Children’s safety in Morocco in a crisis amid successive rape incidents

The occurrence of child rape cases  in various regions of Morocco has surged in recent months, prompting extensive media coverage and thrusting the issue of children’s safety into the forefront of societal concerns.

These persistent incidents, which flagrantly violate children’s rights to a secure life and a safe upbringing, are breeding frustration and casting doubt on the leniency of the Moroccan court system towards rapists.

Today, the appeal hearing for Fatima Zahra, a young girl who suffered sexual assault at the hands of six men in Tata, was postponed to allow the defense more time to prepare for the hearing scheduled on July 12, 2023.

Each of the six perpetrators was handed a one-year prison sentence for their assault on a minor, which tragically resulted in an unintended pregnancy.

Fifteen lawyers have expressed their readiness and eagerness to represent the victimized child. Five of the accused had already completed their initial one-year sentence in jail.

The defendants were released a few days ago upon completion of their primary sentence, a decision that has ignited public outrage. The victim, her family, and human rights organizations following the case expressed dissatisfaction with both the verdict and the release of the defendants.

In another case, a defendant accused of raping a child in Imintanout, Chichaoua province, received a prison term of eight months and a fine of 500 dirhams.

Various members of civil society, including the National Council for Human Rights, have decried the injustice of these punishments and highlighted the court system’s perceived leniency.

Criticism has primarily been directed towards the court system for its rulings and the light sentences handed down in child rape cases across the Kingdom.

The most recent annual report from the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) underscored the importance of safeguarding children and defending their rights in light of the numerous recent instances of rape occurring throughout different regions of Morocco.

The report on human rights in Morocco emphasized the commitment of Moroccan public institutions and non-governmental organizations to the promotion of children’s rights.

This aligns with the council’s objective of institutionalizing children’s involvement in decision-making processes and their inclusion in government entities.

According to CNDH, “Children play a significant role in the development of the national protection system.”

The report put forth several proposals to bolster children’s rights in Morocco and address the ongoing crisis of children’s safety.

The Council demanded the establishment of the Advisory Council for the Family and Childhood at the institutional level.

At the judicial level, CNDH stressed the need to enhance judges’ competencies and ensure that follow-up procedures are systematically and consistently initiated in rape cases. It also called for child placement programs in child protection facilities to align with international norms.

The Council recommended strengthening collaboration among advocates for victims to achieve the highest level of prevention and protection for children who fall victim to sexual exploitation.

In addition, the Council proposed the implementation of training programs for the media on the subject of children’s rights and the development of a unified media strategy that prioritizes child rights issues on the national agenda.

The Council’s recommendations placed a strong emphasis on supporting impoverished families and eradicating poverty, as these factors contribute to keeping children, especially girls, out of school and lead to early marriages.

Furthermore, the Council suggested granting children the opportunity to express their opinions, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered when formulating national laws, policies, and action plans.

The Council also advised reviewing the Family Code to prioritize the best interests of the child, in accordance with the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Additionally, the Council recommended the implementation of a helpline service and its widespread availability in all educational institutions.