House of Representatives Adopts by Unanimity of Votes Government Bill Granting the Status of "Wards of the Nation" to the Children Victims of Al-Haouz Earthquake

The House of Representatives adopted on Friday, November 3, 2023, by unanimity of votes, Government Bill 50.23 granting the status of "Wards of the Nation" to the children victims of the Al-Haouz earthquake. The adoption took place during a legislative plenary sitting chaired by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rachid Talbi El Alami, with the presence of the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in Charge of National Defense Administration, Mr. Abdeltif Loudyi.

The adopted Bill falls under the High Royal Instructions for the immediate support of orphaned children who lost their families and found themselves without resources following the violent earthquake that struck the province of Al-Haouz on September 8, 2023.

The Bill defines the conditions for granting the status of "Wards of the Nation" to the children victims of the Al-Haouz earthquake. In this regard, the list of beneficiaries has been defined, and the Hassan II Foundation for Social Works of Former Soldiers and Veterans will be entrusted with the rapid and appropriate implementation of the provisions of the Bill.

Under the Bill, the children victims will benefit from financial and moral support from the State, consisting of a global monthly allowance set at 1,250 dirhams, as well as free hospital and surgical care in State-run civilian and military health facilities, and discounts on travel by all means of rail transport.

In addition, the provisions of the Bill enable the children victims to benefit from financial support at the start of each new school year, financial assistance for each family on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, as well as priority access to education and training establishments, scholarships, and civil service within State administrations, public institutions, and territorial authorities.