Junior parliamentarians ask government about actions for children

Junior parliamentarians, selected from all over Morocco, on Tuesday questioned the government about its action to promote the well-being and rights of Moroccan children.

A group of 357 children selected from Morocco's 16 regions are holding a parliamentary session this May 23 through 27, under the chairmanship of princess Lalla Meryem, eldest daughter of King Hassan II.

With a surprising bravery, outspoken children, who knew exactly where their problems were, asked questions about various issues ranging from last week end's tragic accident that killed 6 teens, the alarming number of children who leave school before ending primary education, and the government's efforts to promote awareness of children rights.

Tuesday's session of the children parliament's coincides with the marking of the national children day and the ratification of the international convention setting the minimum child-labor age.

In the first experience of the kind in the arab world, the institution is composed of pupils representing the same constituencies as those represented in the adults parliament, disabled children (6%) and deaf-mute children (4%).

Four children representing pupils attending foreign schools in Morocco and 6 members representing students of vocational training centers and children of the Moroccan community living abroad will also sit in the Parliament.

Selection of the students was made according to their school results. Girls were allocated 57 % of seats in view of their excellent school results.

The children parliament is a forum of meetings and exchanges and an opportunity for children to express their opinion and propose solutions.