Moroccan Journalist Exposes Child Abuse Crisis in New Book on Vulnerable Youth

Hicham Houdaïfa states that after working on the situation of impoverished women in his book "The Back of a Woman, the Back of a Mule, the Forgotten Ones of the Deep Morocco, En Toutes Lettres, 2015", it was natural for him to focus on the situation of children in difficulty. In his work, he addresses various themes such as street children, early work, the reality in child protection centers, the sexual exploitation of children, access to healthcare and school for children with disabilities.

Before writing this book, his research led him to regions where people live in extreme poverty, children are deprived of the right to education, access to health, sometimes nutrition and drinking water. He went to areas where children deprived of the minimum engage in activities in the fields, clandestine workshops. The less fortunate have to deal with a parent’s illness, the resignation of the father or mother, and daily violence.

Hicham Houdaïfa accuses the authorities for the lightness they show in the management of cases related to childhood. For him, the coordination between the parties involved in child protection is lacking and the human resources dedicated to child protection are insufficient. This somehow explains the resurgence of sexual crimes against children. For him, it is a cry for help for the implementation of a real child protection policy, reports Maroc Diplomatique.

The journalist also highlighted the factors that prevent children from reporting the abuse they suffer. According to testimonies received from social workers, the notion of taboo and shame means that many crimes against children are not reported. Sometimes it is a matter of honor or protecting the family’s reputation.

To reverse the trend, the journalist-writer proposes, among other things, the strengthening of awareness campaigns in the public media, to promote reporting. Also accompany society in its efforts to fight against violence and abuse against children, specifies the same source.