Tunisian Minister of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs, Asma Gabbi, has emphasized that Tunisia has prioritized protecting childhood and caring for vulnerable children for decades. The Minister made these remarks on the sidelines of the International SOS Children's Villages Conference, held in Hammamet from September 26 to 29. The conference brought together representatives from 28 SOS Children's Villages associations across various continents, along with members of the International Federation of SOS Children's Villages.
The conference, themed "Every Child Has the Right to a Home," provides an opportunity for exchanging experiences and strengthening international cooperation in child protection. Minister Gabbi highlighted that Tunisia has been a pioneer in establishing a comprehensive public system to care for vulnerable children since the 1960s. In 1981, Tunisia hosted the SOS Children's Villages association, which was founded through an agreement between the Tunisian government and the International Federation of SOS Children's Villages.
The Tunisian government has supported the efforts of SOS Children's Villages since 2019 through a partnership agreement with the Ministry of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs. This partnership serves as a model for collaboration between state institutions and associations in the field of child protection. Minister Gabbi noted that the SOS Children's Villages association in Tunisia has accumulated significant experience in caring for children, supporting families, and providing accompaniment to young people.
The association's experience has positively impacted thousands of children and families. Minister Gabbi stressed the importance of sharing this experience with Arab and African countries, particularly in areas such as family support, care, accompaniment, and prevention. She also highlighted the development of programs targeting children and young people. The conference provides a platform for SOS Children's Villages associations to share their experiences and best practices.
The International SOS Children's Villages Conference aims to explore ways to enhance cooperation and develop joint initiatives in child protection and family support. Representatives from 28 SOS Children's Villages associations across the globe are in attendance. Minister Gabbi emphasized that successful experiences gain value when they are transformed into knowledge and shared to benefit children worldwide.
The conference also focuses on developing partnerships and exchanging expertise among various associations and institutions concerned with childhood. Minister Gabbi noted that Tunisia's experience in this field is a valuable asset that can be shared with other countries. The SOS Children's Villages association in Tunisia has been instrumental in providing care and support to vulnerable children and families.
In conclusion, the International SOS Children's Villages Conference in Hammamet serves as a significant platform for promoting cooperation and sharing experiences in child protection. Tunisia's commitment to supporting SOS Children's Villages and fostering Arab-African cooperation in this field is evident. The conference will contribute to the development of joint initiatives and strategies to protect childhood and support families.
Key points
- Tunisia prioritizes protecting childhood and caring for vulnerable children.
- The country has accumulated significant experience in child protection through SOS Children's Villages.
- The International SOS Children's Villages Conference aims to enhance cooperation and develop joint initiatives in child protection.
