09/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2024 18:18
The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in partnership with the Arab Network for Child Rights (Manara Network), the Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH), and ALEF - Act for Human Rights, is proud to announce the launch of a regional working group to protect children from institutional violence in the Middle East and North Africa. This initiative is a key component of the MENA Child Rights Initiative and represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to combat state violence against children in the region.
Background
Institutional violence against children remains a critical issue within state institutions, including detention facilities, rehabilitation centres, and social welfare institutions. Such violence has profound and lasting impacts on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of children. In this context, the MENA Child Rights Initiative is a nascent project that aims to increase the impact of legal frameworks and protection systems to safeguard children's rights in the MENA region. Through its activities, it aims to raise awareness, enhance technical skills, and improve the quality of services provided to child victims of institutional violence through the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders.
About the MENA Working Group
The MENA Working Group to Protect Children from Institutional Violence, a cornerstone of the MENA Child Rights Initiative, comprises 18 members from 14 civil society groups across 10 countries in the MENA region (Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, Algeria, Yemen, Egypt, Mauritania, Palestine, and Iraq). The members represent the following civil society organisations:
These members were selected for their expertise in child protection and anti-torture efforts. The Working Group also includes three children from the Manara Network's Children's Advisory Committee to ensure child participation in the activities of the MENA Working Group to Protect Children from Institutional Violence.
The Working Group draws on the strengths of OMCT's SOS-Torture Network, the Manara Network, and other specialised NGOs in the region and serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge transfer, research, data collection, and capacity-building initiatives. Its goal is to foster a regional movement dedicated to protecting child victims of state violence in the MENA region.
The MENA Working Group aims to:
The statement is available in Arabic.
Get Involved
We invite all interested parties to follow OMCT's and its partners' digital channels for updates on the MENA Working Group's activities.
For more information, please contact Ilef Kassab, OMCT's MENA Human Rights Adviser, at [email protected].
About OMCT
The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) is a global coalition of more than 200 non-governmental organisations fighting against torture, summary executions, enforced disappearances, and all other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The OMCT is a member of the United Against Torture Consortium and ProtectDefenders.eu.