Halima El Warzazi, pioneering Moroccan diplomat and human rights advocate, dies at 92
The former Moroccan diplomat and human rights expert Halima El Warzazi has passed away at the age of 92, the National Human Rights Council announced. She served as a member of the Advisory Council on Human Rights (the predecessor to the current Council) from 2007 to 2011.
Born on April 17, 1933, in Casablanca, El Warzazi was among the first Moroccan women to enter the diplomatic corps. After earning a degree in literature from Cairo University, she began her career as a Cultural attaché at the Moroccan Embassy in Washington, serving from 1959 to 1967.
Her career in international diplomacy and human rights gained momentum in 1973, when she was elected to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination and appointed as an expert on the UN Committee against Apartheid.
El Warzazi held several prominent roles on the international stage. In 1980, she was elected Rapporteur of the UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights, and in 1985, she chaired the Working Group on Harmful Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children. In 1989, she was appointed Director of International Organizations at Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She reemerged in the international spotlight in 1992 as chair of the Preparatory Committee for the World Conference on Human Rights, later leading the UN Working Group on New Forms of Racism. In 2008, she was elected to the Advisory Committee of the UN Human Rights Council.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
an hour ago
- Morocco World
David Lammy Hammers Home Morocco's Autonomy Plan Before UK Parliament
Doha – British Foreign Minister David Lammy forcefully confirmed the United Kingdom's support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan during today's address to the House of Commons, declaring it 'the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for resolving the conflict' over the Western Sahara. This parliamentary statement reinforced his groundbreaking position already announced during his weekend visit to Rabat. 'During my visit to Morocco, I announced the United Kingdom's support for the autonomy proposal presented by Morocco, considering it the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a solution to the conflict,' Lammy proclaimed to members of the lower house of Westminster Parliament. The British diplomatic chief spotlighted the urgent need for resolution as the dispute approaches a half-century milestone. 'As we approach the 50th anniversary of the conflict, and with renewed international engagement, an opportunity presents itself to move things forward in this conflict,' he asserted. During his historic visit to Morocco on Sunday – the first by a British foreign minister since 2011 – Lammy had already shattered diplomatic ambiguity by explicitly backing Morocco's position. According to the Financial Times, this represented 'a pure and simple recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara,' marking a pragmatic decision aligned with Britain's 'progressive realism' in foreign policy. During his address to MPs, Lammy stressed the strategic importance London places on strengthening ties with Morocco, characterizing the two kingdoms as 'longstanding partners collaborating on various common priorities.' He noted that Rabat and London are actively elevating their partnership 'to promote our common goals in security, prosperity, and sustainable development.' Britain dismantles Algeria's separatist theatre This unequivocal British stance deals a devastating blow to the Polisario Front's fabricated separatist agenda and brutally exposes the futility of Algeria's decades-long, hostile crusade to sabotage Morocco's sovereignty. The backing from a permanent UN Security Council member further isolates the increasingly desperate Algerian regime, which has stubbornly clung to its failed proxy war strategy. Algeria's reaction betrayed its diplomatic panic. The regime hastily issued a flimsy statement claiming to have 'taken note' of Britain's new position while 'regretting the UK's choice to support Morocco's Autonomy Plan.' In a transparent attempt to distort reality, Algerian officials brazenly misrepresented Lammy's statements, falsely claiming he had made declarations supporting self-determination during the press conference – a blatant fabrication contradicted by the official Moroccan-British joint press statement. The Algerian foreign ministry's desperate attempt to denounce the 'emptiness' of Morocco's autonomy initiative rings hollow, as the plan now enjoys support from a commanding majority of the international community. Global momentum crushes Polisario delusion Algeria's obstinate refusal to recognize diplomatic reality shows its growing isolation as a destabilizing force, desperately throwing billions in gas revenues at a hollow, outdated fantasy – an antiquated separatist chimera disconnected from 21st-century geopolitical realities and one that no longer holds any weight. As if the UK's endorsement weren't enough, Kenya's recent shift in favor of Morocco's position delivers yet another seismic diplomatic strike against Algeria in a remarkably short timeframe. This accelerating avalanche of international support against the separatist agenda confirms the growing global consensus that Morocco's Autonomy Plan is the only credible and forward-looking solution. London's position aligns perfectly with its economic interests in the region. Trade between the two kingdoms has exploded, with commercial exchanges reaching £3.8 billion and growing from MAD 22.9 billion in 2022 to a staggering MAD 48.5 billion in 2024. Morocco's exports to Britain have nearly tripled since their association agreement took effect. During the 5th Strategic Dialogue session held during Lammy's visit to Rabat, both sides signed several memorandums of understanding covering priority areas including migration, counter-terrorism, education, climate change, health, and infrastructure development. Lammy reaffirmed both countries' commitment to an international order based on fundamental UN Charter principles, emphasizing 'the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.' Beyond diplomatic support, the UK has committed substantial financial firepower to the region. UK Export Finance has received the green light to back projects directly in Western Sahara, mobilizing £5 billion to support economic initiatives throughout Morocco, including its southern provinces. The UK also views Morocco as a crucial energy partner through the ambitious X-Links mega-project, designed to supply 7 million British households with clean solar electricity from a Guelmim power plant via a massive 3,800 km undersea cable. With France, Spain, and now the United Kingdom – all European powers historically entangled in the region – firmly backing Morocco's position, the Polisario Front's separatist delusion continues to crumble while Algeria's misguided regional hegemonic ambitions face catastrophic collapse. Read also: UK's Support: New Turning Point in Morocco's Race to End Western Sahara Dispute Tags: Autonomy Plan for the SaharaMorocco UK relationsWestern sahara
Morocco World
an hour ago
- Morocco World
Saad Lamjarred's Appeal Trial Postponed for Further Investigation
Rabat – Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred's trial has been postponed, with reports saying that no information has been released on the new hearing date. Lamjarred faces rape charges after French woman Laura Prioul filed a lawsuit against him in 2016. AFP quoted sources close to Lamjarred's case, noting that the court's decision to postpone the trial was due to the need for further investigation. The victim's defense said the new appeal trial reflects the 'hope of full and final justice,' but also cited a 'new ordeal' for their client. In February 2023, a court in Paris sentenced Lamjarred to six-years in prison under charges of aggravated rape and assault. Seven out of the nine juries found him guilty, and the judge sentenced him to six years in prison. The prosecutor initially asked for a seven-year prison sentence and for the defendant to be banned from entering France, but the artist maintained that he is innocent. Following the initial verdict, the controversial singer's defense announced an appeal process. This is not the only alleged rape case that Lamjaraeed is facing. Another woman accused him of similar acts in Saint-Tropez in 2018, and he has also faced similar accusations in New York. Lamjarred is renowned in the Middle East, North Africa, and the whole Arab world, with trending songs in other countries as he regularly features alongside international artists from India and beyond. He has 15.6 million subscribers and more than 15.3 million followers on Instagram. Tags: Saad Lamjared trialSaad Lamjarred
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
2030 FIFA World Cup: Morocco, UK Agree on Strategic Cooperation
Rabat – Morocco and the UK have taken a step forward in their growing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday in Sale to bolster preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The agreement brings together Morocco's Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, and British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy. It opens the door to closer collaboration in key areas tied to the tournament, sports infrastructure, transport systems, and economic development. Speaking from Rabat, Lammy noted the UK's interest in forging new business links across sectors. 'Growth and prosperity will underpin our relationship with Morocco and beyond, helping forge new opportunities at home and abroad,' he stated, outlining London's broader approach to international alliances. In a notable geopolitical development, Lammy's visit also marked the UK's official announcement of its full support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a credible and pragmatic solution to the regional dispute over the Western Sahara. Douglas Alexander, UK Minister for Trade Policy, also pointed to Morocco's growing importance for his country as well as in larger global geopolitics. He said the country stands out as a key gateway for British business, especially as the UK seeks to expand its footprint in emerging markets. 'Morocco is becoming an increasingly important trade and investment partner for the UK,' he noted. At the heart of this agreement lies the shared goal to turn the 2030 FIFA World Cup into more than a global sporting event. The two countries strive to make it a platform for opportunity, economic, social, and cultural. The UK has pledged to share its technical expertise and to connect Moroccan partners with British businesses working within major international events. From stadiums to transport networks and event management systems, the collaboration promises to shape the tournament's foundations well before kickoff. This initiative also reflects a broader national vision in Morocco. The country views sport as a gateway to development and a bridge to the world. The 2030 FIFA World Cup offers Morocco the chance to bring that vision to life on a global stage. The signing ceremony took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale, in the presence of senior officials from the two governments. The event signaled more than diplomatic goodwill, as it marked the beginning of a practical partnership with long-term goals. With the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Morocco and the UK have now set the groundwork for a joint effort shaped by ambition, expertise, and a spirit of cooperation. Tags: 2030 FIFA World CupMorocc UK tiesmorocco infrastructureMorocco sports
