On Thursday, Tunisian parliamentarian Rauf Faqiri stated that he had spoken with the Minister of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs, who assured him that she was taking charge of an incident of child abuse at a nursery in Sayada, a town in the governorate of Mahdia. The incident was reported after a video showing a woman physically abusing a child at the nursery went viral on social media.
Faqiri, who is also the rapporteur of the Health, Women's Affairs, Family, Social Affairs, and Disability committee, expressed concern that such incidents have become increasingly common. He emphasized that necessary measures would be taken against the nursery. According to Faqiri, the issue can be addressed by having specialized staff at nurseries who can handle children with behavioral disorders.
The lawmaker highlighted that dealing with children who have behavioral problems requires a specific approach and that physical abuse is not an acceptable solution. He also mentioned that a new draft law has been submitted to regulate the establishment of nurseries and childcare centers. The proposed law aims to organize the activity, regulate programs, enhance child protection and integration, and introduce a system of penalties.
The draft law, comprising five main axes, seeks to establish a more robust framework for the childcare sector. Faqiri's comments come after the regional president of the nursery and childcare union in Mahdia, Habiba Jamaa, confirmed that a nursery in Sayada was temporarily closed by the authorities. The closure followed the viral video showing the child abuse incident.
Jamaa described the facility as a random, disorganized space rather than a licensed nursery. She stated that the decision to close the nursery was made pending completion of the necessary legal procedures. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and regulation of childcare centers in Tunisia.
Faqiri's statement and the government's response indicate a determination to tackle the issue of child abuse in nurseries. The authorities have been urged to take a closer look at the situation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The case has sparked a wider conversation about the need for stricter regulations and better oversight of childcare facilities.
As the authorities continue to investigate the incident, many are calling for greater awareness and action to prevent such incidents in the future. The case has highlighted the importance of protecting children and ensuring that those entrusted with their care are equipped to provide a safe and nurturing environment.
Key points
- The Tunisian government has pledged to take action against a nursery in Mahdia where a child was abused.
- A new draft law has been submitted to regulate the establishment of nurseries and childcare centers in Tunisia.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety and regulation of childcare centers in Tunisia.
