On September 26, 2026, the Tunisian Minister of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs, Asma Jabri, inaugurated the International Meeting of SOS Children's Villages associations in Hammamet. She emphasized Tunisia's commitment to protecting children's rights, highlighting the country's clear and robust national policy, constitutional and legal framework, and institutional system that prioritizes child protection.
Minister Jabri noted that Tunisia has made significant strides in safeguarding childhood and supporting vulnerable children through a well-established national policy. This policy has been reinforced by a comprehensive legal and institutional framework that ensures children's rights are protected and implemented. The state, family, organizations, and associations share responsibility in this endeavor.
The minister highlighted Tunisia's partnership with the Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages since 2019, which has provided a valuable model for collaboration between state institutions and associations. She expressed Tunisia's openness to enhancing cooperation, learning from international experiences, and addressing new challenges facing childhood.
During the meeting, Ghada Harzallah, National Director of SOS Children's Villages in Palestine, presented Minister Jabri with a commemorative shield, acknowledging Tunisia's genuine humanitarian support for the Palestinian people. Harzallah praised President Kais Saied for his backing of the Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages' initiative to collect donations in solidarity with Palestinian children.
Dominique Parisi, President of the International Council of the International Federation of SOS Children's Villages, expressed gratitude to Tunisia for hosting the meeting. He commended Tunisia's experience in providing comprehensive care and support to vulnerable children, highlighting the successful partnership between the Tunisian state and the Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages.
The international meeting, taking place from September 26 to 29, 2026, brings together representatives from 28 SOS Children's Villages associations worldwide. The event, held under the theme "Every child has the right to a home," marks the first time the meeting has been held outside Vienna, Austria.
The meeting's discussions focus on enhancing cooperation, sharing experiences, and developing joint initiatives that support childhood and families. Key stakeholders are working together to address pressing issues affecting children and families globally, fostering a collaborative approach to creating a better future for all children.
Key points
- Tunisia prioritizes child protection through a comprehensive national policy and institutional framework.
- The country hosts an international meeting for SOS Children's Villages, emphasizing cooperation and shared experiences.
- The event brings together representatives from 28 associations worldwide to discuss pressing issues affecting children and families.
