Latest news with #MoroccanHumanRightsCouncil
Morocco World
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
CNDH Recommends Over 100 Reforms to Improve Morocco's Criminal Justice System
Rabat – The Moroccan Human Rights Council (CNDH) has proposed over 100 recommendations to improve Morocco's Criminal Procedure Code and make it fairer and in line with international standards. The memorandum, presented this month, focuses on making justice more accessible to all citizens, especially vulnerable groups like women, children, people with disabilities, and migrants, said CNDH in a press release. It also notes the importance of protecting the rights of people accused of crimes, by ensuring fair trials, and respecting the principle of the rule of law. A human rights approach to justice CNDH President Amina Bouayach said that criminal procedure is not just a technical process but a reflection of a society's values and its vision of justice. 'Every person, no matter their legal situation, deserves dignity and fairness,' she said. 'A person under arrest is not just a file or a number. They have a story, hopes, and a future,' she added. Bouayach added that these changes are necessary for building a justice system that balances public security with real protection of individual rights and freedoms. The recommendations in the CNDH memorandum are organized around four major principles, including applying the rule of law equally to everyone, including the police and courts. Any legal action that limits a person's rights must follow strict rules and be necessary and proportional, CNDH explained. The second recommendation stresses the importance of fair trials, saying that people suspected of crimes should have the right to a lawyer from the moment of arrest. They should be clearly informed of their rights in a language they understand, and all police interrogations should be recorded with audio and video, CNDH says. Time limits for police custody should be reduced to prevent abuse, it added. The third recommendation calls for a balance between parties in the court, explaining that the defense must be treated equally to the prosecution. Lawyers should have access to police files and be present from the start of police procedures, CNDH says. It added that civil society organizations should also be able to participate in legal cases more freely, without needing special government permission. The fourth and last recommendation focuses on the protection of vulnerable groups, saying that the law must take into account the special needs of women, children, migrants, and people with disabilities. For example, women who report violence, CNDH says, should not be forced to confront their attackers in court. In addition, children involved in legal cases should receive psychological support, and migrants should be provided with translation services. Among the more detailed proposals, the CNDH is also advocating for the removal of the death penalty from the legal code, and a new legal procedure to allow people wrongly imprisoned to receive compensation. CNDH finally calls for independent medical checks for people in police custody, and the right to request a second medical opinion, along with stronger rules to protect legal confidentiality when using technology like remote hearings. Within this context, the council is urging the elimination of unnecessary restrictions on civil society groups that want to support victims or take legal action. The CNDH hopes that Parliament will take these recommendations seriously when reviewing Draft Law No. 03.23, which is set to revise Law No. 22.01 governing criminal procedures in Morocco. The Council believes these reforms are essential to ensure justice, protect human dignity, and fulfill Morocco's obligations under international law. Tags: CNDHcriminal justicelaw
Morocco World
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Human Rights Council Launches Cultural Program at Rabat Book Fair
Rabat – The Moroccan Human Rights Council (CNDH) has launched a special program at the ongoing 30th International Book and Publishing Fair in Rabat to celebrate the role of culture and cultural expressions in promoting development and human rights. For 10 days, the Human Rights Pavilion (A24) will bring together over 100 writers, artists, human rights defenders, experts, academics, and civil society actors from Morocco and abroad, said CNDH in a press release. The program also features the participation of 250 children from Morocco's 12 regions, each bringing a unique cultural expression from their community. Held under the theme 'Culture and Cultural Expressions: Drivers of Development and Human Rights,' the program includes 70 activities, including workshops, panel discussions, and creative sessions, spread across five main spaces within the pavilion. These include a space for children's voices and cultural expressions, one for writing and human rights, and another for artistic and creative expression. The pavilion also includes a space for discussions and conferences, and another for new book releases and publications. The council noted that all activities are designed to be inclusive and accessible, describing the human rights pavilion as a welcoming space for everyone throughout the fair. For CNDH President Amina Bouayach, the fair is a celebration of the rich and diverse Moroccan culture. 'Culture is not a luxury for the elite, nor just something to be preserved in museums. It is a living memory and a continuous dialogue between past, present, and future,' Bouayach added. She stated that cultural rights must be protected and promoted, adding that Morocco's many cultural expressions, whether Arab-Islamic, Amazigh, Hassani Saharan, Jewish, Mediterranean, or African, play an important role in strengthening social cohesion, promoting diversity, and encouraging mutual respect. 'This, without a doubt, contributes to promoting respect for everyone's rights, enhancing memory, and upholding the right to identity and dignity,' Bouayach noted. CNDH invited visitors of all ages to visit its pavilion and discover how culture connects humans and contributes to building a more inclusive and rights-respecting society. The Rabat book fair, running from April 18 to 27, brings together hundreds of exhibitors from all over the world to showcase over 100,000 titles across various literary, academic, and cultural genres. Tags: CNDHCultureRabat book fair
Morocco World
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Rwandan Embassy in Rabat Commemorates 31 Years Since Tutsi Genocide
Rabat— Yesterday, April 7, the Rwanda Embassy in Rabat, in collaboration with the Rwandan community in Morocco, friends of Rwanda, members of the diplomatic corps, and Moroccan officials, held a solemn ceremony at the National Library to mark the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. 'First of all we commemorate because we remember what happened 31 years ago and we do remember because we want to take lessons from the past and make sure that what happened in Rwanda in 1994 doesn't happen again,' Ambassador to Morocco, Shakila K. Umutoni, said on the purpose of the event in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN). Under the emblem 'Remember, Unite, Renew,' the solemn but poignant event brought together 300 participants, including high-level officials representing the strong ties between Rwanda and Morocco. This year's ceremony was attended by Moroccan Human Rights Council (CNDH) President Amina Bouayach, Ministerial Delegate for Human Rights Mohammed Habib Belkouch, and Loubna Ait Basidi, who represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In remarks at the event, Belkouch described the commemoration as a symbolic event of great importance for human reconciliation, applauding Rwanda's efforts to rebuild after the devastating genocide and affirming the Rwandan people's 'right to memory' as a way to honor victims and prevent the repetition of such horrors. He reiterated Morocco's support for Rwanda, citing King Mohammed VI's 2016 visit to the country as a testament to the strength of bilateral ties, and acknowledged the damaging role of Belgian colonialism in sowing ethnic divisions. For her part, Bouayach reflected on the unimaginable loss of one million lives due to perceived differences, warning that hatred, though it evolves in language and form, never truly disappears, genocide is never announced and 'once it starts it's already too late.' She stressed that the genocide is not merely a historical event but a 'universal trauma' that demands continuous vigilance and a daily commitment to the fight for human dignity, reminding that 'humanity is never acquired.' Loubna Ait Basidi attended the event on behalf of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita who was unable to attend the event as a guest of honor. Representing all Moroccans, Basidi expressed solidarity with the Rwandan people and reiterated Morocco's commitment to preserving peace and stability across the African continent. She also commended the cooperation between Morocco and Rwanda, expressing hope that the Rwandan 'flame of hope' would light the path ahead. For the past three decades, remembrance are annually held from April 7 to July 3 in Rwanda and across the globe to honor the memory of the one million Tutsis brutally murdered during the 100-day genocide in 1994. These commemorations not only pay tribute to the victims but also aim to draw lessons from the past to prevent such atrocities from ever occurring again, while offering support to survivors and recognizing the Rwandans who helped bring the massacres to an end. This year's ceremony was a testament to the was the importance of sharing stories of resilience as a means of remembrance and healing. Valaence Kamrari, a survivor of the Tutsi genocide, was among the attendees – serving as a reminder that this atrocity was not far back in history. Kamrari had traveled from France to share his personal testimony in Rabat. At just six years old, he witnessed the horrors of the genocide unfold before his eyes. Kamarari expressed that he was never able to truly celebrate his own birthday, which falls on April 30 – durnig the genocide's timeline – because it is a too painful. It was a poignant reminder that trauma of such magnitude is not confined to the past but leaves a lasting, life-altering impact. The commemoration also recognizes the remarkable journey of Rwanda's recovery and the resilience of its people. Despite global doubts, Rwanda has rebuilt itself through unity, reconciliation, and visionary leadership, transforming into a country focused on development and national cohesion. 'Another reason that it's important for Rwanda to hold commemoration events is to also acknowledge the resilience of the Rwandan people and the renewal after the genocide,' Said Umutoni further said to MWN. 'While the international community thought it was impossible to rebuild the Rwandan people, show the world that it's possible when you come together, it's possible when you reconcile your people.' 'This is actually a reminder that solidarity comes from the top,' concluded Umutoni, referring to the 2016 visit of King Mohammed VI to Rwanda, where he left a powerful message of support at the genocide memorial. This year's commemoration not only honors the past but also reaffirms the enduring friendship between the Rwandan and Moroccan people, offering hope for a continued and strengthened relationship. Tags: Morocco and RwandaRwanda ambassador to Rabatrwandan genocide
Morocco World
17-02-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Amina Bouayach Calls for Improved Social Protection Governance in Morocco
Rabat – Amina Bouayach, President of the Moroccan Human Rights Council (CNDH), discussed today the importance of social protection in the country, particularly in light of international standards. Bouayach made the remarks while addressing the 9th International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice, held in the House of Counselors. She began by acknowledging the ongoing efforts to expand social protection in Morocco, a key goal for the government aiming to ensure universal coverage by 2025. She explained that social protection is both a fundamental human right and a key to development. Bouayach referred to international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which outline the importance of guaranteeing social protection for all citizens. Bouayach also discussed Morocco's strides in improving social protection over the past three decades, recalling the launch of the social protection reform by King Mohammed VI in 2021. This initiative is seen as a major 'structural shift' in the country's efforts to secure social rights for all citizens, the CNDH president said, noting that the framework law 09.21 was an important step towards building a robust social protection system. While the council has observed positive progress in expanding coverage, Bouayach identified several challenges. Among these were delays in the registration process for the National Population Registry and the Unified Social Registry, which have left some citizens excluded from direct social support programs. She also mentioned difficulties related to the transition from the RAMED system to mandatory health insurance, as well as the sustainability of funding for the programs, especially for vulnerable groups. Bouayach also mentioned issues such as the unequal distribution of services, especially in rural areas, need to be addressed. She also raised concerns about the lack of communication from authorities, which makes it difficult for some citizens to access social protection benefits. CNDH President concluded by calling for better governance, an updated management system, and sustainable financing to overcome these challenges. She noted the importance of aligning Morocco's social protection system with international standards, citing key International Labour Organization conventions, including those on maternity protection and social security.
