Najat Anwar, the chair of the “Don't touch my child” children's rights group, drew attention to the increasing number of child abuse in Morocco. “The reason for the increase in child sexual abuse is the lack of implementation of the law protecting children,” she said.

HENAN HARIT

Morocco- The “Don't touch my child” is a children's rights group, actively working to prevent child sexual abuse and assault in Morocco. Najat Anwar, an anti-pedophilia activist and the chair of the group, spoke to NuJINHA about child abuse cases they followed in 2021.

In the annual report issued by your group, the number of child abuse cases reveals that this issue is a frightening phenomenon in Morocco. What are your thoughts about this issue?

The number of child abuse cases has unfortunately increased; it is at an alarming rate. The report of our group on rape and abuse against children and individuals with special needs reveals how this phenomenon is a serious issue. The report shows that 81 children were sexually abused and 54 complaints were filed about sexual abuse of children. Among the cases reported to our group, the rape case of a three-month-old baby was heartbreaking. The female victims were aged three months to 17 years while the male victims were aged one year to 16 years. Last year, our group recorded 264 child abuse cases, 205 of them were raped. 122 of them were girls while three of them were individuals with special needs. Our group also recorded that four children were killed last year. We sent our report to the National Observatory for the Rights of the Child.

There is an increase in child abuse and sexual assault cases in Morocco. Such incidents are often considered taboo in society. How can we break the silence of society against this taboo?

We, as the group, do not deny the key and important role of the press in exposing this phenomenon. Social media platforms also allow people to follow such cases. But the role of civil society is the most important role to break this taboo. This phenomenon is discussed more now and this paves the way for everyone to follow such cases.

What is the reason for the spread of this phenomenon?

There are many reasons and factors for the spread of this phenomenon. However, the lack of an education system or reluctance to approve education programs aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse is the main reason. We should watch our children outside of school, at home, on the streets, in the neighborhoods, in cafes and parks to protect them. Many studies have been carried out about the increase in violence since the outbreak of COVID-19. In this context, human rights organizations warned of an increase in rape and sexual abuse cases against children after the lockdowns were lifted.

How can families protect their children from sexual abuse? Do you have any suggestions for families?

We can decrease child abuse cases if we protect our families, schools, and community. To decrease child abuse cases, the laws protecting children must be first implemented. Comprehensive sex education should be taught in schools. Recently, the number of children using computers and mobile devices has been increasing. But families should be careful about the risks of online sexual abuse. They should be more aware of this danger.

Do you think the laws are enough to prevent harassment and rape? What should Morocco do to eliminate child abuse and assault?

The existing law should be effectively implemented. It should respect the rules of law and international conventions. The laws should be updated and amended. In order to prevent this phenomenon, the role of education, laws, courts, and government is important. We should take the necessary steps together to protect children. We can break the silence against this phenomenon together.