Latest news with #CNDH
Ya Biladi
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan women of the diaspora walk from Fès to Laayoune to celebrate history
Some journeys can't be measured in miles or kilometers—they're journeys of the soul. That's the kind of journey Khadija Gamraoui is leading. Fifty years after the Green March, this passionate official who lives between France and Morocco wants to «bring the spirit» of that historic moment back to life—this time through women from both the diaspora and the Kingdom. «When I was a kid, my mom used to say I was born the year of the Green March. That story shaped me. Now, it's time to tell it in a new way», she shared with Yabiladi. For her 50th birthday, instead of throwing a party, Khadija chose to walk the streets of Fez's medina with 50 women. It was a powerful, symbolic step, backed by the governor of Fez and other local leaders, where meaning took priority over spectacle. «We walked through Moulay Idriss, Sidi Harazem, Moulay Yacoub... places that hold deep meaning for Moroccans everywhere», she recalls. The group included activists, elected officials, athletes, mothers, and young women like a 20-year-old Franco-Moroccan boxer from Paris, proudly representing the initiative during a race in Fez. This march isn't just a tribute. It's a political statement, a cultural act, and a message for the next generation. «I wanted to pass this story on to my daughter and her peers. Many of them didn't grow up with this history, so it was important to create a space to share it», Khadija explains. Each leg of the march, headed toward Laayoune and beyond into other African countries, will include opportunities to connect: talks, workshops, shared memories, and local meetups. Passing on Patriotism At the heart of the project are women, those who for decades have bridged the gap between Morocco and its diaspora, giving voice through associations, politics, and sports. Khadija is bringing together this inspiring network and trusted partners, from the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) to the organizers of the Sahraouiya race, which she recently joined in Dakhla. «That women's race moved me deeply. It gave me the push I needed to start this march across Morocco». The «March of the Women of the Diaspora» also aims to reconnect Moroccans around the world with the realities back home, especially in the southern provinces. Khadija highlights stops planned for places like Al Haouz, hit hard by the 2023 earthquake. «The diaspora stepped up to help. Now they can come back in person, with a spirit of gratitude and ongoing support». This is just the beginning. More women will join along the way, consuls, community leaders, and young people searching for purpose. Khadija plans to collect mementos at each stop and involve young Franco-Moroccans in writing workshops that will lead to an exhibition, keeping the story alive and growing.
Ya Biladi
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Rif separatist party joins Polisario campaign against Bouayach's Mandela Prize nomination
A separatist party from Morocco's Rif region has joined the Polisario's campaign opposing the nomination of Amina Bouayach, president of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), for the 2025 Nelson Mandela Human Rights Prize awarded by the United Nations. In a statement issued from Paris, the self-proclaimed «Rif Nationalist Party» voiced strong opposition to Bouayach's candidacy for the prestigious award. The party described the nomination as «a grave insult to the memory and legacy of Nelson Mandela, a global symbol of the fight against injustice, torture, and oppression», alleging that the Kingdom of Morocco continues to commit serious human rights violations with impunity, particularly in the Rif region and the disputed Sahrawi territories. After laying out a detailed denunciation of the CNDH president's record, the party called on the Nelson Mandela Prize Committee to reject the nomination and «preserve the moral integrity of this prestigious award». It is worth noting that the «Rif Nationalist Party» previously echoed the Polisario's accusations against Morocco in January regarding the fire at the Danish NGO Global Aktion's headquarters. A coalition of associations in South America has also joined the Polisario's campaign against Bouayach's candidacy for the 2025 Nelson Mandela Prize.
Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
35 Years of CNDH: Morocco Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights
Rabat – 35 years ago, Morocco took a bold step. Long before global standards emerged, the country established its first national human rights institution on May 8, 1990, laying the groundwork for what would become a key pillar in its governance landscape. This week, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) marks that turning point. The anniversary speaks not only to the passage of time, but to the country's steady shift toward greater accountability, justice, and rights protection. The Council's president, Amina Bouayach, sees this moment as more than symbolic. 'We are looking back on a path of transformation, but also of construction. Morocco changes constantly, so must we,' she said. What began as a modest advisory body has grown into a constitutional institution with regional branches and a far-reaching mandate. Since 2018, the Council has operated with expanded powers to address violations, support victims, and defend freedoms. Morocco had already taken this path in the early 1990s, three years before the UN adopted the Paris Principles that define how human rights institutions should function. That early move, Bouayach said, reflected a national decision to address past abuses and build a system based on truth, justice, and reconciliation. The country marked the 20th anniversary of that process earlier this year. Over the years, the Council has played a role in major reforms: from restructuring the justice system and revising the Constitution to observing elections and launching discussions around Morocco's Family Code. 'We are not outside of national dynamics, we stand in the middle of them,' Bouayach explained. Under the slogan '35 Years: Rights. Freedoms. Effectiveness', the Council plans to mark the anniversary throughout 2025. The goal is to reinforce the rule of law, support victims where needed, and ensure that rights do not remain theoretical but become real and enforceable. Morocco's human rights body asserts that it stands on principles of independence and accountability. But it also carries a story, one of political will, institutional learning, and the belief that no reform holds weight unless it protects human dignity. Tags: CNDHCNDH Morocochuman rightsmorocco human rights
Morocco World
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Bouayach: Reparative Justice Must Address Africa's Past and Present Wounds
Rabat – In a renewed call for dignity and justice, Amina Bouayach, President of Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH), delivered a compelling address on April 30, at the closing session of the African NGO Forum, hosted in Banjul, The Gambia. Speaking via video, Bouayach urged a comprehensive rethinking of 'reparative justice' to address the enduring legacies of slavery, colonialism, and exploitation across the African continent. 'Africa has carried for centuries the burden of an unjust system,' Bouayach said, referring to how human exploitation — through slavery and colonial rule — fueled global wealth at the expense of Africa's suffering and impoverishment. She stressed that historical injustices — such as slavery, human trafficking, and colonial domination — stripped entire generations of their fundamental rights and left deep, lasting wounds. These injustices, Bouayach noted, continue to affect African societies and the diaspora, which she described as 'a living memory of historical suffering' and ongoing victims of global injustice. Highlighting the complexity of reparations, Bouayach pointed to three key challenges: defining responsibility, ensuring feasibility, and clarifying the ultimate goal. She warned that financial or symbolic reparations alone are insufficient to heal historical trauma or address systemic inequality. Instead, she advocated for a long-term, inclusive approach rooted in structural reform. Reparative justice, she emphasized, must actively involve affected communities and recognize their agency. Their inclusion is not only essential but also a formal acknowledgment of the rights denied to them for centuries. Drawing from transitional justice experiences in Africa and Latin America, Bouayach noted that reparative justice mechanisms are feasible and effective when designed with intention and inclusivity. She framed reparations as a process of rebuilding societies on the basis of equality, dignity, and shared responsibility. ' Justice today must go beyond symbolic gestures,' Bouayach added, focusing on the need for economic justice at the heart of reparations. She proposed targeted development programs for historically marginalized communities and support for African-led initiatives across the economic, cultural, and social sectors — both on the continent and in the diaspora. In conclusion, Bouayach highlighted the central role of national human rights institutions and civil society organizations. She called them vital actors in documenting the ongoing impact of historical crimes and advancing demands for recognition, redress, and guarantees of non-repetition. Their work, she said, is key to amplifying victims' voices and shaping concrete reparative frameworks. This year's African NGO Forum took place over three days in Banjul, The Gambia, offering a platform for civil society, academics, and policymakers to collaborate on strategies for advancing reparations at all levels. Discussions focused on topics such as modern-day slavery, gender-based approaches to reparations, international advocacy, and the institutionalization of human rights-based reparative mechanisms. Tags: Amina BouayachCNDHhuman rights
Morocco World
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
CNDH Pavilion Wraps Up Successful 30th Book Fair Participation
Rabat – Morocco's National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) wrapped up its activities at the 30th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair today. Over ten days, the pavilion became a space for discussions, workshops, and Moroccan cultural expressions that captivated thousands of visitors. The fair brought together 250 children from across Morocco's 12 regions, along with 100 writers, human rights advocates, and cultural figures from both Morocco and abroad. These participants engaged in 70 activities spread across five specialized spaces designed for open dialogue and cultural exchange. 'We express our gratitude to the children, the activists, and the visitors for their incredible engagement with our daily programming,' said the President of the CNDH in a press statement. 'For ten days, we all celebrated the richness of Moroccan culture and its profound role in promoting human rights and development.' The CNDH chose to focus on Morocco's cultural diversity this year, shining a light from the country's Arab-Islamic, Amazigh, Sahrawi, Jewish, Mediterranean, and African influences. 'We believe these cultural expressions can strengthen social cohesion and openness, while reflecting respect for identity, dignity, and collective memory,' the CNDH president continued. The National Council's participation in open national events, such as the book fair, has always aimed to foster a spontaneous interaction with visitors, particularly children, parents, and families, on important human rights topics. 'For us, the fair was a chance to further promote a culture of human rights and freedoms,' Bouayach noted. 'We were pleased with the insightful questions, suggestions, and the growing awareness around pressing issues.' The pavilion's programming included a wide range of cultural and educational activities. From the iconic character Hadidan, which introduced visitors to Morocco's cultural heritage, to performances by children who expressed their views on rights and the right to culture through stories, poetry, theater, music, and humor. Discussions also focused on topics such as the right to the city and the universality of human rights, illustrating the power of culture in advancing these causes. The CNDH pavilion hosted more than 30 workshops for children, alongside 11 thought-provoking seminars on subjects like rock heritage, writing in prisons, cinema and human rights, and the role of culture in advancing rights. These seminars also explored the creative industries, the value of heritage, cultural diversity, public policies in the cultural sector, and the role of media in promoting human rights. In total, the pavilion served as a lively platform for more than 70 diverse activities. In keeping with its inclusive approach, the CNDH ensured the pavilion was accessible to all. Sign language interpretation was provided for all seminars and meetings, pathways were designed for the blind and visually impaired, and facilities were tailored to accommodate everyone. All activities were broadcast live, making them accessible to a wider audience. 'We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of our pavilion,' said Bouayach. The National Council for Human Rights looks forward to continuing its advocacy and fostering a culture of freedom and rights at the 31st edition of the fair. With more than 775 exhibitors representing 51 countries, this landmark edition of SIEL placed Rabat at the forefront of international literary exchange. Tags: CNDHhuman rightsmorocco CNDHSIELSIEL 2025
