Rabat: Morocco’s National Observatory for the Rights of the Child (ONDE) launched the 17th National Congress on the Rights of the Child under the theme “The Child and Contemporary Challenges: What Roadmap for 2030?”. Held on the occasion of National Children’s Rights Day, under the effective presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, President of ONDE, this new edition marks the 30th anniversary of ONDE and spans two days. It gathers various stakeholders, including public institutions, national and international experts, UN bodies, civil society organizations, and child parliamentarians from different regions of the Kingdom.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the congress aligns with the efforts and interest shown by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in children’s issues, highlighted by strategies such as education reform and social protection implementation. The 17th edition aims to provide a platform for reflection, dialogue, and co-construction amid evolving social, environmental, and technological challenges.

The Observatory highlights pressing issues like protection against violence, inclusive education, climate change, digital transformations, mental health, and child-friendly justice. ONDE Vice-President Ghizlane Benjelloun acknowledged the commitment of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem and emphasized the need for collective efforts to protect children’s rights.

The Congress emphasizes children’s perspectives, with child parliamentarian Abir Boukataya urging decision-makers and families to make children’s rights a reality, ensuring their voices are considered. Scheduled to continue until May 25, the event will include participatory and multidisciplinary workshops to develop recommendations for strengthening the institutional, social, and legal frameworks of child protection in Morocco.