, education, and well-being, and formulate recommendations intended to guide public policy and prevention programs.
During the event, Naïma Ben Yahia, the Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, stated that this initiative is rooted in a commitment to producing reliable and rigorous data, which is seen as a vital tool for formulating and evaluating public policies. She emphasized that this survey is particularly significant for gaining insights into the root causes of the issue, tracking its evolving forms, and assessing the impact of implemented policies, while simultaneously contributing to raising awareness and mobilizing support for children’s rights.
Othmane Gair, the president of ONDH, noted that this survey serves as a strategic tool, providing reliable scientific data and a multidimensional diagnosis of the phenomenon, which will aid in decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of public policies. He asserted that child protection is a fundamental pillar in building a social state, urging the need to ensure that children have a safe and nurturing environment for their development.
Echoing this sentiment, Ayache Khellaf, the Secretary-General of HCP, highlighted the importance of possessing accurate and updated data to guide national policies, noting that his institution will contribute to the collection and analysis of data related to this issue.
Naseem Awl, the UNICEF Deputy Representative in Morocco, stressed the necessity for a reliable database to effectively combat violence against children, pointing out that this issue remains a worldwide concern that requires greater mobilization.
On this occasion, a memorandum of understanding was signed between various stakeholders to support the implementation of the national survey.
