Bouchra Marbouhi, a resident of St. John’s, shares her heart-wrenching experience of her daughter’s sudden disappearance after her estranged husband took the child to Egypt against court orders. Marbouhi, who had entrusted the legal system to protect her daughter, now faces the harsh reality of gaps in preventing such international abductions.
The incident sheds light on the ongoing concerns raised by women’s groups and legal experts regarding the vulnerability of children being taken to countries not part of The Hague Convention, which aims to prevent such abductions. There are calls for stronger border control measures to identify potential risks and prevent such incidents from happening.
Marbouhi had sought a divorce from her husband multiple times before finding support in Canada. Despite a court order prohibiting the child’s removal from St. John’s, her husband managed to take their daughter out of the country, leaving Marbouhi distraught and seeking justice for her missing child.
The case highlights the need for improved coordination between provincial and federal authorities to ensure the enforcement of court orders across borders, especially in cases involving potential risks of child abduction. The safety and well-being of women and children in such situations require a comprehensive and collaborative approach from all relevant systems.
Marbouhi’s emotional plea for her daughter’s return underscores the importance of addressing the loopholes in preventing international child abductions and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals in family disputes.