MS Najat Maâlla Mjid
She was born in 1959 in Casablanca. She studied medicine and pediatrics at the universities of Casablanca, Rabat and Bordeaux. She served as a pediatrician at Bordeaux University Hospital and CNSS polyclinic in Casablanca. She was also the first female doctor to be appointed as Director of the CNSS mother & child polyclinic in Casablanca. In 1995, she founded Bayti Association, a pioneering Moroccan NGO to defend the rights of children living in difficult situations, their protection, their family, school and socio-professional reintegration. Najat M'jid is active in many NGOs and international foundations concerned by health and child protection and rights. She has been, since 2002, in charge, at Mohamed VI Foundation, of the rehabilitation and reintegration of minors and adults in conflict with the law. She was member of the Advisory Council on Human Rights from 2002 to 2011. Ms M'jid has conducted researches for international organizations and UN agencies related to children and social exclusion issues. She has written numerous articles on violence against children and child exploitation. She teaches in French and Canadian universities, in the areas of health, education, psychosocial approach and social reintegration of persons in poverty or difficult situations. She provides training for social workers in Morocco and abroad on human rights, children’s rights, development, social management, etc. She has won several awards and honors, including the Nathalie MASSE Award (International Centre for Childhood and Family, Paris 1997), the European Award for Social Pediatrics (1998), Madame Figaro Humanitarian Action Award (1998), the French Republic’ Human Rights Award (2000) and the Knight medal of the French Legion of Honor (2003). She has been UN Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography since 2008.