In Rabat this Sunday, the National Observatory for Children’s Rights marked its 30th anniversary with a deeply moving and dignified ceremony. The event, which brought together Princess Lalla Meryem, senior government officials, institutional partners, representatives from NGOs, and youth parliamentarians from across Morocco, served as both a reflection on decades of work and a renewed call to action.
Held as part of the 17th National Congress on Children’s Rights, the celebration highlighted three decades of sustained commitment to a cause that remains central to Morocco’s national agenda. This priority has been continually reinforced by the King himself, with sweeping reforms in education and social protection standing as key examples of that commitment.
The ceremony opened with a poignant contemporary dance piece titled “ONDE’s Fight for Children’s Rights,” performed by young artists. The performance was followed by a series of videos tracing the Observatory’s major milestones, focusing on its core principles: ensuring children’s rights, prioritizing mental health as a national concern, and pushing forward the digitalization of child-focused services.
One of the standout moments came with the unveiling of a new mobile app designed for parents. Dubbed the “Child Health Record,” the initial version offers guidance on nutrition, early development, and preventative care. A more advanced version is already in the works and will include digital tools for tracking medical visits, vaccination histories, and automatic health reminders. The project is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
The day also saw the signing of three key agreements aimed at reinforcing child rights initiatives across Morocco. The first, with the Ministry of Solidarity, supports the 2025–2027 action plan through training, skills development, and the promotion of the role of youth parliamentarians. The second, in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and the National Initiative for Human Development, will expand the national child psycho-trauma support program into rural areas, particularly targeting the critical early years of a child’s life. The third agreement, signed with the Higher Institute of the Judiciary, integrates mental health education into judicial training and sets the stage for joint research projects focused on child welfare.
Toward the end of the event, several individuals were honored for their long-standing commitment to children’s rights. Among them were Minister Nadia Fettah, recognized for her support of the Observatory, former Education Minister Moulay Ismail Alaoui, and Amina Ouarid, celebrated for her 35 years of service to the cause.
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of gratitude, reflection, and resolve. While the achievements of the past 30 years were proudly acknowledged, speakers made it clear that the journey is far from over. The mission remains unwavering: to ensure that children’s rights are not just protected, but firmly embedded at the heart of Morocco’s public policies.
