• Source: Child abuse in Quranic schools

Child abuse in elementary Quranic schools, known in some regions as madrassas, khalwa, or quanric, is a concerning issue that has been reported in various regions. Several cases of violent corporal punishment, child labour, child sexual abuse and physical abuse have been documented of children attending madrassas. Activists and organisations have worked to expose cases of child abuse and call for action against the perpetrators. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has engaged religious and traditional leaders, as well as government and civil society, in efforts to protect children from various forms of abuse, including child marriage, violent corporal punishment, domestic abuse, and child labour.




Overview






= Definition

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= Prevalence

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Research indicates that child maltreatment, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, is a significant concern across various educational environments, including madrasas. For instance, studies have shown that children in religious educational settings may face unique vulnerabilities due to the authoritative nature of these institutions and the potential for abuse of power by educators or caregivers. The lack of oversight and accountability in some madrasas can exacerbate the risk of maltreatment, as children may be less likely to report abuse due to fear of repercussions or a lack of understanding of their rights.
Moreover, the prevalence of child abuse in madrasas can be influenced by broader societal factors, such as poverty, parental education levels, and community norms. For example, research has demonstrated that children from low-income families or those with less educated parents are at a higher risk of experiencing maltreatment. This correlation suggests that socio-economic status plays a crucial role in the prevalence of child abuse, including within madrasas, where financial constraints may limit the resources available for child protection and welfare.
Additionally, the cultural context surrounding child-rearing practices in certain communities may contribute to the normalization of abusive behaviours. In some cases, physical punishment is viewed as an acceptable form of discipline, which can lead to higher rates of physical abuse in educational settings, including madrasas. This cultural acceptance of harsh disciplinary measures can create an environment where abuse is overlooked or justified, further complicating efforts to address maltreatment in these institutions.




By country






= Bangladesh

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Qawmi madrasas operate independently of the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board, leading to challenges in monitoring and regulating these institutions. This autonomy can result in inadequate supervision and accountability, potentially contributing to abuse. Reports indicate that corporal punishment is prevalent in some Qawmi madrasas. A survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF found that over 80% of children aged 1–14 experienced violent punishment, with madrasa students particularly affected.
In 2021, approximately 30 incidents of sexual violence in Qawmi madrasas were reported in the media. In 2020, 25 such incidents were reported in November and December alone. These cases often involve teachers exploiting their authority over students.




= Benin

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Some Quranic teachers exploit children by forcing them into begging, a practice that constitutes a form of child trafficking. The Committee on the Rights of the Child reviewed Benin's combined third to fifth periodic report on implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Benin highlighted progress in health and education, and measures to combat domestic violence, child labor, and exploitation. However, concerns were raised about the lack of implementation of policies, ritual killings, harmful practices against girls, and insufficient resources for child protection. The Committee emphasized the need for better enforcement of laws and increased awareness of children's rights.
A UN expert, Najat Maalla M’jid, highlighted the alarming levels of child abuse, violence, and exploitation in Benin. During her visit, she found that many children suffer from various forms of abuse, including infanticide, female genital mutilation, forced marriages, and sexual exploitation. The abuse is often justified by traditions and customs, and perpetrators frequently enjoy impunity. Despite having a legal framework for child protection, Benin struggles with implementation due to corruption and lack of resources. The expert urged the government to prioritize child protection and called for a comprehensive strategy to address these issues.




= Brunei

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Brunei's Education (School Discipline) Regulations 2004 permit corporal punishment in schools. The Syariah Penal Code 2013 includes provisions that allow acts "done in good faith for the benefit of a person who is not baligh [attained puberty] by guardians or others having lawful charge of the child". This has raised concerns about the potential for justifying corporal punishment under the guise of discipline.




= Egypt

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Reports indicate that child abuse, including corporal punishment, occurs in various educational settings in Egypt, including Quranic schools. A 2010 article highlighted that student beating is endemic across Egypt's educational system, with instances of severe punishment leading to serious injuries and even fatalities. For example, a student in Alexandria was fatally punched for not completing homework, and another had his arm broken by a teacher for failing to solve an equation.




= France

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In Marseille, a Quranic school faced allegations of child abuse when several students reported instances of physical punishment and neglect. Investigations revealed that the institution lacked proper oversight, allowing such abuses to occur unchecked. In 2018, a Quranic teacher in Aubervilliers, a suburb of Paris, was arrested for physically abusing students. The teacher was accused of administering severe corporal punishment under the guise of discipline, leading to significant physical and psychological harm to the children involved.




= Indonesia

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In November 2024, the headmaster of Pondok Pesantren Sri Muslim Mardhatillah in Jambi city was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing at least 12 students over two years. Investigations revealed that the school lacked proper licensing to operate as a religious educational institution.




= Iran

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In 2016, a Quran teacher, Saeed Tousi, accused of molesting and raping children, even within the home of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Additionally, a former Iranian Football Federation official revealed that at least 10 young players were raped by a club president. These incidents have sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the lack of sufficient legal measures to deter such crimes.




= Kuwait

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An Egyptian Islamic education teacher in Kuwait was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting six children, causing widespread outrage on social media. The arrest followed a complaint by a Pakistani father about his 8-year-old son being assaulted. The teacher, who has been in Kuwait for nine years, was charged with sexual assault by threatening children in the Farwaniya and Khaitan areas. All victims were expatriates, aged between 7 and 12. The teacher confessed to luring and assaulting children.




= Malaysia

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In September 2024, Malaysian authorities arrested Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, CEO of Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings, along with other senior managers, amid allegations of operating charity homes where children were sexually abused. Early morning raids across Kuala Lumpur led to the detention of 18 individuals, with five others apprehended at the Thai border. The case involves over 400 children rescued from GISB-run shelters, many showing signs of abuse and neglect. Additionally, three men were charged with sexually assaulting boys in a religious school. GISB, associated with the banned Al-Arqam sect, is also under investigation for money laundering and religious offenses.
In a related incident, the imam of a surau (Muslim prayer hall) in Bukit Beruntung, Malaysia, expressed shock upon learning about the abuse allegations linked to GISB. The imam emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent such incidents within religious institutions.




= Mauritania

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Talibé children often live in harsh conditions, relying on begging to provide money and food for their marabout. They typically do not receive meals or clothing from the marabout and sleep in basic accommodations. About 50.9% of the surveyed children reported being physically abused by their marabout, often due to not bringing in enough money from begging or failing to learn their lessons properly.




= New Zealand

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A recent Royal Commission of Inquiry revealed that approximately 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults experienced abuse in state and faith-based care between 1950 and 2019. This abuse occurred across various institutions, including religious schools and care facilities.




= Nigeria

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= Pakistan

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A 2017 Associated Press investigation found that sexual abuse is a widespread problem in Pakistan's Islamic schools, with thousands of incidents reported. In 2021, a high-profile case in Lahore highlighted ongoing issues, where a madrassa student accused a prominent religious leader of sexual abuse. Investigations and police reports have uncovered allegations of sexual harassment, rape, and physical abuse by Islamic clerics teaching at madrassas. There have been calls for reform and action against the perpetration of abuse.




= Saudi Arabia

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In Saudi Arabia, child abuse, including within educational settings, has been a subject of concern. A systematic literature review identified 15 studies conducted between 1998 and 2016, revealing that physical abuse of children is more widespread and severe in the Kingdom than previously acknowledged.




= Senegal

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= Sudan

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= Tunisia

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In January 2019, Tunisian authorities raided an unlicensed Quranic school in Regueb, central Tunisia, uncovering severe child abuse and exploitation. The school housed 42 boys aged 10 to 17, who were subjected to forced labuor, physical abuse, and indoctrination into extremist ideologies. Investigations revealed that nine students had been sexually abused, and the school operated without official oversight, raising concerns about child protection and the proliferation of unregulated religious institutions in Tunisia.
This incident highlighted the broader issue of child abuse within educational settings in Tunisia. In March 2019, authorities investigated the sexual abuse of 20 children by a teacher in a public school, underscoring systemic challenges in safeguarding children from abuse.
Despite legal reforms aimed at protecting children, such as Tunisia becoming the first non-member state to sign the Council of Europe's convention against child sexual abuse in October 2019, these cases indicate ongoing challenges in effectively implementing child protection measures.




= Turkey

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In 2016, in Karaman, a 54-year-old teacher was accused of sexually abusing 10 children in guesthouses allegedly run illegally by two Islamic foundations, including the Ensar Foundation, which has close ties to the Turkish government.
In 2018, a religious official from the Diyanet (Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs) was accused of abusing two girls attending a Quran course.
In 2020, Sheik Fatih Nurullah, leader of the Uşşaki Islamic cult, was arrested for sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl.




= United Kingdom

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A BBC investigation uncovered over 400 allegations of physical abuse in madrassas over a three-year period, suggesting that these cases may represent just a fraction of the actual incidents, which can be in thousands.
Local authorities have been asked to provide information on the number of cases, indicating a rise in reported incidents. Efforts have been made to address the issue, with calls for reform and improved safeguards within madrassas.




= Uzbekistan

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In August 2018, illegal religious schools were shut down following accusation of child abuse.




= Yemen

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Instances of child abuse in Quranic schools in Yemen have been documented, particularly concerning physical and emotional maltreatment. A cross-sectional study conducted in Aden governorate revealed that physical abuse is prevalent in basic-education schools, including Quranic institutions. The study highlighted that students often experience harsh corporal punishment, which can have long-term detrimental effects on their well-being and academic performance.




References






External links


"Sudan khalwas: Undercover for schools wey dey chain boys reveal some touching tins". BBC News Pidgin. 2020-10-19. Retrieved 2024-11-25.

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Child abuse in Quranic schools
• Khalwa (school)
• School
• Madrasa
• Talibe
• Child labour in Africa
• Trafficking of children
• The Sand Child
• Persecution of Uyghurs in China
• Daara