UK ratifies 'child abduction laws' with Morocco

The United Kingdom has ratified a child abduction law with Morocco. Under the new regime, the UK will apply the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

‘‘From 1 July 2016, child abductions of British or Moroccan nationals that take place from one country to the other will be dealt with under the Hague Convention on Child Abduction,’‘ a statement from the UK High Commissioner in Rabat said.

Morocco joins other African nations like fellow north Africans; Tunisia, Egypt and sub-Saharan Africa counterparts Burkina Faso, Zambia and South Africa.

The statement further clarified that; ‘‘Parents whose child has been abducted from Morocco and taken to the UK – or from the UK and taken to Morocco – should apply through the Hague Convention to have their child returned. The Convention can also be used to request contact with a child.’‘

The embassy also advised parents to take expert legal advice and contact the 1980 Hague Central Authority where the child is normally resident and which is responsible for handling their case.

The Hague Conference currently has 81 members: 80 states and 1 Regional Economic Integration Organisation.