The National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE), chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, organized, in October, the first national training course on child psychiatric expertise applied to gathering statements from children in contact with the justice system, whether they are victims, witnesses, or in conflict with the law, in accordance with the NICHD protocol.
This certification training course, the first of its kind in Morocco, was led by two renowned international experts and attended by twelve child mental health specialists, with the aim of strengthening their capacity to support an informed justice system that respects the specific characteristics of children's testimony, according to a statement from the ONDE.
In line with the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve Him, placing the best interests of children at the heart of his priorities, and in accordance with the High Guidelines of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, this initiative is part of the ONDE's efforts to strengthen the capacities of professionals working in the field of child protection and the promotion of children's rights.
Since the launch of the National Child Psycho-Trauma Device (DNPTE) in October 2023, ONDE has been conducting a vast training program in child mental health in partnership with national institutions, particularly for the benefit of judges, magistrates, and National Security agents, in order to ensure that children in vulnerable situations are listened to in an appropriate and caring manner.
To date, more than 350 judges and magistrates from the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and 80 officials from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) have benefited from this training program, contributing to the establishment of a justice system that respects the psychological and emotional needs of children, in line with the humanistic and protective vision of HRH Princess Lalla Meryem.
Further training sessions are planned between now and December 2025 for an additional 150 magistrates, thereby consolidating the ONDE's commitment to a justice system that is adapted to and benevolent towards children, the statement added.
MAP: 29 October 2025
