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Ibn Yahya: Establishing Support Centers for Child Protection Across All Regions of the Kingdom and Enhancing Access to Rural Areas
Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, Naima Ibn Yahya, announced the establishment of social support centers in various regions of the Kingdom as part of the implementation of the integrated public policy for child protection. This initiative aims to provide supportive and social assistance services to children and families, utilizing mobile units to ensure access for those living in remote areas.
In a written response to a parliamentary question regarding the state of children’s rights in rural areas, the minister noted that civil society organizations play a crucial role in executing child protection programs. She mentioned that by June 2025, 43 child protection units had benefited approximately 3,450 children, including those from rural backgrounds.
The government official emphasized that child protection, especially in rural areas, remains a priority for government efforts, focusing on programs designed to prevent various social risks and improve living and schooling conditions. In this context, she highlighted a decrease in the mortality rate of children under five from 28 to 17 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, alongside an increase in school enrollment rates among children aged 6 to 11 to 95.8% in 2024. Additionally, there has been a positive trend in improving girls’ schooling indicators and a decline in child labor and child marriage.
Ibn Yahya added that over 90,000 beneficiaries have accessed services provided by associations managing social care institutions, with approximately 27,000 children benefiting from support programs aimed at improving the schooling conditions for children with disabilities, funded by a budget exceeding 396 million dirhams.
The minister emphasized the importance of supporting associations working on family matters and women’s economic empowerment, as this plays a preventive role in combating social issues such as homelessness, early marriage, and school dropout rates. She acknowledged, however, that challenges remain, particularly at the local level, necessitating the involvement of various stakeholders from government sectors, national institutions, local communities, and civil society organizations.
She explained that the government is working to enhance the capabilities of support centers and mobile units by providing qualified human resources and the necessary logistical means to ensure access to vulnerable children, especially in remote areas. Moreover, there is a commitment to intensifying family awareness programs about the importance of education and protection and to developing psychological and educational support services.
In conclusion, the minister affirmed that these efforts align with Morocco’s commitments to achieving sustainable development goals, especially those related to child protection, combating poverty and school dropout rates, and promoting gender equality through comprehensive programs aimed at creating a safe and nurturing environment for children across the Kingdom.
