Children parliament questions government on childhood, justice and education

Children members of parliament played an adult game on Friday when they held an oral question time with members of the government, asking them about their administration actions to improve the situation of children.

In the third session of the children parliament, held under chairmanship of princess Lalla Meriem, the group of children, representing all urban and rural constituencies, various education systems and handicapped children, asked question about the role of local councils in protecting children against ill-treatments and associating children in decision-making. Home minister, Ahmed El midaoui, said local councils' actions consist of supporting and encouraging all organizations working to improve the situation of children. He also announced he will tour all Moroccan regions to explain the new concept of authority, launched by king Mohammed VI and examine with local officials how children can be associated in the public life management.

Regarding the adaptation of Moroccan laws to international covenants on children rights, justice minister, Omar Azzimane, said an inter-ministerial commission is working on this issue and the government has drafted a new children Kafala law that enables abandoned children to have a new family, under the supervision of justice.

Other ministers took the floor to answer children questions on schooling generalization, Morocco's preparation for the world child summit, slated for next September in new York.

The session was also marked by a message from King Mohammed VI and that was read out by Princess Lalla Meriem. The royal message renewed Morocco's adherence to protect children.