Women's Rights Federation Advocates for Child Victims in Ba Mohammed
The "Federation of Women's Rights Associations" has officially positioned itself as a civil party in the case concerning the dismantling of a network involved in sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors in Ba Mohammed, a village in the Taounate region. The federation has expressed its outrage regarding the atrocities faced by the minors in this locality, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive legal and institutional measures to address the severity of the issue. The federation's statement emphasizes the transition from mere denunciation to providing judicial protection and on-ground support for the child victims and their families.
In a resolute declaration, the federation affirmed its intention to act as a civil party in the case, seeking to defend both the public and private rights to a fair trial. They are advocating for the implementation of the strictest applicable criminal penalties should the conditions surrounding the victims warrant such measures. This includes ensuring a fair trial and the enforcement of the most severe penalties in cases where aggravating circumstances are present, particularly in relation to the minors' vulnerability and the presence of multiple perpetrators and victims.
The federation has also called upon lawyers and human rights advocates, particularly those affiliated with the Bar Association of Fez and other legal bodies across the country, to join a collective defense and solidarity committee they plan to establish. This initiative aims to support the various phases of investigation and trial, ensuring that the rights of the minors are upheld throughout the legal process.
Moreover, the federation has demanded that free psychological, social, and medical support be made available for the victims, alongside the activation of legal aid while maintaining strict confidentiality regarding their identities, in accordance with the provisions of the criminal procedure law. This is imperative to protect them from societal stigmatization and exposure.
Finally, the federation stressed the necessity of enhancing both physical and digital surveillance in shelters and places that may be used to lure minors, urging relevant governmental sectors to bolster vigilance mechanisms within educational institutions and rural girls' dormitories. Additionally, they called for the creation of economic and social alternatives to mitigate the risks of child sexual exploitation.
As reported by lakome2.com.
