Algerian Radio
The Secretary-General of the National Organ for the Protection and Promotion of Childhood, Dalila Aliane, emphasized that childhood in Algeria receives special attention from the country's highest authorities, led by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune. She noted that protecting children and promoting their rights represent a priority within the state's public policies.
Speaking as a guest this Monday on Channel 1’s “L’invité du jour” program on the occasion of International Children's Day, Aliane explained that the 2020 constitutional amendment enshrined the principle of the best interests of the child. This aligns with the provisions of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child and covers various aspects related to the needs and concerns of childhood.
She added that the Algerian Constitution guarantees a set of fundamental rights for the child, including free education, the right to health, and access to social care, alongside caring for children of unknown parentage, children with special needs, and gifted individuals. She emphasized that these rights have been fully embodied within the national legislative framework.
In the same context, the official indicated that the school enrollment rate for children in Algeria has reached nearly 99%, which is among the highest rates in the Arab and African regions, reflecting the progress achieved in protecting childhood and guaranteeing the right to education.
She also revealed that the National Organ for the Protection and Promotion of Childhood submits an annual report to the President of the Republic, which includes an assessment of the status of childhood in Algeria, the progress achieved in implementing obligations related to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the extent to which children enjoy their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
Continuous Efforts in Protection and Promotion
Aliane emphasized that Algeria has ratified a specific law on child protection and established the National Organ for the Protection and Promotion of Childhood in response to relevant international recommendations. The Organ is tasked with preparing periodic reports directed to the competent UN bodies, detailing the progress achieved in the field of child protection and care.
Regarding the social protection of children at risk, she explained that the Organ conducts continuous awareness and sensitization campaigns targeting families—particularly socially vulnerable ones—aiming to prevent various forms of infringement on children's rights, including the deprivation of education and healthcare, economic exploitation, begging, and all forms of violence.
She added that the Organ has established the free national hotline "1111" to receive reports and notifications regarding violations of children's rights. She emphasized that this number is accessible via both mobile lines and landlines and receives approximately 5,000 notifications daily. A multidisciplinary cell is responsible for reviewing and handling these reports with the necessary speed, based on the specific nature of each case.
She noted that the notifications received are not limited to reporting violations, but also include requests for consultation, guidance, and support from parents, children, and various segments of society.
Creation of a Cyber Vigilance Cell
In the context of keeping pace with digital transformations, the Secretary-General of the National Organ for the Protection and Promotion of Childhood revealed a recent amendment concerning the Organ's tasks and organization. Under this amendment, a Cyber Vigilance Cell has been created, dedicated to monitoring the digital space and detecting various forms of child exploitation online.
She explained that this cell works in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Interior, Local Authorities, and National Planning , aiming to combat cross-border crimes and address the risks threatening children in the digital environment, especially given the increasing expansion of internet and social media use within Algerian families.
