Morocco/1st African Children's Parliament Forum: A resounding success in promoting children's participation and protection

The first edition of the African Children's Parliament Forum, organized on November 21 and 22 in Rabat by the National Observatory for Children's Rights (ONDE), under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and the effective Presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, President of ONDE, marked a decisive step in the consolidation of children's right to participation and their involvement in the public policies that concern them.

The recommendations presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem on November 22 testify to children's commitment to contributing to the development of their continent, and to establishing themselves as a real force for change, says a press release from the Observatory.

The children, representing 20 African countries, formulated concrete recommendations targeting common challenges and issues, and focusing on several priority areas.

With regard to strengthening children's participation, they called for the principle of participation to be incorporated into national legislation; for investment in training children to equip them to become genuine agents of change; and for the implementation of pilot actions (e.g. in the field of children's rights). pilot actions (listening centers, associations, consultative councils) to encourage their participation in decision-making processes, and the integration of children's rights into educational programs, with the creation of dedicated modules and the training of teachers and educators.

With regard to quality and inclusive education, they called for greater participation by students in curriculum planning and school activities; the development of social and emotional competencies; and the promotion of the right to education.velopment of pupils' social and emotional skills, and teacher training in classroom management, pedagogical support and communication with pupils.

In the area of health and well-being, the participating child parliamentarians recommended improving access to health and mental health services in schools and communities; raising awareness of mental health and well-being among families, pupils and educational players through targeted campaigns, and strengthening community support and children's participation in decisions relating to their health.

With regard to the fight against exploitation and child labor, they called for parents and communities to be made aware of the importance of school and the dangers of child labor; strengthening laws and sanctions against all forms of exploitation, including early marriage, and drawing up an African roadmap for the elimination of child labor and the guarantee of free, accessible and appropriate education for all.

With regard to the protection of street children and prevention of early marriage, they called for raising awareness of the risks associated with street life and early marriage, particularly among girls; strengthening the capacity of professionals and authorities to detect, report and respond to cases of child abuse and neglect; and promoting a culture of prevention. of professionals and authorities to detect, report and protect vulnerable children, and improving security around schools and harmonizing the legal framework to prohibit under-age marriage.

The recommendations formulated by the child parliamentarians will be used to guide ONDE's collaboration with the African countries with which convention protocols were signed during the Forum, namely Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

These protocols are the result of exchanges during ONDE's experience-sharing missions throughout 2025, and aim to strengthen continental cooperation in the field of children's rights and participation.They aim to strengthen continental cooperation on children's rights and participation, conduct joint advocacy actions to consolidate national frameworks for children's participation, and support the training of actors and child parliamentarians in best practices.

In particular, they provide for the organization of training sessions, seminars and technical workshops on themes of common interest; regular exchanges of information, statistical data and expertise; technical support for signatory countries, in particular for training child parliamentarians and their supervisors, and raising public awareness of children's rights, protection against all forms of violence and the promotion of education.

In addition to the recommendations formulated by the child parliamentarians and the signing of the convention protocols, the 1st African Forum of the Children's Parliament was marked by the approval of a convention on the rights of the child. was marked by the approval of a final Declaration entitled "Rabat Declaration for Children's Participation in Africa's Development".

Another highlight of the Forum was the creation of the African Network for the Rights of the Child as a continental platform for advocacy and effective participation by children, whose headquarters will be in Rabat. The Forum brought together over 170 high-level officials, including ministers and presidents of African parliaments.

By its scope, the quality of its programming and the richness of the exchanges, this first edition of the African Children's Parliament Forum confirms the determination of ONDE and its partners to build ambitious continental initiatives.to offer every African child a future in which they are listened to, protected, valued and recognized as agents of change and builders of peace," concludes the press release.

Source: www.mapexpress.ma/