Held under the theme "an alliance of institutions, civil society, and the film world for an approach favouring the reintegration and protection of children in conflict with the law against recidivism", this screening is organised on the initiative of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Association of Mediterranean Encounters of Cinema and Human Rights (ARMCDH).
Speaking on this occasion, the president of the CNDH, Amina Bouayach, stressed that through this film, which illustrates the concept of the "language of law", Mr. BensaĂŻdi has succeeded in offering a precise and humane vision that lays bare the complexity of the lives of children in conflict with the law and explores the familial, social, and economic dimensions that lead them to break the law.
In this regard, Ms. Bouayach called on society to assume its responsibility in accompanying and supporting these children, affirming that behind every offence committed by a child, there is a second chance and a new beginning.
For his part, the deputy head of the European Union (EU) delegation in Morocco, Daniele Dotto, praised the partnership between ARMCDH and the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) which enabled the screening of about fifty films for over 4,000 detained children.
These screenings aim to promote a culture of human rights and to make cinema a tool for exchange and social reintegration, he indicated.
Mr. Dotto also highlighted joint initiatives between Morocco and the EU aimed at ensuring justice adapted to minors in conflict with the law, as well as to women detained with their children, while ensuring respect for their rights in accordance with international standards.
This meeting provides an opportunity to support the momentum initiated by the CNDH, ARMCDH, and stakeholders in the film sector in favour of reforming legal provisions concerning children in conflict with the law, he said.
In the same vein, the president of ARMCDH, Fadoua Maroub, emphasised the importance of cinema as a tool for social change and strengthening human rights awareness, noting that the short film "The Kids" adopts an innovative approach to raise collective awareness about the issues faced by children in conflict with the law.
In a statement to the press, Mr. BensaĂŻdi said that the film is the result of a long dialogue with the Association regarding the situation of children in conflict with the law, calling for intensified efforts to support this category and promote their social integration.
He explained that the short film aims to raise awareness about the difficulties experienced by these children and to encourage society to see them as a positive resource that can be valued.
"The Kids", which tells the story of a group of children watching a Charlie Chaplin film, focuses on the children's faces and their emotions as they interact with the story of an abandoned child, creating a moving atmosphere that captivated the audience.
Produced by ARMCDH in collaboration with other civil associations, the short film is part of the project "Cinema for the reform of public policies and reform of public policies in cinema", funded by the EU, the CNDH, as well as several other institutions and organisations.
