"Q: You've talked about how with some children the light goes out of their eyes. Is there a situation during your practice, whether in the hospital or on the streets, where you just weren't able to help? A: Oh yes, I have seen so much, my dear. There are children who are so deeply broken that it becomes too late to reach them. It’s incredibly difficult to work with those in such dire situations so much trauma, so many emotional scars, a lack of affection, and cases of rape and incest. What I have witnessed in my life is overwhelming. More recently, while visiting a refugee camp in Lebanon, I met a 13-year-old boy. He told me, When I arrived here, I was very young. I’ve been living in this camp for seven years. I feel like I’m imprisoned in this camp and in my own body. Then he said, This is not life. When I asked him what could make him want to live again, he replied, It’s too late. Around the world, suffering, despair, and suicide are on the rise. We must be very careful about what we do it’s always a fragile balance between hope and despair. That is why I keep urging that we act swiftly. We must act quickly."
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PediatriciansWomen scientists from MoroccoPhysicians from MoroccoWomen academics from MoroccoAnthropologists from Morocco
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Najat Maalla M'jid
Najat Maalla M'jid is a Moroccan paediatrician who serves as the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children. She was appointed to the role by Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres in May 2019. M'jid previously served as the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography from 2008 to 2014.
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