March was a busy month for child protection advocacy in Taroudannt and at the national level. Since the New Year, FAPE and MCT have been in discussion with UNICEF and many of our local NGO colleagues regarding the new proposed Implementation Plan of the National Integrated Policy on Child Protection (Politique Publique Integrée de la Protection de l’Enfance). Though we were thrilled to see movement towards action regarding new child protection laws and programs for Morocco, we were disappointed by the Implementation Plan’s vague outlined measures.
After a flurried three weeks of discussions and preparation with regional colleagues and partners, including Association Anir and the University Ibn Zohr Law Faculty in Agadir, on March 29th, FAPE president Abdellah Soussi represented the voice of the NGO’s of Morocco before the Interministerial Committee on the Implementation Plan at the Palais des Congrès in Skhirat in Rabat. The meeting also included consultation with children from the Children’s Congress, including a member from Centre Amane in Taroudannt!
Based on the testimony of Mr. Soussi and others, the committee decided to reject the plan and begin again. We are very proud to participate in this process and look forward to future opportunities to provide experience and expertise.